weather enabled the unfortunate sufferers to construct a raft with the
pieces of timber that were floating about; but most of the men were so
much bruised and burnt as to be unable to assist in the work. The raft
was finished about one o'clock, P.M., but in a very rough and insecure
manner. Part of the mainsail attached to the mast of the jolly-boat
served them for a sail, and they committed themselves to the care of
Providence upon this frail raft, and made for the nearest shore, which
was the low land of Sumatra, about three leagues distant.

About seven o'clock in the evening, a gale sprung up, the sea ran
high, and the lashings of the raft began to give way, the planks which
formed the platform were washed off, and in a short time the mast and
sail were also carried away. An anchor-stock which formed part of the
raft had separated, and was floating away; but although it was at some
distance, Scott proposed to swim for it, and encouraging three others
to follow his example, they all reached it in safety. In about an hour
afterwards they lost sight of their companions on the raft, and never
saw them more. The four men upon the anchor-stock gained the shore,
and they then fell into the hands of the Malays.

Thomas Scott was twice sold as a slave, but was at length released, at
the request of Major Taylor, the governor of Malacca, who, hearing
that four British seamen were captives at Lingan, sent to the Sultan
to beg his assistance in procuring their liberty. Thomas Scott
returned with Major Taylor's messenger to Malacca, from whence he
sailed to England: the other three men had been previously released by
the Sultan's orders, and conveyed to Penang.