'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎162] (181/622)

162
HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
stretched, and communication established by hauling the cutter
to and fro, under the lee of the ship. The passengers and sick
were first despatched ashore, and as much provisions as were
procurable—about twelve days' biscuit and some preserved
meats—with arms and ammunition. About midday the cutter
was unfortunately stove in, but the people on shore managed
to patch her up, so that, with constant baling, she made two
more trips, and brought off the remainder of the crew. Com
mander Powell being the last to leave his ship.
They now found themselves on a desert shore, without a
drop of water; but, at night, a small quantity was brought in
by the Soomalies, for which they asked the exorbitant price of
2' rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. per skin. From this date until the 4th, officers and
men took up their quarters on the sand, under a hurricane-
house, composed of planking from the wreck.
At eleven o'clock a.m. on the 4th of August, the whole party,
with the exception of Commander Powell and a few men,
marched under command of the First Lieutenant, Mr. (now
Captain) Balfour, for a watering place about seven miles distant.
The route lay over a plain of burning sand, and the sufferings
of the whole party from thirst were very great; a large portion
of the men fell before reaching the water, and one died of
apoplexy. Water was sent back to those who had dropped on
the road, and, about three o'clock p.m., the whole had come up.
In the evening Commander Powell joined, with all the remain
ing sick on camels, which had been procured from the Soomalies.
It was now determined that no more day marches should be
attempted.
On the 5th, they marched, at sunset, to a watering-place on
the road to Hulloolah, seven miles distant. Here water was
found by digging holes in the nullah, but it had a strong alkaline
taste. On the following day the Sherreef of Hulloolah came
into camp, and recommended them, instead of undertaking a
march to that place, which they would find very distressing, to
return again down to the coast, to a place a few miles distant
from the wreck, where he had boats all ready, with abundance
of water, to take the whole party on to Hulloolah, where he
promised to provide them with baghalahs to carry them to ^ en •
He said he would ask no price for his services, but trusted to
the English Government for remuneration. This proposal was
eagerly closed with; and, in the evening, the party marched to
a spot on the beach, called Bunder Lug, where they found one
small boat of about twenty tons, and four small fishing boats,
but not a drop of water. On the 7th, it was found that nothing
could be done until the Sherreef had been paid 800 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. ,
nearly their whole stock of cash. After waiting under a burn
ing sun, without a drop of water, until three p.m., they wade
out to the boats, in which they were forced to sit, like herrings