Storia do Mogor 265.4.5

265.4.5

While I was in Madrastapatao (Madras) there came a barque from Macao, and among other news they told of an extraordinary case that had lately happened. A vessel sailed from Siao (Siam) for Manila. In the latitude of Paragoa it met a typhoon, by which it was driven on a rocky shore and perished. The greater number of the crew got into a boat in the hope of reaching some port, but to this day nothing has been heard of them. Fourteen men, however, took refuge on a peak of land, where they dwelt for nine years. They lived for six months on birds and for six months on turtle, according to the seasons, together with roots that served to sustain them, also on shell-fish. They suffered much for want of water, and forced by necessity, they searched diligently throughout the isle, until at one spot, digging a hole among the stones, it ended in a very sweet water springing up sufficient for their necessities. They lived on in this manner till there was a quarrel, when they divided into two settlements, each with its own chief. This continued for some time, and then they reunited.