“It is not easy to describe our various feelings on this occasion:  we could scarcely believe our senses when the boat came along side.  We were so reduced by famine and exposure, that we had to be lifted into her.  In this state of exhaustion every attention was paid us by the humane captain and crew.

“As soon as I was on board, I asked the name of the vessel, when I was surprised to find she was called the ‘Portaferry of Portaferry.’  Although the name was not that borne by the vessel of which I had dreamed, it must be considered at least a remarkable coincidence.

“Great care was taken to prevent us eating too ravenously at first:  we received every kindness our weak condition required; but, notwithstanding these precautions, two of my companions in misery died before we reached Ireland.

“When we arrived at Strangford, in the north of Ireland, I was entirely destitute—­I had lost everything I possessed.  Fortunately for me, I belonged to the honourable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, who kindly furnished me with clothing, and money sufficient to take me home, which I reached in safety.

“Like almost every person who has resided a few years in Canada, I found it impossible to content myself at home; and, although I had no great reason to be fond of the country on account of the treatment I had experienced, still, there is that indescribable charm in the free life of a Canadian settler, which is wanting in a more civilized country:  I, therefore, determined once more to try my fortune.

“I accordingly embarked with the young wife I had lately married, and the three children I had formerly left in Ireland with my parents.  We sailed early in the spring of 1825.  My ill luck still attended me; for owing to the dense fogs we experienced on the banks of Newfoundland, we got out of our course, and our ship struck the shore near Cape Ray:  fortunately the sea was smooth and the weather fine:  so that when daylight broke we were able, without much difficulty, to be landed on that most inhospitable shore,

   “Where the bones of many a tall ship lie buried.”

“We saved little or nothing from the wreck; for, as the day advanced, the wind freshened into a gale, which blowing on shore, soon settled the fate of our gallant bark.  The shore was soon strewn with casks, bales, and packages, some of which we were able to secure.  Our captain chartered a small fishing-vessel, which landed us at last safely at Quebec.  And now, you see, after enduring almost unheard-of sufferings, I am again prostrated by this unfortunate accident.”

Such was the account given me by Mr. G-----, who put into my hand, at
the same time, an old Belfast newspaper, containing the account of his
first wreck and sufferings.  So I have no reason to doubt the entire
truth of his statement.

After his foot healed he returned to his land, and, with the assistance of his family, cleared up a large farm.  His location, however, was not well chosen; and, consequently, he was not a thriving settler.  He, however, managed to bring up a large family, who are now sufficiently independent of him to maintain themselves and families comfortably.