The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano

The author embarks on board a ship bound for Cadiz -- Is near being shipwrecked -- Goes to Malaga -- Remarkable fine cathedral there -- The author disputes with a popish priest -- Picking up eleven miserable men at sea in returning to England -- Engages again with Doctor Irving to accompany him to Jamaica and the Mosquito Shore -- Meets with an Indian prince on board -- The author attempts to instruct him in the truths of the Gospel -- Frustrated by the bad example of some in the ship -- They arrive on the Mosquito Shore with some slaves they purchased at Jamaica, and begin to cultivate a plantation -- Some account of the manners and customs of the Mosquito Indians -- Successful device of the author's to quell a riot among them -- Curious entertainment given by them to Doctor Irving and the author, who leaves the shore and goes for Jamaica -- Is barbarously treated by a man with whom he engaged for his passage -- Escapes and goes to the Mosquito admiral, who treats him kindly -- He gets another vessel and goes on board -- Instances of bad treatment -- Meets Doctor Irving -- Gets to Jamaica -- Is cheated by his captain -- Leaves the Doctor and goes for England.

When our ship was got ready for sea again, I was entreated by the captain to go in her once more; but, as I felt myself now as happy as I could wish to be in this life, I for some time refused; however, the advice of my friends at last prevailed; and, in full resignation to the will of God, I again embarked for Cadiz in March 1775. We had a very good passage, without any material accident, until we arrived off the Bay of Cadiz; when one Sunday, just as we were going into the harbour, the ship struck against a rock and knocked off a garboard plank, which is the next to the keel. In an instant all hands were in the greatest confusion, and began with loud cries to call on God to have mercy on them. Although I could not swim, and saw no way of escaping death, I felt no dread in my then situation, having no desire to live. I even rejoiced in spirit, thinking this death would be sudden glory. But the fullness of time was not yet come. The people near to me were much astonished in seeing me thus calm and resigned; but I told them of the peace of God, which through sovereign grace I enjoyed, and these words were that instant in my mind: