176 - NARRATIVE. 



camera, and of all books and writings connected with the con- 

 stitution. 



We left the luxuries of a noble mansion and its adequate 

 establishment, without other regret, than that of separating from 

 its friendly owner ; and full of animated hopes for the future^ 

 embarked on board an American brig, bound for the Cape de 

 Verde Islands. We had lost all prospect of a vessel, that would 

 convey us direct to Sierra Leone, and, hoping to profit by the 

 delay, Mr. Bowdich determined to go to Bona Vista, and thence 

 to Fogo, and the other islands, taking the chance of conveyance to 

 Sierra Leone, by way of the Gambia. We weighed anchor at 

 three in the afternoon of the 26th of October, 1823, but remained 

 in sight of Madeira for forty-eight hours ; and I cannot imagine 

 any situation more tantaUzing, than that of being on board a 

 miserable, dirty vessel, tossing about with a foul wind, and a 

 heavy swell, tormented with the worst sickness in the world, 

 and still in sight of a beautiful shore, with aU the comforts which 

 wealth and friendship could supply, crowding upon the memory. 

 I hid myself in my birth, and would not look out of it again, till 

 well assured we had lost all view of Madeira ; the recollection of 

 its beauties, and all that had passed in it, would have rendered 

 me unfit to encounter my new trials, and while surrounded by my 

 husband and children, I should justly have felt ashamed of 

 encouraging a single discontented feeUng. 



The master of our vessel was then making his first voyage as 

 Captain, and dearly did we rue his inexperience. He possessed 

 little or no authority over his crew, consisting of two mates, and 

 five men, the former of whom plundered our provisions at 

 pleasure ; and, as he was extremely parsimonious, he not only 

 shared in the spoil, but collected the remnants of our meals 

 (thereby depriving his half-fed men) for his own table. Our good 

 friend had amply suppUed us with delicious wine, and Mr. Bow- 



