30 STRUCK BY A SQUALL. 



their lubberly eyes in a heartfelt and seamanlike 

 manner. In a short time, however, things began to 

 wear a totally different aspect ; improvement was the 

 order of the day — each tried to excel the other. 

 This spirit of emulation was productive of the most 

 beneficial results to everybody, and in a short time 

 we had an efficient crew, perfectly competent to battle 

 with the combined forces of Boreas and Neptune. 



When three days out, we spoke the ship Mon- 

 mouth, of Bath ; she w^as a fine-looking ship, running 

 free, with the wind on her quarter, and everything 

 alow and aloft drawing, presenting a beautiful sight. 



On the fourth day out, whilst crossing the Gulf 

 Stream, we were struck by a squall, prevalent in that 

 latitude. All hands w^ere called, and as this was our 

 first trip aloft, we ascended the rigging with fear and 

 trembling — holding on to the shrouds as if it was 

 our intention to squeeze all the tar out of the rigging. 

 "When ou the yards we were of little use, carrying 

 out the landlubbers' motto to the letter, of both 

 hands for yourself and the rest for the owners. We 

 all hung on like good fellows, and if it had depended 

 upon us to reef the sail it would not have been done 

 till now. 



The first Sunday intervening after our departure 

 from home, proved a bright, beautiful day, the sun 

 rising in gorgeous splendor. After breakfast the 

 chief mate went throughout the crew, and gave to 

 all who were not already provided, a Bible or Testa- 

 ment, also tracts and religious papers. These books, 

 I believe, were supplied by a Tract Society, in New 

 Bedford, who customarily place the word of God 

 aboard every ship that leaves the harbor. The books 



