Travels Through North America 



dreadful vortex produced by a rock lying about nine 

 feet under the surface: if therefore you get into any 

 but the right current, you are either dashed upon 

 the shoal, or else sucked into the eddy, whirled round 

 with incredible rapidity, and at length swallowed up 

 in the vortex. There are exceeding good pilots to 

 navigate vessels through this place, notwithstanding 

 which, they are frequently lost. The proper time 

 of passing it is at high water. We had pleasant 

 weather during the passage, which is about seventy 

 leagues, with beautiful views of Long Island and 

 Connecticut; and arrived in the harbour at Newport 

 the 7th of August. 



This town is situated upon a small island, about 

 twelve miles in length, and five or six in breadth, 

 called Rhode Island, whence the province takes its 

 name. It is the capital city, and contains 800, or 

 1,000 houses, chiefly built of wood; and 6 or 7000 

 inhabitants. There are few buildings in it worth 

 notice. The courthouse is indeed handsome, and 

 of brick; and there is a public library, built in the 

 form of a Grecian temple, by no means inelegant.* 

 It is of the Doric order, and has a portico in front 

 with four pillars, supporting a pediment; but the 

 whole is spoilt by two small wings, which are annexed 

 to it. The foundation of a very pretty building is 

 laid for the use of the Free Masons, to serve also 

 occasionally for an assembly-room; and there is 



* See XVI. 



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