86 



A UDUBON 



inducing me to think that these birds must either breed 

 earlier, or much later, than any in our southern latitude. 

 I should be inclined to think that the specimen I inspected 

 had not laid this season, though I am well satisfied that it 

 was an old bird. During many succeeding weeks I dis- 

 covered that numbers flew mated side by side, and occa- 

 sionally, particularly on calm, pleasant days caressed each 

 other as Ducks are known to do. 



May 27, 1826. Five days ago we saw a small vessel 

 with all sails set coming toward us ; we were becalmed and 

 the unknown had a light breeze. It approached gradually; 

 suspicions were entertained that it might be a pirate, as 

 we had heard that same day reports, which came undoubt- 

 edly from cannon, and from the very direction from which 

 this vessel was coming. We were well manned, toler- 

 ably armed, and were all bent on resistance, knowing 

 well that these gentry gave no quarter, to purses at least, 

 and more or less uneasiness was perceptible on every face. 

 Night arrived, a squally breeze struck us, and off we 

 moved, and lost sight of the pursuing vessel in a short 

 time. The next day a brig that had been in our wake 

 came near us, was hailed, and found to be the " Gleaner," 

 of Portland, commanded "by an acquaintance of our com- 

 mander, and bound also to Liverpool. This vessel had 

 left New Orleans five days before us. We kept close 

 together, and the next day Captain Hatch and myself 

 boarded her, and were kindly received ; after a short stay 

 her captain, named Jefferson, came with us and remained 

 the day. I opened my drawings and showed a few of 

 them. Mr. Swift was anxious to see some, and I wanted 

 to examine in what state they kept, and the weather being 

 dry and clear I feared nothing. It was agreed the vessels 

 should keep company until through the Gulf Stream, for 

 security against pirates. So fine has the weather been 

 so far, that all belonging to the cabin have constantly 

 slept on deck; an awning has been extended to protect 



