i68 



with our own, Is the greateft gift of fcclety 

 — the highefl: boon of civilized life : beyond 

 this, the world has nothing to offer. 



You, who know me, are well aware that 

 my mind delights not to dwell on the dark 

 furface of events. The fe verity of the trial 

 is perhaps at an end. Undaunted, I yet look 

 forward to the happy termination of our paf- 

 fage ; and, even, in our prefent fuffering, fee 

 much of eventual good, for it will arm me 

 againft a multitude of future alarms; already, 

 indeed, am I become fo courageous a failor 

 as to regard the recurring gales with pa- 

 tient firmnefs ; and to look with tranquil eye 

 at the immenfe mountains which ftrike the 

 (hip, or the dafhing waves which out-top her 

 mafts : indeed I can almoft fancy that a good 

 fhip is imperifliable at open fea ; and could 

 you know what ours has borne, you would 

 be inclined to countenance the opinion. She 

 has amply proved herfelf to be what the 

 failors term a good fea boat ; and, from what I 

 have faid of our pafTage, you will feel the force 

 of the technical expreffion that Jhe can live 

 in all weathers. The fliocks and beatings fhe 



