LETTER IX. 



Definition of the expedition. Ships come to anchor in fhallow 

 and muddy water. Tops of trees appear, but no land m 

 fght. Common marks of land cn approaching the fhore» 

 Author continues to make notes for his friend, without know- 

 ing when he may be able to fend them. Troops prepare to 

 difemhark. 



At Sea, April 2©. 



Our deftination is no longer a fecret ! The 

 Captain went yefterday on board the Commo- 

 dore, and received his inftru&ions — when the 

 Dutch colonies upon the coaft of Guiana were 

 avowed to be the object of our expedition. 



In the evening we came into thick and 

 muddy water indicating our approach to the 

 fhore ; but nothing of land could be perceived 

 even from the top-gallant-maft head. This 

 morning the fea was ftill more muddy, of a 

 yellowifh colour, and, comparatively, very 

 fli allow. Land was unqueftionably near, but, 

 ftill, not vifible. In the courfe of the day 

 trees were feen from the maft head, and we 

 came to anchor only a few leagues from them 

 vox., \\> M 



