1 62 



but, even yet, without being able to fee the land. 

 It is common to defcry a peculiar ftreak 

 at the horizon, or a kind of line, or fixed 

 point in the clouds, denoting the land which 

 a veffel approaches, long before it reaches the 

 coaft; but, here, we are in thick muddy 

 water, near the fhore, and with trees in view, 

 without being able to diftinguifh any other 

 mark of the territory before us. It feems to 

 be a peculiar fhore, the water being very thick 

 and fhallow at a great diftance from the land. 



My pen is continued to your idea, with- 

 out knowing when I may be able to fend you 

 my letters ; but I like to think toward you, 

 and to addrefs you, amidft all the variety of 

 fcenes as they pafs before me. j 



The prefent would appear to be an im- 

 portant moment. Orders are iflfued for three 

 days' provifions to be cooked, and for the 

 tropps to hold themfelves in readinefs for im- 

 mediate debarkation. They have, confequent- 

 ly, been paraded this evening upon deck ; 

 their arms and accoutrements cleaned and „ 

 iirfpe&ed ; and all put in a ftate for a&ion. 

 The foldiers are forewarned in general orders 



