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LETTER XVIIL 



Author embarks on board a Commijfariat Jloop U proceed from 

 Demarara to Berbifche. Expecls to complete the pajfage 

 in a few hours, but is detained at fea four days and nights^ 

 deprived of almojl every neceffary and every comfort. De- 

 fer iption of the Voltigeur and its accommodations. The 

 cabin a wretched hole of filth and vermin. Its furni- 

 ture. The library. Expedition of paffengers in the boat. 

 Various and tormenting delays. The captain enraged and 

 intemperate. View at the opening of the Berbifche river, 

 Happy fenfations on arriving at Fort William Frederic. 



Berbifche, May 31. 



Expecting a pafTage of only a few hours to 

 this colony, I left Demarara the day after 

 writing to you my laft letter, on board a fmall 

 veflel which I had not feen previous to em- 

 barking for the voyage ; and which offered no 

 accommodation but that of being bound di- 

 rect to the place of my deftination. This, in- 

 deed, feemed to be all that was required, for 

 I was allured both on fhore, and when I 

 arrived on board, that, in lefs than twenty- 

 four hours, we fhouid be at Berbifche. But, 

 vol. n, T 



