367 



that the uncertainties of a lea voyage could 

 never end until the foot was again upon terra 

 firma. If any ftronger conviction of this fa£t 

 Could have been required, it had been amply 

 fupplied to my nlind by what followed. 



At feven o'clock we weighed anchor, and 

 immediately made all poffible fail, with the 

 ifland difplaying its thick woods, dire&ly a- 

 head 6f the floop, and forming a very pleafing 

 object. As we came riearer to it, I obferved 

 that it was fituated about the middle of the 

 river, and nearly oppofite to the landing place 

 at the fort. All feemed now propitious, and 

 we failed fmoothly on : but we had yet to 

 experience a further trial of patience ! Ail 

 hour had not pafTed, from the time of our 

 getting under weigh, before our progrefs was 

 completely arretted by the Voltigeur again 

 ftriking upon the mud. " By Heavns" ex- 

 claimed the captain, "Jhes aground ! This is 

 worfe than ever!" All his vexations were now 

 cruelly aggravated by the mortification of his 

 pride, in confequence of being feen from the 

 fort ; and he ran, damped, ftormed, and curfed 

 in loud burfts of rage, which out- did all his 

 former doings. I felt the lefs annoyed by this. 



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