8 



VOYAGE FROM ENGLAND 



the same course with us ; East-Indiamen and coasters ghded calmly 

 over the green mirror : but towards noon the wind changed and 

 became contrary. Having passed Margate, and doubled the North 

 Foreland, with its steep white coast, we anchored towards evening 

 in the Downs. The coast of the Channel is in this part entirely 

 open ; there being neither bay, nor eminence, to protect the mariner 

 in stormy seasons. The number of ships lying off Deal was very 

 considerable ; the largest East-Indiamen, and several ships of war, 

 anchored at the same time with us. 



Being detained several days in the roads by contrary winds, the 

 captain made use of this opportunity to take in some fresh meat, 

 vegetables, and live stock, for the passage. In a few days, the wind 

 becoming more favourable, we weighed anchor, and proceeded round 

 the South Foreland, accompanied by the Albatross brig. Our hopes 

 were, however, soon disappointed ; for a change of weather obliged 

 us once more to bear up for our former anchorage off Deal. The 

 wind now increased so much that it was necessary to have a strong 

 watch on deck during the night. 



The stormy weather continued, with different degrees of violence, 

 for some days, and gave those among us who were for the first time 

 on this fickle element no very agreeable specimen of the pleasures 

 of a sea-faring life. One afternoon, when the wind seemed to be 

 rather more favourable, a man of war gave the signal, upon which 

 the whole fleet weighed anchor. At dusk, a new danger threatened 

 us : many of the ships sailed so near to each other, and were so 

 crowded together, that the greatest care was necessary to prevent 

 mutual injury. At midnight we were exposed to a still greater 

 danger, which we, however, had the good fortune to escape. A 

 very large ship, under full sail, came towards us with the rapidity 

 of an arrow, and was not perceived by our watch on deck, on account 

 of the darkness, till she was passing close by our side. 



D8I 



