102 



A VOYAGE TO 



ually presented a thousand objects to instruct and 

 amuse. The order and cleanliness which prevailed in 

 every part of the vessel, excited my admiration; every 

 thing seemed to move like clock work, and although 

 there were four hundred souls on board^ we appeared 

 to be no way crowded or encumbered. Every pains 

 were taken by the commander to preserve the health 

 of his crew; in having to cross both tropics and the 

 equinoctial line, no precautions could be thought su- 

 perfluous. There was but one circumstance calculated 

 in any way to lessen the satisfaction felt by every one 

 at the auspicious commencement of the voyage; the 

 term of enlistment of the greater part of the crew, 

 w^ould probably expire before the voyage could be 

 completed; the consequence to be feared would be at 

 the least, a discontent and a want of inclination to the 

 performance of their duty. The commodore, aware 

 of difficulties which had arisen under similar circum- 

 stances, mustered all hands on the evening previous to 

 our sailing; gave them a short address; in which he 

 told them, that the cruise they were about to make, 

 would be in a mild and delightful climate, where they 

 would escape the northern winter; that their return 

 might possibly be delayed a few months longer than 

 their term of service, but that this would be more than 

 compensated by the agreeableness of the cruise; that 

 they would be no losers even if they were disposed to 

 enter into the merchant service, as seamen's wages , 

 were at this time extremely low; he concluded by pro- 

 mising them every reasonable indulgence at the places 

 at which he should touch. The address was received 

 with three cheers, and each one seemed to repair to 

 his duty with alacrity. 



