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whimsical request j but I thought good 
humour at such a moment should not be 
interrupted. I therefore desired an Ame- 
rican sailor who sat near me to sing one 
of his best songs. He no sooner began 
than all the Lascars tuned their pipes: 
this set a going the Swedes, Portuguese, 
Dutchmen, and all the crew; each party 
sung in their several languages, and at the 
same time. Such a concert, I believe, was 
never heard before; but the liberal and 
merry old colonist was so entertained with 
their music, that he had nearly dropt from 
his chair in a fit of laughter. I mention 
these little anecdotes to show the disposi- 
tion of some of the people who are settled 
in these parts ; and that notwithstanding 
there are many who are perhaps dead to 
the feelings of humanity, still there are 
others of a very different description, and 
highly merit our protection and esteem. 
I was provided this night with a sheep's- 
skin, on which I rested under the roof of 
the farmer's cottage ; but there was not 
room for all, and therefore most of my 
poor fellows were obliged to sleep in the 
