AT SEA. 
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to Sir James Mackintosh, who was on board with his family, 
intending to try the effect of a cruize as a cure for an intermittent 
fever, under which they were suffering. On returning to the Panther, 
I learned that the carpenter had run away, and it was late at night 
before another could be procured. I did not choose to return to the 
town, and therefore slept on board. 
December 4. — We set sail at four in the morning with a very plea- 
sant breeze, and before night the land was completely out of sight. 
The Panther had been considered as a bad sailer, and we were led 
to suppose that the Assaye would constantly keep ahead ; we how- 
ever found the contrary, with a fair wind. The Panther sailed toler- 
ably well, and we were obliged to shorten sail for the Assaye. 
December 6. — I this day experienced the deleterious effect of a 
land breeze in Bombay harbour. I had unfortunately forgotten on 
the night of the 3d, that I was still within its reach, and the port- 
hole of my cabin had been left open: in consequence of which a 
severe attack of fever came on this day, but without a cold fit: 
and, as I was at sea, which is generally prescribed as a certain cure, 
I hoped I should not suffer long. It is impossible to have finer weather 
than we have enjoyed since we left Bombay. The N. E. monsoon is 
justly called the fair weather monsoon; the Assaye seemed fit for 
no other. 
December 12,. — This was the first day of the fever's attack that I 
found any remission. I had used the bark constantly on the inter- 
mitting day, and had taken opium and calomel at night. The 
weather had been extremely pleasant, and we should have made 
great way but for the Assaye. 
December 15. — I had no return of my fever on the 14th. We 
