PORTER’S JOURNAL. 
2 7 
On the 3d December, Levi Holmes departed this life: he had 
laboured under a paralytic affection since our departure, and no 
hopes whatever were entertained of his recovery ; one side of him 
was perfectly paralized, and we may deem it a fortunate circum¬ 
stance for him that he was taken off: the faculties of his mind 
were nearly suspended; he was unable to give himself the slightest 
assistance; deprived of his speech, a burden to himself, and those 
who had charge of him, there was no prospect but that of the 
most abject misery before him, as all hopes of his recovery had 
been long abandoned, and I believe that the death of this poor 
wretch produced a sensation of joy in the breast of every person 
on board. His remains were committed to the deep, according to 
the funeral ceremonies of the church. 
My chief care was now the health of my people, and every 
means that could suggest themselves to my mind to effect this 
great object were adopted. The utmost cleanliness was required 
from every person on board, directions were given for mustering 
the crew every morning at their quarters, where they were strict¬ 
ly examined by their officers. It was recommended to them to 
bathe at least once a day, and the officers were requested to show 
them the example in so doing themselves; they were required, 
also, to use every means in their power to provide constant em¬ 
ployment fqr the men under their controul during working hours, 
and amusement for them during the hours of recreation, and to 
be particularly careful not to harass them by disturbing them un¬ 
necessarily during their watch below, as also to guard against 
any improper or unnecessary exposure to the weather ; economy 
was recommended to the crew in the use of their supply of fruit, 
and permission was given to suspend it in the rigging and other 
airy parts of the ship, in nets made for the purpose, with a 
promise of the severest punishment to such as should be detected 
in stealing from others: with those precautions to procure exer¬ 
cise and cleanliness, with proper ventilations and fumigations, a 
young, active, healthy, and contented crew, a ship in good order 
for the service we were engaged in, well found with the best pro* 
visions, and the purest water, perfectly free from all bad taste and 
smell, I do not conceive why we should be in greater apprehen- 
