Second Series of Voyages to Various Parts of the World made between the years 1802 and 1841, etc

Front matter

VOYAGES. SECOND SERIES OF YOYAGES TO VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD, MADE BETWEEN THE YEARS 1802 AND 1841. I3Y GEORGE COGGESHALL. SELECTED FROM HIS MS. JOURNAL OF EIGHTY VOYAGES NEW-YORK : D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 200 BROADWAY. 1852. Entebed according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852 J by GEOEGE COGGESHALL, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New- York. TO COMMODORE CHARLES STEWART, Of the United States Navy, Who, for more than half a century, has dignified and adorned his profession by his character and achievements ; — Avho has, during his Avhole life, practically vindicated the rights of American seamen from British impressment ; — to Avhom Avas struck more than once the flag of France, Avhen at Avar Avith his country ; — Avho Avas conspicuous in humbling and taming the barbarian poAver of Tripoli ; — to whom, as captain of the " Constitution," Avere surrendered, in one action, the " meteor flags" of the " Cyane" and " Levant ;" — Avho, Avhile command ing squadrons, Avas charged Avith the duties, and displayed the abilities and Avisdom of a statesman on occasions of deli cacy and difficulty Avith the nations of the Mediterranean and the Pacific ; — Avho has received the thanks and commendations of Cities, States, Congress, and of the Government ; — Avho is re- Avarded in his advanced years for the services of his earlier life by the love, veneration, and respect of his countrymen, this volume is dedicated, as a slight token of the individual esteem and regard in Avhich he is held By his friend and obedient servant, GEORGE COGGESHALL. Neav-York, April, 1852,

Preface

. Dtjeing the last year I published a few voyages to various parts of the world, which were so well received, that I am induced to narrate a second series. As a considerable portion of these voyages were made to Europe, and to places well knoAvn, I can hardly expect them to excite much curiosity or interest for the general reader ; still, it may be interesting to those concerned in commercial affairs, and particularly to the younger part of the community, to trace the progress of our growing commercial marine during the last half century. The first voy age of this series was made in 1802, and the last in 1841, consequently they extend over a space of more than thirty-nine years. I have been travelling and voyaging about the world for a period of fifty two years, and have kept a regular journal from the commencement of my career until the present time. I have, of course, passed through many perilous

PREFACE.

. and exciting scenes not given to the public, but I have related enough to prove the hardships and trials of a seaman's life, and also to show that mine has been a checkered one. In narrating these voyages it has been my constant aim to do justice to all, and need lessly to hurt the feelings of no individual named in my work. Still I have strictly adhered to the truth under all circumstances, and have never called good evil, nor evil good ; and as I am now drawing near the close of hfe, I hope to die at peace with God and all mankind. In conclusion, I would say to those of my readers who may have the patience to follow me through a portion of my various wanderings, that whateATer may be their opinion with respect to its literary merits, they will do me the justice to believe that candor and impartiality have been my sincere desire. G. G, New- Yoke, April, 1852. CONTENTS. Dedication, ........ 5 Preface, ......... 7

Chapter I

Voyage in the Schooner Thomas to Berbice. — Ashore on Fisher's Island. — Violent gale, which lasted three days. — Lost a man overboard.— Remarks on Berbice. In 1802, 1803, . . . .17

Chapter II

Voyage in the Schooner Tliercsa to the Island of Terceira. — Leave Montauk Point. — Arrive at Terceira. — Load with fruit. — Remarks on the Azores, or Western Islands.— Sail from that place. In the year 1804, 24

Chapter III

Voyage in the Schooner Betsey and Polly, to the West India Islands. — Dispose of our cattle at sea. — Men-of-war firing upon the boats of the merchant ships.— Arrive at Barbadoes. — St. Lucie and St. Martin's. In the year 1804, 28

Chapter IV

Voyage in the Ship Marshall,to Leghorn and New Orleans.— Arrive at Gibraltar.— Catch a great number of turtle. — Arrive at Leghorn.— Re- CONTENTS. marks on Leghorn and Pisa. — Arrive at the mouth ofthe Mississippi. — Remarks on that river. — A Deserter reprieved. — Remarks on New Orleans. In the years 1806, 1807, ..... 33

Chapter V

First Voyage in the Schooner Centurion, from New Orleans to Vera Cruz. — Sail from New Orleans. — Arrive at Vera Cruz. — Make a short voyage, and return to New Orleans. In the year 1807, 40

Chapter VI

Second Voyage in the same vessel to Vera Cruz, and back to New Orleans. — Sail from New Orleans. — Arrive at Vera Cruz. — Difficulty with the Custom-House Officers. — Go on board of a Spanish sloop-of-war. — Leave Vera Cruz. — Return to New Orleans. — Sail from New Orleans to New-York, in the Schooner Hetty. — Remarks on the attack ofthe British ship-of-war Leopard on the U. S. Frigate Chesapeake. In the year 1807, 42

Chapter VII

First Voyage in the Pilot-Boat Schooner Hamilton, from New-York to Vera Cruz. — Sail from New-York. — Robbed by Pirates. — Arrive at Vera Cruz. — Sail from Vera Cruz. — Return to New-York. In the year 1807, 46

Chapter VIII

Second Voyage in the Pilot-Boat Schooner Hamilton, from New-York to Vera Cruz, and back to New-York. —Arrive at Vera Cruz.— Harbor of Vera Cruz.— High prices of merchandise at that place. — Violence of northers. — General remarks on the Port and City of Vera Cruz. Sail for home, and arrive at New- York. In the year 1808, 62

Chapter IX

Third Voyage in the Pilot-Boat Schooner Hamilton, from New-York to Vera Cruz, from thence to Philadelphia.— Sail from New- York.— Arrive at Vera Cruz.— Climate and health of that place.— Take on board Don Jose C. de Villanueva and his family.— Sail from Vera Cruz.— Arrive at Philadelphia. In the year 1808, .... CONTENTS. 11

Chapter X

Voyage in the Brig Henry and Isabella, from New-York to St. Bartholomew and back to New-York. — Sail from New-York. — Arrive at St. Bartholomew. — Sail from that place. — First voyage Captain. — His Motto. In the year 1809, ........ 58

Chapter XI

Voyage in the Ship Virginia, from New-York to Petersburg, Va., from thence to England and Tonningen. — Sail from Norfolk. — Arrive at Falmouth. — Arrive at Heligoland. — Enter the Eyder. — Remarks on Tonningen. — Also on Hamburg. — Sail from Tonningen. — Pass Fair Island Passage. — Get near the Coast of Iceland. — Arrive at New-York. In the year 1809, ........ 61

Chapter XII

First Voyage in the Pilot-Boat Schooner Eliza, from New-York to Tonningen and back to New-York. — Sail from New-York. — Get among the ice on the Banks of Newfoundland. — Loss of the Ship Jupiter among the ice. — Speak the Ship Pilgrim. — Pass through the Pentland Firth. — Arrive at Tonningen. — Visit to Hamburg. — Sail from Tonningen. — Arrive at NewYork. In the year 1810, . . . .71

Chapter XIII

Second Voyage in the Pilot-Boat Schooner Eliza, from New-York to Sweden, and from thence to Russia, and back to New- York. — Sail from New-York. — Arrive at Gottenburg. — Remarks on that City. — Pass through the Great Belt. — Danish Gun-Boats. — Arrive at Carlsham. — Taken by the English. — Sail from Carlsham. — Arrive at Riga. — Remarks on wintering in Russia. — Sail from Riga. — Lose a man overboard. — Arrive at New-York. In the years 1810 and 1811, 80

Chapter XIV

First Voyage in the Ship America, from Philadelphia to Lisbon, and from thence to New-York. — Drunken mutiny on the Delaware River. — Sail from the Capes. — Ship takes the ground. — Arrive at Lisbon. — Sail from that place. — Make a good voyage for the owners. — Return to New-York. In the years 1811 and 1812, .... CONTENTS. 113 135

Chapter XV

Second Voyage in the Ship America, from New-York to Lisbon, and back to New-York. — Sail from New-York. — Arrive at Lisbon. — Remarks on the probability of war. — Religious Mate. — Five days calm weather. — Escape from the enemy. — News of war with England. — Arrive at New- York. In the year 1812, ......

Chapter XVI

Voyage in the Schooner Iris, from New-York to Teneriffe, St. Thomas, Havana, and from thence to New-York. Preliminary Remarks. — Sail from New-York. — Pass through Long Island Sound. — A severe gale. — Novelty of Ocean scenery. — Arrive at Teneriffe. — Hire a house in Santa Cruz. — Costume of the Spanish ladies. — A jaunt to the interior of the Island. — A visit to the churches and nunneries. — Conversation with the nuns. — Magnificent view of the Peak. — Port of Orotava. — Load with brandy. — General remarks on the Canary Islands. — Sail from Teneriffe. — Arrive at St. Thomas. — Get supplies offruit, &c. — Sail from St. Thomas. — Pass through Sail Rock Passage. — Make the Hole-in-the-AVall. — Bahama Banks. — Arrive at the Havana. — Remarks on that place. — Load the Iris in the Havana. — Sail from that place. — Arrive at New-York Iu the years 1818 and 1819. . . .121 CHiiRTER XVII.

Voyage in the United States Brig Enterprise, with Captain Lawrence Kearney, from New- _sork to Omoa, thence to Vera Cruz, in the Schooner Retrieve, and back to New-York, in the year 1819.— Remarks on the object of the voyage.— Sail from New-York. — Mona Passage.— Coast of San Domingo. — Coast of Jamaica. — Lose a man overboard. — Swan Islands.— Bay of Honduras.— Arrive at Omoa.— Salute the Castle.— Good Governor.— Remarks on Omoa.— Sail from that place in the Retrieve in company with the Enterprise.— Separate from the Enterprise.— Intemperate crew.— Arrive at Vera Cruz.— Ingratitude of Baker Smith.— Superstition of a sailor.— Troubles in Vera Cruz.— Sail from Vera Cruz.— Alacrane Islands. — Narrow escape from a Water-spout.— Put into Savannah.— Arrive at NeAv-York.— Settle the voyage.— Execution of Mr. Brown, mate of the Retrieve, CONTENTS. 13 150 170

Chapter XVIII

Voyage in the Sloop Volusia, from New-York to St. Jago de Cuba and Omoa, and from thence to New Orleans, and back to Truxillo, Bonaca, and from thence to New-York, in the years 1820 and 1821. — Sail from New- York. — Make Turk's Island, and San Domingo. — Arrive at St. Jago de Cuba. — Not allowed to sell my cargo. — Description of that place. — Leave St. Jago de Cuba. — Make Bonaca. — Sail down to the southward of Rattan Island. — Appearance of the coast of Honduras. — Arrive at Omoa. — Terrible earthquakes. — Indolence of the people. — General remarks on Omoa. — Sail from that place. — Melancholy death of Mr. Fricker. — Arrive at Truxillo. — Variegated plumage ofthe Birds, and brilliant colors ofthe Fish.— Sell the residue of my cargo at that place. — General character of the people. — Sail from Truxillo. — Arrive at the mouth of the Mississippi. — Tedious passage up that river. — Arrive at New Orleans.. — Low prices of provisions, etc. — Sail from New Orleans. — Leave the Mississippi. — Arrival at Truxillo. — Description of that place. — Recover a large brass cannon. — Meanness of its Governor. — Remarks on the Caribs. — Sail from Truxillo. — Arrive at Bonaca. — Collect cocoanuts. — Large serpent, and turtle. — Description of that Island. — Sail for New-York. — Arrive at that city. — Settle the Voyage. — Letter from Captain Baker, .........

Chapter XIX

Voyage from New-York to the Havana, and back to New-York, in the Schooner Swan, in the year 1823. — Agreement with the Owners. — Sail from New-York. — Inefficient Mate. — Bad crew. — Make the Hole-in-the-Wall. — Isaac Rocks. — Bahama Banks. — Escape from a Piratical vessel. — Arrive at the Havana. — Trials and troubles at that place. — Take a cargo for New-York. — Remarks on the frequent Piracies at that time. — Sail under convoy of two United States Schooners. — Passage home. — Arrive at New-York. — Death of Mr. Patterson. — Quarantine Ground. — Settle the Voyage. — General remarks and comments on the Piracies in the West Indies, in the year 1823. — Connection between the Pirates and the Inhabitants of Cuba.— Dreadful murders and barbarities committed by Pirates at this period. — Awful murder of Captain Thornby and his Mate, Mr. Roberts.— Burning of the brig ATineyard. — How to make a Pirate, as related by Gibbs. — Condemnation and execution of the Pirates, Gibbs and Walmsley, CONTENTS. 186

Chapter XX

Voyage in the Ship Governor Clinton, David Hepburn, Blaster, from New- York to Chili, Peru, and Colombia ; namely, on the western coast of South America, and from thence to Gibraltar, and back to New- York, in the years 1825, 1826, and 1827. Myself Supercargo.— Sail from New-York. — Sea-sickness. — Make the island of St. Antonio. — Cross the Equinox. — Make Terra del Fuego. — Loss of a Spanish seventy-four. — French sloop-of-war, her sails in tatters. — Storms and tempests otf Cape Horn. — Bland climate of the Pacific. — Make the St. Felix Isles. — Arrive at Callao.— Proceed to Chorillos.— Commercial affairs at Lima.— Sail from Chorillos.— Arrive at Arica.-Go to Tacua.— Remarks on that place.— Character of the people.— Value of Guano.— Return to Arica. — Character ofthe People. — Sail from that place. — Cabin passengers. — Arrive at Valparaiso.— Description of that place. — Take a cargo of wild mules. — Sail from that place. — Arrive at Lima. — Peacock and Georgia Packet. — Accident to the Packet. — Robberies on the Callao road. — Sail from Callao. — Arrive at Etoa — Character of the people. — Proceed by land to Lambayeque. — Description of that place. — Procession of grotesque figures. — Sail from Lambay eque.— Touch at Payta. — Description of that place. — Sail from Payta. — Arrive at Guayaquil. — Take a cargo of cocoa. — Description of that place. — Sail from Guayaquil. — Arrive at Payta. — Take in bark. — Sail from that place. — Arrive at Lambayeque. — Take on board Plata-pina. — Loss of one pataca. — Sail from that place. — Quick and pleasant passage round Cape Horn. — Cross the Equinox. — Speak an English ship, with monkeys. — Arrive at Gibraltar. — Get Letters from home. — Sail from that place. — Arrive at New-York. Severe winter. — Settle the Voyage, .....

Chapter XXI

Preliminary remarks and observations, preceding several voyages made in the brig Brilliant, during a space of four years, namely, from the year 1837 to 1841, inclusive. First Voyage in the Brig Brilliant, from New-York to the Isle of May, and Rio de Janeiro, from thence to New Orleans and Boston, in the years 1837 and 1838. — Sail from New-York. — Strong gales from the westward during the whole passage. — Make the Isle of Sol, one of the Cape de Verds. — Pass down through this group. — Arrive at the Isle of May.— Take a cargo of salt.— Description of that Island. — Character of the people. — Sail from that place. — Cross the Line. — CONTENTS. 15 Arrive at Rio de Janeiro. — Capacious harbor of Rio. — Magnificent and bold scenery. — Number of Inhabitants. — Commercial importance. — Purchase a cargo of coffee. — Sail from that place. — View of Pernambuco and Olinda. — Make Barbadoes. — Pass down through the Caribbean Islands. — Arrive at New Orleans. — Take a freight of cotton to Boston. — Arrive at that place. — Send the Brilliant to Nova Scotia. — Return home, ...... 277

Chapter XXII

Second Voyage in the Brig Brilliant, from New-York to the Isle of May, Rio de Janeiro, and from thence to New Orleans and Connecticut, in the years 1838 and 1839. — Remarks preceding a Second Voyage in the Brilliant. — Make an arrangement for a credit on London. — Leave New-York for Rio de Janeiro in the Brig Himmelah. — Arrive at Rio. — Brilliant sails from New-York on the 13th of October. — Arrive at the Isle of May. — Brilliant arrives at Rio. — City of Rio. — Remarks on the Inhabitants. — Emperor's birthday. — The churches and public buildings. — Botanical garden. — Mixing of races. — Brazilian navy. — Fine gardens in the vicinity of Rio. — Increase of coffee. — Importation of slaves. — Load with coffee. — Sail from Rio. — Pass Cape St. Augustine. — See Pernambuco and Olinda. — Make Barbadoes. — Pass through the West India Islands. — Mouth of the Mississippi. — Arrive at New Orleans. — Dispose of the cargo. — Freight with cotton. — Sail from New Orleans. — Arrive at Saybrook. —Settle the Voyage, 295

Chapter XXIII

Third Voyage in the Brig Brilliant, from Saybrook to Sydney, N. S., and from thence to Philadelphia, in the year 1839. — Preliminary Remarks. — Sail from Saybrook. — Departure from Montauk Point.— Make the Island of Cape Breton.— Cold, foggy weather.— Make Flint Island. — Remarks on the cod fishery. — Make Scattery Island. — Arrive at Sydney. — Hospitality of its Inhabitants. — Coal mines. — Number of Inhabitants. — An Indian Tribe. — Birch canoe. — Sail from Sydney. — Catch codfish and halibut. — Capes of the Delaware. — Cape Henlopen. — The Breakwater. — River Delaware. — Arrive at Philadelphia. — Settle the Voyage, ..... 307

Chapter XXIV

Fourth and last Voyage in the Brig Brilliant, from New-York to Rio de Janeiro, and from thence to New Orleans, in the years CONTENTS. and 1841.— Preliminary Remarks.— Sail from New-York. — Severe tempest. — Make the Island of St. Antonio. — Cross the Line. — Southeast trades. — Clear skies and fine weather. — Arrive at Rio. — American Missionary and his Family. — Climate in the mountains. — Load with coffee. — Sail from Rio. — Make Cape St. Augustine. — Make Barbadoes.— Pass through the West India Islands. — Mouth of the Mississippi. — Shipwreck in that river. — Bayou Carrion Crow. — Send the coffee in lighters to New Orleans. — Remarks on the Mississippi and its mouths. — The Inhabitants. — Region of Carrion Crow. — Oystermen. — Arrive at New Orleans. — Sell the ma terials ofthe Brilliant. — Dispose ofthe coffee. — Settle the,, Voyage. — Return to New-York. — Insurance Companies. — The End,

Chapter I. Voyage In Tue Schooner Thomas, With Capt

HENRY TURNER, FROM MILFORD, CONNECTICUT, TO BERBICE AND THE WEST IN- DIA ISLANDS, AND BACK TO MILFORD, IN THE YEARS 1802 AND 1603. In the early part of my sea-life, I made several voyages from Milford and NeAV Haven, in Connecticut, to the West India Islands, in a miserable class of small brigs and schooners. These vessels Avere employed in exchanging the pro duce of the soil of Connecticut for the produce of the Caribbean Islands ; namely, for rum, sugar, molasses, coffee, and the indigenous fruits of these islands, such as oranges, limes, tamarinds, cocoanuts, etc. These vessels carried the produce of NeAV England under deck, and live cattle, such as horses, oxen, sheep, pigs and poultry on deck, and Avere, in familiar terms, called horse-jockeys. Though the reader may find nothing very striking or interesting in these voyages, still I have decided to narrate a feAv of them to serve as a specimen of our commerce to these islands, and to exhibit the ineffi ciency of the ships and vessels in common use at that period of our commercial history, that the present generation may be able to contrast our then infant commerce, and the inefficiency of our merchant marine, Avith the rapid strides it has since made in Avealth and importance, during the last half century.

I have said that the brigs and schooners in common use in Connecticut at that period, Avere miserably constructed, and very badly adapted to commercial purposes. In New-York, and some other cities of the Union, they Avere a little better, but still small and very inefficient ; and not one in fifty of them Avere coppered ; so that on long voyages they Avould be covered Avith barnacles and sea-grass, Avhich impeded their speed at least one-third; for example, a ship Avith a clean copper bottom, Avhich could Avith ease sail nine miles the hour, Avith a foul Avooden one could not be driven over six, consequently their passages from the East Indies Avould be one-third longer. A ship in those days, of 300 or 400 tons burden, Avas considered enor mously large, and when advertised for sale, freight, or charter, was represented as a very capacious ship, coppered and copper fastened, and Avell found in rigging, sails, etc.

Methinks I hear some of the seamen of the present day inquire how men could be found to go to sea in such misera ble craft? I answer, they must either go in them or stay on shore, for these were the vessels in general use at that period. I hardly need remind any one at this time that our sailing ships are floating palaces, and measure from 1000 to 2500 tons, and frequently cost from 100,000 to 150,000 dollars. Such, then, is the improvement in the merchant marine ser vice during the last fifty year:-', and it is hardly less striking in our ships of Avar. Other nations, also, have made great progress in naA-'al science ; look, for example, at the engravings of Lord Nelson's fleet as represented at the battle of Trafalgar, Avhat ungainly, clumsy-looking floating batteries Avere then in service, with their bowsprits standing almost perpendicular.

How it would offend the eye of one of our naval officers at the present day, to gaze upon one of these obsolete ships of a by gone age. Perhaps there is no branch of art or of science that has made such rapid progress as naval architecture, and the management of ships. With these preliminaries, I will proceed to copy from my journal, a voyage in the schooner Thomas, to Berbice, Guiana, Avith Captain Henry Turner, commenced in December. The Thomas Avas an old vessel, of 80 tons burden, badly built, and badly equipped, and Avere she in existence at this time (1852), a creAV could not be obtained for her in the United States. Our creAV consisted of the captain aforesaid, Mr. John Mallet (an old man), the mate, Avith two seamen, two landsmen, and a cook. This comprised the whole, being seven in number.

Mr. Stephen Trowbridge, a native of Milford, was one of the seamen, and myself the other. He was, in truth, a good sailor, and a worthy, honest man, and later in life made many voyages with me to various parts of the Avorld, as my chief mate. It is Avith sincere pleasure that I now call to mind his efficient and honest fidelity, in many trying scenes through which we were destined to pass in our various wanderings for a period of more than five years. We took on board the usual cargo under deck, namely, beef, pork, hams, some flour, butter, cheese, etc. On deck, we had twenty-four low priced horses, with sundry sheep and pigs, and Avere provided with the usual quantity of grain, hay, etc., to supply the ani mals with food. Thus manned and equipped, we sailed from Milford in the morning of the 10th of December, for Berbice.

It Avas a very cold day, and there Avas a great deal of field and floating ice in the Sound ; but the Avind being favorable and strong from the N. W., Ave made fair progress on our course towards Montauk Point, but as the schooner was at best a slow sailer, we did not get doAvn to Fisher's Island until near midnight, and when we approached it, our captain AA^as deceived in the appearance of the land ; in fact it was difficult to dis criminate it from the water, there being so much floating ice which Avas covered over Avith snow, that it Avas almost impos sible to find the true channel or passage, called The Race, leading to Montauk Point. We however steered boldly on, and soon found ourselves on the rocks, but a short distance from Fisher's Island. Here we lay thumping for about an hour, expecting every moment to go to pieces ; some of the sheathing Avas knocked off the schooner's bottom, and came floating up alongside.

She soon began to leak badly, and to thump so severely, that Ave could scarcely stand on our feet. In this trying dilemma Ave got out the boat (the only one we had), to save our lives by landing on the island ; but it fortunately happened that Ave ran on at young flood, so that Avhen the tide rose, she drifted off the rocks. We then steered for New London, bat as the wind Avas blowing strong from the N. N. W., Ave could not fetch into that port, and being able to keep the schooner free Avilh one pump, our captain ordered the helm to be put up and the sails filled for sea. It Avould be difficult to describe our perilous situation while thumping on these black rocks, some of Avhich Avere above water, the Aveather intensely cold, the cattle restless and frightened, so that Ave could with difficulty keep them from falling down at every surge or roll the schooner made.

I expected every moment she Avould bilge and go to pieces, and ardently Avished myself on the island, and Avould gladly have resigned eArery thing I had on board, and all that I expected to make by the voyage, to have been placed once more upon Terra Firma. After passing Fisher's Island, the Avind increased to a strong gale from the N. W., and we continued to scud before it to the S. E. for a period of three days. During the Avhole of this violent gale, one pump Avas constantly employed, and sometimes both, to keep her free. We had a quantity of loose oats stowed in the run, under the cabin floor ; at times the pumps would choke Avith them, so that we were obliged to bail the water out of the run Avith buckets. During the whole of this furious gale, Avhich lasted three days, the schooner was steered by Trowbridge and myself alternately, four hourj and four hours, while the mate and the remainder of the creAV Avere employed at the pumps and taking care of the horses.

There was little or nothing to do Avith trimming or shifting the sails; we constantly scudded under a reefed fore-topsail and a double reefed foresail, and all Ave could do Avas to steer directly before the Avind and sea, and let the gale expend its fury, and thus waft us onward to a milder climate. The sea was lashed into a Avhite foam, and our little bark Avas forced along like a sea-bird that flies with the raging tempest. After passing the Gulf Stream and getting into fine Aveather, our horses Avere in a miserable condition, and Avere scarcely able to stand. Nothing occurred worthy of remark until the 24th of De cember, fourteen days out, Avhen in the act of letting a reef out ofthe mainsail on a fine morning, one of the landsmen slipped overboard from the lee-quarter. At this time, the schooner Avas only going at the rate of one or tAvo miles the hour.

All hands being on deck, the boat Avas immediately thrown from the forecastle into the Avater, and TroAvbridge and myself instantly jumped into it Avith two oars in pursuit of him ; he Avas then about one hundred yards astern of the schooner. In the hurry the plug-hole in the bottom of the boat Avas left open, and no plug to be found. The water Avas rushing in with great violence ; my friend T. thrust his thumb into the hole, Avhile I snatched off my neck-handkerchief and stopped it. This de tained us a minute or tAvo, but we soon pulled up to the man, Avhen my friend T. had just time to save him by the hair of his head ; he Avas fast sinking, and Avould in another moment have been droAvned. We soon pulled him into the boat, and took him on board. He Avas a stout young farmer, about nineteen years old, from some small interior town in Connecti cut, and this Avas his first voyage from home.

His name I do not recollect. He soon recovered, and Avhen asked Avhat Avere his feelings at the time he Avas sinking, he said he thought he Avas dying, and that all the sins he had ever committed rushed into his mind ; and the thought of having left home Avithout the consent of his mother, Avas to him perfect torture. He Avas a humble man, and seemed to have no idea that the boat Avould be got out for him, and during the Avhole voyage appeared to be very grateful to all on board for so kindly sav ing him from a Avatery grave. I had tAvice before this accident assisted in rescuing men from droAvning, and have asked them the same question respecting their thoughts, Avhen thus struggling for life. Their answers have been uniformly the same in substance ; namely, that in a single moment all their evil deeds rushed like lightning into their minds, and appear ed as if the transactions of a Avhole life Avere condensed in a moment of time.