the north-west coast of the American continent, where during the last four years, this adventurous ship has been trading to its awful hazard but great advantage. It has netted to its owner in four years 20,000l.; to the captain seven and a half per cent., and to the first mate one per cent. The present cargo being composed of China silks, crapes, and teas, is rich, and valued at 20,000l. It was received in exchange for furs and skins, purchased by barter from the Indians and South Sea islanders, who gladly take in exchange train-oil, powder, shot, {18} knives, simple toys, and gaudy printed cottons. This is a fine trade for men of capital.
16th.—Fine day; wind fair, N. E. lat. 22°. Owing to want of science, and inability to take lunar observations, on board the Ruthy, I discover, by Captain Martyn, our longitude to be 48 instead of 45°. We have on board a beautiful white Chinese mouse working a wheel, like a squirrel; and a cage full of Java sparrows, with crimson beaks. Caught this morning three beautiful dolphins, which we fry and eat as a luxury. We now sail nine knots an hour with little motion, and I amuse myself with reading General Washington's invaluable Legacies.[1] Beautiful silk umbrellas and huge parasols from Canton, on board; prime cost, two dollars; and portraits, large as life, in elegant frames, at eight dollars each. Living in style at Calcutta, costs for a mess (several in number) one dollar per day.
18th.—Fine breeze, lat. 24°, long. 52° 15[']. Caught a fine fat porpoise weighing 200 lbs., which supplies us with beef-steaks, fried in oily fat. Saw beautiful Canton crape, three dollars a piece, sufficient for two dresses; shawls of
- ↑ This publication contained Washington's farewell address as well as his message to Congress in December, 1796; the full title being, Columbia's Legacy; or, Washington's Valuable advice to his fellow citizens and his farewell speech to Congress (Philadelphia, 1796).—Ed.
