- less tons and ship-loads of dead and dying fish: much to
the discomfiture of shipping, dependent on them for a supply of food. The cause is unknown, but supposed to be volcanic; as very frequently, loud subterraneous, or rather subaqueous sounds, like the discharge of artillery, were heard in these desolate regions.
27th.—Now only 440 miles from Boston, wind a-head. At midnight it blew a gale, and we were in serious danger of losing our masts through not taking in sail in time. I rose at this awful hour, and saw the horizon wearing a singularly angry aspect. It is predicted that this gale will continue three days. It did, in fact, last just three days: some men are truly weather-wise, and—
"Old experience doth attain
To something like prophetic strain."
Saw three sail; one, a Frenchman, who seemed disposed to conceal his colours, when we shewed him the star-spangled banner, and then loaded, pointed, and fired a cannon over, not at him, just {22} to teach him good manners. He now hoisted the dirty white flag of Louis 18th, but would not speak us. Spoke a Yankee brig, out five days from Boston, and compared her longitude with ours, by exhibiting both on a board, from the bows of each ship. They agreed; and so proved the nautical skill of our captain to be of the first order.
It is now so cold that three coats are necessary, although only six days since it was too hot to wear one, or any thing else: we are now anxious to see land. Saw the moon distinctly at noon-day. In stores for a long voyage, the Americans take out roasted geese, ducks, fowls, partridges and pigeons, in casks secured from external air by closing the tops over with melted lard or mutton fat, so keeping all good for several months: when any are wanted, they
