DOCUMENTARY 395
be had of him (or a man answering his appearance according to the best of my memory) on board the ship Enterprise. On Friday, the 25th of Aug., a man came on board styling him- self F. H. but imitates the said Dr. in every particular except his great memory and a small depreciation of stature.
As for Clothing I shall take about 100 or 50$ here which I think will be sufficient for the voyage should life be spared to prosecute the same. But if my all-wise Creator otherwise thinks best that my unhappy life should end upon the raging sea, weep not for me. Death is the fate of Mortal man. Then your Brother's sorrows cease to flow. Then shall the storm of wo be husht to silence and I at rest, wrapt in the seaman's common Tomb.
John is very hearty and appears to be quite contented with his new way of living, grows fatter every day, and Spencer is likewise tolerable well. He has pain in his breast but
is better. The rest of the crew are all well except those be- fore mentioned. And all think there is no business to be compared with whaling. All hands anxious to be ravaging the Pacific with oars and Irons and drag the whale to Justice, I mean to our Ship.
But as time and paper fail and I apprehend Patience will do the same while reading, I shall close the unentelligible scrall and bid you farewell.
P S As opportunities will not be very frequent of com- munciation I wish you to write as often as twice a year, if not oftener. Some of the letters will probably reach me. I shall not be able to write to as many friends as I should be glad, so I shall write you every opportunity, so give my love to Honored parents and brothers and all enquiring friends, and I shall ever subscribe myself,
Your most affectionate Brother and friend.
E. W.
to Samuel Wright.
Sunday, the 31st. This letter is wrote but not sealed. If I
