track. From his youth, books of voyages and travels, to and over the countries which he passed, had been the entertainment of his leisure hours; so that he was by no means a stranger to many of the works of art, and the living manners which he witnessed. He has seen, however, and thought for himself. The time occupied in this tour was about seven monthsfrom the middle of April to the first of November, 1828. NA Notes of a Traveller. LETTER I. Packet Ship Algonquin, The steam-boat which left Philadelphia at 12 o'clock to-day, came along side of our ship, which was anchored off New Castle, at about 4 P. M. The weather was exceedingly unpleasant-Wind, rain and waves, all contributed to make our removal from the steam-boat to the ship disagreeable, though not dangerous. And now, after an exhilarating cup of tea "Cups which cheer, but not inebriate," I take my pen to commence my Journal. I have found that it is quite a different thing to part with friends when about going to sea, from what happens when a separation on land is to take place-It seems more like the separation of death -an absorbing gloom is thrown over the mind, which renders one unfit for any enjoyment-I am satisfied that whether the day had been clear and sunny, or as it was, it would have made but little difference. However, as strong excitement soon terminates, I recovered, in some degree, my wonted composure and habit of observation, by the time we were put on board our vessel. The heaving of the anchor, the cries, or songs, as they call them, of the sailors -and the bustle of hoisting the sails, soon drew my attention Then the singing of the wind through the cordage of the ship, and the long drawn calls of the man who was heaving the lead, fully convinced me that I was bidding adieu, for a season at least, "To my own-my native land." On casting my eye over the ship, I found that she appeared in rather an homelier trim, than she did when lying at the wharf. The neat Brussels carpet in the cabin had given place to one of quite an ordinary appearance; all the curtains were removed, and most of the brass ornaments were hid under a strong covering of green baize. Every thing however is agreeable thus far. The disappearance of all our tinsel and finery, so far from diminishing our real comforts, has contributed to our convenience. Our passengers, who are about 22 in number, all seem determined to be mutually obliging and the captain is the same pleasant man he is on shore. April 21st.-This morning I left my state-room, as our little apartments are called, after a very good night's rest-my usual occupations of the chamber being performed, with almost as much satisfaction as if I had been in my own room on shore. The weather had cleared a little, and a light wind from the north-west was pushing us gently along our course. The man heaving the lead, and calling out the number of fathoms of water in which we were sailing, reminded me of Paul's voyage to Rome, "where we sounded and found it fifteen fathoms." We were about |