Ir was not difficult to find a ship bound to a place with which we carry on fo immenfe a trade. Accordingly, my brother foon informed me of the excellent accommodations for paffengers, which were to be found on board a fhip that was obliged to fail for Lisbon in three days. I EAGERLY embraced the offer, notwithstanding the fhortness of the time; and having given my brother full power to contract for our paffage, I began to prepare my family for the voyage with the utmost expedition. Bur our great hafte was needlefs; for the captain having twice put off his failing, I at length invited him to dinner with me at Fordhook, a full week after the time on which he had declared, and that with many affeverations, he must, and would, weigh anchor. He dined with me, according to his appointment; and when all matters were fettled between us, left me with positive or ders to be on board the Wednesday following; when he declared he would fall down. the the river to Gravefend; and would not stay a moment for the greatest man in the world. He advised me to go to Gravefend by land, and there wait the arrival of his fhip; affigning many reafons for this, every one of which was, as I well remember, among thofe that had before determined me to go on board near the Tower. THE JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE to LISBON. Wednesday, June 26, 1754. N this day, the most melancho ly fun I had ever beheld arose, and found me awake at my houfe at Fordhook. By the light of this fun, I was, in my own opinion, laft to behold and take leave of fome of thofe creatures on whom I doated with a mother-like fondness, guided by nature and paffion, and uncured and unhardened by all the doctrine of that. philofophical school where I had learnt. to bear pains and to defpife death. IN In this fituation, as I could not conquer nature, I fubmitted entirely to her, and fhe made as great a fool of me as fhe had ever done of any woman whatsoever: under pretence of giving me leave to enjoy, fhe drew me in to fuffer the company of my little ones, during eight hours; and I doubt not whether, in that time, I did not undergo more than in all my diftemper... AT twelve precifely my coach was at the door, which was no fooner told me than I kiss'd my children round, and went into it with fome little refolution. My wife, who behaved more like a heroine. and philofopher, tho' at the fame time the tendereft mother in the world, and my eldest daughter, followed me; fome friends went with us, and others here took their leave; and I heard my behaviour applauded, with many murmurs and praises to which I well knew I had no title; as all other fuch philofophers may, if they have any modefty, confefs on the like occafions. In two hours we arrived in Redriffe, and immediately went on board, and were to have failed the next morning; but as this was the king's proclamation-day, and con |