On the 29th we got under weigh at 9 A.M., with a fresh breeze from the
eastward.

Gallant before the wind she goes, her prow
High bearing and disparting the blue tide
That foams and flashes in its rage below.
Meantime the helmsman feels a conscious pride,
And while far onward the long billows swell,
Looks to the lessening land, which seems to say, 'farewell!'

We did not long enjoy our easterly breeze, for in the evening the wind
became variable, the rain fell in torrents, accompanied with lightning
and thunder, and the night was dark and dismal, with an irregular sea,
which made the ship very uneasy; then followed one of those scenes of
confusion which can be witnessed only on shipboard; the creaking of
timbers as they were strained by the conflict of the elements, the
uproar of a multitude of voices, the ludicrous accidents arising from
the pitching and rolling of the vessel, things breaking loose in all
directions, chests flying from side to side, crockery smashing, people
hallooing, others moaning and groaning, accompanied with frequent
evomitions, and occasionally a general scream, from some extraordinary
crash. With tumultuous noises of this kind I was entertained as I lay
on my bed, not from sea-sickness, but from previous indisposition.
Towards morning the wind settled in the N.W., blowing very strong, and
the Eden continued rolling a great deal the whole day. This breeze
fortunately kept up the two following days, when the weather became
very fine, and the wind light and variable. The whole of this day
(Thursday, August 2nd) we were in sight of Cape Finisterre. On Sunday
the 5th the weather was very fine and warm, with a moderate breeze; we
had eleven sail of vessels in sight, the greater part of which, from