advance at full speed to a stone wall, or the side of a house, merely to
shew their dexterity in halting.

After being detained here for several days in taking in stock and
provisions, we again weighed with the Crescent brig, and a sloop from
Gambia, bound to London, under our convoy, and after a tedious and very
anxious passage, arrived at Portsmouth on the 4th of August. We were
detained under quarantine until the return of post from London, and
proceeded on shore the following day. There is something in _natale solum_
which charms the soul after a period of absence, and operates so
powerfully, as to fill it with indescribable sensations and delight. Every
object and scene appeals so forcibly to the senses, enraptures the eye, and
so sweetly attunes the mind, as to place this feeling among even the
extacies of our nature, and; the most refined we are capable of enjoying.

It is this love of his country which stimulates man to the noblest deeds;
and, leaving all other considerations, only obedient to its call, separates
him from his most tender connections, and makes him risque his life in its
defence.


"Where'er we roam, whatever realms to see,
Our hearts untravell'd fondly turn to thee;
Still to our country turn, with ceaseless pain,
And drag, at each remove, a lengthening chain."
GOLDSMITH.