truckmen as they brought down the last of the trunks, chests,
stores, and provisions, my brain was in a whirl of excitement; I
hardly knew whether I stood on my head or my heels.

At last the captain came down the wharf, accompanied by Joshua
Haven, one of the owners, and some friends, who had made
arrangements to proceed in the brig so far as the mouth of the
harbor. The single rope which connected the Dolphin with the
shore was cast loose; the pilot gave some orders; that were Greek
to me, in a loud and energetic tone; the men on the wharf gave
three cheers, which were heartily responded to by the temporary
passengers and crew; and with a pleasant breeze from the
westward, we sailed merrily down the river.

Some few persons lingered on the wharf, and continued for a time
to wave their handkerchiefs in token of an affectionate farewell
to their friends. I seemed to stand alone while these
interesting scenes were enacted. I took no part in the warm
greetings or the tender adieus. I had bidden farewell to my
friends and relatives in another town some days before; and no
one took sufficient interest in my welfare to travel a few miles,
look after my comforts, and wish me a pleasant voyage as I left
my native land.

Although from the reception I had met with I had little reason to
expect present indulgences or future favors from my kinsman who
commanded the brig, I did not regret the step I had taken. On
the contrary, my bosom bounded with joy when the last rope was
severed, and the vessel on whose decks I proudly stood was
actually leaving the harbor of Portsmouth, under full sail, bound