soon as I was on board, I asked the name of the vessel, when I was
surprised to find she was called the 'Portaferry of Portaferry.'
Although the name was not that borne by the vessel of which I had
dreamed, it must be considered at least a remarkable coincidence.
"Great care was taken to prevent us eating too ravenously at first: we
received every kindness our weak condition required; but,
notwithstanding these precautions, two of my companions in misery died
before we reached Ireland.
"When we arrived at Strangford, in the north of Ireland, I was entirely
destitute--I had lost everything I possessed. Fortunately for me, I
belonged to the honourable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, who
kindly furnished me with clothing, and money sufficient to take me
home, which I reached in safety.
"Like almost every person who has resided a few years in Canada, I
found it impossible to content myself at home; and, although I had no
great reason to be fond of the country on account of the treatment I
had experienced, still, there is that indescribable charm in the free
life of a Canadian settler, which is wanting in a more civilized
country: I, therefore, determined once more to try my fortune.
"I accordingly embarked with the young wife I had lately married, and
the three children I had formerly left in Ireland with my parents. We
sailed early in the spring of 1825. My ill luck still attended me; for
owing to the dense fogs we experienced on the banks of Newfoundland, we
got out of our course, and our ship struck the shore near Cape Ray:
fortunately the sea was smooth and the weather fine: so that when
daylight broke we were able, without much difficulty, to be landed on
that most inhospitable shore,
"Where the bones of many a tall ship lie buried."
"We saved little or nothing from the wreck; for, as the day advanced,
the wind freshened into a gale, which blowing on shore, soon settled
the fate of our gallant bark. The shore was soon strewn with casks,
bales, and packages, some of which we were able to secure. Our captain
chartered a small fishing-vessel, which landed us at last safely at
Quebec. And now, you see, after enduring almost unheard-of sufferings,
I am again prostrated by this unfortunate accident."
Such was the account given me by Mr. G-----, who put into my hand, at
the same time, an old Belfast newspaper, containing the account of his
first wreck and sufferings. So I have no reason to doubt the
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