considerable heaves 6
or 8 times, then still whilst I counted 20 or 25, then again heaving as
before. This is occasioned by what are called the Swells.

SATURDAY, MAY 3RD.

Had another good night; rose soon after seven, found ourselves within 3
miles of the coast of Ireland with Cantyre on our right. Heard the
Captain speak to a vessel going to Liverpool telling them to report us
all well. Breakfasted very well but soon returned upon deck as we
expected soon to lose sight of land. A pretty stiff gale about ten which
threw the vessel a good deal on one side. Continued in sight of Ireland
till past five when the land and we parted for some weeks. About this
time I became qualmish and went to the stern to see if I could hasten
the catastrophe by putting down my fingers; this did not avail,
therefore I descended to open my store of camomile and black currants;
no sooner was this accomplished than I became sick three or four times.
I then undressed and rolled into my berth and slept 3 or 4 hours. The
ship rolled very much and the water I heard splashing by; it seemed
sometimes as if actually going over. Two interesting circumstances
occurred last night. I dreamed that my father was actually alive and in
his better way. A poor redbreast made his appearance on the vessel--how
he had come there we did not know. What must be the situation of the
poor steerage passengers, about 100 adults and a numerous set of
children? A very happy circumstance for us rather than the proprietors
is that we have only nine passengers, so each can have a double berth to
himself, a very great comfort indeed, especially when it becomes warm
weather.

SUNDAY, MAY 4TH.

Passed a tolerable night; attempted to get up to breakfast, but found
myself obliged to hurry back to my berth and did not attempt to rise
till twelve, and then unable to shave. Sat sometimes in the sunshine and
sometimes in the small house, unable to walk and fearful of descending.
Took only a little bread and a sip of brandy and water. Descended about
7 to tea, but obliged to hurry into my berth when I vomited, then drank
a cup of tea. Last night I dreamed that I actually saw my dear father
alive and cheerful. Several birds resembling sparrows flew about the
ship and seemed as if they had made an error in their reckoning as they
must be nearly four hundred miles from land. I cannot but deeply
sympathise with the steerage passengers so crowded, whilst with every
attention I ca