Water " .12-1/4
Saratoga " .25

FRIDAY, MAY 9TH.

Did not rise till the tinkling of the bell. Had not rested well the
first two or three hours, cold feet, and afterwards a good deal of
rolling and pitching of the vessel. The conversation this morning at
breakfast chiefly on the expense of dress. Mr. Seaton showed us a stout
box coat charged ten guineas which was pronounced very cheap, though I
cannot but suppose the same might be had at Bolton for L6. 6. 0. Mr. S.
said that 400 dollars was not unusually paid in America. The wind still
from the north and therefore favourable, but still very cold. After
dinner played three games at chess with Mr. Seaton and lost them all.
Learned from one of the seamen that the _Britannia_ is about seven years
old, and is expected to continue as a packet about two years longer.
Squally again towards night with a good deal of heaving. Tried fishing
but not successful. After reading a few pages in Watson's "Life" I went
to rest soon after ten. One of the sails appeared old and to have a
small hole, as the wind increased it enlarged and presently went into
ribbands.

SATURDAY, MAY 10TH.

Had a very restless night. After 1 o'clock the ship rolled tremendously
and between one and two I heard a considerable bump, the vessel lurched
and we shipped a heavy sea, that is the water flowed over us. I
continued in a state of great suspense hearing all sorts of things
tumbling about and my looking glass dashed on to me in my berth; put my
knees against one side and my back to the other to prevent being tumbled
out. For the first time began to regret coming. Often near asleep and
then the vessel so much on one side I could not help fearing it going
over. Not being able to sleep I got up before seven A.M. Found the sea
very greatly agitated and the atmosphere thick as if occasioned by the
foam. Looked over the stern and observed two gulls in pursuit of
anything we might throw away. The ocean has the appearance of hills and
vales and the heaving on one side I found was occasioned by going up the
sides of the hills. Felt qualmish but took some breakfast. After reading
Watson's "Life" I turned again into bed till near one P.M. Then went on
deck; four disagreeables, cold, no wind and that wrong, rain, and rather
sickly. An elderly sailor at the helm said we had a strong gale in the
night; but at this time of year