down at the water's edge, and rising up out of boiling
foam. Early in the evening the dead-lights[5], those at the stern, were
made up lest a sea should rush through; the same with the skylights. The
Captain said the gale was very unusual at this season of the year;
talked of the vessel being more uneasy than she used to be. Captain
Kenney now appeared on deck. During dinner two ducks and sauce were
suddenly swept across the table and most of it thrown upon Mr. Cayley.
Towards evening the sky became darker and the storm likely to increase
during the night; this we found the case and about ten we rolled
tremendously; we all seemed depressed; no cards, not much reading; a few
conundrums, etc.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14TH.

Had a restless night not sleeping till four, when more sail was hoisted
that steadied the vessel and I rested comfortably till half past seven.
Nobody but I and Mr. Grindrod seemed to have been inconvenienced. A
delightful change, the wind more favourable and the sea lower, the sun
shining. A game called Shuffleboard was introduced with trenchers about
1-1/2 inch thick and 10 in. diameter, counting thus, and the trenchers
could be slided within the lines;--claret--2 bottles of champagne being
the wagers or results of the game. About twelve I went to lie down,
having had so little sleep. Whilst down a ship passed to the west of us.
Played two games at Chess with the Captain who beat me though I had
quite the game and could have taken his Queen. As heretofore, if
successful I became careless, and if the contrary too much depressed.
Stopt up with the card party till after eleven. No gulls to be seen.

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THURSDAY, MAY 15TH.

Had a pleasant night, found little wind and that not favourable; in fact
they tell me we are not nearing N.Y. Finished Watson's "Memoirs" 667
octavo pages; a good reply to those who have attempted a defence of
slavery from O. and N. Testament. Spent the day very delightfully, being
so warm that we preferred the shade. The wind but light and not fair.
Tried fishing but not successful.

An old seaman who has been with the _Britannia_ over three years says he
never knew a passage from England to America made in less than 30 days.

Played another game at chess with Mr. Seaton, had the worst of it, but
called away to dinner. Another play was putting the feet in a swing rope
and trying how far they could go, being then cha