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Another wet, drizzly day, but we must not complain,
for we have a fair wind, our sails all square,
and go at seven knots an hour. I have made a great
acquisition. I have learnt the names and places of
all the masts and sails; and the Captain compliments
me by telling me that he is sure I know well enough
how to steer, to take a turn at the helm. I may do
pretty well in fair weather, but't is your masculine
spirits that are made for storms. I love the tranquil
scenes of life. Nor can I look forward to those in
which 't is probable I shall soon be engaged with
those pleasurable ideas, which a retrospect of the past
presents to my mind.

I went last evening upon deck, at the invitation of
Mr. Foster, to view that phenomenon of Nature, a
blazing ocean. A light flame spreads over the ocean,
in appearance, with thousands of thousands of sparkling


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gems, resembling our fire-flies in a dark night.
It has a most beautiful appearance. I never view the
ocean without being filled with ideas of the sublime,
and am ready to break forth with the Psalmist,
"Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God
Almighty; in wisdom hast thou made them all."