UC-NRLF 
 
 SB 557 ADD 
 
 72e ROMANCE 
 "Sa OLD-TIME 
 SHIPMASTER 
 
CP""*<jr"!^, ((jet?*^ 
 
 J* 
 
THE ROMANCE OF AN OLD TIME 
 SHIPMASTER 
 
« C C C f 
 
 f « « ' c t c 
 
 I 
 
f^u^ell, Jokn WilUrd^ 
 
 The ROMANCE of 
 an OLD TIME 
 SHIPMASTER 
 
 Edited by 
 
 RALPH D. PAINE 
 
 Author of "The Greater America" 
 " The Story of Martin Ooc" etc. 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 THE OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 MCMVII 
 
Copyrighted, 1907, by 
 THE OUTlIfGvPUBLISHING.QOJtfPANY 
 
 'All \ights**resir^e'd I 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 I. By Way of Introduction 1 
 
 II. Nancy Smith of Bristol - - - - 14 
 
 III. A Voyage in the Slave Trade - - -28 
 
 IV. A Voyage in the Slave Trade (Continued) - 49 
 V. Letters to a Sailor's Sweetheart - - 61 
 
 VI. A Sailor's Letters to His Bride - - 75 
 
 VII. To the Mother of Little Betsy - -92 
 
 VIII. The Intimate Journal of a Voyage to 
 
 Europe ■ - 109 
 
 IX. The Intimate Journal of a Voyage to 
 
 Europe (Continued) - - - - 124 
 
 X. Homeward Bound ! - 141 
 
 XI. The West India Trade in 1805-6 - - 159 
 
 XII. A Sea Log of a Century Ago - 178 
 
 XIII. The Shipmaster's Last Love Letters - - 195 
 
 XIV. The Death of His "Dear Friend and 
 
 Partner" 205 
 
 M2241S7 
 
THE ROMANCE OF AN OLD TIME 
 SHIPMASTER 
 
THE ROMANCE OF AN OLD 
 TIME SHIPMASTER 
 
 BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION 
 
 FOR almost a hundred years these letters and sea- 
 journals of an old-fashioned American shipmaster 
 were locked in the battered sea-chest which had 
 voyaged with him in the little schooners and brigs that he 
 courageously navigated to the West Indies, Europe and 
 Africa from 1796 to 1813. This Captain John Willard 
 Russell, mariner of Bristol, R. I., achieved no great dis- 
 tinction in the annals of his time, but he was one of a 
 great company of undaunted Americans who braved such 
 perils as have long since vanished from the seas to play 
 a part in building a mighty commerce for a young nation. 
 Other briny memoirs of the eighteenth century era 
 have come to light, but in none of them can be found, 
 so far as I have been able to discover, so very intimate 
 and human a portrait of a man who was fairly typical of 
 his time. For the most part, these are love-letters, written 
 during courtship and through the tragically brief years of 
 his married life with Nancy Smith of Bristol. They were 
 
THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 sent to her from fever-stricken ports of the Spanish Main, 
 from the slave coast of Africa and during long and lonely 
 months afloat when this lover and husband unburdened 
 his fond and homesick heart of such a wealth of the 
 truest sentiment and of so genuine a kind of piety that 
 his letters seemed to deserve another fate than moldering 
 oblivion in the ancient sea-chest. 
 
 There are many gaps in this correspondence, and yet 
 this romance of an earlier century is singularly complete. 
 It begins with the memorable day of 1799 when young 
 Captain Russell meets at the home of his employer, 
 Captain Charles DeWolf, his daughter Abby and her 
 "cousin and friend, Nancy Smith, who have treated me," 
 he writes in his old-fashioned way, "with such friendly 
 attention as to recall forcibly to my recollection those 
 halcyon days which I formerly spent in the society of 
 those I loved. While I have sighed at the remembrance 
 of past Happiness, I have been tempted when in their 
 company once more to open the book of Friendship which 
 I thought I had closed forever. . . . Adieu for a 
 while ye kind hearted girls — May guardian Angels pro- 
 tect you from every ill and may ye each meet with Hap- 
 piness pure as your virtues and exalted as your own 
 benevolent hearts." 
 
 Eleven years later he is writing to his father: 
 
 "Bowed down by affliction, having been but recently 
 
 deprived of a beloved Partner of my heart who, after a 
 
 marriage of eight years, I every day found more and 
 
 more reason to love and esteem — I am left with four chil- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 3 
 
 dren, all almost helpless — God grant I may be able to 
 perform my duty to them." 
 
 Between the beginning and the untimely end of this 
 sailor's romance (for such it never ceased to be) he was 
 most of the time an exile at sea, battling with persistently 
 adverse fortune, always hoping to win his way to a quiet 
 haven with her who was both sweetheart and wife as long 
 as she lived. 
 
 Captured by a French privateer in his first voyage he 
 showed that he was made of sterling stuff, and he tells of 
 it with a modesty that is very appealing. He was super- 
 cargo of a brig in which he had risked all his capital. 
 What must have been a brilliant essay against huge odds 
 he dismisses in this sentence: "After being ten days on 
 the Privateer — she having weakened herself by manning 
 prizes and having only ten men on board — I with two 
 other prisoners and two boys concerted a plan to take 
 possession of the privateer, in which we happily suc- 
 ceeded and stood for Jamaica." 
 
 For one voyage Captain Russell was a slaver, and his 
 journal describes his venture to the African coast with 
 much detail. In his day the slave-trade was piling up 
 fortunes for the most prominent families of Newport and 
 Bristol, and to send out a cargo of rum to Gambia, Goree, 
 or the Bight of Benin and fetch home a ship-load of 
 blacks was not beneath the commercial dignity of the 
 pious and substantial merchants of Puritan New England. 
 It was not a business to boast of, however, and the tide of 
 adverse sentiment had even then begun to rise against the 
 
THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 activities of the "rum-ships and Guinea-men." Young 
 Captain Russell squared matters with his conscience, but 
 he was not proud of the "hazardous and disagreeable 
 voyage." Nowhere in his narrative of the African cruise 
 can the word "slaves" be found. These parts of his 
 journal, however, are unique, for it is fair to assert that 
 never before or after did a slaver captain write at sea 
 more sincerely religious reflections in which there is not 
 a trace of hypocrisy or cant. 
 
 This African venture was ruined by another gang of 
 French privateersmen, and the unlucky skipper describes 
 the loss of ship and fortune in this compact account: 
 "Last night a little sloop from Goree with sixteen men 
 armed with muskets, took possession — and Huzza for 
 Goree." 
 
 It is in his letters to his Nancy, however, that one 
 becomes best acquainted with this sturdy seaman of the 
 long ago, and they speak for themselves in more moving 
 and even eloquent language than could any added words. 
 Almost nothing is known of this Bristol maid beyond the 
 sweet and simple pictures of her glimpsed in these love- 
 letters and journals. She had scant opportunity to send 
 letters to him at sea, and these few have been lost. Their 
 circumstances were too humble for portraits of either of 
 them to be handed down to us. We know that she was 
 related to the De Wolfs,* the wealthiest and most famous 
 shipping merchants of Rhode Island, and that he came 
 
 * The name is spelled DeWolfe by the present day descendants of 
 the sea-faring stock of the eighteenth century. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 5 
 
 of good New England stock in which seafaring men and 
 Puritan clergymen had mingled their blood to an extent 
 which may somewhat account for the character of this 
 shipmaster. 
 
 He was of the fifth generation of the Russells in New 
 England since the earliest of them signed the covenant 
 agreement with the "First Settlers and Free Planters 
 of Quinnepiack " (the New Haven Colony) in 1639. The 
 great-grandfather of the mariner was Rev. Noadiah Rus- 
 sell, one of the ten ministers to found Yale College in 
 1700, described as " a little man in stature, pious and holy, 
 visited all his flock round twice a year, giving good and 
 holy counsel." 
 
 Captain Russell's grandfather was also a minister, of 
 Stepney parish, Connecticut, portrayed in his funeral 
 sermon " as a plain man in his manners, in the deep sense 
 of his responsibility; as a preacher he never stooped to 
 frivolous embellishments of style so popular with some 
 congregations, but attired himself habitually with the 
 simplicity of the Gospel." Captain Russell's father was 
 a soldier of the Revolution with Washington at Valley 
 Forge, and represented the town of Winsted, Conn., in 
 the General Assembly of 1801. 
 
 The seafaring descendant of these pioneers of godly 
 lives and worthy deeds proved himself in every way 
 worthy of the name he bore, incongruous as this may 
 sound to modern ears of a slaver out of Bristol and 
 Newport, those twin centers of the roaring traffic in rum 
 and negroes. Most of his maritime years were passed 
 
THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 in the employ of Captain James* and Captain Charles 
 De Wolfs of Bristol. His papers, of which this book 
 consists, came at length into the hands of his descendant, 
 the late Hamlin Russell, of Newark, N. J., who, had he 
 lived, would have edited them with unusual literary taste 
 and sympathy. In a page of prefatory notes left with 
 these papers in the old sea-chest he wrote well and fairly 
 of this ancestor of his: 
 
 "In Captain John W. Russell there lived a man who 
 was brave as he was gentle, a man who loved his friends 
 and did his duty in life faithfully. One who, while longing 
 for a peaceful life passed his days in turmoil and died 
 leaving behind him in these ancient pages a record of 
 which all who bear his name have reason to be proud." 
 
 This verdict carries a wider significance, in my opinion, 
 for there is reason to be proud, also, of this humble 
 sailor and knightly lover as a true-blooded American 
 whose spirit and whose qualities of character cannot be 
 permitted to become old-fashioned if this nation is to 
 endure upon the foundation laid by its builders. 
 
 Froude, in his essay, "England's Forgotten Worthies," 
 
 * James DeWolf, United States Senator from Rhode Island, and one 
 of the foremost American merchants of his time, was the son of a 
 humble sailor, Mark Antony DeWolf from Guadaloupe. Born in 
 Bristol in 1764, James De Wolf served on privateers during the Revolu- 
 tion while a boy in his teens, and was twice captured. He was a ship- 
 master before he was twenty and at the age of thirty-five had amassed a 
 fortune. During the war of 1812 he sent out a formidable fleet of priva- 
 teers against British commerce, and from his own shipyard the sloop-of- 
 war, Chippewa, was built and delivered to Commodore Oliver Hazard 
 Perry in fifty-seven days after her keel was laid. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 7 
 
 pays tribute to the seafaring heroes of the Elizabethan 
 age, and what he says of the ship-captains of that golden 
 era is also true, in a less conspicious way, of such an old- 
 time American mariner as this Captain John Russell. 
 
 "With us the sailor is scarcely himself beyond his 
 quarter-deck. If he is distinguished in his profession, 
 he is professional merely; or if he is more than that, he 
 owes it not to his work as a sailor, but to independent 
 domestic culture. With them their profession was the 
 school of their nature, a high moral education which most 
 brought out what was most nobly human in them; and 
 the wonders of earth, and air, and sea, and sky, were a 
 real intelligible language in which they heard Almighty 
 God speaking to them." 
 
 It may help to acquaint the reader with the man him- 
 self if his romance and sea-life are prefaced by sundry 
 quotations from letters written to his father. Modern 
 improvements have not bettered the eighteenth century 
 art of letter writing, nor is it certain that the one-time 
 attitude of filial respect was an undesirable thing in chil- 
 dren. From Claremont, N. H., at the age of twenty- 
 three, John Russell addressed his father Nathaniel, at 
 Colebrook, Conn., under date of September 23, 1793: 
 
 "Dear and Respected Sir: 
 
 Bound by the ties of duty, obligation and gratitude 
 to my Honoured Parents, I feel much pleasure whenever 
 I think it is in my power to add to their Happiness. That 
 a letter from me will be pleasing to you I make no Doubt 
 
8 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 — the kindliness and tenderness I have ever experienced 
 from the best of Fathers forbids me to doubt it. To you, 
 my Dear Sir, I feel myself under every obligation for the 
 care and attention which you bestowed on me while I 
 was under your immediate care — for the pains which 
 you and my dear Mamma have both taken to form my 
 mind and to teach me those things in infancy which might 
 be useful to me through life. However distant or how- 
 ever long we may be separated, I shall still cherish a 
 grateful remembrance of your goodness and shall ever 
 implore the Divine Benediction to rest upon your head. 
 . . . One of my brothers some time since, wrote me 
 that he heard I was chosen Justice of the Peace. In this 
 State the Justices are appointed by the Governor and 
 Council, and not chosen by the Assembly as in Connecti- 
 cut. But for many reasons I declined accepting — my 
 youth and inexperience and the little relish I have for 
 honorary stations or titles — except I were very sure of 
 filling them with Propriety — these were my principal 
 reasons. My friends, many of them, blame me, but I 
 have seen no cause to repent." 
 
 In 1796, John Russell undertook a western journey, 
 and joined the pioneers who were pushing on into the 
 wilderness of Western New York and Michigan. He 
 selected a tract of land near Presque Isle and wrote his 
 father: 
 
 "We are pleased with our situation — are clearing land 
 slowly and expect to sow some wheat. There are many 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 9 
 
 people at Presque Isle, but from various causes this year 
 the settlement will be small. The Connecticut Com- 
 pany are on their Reserve only 22 miles beyond us, and 
 all are healthy and in good spirits." 
 
 It is to be presumed that this promising prospect proved 
 disappointing, and that John Russell had not the bent of 
 the successful frontiersman. Two years later, in 1798, he 
 is in Virginia and embarking upon the first voyage of a 
 seafaring career which was to continue almost unbroken 
 until his death in 1814 at the early age of forty-four. What 
 were the risks our sailors and merchants faced in the years 
 when the French, in our unofficial war with the u Terrible 
 Republic," were cruelly harassing our feeble marine are 
 pictured in the following letter from John Russell to his 
 father : 
 
 Charleston, (S. C.,) Jan. 19th, 1798. 
 "Dear and Respected Sir: 
 
 I think it uncertain whether you have heard anything 
 from me since I left Virginia in the month of August. I 
 then informed you of the particulars of my Southern 
 journey and how, to secure my own Debt, I was induced 
 to take a share in a Brig and Cargo — bound to the West 
 Indies. I sailed soon after from the river Potomac 
 bound to Cape Nicholas Mole — the Brig and Cargo worth 
 eleven thousand dollars — one half of which was my own, 
 and the remainder consigned to me as super-cargo. After 
 being out fourteen days we were taken by a French pri- 
 vateer — myself and a boy were put on board the privateer 
 
10 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 without being allowed to take any clothes with me. Our 
 Brig was ordered to Cape Francois. 
 
 After being ten days on the Privateer — she having weak- 
 ened herself by manning prizes and having only 10 men on 
 board — I, with two other prisoners and two boys, concerted 
 a plan to take possession of the privateer, in which we 
 happily succeeded, and stood for Jamaica. But twelve 
 hours after we unfortunately fell in with another French 
 Privateer, of large force, who, on sending their boat on 
 board, discovered our situation, and soon turned the ta- 
 bles upon us. I will not attempt to detail the long series 
 of cruel treatment which succeeded. 
 
 In three days I was landed and closely confined at 
 Petit Ance, opposite to Cape Francois. Three weeks I 
 was in irons, among filth and dirt, sickness and death; 
 upon a very small allowance of bad provisions. At length 
 I was released on the 27th of Novr. In the mean time the 
 Brig and Cargo were condemned, and when I was liber- 
 ated, I had no clothes and not a shilling. . . . 
 
 I took passage in a sloop bound to Norfolk in Virginia, 
 where I arrived on the 30th of Deer. I had reason to ex- 
 pect that the gentleman who owned the other half of the 
 Brig, was now at this place, which induced me to take 
 passage in a packet, which arrived here on the 8th 
 Inst. I was disappointed in not finding him. I felt my 
 situation distressing enough, among strangers — without 
 money and without clothes. To complete my Misfor- 
 tunes I have been arrested for a debt, due in Phila., and 
 am now in Jail at this place. A Capt. Thomas Bunce, of 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 11 
 
 Rockyhill — Master of a sloop, very generously furnished 
 me with twenty five Dollars, with which assistance I will 
 be at Liberty in five days from this. For that sum I have 
 ventured to give him an order on you, and hope when you 
 recollect my peculiarly wretched situation, you will not 
 refuse to pay it. Indeed, I believe there is more than that 
 sum due me, as I had a note against you for five pound, 
 which has been many years on interest, and as I never did 
 call on you for any assistance and should be sorry Capt. 
 Bunce should lie out of his money, I hope you will leave that 
 sum with my aunt Robbins, agreeable to Capt. Bunce 's 
 request. My brother Benjamin has heard nothing of me 
 since I sailed for the West Indies. Poor Lad! How he 
 has fared in that western country, I know not. Had I 
 made a successful voyage it would have laid the foundation 
 of a fortune for him and me too. I have much anxiety 
 for his situation. But my own misfortunes have well- 
 nigh distracted me. . . ." 
 
 (The following mutilated letter is endorsed "March 
 22nd, 1798," and addressed as the preceding.) 
 
 ". . . have neglected writing until I could inform 
 you what I was going about. I have an offer to go to St. 
 Thomas, one of the Danish W. Indies, and expect to sail 
 this day. I have a prospect of making something if the 
 voyage succeeds, and in my situation I was glad to accept 
 of any business. You may rest assured, my Dear Father, 
 that poor and unfortunate as I am, your son has not dis- 
 graced himself. No — though entirely a stranger here, I 
 
12 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 have received the countenance and friendship of some of 
 the best men in the place. It would have afforded me the 
 highest satisfaction could I have heard from you before I 
 again quit the Continent — and in particular from my 
 good brother Benjamin. . . . But I never shall think 
 of returning to the Northward until I am enabled to full- 
 fill those engagements into which I have entered and to 
 realize those expectations which my friends have formed 
 of me. This, I have no doubt, I shall do, if I have health, 
 and I never enjoyed better than at present. I have a 
 thousand things to attend to this day. Accept my Duty, 
 and Love to you all, and believe me to be Dear Sir, Your 
 very affectionate son, John W. Russell. 
 
 N. B. I sail in the 
 Schooner called the 
 Eliza, of Charleston, 
 Caot. Combs." 
 
 St. Thomas (W. I.), August 12th, 1798. 
 "Dear and Respected Sir: 
 
 I wrote you on my departure from Norfolk and men- 
 tioned my destination to this port. I am very happy to 
 have it in my power to inform you of my safe arrival. I 
 have been here about four weeks, and have sold the 
 Schooner I came out in. The present critical situation 
 of affairs is such, and almost every vessel being unwilling 
 to take letters, you will readily conceive why I do not 
 write you more particularly. That I am in good health 
 and have good prospects before me, I am sure will add 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 13 
 
 to your happiness. And to increase that happiness in 
 any manner, will always be the favorite wish of my heart. 
 Nothing could give me greater pleasure than once more to 
 hear of the welfare of those dear friends I left behind me, 
 but unsettled as I am at present it is a happiness I cannot 
 expect. But my most ardent prayers will always be 
 breathed to Heaven, to crave its protection and blessing 
 on the heads of my dear and respected Parents. I expect 
 to proceed from hence to one of the Windward Islands, 
 and shall lose no opportunity of writing to you. This 
 goes in a Danish Brig by way of Boston. My love to my 
 brothers and sisters. I am, with duty and affection, 
 
 Your son, 
 
 John W. Russell." 
 
14 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 n 
 
 NANCY SMITH OF BRISTOL 
 
 SO much of these early letters as has been quoted 
 was by way of introduction to the following u Jour- 
 nal of Captain John W. Russell, Mariner, of 
 Bristol, R. I.," as he inscribed the title page of the sea- 
 stained book in which he kept a more complete and 
 detailed record than in the ordinary log. With this journal 
 begins the romance which was to color almost every 
 thought of the shipmaster in the years that followed. It 
 is during the voyage to Havana, as described herein, that 
 he drinks his first toast to fair Nancy Smith, and by an 
 odd chance his schooner bears the name of the girl he 
 leaves behind him. Her memory seems to be the one 
 bright picture in a voyage which is amazingly crowded 
 with misfortunes. In his first sea venture of the year 
 before, the fortune of war had snatched his vessel from 
 him. Now he loses his cargo by stress of weather, and 
 later is thrown into a Spanish dungeon and his mate sails 
 off from Cuba without him. The journal reads, for the 
 most part, as follows: 
 
 May 27th, 1799. I took charge of the Schooner Nancy, 
 then lying in Bristol Harbour, State of Rhode Island, 
 having on board 16 horses, some provisions and lumber, 
 and bound to New Providence and Havana — the wind 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 15 
 
 blowing every day at S.W. prevented our sailing till 
 Friday, May 31st. When the wind suddenly shifting to 
 N.N.E., at meridian, we weighed and made sail. Before 
 we got down to Newport, it rained very hard and became 
 very thick, so that we could scarce see twice the vessel's 
 length, and blowing hard. We ran in and came to 
 anchor just within the U. S. Frigate Genl. Greene,* Capt. 
 Perry — blowing hard and raining all night. 
 
 I have now bid adieu, for a while, to Bristol, where I 
 have loitered some time and which I leave with more 
 regret than I expected. I arrived there with feelings 
 soured by a long course of disappointments and with a 
 disposition so fretted by the corroding hand of misfortune 
 as almost wholly to unfit me for the enjoyment of social 
 intercourse — and in fact without a wish to cultivate the 
 acquaintance of anyone — but the free, hospitable manners 
 of many of its inhabitants has imperceptibly brought me 
 to relish their society. To Capt. C. DeWolf and his 
 
 * The frigate General Greene was built by James DeWolf, of Bristol, 
 and Gibbs and Channing, of Newport, as a merchantman, but was 
 bought by the Government while still on the stocks. She was put in 
 commission in April, 1799, in command of Capt. Christopher Raymond 
 Perry. The General Greene was of 645 tons burden, pierced for 24 
 twelve-pounders, and carried in all 32 guns and 250 men. On her first 
 cruise Oliver Hazard Perry, later the hero of Lake Erie, was a midship- 
 man. This frigate captured several French prizes, but made an unlucky 
 record. She became infected with a malignant tropical fever which cost 
 the lives of several of her crew. In 1805 she was spoken of as a "sheer 
 hulk," and in 1814 she was burned to prevent her falling into the hands 
 of the British. In later letters Captain Russell tells of meeting her in 
 Havana harbor and of her useful service in convoying American merchant 
 fleets against the attacks of French privateers. 
 
16 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 whole family I am under great obligations — his daughter 
 Abby and her cousin and friend, Nancy Smith, have treated 
 me with such friendly attention as to recall forcibly to my 
 recollection those halcyon days which I formerly spent 
 in the society of those I loved. While I have sighed at 
 the remembrance of past happiness, I have been tempted 
 when in their company once more to open the book of 
 friendship, which I thought I had closed forever. But 
 business calls me away — once more I am on the wing — 
 Adieu for a while ye kind hearted Girls — May guardian 
 Angels protect you from every ill, and may ye each meet 
 with happiness pure as your virtues and exalted as your 
 own benevolent hearts. 
 
 . . . Sunday, June 9th (at Sea). Yesterday and 
 last night we experienced the severest gale of wind I ever 
 knew in these seas, beginning at E.S.E. and ending at 
 N.N.W. preceded and accompanied with heavy rain. 
 After every exertion on my part we were obliged at 4 p. m. 
 yesterday to throw all our horses overboard. A most tre- 
 mendous sea running and being in imminent danger every 
 moment of upsetting, it was with much difficulty we got 
 clear of the horses. At the time we cut away the lee 
 part of the awning the upper part of the stanchions 
 were under water. For several hours afterwards the gale 
 increased and had the horses remained on board half an 
 hour longer nothing short of Omnipotence could have 
 saved the vessell and our lives. We lost some hay — 
 our oars — jib, &c. and I got severely bruised among the 
 horses — thank God it is no worse. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 17 
 
 Monday, June 10th. Reflections on the preceding 
 scene. 
 
 The Great disposer of events on earth 
 
 For some unsearchable and unknown purpose 
 
 Is pleased to mark me for adversity. 
 
 Teach me O Thou Parent of the Universe to bow sub- 
 missive to Thy Will — and teach me to discern the hand 
 of a father amid the chastenings of a God. 
 
 "Nor God alone in the great calm we find — 
 He mounts the storm and walks upon the wind.*' 
 
 I ought to feel peculiarly grateful that during the late 
 tremendous trial my presence of mind never for a moment 
 forsook me — there was no hurry — no confusion — and 
 were the scene to be acted over again I do not recollect 
 anything I could have done but what was done, nor 
 anything I did which I now wish had been left undone. 
 It was a melancholy scene to see the horses swimming 
 after us — which many of them did for nearly half an 
 hour — but attention to our immediate safety at that time 
 drove away all the other considerations. We were obliged 
 to lower all sail and lay too under bare poles till next 
 morning. 
 
 This event is not only unfortunate for the owners and 
 shippers, but it is peculiarly so for me — not only as the 
 greater part of the little emolument I expected depended 
 on the sale of the horses — but also as it is the first business 
 I have ever done for my present employers and the first 
 
18 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 voyage I have ever sailed from that port — but whatever 
 my anxiety may be I have the consolation of reflecting 
 that I have done everything that depended on me. 
 
 Let me see — a pair of my Bristol friends* made me 
 promise to drink their health every Saturday night at 9 
 o'clock and engaged at that hour to pledge me. What 
 was my situation at 9 o'clock last Saturday night? At 10 
 I remember that the fury of the elements having some- 
 what abated I went below for the first time for several 
 hours — dripping with water — having been thoroughly 
 drenched to my skin for 36 hours, and without sleep 42 
 hours. I then thought that to 
 
 "Comfort our hearts with a morsel of dram" 
 
 would be good for us all — and though one hour later than 
 the stipulated time, I did not forget to drink 
 
 "To the friends Vve left behind me." 
 
 Tuesday , June 11th. What a striking contrast is now 
 exhibited to the scene which presented itself on Saturday 
 last. One would hardly suppose that we are now swim- 
 ming on the same Sea. Then it appeared as if all the 
 elements were rushing together in confusion and that the 
 system of Nature would hardly be able to stand the shock. 
 Now everything looks smiling — the morning beautifully 
 serene though calm. Not a cloud to be seen and the face 
 of old Ocean smooth as the bosom of conscious inno- 
 cence — in the afternoon a fine breeze, and the wind fair 
 * Misses Abby DeWolf and Nancy Smith. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 19 
 
 makes it, if possible, still more pleasant. Then if reflec- 
 tion could have been permitted the prospect of immediate 
 dissolution would have obtruded itself. Now — the pros- 
 pect is fair for a safe and pleasant passage to our destined 
 port. So fares it also in the voyage of life — the calm suc- 
 ceeds the storm, and probably if we never endured the one, 
 we should not so richly enjoy the other. 
 
 Sunday, June 16th. For several days past we have 
 been constantly struggling with a head wind and heavy 
 Sea, which has sent us much out of our course to the 
 Eastw'd. — and allowed us to gain but slowly to the 
 Southw'd. This afternoon, however, the wind has shifted 
 to N.N.E., a light breeze but very fair for us and 
 we once more are cheered with the prospect of seeing 
 an end to our passage; this is the more gratifying as 
 for several days past the vessell has leaked so much as 
 to keep one hand employed at the pump one third of the 
 time. 
 
 The prayers of the Church are with us to-day and we 
 are blessed with a fair wind — Heark ye there — You Bris- 
 tol Girls — how went the cheerful bottle last night — I fear 
 you have already forgotten your engagement, while I at 
 the appointed hour swigg'd my Saturday night's allow- 
 ance and religiously toasted — " The friends Tve left behind 
 
 While my warm sighs increased the wind 
 Looked on the Moon and thought of 
 
 Sunday, June %3d. Yesterday at 4 p.m. made the 
 island of Abaco ahead — ran down for the South end or 
 
20 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Hole-in-the-Wall* — so-called — and at Sun-set it bore 
 N.W.W. from us distant 3 leagues. Our Main mast is 
 unfortunately sprung — the wind in the night proved scant, 
 not being able to carry a whole Mainsail. This morning 
 we had the mortification to see the town and Harbour of 
 Nassau several miles to windward of us. By this time 
 the Main Mast work'd so badly that we could carry no 
 sail at all on it — expecting every minute it would go 
 over the side. In this situation we were obliged to bear 
 away — and running in for the land, with difficulty and 
 great risk, found our way into a bay and came to anchor 
 in 3 fathom water. 
 
 Sunday, June %3d, 1799. Got our boat out which 
 prov'd very leaky — having lost all our oars but one — made 
 some paddles, and with one man constantly bailing water, 
 made out to reach the shore — being about a mile from the 
 Schooner. This place is called Charlottesville and is 12 
 miles to the Westw'd. of Nassau — there are some scatter- 
 ing plantations near. Through the politeness of Mr. Wiley 
 I obtained a Horse — and having partook at Mr. Ander- 
 son's of a good turtle dinner, proceeded to Nassau. 
 
 * "Their coasting vessel knew the way (to the West Indies) without 
 quadrant or Practical Navigator. Their skippers kept their reckoning 
 with chalk on a shingle which they stowed away in the binnacle; and by 
 way of observations they held up a hand to the sun. When they got him 
 over four fingers they knew they were straight for Hole-in-the-Wall; 
 three fingers gave them their course to the Double-headed-Shot Keys, 
 and two carried them down to Barbadoes." (Quotation from an 
 old writer of a humorous turn in The American Merchant Marine by 
 Winthrop L. Marvin.) 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 21 
 
 Monday, June 24th. Having by Capt. Hunter's assist- 
 ance procured a black carpenter, went with him to Char- 
 lottesville and after examination concluded to try to repair 
 the Mast. 
 
 Thursday, June 27th. At 10 a.m. weighed anchor 
 from Charlottesville, wind E.S.E. and on Friday at 8 p.m. 
 came to anchor just within the bar at Nassau. 
 
 Nassau, Sunday, June 30th. I here met Capt. 
 Howland in the Schooner Neptune of Bristol, belonging 
 to Capt. C. DeWolf, from the coast of Africa — sent in 
 a few days since by the British Frigate, Lowestoffe. He 
 was a stranger to me — but knowing his friends in Bristol, 
 from whom I had letters to him, (expecting to meet him 
 in Havana) — I have made acquaintance with him. 
 
 This place appears to me as formerly. Privateering — 
 alias plundering, is the order of the day. A majority of 
 the people are a set of raggamuffins who could not live in 
 any civilized place and are here collected from all quarters. 
 It contains, however, some very worthy characters. Here 
 too I have very unexpectedly met, in the person of Mrs. 
 Ormsby,* a lovely and unfortunate young woman in 
 whose History I was once deeply Interested — but whom 
 the recent events of a few of the last years had almost 
 driven from my memory. 
 
 Having landed and sold what hay and corn I had 
 
 * The editor is unable to cast any light upon the previous acquaintance 
 of the shipmaster with the " lovely Mrs. Ormsby." It is possible that she 
 may have been somewhat responsible for the unhappy condition of mind 
 to which he has referred as clouding his younger years. 
 
22 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 left — compleated my repairs in the cheapest and best 
 manner possible, I cleared out the Schooner for Hav- 
 ana. I can find no opportunity to write my Northern 
 friends from this place or to forward my protest. 
 
 Havana, July Sth. I have the pleasure of meeting 
 here Capt. B. Smith with whom I took passage from this 
 place in Feby. last, and who is one of my present owners. 
 From the length of time I have been from Bristol I ex- 
 pected he would have sailed from hence — but it seems 
 there has been an embargo here for some time which has 
 detained him. I feel happy to meet him on many ac- 
 counts — as a friend whom I esteem — as a man to whom 
 I am under obligations for his civility to me when a 
 stranger — and as an owner of the vessell who will take 
 some trouble off my hands. 
 
 July 11th. About 50 American vessels sailed under 
 convoy of the Genl. Greene frigate who has been some 
 time here, having sprung his foretopmast in the same 
 gale in which I suffered. I waited on Capt. Perry and 
 was received by him with his usual politeness. Capt. 
 Smith sailed with the Convoy — by him I wrote Mr. S. 
 Bourn enclosing a duplicate of my protest — by him too 
 I took the liberty of writing jointly to my friends Miss 
 DeWolf and Miss Smith. 
 
 Havana, Sunday, July 14th. Capt. Smith having 
 left directions with me to proceed to an out port to 
 load, I yesterday hauled up to the Regla to repair and 
 take in Casks. Last evening went down in my boat to 
 help get up the Neptune, Capt. Howland — a beautiful 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 23 
 
 still and moonlight evening — and when about 9 o'clock 
 Capt. Howland toasted " Our Bristol friends," I pledged 
 and drank it with a double relish from the hope that at 
 that moment I should be remembered by them. 
 
 June 17th. Having compleated what repairs I deem 
 absolutely necessary, and reed, on board my empty Casks 
 — this morning early I came in the Schooner from the 
 Regla and receiving on board a Spanish pilot at 6 p.m. 
 weighed and made sail bound to Santa Cruz* — having 
 had most of the passage a strong Current against us, and 
 part of the time quite calm. 
 
 Santa Cruz, Sunday, July 91st. The port of Santa 
 Cruz is about 6J leagues to the Leeward of the 
 Matanzas and may be easily found by a remarkable white 
 rock about two miles to windward! — a little from the 
 shore on the ascent to the highland resembling the ruins 
 of an old castle — a little to the westward of this and nearer 
 the water is a single white rock resembling a Church 
 steeple with the spire broken off or a sail within land. — As 
 you approach the shore there is the appearance of 3 small 
 rivers at no great distance from each other — the western- 
 most is Santa Cruz. It is the mouth of a fresh water 
 river — its entrance is not more than 2 hundred yards wide. 
 In going in you steer S.S.E. — Good Anchorage in 2 fathom 
 
 * A Cuban port. 
 
 f Charts were imperfect a century ago and navigation as much guess- 
 work as science. Therefore, captains made a habit of carefully des- 
 cribing land-falls in their logs and journals not only for their own future 
 use but also to assist other shipmasters of their acquaintance who might 
 be bound in the same direction. 
 
24 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 water — the Harbour is very small and must be unsafe in 
 a Northerly wind — it is entirely surrounded by rocks — 
 there is no settlement, only 3 or 4 low houses or huts in 
 sight — a little inland are some fine plantations at one of 
 which at 2 miles distance we get our Molasses. 
 
 Having loaded the vessell with Molasses on Thurs- 
 day, July 25th I left the Mate and people to water and 
 prepare for Sea — and with a Horse and guide proceeded 
 to Havana to settle my accounts — passed through a fine 
 country and generally good roads — arrived at Havana 
 same evening, the distance 13 leagues. 
 
 Saturday, 27th. Having compleated my business at 
 Havana at 11 a.m. set out with my guide for St. Cruz. 
 Was stopped by a Civil Magistrate called the Alcade 
 Provincial who pretended not to be satisfied with my 
 papers and after treating me very ill detained me all 
 night. I could not prevail with the rascal either to send 
 me back to Havana for examination or suffer me to write 
 there. Finding he could not extort Money from me, he 
 next morning after robbing me of my Cash, papers, clothes, 
 &c. sent me to prison at the village of Alracore where by 
 his orders we were both put in irons and then thrown into 
 a Dungeon and confined in the stocks. 
 
 Sunday, July 28th. Notwithstanding my wretched 
 situation I found means to send a Letter to Don Pedro 
 Lavondo at Havana who immediately came to see me 
 and offered every assistance in his power. He returned 
 the same evening to Havana and next night came again to 
 Alracore having procured an order from the Governor 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 25 
 
 for my release and restoration of my property which was 
 effected next morning. I immediately took leave of Don 
 Pedro whose more than brotherly kindness on this occa- 
 sion I shall never forget. He with every one else that I 
 conversed with reprobated in strong terms the conduct of 
 the scoundrel who stopped me. 
 
 Tuesday, July 30th. Proceeded with my guide to St. 
 Cruz and arrived there at 5 p.m. and here to my inex- 
 pressible surprise and vexation find the Schooner gone 
 to Sea. It seems a report of my being detained had 
 reached the Mate — who without staying to investigate 
 the truth of it instantly cut his Cable and made sail. The 
 fellow must have been frightened out of his senses. I 
 have all the vesselVs papers and my clothes &c. are on 
 board — and I am really left in a pretty situation. 
 
 After the cruel scenes I have just been thro* — to find 
 my vessell gone in this manner is almost too much — there 
 is not one chance in ten for her safe arrival. And if 
 raving would do any good I would swear roundly. I 
 believe however it is best to set down and cool myself 
 with the reflection that Whatever is, is right. Having 
 got what information I could at St. Cruz I next morning 
 set out with my old guide for Havana and arrived at 4 
 p.m. I immediately made a protest before a Spanish 
 Notary and next day took passage on the Schooner 
 Sphinx, Capt. Gorham, bound to Boston. 
 
 Friday, August 2d. The Sphinx sailed from Havana. 
 On the 4th day the Mate died of the yellow fever — the ves- 
 sell weak manned — the Capt. ill and much bad weather 
 
26 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 renders the passage very disagreeable. On Saturday, 
 August 24th arrived at Holmes' Hole in Martha's Vine- 
 yard having had a pilot on board for 7 days. I now left 
 the Sphinx and went aboard the Scr. Hannah, Captain 
 Barlow from Machias to Newport. Sailed from Holmes' 
 Hole Sunday, August 25th, wind ahead and on Tuesday 
 at 3 p.m. arrived at Newport. Here to my great joy 
 learned that the Nancy had safe arrived some days ago — 
 took passage immediately for Bristol and arrived the same 
 evening. 
 
 After an absence of 3 months I have at length reached 
 my destined port. The situation in which I was left in 
 Cuba and the stories reported on the Nancy's arrival 
 here had interested the curiosity of every one. I have 
 the pleasure of finding the few friends whom I love all 
 well, and find myself heartily wellcomed by all and my 
 Conduct approved by my owners. 
 
 Wednesday, Sept. 4th. Went with a small party to 
 attend Commencement at Providence. Was gratified 
 with the exhibition — but more so by attending the theatre 
 in the eveng. to see the performance of Lovers' Vows — 
 next day returned to Bristol. 
 
 The opinion which I had formed of this place and its 
 inhabitants has not been lessened but rather gained 
 strength by a longer acquaintance. The beautiful situa- 
 tion of the town — the romantic scenes around it — and the 
 variety of pleasing prospects which the adjacent country 
 affords — all furnish an inexhaustible fund of amusement 
 for a contemplative mind. And the agreeable circle with 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 27 
 
 whom I am on terms of intimacy are always sure to interest 
 my social feelings so far that the heart must be more 
 deadened to social joy than even mine that could not find 
 some pleasure in such society. 
 
28 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 III 
 
 A VOYAGE IN THE SLAVE TRADE 
 
 THE particulars which Captain Russell fails to furnish 
 in the following journal of a slave voyage may be 
 readily obtained from other sources. In Munro's 
 "History of the Town of Bristol," for instance, the method 
 of conducting the business is described: 
 
 "The early employment of distilleries shows that the 
 people of Bristol must soon have ceased to draw their 
 slaves from the West Indies. Nearly all the owners of the 
 distilleries also owned many vessels. From Cuba a cargo 
 of molasses was procured and quickly converted into New 
 England rum. From the distilleries the great casks went 
 straight to the hold of a schooner or sloop lying at a 
 neighboring wharf. Some light goods suited to the bar- 
 baric tastes of the natives of the coast were also placed 
 on board, and the vessel was cleared for the coast of 
 Africa. The voyage was almost always a long one, for 
 the vessels were built to carry freight and not for speed; 
 the stay upon the coast was tedious (depending greatly 
 on the conditions among the inland tribes from whom the 
 captives were mostly obtained). One by one the hogs- 
 heads of rum would be bartered for slaves until the de- 
 sired number was obtained, and then the captain would 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 29 
 
 sail for Cuba or one of the neighboring islands (of the 
 West Indies) where he was always sure of a ready market 
 for his cargo. There he would load with molasses for 
 Bristol, and so the round voyage would be completed." 
 
 Captain Russell disliked the trade, and in later letters 
 to his wife declared that he would have nothing more 
 to do with it. In this show of scruples he was an excep- 
 tion to the majority of sailors and merchants who were 
 more of the state of mind of the pious Bristol skipper who 
 wrote home: 
 
 "We have now been twenty days upon the coast, and 
 by the blessing of God shall soon have a good cargo." 
 
 In 1800, Representative Brown, of Rhode Island, said 
 in debate : " We want money; we want a navy; we ought 
 therefore to use the means to obtain it. . . . Why 
 should we see Great Britain getting all the slave trade to 
 themselves — why may not our country be enriched by 
 that lucrative traffic?" 
 
 Rhode Island was getting her share of the trade, 
 however, for during the years, 1804-1807, the official re- 
 turns of the Charleston (S. C.) custom house showed that 
 the slave-ships entering from Africa comprised, "from 
 Connecticut, 1 ; Boston, 1 ; Norfolk, 2 ; Baltimore, 4 ; Rhode 
 Island, 59; Charleston, 61; Sweden, 1; France, 3; Great 
 Britain, 70." Of sixty-one ships, then, hailing from North- 
 ern ports Rhode Island had sent out all but two. 
 
 In 1808 the African slave trader was prohibited by law 
 and very shortly after that the leading nations of the world 
 united in efforts to suppress it. But because it at once 
 
30 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 became more profitable than ever, men continued to en- 
 gage in it. Then came the horrors of the Middle Pas- 
 sage, the recital of which* even now curdles the blood. 
 The old easy-going and comparatively comfortable vessels 
 (of Captain Russell's time) were abandoned because 
 unfitted to the changed conditions of the business. Ships 
 built for speed took their place. It was the fiendish 
 cruelty of those later voyages which drew upon the accursed 
 traffic the execrations of the civilized world, and which 
 covered those formerly engaged in it, with a load of 
 opprobium which they did not wholly deserve. 
 
 One of James De Wolf's captains wrote him in 1796 
 from St. Thomas: 
 
 "This will inform you of my arrival in this port safe 
 with seventy-eight slaves. I lost two on the passage. I 
 had sixty-two days passage. I found times very bad on 
 the coast. Prime slaves are one hogshead and thirty gal- 
 lons of rum, or seven Joes gold (8 dol.) and boys one 
 hogshead of rum. I left Capt. Isaac Manchester at 
 Amenebue with ninety slaves on board. I shall do the 
 best I can and without other orders load with molasses 
 and return to Bristol.*' 
 
 This document is proof that in the early days of the 
 American slave trade, captains were humane, and solicit- 
 ous to land their cargoes without loss. A vessel in which 
 only two slaves died during a voyage of more than two 
 months must have been equipped and laden with scru- 
 pulous attention to the health and comfort of its human 
 freight, as contrasted with the later era when the helpless 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 31 
 
 creatures were packed "spoon fashion" between decks 
 no more than three feet "in the clear." 
 
 Captain Russell was a finer type of man than the 
 average shipmaster in the slave trade of his time, and his 
 letters indicate that he was heartily glad to get clear of it, 
 even with the loss of his vessel and cargo for which he 
 mourns almost not at all. In fact, one must read closely 
 between the lines of the following pages to perceive the 
 nature of this voyage of the schooner Commerce. The 
 journal begins in this fashion: 
 
 Bristol, Sept. 16th, 1799. I this day took charge of the 
 Scr. Commerce — she is to be new sheathed and repaired. 
 The voyage contemplated is a hazardous and disagreeable 
 one — but promises great pecuniary advantages — as such I 
 am induced to undertake it. To Mr. S. Bourn, one of the 
 owners of the Nancy I am indebted for this offer — that 
 Gentleman's attention to me when a stranger I shall 
 never forget and I hope by my assiduity in business to 
 show him that I am not ungrateful. 
 
 I am a boarder with Mr. Keith and have not felt myself 
 for a long time so much at home as now. The family con- 
 sists of himself and wife and a little nephew. Mrs. Keith 
 is certainly one of the first of women — The utmost neat- 
 ness and economy in housekeeping and unremitted indus- 
 try are among her smallest accomplishments. Cheerful 
 and even in her temper — fond of her friends and with 
 talent to adorn social Life — she seems born to be the de- 
 light of those with whom she is connected. How often do 
 
32 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 I wish the situation of this couple was more eligible and 
 how often am I tempted in their behalf to rail at fortune — 
 It surely does not lessen Mrs. Keith in my opinion that she 
 is the particular and intimate friend of Miss S.* of whom 
 the more that I know the more I find to esteem. Miss S. 
 is now a resident with her sister lately married to Capt. 
 Munroe. By them both I have been treated with much 
 civility and even friendship and the hours I pass at their 
 house are among the happiest that I spend. 
 
 Were I to draw a picture of Miss S. such as she appears 
 to me — J should say — She is not a beauty — yet in her 
 presence beauties would be discontented with themselves — At 
 first she scarcely appears pretty — but the more she is known 
 the more agreeable she appears — she gains when others 
 lose — and what she gains she never loses — Without much 
 knowledge of the world she is attentive, obliging, and grace- 
 ful in all she does. 
 
 If I proceed I may possibly fall in love with the picture — 
 and yet — where can be the danger — any picture that I can 
 possibly draw of this amiable girl must fall far short of the 
 original 
 
 Thursday, Octo. 17th, 1799. Sailed from Bristol in 
 Schooner Commerce bound to Boston. Left the Wharf 
 at Bristol at 9 a.m. wind N.W. went thro' Sogkonate 
 passage — fresh breeze all day — At 5 p.m. came to anchor 
 in the Harbour of Holmes' Hole, Martha's Vineyard. 
 
 Saturday, Octor. 19th. Sailed from Holmes' Hole in 
 company with 26 vessells. Weighed anchor at 9 a.m. 
 * Nancy Smith. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 33 
 
 Wind at S. soon hauled to S.W, by S. — pleasant breeze all 
 day and night. At 5 a.m. on Sunday, Octor. 20th came 
 to anchor in the harbor of Boston — being considerably 
 ahead of the fleet. Mr. John Parker to whom I was con- 
 signed not being in town, I went to his seat in Roxbury — 
 dined there and in the afternoon returned. 
 
 Boston, Monday, Octor. 21st. At 5 a.m. hauled in to 
 Long-wharf — but being ebb tide could not get to our 
 place of discharge. Entered at the Custom House — 
 towards night hauled up to a wharf and prepared to 
 discharge. In the evening accompanied Capt. James 
 DeWolf to the Theatre — where I unexpectedly met one 
 of my former Neighbors in New Hampshire — with whom I 
 had a long and interesting conversation and the opportu- 
 nity it afforded of making particular inquiries concerning 
 my numerous and respected friends in that country 
 afforded me more pleasure than I have for a long time 
 experienced. 
 
 Tuesday, Octor. %%nd. This evening Capt. Smith and 
 Mr. Bourn arrived by land from Bristol to assist me in 
 fitting out — remainder of the week spent in unloading the 
 Molasses I brought from Bristol and receiving another 
 cargo* — Went several evenings to the Theatre with 
 
 * What goods were used in the slave trade has been recorded in many 
 official documents. Here is a summary of the bill of lading of the Sierra 
 Leone, a Yankee slaver of the middle of the eighteenth century: 
 
 " Shipped by the Grace of God in good Order and well conditioned 
 by William Johnson & Co., owners of the said schooner whereof is 
 master under God for this present voyage, David Lindsay & now riding 
 at Anchor in the harbor of Newport, & by God's grace bound for the 
 
34 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Messrs. S. and B. — saw the Castle Spectre performed — 
 and " Count Bengowthi " a play of the Celebrated Kotze- 
 bue. 
 
 Boston, Thursday, Odor. 31st. In the morning Messrs. 
 Smith and Bourn took the Stage for Bristol — and 
 the Commerce being ready for Sea at 4 p.m. took on board 
 a pilot — weighed and made sail — Wind W.N.W. At half 
 past 6 discharged the pilot opposite the Light house 
 
 At 8 p.m. the light bore West distant 2 leagues. At 11 
 p.m. carried away our Main gaft — fresh breeze and heavy 
 sea all night. Next day employed in taking the jaws 
 from the old Gaft and fixing on a new one — attended with 
 difficulty for want of proper tools. Fresh breeze and 
 heavy sea — almost every man more or less sea-sick — for 
 several days rainy rough and disagreeable weather — but 
 the wind being so that we can lay our course we do not 
 so much mind other inconveniences. 
 
 coast of Africa, etc. The usual list of rum, food and shackles follows 
 with 'sixty musketts, six half Barrels Powder,' and so on, the bill ending 
 at last with these words: 'And so God send the good Schooner to her 
 desired port in safety. Amen.'" — The American Slave Trade, by John 
 R. Spears. 
 
 In 1801 when the prices on the slave-coast were at the highest, the 
 following goods were given for one prime slave: 
 
 "One piece of chintz, 18 yards long; one piece of baft, 18 yards long; 
 one piece of chelloe, 18 yards long; one piece of bandanoe; seven hand- 
 kerchiefs; one piece of niccannee, 14 yards long; one piece of cushtae, 
 14 yards long; three pieces of romalls; forty-five handkerchiefs; one 
 large brass pan; two muskets; twenty-five kegs powder; 100 flints; 
 two bags of shots; twenty knives; four iron pots; four hats; four caps; 
 four cutlasses; six bunches beads; fourteen gallons brandy. The total 
 cost of the articles were £25." — The American Slave Trade. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 35 
 
 At Sea — Tuesday, Novr. 5th. A fine clear day succeeds 
 to a rainy and boisterous night — towards evening it grows 
 smooth and after Sunset the Moon appears beautifully 
 serene. An evening like this naturally leads my thoughts 
 to my friends on shore. My lovely Niece is perhaps now 
 enjoying herself on the banks of the Lehigh and casting 
 many an anxious thought towards her absent Uncle. 
 May peace and happiness be yours my dear child and may 
 the calm of conscious innocence ever preside in your breast. 
 We have had several delightful nights — the Moon near her 
 full — and the weather in general mild and clear — inter- 
 spersed however with squalls of wind and rain. Thus it 
 is too in the great voyage of life, our passage is chequered 
 with rough as well as pleasant weather — and our course 
 marked with variety and change. 'Tis to this circum- 
 stance that we owe no inconsiderable part of our happiness. 
 If Life was one unvarying scene even of pleasure it would 
 soon clog, and listlessness and languor would depress us. 
 But in this unceasing change there is food for the activity 
 of our Minds, and by passing thro' Difficulty and Danger 
 we are prepared to receive with a higher relish the more 
 pleasureable scenes that may await us. Interest, there- 
 fore, as well as the sacred principle of Duty should teach 
 us to receive every allotment in humble submission to 
 Him who ordereth all aright. 
 
 Sunday, Novr. 10th. The last 24 hours we have had 
 a very fine run — having made on a due East course 
 156 miles distance. This morning I called all hands aft 
 and read to them some parts of the prayers and morning 
 
36 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 service appointed by the Episcopal Church and informed 
 them that it was my intention to repeat the same every 
 Sunday during the Voyage when the necessary avocations 
 on board would permit. This appeared odd to some of 
 my people and probably would appear so to many others. 
 I however never intend to neglect the practice of any 
 Duty for fear of appearing singular — and if the worship 
 of the Deity is a duty it surely does not cease to be so 
 because we are at Sea. And setting aside everything that 
 relates to the religious or moral part of the business — I 
 can find sufficient inducements to this practice at Sea by 
 the obligation that each individual finds himself under of 
 appearing clean and decent once a week. I remember too 
 what Goldsmith said on a similar occasion — that if there 
 is anything ridiculous in the novelty of the attempt, 
 . . . (illegible in MS.) 
 
 I found in a late Boston newspaper, the following 
 Ballad, which I very much admire, both for its beautiful 
 simplicity of expression and for the excellent morality 
 which it contains. It is called : 
 
 ♦FATHER DENNIS' COMFORTS AND HOW HE 
 CAME BY THEM 
 
 You are old, Father Dennis, the young man said 
 Your locks that are left are quite grey 
 You are hale Father Dennis, a hearty old man 
 Now tell me the reason I pray. 
 
 * This poem was written by Southey in the same year (1799) in which 
 this version of it appeared in a Boston newspaper as quoted by Captain 
 Russell. Oddly enough, and for unknown reasons, the poem had suf- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 37 
 
 In the days of my youth, Father Dennis replied 
 I remembered that youth would fly fast 
 
 And abused not my health and my vigor at first 
 That I never might want them at last 
 
 You are old Father Dennis, the young man said 
 
 And pleasures with youth pass away 
 And yet you regret not the days that are gone 
 
 Now tell me the reason I pray. 
 
 In the days of my youth Father Dennis replied 
 I remembered that youth could not last 
 
 So I thought of the Future whatever I did 
 That I never might grieve for the Past. 
 
 You are old Father Dennis, the young man said 
 
 And life must be hastening away 
 You are cheerful and love to converse upon Death 
 
 Now tell me the reason I pray. 
 
 fered a sea-change. As Southey wrote it, these well-known verses are 
 called: "The Old Man's Comforts and How He Gained Them." 
 They begin : 
 
 " You are old, Father William," the young man cried, 
 " The few locks which are left you are gray: 
 You are hale, Father William, a hearty old man; 
 Now tell me the reason, I pray." 
 
 Father William became " Father Dennis " during his passage across 
 the Atlantic in 1799, but otherwise the poem is substantially unchanged. 
 Of course the parody in " Alice in Wonderland " is more familiar to 
 modern readers than the extremely didactic verses of Southey. These 
 latter would strongly appeal to Captain John Russell, godly mariner 
 that he was, " for the excellent morality " with which they are sur- 
 charged. 
 
38 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 I am cheerful indeed Father Dennis replied 
 
 Let the cause thy attention engage. 
 In the days of my youth I remembered my God 
 
 And my God has remembered my age. 
 
 Friday, Now. 15th. For several days past the wind 
 has been S.E. to S.b.E. and quite light — from observations 
 yesterday and to-day I suspected that there was consider- 
 able current — and at 2 p.m. this day lowered down the 
 yawl and on trial find a current setting N.N.E. about one 
 Knot per hour — the wind still unfavorable — but the 
 weather very pleasant. The nights in particular being 
 remarkably fine — I spend a large part of them on Deck 
 walking — viewing the Moon and smoking a segar at 
 intervals — having but few books and little leisure in the 
 day time for reading. I find much satisfaction now in 
 recurring to the store house of my memory and reviewing 
 again what I have formerly read. Nature in this respect 
 has been bountiful to me, my memory rarely failing. I 
 relieve it at times by suffering Imagination to take the 
 reins and sport in Reason's seat. Building castles in the 
 air has often been ridiculed but it is a source whence I 
 think considerable happiness may be drawn. No enjoy- 
 ments are more free from alloy than those of the imagina- 
 tion for in these cases we throw Nature out of the question 
 and cook the dish according to our own liking. This 
 sportive power frequently leads me back to Bristol where 
 I have certainly spent some very happy hours. I fancy 
 myself again in the society of those I love — conversing in 
 the cheerful circle or rambling by the light of the Moon 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 39 
 
 and chatting upon such subjects as the surrounding 
 scenes naturally excite. Again She wafts me to other 
 climates — at her command Fortune smiles and Wealth 
 pours in upon me in abundance. Kindly then, she con- 
 ducts me back to my Dear loved country — where manly 
 independence, health, and happiness await me 
 
 Oh enviable, spotless days 
 
 Dancing in Fancy's giddy maze 
 To care, to guilt unknown. 
 
 How ill exchanged for real times 
 To feel the follies or the crimes 
 
 Of others or my own. 
 
 Sunday, Novr. 17th. Last night the wind changed to 
 N. W. accompanied with squalls of rain and wind which 
 have continued with short intervals ever since — blowing 
 most of the time a severe gale. For 40 hours past we have 
 been running under close reef 'd main sail and the head of 
 the jib and frequently obliged to have all the Mainsail 
 down. There is now a very heavy sea running and fre- 
 quent squalls of wind and rain. Our water Casks on 
 board have broke loose — but we have yet been able to 
 secure them — the wind is mostly at W.N.W. and though 
 such weather is disagreeable yet it enables us to make a 
 fine run. Continued blowing heavy with frequent squalls 
 of rain till Wednesday Novr. 20th. About noon the gale 
 had so far abated as to allow us to set whole mainsail — 
 squaresail and topsail — some squalls of rain afterwards. 
 The wind W.N.W. a fine breeze. 
 
40 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Saturday, Novr. 23rd. This is the first time for many 
 days past that we have had moderate weather — last night 
 after an hour or two nearly calm the wind shifted to N.E. 
 and blowing a steady moderate breeze, there is little doubt 
 of our being now in the regular trade wind. 
 
 Monday, Novr. 25th. This day we crossed the tropic 
 of Cancer and having three hands on board who never 
 crossed it before the usual ceremonies of shaving, 
 ducking &c. were practised — a fine regular breeze still 
 continues. 
 
 Wednesday, Novr. 27th. Both yesterday and this morn- 
 ing we are on colour'd water but could not get bottom 
 with a line of 50 fathom. Lat. in by obser. this day 19° 
 and 26' N. Long, by computation 27° 14' W. At 2 p.m. 
 deepened our water — this afternoon we caught 3 large 
 Bonitoes — these are the first fish wo have caught on our 
 passage 
 
 Thursday, 28th. I had hopes to-day of making the 
 Northernmost of the Cape Verd Islands but have been 
 disappointed — At Meridian hauled our wind and stood 
 S.E. In the evening a large number of porpoises round 
 us — they are the first we have seen since we left the 
 American Coast. 
 
 Friday, 29th. Again anxiously looking out for land 
 without success — both yesterday and to-day on coloured 
 water. From the courses I have steered since we were 
 first on coloured water I have great hopes of making the 
 main Land to the Northwd. of Cape Verd and not to see 
 the islands at all. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 41 
 
 Saturday, 30th Novr. Last evening at half past 8 made 
 land ahead — breakers in sight — wore ship and stood off 
 till 11 — then hove too. It being low land I am satisfied 
 it is the Continent of Africa. At day break made sail, the 
 land in sight — being low with some sand hills — white 
 sandy beach — stood S.W.b.W. as the land tended. At 
 9 a.m. were abreast of two round hills or hummucks sup- 
 posed to be the Little Paps, so called — which are about 40 
 miles to Windward of Cape Verd — Jibbed ship and stood 
 West — the land tending nearly the same course. At 
 Meridan the Paps near the extreme point of Cape Verd 
 bore S.S.W. distant 3 leagues — these are much higher land 
 than the Lesser Paps and appear to be about 5 miles from 
 the pitch of the Cape. 
 
 As you approach Cape Verd from the North — the 2 
 hummucks called the Paps appear much like those near 
 Havana, the North Mt. lowest. When it bears E.S.E. 
 distant 5 leagues you can see but one hummuck — when it 
 bears East and from that to N.E. you see both — the 
 South Mt. appearing lowest — Soundings do not extend 
 more than 5 leagues west from the Cape. 
 
 Sunday, Decemr. 1st At 1 a.m. found we had only 
 20 fathom water — it being very dark and the Mate confi- 
 dent he saw the land, shortened sail, wore — and stood off 
 W.b.N. under Jib and fore sail. I thought it hardly pos- 
 sible that we could already be in with the land — the wind 
 having been light — but chusing to run safe stood off till 
 5 a.m. then wore — made sail and stood S.E.b.E. wind 
 light — At 2 p.m. again made land ahead. 
 
42 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Lat. in this day by observ. 13° 28' N. At 3 p.m. saw 
 Cape Mary upon our weather bow hauled our wind and 
 stood N.E.b.E. leaving the Tangu rocks about a mile 
 under our lee — At 6 p.m. came to anchor in 4j fathom 
 water — Cape St. Marys bearing East distant about 2J 
 leagues. Thus after a passage of 31 days from Boston 
 we are at anchor at the entrance of Gambia river.* 
 
 Monday, Deer. 2nd. At 6 a.m. got under way — stood 
 E. finding we could not weather Cape St. Marys at 8 
 tack'd and stood N.W.b.W. and at 10 again tack'd and 
 stood in for the Cape, determined to try the South Channel. 
 
 When almost up with Bunyan's Point saw breakers on 
 
 * "The chief source of supply for the devouring slave-market of the 
 West throughout the whole history of the trade and practically the only 
 source during the years when the trade was legal, was found along the 
 Atlantic coast of Africa, between Cape Verd at the north and Benguela 
 or Cape St. Martha at the South. The sea here makes a great scoop 
 into the land as if the Brazilian part of the South American continent 
 had been broken out of the hollow in the African coast. Two great 
 rivers and a host of smaller streams come down to the sea within its 
 limits, and its contour, as a whole is that of a mighty gulf, but there 
 is neither bay nor inlet throughout its whole extent to form a good 
 harbor for shipping. . . . The land at the beach is almost every- 
 where low, even though hills and mountains may be seen flooded with a 
 dreamy haze, in the distance. The rivers wind about through un- 
 counted channels in low delta lands covered with masses of mangrove 
 and palm trees, and haunted by poisonous and vicious reptiles. The 
 yellowish sand of the sea and the black washings of the uplands mingle 
 to form low, tawny beaches and dunes where the river currents are beaten 
 back by the ever-present and ever-treacherous surf. Goree and Gambia, 
 Sierra Leone and Liberia, the Bight of Benin, and the Bight of Biafra, 
 Bonny and Calabar, Anamaboe and Ambriz, the Congo and St. Paul 
 de Loango are all familiar names to the students of slave-coast litera- 
 ture." — The American Slave Trade. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 43 
 
 the middle ground to windwd. The Channel as laid down 
 in the Charts is here very narrow — and bold water close 
 in with the point. Keeping away a little to avoid the 
 breakers, the man in the chains suddenly sung out " quarter 
 less twain," and we instantly struck. The wind not blow- 
 ing fresh and being very near the beach just to the leeward 
 of Bunyan's Point — we supposed by the appearance of the 
 shore it was near low water, and of course that we should 
 float at high water. It was 4 p.m. when we struck — 
 saw several Negroes on the beach — lowered the yawl and 
 sounding, we found we had deeper water all around us. 
 At 9 p.m. found the tide, which was setting rapidly in, 
 swung our head fast on shore and that we hung only 
 astern, took in flying jib — fore top-mast stay-sail and top- 
 gallant sail — then jib. She slowly floated. 
 
 Stood East a short time — then S.E. half an hour and 
 came to anchor in 6 J fathom water at 10 p.m. rejoicing at 
 our narrow escape. 
 
 Tuesday, Deer. 3rd. At 6 a.m. got under way. At 4 
 p.m. came to anchor off the town of Gillfrei, which is 
 on the north side of the river* and nearly opposite James 
 Island. Just below is the town of Albreda which is called 
 the French town and Gillfrei the English town — both 
 however inhabited only by the natives. Several canoes 
 came off in one of which was a linguisterf with whom I 
 went ashore to the head man of the Village, the Al- 
 cade, so called, being up the river but is expected to- 
 morrow. 
 
 * Gambia River. f Interpreter. 
 
44 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 James Island is a very small spot of land in the middle 
 of the river — now entirely deserted — but is a place where 
 " moulders many a gallant heart " — having been formerly 
 fortified by the English who stationed there a considerable 
 number of troops, thousands of whom perished owing to 
 the unhealthiness of the Climate. 
 
 Wednesday, Deer. Uh. The Alcade not arrived though 
 hourly expected — no trade can be made before he comes. 
 Several of the natives on board from Gillfrei and some 
 traders from neighboring villages. Went ashore and 
 walked some distance — the country appears very pleasant, 
 abounding with rice, yams, Guinea corn, pumpkins — 
 plantains and a variety of tropical fruit. Gillfrei is a 
 large village and contains several thousand inhabitants. 
 
 Thursday, 5th. This day I went by land to Albreda* — 
 'tis not much more than a mile below Gillfrei and is a 
 larger town. 'Tis surrounded with gardens, in which are 
 pumpkins of various kinds — plantains, limes, sweet pota- 
 toes and such quantities of onions as almost to vie with 
 Wethersfield or Bristol. 
 
 Friday, 6th. In morning went in boat to James Island 
 — viewed the ruins of the fortifications and brought off 
 some brick to set in the Caboose. 
 
 Saturday, 7th. The Alcade not yet arrived, but the 
 King's people having come, settled with them the Customs 
 and Duties. 
 
 Sunday, Sth. In afternoon went in boat to Seca, a 
 
 * Albreda is to-day a trading station of British West Africa, exporting 
 peanuts and copra. The population is about 2,000. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 45 
 
 town about 4 miles up the river. A Danish Schooner 
 came down the river and anchored near James Island 
 
 Monday, 9th Deer. Went on board the Danish Scr., 
 Capt. Bates — She is nearly ready to leave the river. Dis- 
 charg'd some of our Cargo to-day. Saw the Alcade who 
 arrived last night. 
 
 Tuesday, 10th. Employ 'd in trading off and discharg- 
 ing part of the Cargo. ' 
 
 Friday, ISth. Having compleated what business I in- 
 tended at Gillfrei — at sunset weighed anchor and made sail 
 up the river — in about an hour dropt anchor opposite 
 Seca. 
 
 Sunday, 15th. At 9 a.m. weighed and made sail, 
 light breeze down the river — beat up till the flood tide had 
 done and at 2 p.m. dropt anchor just above Vinton 
 Creek. At 10 p.m. made sail again and at 12 came to 
 anchor opposite Tankrowa — 
 
 Monday, Deer. 16th. Tankrowa — opposite which we 
 now lay is on the South side of the river, about 40 miles 
 above Gillfrei — It is the largest and best situated town 
 that I have seen on the river. I here found an unexpected 
 treat, viz. some fresh Butter, which though without salt 
 is really very good. 
 
 Tuesday, Deer. 17th. Having made some trade* at 
 Tankrowa, at 12 this day weighed and proceeded up the 
 river — sometimes with a boat towing ahead, and making 
 sail when the wind would admit. In the night passed 
 the town of Tandebar. 
 
 * Meaning slaves. 
 
46 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Wednesday, Deer. 18th. At 8 a.m. the flood tide being 
 spent dropt anchor just above Devil's point. Here are 
 several of the trees called the Monkey-bread-tree, the 
 fruit of which has a very agreeable taste. I measured the 
 body of one of these trees about 4 feet from the ground 
 and found it to be of the enormous size of 10 fathom* in 
 circumference. When the flood tide made in the after- 
 noon proceeded up — the river grows narrow and our 
 progress is slow — the river being very crooked we rarely 
 have a fair wind. 
 
 Friday, Deer. 20th. Continued our course up the river 
 — it grows narrower and is very crooked — passed several 
 Islands to-day — plenty of birds around us of which we 
 shot several. Since passing Devil's Point we are in fresh 
 water — Alligators begin to show themselves along the 
 shore — At 9 p.m. came to anchor opposite the town of 
 Cowa, a large town on the North side of the river. It is 
 about half a league from the water. Between the town 
 and the shore is a large rice swamp to pass through which 
 is difficult and disagreeable. I staid here all this day — 
 endeavoring but in vain to make some trade. t 
 
 Sunday, Deer. 22nd. Last evening at 7 weighed anchor 
 and proceeded up the river. It grows narrower and is 
 very crooked which makes our progress slow. The 
 land at a distance begins to appear hilly — but near 
 the shore is generally very low. We are visited with 
 swarms of musketoes, and they are by far the worst I 
 ever saw notwithstanding I wear thick cotton stockings 
 * 60 feet. f Bartering cargo for slaves. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 47 
 
 and trowsers over them. I am from my hips downward 
 completely scarified — wherever they touch they leave a 
 bunch as large as a pea which continues many days with 
 a most intolerable itching. In addition to the agreeable 
 music which these insects make, we are regaled with the 
 delightful screaming of various kinds of birds — the alliga- 
 tor's hoarse voice too is frequently heard and at night the 
 howling of the wolf and sometimes the roaring of the dis- 
 tant Lion helps to compleat the concert 
 
 Monday, Deer. %3d. The river growing very narrow, 
 passed several islands — the banks begin to look pleasanter 
 — and a fair wind most of the day and in the evening came 
 to anchor at Chieye. 
 
 Tuesday, Deer. %Mh. Here I found an English Cutter, 
 Capt. Grandison, who came into the river a few days be- 
 fore me. At this place lives Capt. Tye, an Englishman, 
 who is now the only white man that lives on the river. 
 Here too I met Bob and George Ansel — two mulattoes, 
 who reside farther up the river — with them and Capt. Tye 
 I bargained for my remaining Cargo. 
 
 Wednesday, Deer. 25th. Being Christmas gave a holi- 
 day to all hands. I dined on shore at Capt. Tye's, in 
 company with Capt. Grandison. Spent the day and 
 evening pleasantly, casting however many an anxious 
 thought to my native country and the friends whom this 
 festival will call together. 
 
 Thursday, 26th. Employ'd in discharging some part of 
 the Cargo &c. Having cleared the forward part of the 
 hold, began to stow our water Casks and fill with water. 
 
48 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Saturday, %8th. Employed in discharging more of 
 the Cargo, cleaning the hold, filling water &c. The 
 place where we lay now is about 2 miles above Chieye — 
 properly so called. This being the residence of Capt. Tye, 
 is called the New-Port. On Sunday, 29th, went with 
 Capt. Tye, by land to Chieye, spent the day and had an 
 excellent Dinner, at the house of Aberdeen, a native who 
 together with his wife having mixed much with the 
 English who formerly resided here, now speak the lan- 
 guage tolerably and set their table &c. in quite decent 
 style. 
 
 Deer. SO-Slst. Mr. Dean, a mulatto, who lives up the 
 river came down and traded. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 49 
 
 IV 
 
 A voyage in the slave trade {Continued) 
 
 Wednesday, J any. 1st. 1800. 
 
 THE commencement of a New Year and a new 
 Century. This is commonly a day of rejoicing 
 among civilized people, a day of greeting and good 
 wishes among friends. But between me and my friends 
 (if I have any) rolls the immense Atlantic. Yes, I com- 
 mence the New Year 500 miles in the interior of Africa. 
 Well — what of that — tho' far distant from the country 
 that gave me birth, tho' separated from the friends I love — 
 yet my warmest wishes are with them — and the same 
 Benign Power to whom I commend them, I trust will still 
 protect me — wherever I wander. 
 
 In the evening went with Capt. Tye in his sloop to 
 Tuncacunda — a port about 6 leagues up the river. Was 
 present at a Mundingo wedding and much diverted with 
 the novelty of the scene. 
 
 Saturday, J any. Uh. Early in the morning returned 
 from Tuncacunda — and having received on board several 
 passengers* prepared to go down the river to-morrow. 
 
 Sunday, Jany. 5th. At 2 p.m. there being a fresh 
 breeze down the river, weighed and made sail from New- 
 port — flood tide against us. The breeze soon failing dropt 
 
 * Slaves. 
 
50 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 anchor and waited till ebb tide — then with a boat ahead 
 proceeded. 
 
 Monday, Jany. 6th. Proceeded down the river — At 
 day break a Canoe came along-side and brought me a note 
 from Capt. N. Gladding informing me of his arrival in a 
 Sloop from Bristol — that he was proceeding up the river 
 — that he left, our Bristol friends all well &c. 
 
 Tuesday, Jany. 7th. Just above Cowa met Capt. 
 Gladding — we both came to — spent several hours in 
 conversation with him. Altho' only one month later 
 than me from Bristol yet it gave me the greatest satisfac- 
 tion to hear of the welfare of my friends. In the evening 
 he proceeded up the river and I went on to Cowa. My 
 Cooper and Cook both unwell, to-day I gave the former 
 an emetic. 
 
 Wednesday, Jany. Sth. At Meridian weighed and made 
 sail — with a fine breeze, and at 8 p.m. came too off 
 Dumasansa Creek on which is a town where once was a 
 Portugese factory. My Cooper continuing ill and having 
 a high fever I bled him. Three more of my people sick 
 and Mr. Luther, the Mate, beginning to complain. 
 
 Thursday, 9th. Lying opposite Dumasansa. The 
 Cooper I think a little better. Bled Potter and gave him 
 an Emetic. Job Lawton sick to-day, both he and the Mate 
 have declined being let blood or taking an Emetic. I 
 fear they will suffer for their obstinacy — being in great 
 want of Coin* went up to the town with my Linguister. 
 
 * "In the earliest days rum was the best article for the purchase of 
 slaves. At the end of the eighteenth century when slaves were obtained 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 51 
 
 It is about 5 miles up the Creek and returning in the 
 middle of the day against flood tide, not a whisper of air 
 and the direct rays of a vertical sun over my head. By 
 the time I arrived on board I could scarcely stand or see. 
 Determine to sweat to-night. Having but 2 men well I 
 dare not take physic. Our situation is critical, but while 
 I have the smallest portion of health or strength left they 
 shall be exerted for the recovery of my People and the 
 Success of the Voyage. Wrote with a trembling hand and 
 swimming head. 
 
 Friday, J any. 10th. Having sweat well last night I this 
 day feel a little better. Gave Job Lawton an Emetic. 
 Last night Louis taken sick, blooded him to-day. / have 
 but one man now able to come on Deck. I am hardly able 
 to crawl and have 50 souls on board.* 'Tis gloomy — 
 yes — but Hope, sweet flatterer still deceives. 
 
 Saturday, 11th J any. At day-break sent my Linguister 
 to Dumasansa. Finding myself much worse took an 
 Emetic — not a soul to come near me. Some of my people 
 a little better, but none able to go on Deck. 
 
 Tuesday, 14*th. We are proceeding slowly down the 
 river — how we get along God only knows. Yesterday I 
 mustered strength enough to bleed myself. My only well 
 Man, James, taken down last night. Bled and physik'd 
 him this morn'g. Bled Joshua and gave him an emetic. 
 
 chiefly by murderous raids, arms were of first consequence. And then 
 when the slavers established great depots and barracoons on the slave- 
 coast a time came when coin was wanted more than any other com- 
 modity."— The American Slave Trade. 
 * Referring to the consignment of slaves. 
 
52 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 I am not able to crawl on Deck but without eating or 
 sleeping I am obliged night and day to attend to those 
 who are sicker than myself. 
 
 Wednesday, 15th- Thursday, Wth. I think probably 
 lost several days. Dropt anchor at Sea — all alive and 
 that's all. 
 
 Wednesday, J any. 29th, 1800. I quitted my journal 
 with an aching head and throbbing heart, and now I renew 
 it, if possible, in a more distressing situation. My Mate 
 and one man gone to the Shades — the rest, all but one, able 
 to go on Deck tho' all very weak — and myself can crawl 
 ashore about once in two days, and find about half that 
 is due me ready.* Flatter myself with sailing in 20 days 
 at furthest — Capt. Gladding came down night before last 
 — on board me yesterday, concerting scheme for my 
 assistance — but Mark! — last night a little sloop from 
 Goree with 16 men, armed with muskets took possession 
 and huzza for Goree J 7f Coming out of the river felt better 
 — but on the passage had a relapse which has left me weak 
 low and feverish. Did not reach Goree till Monday, 
 Feby. 3d. All landed same day — a good room provided 
 and indeed on the passage and ashore every personal atten- 
 tion has been paid us. 
 
 Goree, Thursday, Feby. 6th, 1800. Met with a Mr. 
 Smith owner and Supercargo of a Danish Brig from St. 
 Thomas last from Senegal — purchasing gum &c. — expect- 
 
 * Slaves. 
 
 f The " little sloop " was a French privateer. Goree is still a French 
 colonial settlement. It lies on a rocky island a mile southeast of the 
 point of Cape Verde, and exports some gold dust and ivory. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 53 
 
 ing to be long on the coast and then bound for Europe. 
 No vessell here or at Senegal for the West Indies. Mr. 
 S. made me friendly offers of assistance. His brig sails 
 this day down the coast a little, to return in 2 or 3 weeks. 
 
 Friday, Feby. lih. Had my second audience of the 
 Governor. Gave in my deposition, prepared by them in 
 French. As the papers must finally go to Senegal I pre- 
 pared a memorial to the Gov. Genl. to accompany them. 
 
 Saturday, Feby. 8th. Mr. St. John, a very respectable 
 inhabitant and a noted friend to Americans called to see 
 me — Mr. Pippin a noted merchant sent for me to his 
 house — Myself and people thank God — all getting better, 
 (illegible) ... by chance perhaps a beef bone to 
 make soup. As to vegetables or fruit of any kind what- 
 ever — you might as well look for an honest man. This 
 makes it very hard for Invalids — and an Invalid I fear I 
 shall be long. 
 
 Anxious days and wearisome nights are appointed unto 
 me — when I lie down I say when shall I arise and the 
 night be gone; and I am full of tossings to and fro till 
 the dawning of the day, but — wherefore should a living 
 man complain — I am better — I can even walk the streets 
 morning and evening — walk — no — I can crawl and drag 
 about with me a poor emaciated frame. 
 
 Tuesday, Feby. 25th. What can be more tedious than 
 a continual state of suspense and expectation! On the 
 8th of this month a Courier was despatched from hence to 
 Senegal with my papers. I was taught to expect his re- 
 turn in 10 days — 'tis now 17 days and no news of the 
 
54 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 scoundrel — well — patience per force — Last night Capt. 
 Hyer arrived here, 14 days from Gambia. By him I 
 have the pleasing account that Capt. Gladding and crew 
 were well except the boy — also that he was near to leave 
 the river — having as I wished taken the Schooner which 
 my debtors reserved for me — otherwise 2 months longer 
 at least would have been his fate. . . . 
 
 Goree, Wednesday, March 5th, 1800. This day two of 
 my people viz. Swan and Joshua set out for Gambia with 
 Capt. Hyer, in hopes to take passage home with Capt. 
 Gladding. Would to God I could go myself — but no re- 
 turn yet from Senegal. My health very low — been con- 
 fined to the house these 4 days. 
 
 Saturday, Sth. Yesterday a Brig belonging to the 
 "Terrible Republic" arrived from Senegal, and brought 
 news of the condemnation of the Commerce. She was 
 immediately put up at vendue and sold for 1140 Dollars. 
 Nothing now remains for me but to get away as soon as 
 possible — but how — or when — I know not. 
 
 Friday, lUh. Learning that a boat was to sail this 
 evening for Gambia, I wrote the Commr. requesting per- 
 mission for the 2 Lawtons to go in her which he refused. 
 I wrote by her to Capt. G. enclosed a letter to Mr. J. W. 
 Bourn covering a copy of my protest. 
 
 Sunday, 16th March. This day arrived here Capt. 
 Welsh who commanded a small Schooner from Charles- 
 ton* — taken off Gambia Bar by 2 (French) boats from 
 
 * Charleston, S. C, was the leading American port of entry for African 
 slaves at this time. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 55 
 
 this place. He came here in one of the boats — his Schooner 
 has not yet arrived. 
 
 Tuesday, March 25th. Yesterday Capt. Welsh's 
 Schooner arrived. She has 4 fine carriage guns. She 
 was taken at the entrance of Betana river, to windward of 
 Gambia. The boats that took him had been up the 
 river trading for corn. About a week since arrived here 
 a large Danish Ship from St. Thomas. The Danish Brig 
 has also returned from Cassamas. With regard to my- 
 self — I am able just to drag my swelled legs and emaci- 
 ated body thro' the streets — and tho' I yet have frequent 
 returns of the fever, on the whole my health is better. 
 
 Friday, April 4>th. I have for several days been anx- 
 iously expecting Capt. Hyer from Gambia. There is a 
 Schooner trading in Gambia and I wish to learn what 
 probability there is of obtaining a passage in her and how 
 soon. There is no other prospect of getting from hence 
 except by that Schooner and that Danish Ship, now lying 
 here, and it will be a long time before the Ship sails. Every 
 day I am more sick of this place. My health, I think I 
 never shall regain it till I leave it — tho' on the whole I 
 am getting better 'tis so slow as scarcely to be perceived. 
 Oh my dear Country when shall I see you! 
 
 Friday, April 4>th. About 1 o'clock p. m. a squadron 
 of ships hove in sight — immediately the whole island is in 
 commotion. The women and children and all their light 
 movables packed off to the Continent. It proved to be a 
 British fleet under the Command of Commodore Sir 
 Charles Hamilton. About 4 o'clock a flag of truce from 
 
56 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 the Commodore came on shore with a summons to the 
 Govr. to surrender the Island. The Capitulation was 
 soon signed, and about 10 the British landed and took 
 possession. Previous to their landing one of the Lieu- 
 tenants accompanied by nearly all the Soldiers went over 
 to the Mainland to proceed to Senegal. 
 
 Saturday, 5th. Thomas Holmes Tydy, Esqr. is ap- 
 pointed Govr. for his Brittc. Majesty. The fleet consists 
 of the Ruby 64 guns, Commodore C. Hamilton, and the 
 Magnaneme 44 guns, Capt. Taylor. 
 
 Tuesday, Sth. In company with Capt. Welsh took pas- 
 sage on board the Ship Andersons, Capt. Morley — bound 
 to leeward — in hopes to find some American vessell to 
 take us on board. Adieu for the present to Goree — I shall 
 long have cause to remember ye — 70 days a prisoner on 
 your barren rock — robbed of all my property — with ruined 
 health — with broken constitution, I quit your hated shores. 
 
 We are convoy'd down the coast by the Magnaneme, 
 Capt. Taylor — there are 5 more Guinea-men in company.* 
 
 Saturday, April 12th. Being in Lat. 9° 10' N. Long. 
 15° W. At Meridian saw a strange sail to leeward — the 
 Frigajte bore down after him and before night we learned 
 that it was the Scr. Greyhound of Charleston, Capt. 
 McCall, from Benin's Island bound to Havana. He 
 being an intimate acquaintance of Capt. Welsh, he went 
 on board and obtained a passage for himself, me, and our 
 two sailors. At 3 p.m. left the Andersons with many 
 thanks to Capt. Morley for his polite and friendly conduct 
 * Slave vessels were called Guinea-men and "rum ships." 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 57 
 
 and went on board the Greyhound. For several days we 
 have calm and light winds — at length are favored with a 
 fine breeze. I find my health much better — appetite very 
 good — tho' my legs and feet are very much swelled 
 
 April %0th. A return of fever which continued many 
 days — very violent — much rain and rough weather, and 
 tho' Capt. McCall is all kindness and Capt. W. very 
 attentive to me yet my situation is unpleasant in the 
 extreme, there being more than 200 souls on board.* 
 I am unable to read or write — deprived of all exercise 
 and appetite — rack'd with pain and scorch'd with fever — 
 yet I live, and a living Dog — saith Solomon, is better than 
 a dead Lion. 
 
 Saturday, May Sd. In Lat. 22 N. Long. 59 W. we 
 were boarded by 2 Jrench privateer Schooners, full of men, 
 said they were from Porto Rico — but we suppose from 
 Guadaloupe — they took our boat, charts, liquors, quad- 
 rants, watches all our small stock — the Vessell's Medicine 
 chest and mine &c. &c. — we are happy however to 
 escape being sent in as prisoners. 
 
 Sunday, May 4th. Spoke a sloop from New Haven 
 bound to Antigua with Horses — from whom we procured 
 some bread — potatoes — 2 pigs and a few fowls. 
 
 Thursday 15th. Made Watland'sf Island — light winds 
 ahead — On Saturday, May 17th, anchored in Napan 
 Harbour, Nassau. Went ashore but find myself too weak 
 to stir much. Next day James Lawton who came from 
 
 * Of these 200 souls, probably 180 were slaves, 
 f Watling's Island or San Salvador. 
 
58 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Goree with me, took passage in a small Schooner bound 
 to New London. Calling on Mrs. Ormsby I received 
 a very distressing piece of intelligence — the Death of my 
 dear little niece. Poor Betsey — and art thou gone — yes, 
 and with thee are buried my last earthly hopes. 
 
 Oh Power Supreme Whose mighty scheme 
 
 These woes of mine fullfill. 
 Here firm I rest — they must be best 
 
 Because they are Thy Will. 
 
 Then all I want — (Oh do Thou grant 
 
 This one request of mine) 
 Since to enjoy Thou dost deny 
 
 Assist me to resign. 
 
 Tuesday, May 20th. We expected to have left Nassau 
 last eveg. but being calm remained in port till 7 this 
 morng. then made sail. Light variable winds and calms 
 — and I have a severe return of fever which confines me 
 mostly to my berth. I feel a kind of stupor upon me — 
 the Death of my dear little niece has rendered me inca- 
 pable of enjoyment or even of exertion. We did not 
 arrive in Havana till Monday, May 26th. Here I found 
 Capt. Manchester of Bristol, arrived yesterday from the 
 Coast and I learn that a fleet sails to-morrow morng. 
 for America. Among them is the Fair Eliza — Capt. 
 Littlefield bound to Bristol — with whom I determine to 
 take passage, tho' it leaves me no chance to procure any 
 clothes or even to get washing done, which I much want. 
 Don Pedro is very kind to me furnished me with stores 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 59 
 
 for my passage and a little Cash. A fine breeze and 
 current with us. We are 12 sail in company — convoyed 
 by the Warren sloop of war, Capt. Newman. 
 
 Sunday, June Sth. At 6 p.m. made the light house on 
 Montock* Point, light winds all night. Next day at 11 
 a.m. were abreast of Newport light house — light breeze 
 at S. W. Ran in and at 4 p.m. landed at Bristol — put up 
 at the house of Mr. Aaron Bourn, found my friends well 
 and apparently glad to see me. 
 
 For a long period found my health very precarious — 
 repeatedly confined for a week or more to my room — at 
 length I begin gradually to recover. I find that riding 
 is of great service to me, and practice it every pleasant 
 morning. 
 
 June 20th. Received letters from New Haven and 
 had the joyful surprise of learning that the intelligence 
 received in Napan of the Death of my dear Niece was 
 premature. Soon after had the pleasure of receiving let- 
 ters from her. My lovely girl — long — very long, may you 
 continue to bless him who has felt so much anxiety for 
 you. 
 
 . . . August, 1800. Mr. and Mrs. Keith preparing 
 to remove to Boston — concluded to accompany them to 
 Taunton — Mr. and Mrs. Mosher also go and with me 
 my amiable friend Miss Smith. Tarried the first night in 
 Dighton — the second in Taunton and returned the third 
 day. Had pleasant weather and tho' not yet recovered 
 my health and strength had a most delightful ride. The 
 * Montauk. 
 
60 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 agreeable company of that worthy girl would make any 
 situation enviable — His many years since I have had an 
 excursion so pleasant. Capt. Munroe being absent at 
 Sea I spend much of my time at their house, and could 
 anything reconcile me again to mankind or fill that void 
 in my heart which Death has made it would be the 
 friendship and society of Miss S. In her lov'd society 
 hours glide unheeded past — "while converse sweet the 
 passing hours secures and marks them down for wisdom." 
 My mind is soothed by every endearing and friendly atten- 
 tion — the gentle voice of friendship and confidence to 
 which I have so long been a stranger administers conso- 
 lation to me, and while listening to the accents of pity, 
 my declining health, my ruined fortune is forgotten and 
 I remember my miseries no more. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 61 
 
 LETTERS TO A SAILORS SWEETHEART 
 
 CAPTAIN JOHN RUSSELL had first met Nancy 
 Smith in the spring of 1799, after which he was 
 almost continuously at sea, bound to the West 
 Indies and Africa, until the summer of the following year. 
 After his return from the ill-starred voyage to the slave 
 coast in which he lost both ship and cargo, he must have 
 remained at home long enough to woo and win the " amia- 
 ble girl" of whom he had written, "If I proceed I may 
 possibly fall in love with the picture — and yet — where can 
 be the danger — any picture that I can possibly draw must 
 fall far short of the original." 
 
 We know that she had promised to marry him before he 
 went to sea again, late in 1800. At that time she was 
 twenty-six and he was thirty years of age, young enough to 
 find an absorbing joy in each other, old enough to have 
 found their bearings and to chart a mutual course of un- 
 wavering devotion. Few of his letters written during the 
 period of their betrothal were found in the old sea-chest. 
 The first of them was written in December, 1800, and it 
 is known that their marriage took place on June 1, 1802, 
 or a year and a half later. She is his " Dear Friend " in 
 these letters of a lover, and he continues thus to call her 
 in all his sea-borne messages through ten years of devo- 
 
62 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 tion as a husband and father. The letters written during 
 courtship are as follows: 
 
 To Miss Ann Smith, Bristol, R> I> 
 
 Port Antonio,* Deer. 27th, 1800. 
 My Deab Friend: 
 
 I hope it will afford you some satisfaction to learn that 
 I arrived at this Port, after a passage of twenty days from 
 Bristol, having experienced much rough and stormy 
 weather, and with many additional circumstances that 
 combined to make our whole passage extremely disagree- 
 able. I found it necessary on my first landing, to proceed 
 immediately, on horse back, to Kingston — the distance of 
 eighty miles, through rain, rivers and mud — over rocks, 
 hills and mountains. This, however, has afforded me an 
 opportunity to see a considerable part of the Island, and 
 to visit the largest town in the British West Indies — which 
 in a more favourable time, might have yielded me much 
 pleasure. From this excursion I am just returned and 
 have seized the first moment of leisure to converse by letter 
 with the Friend of my Heart, and thus far, you see I have 
 scribbled on, in as plain a style as any other honest Jona- 
 than could possibly have done. For instance 
 
 Arriv'd safe in port — stormy weather — bad passage 
 — been to Kingston by land — bad roads — plenty rain — 
 horrid travelling — just got back — am very well — hope you 
 are &c. &c. 
 
 Now this would have been shorter and just as good as 
 * Jamaica. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 63 
 
 the manner in which I have expressed the same thing. 
 It is much easier to laugh at the style of others than to 
 mend it ourselves, but what have I to do with style? — You, 
 I hope my good girl, will expect nothing more from me 
 than the plain expressions of a plain sailor, for in truth, I 
 have learned no other language than the language of the 
 heart. Indeed I fear you paid a Compliment to me at 
 the expense of your own Satisfaction when you so gener- 
 ously expressed your permission that I might write to you. 
 Yet I do not wish, for my own sake, to call your sincerity 
 in question, when you not only gave permission, but kindly 
 made it a request that I would write to you. Flattered as 
 I certainly felt by such a mark of your indulgence and 
 confidence, I trust I know my Nancy's heart so well as to 
 believe that anything, however trivial, from the pen of her 
 friend will be perused with candour, and I hope with 
 some Pleasure. 
 
 You certainly would not expect much either of amuse- 
 ment or instruction from me. Nurs'd in the cradle of 
 Affliction, tutor 'd in the school of Adversity and long 
 inured to Misfortune, my sources for contributing to 
 the amusement of others — (if I ever possessed any) have 
 been long since exhausted. And as to instruction, I 
 wish you, my lovely Friend, to receive it from a School 
 that shall give far less pain to your heart than to take 
 lessons from the misfortunes of others. Yet there is one 
 point in which I most sincerely wish I could instruct you. 
 I wish I could teach you to feel that pleasure which I feel 
 at this moment, when I recollect to whom I am writing. 
 
64 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 I wish I could teach you that pleasure which I have felt 
 in reflecting that I have a Friend, who, wherever I may 
 be, will still feel an interest in my wellfare. I wish I 
 could teach you to feel that pure and serene Satisfaction 
 which I have felt when Memory has led me back to the 
 happy — truly happy hours that I have passed in your 
 lov'd Society. 
 
 Yes, my dearest friend, if anything can soften the pain- 
 ful remembrance of past misfortunes 'tis the recollection 
 that my Nancy is still left. If anything can smooth a 
 passage across the rough Ocean — compose me to sleep in 
 the horrors of a storm, or dissipate the anxiety of absence 
 — 'tis the hope that I am still dear to my lovely friend. 
 Such — if I were your Tutor, would be the lessons you 
 would hear from me. And separated as I am from you, 
 I still wish to impress them on your Mind — unless you 
 can substitute others in their stead more useful or pro- 
 ductive of more satisfaction to yourself, for I am not quite 
 so selfish as to wish your thoughts to be employed on any 
 painful subject — and I think I have a right to hope that 
 my Nancy will sometimes lose a thought on her absent 
 friend: that she will sometimes reflect, and not without 
 pleasure, on the hours in which she has bles't him with 
 her society. 
 
 Few as my own sources of happiness are, I flatter my- 
 self, that you, my charming friend, enjoy many. You have 
 probably, ere this, seen the return of Capt. Monroe and 
 had the pleasure of again seeing a smile brighten the 
 countenance of your good sister — perhaps you have visited 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 65 
 
 Boston, and been happy in the society of your truly valu- 
 able Mrs. Keith. Wherever you have been, or whatever 
 has been your employment, if I only know you are happy, 
 the first wish of my heart will be gratified. 
 
 I hope the time may not be long before I shall be able 
 to assure you in person of the sincerity of those wishes — 
 to be happy once more in your loved society and tell you 
 how dear — how very dear you are to the heart of 
 
 Your friend, 
 
 Russell. 
 
 To Miss Ann Smith, Bristol, R- I- 
 
 Annotto Bay, Febry. 24th, 1801. 
 I feel much satisfaction, my Dear Friend, at the pros- 
 pect of quitting this Island within a very few days and of 
 shaping my course once more for Bristol. The place from 
 which I now write is thirty miles from Port Antonio — 
 where we discharged our cargo. I have been here about 
 four weeks and last evening returned from a journey by 
 land to Port Antonio, to which place I went to clear out 
 the Vessell. My ride back was a very unpleasant one, it 
 raining violently the whole day and the roads, which are 
 commonly bad enough, were now almost impassable. 
 The rivers too were swoln to a great degree, and as there 
 are no bridges, I had to swim my horse over several of 
 them where the current was extremely rapid. So that had 
 you seen me when I arrived here last evening, as finely 
 drenched as rain and swimming could make me, and 
 
66 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 almost bruised to a jelly from the effects of a hard trotting 
 horse — I am sure you would either have laughed at or 
 pitied me — perhaps both. However, the comforts of dry 
 clothes and a good cup of Coffee soon made all right 
 again, and what not a little contributed to make me for- 
 get my fatigues, was the reflection that my business was 
 in such a train as to enable me so soon to leave this place, 
 of which, I assure you, I am heartily tired. Not but 
 there are some enjoyments here — the natural beauties 
 of the country being particularly interesting. But what 
 are commonly called pleasures here, I confess afford me 
 very little satisfaction. 
 
 I have heard much of Jamaica hospitality, and if the 
 utmost profusion in eating and drinking, and a fondness 
 of having strangers to gorge and get drunk with them — 
 if this is hospitality — they certainly deserve that character. 
 I have no reason to complain of inattention — for I have 
 had many more invitations to dine than I have accepted. 
 For altho' I liked good eating and drinking — yet when 
 too much is sacrificed to it, where pride destroys the ease, 
 and formal regularity all the pleasurable enjoyment of 
 the entertainment — where one must out of complaisance 
 to the master of the house drink more than the head can 
 bear and eat more than the stomach pan digest — I turn 
 from them in disgust and exclaim with the royal preacher 
 "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is — than a plen- 
 tous table and hatred therewith." 
 
 There is something too in the general manners of the 
 People, notwithstanding all their civility, which is to me 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 67 
 
 extremely disgusting. It has long been my opinion that 
 persons bred in the midst of slaves, accustomed from 
 infancy to see hundreds of miserable wretches trembling 
 at their nod and indulging them in every caprice, that 
 such persons can never be agreeable companions to their 
 equals or a valuable acquisition as friends. No Person 
 resides here with any other intention than to make a 
 Fortune as quick as possible and then run home (as they 
 emphatically style England) to spend it. Consequently 
 they do not think it worth while to form those social con- 
 nections which give a zest to the pleasures of Society and 
 form so large a portion of the joys of life. I hope here- 
 after to relate to you some curious anecdotes concerning 
 the manners of these people. At present I turn from 
 them in disgust and I return to contemplate with heart- 
 felt pleasure the different scenes which await my arrival 
 in my Native Country. Yes, my Charming Friend I can 
 not only look forward and anticipate happiness — but I 
 can look back and enjoy again in remembrance the 
 scenes of pleasure I have had in the society of those I 
 esteem and the truly delightful hours I have passed in the 
 company of my dear Nancy — 
 
 "While converse sweet the 
 Stealing hours secured, 
 And marked them down for wisdom." 
 
 Do you ever, my Dear Friend, when taking a walk by 
 moonlight — while you enjoy the stillness and beauty of 
 the scene — do you ever call to remembrance those delight- 
 
68 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 ful evenings, when your now absent Friend was bless 'd 
 in your lov'd society — and happy when you could point 
 out and enjoy with him, the beautous prospect around 
 us? If you ever, in such a moment, spare a solitary 
 thought to your absent Friend, remember that he is 
 probably even then engaged in the same contemplations — 
 that while he walks the decks by moonlight, and views 
 the shadows of the distant mountains in the water, he 
 almost fancies his friend is by his side and engaged in 
 pointing out to him the awful Grandeur of the surround- 
 ing Scenery. Wherever you may be, or whatever may 
 employ your thoughts, may your contemplations be 
 happy as your Heart is pure and innocent. Adieu — and 
 believe me to be Dear Nancy, yours in all sincerity — 
 
 Russell. 
 
 To Miss Ann Smith, Bristol, R. I. 
 My Dear Friend: PoRr Antoni °. J™ e *6th, 1801. 
 
 About two weeks since I wrote you by way of Provi- 
 dence and perhaps you will think that one Letter during 
 a West India voyage is quite sufficient. Yet surely if 
 you know how scanty are my sources of enjoyment here 
 and how little there is to interest my Feelings — how insipid 
 is everything to me that here passes for Amusement — how 
 irksome the manners of those with whom I am obliged to 
 associate, and how tedious the Hours roll on while I am 
 detained here — you would be disposed to believe me when 
 I tell you that I set down as to a feast when I am writing 
 to my Charming Friend, and if you receive no amusement 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 69 
 
 or satisfaction in reading, you will yet, I hope, feel dis- 
 posed to be indulgent for the Pleasure it gave your Friend 
 when writing. 
 
 Why, however should I write thus — or why express a 
 doubt whether My Nancy will feel any pleasure on hear- 
 ing from her friend. Let me, for once, judge of your 
 heart by my own, and then I will believe that however 
 uninteresting a Letter of this kind may be in itself, yet it 
 will not be destitute of Interest, as coming from a Friend 
 — it will be perused with indulgence and perhaps with 
 Pleasure. When I wrote you last, I had hopes, My 
 Dear Girl, that I should ere this have been on my passage 
 to America, but we are not yet half loaded, and I fear 
 shall be detained some time longer. 
 
 If my wishes could prevail how soon would I leave 
 this hated hole — how soon again be happy in the society 
 of all I hold dear in life. But alas ! these are idle wishes 
 — fruitless is all my anxiety — I am still at a great distance 
 from my Sweet Friend. I am still among People whose 
 morals I detest, and whose manners I despise. How 
 differently do I flatter myself that you are situated; sur- 
 rounded by those you Love and who you know are worthy 
 of your Esteem and interested in your Wellfare. If you 
 are sometimes in the Society of those not quite so congenial 
 to your feelings — you can soon be relieved; soon run to 
 your good sisters, or laugh away an hour with Abby 
 DeWolf or else ramble a little further and talk over old 
 times at Friend Moshers, or indulge in all the confidence 
 of Friendship and Family affection with cousin Nancy. 
 
70 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 The summer season is fast approaching in your coun- 
 try. If blackberries are ripe before my return, will you 
 not, my Charming Friend, gather and eat some for me 
 as well as for yourself? Will you, as you ramble towards 
 evening below Sammy Smith's — will you remember the 
 ground over which you used slowly to crawl when sup- 
 porting the exhausted frame of your poor debilitated 
 Friend — will you recognize again the shades where you 
 used to oblige him to rest, while you kindly endeavored 
 to smile away his pain — when with the sweet voice of 
 Pity you cheered him with hopes of returning Health, 
 and soothed his exhausted spirits with the cheering ani- 
 mating accents of Friendship. 
 
 The remembrance of these scenes, my Sweet Friend, 
 are deeply engraven on my Heart; they will be reviewed 
 with pleasure and recollected with gratitude "while my 
 memory holds her seat." I have ventured to enclose this 
 to Capt. Mosher. I beg you will remember me with every 
 expression of Friendship to all those whom you know 
 and esteem, and to whom you can venture to speak of me 
 at all. I hope to sail from this in about a fortnight and 
 that it will not be very long before I shall again be restored 
 to happiness and to You. Till then, and ever may good 
 Angels guard and protect you from every ill, and shield 
 you from every Danger! May peace and happiness ever 
 reside in your breast — in one corner of which, reserve a 
 little berth — will you — for 
 
 Your friend, 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 71 
 
 P. S. 
 
 Do you not think, my dear Nancy, that two sides of a 
 large sheet will pass very well for a long letter? Yet you 
 see there is one spare side still left — then why should I not 
 improve it? 'Tis not yet late bed time — I have just been 
 walking the deck for half an hour, smoking my segar — 
 admiring the serenity of the evening and contemplating 
 the beautiful splendour of the Moon — now near her full. 
 My People are all asleep around me, and I have just fin- 
 ished a letter to our common friend Capt. Mosher, to 
 whom I shall enclose this. I never wrote to him before. 
 I hope he will not think it wrong. He is a man whose 
 friendship and good opinion I value highly and among 
 real Friends I have no idea of much ceremony and for- 
 mality. Do not, however, my good girl mistake me. 
 While I contend that the most unreserved confidence 
 should take place with those whom we think worthy of 
 our friendship, I am by no means an advocate for that 
 gross Familiarity which I have sometimes seen — which 
 has always disgusted me, and which I never can think 
 becoming even in the most intimate connexion. The 
 human heart, my Friend, is so constituted as to love 
 respect. It would indeed be unnatural in very intimate 
 friends to behave to each other with stiffness; but there is 
 a delicacy of manners and a flattering deference that tend 
 to preserve that degree of esteem which is necessary to 
 support affection, and which is lost in Contempt when it 
 deviates into excessive Familiarity. 
 
 I did not intend to preach when I began this post- 
 
72 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 script. When I converse with, or write to you I never 
 know when to have done. But you may rejoice now 
 that I am near the bottom of my paper. Good night, my 
 lovely Friend — sweet sleep and pleasant dreams to you. 
 
 R. 
 
 To Miss Ann Smithy Bristol, R. I. 
 
 Port Antonio, April 8th, 1802. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 I arrived at this port yesterday, having been eight 
 weeks in the harbour of St. Ann's Bay which is seventy 
 miles below this. I have touch 'd in here to receive a 
 little rum. Having completed all my other business, I 
 hope in a very few days to sail for home. From St. 
 Anns I wrote you twice. One vessell by which I wrote I 
 know was lost, and I fear you have heard nothing from 
 me. I will not however believe that you could for a 
 moment suspect me of neglect — No, I hope my sweet 
 Friend knows me better. During the unexpected and 
 tedious stay which I have made in this Island, your lov'd 
 ideal has never for a moment left me. 
 
 There is a kind of melancholy in thus reviewing de- 
 parted Joys — yet it is a melancholy of so soothing and 
 pleasing a Nature that I would not exchange it for any 
 scene of Mirth or Gaiety. At the Bay of St. Anns I 
 found a set of people very different from my former 
 Jamaica acquaintance. Altho* quite a stranger and with- 
 out any letters of introduction I was treated with every 
 civility and attention. I became acquainted with several 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 73 
 
 ladies — was quite domesticated in two or three families, 
 and if I had nothing to interest my feelings elsewhere — 
 I might have made myself happy. But the idea of being 
 happy where my Nancy is not concerned, is with me quite 
 out of the question. So long accustomed, my charming 
 friend, to center all my hopes and wishes in you, that my 
 heart now rejects with loathing every enjoyment that has 
 not you for its center. 
 
 Well, my sweet girl, how have you passed the time 
 away? You have many truly valuable Friends, and I 
 hope among them you have been happy — with your new 
 aunt, I trust you spend many hours. She is, or I am 
 much deceived, one of those better order of beings whose 
 friendship is "more valuable than rubies." One of those 
 very few whose good opinion I am ambitious of obtaining 
 and whose friendship when obtained, may console one for 
 the neglect of all the buzzing insects of the day. 
 
 As you walk up and down the lane do you not some- 
 times remember how often we have walked together there? 
 When you call at good friend Moshers, will not my name 
 be sometimes mentioned? And when you visit Sister 
 Hannah, will not something remind you that it was once 
 my home? Yes, my sweet Girl, I hope many things will 
 remind you of your absent friend. I hope too that you 
 will think of him with pleasure and do not indulge your- 
 self in anxiety for his safety. Soon, my dear Ann, we 
 shall meet. 
 
 I presume you have heard from Allen Munroe's friends 
 that we met at Kingston, when I went to enter the vessell. 
 
74 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Our meeting was very unexpected, and I can assure you 
 a very interesting one. I don't remember when I have 
 been so much affected. He wrote me several times be- 
 fore he left Kingston. I have very much to say to you 
 about him when we meet. When I began this letter I 
 thought I was in a hurry, as I have others to write and the 
 Vessell that carries them is to sail this evening. But as 
 when blest in your society I never know when to leave 
 you — so when writing to you I never know where to stop. 
 Remember me to all friends. Adieu, my dear Nancy. I 
 commit you to the protection of Him who ordereth all 
 aright and hope very soon to tell you in person how much 
 I am yours, RuasELL. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 75 
 
 VI 
 
 a sailor's letters to his bride 
 
 A FTER a honeymoon of almost two months ashore 
 [\ the young husband went to sea in July, 1802, 
 and from Havana wrote his first letters to "Mrs. 
 Ann Russell, Bristol, R. I." While in that port he, for 
 the first time "feasted on a letter from his wife." Com- 
 munication was uncertain and broken. There were no 
 regular mails and Captain Russell was always on the 
 alert to find an American vessel homeward-bound by 
 which he might send his packet to the wife who some- 
 times had to wait several months for any word from sea. 
 The following letters need no more preface than this. 
 They cover the first year of their wedded but cruelly 
 separated lives. 
 
 To Mrs. Ann Russell, Bristol, R. I. 
 
 Havana, Aug. 24th, 1802. 
 My Dear Nancy: 
 
 After a passage of twenty-nine days I am safe in this 
 
 Port, and most heartily wish I was safe out of it again. 
 
 Every kind of business is very dull. My horses not yet 
 
 half of them sold and molasses not to be procured. But 
 
 amid the fatigues of a very irksome and disagreeable voy- 
 
76 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 age, I have been hitherto, thank God, favoured with 
 health — and by the safe arrival of Capt. Eddy I have been 
 blessed with a letter from the dear Friend and partner of 
 my heart. You my dear wife, who have often described 
 to me the pleasure you have felt when you opened a letter 
 from your absent Friend — you can have some idea of my 
 sensations when for the first time I feasted on a letter 
 from my wife. Next to the happiness of seeing you — of 
 being blessed by your smiles and soothed by your tender- 
 ness — is that of knowing, from under your own dear hand, 
 that you still think of me with Kindness. I hope, my 
 dear friend, that you did not suffer much from the swelling 
 in your face and I hope too that you have not indulged 
 too much anxiety on my account. I do not ask you not 
 to feel for me — the knowledge that you do feel for me — 
 that you are interested in everything that concerns me — 
 that you take part in all my cares, as well as in all my 
 joys — 'tis this, my dear girl, that supports me in every 
 situation, 'tis "my daily comfort and my nightly dreams." 
 I flatter myself, my dear, that your little preparations 
 for housekeeping will afford you much pleasure. I 
 think that in making your little arrangements I can often 
 hear you whispering, "This is for my husband and me." 
 Whatever you do will certainly be satisfactory to your 
 Friend. There are doubtless many things which I neg- 
 lected during the hurry of my flitting away so suddenly. 
 If you want more of Mr. Bourn than I paid him, or if you 
 want anything of anybody, as far as my credit will go, 
 surely, my dear, you will not hesitate. You will know the 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 77 
 
 unlimited Confidence I place both in your Judgment 
 and your Prudence. You know too my ideas upon the 
 subject of setting out in life — that we may have things 
 comfortable, but on a small scale, and within our means. 
 I hope, my lovely friend, soon — very soon to join you, 
 and I fondly flatter myself that our mutual expectations 
 of Happiness in the society of each other will not be dis- 
 appointed. I left you my dear friend, with a heart op- 
 pressed with Gloom and a mind clouded with Sorrow; 
 but do not, my best, my only friend, tax me with want of 
 confidence. I had lost a dear and amiable relation; 
 one in whose wellfare I had long felt an unbounded 
 interest — but at a time when I was to part with you so 
 suddenly and so soon after our union, knowing how much 
 you would feel our separation, I wished not to overburden 
 your tenderness. Perhaps I was wrong. If I was, my 
 best Friend will forgive me. 
 
 My best respects to your parents, and all whom you 
 think I love. Adieu, for the present, my dear Ann. 
 May angels guard you, and every attendant happiness be 
 yours — so wishes in deed and in truth your 
 
 John W. Russell. 
 
 Hava., Augt. 27th, 1802. 
 As Capt. Munroe does not sail quite so soon as I ex- 
 pected — I have set down to chat a few minutes longer 
 with my dearest, best of Friends — I wish, my sweet Girl, 
 I could tell you when I should sail from hence. It must, 
 it shall be soon. You know we are told that time wears 
 
78 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 off the pangs of separation and blunts all the stings of 
 regret. If this is true, whence comes it, that the longer 
 I am absent from you, the more I feel the deprivation of 
 your society, and every hour that I hear the Clock strike 
 and think my Nancy is far from me — seems longer and 
 more tedious than the Hour that preceded it. Think not, 
 that I am gloomy and give way too much to complaining. 
 My health is good — thank God, my spirits so so — but 
 indeed my feelings are very different from what I ever 
 experienced when abroad. Yet while my thoughts are 
 continually reverting to the Dear Partner of my Heart, 
 while Memory leads me back to scenes of past delights, 
 Hope, sweet enchantress, points me forward to scenes of 
 domestic bliss with my Nancy; Imagination lends her 
 airy pencil and in vivid colours portrays nry little peaceful 
 Fireside — my cheerful, happy home. Yes, our hopes 
 shall be realized — we shall soon meet and be happy — for 
 awhile we will bid adieu to corroding care, and in heart- 
 felt enjoyment forget the past. 
 
 Hope of ray life — dear Partner of my Heart, 
 That Faithful Heart, still to my Nancy true, 
 
 Still longs to her its Feelings to impart 
 And more — Oh transport — meet its home and you. 
 
 Tell sister Ellen that since I wrote my letter Capt. 
 Wilbor has arrived from the Coast.* He left Sierra 
 Leona river the 2nd of July, at which time Capt. Munroe 
 was there. He was purchasing rice, and was to proceed 
 
 * Africa. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 79 
 
 to Cape Mount to make his trade. Markets dull on the 
 coast. 
 
 Adieu my dear little Ann — try to be cheerful, and may 
 the best of Beings ever protect you. 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
 Havana, Septr. 2nd, 1802. 
 My Dearest and Best Friend: 
 
 By Capt. Wardle, who is about sailing for Newport, 
 I embrace the chance of scribbling a hasty line. He sails 
 sooner than I expected, and I have but little leisure — but 
 I could not forgive myself should I forego any opportunity 
 that happens, to let you hear from me. Five days ago I 
 received your second letter from Capt. Estabrooks of 
 Warren. I wish you knew how truly grateful I feel, my 
 dear girl, for these instances of your attention to the 
 anxiety of your absent Partner. The anxieties of Ab- 
 sence, I hope soon to be relieved of. I have been hitherto 
 detained, contrary to my wishes and expectations — but I 
 have begun to take in molasses, and am daily expecting a 
 droger, or coaster, with some for me. As I do not intend 
 to load fully, if the droger brings sufficient to ballast the 
 Brig I shall sail immediately. I wish I could tell you 
 when exactly that I expected to sail. That however is not 
 in my power, and you must not be too anxious if I do not 
 arrive quite so soon as you expect. You have no occasion 
 to be alarmed about the unhealthiness of this place at 
 present. There is little complaint of sickness among the 
 shipping and 'tis daily growing better. Three days ago 
 
80 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 John Hathaway was suddenly taken very ill — he is much 
 better — has been on deck most of the day, and I think 
 with proper care, will be well in a day or two. He is my 
 best, steadiest man, and I have done all in my power for 
 him. 
 
 Again, let me beg of you, my dear Nancy, not to give 
 way to your too great anxiety for me. My voyage, 'tis 
 true, has been thus far a disagreeable one, and the event 
 of it will disappoint the hopes and expectations of the 
 owners. But comfort yourself, my sweet Friend, with 
 the hope that we soon shall meet and be happy together. 
 If fortune has not smiled this time — she may hereafter be 
 more propitious — and indulge, with me, the pleasing idea 
 that you and I are not dependent on her fickle favours for 
 happiness. 
 
 Be careful of yourself, my dear girl, of your health, and 
 your spirits — for my sake, as well as your own. Remem- 
 ber that all that is left to your friend to hope for in this life, 
 is dependent on you. Adieu, my dearest Nancy, and rest 
 ever assured of the unalterable Affection of your own 
 
 Russell. 
 
 Per Brig Juno, Capt. Richmond. 
 
 Havana, Feby. 10th, 1803. 
 My Dear Ann: 
 
 I have just time by this opportunity to say that I am safe 
 in port after a passage of twenty-one days. In a very 
 heavy gale of wind I lost the greater part of my horses and 
 the remainder are much injured. I have this day landed 
 them and having been but thirty hours in port I could not 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 81 
 
 set down to write you till this moment, and 'tis now past 
 Midnight and so nearly worn down do I feel, that nothing 
 but writing to you, my dear girl, could keep my eyes open 
 for a moment. I had the pleasure to see, in a few minutes 
 after I anchored — B. J. Munroe — J. Wardwell — together 
 with Nat. Gladding and twenty more old acquaintances 
 in my Cabin. You can imagine what a meeting — what a 
 feast it was to me. I am sure I cannot describe it. For 
 myself — my health never was better, and I have no reason 
 to apprehend any difficulty about any part of my business; 
 but how long I shall be detained is uncertain, as I have yet 
 made no calculation respecting my future proceedings in 
 the voyage. 
 
 My dear little friend, do let this find you cheerful, and 
 try to support and keep up your spirits. Do not say that 
 it reads too much like a letter on mere business. You 
 know the heart of your husband too well to suspect him 
 for a moment of coldness towards you, but I am really 
 almost exhausted with fatigue. Capt. Wardwell's Schooner 
 is to sail in about four days, when I hope I shall have time 
 to say a fart of what I wish to you. Again let me repeat, 
 my sweet friend, that you must keep up your spirits and 
 trust in that Kind Power which has hitherto protected 
 me, and who will doubtless, in due time, restore me to you 
 and to happiness. 
 
 Good night my dear Ann, and may every blessing be 
 yours. 
 
 So prays in deed and in truth 
 
 Your J. W. Russell. 
 
82 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Per Schooner Joseph, Capt. Thurston. 
 
 Havana, Feby. 14th, 1803. 
 My Dear Friend : 
 
 I wrote you a few days since by Capt. Richmond who 
 sailed for N. York, which I hope came safely to hand — as 
 it would inform you of my safe arrival and I am sure would 
 remove a weight of anxiety from your mind. To keep 
 you, my dear Ann, from being over anxious will always 
 be my principal anxiety when absent from you, for if I 
 can think that you are Safe and Happy, I shall in almost 
 any situation feel tolerable easy. The misfortune of losing 
 a great part of my horses on my passage and the injury 
 which the others sustained has been a great misfortune to 
 my voyage — but I still hope, on the whole to do well. The 
 other part of my business will turn out tolerably well, 
 although not equal to my expectations, and the risk y which 
 has given you so much uneasiness, is now thank God, at 
 an end. 
 
 Sometimes I harass myself with thinking whether I have 
 omitted to do everything that was in my power for your 
 comfort and convenience; and whether I have done all 
 that I could to save you trouble and anxiety in my absence, 
 I hope I have. But still I cannot help being anxious — 
 fearful too that your situation might more than ever 
 require the fond attentions of your husband. Should it 
 be so, my love, take every care of yourself, and may every 
 good angel guard you. I hope you have Mrs. Keith with 
 you, and had much enjoyment in her valued society. I 
 persuade myself that Mr. and Miss Russell will, for both 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 83 
 
 our sakes, continue their friendly attentions. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Mosher I am sure will not forget you. I am hourly 
 looking for Capt. Eddy, by whom I hope to have a letter. 
 I hardly knew, my dear Ann, how happy I had been 
 with you till I find myself alone, after having been so long 
 blessed with your Society — but that Happiness will I trust 
 again be mine. I shall now have frequent opportunities 
 of writing, and I hope soon to be able to tell you when to 
 expect me. My love to all who deserve it, and especially 
 to your respected father. 
 
 I am, as ever, dear Ann, your own 
 
 Russell. 
 
 Per Capt. W. S. Brown, via Providence. 
 
 Havana, March 8th, 1803. 
 My dear Nancy: 
 
 Six days ago by an accidental misstep on my Deck I 
 turned my ankle and spread the bones of my foot badly. 
 It immediately swell'd to near twice the size of the other 
 foot and has proved a painful, ugly business. I have been 
 closely confined to my cabin till yesterday. How much I 
 have missed you, how much I have wanted your kind at- 
 tentions, let your own heart tell you, my love. Yester- 
 day I went in my boat to Havana, (My Brig is lying at 
 Regla 3 miles from town) saw a ship coming in, went on 
 board and to my great joy it proved to be Capt. Eddy, the 
 bearer of a Letter from my dear Ann. It was only 8 days 
 date after I left you, but yet my love, you had already 
 miss'd me, and could find many good tender things to say 
 
84 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 to your friend. To hear from you — to hear you were well, 
 was a feast which those only, can relish who have been 
 in similar situations and who possess feelings like mine. 
 It was a luxury, my Friend, which to me, was a treat 
 indeed. 
 
 I feel very grateful to Mr. and Miss Russell for the con- 
 tinuance of their kind attentions to you and that you find 
 more rational enjoyment in their Society than any where 
 else, I can readily believe. You mention our good aunt 
 DeWolf , and your intention of spending a day with her, 
 as if you almost thought I should not think it was right. 
 Surely, my love, you had no reason for a doubt of that 
 kind, you well know how highly I think of that best of 
 women, and I well know how richly she deserves the large 
 share which I know she possesses in your affections. Why 
 then should you deprive yourself of the society of one so 
 deservedly dear to you. 
 
 I have a thousand things, my dear girl to say to you, and 
 had I time to say them all I should then find a thousand 
 more to say. Since the receipt of your letter I am more 
 than ever solicitious for your health and safety. Think, 
 my Love, what I should say to you; by and by I shall come 
 and whisper it in your ear. Be not anxious on my ac- 
 count, my health was never better. My foot tho' still 
 swell'd and painful, is daily getting better and will soon be 
 well. I have this day begun to load and expect to sail 
 about the last of this month. 
 
 Capt. E. Bourn, of Iverton, will sail in a few days when 
 I shall again write, and I hope be more at leisure; this 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 85 
 
 opportunity is unexpected. But I let no opportunity slip 
 without dropping at least a line to you. I hope you will 
 not be tired with my so frequent scribbling. I have a 
 mind to blot out the last sentence, the thought is unworthy 
 of us both. Friend Bourn wrote me that Barnard Smith's 
 sloop was preparing for this port, and I am hourly looking 
 for another letter by her. Adieu, my love, my best — my 
 only friend, be careful of yourself. Rest satisfied on my 
 account. I shall yet do well, and again I trust be happy 
 with my Nancy. Your own Russell. 
 
 Per Schooner John, Capt. E. Brown. 
 
 Havana, March 12th, 1803. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 I regret extremely that I miss'd the opportunity of send- 
 ing the enclosed, I regret it, not for the intrinsic value of 
 the letter — but as knowing that every line from your absent 
 husband will be gratifying to his dear Ann. Since writing 
 the enclosed, Capt. Spaulding has arrived from the Coast. 
 He sailed from Gambia on the 8th of January, at which 
 time our friend, Wm. Bradford, had not arrived, nor was 
 there any news from him. I know not what to think on 
 this business — his situation is at least very doubtful. 
 Should any accident have happened to him it will be a 
 dreadful stroke to his family. To our good sister Polly 
 what shall I say — comfort her, my sweet friend, cheer her 
 with hopes, for still there is room to hope he is safe. Tell 
 her that I shall get all the information in my power, from 
 every arrival, and that I hope to bring her good news. 
 
86 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 My dearest, best friend, the hours of my absence begin 
 to roll tediously. I had hoped ere this to have heard 
 again from you and am hourly looking for some R. I. 
 vessel, when I expect again to be gratified with a line 
 from the dear friend of my heart. You may be assured 
 that I shall sail as soon as I mentioned in the enclosed, 
 unless some accident prevents. My lameness is better, 
 altho* my foot is still swell'd and painful. I begin now to 
 count the days when I shall shape my course again to my 
 native shore — to the arms of my love and to happiness. 
 
 My love to all our friends — I hope before this, you are in 
 possession of half a score of my letters, and I earnestly 
 pray that this may find you in health and happiness. 
 Adieu my love. 
 
 May God bless you. J. W. R. 
 
 Havana, March 27th, 1803. 
 
 Friend Jack intending to sail this day and I not being 
 quite ready, once more I scribble a few lines to my dear 
 Nancy. I expected to be the bearer of the next letter 
 myself, but a disappointment in 20 Hhds. Molasses has 
 detained me a little — in 4 days at furthest, I expect to sail. 
 Capt. Munroe will tell you how things go here better than 
 I can write. Poor Allen's misfortunes you have doubt- 
 less heard before now. I have hitherto foreborne to men- 
 tion it, as I could write nothing satisfactory, and even 
 now I know not what to say. My heart bleeds for him, 
 and I have interested myself as far as my influence could 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 87 
 
 extend, in his favour. He will, I hope, be soon released,* 
 but how soon is uncertain. Wardwell and Gladding 
 have found difficulty in getting their property, but I think 
 it is not so bad as you will probably hear it represented. 
 I have much pleasure in hearing by a ship from the Coast, 
 that Bradford had arrived in Sierra Leona, after a very 
 long passage. I believe the truth of it may be depended 
 upon. 
 
 What further shall I say, my love — could I pour out 
 my whole heart on this sheet I should only tell you that 
 my thoughts and my wishes are continually with you, 
 absent from you I am absent from all that constitutes my 
 felicity, but soon, my sweet wife I hope to join you — again 
 to meet your smiles and be happy together, and should 
 Providence spare our lives, I trust my Love, there is much 
 good in store for us, that hand in hand we shall walk the 
 path of life, with no discord to mar our Peace, no clouds 
 to obscure the Horizon of our affection. 
 
 Do, my sweet friend, try to be cheerly and preserve your 
 health, for my sake as well as your own. 
 
 Adieu my dear Ann. My love to our friends. 
 
 Your own 
 
 Russell. 
 
 * During the decade before the War of 1812 American vessels were 
 seized, literally by the hundred, in the ports and waters of the West 
 Indies by the English and French, under pretext of violating paper 
 blockades and confiscatory navigation laws. 
 
88 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Boston, Sunday Even'g, May 8th, 1803. 
 My dear Nancy: 
 
 When I left my own dear fireside I hoped ere this to 
 again feel its enlivening influence. I have almost ex- 
 hausted my patience in waiting for Lincoln. As I was now 
 on the spot I wished to close the business of her sales. 
 The Sloop arriv'd this day, and luckily — for several hours 
 since her arrival it has snowed heavily. We have on ma- 
 ture deliberation postponed our business for a few days 
 till we learn the event of these rumors of war. You will, 
 of course, my dear, say nothing to anyone on that subject. 
 
 Have you not missed me very much, my love? As for 
 me, I never passed a few days from home with half so 
 much regret. I have tried to be amused and to be busy, 
 Dear, but it all wont do — my thoughts are continually 
 with you, and I feel that Happiness is not to be found 
 when absent from the dear Wife of my heart. I shall hurry 
 my business as fast as possible, and again on the wings 
 of affection fly to meet the Joy of my heart. Excuse my 
 abruptness, the mail closes in five minutes. I hope to be 
 with you very soon after you receive this, till when, and 
 ever, my dear Ann 
 
 May God bless you. 
 
 Your J. W. Russell. 
 
 Per. Brig Little Ann 
 
 Capt. Townsend. 
 
 Havana, July 20th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Nancy: 
 
 I enclose the very earliest opportunity to inform the 
 dear Wife of my Heart that I am once more safe in this 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 89 
 
 port after a tedious passage of twenty seven days. My 
 Brig is entered at the Custom House, and I yesterday be- 
 gan to discharge. It is a very bad time to transact any 
 business here. Money is very scarce, and in fact an almost 
 total stagnation in every branch of Commerce. It is 
 however more healthy than I had reason to expect at this 
 season. 
 
 I have met here many R. Island acquaintances, Young 
 Charles DeWolf among the rest. Charles has made him- 
 self social with me, and I have treated him as civilly 
 as my feelings would allow me. But nothing here can 
 compensate for the loss of Allen ; with him I could have 
 cheer ly passed the lonely, lingering hours, with him I 
 could have chatted about old times and talked — with rap- 
 ture talk'd of old friends, and he only could enter into 
 my feelings when I talk'd of all I hold dear on earth. Yet 
 I think it best that he has taken this trip — he was doing 
 nothing here, and a little is better than nothing. I had 
 the great satisfaction on the day I parted with you of meet- 
 ing our mutual friend Mosher. The certainty of his be- 
 ing so soon at home was a source of much pleasure to me, 
 as I know there are few whom you will more rejoice to 
 see. And very few indeed who will so well enter into 
 your Feelings — sooth Your anxiety, and pay all those 
 friendly little Attentions to you — alas, that I should be 
 obliged to mention any other person as paying them but 
 myself. My heart tells me 'tis from me, and me only, that 
 those kindnesses and attentions would be truly gratifying 
 to you. But obliged as I am to separate so often from 
 
90 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 you, it is a matter of much Consolation to me that you 
 have other friends in whom you can place confidence and 
 whom you sincerely love. I hope you have, ere this, got 
 over the fatigue of removal, and under the same roof with 
 your good sister, and so near your kind indulgent Father, 
 I hope you will try to be happy. 
 
 You cannot conceive, my Dear, how much anxiety I 
 have felt from the fear that I have neglected many things 
 which I now can remember I ought to have done for your 
 Comfort and convenience. Yet you, my love, I know 
 will do me Justice. The little time I spent at home last, 
 blest with you and too happy in your ever dear society, I 
 fear that I too much neglected to look forward. Yet I 
 thank God that I was able to leave you in a situation to 
 procure whatever your Comfort or Convenience may 
 require. You well know my wishes in that respect and 
 I hope will act accordingly. 
 
 I hope our good and respected friend, Mr. Russell, will 
 continue to call often upon you. Tell him that if he is 
 in any way remiss in his Attentions, or grudges in the 
 least, a little longer walk for the purpose of seeing you, 
 that I will, on my return, use my utmost endeavors to get 
 him ousted from the Collectorship, and I know very well 
 who, (besides Doctor B) has an eye on that office. 
 
 I am anxiously looking for the arrival of Capt. Salis- 
 bury, by whom I confidently expect to hear from you. 
 Do not, my dear girl, neglect any possible chance of writ- 
 ing to me. All I shall have to support my spirits, will be 
 The Hope of hearing often from you. Hope — sweet 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 91 
 
 soother of the mind — to Her benign influence we owe very 
 much of what we call Happiness in this world. When 
 Memory, faithful to departed joys, leads me back to the 
 scenes of real bliss — of happiness unalloyed which I have 
 enjoyed with my dear wife, Hope kindly smiles and bids 
 me to believe those scenes will again be realized. Trust 
 me, my Love, they will again be realized. 
 
 I expect with confidence, my love, that you will exercise 
 all your Fortitude — that you will call the rich resources 
 of your good heart to your aid, and not give way to De- 
 spondency at this time — when of all others — I know you 
 will be subject to alarming apprehensions. In this expec- 
 tation, my lovely Ann, I again bid you adieu — commend- 
 ing you to the Protection of that kind Power who has 
 hitherto befriended us. My love to all those whom I 
 love in truth. When you remember me to friend Mosher 
 and wife do not forget little Ruth Ann. Tell her I 
 long to Kiss her dear little intelligent Face. Our good 
 sisters are very warmly remember'd in my heart, and will 
 be while I am 
 
 John W. Russell. 
 
92 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 VII 
 
 TO THE MOTHER OF LITTLE BETSY 
 
 THE first mention in the shipmaster's letters of an 
 expected "pledge of their mutual love," is found 
 in the following pages under date of July 28th, 
 1803. He is again in Cuban waters, more than ever tor- 
 mented by absence from her whom he loved. "Alas I 
 am far removed from you," he writes straight from the 
 heart, " ... at the moment when you want my 
 tenderness most." He fancies her half -anxious smile as 
 she busies herself with her "miniature needle-work," and 
 yearns to be able to divert her attention from "thinking 
 too anxiously on the expected critical hour." 
 
 The object of this sweet solicitude, little Elizabeth 
 Bourne Russell, first child of its parents, was born on 
 September 11th, 1803, and it is to be feared that Captain 
 Russell did not reach Bristol in time to welcome his " little 
 Betsy" into the world. Less than three weeks before 
 that date he was still in Havana, "hoping to be ready to 
 sail in six days at the farthest." 
 
 How long he remained ashore with his Nancy and their 
 " babe " is not known, and his next letters, after her birth, 
 are written from Demerara in January of the following 
 year, 1804. Now his thoughts are chiefly of small Betsy 
 and he shows the most serious concern about her training, 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 93 
 
 even while the precious mite is still in long clothes. Much 
 so-called literature would suffer if compared, for thought 
 and manner of expression, with many of the passages in 
 the following letters of a self-taught, plodding Yankee 
 skipper of a rough school in a rude era. 
 
 To Mrs. Ann Russell, Bristol, R. I. 
 
 My dear Friend: 
 
 It is only a week since I wrote you by the Little Ann. 
 yet I feel great Pleasure that another opportunity has 
 occurred so soon, believing as I do that you will not be 
 tired of my scribbling if I write ever so often. I had 
 hopes ere this to have finished discharging my Cargo, but 
 three or four holidays have intervened, and we have to 
 boat it all to a considerable distance. In two days more 
 I expect to have all out. I am not yet certain whether I 
 shall purchase any molasses — it is scarce and high. I 
 may possibly get a little, and shall get the remainder in 
 sugars and leave here as quickly as possible. I have been 
 much disappointed at Capt. Salisbury's not arriving, and 
 fear that he has altered his voyage. It was the only 
 Chance by which I expected to hear direct from Home, and 
 every hour of my Absence, my anxiety for you, my love, 
 increases. 
 
 Why could I not be with you at this Period, when the 
 voice of Love and Tenderness would be so soothing to you. 
 Ah, my sweet Ann, I am continually with you in imagina- 
 tion. I see you with a half-anxious smile busy yourself 
 
94 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 over your little, miniature needle work — while I clasp you 
 in my arms to kiss away the starting tear. Why does 
 the dear delightful vision fade so soon? 
 
 Why, my dear Nancy — why is it that I cannot be with 
 you, to chase the gloom of thoughtfulness from your mind, 
 and to divert your attention from thinking too anxiously 
 on the expected critical hour. Why is it that I cannot 
 whisper to you in the accents of tenderness — in the lan- 
 guage of the heart and say, "be not alarmed my lovely 
 wife, I have confidence in the kind protecting Care of 
 Providence that you will do well." Hitherto, my love, we 
 have been suffered to live together in real, substantial, 
 domestic happiness — no Jealousy has disturbed our repose 
 — no Discord has marr'd our peace. Let us then, con- 
 fidently hope, that should heaven bless us with a pledge 
 of our mutual love — that it will be a new and lasting 
 cement to that kindred Affection which has hitherto 
 united us. Let us call to Mind the new and serious duties 
 which such an event will lay open to us. 
 
 Parents and heads of a family. It is indeed a serious 
 and important charge — the welfare and the future well- 
 being of an helpless individual intrusted to our care will 
 call for all our attention and occupy much of our time. 
 But will it not, my love, be a pleasing occupation ? Trust 
 me, I think that when fulfilling this Duty, we shall taste 
 and realize such Joys as the world knoweth not of, neither 
 intermeddleth with. What was it that I sought in my 
 Nancy — and why did I woo an interest in her heart? It 
 was as a partner for Life. A partaker of my joys — a 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 95 
 
 soother of my cares in all the various and trying scenes — 
 one with whom I could lay up in season a fund of rational 
 Pleasure the reflexion of which would be our comfort in 
 adversity, our joy in prosperity, and would sooth and 
 support us in the down-hill of Life and "gild with smiling 
 beams the evening of our days." Such my love, would be 
 the language which my affection would prompt me con- 
 tinually to whisper to you. At this distance I can only 
 pray for you, and send you my best and warmest wishes. 
 I hope this will find you calmly settled in your new 
 habitation, and anxious for nothing but my safety. Again 
 and again let me remind you to be careful of yourself, 
 and not to be anxious for me. Adieu my Dear. Heaven's 
 best blessings on you. 
 
 Russell. 
 
 Per. Brig Lion, via Boston. 
 
 Havana, Aug. 6th, 1803. 
 My dear Friend: 
 
 I have at length had the pleasure of hearing from you. 
 Capt. Salisbury arrived last Sunday after a very long 
 passage and though your letter was wrote so short a time 
 after I sailed, yet it gave me more satisfaction by far, than 
 anything that has occurred since I parted with you. I 
 have had two men sick, but they are both recovered, and 
 we are all, thank God in good health. Capt. Comall has 
 been peculiarly unfortunate having buried three here, one 
 of them a black boy of Col. Church's. 
 
 It is excessively hot here at this season and I am ex- 
 tremely anxious to get away. Anxious, my love, on many 
 
96 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 accounts, but chiefly on yours. I know you will endeavor 
 to keep up your spirits, but I fear the Exertion will be too 
 much for you. 
 
 The pathetic manner in which you described your feel- 
 ings after I had sail'd, has drawn tears from eyes that are 
 not often wet. Yet your natural fortitude aided by the 
 kind attentions which I know you will receive from a few 
 good hearts will, I hope, enable you to pass the time with 
 some degree of cheerfulness till we meet again. 
 
 Tho' fools spurn Hymen's gentle powers, 
 We — who improve his golden hours 
 
 By sweet experience know 
 That marriage rightly understood 
 Gives to the tender and the good 
 
 A Paradise below. 
 
 Be careful of yourself, my dearest Nancy. Remember 
 it is a duty you owe both to me and yourself, at this time 
 to keep your mind as easy as possible. That you will do 
 so my love, I hope and trust, and may God protect and 
 bless you. Adieu. Your R. 
 
 Per. Brig Bayard, 
 
 via Newport. 
 
 Havana, Augt. 11th, 1803. 
 My Dearest Friend: 
 
 I wrote you on the 6th inst. by Brig Lion, bound to 
 
 Boston, but as she did not sail till Yesterday I think it 
 
 probable that this may reach you first. Although in this 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 97 
 
 dull round of business here, nothing new or material has 
 occurred — for each succeeding day brings only a repeti- 
 tion of the perplexities of the preceding, yet I feel it my 
 bounden duty to inform my lovely wife how I am, by every 
 possible opportunity. I have this day begun to take 
 Molasses for the first time; as I expect to take but little, 
 and a few sugars. I hope it will not be many days before 
 I shall be ready to leave this odious, detested place. My 
 anxiety has of late been in some measure alleviated by 
 the society of our friend Wm. Bradford. He is the only 
 Person here with whom I can chat of old times and talk 
 of those we love best, who while he listens can enter into 
 my Feelings. Last evening as we took our coffee together 
 I could see the tears of Pleasure glisten in his eye when I 
 observed, how happy it would be if our friends could know 
 at that moment that we were seated at the same table, 
 both in health and both calling up former scenes to recol- 
 lection. 
 
 You, my love, have many friends with you who, I trust 
 when they talk of your husband can enter into your feel- 
 ings, and some of them whom I hope, will speak of him 
 sometimes for his own sake. It is a very great comfort to 
 me that you have such friends with you, sensible as I am 
 that you, at this period* will want all their Attention, and 
 will doubly feel every instance of their Goodness. Yet 
 I cannot reconcile it to myself that I am not with you. 
 The soothing voice of your husband, at this time, I know, 
 would be more dear to you than anything else. 
 
 * Referring to the expected birth of their first infant. 
 
98 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 I bid you good night my love, and for the present 
 Adieu. Your own Russell. 
 
 Havana, Augt. 13th, 1803. 
 My Dear Nancy: 
 
 . . . I hope very soon to be away. I have one man, 
 Danl. Greer, by name, who is very sick, but I think he 
 will recover, the rest of us all well. But I ought not to 
 conceal from you, my dear, that it is quite sickly in the 
 fleet. Capt. Salisbury has three men sick on shore — two 
 of them probably past recovery, and scarce a vessel 
 escapes. Thus far we have been highly favoured. This 
 goes by Capt. Wm. Sanford Brown, of Providence, an 
 old friend of mine, who has promised, if he passes through 
 Bristol to call on you. I know you will rejoice to see any 
 person who has seen me, and as an esteemed Friend of 
 mine I am sure you will welcome him. Not having time 
 to write to any other person, you will shew this to those 
 concerned in my business, and with my love to all, 
 
 Am etc. J. W. Russell. 
 
 A cold letter of business — my love — No, tho' the Capt. 
 is waiting it wont do — for I have a thousand things to 
 say to you, but I cannot commit them to paper. Very 
 soon, I shall, God willing, be with you. Again to see you 
 and be happy! Again to speak to you in the accents of 
 tenderness and love; this hope, my dear girl, is all that 
 supports me in this truly horrid place. 
 
 Adieu my dear. Your J. W. R. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 99 
 
 Per. Sloop Caroline, 
 
 Capt. Cornell. 
 
 Havana, Augt. 22nd, 1803. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 Tomorrow Capt. Cornell will sail. It has been a busy 
 day with me, yet I feel a Pleasure in stealing a few mo- 
 ments from sleep to write my dear Nancy. I have this 
 day begun to take sugars, and if the weather should be 
 good I expect this day week to shape my course for home. 
 I have now reason to hope that my absence from you will 
 not be longer than the time I set when I sailed, yet it has 
 been much too long to answer the impatience of my feel- 
 ings, for never did I feel half so much anxiety to be at 
 home, and never had I more reason to be disgusted with 
 a voyage than the present. Yet I have some reasons to 
 reckon myself fortunate; while others are daily burying 
 their men, my crew have been thus far preserved. My sick 
 man, whom I mentioned in my last, is now, I believe, out 
 of danger, tho' he has had a hard struggle and is still weak 
 and low. Captain Cornell has promised to call on you 
 for my sake, and I am certain you will be glad to see him. 
 Yet — I cannot help reflecting that you may be in a situa- 
 tion not to be able to see him. This is continually in my 
 thoughts. Could I be with you, my love, to chase the tear 
 of anxiety from your face — to check your anxious fore- 
 bodings, and sooth your trembling heart with hope — to 
 take part in all your cares and lull your anxious fears to 
 rest — I should then be happy. But, Alas! I am far re- 
 moved from you; the Friend — the Husband — the Partner 
 
100 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 of your Heart, is not near you at the moment when you 
 want his tenderness most. Yet, soon, my sweet girl, he 
 will be with you, again to hold you in his arms — again to 
 seek your Happiness and again to be happy in finding 
 you so. 
 
 A Schooner arrived a few days since, Capt. Thayer, from 
 Newport. I was muchdisappointed at having no Letters, 
 especially as Capt. Thayer told me he saw Col. Wardwell 
 a few days previous to sailing and informed him of his des- 
 tination. Yet the want of a letter from you I never can 
 impute to want of inclination, and if I chuse to scold you 
 I hope soon to be in a situation to do it face to face. In 
 the mean time, My dear Nancy, may the Almighty's 
 choicest blessings rest upon you and may you rest safe 
 
 under his holy protection. 
 
 Yours ever 
 
 John W. R . 
 
 Per. Brig Joseph, 
 
 Capt. Salter. 
 
 Demerara, Jany. 19th, 1804. 
 My Dearest Friend: 
 
 I hope you received a hasty line which I wrote you 
 from Surinam by Capt. Wheaton of Providence. I ar- 
 rived here three days since and have come to a worse 
 market by far than ever I yet brought a Cargo to. I am 
 selling off my Deck load and shall then leave this place 
 immediately and try my luck among some of the Islands, 
 but with very little encouragement of anything better than 
 a mere ruinous voyage. I would must cheerfully sacrifice 
 five hundred Dollars, for my own part, if I and my prop- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 101 
 
 erty were withdrawn from it. But though I cannot help 
 sensibly feeling the very great loss which I know I must 
 suffer, yet I endeavor not to be too much depressed, and 
 often console myself that I have still a home to fly to in 
 adversity. I have still a lovely wife who will receive me 
 with open arms, even when fortune frowns, I have still — 
 I hope — a darling Infant, who will smile in my face, and 
 look Delight to my heart when oppressed with care and 
 misfortune. If I could at this moment only know of the 
 well-fare of you and our sweet Betsy* I think I could be 
 comparatively happy. I fear you will think, my Love, 
 that I am in a complaining mood — 'tis true I have enough 
 to make me so — but I assure you I have kept up my spirits 
 hitherto tolerably well. And now have you not found in 
 the caresses of our darling Babe a solace, that has made 
 you nearly forget our Separation? 
 
 I need not caution you, my love, to be tender of the 
 sweet Innocent — but there is such a thing, my Nancy, as 
 a false tenderness and I am not certain but I ought to 
 caution even you against it. Whenever Tenderness — 
 even the tenderness of a Mother degenerates into weak- 
 ness, it is no longer a Virtue. You may rely upon it, that 
 the seeds of virtuous and vicious Habits are much earlier 
 sown than we generally imagine, and even at this tender 
 age our little Betsey might from a false and over refined 
 tenderness on your part, contract habits which may here- 
 after cost you many tears to eradicate, and the effects of 
 
 * Elizabeth or " Betsy," the baby about whom Captain Russell has 
 been writing, was born Sept. 11, 1803. 
 
102 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 which may remain through Life. Again this foolish 
 weakness — improperly called Tenderness — I would cau- 
 tion you, my love. Yet I hope and believe that your good 
 Sense will predominate, and that you will never forget 
 that whether our child shall be a Blessing or a curse to us 
 depends — greatly depends on you. I should like to know 
 if you are not at this moment hovering over a warm fire, 
 while I am sitting in my gown and trowsers, my cabin 
 windows all open, and wiping the sweat from my fore- 
 head. But recollect that we are twenty-five hundred 
 miles apart. No distance however, can ever separate me 
 in mind from my lovely family. With them all my best 
 Wishes are centered, and to them all my Contemplations 
 tend. You may expect to hear from me again soon, as 
 the Yankees swarm here like bees. God bless you, my 
 dear Ann and our little Betsey. 
 
 Yours ever, J. W. Russell. 
 
 Per. Brig Harriot via Norwich. 
 
 Demarara, January 1st, 1804. 
 My Dearest Friend: 
 
 A Brig is now under sail for New London, an opportun- 
 ity which I did not know before of — and though I have 
 written you both from Surinam and this place, yet I wish 
 by every possible chance to have you hear from me. 
 Having disposed of my Deck load I shall leave this place 
 in a few days for some of the Islands. I have no prospect 
 before me but of a very bad voyage, but thank God — I 
 have my health and hope I shall live through it — live once 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 103 
 
 more to embrace my dear Nancy and her sweet Babe. 
 With your many valuable Friends around you, I trust you 
 find sources of happiness unknown in this swamp-sur- 
 rounded, Heaven-forgotten Country. 
 
 Your own J. W. Russell. 
 
 Per. Capt. Walker. 
 
 Demeraea, Feby. 7th, 1804. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 When I wrote you last I was in hopes ere this time to 
 have sailed from hence, but here I still am, and shall 
 probably be a week longer. 
 
 It would be a great relief to me amid the fatigues of a 
 ruinous Voyage if I could hear from home and once more 
 learn the situation of my dear wife and child, but of this 
 I have very little reason to expect for among the shoals of 
 American Vessels that arrive — sometimes 8 or 10 in a day 
 — not one but the Little Ann is from R. Island. And 
 lucky it is for my Neighbors that they avoid this market 
 at this moment, except they should come with cargoes of 
 Lumber, which are still in good demand. I returned 
 last night from a fatiguing trip up the river in my Boat — 
 and must set out again this morning, so that before sun- 
 rise I am writing this hasty line. There will be several 
 vessells to sail in a few days for the Northwd. To our 
 dear little Betsey you must talk often — very often of her 
 Papa. Teach her to be good, teach her to be like your- 
 self. She will then make us happy — truly so. Nat sends 
 his love to his friends, he is very hearty, behaves well, 
 
104 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 and is quite useful. I wish I could say the same of all 
 my crew. 
 
 I must bid you good bye for the present. God bless 
 you, my dear Nancy, so wishes in all Sincerity 
 
 your own 
 
 Russell. 
 
 Per. Capt. Gilman, via Portsmouth. 
 
 Demeraka, Feby. 12th, 1804. 
 
 From the fatigue and anxiety of a dull and perplexing 
 business — from the noise and unmeaning bustle of the 
 Crowd — I am retired to my cabin for a moment, with the 
 dear friend of my heart. How very different, my love, I 
 used to pass the "Sabbath's peaceful day," when after 
 attending the solemn duties of publick worship, my own 
 tranquil abode received me; my smiling Infant and cheer- 
 ful Wife welcomed my returning steps. When I compare 
 my present situation with the happiness of my dear home 
 I could almost wish at times, that Memory would not be 
 so faithful to joys departed. Yet such a wish were un- 
 grateful, for though a review of the happiness which is 
 gone and past always calls forth a tender melancholy, 
 yet there is a luxury in the mental repast of such Review 
 that I would not forego for the world. And no doubt this 
 Principle, this Faculty was implanted in us by the Author 
 of our being for the best of purposes — namely to add to 
 our happiness. For we are in a great measure the crea- 
 tures of imagination; and if our reasoning powers are 
 sufficiently strong to dispel gloomy ideas and introduce in 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 105 
 
 their stead those of an agreeable cast, we can, as it were, at 
 pleasure make our own Happiness. For instance — when 
 I walk my deck on a lonely evening and recall to mind the 
 scenes of domestic happiness which have been mine, how 
 natural for imagination to step in and paint to my mind's 
 eye the figure of my Nancy and her lovely Babe. I view 
 each feature of the little Innocent with rapture, I catch 
 with pleasure each opening smile, and while I look for- 
 ward to the uncertainty of her future Destiny, I very 
 often pursue the idea in imagination till I feel the tear 
 of paternal Anxiety starting in my eye. But I trust, my 
 lovely friend, that the period is not very distant when I 
 shall, in delightful reality again enjoy in the bosom of my 
 family. 
 
 What nothing earthly gives or can destroy, — 
 The home's calm sunshine and the perfect joy. 
 
 You have often told me, my Dear, that you think I feel 
 too much for you when absent. I know not how I can 
 prize you too much — but this I know, that the longer our 
 Union has been, the stronger I find the ties that bind me to 
 you and to Happiness, and that the frequency of being 
 separated from you, so far from lessening the pain, only 
 adds to its poignancy. 'Tis true that I now feel an addi- 
 tional tie. When I think of our dear little Betsey, the 
 sensation is very different from anything I ever knew 
 before. 'Tis a Pleasure which though mingled with 
 painful anxiety, I would not exchange for any other sen- 
 sation. Do, my dear Nancy, be careful of our sweet babe 
 
106 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 — be careful too of yourself. Indulge no unnecessary 
 anxiety for me, but trust that I shall still do well. * * * 
 Adieu my own dear friend, with 
 all my best wishes, your 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
 Per. Schooner Patty via Boston. 
 
 Basse terre, Guadaloupe March 5th, 1804. 
 My Dear Nancy: 
 
 Once more I have it in my power to inform my lovely 
 friend of my safety. I sailed from Demerara Feby. 25th 
 and arrived here on the 29th. When I left the river I 
 had two men sick of a fever, and one entirely useless by 
 being lame. The day after I came out Mr. Tew, the 
 mate, was taken down with the fever — so bad that at one 
 time I quite gave him over, but thank God, he is now 
 apparently out of danger, tho' very weak and low. The 
 others are recovered. On my passage up I was boarded 
 by 2 British ships, who put an officer and 4 men on board 
 and ordered me to Antigua, under 'pretense that I was 
 attempting to enter Martinique, which is blockaded, but 
 after detaining me 24 hours, they thought proper in the 
 plentitude of their goodness to suffer me to proceed. 
 From this detail you will judge my friend, that I had a 
 very unpleasant passage, in truth so much so, that on 
 my arrival here, I was quite worn down with watching, 
 anxiety and fatigue. Here too I find the markets very 
 bad, but have determined for many reasons to sell the 
 remainder of cargo without trying any further. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 107 
 
 In the midst of my troubles, you will rejoice to hear 
 that I have met with a very unexpected pleasure by finding 
 at this place my old friend, Nat. Gladding. He sailed 
 from home five weeks after me, and assures me that my 
 Nancy and our dear little one were then well. You 
 know that he ranks high in my esteem, but you can hardly 
 conceive what a luxury it is to have for the first time in 
 nearly three months, a friend with me to whom I can 
 talk with confidence of my family, and who is capable of 
 entering into my feelings. His society has been indeed a 
 very great relief to me. But as I think not to be detained 
 here long, I hope very soon to be with that society where 
 alone I can be truly happy. Dear little Betsy ! You can 
 hardly imagine, my friend, how much of my time has 
 been occupied by the image of that Innocent. If Heaven 
 has been pleased to continue you both in health, I think 
 she must have been a source of much comfort to you in 
 my absence. May she long continue to be all that a fond 
 Parent's warmest affection can wish. 
 
 It has so frequently, my love, been my lot to be obliged 
 to inform you of my ill success when abroad and to re- 
 count to you my Troubles and Perplexities that I fear you 
 will think I am always in a complaining mood. Yet I do 
 not mean ever to court or encourage a gloomy and com- 
 plaining disposition. And I most sincerely wish I had 
 no cause, but when I have before me the certainty of a 
 very losing voyage and know I have done all in my power 
 to render it otherwise I cannot help feeling my Disappoint- 
 ment, and to whom should I go to express my feelings, if 
 
108 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 not to the friend and partner of my heart? Are you not 
 interested in everything that concerns me? And will not 
 your affection lead you to kindly hear all my complaints? 
 Do not however believe that I feel too much depressed — 
 that kind Power that has hitherto preserved me in Diffi- 
 culties, will, I trust, be still my Protector, and again re- 
 store me to my home and to happiness. Kiss our sweet 
 baby for me and believe me, my dear Ann, ever yours 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 109 
 
 VIII 
 
 THE INTIMATE JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE TO EUROPE 
 
 (The letters of Capt. Russell to his wife after the dates 
 of the foregoing chapter, until the close of the year 1804, 
 were written in the form of a journal.) 
 
 Brig Minerva, at Sea, June 1 4th, 1804. 
 My Dearest Friend : 
 
 You may remember that in our laughing moments I 
 have frequently threatened that in my next voyage I 
 would make no remarks in my journal but ordinary sea 
 occurrences. You always told me that you did not be- 
 lieve this, as you were sure I would not deprive you of the 
 Pleasure which you were pleased to say the perusal of my 
 old Journals afforded you. If I live to return, however, 
 you will find that in this instance I have kept my word and 
 put my threats in execution. But as it has often been 
 a great relief to me to put down the thoughts and feelings 
 of the moment on paper, and as I wish to believe that you 
 take some Pleasure in reading, as well as I in writing 
 them — I shall now take another Method. Confining my 
 journal strictly to ship affairs, I shall occasionally express 
 my feelings to you and for you in the form of Letters, of 
 which you will consider this as a beginning of a series. 
 Should a good opportunity occur of forwarding any packet 
 to you when abroad, I shall improve it. If not, you will 
 
110 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 have them to peruse when I return, and to lay by for the 
 perusal of our dear Betsey, should she live to feel that 
 lively interest in all that concerns her Parents which I hope 
 and trust that she will. 
 
 At the mention of our lovely Babe, Home, with all its 
 pleasure rushes on my Imagination. It is now five days 
 since I left you, but I still feel the warm kiss of conjugal 
 affection on my lips; still see the smile of my Infant, un- 
 conscious of our Separation, and feel the soft pressure of 
 her gentle hand. 
 
 You, my love, will have our Betsey with you, a source, 
 I hope, of hourly and increasing satisfaction. Be com- 
 forted then, and let me not have, added to the unavoid- 
 able pangs of separation, the corroding thought that you 
 do not bear it as you ought; but, my dear, you will bear 
 it as you ought. You will reflect that our separation was 
 needful, and that if prosperous now for a few voyages, I 
 may then be able to remain at home, when you and our child 
 may much more require my presence, and perhaps be 
 enabled — God grant that I may — to spend the evening of 
 my days in peace and competence, in the bosom of those 
 I love. 
 
 At Sea, June 17th, 1804. 
 This day is Sunday. A week since I had parted from 
 you, and while attending the solemn exercises of the day 
 a thousand things recalled to my mind my dear Nancy 
 and her Babe. Two hours' ride would then have carried 
 me to you, now many — very many leagues of Ocean sep- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 111 
 
 arate us. Yet the day is remarkably pleasant, and more 
 so as we now have a fair wind — and it has constantly been 
 right ahead for five days past. I hope, my Love, you 
 have been able to spend this day to better Purpose, and 
 more congenial to your Feelings than I have. You will 
 probably attend Public Worship — some part of the day 
 at least. You will see those you love and when you return 
 home while you kiss our Betsey, you will ask her — 
 " where 's her Papa" — sweet little Innocent! I truly 
 envy you the pleasure you will take with her. Envy — no, 
 that I dont. I rejoice my love, that you have such a con- 
 solation — I rejoice and am thankful that you will have 
 such a source of enjoyment and such a treasure of happi- 
 ness to sooth your feelings in my absence. May health, 
 innocence, and all Heaven's best blessings be yours and 
 hers, my love. Good night. 
 
 At Sea, June 24th, 1804. 
 Tedious and slow the hours move on when absent from 
 those I love. When blessed with your society, my sweet 
 Wife — time, unfelt, uncounted, glided by. I have now 
 been thirteen days at sea, the whole of which time, with 
 an exception of only thirty hours the wind has been ahead. 
 In consequence of which I have gone further North than 
 I otherwise should have done — so that it is quite cold. 
 Last night we had excessive heavy rains, then entirely 
 calm, now a light breeze from the Westward has sprung 
 up. Once more we have a fair wind — but so very foggy 
 that we cannot see twice the vessell's length. One day 
 
112 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 of the week past we caught two fine porpusses* — this has 
 afforded us plenty of oil and some excellent meals. We 
 expect soon to be on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland — 
 when in all probability we shall have plenty of fish. But 
 while I am thus detailing to you my situation and my 
 prospects, what are you about my love, and how do you 
 spend your time? But at this distance I can only waft 
 you my blessing, and say to both — Adieu. J. W. R. 
 
 Bhig Minerva, At Sea, July 1st, 1804. 
 This is the third Sunday I have spent on board. This 
 day we are twenty days out and have made but a small 
 part of our Passage, having had constant head winds with 
 the exception of thirty hours only, since we left Newport. 
 Every day has been foggy but for a week past it has been 
 so thick that at mid-day we frequently could not see the 
 vessell's length. The cold too has been very uncom- 
 fortable. We have now been five days on the Grand 
 Bank of Newfoundland — have made several attempts to 
 fish — but have caught only four Cod. Yesterday we had 
 a very heavy gale of wind from S. E. with violent rains, 
 wet, cold and uncomfortable, but today it is moderate 
 and were it not for the thick fog it would be pleasant. I 
 have put on a clean shirt, dry clothes, have shav'd myself 
 and have set down for a few moments to say a word to 
 the dear friend of my heart. Why is it, my dear, that 
 I am not permitted in reality to sit down by you and happy 
 in the smile of my wife and the innocent endearments of 
 * The shipmaster's own spelling. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 113 
 
 our sweet child to pass again "the Sabbath's peaceful 
 day." Why is it that one who enjoys himself so well 
 with his friends — who appreciates so highly the endearing 
 joys of social and domestic life — why is it that he should 
 be obliged to pass so large a portion of his time in a man- 
 ner so discordant to his feelings, and so far removed from 
 all he holds dear? Alas! these enquiries are fruitless — 
 they cannot be answered. 
 
 "The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate; 
 Puzzled with mazes and perplexed with errors, 
 Our understanding traces them in vain 
 Nor sees with how much art the windings run 
 Nor where the regular confusion ends." 
 
 The dealings of Providence towards us are certainly 
 dark and mysterious — but it is our bounden duty never 
 to forget that our concerns are in the hands of HIM who 
 "seeth not as man seeth." — and "Where we cant un- 
 riddle learn to trust." And perhaps it would be no very 
 difficult matter to demonstrate that the dealings of Provi- 
 dence even in the allotment of the things of this Life, are 
 more equal than we are at first view disposed to believe. 
 The fair way of doing this would be, when we are dis- 
 posed to murmur at our particular allotment, to compare 
 our situation with that of others — not of Strangers, but of 
 those whom we know best. And when we have well 
 weighed all their enjoyments, cast into the other scale 
 what we know of their anxieties, of their secret griefs, to 
 then say — "who is there with whom we would exchange 
 
114 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 situations?" If none — then instead of murmuring, we 
 ought to bless God for our portion of happiness and be 
 content. May His blessing ever rest on my dear wife and 
 child. 
 
 At Sea, July 4th, 1804. 
 
 This is the great National Holiday throughout the 
 United States. A day of feasting and rejoicing, firing of 
 cannon and rabbling of drums, a day for drinking, carous- 
 ing and all kinds of tipsy mirth, a day for Republican 
 spouters and Republican bawlers to regale the ears of 
 Republican fools with republican nonsense. Yet I mean 
 not to ridicule the occasion of this festival. No, far from 
 it. It is — it ought to be a proud day in American annals, 
 and long I trust will the memory of the Heroes and Sages 
 of this day be held in grateful veneration by every genuine 
 American. But the mushroom patriots and politicians 
 of our times — headed by those of foreign growth with 
 which our country so plentifully abounds — who will bawl 
 in our ears this day the wondrous blessings of the present 
 administration, and talk loudly of the spirit of '76 — they 
 know as little about what that spirit means as I do of the 
 Chinese language, or the wonders of the new Utopia — 
 the delightful Louisiana. 
 
 Were I on shore, I should probably be sick of the hub- 
 bub of the day. Indeed I am sick of talking of it — away 
 with it! Yet I should like to know how you, my love, 
 get through it. I think you will not stay at home. It 
 will be too near the scene of action. And Cousin Becca 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 115 
 
 is not there to protect you. How much my dear friend, 
 you will miss that honest, worthy girl, especially when 
 I am absent, but I hope some time or other again to have 
 her with us. — But the day — how are you getting through it? 
 I remember your telling me that you spent it last year with 
 your Aunt DeWolf. Perhaps you will take little Betsey 
 in your arms and again pass the time with that good and 
 amiable woman. Alas — she deserves a better fate. I 
 fear her trials have been too much for her and that she is 
 almost broken-hearted. Formed to be the delight of her 
 friends — to do honor to society, and to enjoy social and 
 domestic life in its most refin'd state — I still have hopes 
 that tranquility and happiness may yet be hers. If you 
 are with her this day I know it will be a comfort to her. 
 Wherever you spend it my love, may it be in peace and 
 happiness, and at evening may the cheering smiles of 
 our darling Babe make you forget, for the moment the 
 absence of your husband 
 
 J. W. R. 
 
 Brig Minerva, At Sea, July 11th, 1804. 
 One month has now elap'ed since I sailed from Newport. 
 The first three weeks we had almost constant head winds, 
 but for eight days past we have had a very fine run — in- 
 deed the best that I ever made in the same space of time, 
 and we are now drawing something near to soundings on 
 the European Coast. The weather has been for the most 
 part foggy, rainy, cold and uncomfortable, not a single 
 pleasant dry day have we had on the Passage. At this 
 
116 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 moment the fog is so thick that we cannot see twice the 
 vessell's length. This weather has been very unfavor- 
 able for my poor Danish sailor who was sick when we 
 sail'd. He has been very ill the whole time, has a con- 
 stant distressing cough, and there is but little probability 
 that he will ever be better. I am however favour'd with 
 a good Crew — at least thus far they have pleased me very 
 much — which is a very great relief in a long voyage. How 
 do you think I contrive to pass away the time on such a 
 lengthy passage? Indeed, my sweet friend, I hardly know 
 how myself. Keeping my people employed in the day 
 time takes up much of my time, I read some — though I 
 have but few Books. The Bible which your kind atten- 
 tion put up for me is often in my hands. After dinner 
 I generally sleep an hour, my mind being then most at 
 ease as all the people are then on Deck. This is the best 
 rest that I have. "Then sweet is my sleep — and my 
 dreams are of those whom I love best." But who my 
 sweet friend in my absence shall watch by the cradle of 
 our sleeping Child — shall wellcome the opening eyes and 
 catch her endearing smile? Ah, no one can, at least, not 
 with a Parents' feelings. Yet this privilege is yours and 
 grateful it must be to your Heart. While then you view 
 our Infant with a Mother's fondness — never, Oh! never 
 for a moment forget a Mother's duty. Great and import- 
 ant is your charge, my love. May you fullfill it wisely 
 and faithfully. Adieu. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 117 
 
 At Sea, July 16th, 1804. 
 We have had a head wind for three days past — part of 
 the time laying too — rainy, cold and disagreeable — today 
 it is more favourable and very moderate. The sun has 
 shone out for eight hours this day, and that is more than 
 we have had of Sunshine at one time on our passage. Last 
 night I got soundings in 85 fathom water; this morning 
 we spoke the ship Columbian — packet, Capt. Hunt, 
 twenty eight days from Philadelphia bound to Amsterdam. 
 I have been on board and dined there; it being almost 
 calm. There is a Gentleman and his wife passengers on 
 board — but they were not very conversable — the captain, 
 however was social and having been last year in Antwerp, 
 I obtained some information from him. It is some satis- 
 faction my dear Nancy, to speak with any ship when we 
 have been many days at Sea, but it is quite a treat when 
 we are thus situated and can meet and converse with a 
 countryman. It seems almost like meeting an old friend. 
 Friends ! Ah, dear friend of my heart where are you — do 
 you not sometimes cast an anxious thought " on him that's 
 far awa'" — Often do his thoughts revert to you and his 
 dear Betsey. 
 
 At Sea, July 17th, 1804. 
 
 I cannot help communicating to my dear Nancy the 
 
 pleasure I experienced last night. Altho' we have had no 
 
 very bad weather yet the whole passage it has been cloudy, 
 
 rainy, foggy and cold. The Moon is now nine days old, 
 
118 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 last night I saw it for the first time — the air mild and 
 serene — light breeze and sea very smooth. I staid on 
 Deck till 10 o'clock admiring the beauty of the scene. As 
 the sun does not set till 8 o'clock it was a beautiful twilight 
 at ten. At midnight I again came on deck, at half past 
 one the daylight began to show itself in the N. E., there 
 being now about only three hours of the night that Day- 
 light is not perceptible. Everything around seemed quiet 
 and tranquil. I walk'd the Deck and enjoyed all the 
 luxury of the scene. Ah, if my sweet friend was now by 
 my side — said I — how richly indeed I could enjoy it — I 
 hope however that she and our lovely babe are safe in 
 peaceful slumber at this hour. 
 
 July l&th. — This morng. at 1 o'clock we saw Scilly 
 light and at 9 o'clock described the Lands End. Once 
 more the fog-surrounded Island of Great Britain is in 
 sight — several fishermen came off with plenty of fresh fish 
 — new potatoes, onions, etc., etc. With these we are 
 
 making merry. 
 
 J. W. R. 
 
 Campoere, July 23d, 1804. 
 Dear Nancy: 
 
 I have had a remarkable pleasant run through the 
 
 British Channel and along the coast of Flanders, and now 
 
 after a passage of 42 days I am safely anchored in one of 
 
 the mouths of the River Scheld. I have been on shore 
 
 here. It is a neat little town, belonging to the Dutch. 
 
 Tomorrow I expect to proceed up the river. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 119 
 
 Flushing, July 24th, 1804. 
 This day we came up from Campoere and anchored off 
 this place. This is a large and handsome Town — belong- 
 ing also to the Dutch, the houses are most of them very 
 elegant — canals along the principal streets — bordered 
 with Walks of beautiful trees — and the Pavements as neat 
 and clean as Mrs. Bosworth's parlour. An American 
 Consul, Mr. Sigory, resides here, who has treated me very 
 politely. I found here also two American ships from 
 Antwerp, but neither of them bound home, so that I can 
 as yet find no opportunity to let my sweet friend know of 
 my safety. I hope however soon to find some mode of con- 
 veyance. To-morrow I expect to proceed up the river to 
 Antwerp— it is ninety miles from hence. 
 
 Antwerp, July 26th, 1804. 
 Yesterday morning we left Flushing and having a fair 
 wind at 5 in the afternoon we anchor 'd off this town. The 
 river is a noble one and passes through one of the finest 
 and best cultivated countries in the world. At the dis- 
 tance of 50 miles we descried one of the steeples of Ant- 
 werp, said to be the highest but one in Europe, but I 
 must defer a description of the town until I have seen 
 more of it. Here then I am in my destined port, with a 
 prospect of making a tolerable voyage. At the distance of 
 four thousand miles from me you are perhaps counting 
 the days of my absence and calculating the probability 
 of my being in port. Our little Betsey too — by this time 
 I suppose she begins to totter about — and perhaps to 
 
120 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 prattle. Will you teach her, my love, to lisp Papa's 
 name in his absence — will you teach her to talk of him 
 and teach her to love him — God bless you both and for 
 the present 
 
 Adieu. 
 
 Antwerp, July 29th, 1804. 
 
 At a late hour on Sunday night I have set down to the 
 employment most congenial to my feelings, to dedicate a 
 few moments to my wife. I went this morning to the 
 Great Church. It is a very noble and very ancient Build- 
 ing, but now much out of repair, having suffered much 
 when this place was taken in the last war by its present 
 owners, but it is now repairing. It is very high and fin- 
 ished in the ancient Gothic style, being arched to the roof 
 and supported at small distances by immense marble 
 pillars. There are a few good paintings, but most of 
 them I am told are taken away. There are several other 
 large Churches here, but most of them are now used for 
 public or private Stores etc. The Dwelling houses are all 
 of stone, mostly from four to eight stories high, most of 
 them handsome, and many very elegant. 
 
 I din'd this day on board a Philadelphia Brig, Capt. 
 Hawthorne, we having come into Campoere and up the 
 river together. Towards night we walked out of town 
 and strolled into several of the beautiful Gardens, with 
 which this vicinity abounds. In this walk we probably 
 saw at least four thousand people — strolling like ourselves. 
 It is impossible for any description of mine to do justice 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 121 
 
 to a scene like this, the beauty of the arbours all over — 
 shadowed with thick arched trees; the neatness of the 
 gravel walks; the variety and elegance of the flower 
 gardens by which they are surrounded; the plenty and 
 cheapness of all kinds of refreshments and the whimsical 
 groups of mortals which were hunting for the phantom 
 Pleasure in these Elysian Fields — all together presented a 
 scene peculiarly adapted to the romantic taste of your 
 Russell. And you may be sure it was highly enjoyed by 
 him. But how often my love, did I say to myself with a 
 sigh — Ah! how richly indeed could I enjoy all this were 
 my Nancy by my side. To catch the animation from 
 your speaking countenance and to point out to you the 
 endless variety of beauties by which we were surrounded, 
 would have been a luxurious treat to me. But it cannot 
 be — far distant from you I write unknowing whether my 
 Nancy's eye will ever trace the lines. — but Hope whispers 
 me, she will. May angels guard you and our sweet babe. 
 Good night. J. W. R. 
 
 Antwerp, Aug. 3d, 1804. 
 My Dearest Friend: 
 
 We this day finish unloading our cargo, and expect 
 
 shortly to leave this port. I have been today in company 
 
 with all the American masters here — say, four of us — to 
 
 view the steeple of the Grand Church of Antwerp, and 
 
 enjoy the fine view from its top. The steeple itself is an 
 
 object worthy of attention. It is built of stone and is six 
 
 hundred and fifty feet high. It contains eighty two bells, 
 
122 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 the largest of which weighs eighteen thousand pounds. 
 The face of the Clock is twenty six feet in diameter. It 
 strikes the quarters as well as the hours, and the bells chime 
 every seven and a half minutes — so that we have music 
 almost constantly. But the view of the town, the river 
 and the adjoining country (which with the help of our 
 glasses we could overlook to a great distance) exceed by 
 far anything of the kind that I ever yet beheld. The 
 town is mostly surrounded by meadows watered by in- 
 numerable canals, and covered by flocks of sheep and 
 herds of cattle. From the top of this steeple we counted 
 in the adjoining country the spires of sixty three steeples. 
 
 Can you not figure to yourself, my love, my situation 
 and feelings at that moment, elevated many hundred feet 
 above the tops of the houses — having the whole of a large 
 and populous city under my eye, and an extensive view 
 of a most beautiful and highly cultivated country in every 
 direction. One thing only was wanting in the prospect. 
 I wish'd to extend my glass so as to take a peep at my 
 much lov'd home, to see our good cousin Becca sitting 
 little Betsy on the mantle piece and view her Mother's 
 smiles as she caught the features of her darling babe. 
 Yet, as it was I had much to interest my feelings. 
 
 This church was erected by Spaniards, when Spain, 
 then in her glory — possess 'd the Sovereignty of all this 
 delightful country. We are told it was one hundred 
 years in building. I called to mind the many Revolu- 
 tions that have taken place since this stupendous fabric 
 rose. Spain — the once lordly possessor of this domain is 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 123 
 
 sunk in lethargy and insignificance, Austria — your late 
 master — weak and indecisive, was unable to preserve you 
 — and — after many eventful revolutions — after ages of 
 blood-shed and carnage — you are become an Appendage 
 to grasping France, another feather in the cap of Bouna- 
 
 parte 
 
 "Alas! poor human Nature" 
 
 I have several times visited Mr. Van Bree, said to be 
 one of the finest painters now in Europe, and as he has 
 been very attentive to me, I have had a rich feast in view- 
 ing and admiring his beautiful and interesting works. 
 His wife too excels in that noble art. I have set by her 
 side and seen her, in ten minutes sketch the features of a 
 face so accurately that I should know it among a thousand. 
 
 I had not forgotten that this place has produced some 
 of the most celebrated painters in the world. Rubens and 
 Vandyke were natives of Antwerp, and their names will 
 be repeated with enthusiasm so long as a taste for the fine 
 arts remains. Do not laugh now, my sweet friend, and 
 call me an enthusiast. 
 
 I have much more to say to you but being near my 
 departure from this I shall now be busily engaged. At my 
 next leisure I shall again resume my favorite employment. 
 Till then and ever, my love, may God bless you. 
 
 Your own, J. W. R. 
 
124 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 IX 
 
 THE INTIMATE JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE TO EUROPE 
 
 {Continued) 
 
 Minerva — off Williamstad, Aug. 14th, 1804. 
 
 I have, my sweet friend, been thro' such a scene of 
 bustle and confusion since I wrote you last that I could not 
 bring myself to set quietly down and chat with my Nancy. 
 At Antwerp I had the misfortune to have the whole of 
 mine and the mate's adventures* seized by the Custom 
 House, and tho' I have good hopes of their being released 
 yet I was obliged to leave there in a state of uncertainty, 
 determined as I was not to detain the vessell a moment 
 on that account. 
 
 I left Antwerp on the eighth inst. and on my arrival at 
 Flushing found an Embargo laid on the vessells bound 
 to sea. I at length obtained permission to take the Brig 
 thro' an inland passage to Helvoetsluys in Holland and 
 thence to sea. 'Tis a tedious and difficult navigation of 
 150 miles distant. We have had these five days dreadful 
 gales of wind, but tis now once more moderate and I am 
 anchored within 18 miles of Helvoetsluys. I hope from 
 thence to proceed immediately to sea. 
 
 I have been on shore to-day at this little town — and again 
 had occasion to remark and admire the extreme neatness 
 * Their personal share of, or investment in, the vessel's cargo. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 125 
 
 of every Dutch settlement. Indeed this inland passage 
 has given me an opportunity to see the finest part of Hol- 
 land, certainly one of the pleasantest and best cultivated 
 countries in the world. But, "the eye is never satisfied 
 with seeing — nor the ear with hearing" — and I would 
 give up in a moment all the enchanting views in this coun- 
 try for a stroll on Bristol Common, or a scramble over 
 the rocks at Dighton, with my dear Nancy at my side. 
 Yes, my love, were I with you and our sweet babe, I 
 should no more think on the neat streets, the canals, and 
 the beauteous groves of Holland. How often have I, my 
 love, within a few weeks past taken some playful infant 
 in my arms, and thought on our dear Betsey. Does the 
 little cherub begin to prattle yet — does she begin to totter 
 about? When once she begins to talk to you I often 
 figure to myself that her innocent chat will serve to beguile 
 many an uneasy hour. But your hours, my love, I hope, 
 will not many of them be uneasy. May they be tranquil 
 and happy as you deserve, and soon, very soon may you 
 share them with your own 
 
 R . 
 
 Helvoetsluys, Aug. 15th, 1804. 
 My Dear Nancy: 
 
 I wrote you after my arrival at Antwerp which I hope 
 came safely to hand. I left that place on the 8th inst. 
 and shall be ready to sail to-morrow intending to reach St. 
 Petersburg if possible. I have yet had no direct oppor- 
 tunity of writing home, and this goes by port to Amster- 
 
126 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 dam, so that by this round-about way I cannot say any 
 of the good things to you of which my heart is full. Nor 
 will I now forward a large packet of letters which I have 
 written to you, but wait some direct conveyance. Yet my 
 Nancy will not think from this hasty note that she is for a 
 moment forgotten. 
 
 May this find you, my Nancy, enjoying every blessing 
 which health and innocence can bestow, embrace our dear 
 Betsey for me. My cordial love to all our old friends. 
 Adieu and God bless you. 
 
 John W. Russell. 
 
 Helvoetsluys, Augt. 18th, 1804. 
 Dear Friend of my Heart: 
 
 I was in hopes ere this to have been as far as Copen- 
 hagen — and so indeed I should be if we could have gone 
 direct to sea from Antwerp. But here we are still wind 
 bound. Have made three attempts to get out, but with- 
 out success. I can as yet find no direct Opportunity to 
 write you, but since my arrival here I wrote you a hasty 
 line, and enclos'd it to a merchant in Amsterdam — which 
 I hope will reach you. 
 
 I have here taken on board a passenger for Copenhagen, 
 a Danish Captain who left his ship at Antwerp. He is 
 a man of information — is sociable, and I trust his society 
 will be a relief to me. With the gentleman for my com- 
 panion, I have been on shore this afternoon and pur- 
 chased some fresh provisions and vegetables, which are 
 now very plenty in every town of Holland. But our best 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 127 
 
 treat was to come on board and over a glass of warm 
 punch to toast our Wives and Sweethearts and talk of our 
 families and the pleasures of domestic life. 
 
 Good night my love. 
 
 Helvoetsluys, Augt. 20th, 1804. 
 
 I sometimes think, my dear friend, that there is a spell 
 laid upon us, and that we are doomed to spend the season 
 in Holland. Ever since I left Antwerp it has been heavy, 
 blowing weather and here we are still wind-bound. What 
 adds to the disappointment is that if I could get out to 
 sea the winds have always been fair for me. So that if 
 the Embargo had not prevented my sailing from Flushing, 
 I should, before this time, have been in Copenhagen — 
 indeed much further if I concluded to proceed further. 
 Now the season is fast wearing away so that there is no 
 probability of my being able to go beyond Copenhagen, 
 and whether I can procure my cargo there, is very un- 
 certain. I really begin to grow peevish and fretful, but 
 still endeavor to keep quiet. 
 
 I picked up a Dutch newspaper the other day — I know 
 nothing of the language — and could find no one to read it 
 in English for me. But I saw an article under New York 
 head, which — by what I could make out — related to the 
 death of General Hamilton, and that he was killed, in a 
 duel, by Col. Burr. Is it possible this can be so? Genl. 
 Hamilton was, beyond all question the first political 
 Character in the U. S. and after our ever-regretted Wash- 
 ington, America could not have sustained a heavier loss. 
 
128 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 And is this man dead — killed by the V. Prest. of the U. S. ? 
 Shame on these false notions of Honor — Shame on the 
 men who countenance such principles! 
 
 But I am sick of this dreadful subject. We will quit it, 
 and say once more adieu — 
 
 J. W. R. 
 
 Helvoetsluys, Augt. 23d, 1804. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 I am almost distracted with our long detention here — 
 'tis now nine days since I first anchor 'd in this place, and 
 it has not been possible to get to Sea. The whole period, 
 and indeed ever since I left Antwerp it has been blowing 
 hard gales, and cold like the November winds in America. 
 The Season is fast wearing away — by this time I should 
 have been nearly or quite to St. Petersburg. Now I 
 expect I must give up all thoughts of going further than 
 Copenhagen. 
 
 This day arrived here the ship Hope, in twenty six days 
 from Providence — but not a word can I hear from my dear 
 Home. Only think, my love, a Ship that came from a 
 place so near you — and I have been so long absent — and 
 yet can hear nothing from my wife! Yet I had no right 
 to expect letters. You would as soon have thought of 
 writing to me by way of Canton, but how easy would it 
 have been for me to receive letters, had I left proper 
 directions with you! Had you wrote to Amsterdam, Rot- 
 terdam or any port in Holland they would have been sent 
 by post to Antwerp in two days; and had I sailed from 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 129 
 
 thence, they would be forwarded on by post to Copen- 
 hagen or even to Petersburg. What a treat now, at this 
 moment, would be a letter from my dear Nancy! When 
 I am fretted and full of anxiety — to hear the soothing 
 accents of affection, and read the heart-felt effusions of 
 the dear wife of my heart, would be a luxury indeed. 
 
 The Danish Captn. whom I have on board is a man 
 of sense and information. He has been sixteen years 
 Master of a ship and so long a married man — he has 
 several children. It gives me much pleasure to trace the 
 glow of affection in his face, when he looks at his em- 
 broidered waistcoat, and says, "This was done by my 
 daughter," or when he displays his neatly worked pocket- 
 book and exclaims, " This was the work of another of my 
 children." With him I sometimes go on shore here, but 
 we are sure to get a wetting, and there is neither amusement 
 nor information to compensate for the trouble of going. 
 We spend our time, therefore, on board between eating, 
 drinking, sleeping, walking the Deck — viewing the squalls 
 as they rise and fretting at our ill luck. But you, my 
 love, are much better employed. Could I, at this mo- 
 ment, take little Betsey in my arms and see you smile — I 
 would promise not to fret again for a week. 
 
 Good night. 
 
 Helvoetsluts, Augt. 24th, 1804. 
 Ever since I left Bristol I have been at intervals scrib- 
 bling to you, my dear Nancy, but have yet had no direct 
 opportunity of forwarding a letter to you. But last night 
 
130 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 several ships came down from Rotterdam, and among 
 them one bound to Boston and one to Newbury Port. By 
 one or other of these my GREAT packet must go. Should 
 it come safe to your hands — as I hope it will — do not be 
 frightened at its size. You can, if you please, be a month 
 in perusing it, but if you feel one half the pleasure in 
 looking it over that I have in thus unbosoming myself to 
 you at leisure moments I shall be amply gratified. You 
 will find this bundle, my love, a little history of my feel- 
 ings, and in some measure an account of my progress and 
 transactions during the voyage. Ah, if I could see you 
 as you open it, could hear you say to our dear babe — ■ 
 "This came from your Papa." But this pleasure cannot 
 be mine. Still I have good hopes of finding Letters from 
 you at Copenhagen — if I ever can clear of this detested 
 place. Well — good bye— and God bless you, my sweet 
 Ann — Remember me particularly to all our valued friends. 
 
 Yours ever, 
 
 John W. Russell. 
 
 Brig Minerva, At Sea, Augt. 29th, 1804. 
 Congratulate me, my Nancy, I am once more clear 
 from Embargoes and head winds. The fog-surrounded 
 shores of Holland are out of sight, and I am again floating 
 in the open ocean. The day before yesterday we suc- 
 ceeded in getting out from Helvoetsluys — tho' with much 
 trouble — having two men sick, the wind right ahead, and 
 having to beat out in a narrow passage, about as wide as 
 Bristol street, for more than five hours. I was eight days 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 131 
 
 in coming from Antwerp to Helvoetsluys, and detained in 
 this last place twelve days more. 
 
 You may well think that my Quaker-like patience was 
 about exhausted, thus to see the best of the season wear 
 away, as by it all hopes of reaching St. Petersburg are 
 irretrievable lost, and thereby I much fear that the great 
 object of my Voyage will be defeated. Well, I cannot 
 help it — the Causes have been such as no human Power 
 could control. What has made my long detention harder 
 to bear is, that it should happen to be in such a horrid 
 place. I have been in many towns of Holland and 
 whether large or small have always been pleased, and 
 found something to admire, except at Helvoetsluys. There 
 everything was the reverse of pleasant, and there I wore 
 away twelve of the most anxious days of my life. Blessed 
 be God — I have escaped. 
 
 The day before I sailed from Helvoetsluys, I forwarded 
 by a Boston ship a large packet to you. Should it reach 
 you, my love, I am persuaded you will be gratified to find 
 how often you occupy the thoughts of your absent friend. 
 The best feelings of my heart my dear are ever with you, 
 and when, in my mind's eye I hold sweet converse with 
 my Nancy and look at our lovely, smiling babe — I forget 
 for the moment, my anxiety and my cares. My Danish 
 passenger has already taught me some bad tricks — what 
 think you, of my drinking a cup of tea every morning at 
 6 o'clock — that is — two hours before breakfast — and again 
 in the afternoon. This is now my constant habit. I fear 
 that I shall become quite a tea-sipper. 
 
132 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 The weather is remarkably fine, and with a favourable 
 breeze for thirty hours, we expect to see the land on the 
 coast of Norway. 
 
 Copenhagen, Sept. 2nd, 1804. 
 Well, my dear friend, I am safe and anchor'd in this 
 harbour. A pleasant passage of six days only has brought 
 us from Helvoetsluys. Last night we anchor'd at Elsi- 
 nore — from whence I wrote a hasty line to Mr. DeWolf. 
 We are not yet allowed to go on shore, as we must first be 
 examined as to sickness, etc. And it being Sunday the 
 officers did not come to us. Tired and fatigued I have 
 only time before I sleep, to say one word to my love, and 
 remember at the same time, our dear Babe. 
 
 Copenhagen, Sept. 4th, 1804. 
 I have concluded to try to procure my cargo here, and 
 have this day entered at the Custom House, and expect 
 tomorrow to discharge my ballast. There is only one 
 American ship in port. The Capt. I have not yet seen, 
 but I understand she sails soon, when I again hope that 
 my dear Nancy will have an opportunity to hear from me. 
 I have yet seen but little of this great city, the Capital of 
 Denmark, but I shall probably be able to give you some 
 description of it during my stay here. I dined this day 
 with my passenger, Capt. Ferguson — quite in the family 
 way. His wife is a very decent and respectable looking 
 woman; they have three fine daughters, the eldest four- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 133 
 
 teen years old; one son of four years, and a fine, fat boy 
 exactly the age of our little Cherub. 
 
 I promise myself much pleasure with this fine family 
 — true it is that they none of them speak or understand 
 English except the Father, but the language of affection 
 and kindness, my love, is a universal one, and is easily 
 comprehended by all nations, so that I am already a great 
 favourite with all the children, and especially the youngest. 
 When I see this child tottering across the floor, in its first 
 attempts to walk, how can I help thinking that probably 
 my sweet wife is now engaged in teaching our little Betsey, 
 her first steps. May her first and latest steps, my love, 
 be in the path of virtue — and long may she be a blessing 
 to you and to her and your affectionate 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
 Copenhagen, Septr. 9th, 1804. 
 
 I have often remarked how very ready the human Mind 
 is to seize upon every trivial circumstance that can yield 
 us pleasure; and especially when we have long been 
 among foreigners, whose manners as well as language 
 are uncouth to us. At such a time, a trifle that would pass 
 unnoticed at any other period, is then seized upon with 
 avidity, and the return of social and friendly intercourse, 
 tho' with strangers, affords a Pleasure which those only can 
 describe who have felt it. 
 
 Since my arrival here I fell in with a Mr. Cartwright, 
 an Englishman, who keeps a store here. Having called 
 
134 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 on him for the purchase of some necessaries I was invited 
 into his house to take tea. His wife I found was a man- 
 tau maker, and had with her three girls who had all been 
 apprentices to her — but the eldest was now out of her 
 time. As they were all very social, and the eldest girl, as 
 I thought, uncommonly agreeable, I entered into the 
 spirit of the conversation and soon forgot that I was a 
 stranger. 
 
 The next afternoon, accident or design, found me again 
 with them at tea time. And after tea I joined them in a 
 walk on the Battery — a most romantic and delightful 
 place. It was not the less interesting to me for having 
 another married Lady and two lovely children of the 
 party. In this walk, which was prolonged to a late hour, 
 I felt more and more pleased with Polly, the girl whom I 
 spoke of. I found her sensible and well informed, and 
 there was something peculiarly modest and interesting in 
 her manners. I even fancied that she greatly resembled 
 my Nancy, and this idea, you may be sure, did not make 
 her less interesting to me. 
 
 Having called on them next morning, Mr. Cartwright 
 asked me if I would come in the evening to Polly's wed- 
 ding. Supposing him to be in jest, I told him No — 
 unless I was to be a party concerned. He informed me 
 that I was too late for that, and turning round, intro- 
 duced me to Capt. Browering, of an English ship, and 
 seriously assured me that Capt. B. and Polly were to be 
 married that evening. Polly herself to whom I applied 
 confirmed the intelligence, and having had my invitation 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 135 
 
 warmly renewed — you may be sure that I did not fail to 
 call in the evening. 
 
 I was accompanied by Capt. Treadwell, the only Amer- 
 ican now here. The ceremony was over before we came 
 in — but we found a clever, tho' not a large party assembled 
 — had a very decent supper, and you will judge whether 
 the time passed agreeably or not when I tell you that we 
 did not leave there till two o'clock in the morning. As 
 the Bride was next day to set out with her husband for 
 England, I called in the forenoon to take leave. What 
 think you my dear, of this, for an acquaintance of forty 
 eight hours — heigh ho. 
 
 Copenhagen, Septr. 10th, 1804. 
 As I wish my Nancy to participate in all that gives me 
 pleasure, as soon as I find anything amusing or inter- 
 esting, I wish to communicate it at once to you. One of 
 my late excursions was greatly interesting to me and no 
 doubt, would have been so to you my love, but you can 
 form but a faint idea of it from any description of mine. 
 I mean, a visit which I paid to the King's Cabinet of 
 Natural History, his collection of rare and curious things, 
 and a noble set of valuable paintings — but why should 
 I tell you that I sat in a large, old fashioned arm chair 
 made of solid Gold — that I saw many curious and heavy 
 ancient vessells of the same metal? Why should I men- 
 tion the numerous monsters which have been collected 
 from all parts of the world, some of which excited Wonder 
 and the others Horror? There was nothing so gratifying 
 
136 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 to me, in any of the rooms, as the Gallery of paintings. 
 Among these the first that caught the attention of my 
 companions (our party consisted of six) was a painting 
 of the finest Statue in the world. I mean the Venus de 
 Medicisy — but the one which interested my feelings 
 most, was the Crucifixion, by Paul Veronese. I could 
 not have thought it possible for Art to exhibit any- 
 thing so wonderfully natural as the countenance of our 
 Savior — where the different emotions of extreme Agony 
 and examplary Patience are so blended, that it is hard to 
 tell which prevails. The painter has chosen to represent 
 this dreadful scene at the precise moment when our blessed 
 Redeemer so pathetically recommends his Mother to the 
 care of the beloved disciple, as recorded in John 19th 
 Ch. 26th and 27th ver. The Disciple is represented at 
 the foot of the cross, supporting the fainting Mary and 
 looking up with humble Reverence to catch the expir- 
 ing accents of his beloved Master. The whole together 
 forms a group, which I think can never be viewed without 
 emotion. 
 
 The next most interesting, and by many thought to be 
 the first, is Adam and Eve weeping over the murdered 
 body of Abel. The painter has succeeded admirably in 
 describing the different emotions of grief in the manly 
 features of Adam and the softer form of Eve. And both 
 their countenances exhibit strong marks of that awful 
 Horror which they must have felt on viewing the first 
 Execution of that dreadful Sentence which their disobedi- 
 ence had drawn down. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 137 
 
 Are you tired, my love, with all this rant? Well, I 
 assure you that I was not tired, after spending three hours 
 in that place, and nothing but the night's coming on, 
 could have induced me to leave it so soon. But you see 
 I have exhausted my paper, if I have not your patience, so 
 once more my best and dearest friend, adieu. 
 
 Copenhagen, Septr. 12th, 1804. 
 
 Do you remember, my dear friend, that when I left 
 home you put up for me a lock of your hair and another of 
 our sweet little Betsey's, for the purpose of being set in 
 a locket? At Antwerp I could not find an artist to my 
 mind, but here I was directed to a good one. I gave him 
 my directions and this day I have received it, and am 
 extremely pleased with the execution. While viewing 
 these precious relics of all I hold dear on earth — while 
 kissing, with rapture, this memento of a beloved wife 
 and child — it occurred to my recollection that this day 
 is the birthday of our little darling. I shall keep it as a 
 day of rejoicing on that account and shall close it with 
 my humble petition to the giver of all good that his 
 choicest blessings may descend and rest upon our sweet 
 Babe. 
 
 Do you think my love, that we reflect sufficiently on the 
 great and important duty which we owe to our God — to 
 our Country — and to our innocent offspring, in the capacity 
 of Parents? I fear my dear, that we do not. As there is 
 no character so respectable in life as that of a good Parent, 
 
138 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 so there is no Duty of so much consequence to Society as 
 the right Management and Education of our children. 
 
 It has long been my opinion that there is not that dif- 
 ference in the natural disposition of children which many 
 suppose. I allow there may be some, but I believe far the 
 greater part depends on Instruction. Hear the words of 
 the wisest man. " Train up a child in the way he should 
 go and when he is old he will not depart from it." One 
 of the best English moral writers too, has told us, when 
 speaking of a child, " Watch the bent of his inclination — ■ 
 set him right in his youth — and let no evil habit gain 
 strength with his years — so shall he encrease in virtue as 
 he encreases in years, and the fruits of Parental instruc- 
 tion in youth, shall be a middle age of Usefulness and an 
 old age of Respectability." 
 
 As the care and instruction of our sweet Betsey must 
 for the most part my love, devolve on you — I cannot too 
 often mention this subject, I cannot too forcibly enjoin 
 it upon you. Do not imagine, my dear, that I distrust 
 your judgment — No — my fears are that you may some- 
 times permit your Affections to mislead your better Judg- 
 ment. And perhaps too, you have not considered with 
 the attention that I have, how very early it is necessary to 
 check, guide and govern the disposition of an infant. A 
 system of severity, I certainly shall never practice, or 
 recommend to you — but a system of firmness I would 
 enjoin with all the eloquence I could muster. 
 
 Above all things, my love, let me caution you against 
 lying to our Child. Do not start at the harshness of this 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 139 
 
 phrase. What but lying can I call it when I hear a parent 
 tell a child "You shall do such a thing — you must not 
 have such a thing," and yet in a few moments, rather than 
 hear the cries or importunities of the pet — say, " Here, do 
 take it." There is no way so effectual as this to teach 
 a child that they can have their own way, when they chuse 
 to teaze for it. And I believe they always, and very early 
 in life, take care to profit by it. 
 
 Indeed I am apt to think that half the trouble we have 
 with our Children — if not half the Mischief that takes 
 place in society, arises from this single source of thus lying 
 to our children. I would have the word of a Parent to a 
 Child, even on the most trivial occasion, be as sacred as 
 an oath, and having once said — " You shall not do thus — 
 You shall not have this" — let no whining or crying, let 
 no Importunity ever tempt you to recede. A child very 
 early learns whether they can get anything by teazing or 
 not, and when they once find that they never can succeed 
 by it, trust me, they will soon be tired of trying it. 
 
 I believe you know my Sentiments too well, my love, to 
 think that I shall ever be an Advocate for a system of 
 Severity with my child. No, Firmness in doing our duty 
 towards her I would always inculcate, but severity I 
 abhor. I think it much easier to keep a child in the path 
 of duty without being severe, than it is with severity. The 
 strongest of all fears which I would inculcate, would be 
 the fear of offending its Parents, and that, not because 
 they must expect to be corrected — but because they will 
 thereby lose the Affection of the Parent, and as a child 
 
140 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 certainly should be taught that its Parents, love is the 
 greatest Earthly blessing — if duly impressed with that 
 sentiment, surely the fear of losing or lessening that love 
 will be the strongest motive to do well. 
 
 Forgive me, my wife, these hasty observations — they 
 are dictated as I said before, not from any distrust of you 
 my love, but from the warmest solicitude for the wellfare 
 of my Child. It is a subject that dwells near my heart, 
 and you will doubtless hear often of it from me. For 
 the present, good bye, my Nancy. May angels guard you 
 and our sweet babe. May every succeeding Birthday 
 find her increasing in virtue and goodness and long may 
 she live to bless my Nancy and her affectionate 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 141 
 
 X 
 
 HOMEWARD BOUND ! 
 
 (The Journal of the European Voyage Concluded) 
 
 Copenhagen, Septr. 23rd, 1804. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 We have finished loading the Brig and expect very 
 
 shortly to set sail. Think you that my heart does not 
 
 bound at the prospect! When next we set sail we are 
 
 bound directly home — to that dear home which contains 
 
 all my treasures. 
 
 Even now I seem to hear my Nancy's voice 
 Welcome my safe return with accents bland, 
 And see my lovely smiling little babe 
 Draw near to share my kiss, and clasp my hand. 
 
 Soon, my dear, I hope the dear delightful Vision will 
 be realized. Soon may the period arrive when safe from 
 the toils of the sea, I shall again find peace and happiness 
 by my own fireside. Not but I have found in this place 
 much to entertain me. I have also visited Fredericksburg 
 two miles without the gates, which is the summer residence 
 of the King, and there I had the honor of seeing His 
 Majesty of Denmark. He is a poor unhappy being — 
 having been affected in his brain ever since his separation 
 from the Queen — which was twenty four years ago. It 
 was a melancholy and tragic event which I have often 
 read with tears. If you do not remember it I will tell it 
 
142 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 you when we meet. Adjoining the palace of Fredericks- 
 burg is an extensive park, and a large Garden, in which 
 all strangers are permitted to walk. I spent several hours 
 there very pleasantly. There are some artificial ponds 
 which contain a variety of scarce and curious fowls. There 
 are also many rare animals, and among the rest a Zebra, 
 which you know is said to be the handsomest animal in the 
 world. 
 
 But it would take up too much paper to describe to you 
 half the interesting things in that Garden. It may serve 
 sometime for tea table talk when my Nancy and I are 
 together. I have visited the China fabric here, at which 
 they boast of making the finest porcelain in the world. 
 It may be so — for it certainly exceeds anything that I ever 
 saw from China. The ornamental things were curious 
 and elegant beyond conception ; but they were excessively 
 dear, as was indeed all their fine ware — much too dear for 
 my purse. I fell in love with a very elegant Coffee pot, 
 but was obliged to leave it behind me — as it was estimated 
 at the moderate sum of fifty Dollars. There are certainly 
 a great many things in this City worthy the attention of 
 a curious Stranger — I have had leisure to see but little in a 
 very cursory manner. Yet I have seen much to give me 
 pleasure, and that pleasure, I wish my sweet friend to 
 share with me. 
 
 Copenhagen, Septr. 30th, 1804. 
 
 My business here being all completed, I have now been 
 several days waiting for a fair wind. We have left the 
 Harbour and are now anchor 'd in the King's Road, anx- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 143 
 
 I II! I II 
 
 iously watching the weather and chiding the westerly 
 wind. Yet I have been something relieved by the com- 
 pany of two American Captains, from Petersburg, who 
 stopped here a few days since, and like me, are waiting for a 
 fair wind. They are Capt. Rodman and Capt. Page, both 
 belonging to Providence. Being so near neighbors, we 
 have soon become acquainted, and though we never saw 
 each other before — yet we find much to talk about that is 
 interesting to us all. You can hardly conceive, what a 
 pleasure it is when at a great distance from Home, to meet 
 with a Countryman, especially if he happens to live near 
 us, as we then can talk of Persons and Things that are 
 known to us both. We soon forget, that we met, a few 
 hours before, as total strangers. This is one of those cor- 
 dials, my love, which Heaven has kindly scattered in all 
 our paths, as we wander through this Vale of Tears; if 
 we had but the gratitude, and I may say, the sense to find 
 and taste them as we pass along. Goldsmith says that 
 there is no possible situation in life but has its peculiar 
 comforts attending it. But hear what says another 
 favourite Author on this subject, " I pity the man that can 
 travel from Dan to Beersheba, and cry 'tis all barren, 'tis 
 all bare. And so it is — and so is all the World to him who 
 is not disposed to gather the flowers as he passes along."* 
 I sometimes think that in the keenness of my regret for 
 those enjoyments of which I am deprived, I am really 
 ungrateful to Providence for the many blessings which 
 
 * From " A Sentimental Journey," by Lawrence Sterne, quoted by 
 Captain Russell from memory and slightly amended. 
 
144 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 are still left me. This however, is a disposition of 
 heart which ought to be carefully guarded against. And 
 though I can never cease regretting when separated from 
 my dear wife and child — yet I hope I shall never be insen- 
 sible to the Favours which Heaven has pleased to bestow 
 on me. 
 
 Soon, very soon, my sweet friend, I trust I shall again 
 see you, again in your lov'd society and the smiles of our 
 sweet Betsey find that delight " which the stranger knoweth 
 not of, nor intermeddleth with " — that joy " which the 
 world besides, can neither give nor take away." 
 
 Brig Minerva, At Sea, Octr. 9th, 1804. 
 A week has now elapsed, my lovely friend, since I sail'd 
 from Copenhagen. A disagreeable week it has been in- 
 deed! We came out with a fair wind and in company 
 with more than five hundred sail. The next morning the 
 Wind came right ahead, and so has continued ever since, 
 at times blowing very heavy, a rough sea and frequent 
 rains — surrounded by rocks and shoals — in the midst of 
 so large a fleet — the nights long and horribly dark. Add 
 to this, that we were now in the most critical and dangerous 
 navigation in all Europe and I am sure then you will not 
 wonder that I have had neither time nor spirits to write. 
 But thank God we are clear of the dangers of the Cattegat; 
 and though the wind is still ahead, yet having room to 
 work the vessell, we feel more safe, and have hopes in a 
 few days more to be clear of the coast of Europe. Already, 
 my love, do I begin to measure the lessening distance be- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 145 
 
 tween us. Already do I begin to count the days, when 
 hope bids me to expect again to embrace my Nancy — 
 again with tears of joy, to kiss my smiling babe. I have 
 now, my friend, been four months from home. This is 
 the longest period that we have ever been separated since 
 our Fates were united. And in all this time not a word 
 have I heard from you. I have, however, written to you, 
 very often, and ere this I think you must have heard 
 more than once from me. But soon, my love, I hope to 
 be the bearer of my own letters. 
 
 Minerva, At Sea, Octr. 17th, 1804. 
 If ever a poor devil could say with propriety, " A sailor's 
 life is a Dog's life" — surely I can. We are not yet clear of 
 the land — having had constant furious gales, and con- 
 tinued head winds, together with rain — rain — rain. Not 
 a man on board has had his clothes dry since the day 
 after we left Copenhagen. To help us on too, our cabin is 
 full of dry Goods, so that we have barely room to creep 
 to our nests, and cannot bring wet clothes below. The 
 sea being so rough our cabin windows are closed fast, our 
 Cabin doors, too, constantly shut, so that when we can 
 get below even at noon day, we have only the pale, sickly 
 light of a lamp by which to eat our raw pork or dry fish 
 and bread; for it is much too bad weather to cook. And 
 altho' it is not freezing cold yet when you recollect that 
 we are now further north from R. Island than R. Island 
 is from Havana — you will easily guess that it is cold 
 enough. Truth is, I am almost worn out. I have now 
 
146 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 been (what I never was before since I went to sea) ten 
 days without shaving. To-day I have tried the razor. It 
 has been quite calm for 18 hours and everybody on board 
 thought the next breeze would be favorable — now it has 
 sprung up at West; that is, right ahead, — heigh ho! — 
 Well my sweet friend, my dear, dear Nancy — may you 
 never know nor feel half the anxiety that now fills the 
 heart of your R. 
 
 At Sea, Octr. 29th, 1804. 
 
 Four weeks we have been at sea — and have now for 
 the first time a fair wind. Four weeks we have been at 
 sea and have had only one day without rain; only one 
 day in which we could possibly dry our clothes. As it 
 has been blowing like a hurricane a great part of the time, 
 so our Decks have been almost constantly under water, 
 our Passage thus far has indeed been uncomfortable in 
 the extreme. 
 
 Rejoice then with me, my lovely friend, at the pleasure 
 of once more beholding a fair wind — of again viewing a 
 clear and serene sky. I know my dear, your heart would 
 indeed rejoice, could you see, how I, at this moment enjoy 
 the Comforts of a smooth face and a clean shirt, — Com- 
 forts to which I have been many days a Stranger. 
 
 Would you not take pleasure in seeing that, to display 
 my gratitude I have killed my only remaining pig and 
 ordered a sumptuous dinner for all hands? I hope indeed 
 that I shall never lack Gratitude; for I have certainly 
 many — very many things to be grateful for. I have been 
 preserved and protected through all the dangers and 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 147 
 
 troubles that surrounded me. I have a Prospect of soon 
 reaching that Home where I have enjoyed so much happi- 
 ness, of soon embracing the dear wife of my bosom, and 
 the darling child of my affections — I cannot too often men- 
 tion this subject — for my thoughts are perpetually re- 
 curring to it. 
 
 I cannot be too grateful that "the lines have fallen to 
 me in so pleasant places— that I have so goodly an heri- 
 tage." Yes, my love, a happy union ours has been. No 
 discord has marred our peace — no coldness has poisoned 
 our domestic felicity. We were neither of us so young as 
 to form romantic and chimerical ideas of happiness. We 
 were neither of us so old as to have lost a relish for the 
 dear delights of Mutual Love, and that truly rational plan 
 of Domestic Enjoyment which Heaven has ordained for 
 congenial souls. 
 
 Our lovely Betsey too — the pleasure — the fond pride of 
 our hearts — how often, in idea, is the little Innocent pres- 
 ent to my imagination. How often does my busy fancy 
 picture her out — as I watch her growing attractions — as I 
 catch her endearing smile. Alas! Where would busy 
 imagination lead me! perhaps — even now — I have no 
 child — perhaps too — that child has no Mother. Heaven 
 avert the Thought! Yes — I will still believe that these 
 Blessings are yet mine, still will I daily pray to heaven 
 for their continuance and for every blessing to rest on the 
 head of those so dear to me. May the time soon arrive 
 my sweet friend, when these air built castles of imagination 
 shall be lost in delightful reality. 
 
148 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Brig Minerva, At Sea, Nov. 4th, 1804. 
 We have just experienced another severe and heavy 
 gale of wind. Our fair wind and fine weather of which 
 I boasted so much a few days ago, lasted us only 
 twelve hours. The wind is now, as usual, ahead, but it 
 does not, as usual, blow a Gale. On the contrary, 
 the return of "Sabbath's peaceful day," has brought 
 us a return of fair and pleasant weather. I have been 
 overhauling my Accounts and arranging my papers; for 
 as yet, notwithstanding the length of time that I have 
 been at sea we have had no Weather in which I could 
 complete that necessary business. I wish I could take 
 a peep at a certain fireside now, and see what my dear 
 Nancy is about. Can you leave our little one and attend 
 the solemn exercises of Devotion? You have no cousin 
 Becca with you now to take care of the little cherub. 
 Good sister Ellen, however, is at hand, and Ellen, I 
 hope, loves my child. With her, my love, I think you 
 can sometimes intrust her, and step out to see a good 
 old friend, Cousin Nancy, for instance, or good Aunt 
 DeWolf — or our friendly Mrs. Mosher. I hope Capt. 
 Munroe is now at home. He I know, will be kind and 
 neighborly to you. Our good brother Wm. perhaps he 
 too is at home, and Polly may sometimes spare him for 
 a moment to look in upon you. Wardwell, will I know, 
 sometimes call and say a cheerful thing, and the Count, 
 I set down as a constant and ever welcome visitor. So 
 that what with your good and kind Father, who is always 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 149 
 
 ready with his offices of kindness I hope the time will 
 not pass too heavily till I again see you. 
 
 At Sea, Nov. 11th, 1804. 
 
 I have dragg'd through another heavy week, with the 
 old story of constant head Winds and one Gale which was 
 by far the heaviest we have yet experienced on this un- 
 lucky Passage. Our sails are continually splitting in 
 pieces; our water and provisions beginning to be scant, 
 so that our prospect on the whole is truly discouraging. 
 Yet, to-day we have been much enlivened, having after 24 
 hours calm, felt a fair wind. Yes, a fine, fair breeze. 
 We crowded all sail, and it did not come ahead in almost 
 three hours. 
 
 Only think of that, after being forty days at sea. We 
 have had a fair wind almost three hours. Indeed it is 
 worth remarking, as it is the best we have had in the whole 
 forty days. And even now the wind is not directly in 
 our teeth, nor does it blow a gale. Heigh — ho — Do you 
 think, my sweet friend, that I have got quite into the 
 complaining mood? I would not wish to think so my- 
 self, tho' I have had many little things on this passage to 
 vex and torment me. 
 
 My second mate is a continual thorn in my flesh. One 
 good man's jacket would be worth a dozen of him. I have 
 lost, overboard two of the handsomest puppies which you 
 ever saw. As they were born on board and were just 
 beginning to be very playful, I had promised myself much 
 amusement with them. Their mother, too, is lost, so 
 
150 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 that my fine breed of Dogs are all gone. But my dear, 
 there is one thing that has given me much Pleasure, and 
 I wonder that I have not mentioned it to you before. At 
 Copenhagen I took a little Danish boy, just in his twelfth 
 year. This little fellow could neither speak nor under- 
 stand a word of English; but being docile and tractable 
 it has been a pleasure to instruct him. He is apparently 
 of a lively and good disposition and already begins to 
 speak considerable English, and understands almost all 
 that is said to him. 
 
 At Sea, Novr. 21st, 1804. 
 We have now been fifty days at sea. When we left 
 Copenhagen I hoped by this time to embrace my sweet 
 friend. Alas! there is yet a great, a very great Distance 
 between us. Who could foretell that we should have such 
 horrid weather? Twenty days ago we expected to find 
 soundings on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, but 
 have not been able yet to reach it, altho' the last two days 
 have been the most favourable we have had for many 
 weeks. Yesterday we spoke the ship Cotton Planter, 
 from Liverpool bound to New York. On board that 
 ship is Mr. Boothe. We were so near that we knew each 
 other, and conversed together, and I assure you it gave 
 me much pleasure to behold once more his smutty face. 
 Pshaw! Why do I talk of complexion — he is a man, 
 and what is more he is a man of Merit, as such I esteem 
 him — tho' in truth I should be glad at this time to see any- 
 body that I knew before. When I shall be indulged with 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 151 
 
 the pleasure of seeing those I love, I know not. Our pro- 
 visions and water begin to be scant, and our prospect on 
 the whole borders on the gloomy — but "Why art thou 
 cast down Oh! my soul, and why art thou disquieted 
 within me? Hope thou in God — He will yet preserve 
 thee and restore thee to thy dear wife and child. 
 
 Your own, 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
 Brig Minerva, At Sea, Novr. 22nd, 1804. 
 
 Rejoice with me — my dear Nancy — I have unexpect- 
 edly got rid of one of my troubles. Have a little patience 
 and I will explain to you. 
 
 At Copenhagen at the request of the American Consul, 
 I took aboard three American sailors to give them a 
 passage home. When American seamen are left destitute 
 abroad, it is the duty of the Consuls to furnish them a 
 passage by the first ship, and it is always expected — in 
 fact the law makes it their duty — to work on board the ship 
 which takes them, the same as other men. Well, of these 
 three men two had been taken from the Wreck of a Vir- 
 ginia Brig at sea, and brought in to Copenhagen. These 
 poor fellows were destitute of everything but the clothes 
 on their Backs. I furnished them with a few necessaries 
 from my own purse — and, to do them justice, they have 
 behaved well and been first and foremost in their 
 Duty. 
 
 The third sailor was one landed at Copenhagen from a 
 Portsmouth ship and left there sick in the Hospital, having 
 
152 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 however, entirely recovered before I took him on board. 
 This last had plenty of clothes and plenty of money. They 
 all promised me to work like other seamen — and with this 
 addition to our number you will easily judge that our 
 ship's duty was not hard. The two first performed their 
 Promise without grumbling — the other kept half drunk 
 for the first fortnight until his own juggs of rum were 
 gone. This you may be sure made much quarreling and 
 trouble on board, and after that, as I would only give 
 him his daily allowance of rum with the rest, he would do 
 nothing without being forced to. And as his name was 
 not on my shipping bill, he well knew that I could not 
 lawfully oblige him. 
 
 Now altho' we had plenty of help — yet the other two 
 cheerfully did their Duty, and as this was a great two 
 fisted fellow, who would eat three men's allowance and 
 was besides continually grumbling at his living, etc. you 
 may be sure this kept a constant uneasiness on board. I 
 have had to give him one severe flogging and know not 
 to what lengths I might have been driven, by the rascal, — 
 but thank God — this morning we spoke a Brig from Mal- 
 aga, bound to Salem, who at my earnest request, took 
 him on board, to the great joy of all my Crew, not one 
 of whom took him by the hand or wished him Good bye. 
 Only think — Sailors, you know, when shipmates, soon 
 forget their little quarrels, especially when on the point 
 of separating. This fellow had been their shipmate for 
 two months and not a man out of twelve, would even 
 go to the ship's side, to see him go in the boat, so com- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 153 
 
 pletely had he gotten the ill will of every one. Well, he 
 is gone — and again I say— God be thanked. 
 
 At Sea, Decemr. 1st, 1804. 
 My dear Nancy. 
 
 I little thought when I left Copenhagen to be now at 
 this distance from you. Sixty days we have been at sea, 
 and thirty days ago we were nigher home than we are now. 
 Our passage has indeed thus far been a horrid one. For 
 these two days it has been blowing a furious gale at North- 
 west, and I am steering as fast as possible to the Southwd., 
 expecting if practicable to run to some West Indian port 
 for supplies. We are continually wet and the Weather is 
 so rough, that it is with the utmost difficulty we can cook 
 once a day. I am writing this my sweet friend, while the 
 water is dripping from every part of my dress and cramped 
 up, where I cannot even stretch my short legs. But my 
 fingers grow stiff and cold — I must throw by the pen and 
 light my pipe to warm my nose — 
 
 Deer. 2nd. — Again we hail the return of "Sabbath's 
 peaceful day" — but not to me returns its accustomed de- 
 lights. We are still driving away to the Southwd., the 
 wind hanging to Westwd. more regular and longer than 
 ever I knew a Trade Wind to do at the Eastwd. But the 
 weather begins to be warmer, and it does not now blow 
 quite a gale — though the water is still flying over our 
 Decks — but we are used to it — heigh — ho!!! — 
 
154 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 At Sea, Decemr. 9th, 1804. 
 We are now, my dear friend, almost as far south as 
 Charleston. Of course, the weather is warm enough to 
 be comfortable, but we make so slow a passage to the 
 Westwd. that it is more than probable that we shall have 
 to try some other port for supplies before we reach Bristol. 
 But we ought not now to grumble, for these last 24 hours, 
 we have made more Westing than we have in any one 
 day for forty days past. Grumble, no — I do not mean to 
 grumble; altho' I have enough to make me uneasy. Yet 
 believe me my sweet wife, my greatest source of uneasi- 
 ness is on your account. When I reflect, to how many 
 accidents, difficulties and perplexities you may be liable, 
 in my absence, and above all, when I reflect that you 
 probably now begin to feel uneasy for my safety, and 
 anxious at my long delay — When I think of you weeping 
 over our little darling and asking her "Where's her 
 Papa" — the thought almost unmans me. Dry up your 
 tears my love, and do not give way to despondency. Soon, 
 very soon I trust, I shall again be with you, and embrace 
 all on earth that's dear to your 
 
 John W. Russell. 
 
 Brig Minerva, At Sea, Deer. 11th, 1804. 
 Why, my dear Nancy, would you marry a sailor? Why 
 did you not join your fate with some deserving man who 
 could stay at home and cherish the Wife of his bosom in 
 the lap of Ease and Competence? How many anxious 
 days and sleepless nights might such a choice have saved 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 155 
 
 you! Now you must bear the pain of Separation a great 
 part of the time, while your ill-starr'd husband roves from 
 clime to clime to earn a scanty subsistence. 
 
 This day. my love, completes six months since I sail'd 
 from Newport. We have now been seventy days at sea, 
 and are still at a great distance from our Port. Indeed 
 we now begin to despair of being able to celebrate Christ- 
 mas on shore. For myself, I hardly dare cast my thought 
 towards Home, lest I see you anxious and uneasy at my 
 long detention. When I begin to grow quite melancholy 
 with such contemplations I steal down to my trunk — take 
 out my favourite locket which contains a dear memento 
 of my wife and child, and having given it a sly kiss — 
 compose my troubled thoughts to rest. 
 
 At Sea, Deer. 19th, 1804. 
 
 My dear friend, while the snow is descending in clouds 
 on my deck I have crawled to my uncomfortable and 
 dreary cabin wet, shivering and cold, to converse for a 
 moment with my Nancy. Yet, I will not, my love, be 
 always in the complaining mood, for since I wrote the last 
 page we have had a week of tolerable weather, the Wind 
 sometimes ahead — sometimes fair, but no gales, it has 
 wafted us well on towards our Port, and on the whole 
 has been by far the pleasantest week we have had during 
 the whole Passage. 
 
 We had begun to flatter ourselves with soon being able 
 to reach dear Bristol — but — last Saturday night and Sun- 
 day came on a very heavy Gale, with violent Rains, and 
 
156 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 the Wind at length coming right ahead, we hove to and 
 lay thirty hours, our decks being continually drenched 
 with the heavy seas and rain, our cabin and all in it almost 
 afloat, and the cold very severe. You may guess how it 
 felt to us, who, five days ago were in a W. India climate. 
 
 But stop — I promised not to complain. Indeed I am 
 obliged to stifle my own complaints in order to encourage 
 my Crew, many of who, for want of the necessary shifts 
 of clothes, are much worse off than myself. While I have 
 been writing this, the snow storm, which had lasted six 
 hours is over — the Sun again shines out, and the wind 
 blows moderate, but cold at N. N. W. We are standing 
 on to Westwd. all hands, as usual busy repairing our sails, 
 which are continually splitting to pieces. When — Oh — 
 when my sweet friend, shall I be able to enfold you again 
 in my arms? When again shall I kiss my smiling babe? 
 I most earnestly hope and pray that you may not know 
 how long I have been at sea, till I meet you. May that 
 time soon, very soon arrive. Good bye. 
 
 At Sea, Deer. 22nd, 1804. 
 Your poor little husband, my dear friend, is almost dis- 
 couraged. Yesterday morning we saw the land for the first 
 time. Being very thick weather, we could not determine 
 precisely where we were. The wind being N. E. we 
 hoped it might prove to be the Vineyard, and stood along 
 it to the Westward till noon, when we found it to be Long 
 Island. We then wore ship, but by this time it blew furi- 
 ously at N. E. which is right ahead. It still continues a 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 157 
 
 Gale from the same Quarter. Our sails mostly split to 
 pieces. Our rigging continually parting. So, after being 
 almost in sight of our Port, we are drifting off again to Sea. 
 The Decks continually covered with water, and of course, 
 all hands wet. The cold severe. Our comforts and our 
 immediate prospects are small indeed. Heigh — ho ! ! ! 
 
 At Sea, Deer. 25th, 1804. 
 
 Who would have thought, my Love, when I sailed from 
 Copenhagen on the 2nd of October that my passage would 
 be unfinished and that I should be still tossing on the ocean 
 on Christmas Day. I had flattered myself to have been 
 at my own dear Home, to have joined in the solemn exer- 
 cises of the Church in commemoration of a Saviour's 
 birth — to have assembled a small party of family friends 
 at my own table, and happy in the smiles of my Nancy 
 and the playful sport of my child to have rejoiced and 
 made merry on the Anniversary of that Day which pro- 
 claimed " Peace on Earth and Good Will to all Men." 
 
 How uncertain are all human prospects. Since I wrote 
 the last page after a calm, which we all flattered ourselves 
 was the harbinger of a fair Wind, we have again felt a 
 N. E. gale. It began yesterday morning, accompanied with 
 heavy rain, which wetting every man to the skin at this 
 cold season, has almost perished my crew. Last night it 
 was again calm, and this morning again a northerly wind, 
 with snow, hail and rain. Tis now almost N. W. which 
 is a little better for us. 
 
158 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 I intend my dear, to drink a glass of wine after Dinner 
 — when I shall wish you — not a Merry Christmas, but a 
 tranquil and happy one. Whatever may betide me, may 
 every blessing rest on my Wife and Child — this is the first 
 wish of my heart and will be ever the last of your 
 
 J. W. R. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 159 
 
 XI 
 
 THE WEST INDIA TRADE IN 1805-6 
 
 Schooner Angenora, At Sea, April 14th, 1805. 
 
 My Dearest Friend : 
 
 Once more I find myself removed from those I love — 
 and tossed on that rude and boisterous element which long 
 habit has rendered familiar to me. Six days have elapsed 
 since I parted with my weeping wife and smiling babe, 
 unconscious that pale disease lowered on her features, 
 unconscious of those feelings which agonized the breasts 
 of her Parents. Never my love, did I feel so much de- 
 spondency at parting with you as at this time, weak, and 
 hardly able to crawl myself — torn with anxiety for the 
 safety of my beloved Child and a witness of the uncommon 
 anguish which you, my dear wife, suffered — it was indeed 
 too much. 
 
 I tried to dissipate all reflection, but it was some time 
 before I could bring myself to think or act rationally. 
 One of the first reflections that occurred to console me, 
 was the reasonable ground I had to conclude that our 
 sweet Child was better and that the cause of her Illness 
 was removed. My own health is renovated surprisingly, 
 my appetite has returned with such violence that salt beef 
 and pork stand but little chance with me. The weather 
 has been extremely cold — winds mostly ahead — with 
 
160 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 plenty of rain. I hunted a long time for a pair of mittens 
 or gloves but could find none. I suppose I was a little 
 tender from having been so long shut up; but certain it 
 is that I suffered more from having my hands exposed to 
 the cold during the first three days of being out, than I 
 ever did at any former period of my life. 
 
 The whole of last night we had continued squalls of rain 
 with heavy thunder and lightning. It has cleared off 
 pleasant, with a light head wind. Thus you see I am 
 spending the Sabbath in chatting to my Friend. You, I 
 hope, are spending it better. 
 
 At Sea, April 18th. 
 
 After a pretty brisk gale at N. E. which however, being 
 fair has wafted us on finely — we have now a beautiful, 
 warm and pleasant day — it is almost calm. To-day I 
 have for the first time on this passage exchanged my thick 
 dress for a thin one. We have made many attempts on 
 this passage to catch fish without success, but to-day I 
 have caught a fine large Dolphin, and am preparing to 
 feast myself with a supper of it this evening. 
 
 Having mentioned our frequent ineffectual attempts to 
 take Fish, and knowing that my own carelessness was 
 the cause of that failure, having felt the effects of that 
 careless Inattention in several instances already since I 
 left home, I have thought best to make a memorandum 
 of such things as now escaped my memory that I may 
 provide for the deficiency when preparing for any future 
 voyage — thereby making the best use of present miscon- 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 161 
 
 duct, by holding it up as a beacon, and a warning to avoid 
 the like in time to come. 
 
 Memorandum for Capt. Russell. 
 
 Never leave Home for sea, at any season, but especially 
 at the first of April without taking woolen mittens with you, 
 as you severely felt the want of them this time. 
 
 Never leave three hats in the Hatter's shop and one in the 
 Garret and go to sea with only the one on your head — lest, 
 as in the present case — by losing that one — you should be 
 reduced to a silk handkerchief turban. 
 
 Never leave your fishing lines in the Garret to hang 
 clothes on, and go to sea without any, lest when the fish 
 come round, and you have nothing to catch them with, 
 you should fret more than they are worth. 
 
 Never leave spike Gimblets and other such tools at home, 
 the want of them at sea is open more than ten times their 
 value. This memm. will doubtless be enlarged in the course 
 of the voyage. 
 
 Adieu my love. Good bye my babe, " Go way Pa' 
 
 — go way Kitty " 
 
 At Sea, April 25th, 1805. 
 We have now for three days had the wind right ahead. 
 For the last twenty four hours we have gained only three 
 miles to the Southwd. but the weather is quite pleasant, 
 and I have this day tried to be comfortable, with the 
 assistance of a smooth face and a clean shirt. 
 
162 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 How often my Dear, have I had occasion to remark 
 that we never rightly appreciate our enjoyments until we 
 feel their deprivation. The three Months which I have 
 lately spent at Home — "have unfelt, uncounted glided 
 by" but I trust, not wholly unenjoyed. The pleasures 
 which I have tasted by my own fireside, and the satis- 
 faction I have felt when seated with my lov'd Wife and 
 darling Child are such pleasures as will bear reflection ; 
 they will be an abundant source of consolation to me 
 wherever I may wander, while the power of reflection 
 remains. True, my love, I cannot on this Holy Day 
 attend you to the solemn services of the Temple, and 
 catch the features of our smiling Babe watching our 
 return at the window; but I can feast upon past scenes 
 like these, and in my mind's eye, I can view you and good 
 Rebecca as you carry my babe to the window, and bid 
 her call her Papa. 
 
 Havana, 4 o'clock p.m., April 28th. 
 I am safe in port my love, surrounded with my Bristol 
 friends. I have your letter — our dear Betsey almost well 
 — God be thanked — I hope you will not be sick. I trust 
 my dear, that you will not be over-anxious about me. 
 My health is very good, neither is it sickly here, and I 
 think I shall very soon be with you — again to be truly 
 happy with the friend of my heart — and to have that 
 happiness doubled in the innocent endearments of our 
 darling — our dear Bess. How I long again to kiss her 
 sweet cheek, again to listen for hours to her harmless 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 163 
 
 Prattle. You have that comfort, my Love, at all times, 
 yet I do not grudge it to you, on the contrary I rejoice 
 from my heart that you have such a source of comfort 
 when deprived of those kind and delicate attentions which 
 my feelings have always prompted me to bestow on you. 
 I have but little leisure now, my friend, and must once 
 more say God bless you. 
 
 To Mrs. Ann Russell, Bristol, R. I. 
 
 Per S. Eliza, Capt. Phillips. 
 
 Havana. May 19th 1805. 
 My Dear Nancy: 
 
 I am almost ready for sea and set down now to say a 
 word to you, I hope for the last time, untill I once more 
 shape my course for my dear home. Unless something 
 unforseen should prevent me, I shall sail from hence in 
 three or four days. * * * Sweet little Betsey! Who 
 now will take you to the Garden in a morning? Who 
 now will call the fowls to the door while you feed them, 
 and watch with exulting pleasure, every movement of 
 your animated countenance? Soon, my dear little One, 
 I hope to be with you, and again share with the best of 
 Mothers, the pleasure of attending to our darling. Since 
 I wrote you last the Brig Warren, Capt. Coggeshall, has 
 arrived here from Warren. As she must have cleared 
 out at Bristol I certainly felt disappointed at not receiving 
 any letters. But I well know my love, that it could not 
 be owing to neglect on your part. Would to Heaven 
 
164 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 however that I could know at this moment, that you and 
 our dear babe were well. 
 
 I expect Capt. Swan to go home with me. He is meagre 
 and low in health, but I think will soon be better. This 
 Africa, my friend, ruins the health or takes the lives of 
 nine tenths who are concerned in it, and poisons the morals 
 of most of the survivors* But away with the disgusting 
 idea! I will not dwell upon it. * * * 
 
 Schooner Angenora, At Sea, May 25th, 1805. 
 Once more my dearest friend, I date to you from sea. 
 Yesterday morning we sailed from Havana, and though 
 we have had but little wind and it is now quite calm — 
 yet we are ahead to windward of Matanzas — the current 
 being greatly in our favor. Capt. Swan, who is with me 
 is quite weak and low. Mr. Boothe, who is also with me, 
 is groaning with rheumatic pains, but for myself, I have, 
 thank God, excellent health, and my spirits are quite 
 raised with the prospects of soon embracing the loved 
 wife of my bosom, of soon beholding my darling Child. 
 I had, as usual, got quite sick and tired of Havana, 
 although I met with no uncommon trouble or detention 
 — and the place is, in many respects delightful, but there 
 is little to interest the feelings — there is nothing for the 
 mind to feast upon. 
 
 There all Religion's but a name, 
 
 And sacred Friendship's much the same — 
 
 There Slavery clanks her chains. 
 
 * The Slave Trade. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 165 
 
 From scenes like these I turn, my love, with pleasure 
 to the anticipation of our scenes of dear domestic felicity 
 at home. May they soon be realized. 
 
 At Sea, May 27th, 1805. 
 
 We have as yet, my dear Nancy, made but slow progress 
 toward our wish'd for port. We are now just clear of 
 Florida passage. Yesterday had the wind ahead and 
 to-day entirely calm; the sun being right over our heads 
 — no shade — no shelter — and not a breath of air. The 
 heat is intolerable almost to suffocation. We have had 
 fine amusement in catching fish — having caught three 
 times as many large dolphins as we could eat fresh, and 
 have salted them down. To-day we took a very large 
 shark — it was a female — and on opening it, we took out 
 seven young ones — nearly a foot long each. On putting 
 them into the water they swam off as readily as if they had 
 taken their own time for making their appearance. Jacob* 
 is very busy in overhauling the oranges — as they were 
 scarce, I bought but few, and as he is continually throwing 
 overboard rotten ones — he is very fearful that he shall 
 not get any home for little Betsey. Dear sweet Betsey! 
 How I long to clasp you in my arms — to kiss your lovely 
 cheek and see your Mother smile upon us. 
 
 At my leisure hours I am amusing myself in making two 
 floor mats — one of which I intend for our much esteemed 
 friend, Cousin Nancy. I hope she will be pleased with it. 
 My friend Swan is apparently better, but is very weak and 
 low. I sometimes have doubts how it will turn with him. 
 * The twelve year old Danish boy shipped in Copenhagen (see page 150). 
 
166 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 At Sea, June 1st, 1805. 
 
 This day whate'er the fates decree 
 Shall still be kept with joy by me — 
 The day when to her lover's arms 
 My Nancy gave, for life, her charms. 
 
 You see, my dear that the anniversary of our Wedding 
 Day has almost made me a Poet. This day, were I with 
 you my love, should have been a little holiday, a treat to 
 our family friends. But though painfully separated from 
 you, I trust I shall always remember with renewed pleas- 
 ure that day which gave birth to our blissful Union. Long 
 — very long may it continue to add encreasing happiness 
 to me in the endearing names of Husband and Father. 
 Sweet little Bess! Where are you my darling? Alas 
 you see not your Pa' wet, cold and fatigued with wet 
 weather, 'Tis too rough to write. 
 
 At Sea, June 6th, 1805. 
 Slow and tedious, my dear Nancy is our progress on 
 this passage. It does not half keep pace with my wishes 
 which are continually reaching forward and striving for 
 a peep at my much lov'd home. We have been drenched 
 with very heavy rains, and becalm 'd at least half the time, 
 since we left Havana. But thank God, we are past the 
 most dangerous part of our Passage, being now as far 
 north as Cape Henry. A good wind now for two days 
 would take us to Rhode Island, but from present appear- 
 ances it will take us I fear a great many days. Well, 
 patience perforce ! 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 167 
 
 It gives me much pleasure to find my friend, Swan, 
 daily gaining health and strength. His company and 
 that of Mr. Boothe are a great relief to me. The later is 
 a man of sense with a pretty large share of acquired knowl- 
 edge, and modest and unassuming in his manners. Are 
 you not beginning to look for my arrival, my love? Me- 
 thinks I see you sending our little cherub to the window 
 to watch for her Papa. I hope she has not forgotten 
 me. May heaven bless you both my dear, and soon 
 again bless in being with you, your own. 
 
 Angenora, At Sea, June 9th, 1805. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 A few days since I flattered myself to have spent this 
 day — Sunday — in happiness and peace with you and our 
 sweet Babe, but far different is now my situation. Yester- 
 day morning we saw the land. It was Long Island and 
 not more than three hours sail from the Passage, but the 
 wind being easterly could not fetch by. At 11 o'clock 
 when near the land we carried away our fore yard which 
 rendered the topsail useless. We wore ship and stood 
 off — the wind now blowing furiously right on shore, a 
 very heavy sea and raining like a deluge. Add to this 
 that the water has been continually pouring into our cabin 
 thro' the cracks of the dead lights, so that bed clothes and 
 in short everything is afloat. You will judge then that our 
 situation is quite disagreeable enough. True my love, 
 it is so. But 'tis not like last winter, we are not perishing 
 with cold. But when almost in sight of Home such a 
 
168 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 head storm is vexatious, but fretting, I find, does no good. 
 I will try to bear it and lean for consolation on hope. 
 Hope, sweet soother of the soul, much do I need thy 
 smiles. 
 
 * St. Domingo, Augt. 2nd, 1806. 
 
 Dearest and best of Friends — I wish you could see and 
 know what pleasure I feel at this moment — when I can 
 sit down and uninterrupted, dedicate half an hour to my 
 Nancy. Much indeed do I need some little relaxation 
 and much do I lack your friendly aid, much do I miss 
 the soothing and consoling voice of Sympathy and Love. 
 I have liv'd on shore ever since I arriv'd here, in good 
 quarters indeed, but the excessive heat and daily rains 
 make the climate almost intolerable. My business is of 
 a critical and perplexing nature, and I am obliged to take 
 every step with the most cautious circumspection. My 
 little crew are sick. Mr. Reed, my mate, has not been 
 well since we left Bristol, and although a very good young 
 man, he is now drooping and good for nothing. 
 
 Having had two men impressed by the British before 
 my arrival here, I have now only black Isaac and little 
 Jacob who are well. None however are dangerous. 
 Every morning at six o'clock I go on board to cheer them 
 and give directions, and again in the afternoon, for none 
 will consent to have a Doctor, or receive advice from any 
 person but me. 
 
 When I leave here I shall be obliged to take French 
 sailors, of whom the City is full, that escaped when the 
 * With this letter begins the narrative of another West India voyage. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 169 
 
 French fleet was destroyed last winter. No other can 
 
 be obtained. 
 
 From the foregoing statement you will readily conclude 
 
 my love, that my time does not pass very pleasantly, far 
 
 otherwise — far otherwise indeed was it, when on entering 
 
 my doors, I was welcomed by a smile from the Friend of 
 
 my Heart, and cheered by the innocent endearments of 
 
 our Little Ones.* Sweet innocents! How often are ye 
 
 present to my Imagination. How often do ye deck my 
 
 waking hours with Fancy's fairest wreaths, how often do 
 
 ye visit my nightly slumbers with dreams of delight. Yes, 
 
 my dear Nancy, I trust that if we perform our duty to 
 
 them 
 
 Our babes shall richest comforts bring; 
 If tutored right they'll prove a spring 
 
 Whence pleasures ever rise. 
 We'll train their minds with studious care 
 
 To all that's manly, good and fair 
 And train them for the skies. 
 
 While they our happiest hours engage 
 They'll joy our youth, support our age 
 And crown our hoary hairs; 
 They'll grow in virtue every day 
 
 And thus our fondest loves repay 
 And recompense our cares. 
 
 Our Betsey I hope will continue at School all summer. Tell 
 her, if she learns well and is good, I shall certainly bring 
 her a pretty Present. I will not promise a Parrot, although 
 there are thousands here — for I hate the noise of them 
 * A second daughter, named Parnell, had been born Oct. 1, 1805. 
 
170 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 myself. I have become acquainted with two French 
 families here where there are decent white women. At 
 one of these places I sometimes dine, and as they both 
 have young children I frequently call in and amuse myself 
 half an hour with the little Innocents, which in fact is the 
 only amusement or recreation that I have here. * * * 
 
 St. Domingo, Augt. 12th 1806. 
 
 My dearest Nancy — It gives me great pleasure to in- 
 form my sweet friend that I hope to leave this place to- 
 morrow. I shall touch at Baracoa, but expect to have no 
 detention there. Shall then proceed to Havana, and 
 soon, very soon I hope again to be in the bosom of my 
 much lov'd family. My business here has kept me in a 
 continual state of perplexity and anxiety. The Americans 
 are all sick and dying around me. Mr. Reed, my Mate, 
 altho' able to walk about will probably never be well. 
 Black Isaac and Jacob, the boy, are all I have to depend 
 on. The sickness here generally commences with an 
 intermitting fever. I have this morning had a severe 
 attack of it; but have at length been relieved by a very 
 profuse perspiration; and if the fatigue of closing my 
 business and getting away is not too much for me, I think 
 I shall have no more of it. 
 
 You would laugh to see me at this moment. I was put 
 in a warm bath three hours ago, and so much has the juice 
 run from every part of my body, that I have been obliged 
 to shift myself twice since. I feel now much relieved; so 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 171 
 
 much so that I am going to wait on the General — if he can 
 be spoken with — for he too has the fever. 
 
 Be not alarmed for me, my dear Nancy, I shall soon be 
 better when I can get to Sea. For your sake and that of 
 our dear Babes I shall take every care of myself. Sweet 
 little ones! When you kiss them, tell them they are my 
 "daily visions and my nightly dreams. ,, My best love 
 to our friends, especially to all under our roof. To your 
 good Father and Mamma, to Brother Nat, and tell him I 
 want much to write him, but have no spare strength at 
 this moment. Bradford I don't name because I think he 
 must be gone to Sea. But to his wife and dear little boy 
 say how d 'do for me. May heaven ever preserve you and 
 our dear babes. 
 
 To Mrs. Ann Russell, Bristol, R- I- 
 
 At Sea, off Cape Tiberoon, 
 
 Augt. 16th, 1806. 
 My Dearest Friend: 
 
 I am now 48 hours from the City of St. Domingo and 
 
 have thus far had a charming run. I left letters for you 
 
 and others on board the Brig Industry, Capt. Wheeler, 
 
 to sail for Boston the day after I left St. Domingo; but 
 
 having just spoken the Schooner Larater, bound from 
 
 Curacoa to Baltimore, I intend putting this on board her, 
 
 as it is possible it may reach you before the Industry 
 
 arrives. It gives me great pleasure, my dear Nancy, to 
 
 tell you that my health is much better than when I wrote 
 
 you by the Industry. When we sailed I was scarcely able 
 
172 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 to walk the deck; but necessity obliged me to stir. I had 
 that day a slight attack of fever and ague; I am now every 
 hour growing stronger. Mr. Lincoln, black Isaac and 
 the boy are still on their legs; for the rest I have five 
 Frenchmen — shipped as passengers — call themselves 
 sailors, but can neither steer or hand a sail — yet are willing 
 to work. As our whole passage will be near the land — 
 having no one to depend on but myself it keeps me in 
 continual anxiety. I shall touch at Baracoa and thence 
 to Havana, where I hope to hear from you. 
 
 Per Caroline, Capt. Reed. 
 
 Havana, Oct. 3d, 1806. 
 Dearest and best of Friends: 
 
 The Caroline is now ready for Sea, bound to New York, 
 and your "little Friend" must still remain a short time 
 behind. I hope within 10 or 12 days at furthest to take 
 my passage. Mr. Reed, who goes master of the Caroline, 
 will see you when he arrives in Bristol. He carries my 
 chest and some of my old things. As to the rest of my 
 clothes, they are like your husband almost worn out. 
 Mr. Reed has promised immediately to see you. He will 
 be able to answer all your enquiries. He has been long 
 sick, but is now well. He is faithful and clever and on 
 many accounts ranks high in my esteem. 
 
 Don't, my dear, let my sweet prattlers forget me. Be 
 cautious, my love, and watch every bent of their Minds; 
 losing no possible opportunity to impress them with such 
 principles as will stand the test of their future progress 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 173 
 
 through life. But these cautions, my dear Nancy are un- 
 necessary. Your own good Sense, your own warm Heart 
 will be the best guide. 
 
 via. Boston. 
 
 Havana, Octr. 4th, 1806. 
 My Dear Nancy: 
 
 The Caroline sailed from hence yesterday, bound to 
 New York, and I assure you it gave me many uneasy 
 Sensations to see her depart without me, but it has been 
 impossible for me as yet to close my business here. I had 
 the offer of a room at the house of Mr. Green, an American 
 friend, but have preferred taking up my abode at present 
 in the cabin of the Brig, German Peggy, Capt. Davis, of 
 Newport. Capt. D. has this day begun to load with sugars 
 for New York, and expects to sail in 10 days. If possible, 
 I shall take my passage with him, and a happy day it will 
 be to me, when I can once more shape my course for my 
 dear home. I hope I may hold out to the end, and again 
 be blessed with the Society of all I hold dear on Earth. 
 Capt. Reed will call on you when the Caroline arrives in 
 Bristol, and will answer the many enquiries which I sup- 
 pose your solicitude will induce you to make. Mr. Isaac 
 Gardner will also call to see you, and though a black man 
 — he has been almost my only stand by, when sickness 
 and troubles surrounded me. You will have Jacob with 
 you, and I expect, will find the little fellow almost naked ; 
 but this is not to be wondered at, for I am almost in the 
 same situation myself. You will, I suppose, think it best 
 
174 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 for him to go immediately to School. The School reminds 
 me at once of our little darlings. I hope you found some 
 place for Betsey to go to, as I think it would have been a 
 relief to you, and an advantage to her. Tell her I have 
 retained her present till I bring it myself — but whether she 
 will be entitled to it or not, will depend on the account 
 which her Mother gives me. Little Parnell is too young 
 to think of Presents — but not too young to receive her full 
 share of my warmest affection. 
 
 The lateness of the season will I suppose, my dearest 
 Friend, induce you to think of some preparations for win- 
 ter, which I had hoped to be home in time to attend to 
 myself — especially the article of wood &c. I hope you 
 will have the means of doing so — though I am not without 
 my fears that my long absence may occasion you some 
 Embarrassment. I often turn my attention to your gar- 
 den, and flatter myself that you have sometimes viewed 
 with pleasure the plants growing from seeds planted by 
 my hand. I hope with you, my love, still to enjoy some 
 of the produce — by our own dear fireside. 
 
 Havana, October 21st, 1806. 
 Dearest and Best of Friends: 
 
 By my other letter of this date you will find that I am 
 detained here much longer than I expected. Your own 
 Heart, my love, will best teach you the Regret which this 
 causes me, but I flatter myself that but few days more will 
 elapse before I shall again shape my course towards my 
 dear native Land, and to the Friends I hold so dear. My 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 175 
 
 other letter will give you some faint idea of the perplexities 
 and anxiety which my business has caused me. You 
 may, if you think proper, shew it to my employers, 
 though perhaps they, like the rest, have forgotten while 
 tending their gardens and eating their fresh fish, that all 
 their Insurance stock lies at the mercy of a set of Pirates.* 
 My time here has passed unpleasant enough. It still 
 continues very sickly — and scarce a day passes, without 
 my being called to assist in the last offices to some poor 
 American. My mornings are usually spent with my 
 lawyer, Doct. Ayala. Ask friend Allen, if he is with you, 
 and he will describe the Animal to you. A man of great 
 talents, but — . I ought before to have informed you that I 
 have had much satisfaction in the company and friendship 
 of a Mr. Howell, who came from Baracoa in the Caroline 
 with me. He had been in Baracoa ten months on the 
 same kind of business which brought me out — being agent 
 for a respectable mercantile house in St. Bartholomews, 
 where he belongs. He has purchased half a new Coffee 
 Estate in the neighborhood of Baracoa, and is going to 
 reside there. He will accompany me to America and to 
 Bristol. He is sensible — well informed — well acquainted 
 with the French and Spanish languages — easy in his man- 
 ners — modest in his deportment — and as far as I can 
 judge, firmly rooted in virtuous principles. You will easily 
 believe that such a friend is a great acquisition to me, in- 
 deed. I feel very much attached to him, and hope shortly 
 to have you share in the pleasure of his acquaintance. 
 * French and British privateers. 
 
176 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Havana, Oct. 29th, 1806. 
 You will be quite tired, my Friend, with this being con- 
 tinually teazed with my letters. Bear with me, my love, a 
 little longer. I hope to leave this place before Christmas, 
 and in the mean time you are the only one that shall be 
 teazed with my importunity. Two days ago I had the satis- 
 faction of meeting Capt. Cornell. You know I have form- 
 erly enjoyed much satisfaction in his society at this place, 
 but that satisfaction would have been much heightened 
 at this time if he had been the bearer of a line from you, 
 or from any of those who once professed themselves my 
 friends. But that is a blessing, it seems, too great for me 
 to expect. I try to bear these unaccountable disappoint- 
 ments without murmuring — but to bear without feeling 
 is impossible. I think my Dear, that I have learned some 
 lessons during this Voyage which will be of much service 
 to me in my future progress through Life. I dare say you 
 will recollect that when some of those whom I esteemed as 
 near Friends, have been absent, how extremely solicitous 
 I have always been to let their families know of every 
 possible chance to forward letters, as well as writing my- 
 self — and I know too the full force of the obligations I am 
 under to these same families and near Friends, (Heaven 
 forgive me for prostituting the name of Friend) who have 
 been sauntering at home and picking their teeth in peace. 
 They have taught me at least this one lesson that — when- 
 ever and wherever my friends are absent, and it happens 
 to be my good fortune to remain at home, I will quietly 
 smoke my segar and let those who are absent, and their 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 177 
 
 families, do as I have done — go to the Moon for intelli- 
 gence. 
 
 Mr. Howell, the friend whom I have before mentioned 
 to you, and myself, are keeping Bachelor's Hall together. 
 We live very snug and quite retired. He will accompany 
 me to America, and I hope my love, to find you and our 
 dear family in a situation to make a short stay with us 
 agreeable to him. If my business here was not protracted 
 to such an unaccountable length as at times quite to 
 exhaust my patience, I might find some Enjoyment. 
 Necessity has compelled me to pay close attention to the 
 Spanish language, in which I begin to express myself 
 with some fluency. 
 
178 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 XII 
 
 A SEA LOG OF A CENTURY AGO 
 
 The following pages are from the log of a West India 
 voyage. This log is the routine record of the vessel's 
 progress day by day, her official diary, and differs from the 
 journals previously quoted which were written wholly at 
 the option of the captain. They were his private and 
 personal records of events. The log, however, he was 
 expected to post daily as one of the master's duties. 
 
 Even this book of routine record so vividly reflects the 
 personality of its author that he has made it a document 
 almost unique of its kind. While a number of pages of 
 wholly technical ship's business have been omitted in 
 editing the log, some of this matter has been retained in 
 order to inform the landsman how a log is kept at sea. 
 The entries begin with leaving port: 
 
 Saturday, Deer. 2Mh, 1808. At half past % p. m. made 
 sail and ran down the river. Fresh breeze at No, and N. 
 by E. plenty of rain. Past the lighthouse at 5 p. m. At 
 8 p. M. suppos'd ourselves past Block Island, weather 
 very thick and wind increasing. Reef 'd foresail and main- 
 sail, at 12 took in topsail and foresail, and bonnet of jib. 
 
 Sunday, 25th. Continues fresh breeze at N.N.E. No 
 observations to be depended on. Lat. by acct. 39° 19' N. 
 Long, by Do. 70° 25' W. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 179 
 
 Monday, Deer. 26th. Lat. by D.R. 37° 36' Long. 
 69° 20'. Steer'd same course as before. — weather dull and 
 gloomy. — some rain — later part light wind, towards meri- 
 dian almost calm and bad irregular sea. No observation. 
 
 Tuesday, nth. Lat. by D.R. 35° 34' Long. 68° 16'. 
 Begins calm, at ^ 4 p. m. light breeze at S.S.W. which 
 soon freshened and hauled to the westward, and nortwd. 
 — at 7 p. m. shortened sail — blowing a furious gale and 
 heavy sea the remainder of the 24 hours. 
 
 Wednesday, 28th. Lat. by obsv. 34°— 02' Long. 
 67° 4'. First part fresh breeze at N.E. At 8 p. m. set 
 topsail, — out reefs — later part almost calm, had an ob- 
 servation for the first time on this passage. At 1 p. m. 
 passed a Brig showing English colours, she steering 
 N.N.E. 
 
 Thursday, Deer. 29th. Lat. by observ. 33 — 21' Long. 
 67 — 4'. First part nearly calm, the light winds baffling 
 between S.E. and So. — tack'd ship several times, steering 
 sometimes S.W. b. W. and then E.b.N. 
 
 Friday, Deer. 30th. Lat. by D.R. 33—18' Long. 
 66—53'. Strong breeze from the S.S.E. steered E. & E. 
 b.N. — at 6 p. m. jibed ship — reefed foretopsail, mainsail 
 and foresail, steered S.W.b.W. — gale increasing — very 
 heavy sea. At 4 a. m. again tack'd, handed topsail and 
 left no sail standing, mainsail and head of the jib — head 
 S.E.b.E. hard gale and heavy sea. 
 
 Saturday, Deer. Slst. Lat. by observ. 31 — 41'. Long, 
 corrected 64 — 555'. At 4 p. m. the gale abated, at 6 made 
 more sail — steered S.S.E. having then only 8 fathom 
 
180 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 water, tacked and steered No. close hauled shoaled the 
 water to 4 fathom — tacked again, and after rubbing the 
 rocks three or four times without stopping our way got 
 clear into deep water, steered S.W. till 4 a. m. when S. till 
 8— then S.E. 
 
 Sunday, Janry. 1st, 1809. Lat. by obs. 29 — 36' N. 
 Long. 62 — 42' W. With a fine pleasant breeze to the 
 northward and eastwd. we steered S.E. the whole 24 hours. 
 
 This ushers in the beginning of a new year, the old One 
 is forever past. Its moments " are with the years beyond 
 the flood. " I have set down to review my conduct through 
 the past year. I find many errors and frailties to deplore, 
 many weaknesses to make me feel humble — Many — 
 very many mercies and favours to make me feel truly 
 thankful. 
 
 I have prayed to God to forgive my Errors — to pardon 
 My sins — to strengthen and confirm my good resolutions 
 for the Future, that with the New Year I may begin a 
 new Life, a life of Obedience to his Laws and the precepts 
 of his holy Gospel. I have craved his blessing on my dear 
 Family, on my much lov'd Wife and Children. Where 
 are you now my best and dearest friend — It is only eight 
 days since I parted with you, can you realize that we are 
 now almost one thousand miles apart — I left you my love, 
 pale and almost sick — but cheering Hope whispers me 
 that you are better, and that on this sacred Day you will 
 be with those who give thanks to God in his holy Temple, 
 that your prayers will ascend from that place where we 
 have often joined heart and hand in our devotions. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 181 
 
 To Him who ruleth all aright, I commit you and our 
 dear little ones. May he guide us in safety through time 
 and at last receive us to himself in glory — Amen 
 
 Monday, Jan. 2nd. Lat. 27— 57'. Long, 61-^.8', W. 
 Continues a very pleasant breeze from the Eastwd. Steered 
 at first S.E.b.S. but towards meridian headed us off to 
 S. — passed a ship at 3 p. m. standing to the northwd, and 
 westwd. 
 
 Tuesday, 3d. Lat. 26 — W Long. 41— 46'. 
 
 Sunday, 8th. Lat. 19—2' Long. 60—37'. Begins 
 calm. At 3 p. m. a light breeze at N.W. which gradually 
 hauled to N. and then to N.E. We steered S. the whole 
 24 hours — frequent squalls of rain. Again I am spending 
 the Sabbath's peaceful day on the wide ocean; at a dis- 
 tance from those I love. At a great distance from where 
 any Temple is dedicated to the worship of the Most High. 
 But, is not the whole Universe His temple? And will not 
 the humble prayer of the contrite heart be heard from a 
 little bark in the midst of the Sea? "Thy way O God is 
 in the sea, and Thy path in the great waters, and Thy foot- 
 steps are not known." Yet with him who has clean hands 
 and a contrite heart Thou wilt delight to dwell. Hear 
 us then, O ! God of our Salvation, cause Thy face to shine 
 upon us, and we shall be saved. 
 
 My dearest Nancy — may I hope that the colour is 
 restored to your pale cheek — that returning health has 
 again smiled upon, so that you may be able on this sacred 
 Day to attend the solemn services of our holy Religion. 
 Your husband I trust, will not be forgotten in your Devo- 
 
182 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 tion. I am sure you cannot be in mine. How would the 
 pangs of Absence be softened, if I could be assured of the 
 safety of you and our dear little ones. Sweet smiling 
 babes — my affectionate Bess, my pleasant prattling 
 Parnell, and my lovely little Nancy. May God bless you 
 all, preserve you in health, guide your feet in the way of 
 Truth, and at last receive you to Glory. 
 
 Monday, Jan. 9th. With a pleasant breeze we steered 
 S.b.W. till 8 p. m. when judging that we drew near the 
 land — hove too till 4 a. m. then made sail and steered 
 S.b.W. at 6 a. m. saw land, which proved to be St. Martin's 
 and St. Bartholomews'. Ran round the south of the lat- 
 ter and at 11 a. m. took a pilot on board. In beating in — 
 being very squally — a sudden flaw carried away our fore- 
 topsail just above the cap — cleared the wreck, and at 1 
 p. m. anchor'd in the road. 
 
 Tuesday, 10th. The master reported and entered at 
 the Custom House. The government suffers no provi- 
 sions to be exported, all must be sold here. For several 
 days doing little — protest noted — survey appointed by the 
 government to examine the state of the vessel, &c. 
 
 Sunday, 15th. I am still idle in this barren and dismal 
 place — dismal and cheerless by Nature — more so by Man- 
 ners and Habit — How differently would this sacred Day 
 have been spent had I continued at my much lov'd home. 
 I should, with a delighted and gladdened heart, had my 
 little Ones around me at my Fireside, to read and to receive 
 instruction in the first rudiments of our holy Religion. 
 While listening to their improvement, I might perhaps see 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 183 
 
 the tear of joy glistening in the eyes of the best and fondest 
 of Mothers. 
 
 Tuesday, January Slst. Having three days been ready 
 to go to windwd. but detained by the bad weather — I this 
 day sailed at 2 p. m. in a small British Sloop, bound to 
 Dominico. The next morning by daylight were off 
 Basse Terre, S. Kitts. At 8 a. m. Mr. Nisbet, a fellow 
 passenger went ashore, while the Sloop stood off and on. 
 At 12 he came on board — we immediately made sail. 
 Heavy sea and disagreeable weather. Off Basse Terre 
 Gaudalope were chased four hours by a privateer schooner 
 — during which time we steered N.N.W. and out sailed 
 the Pirate. This chase has put us back one day at least. 
 
 At length, after a wet and very disagreeable passage, 
 we anchor'd in the road of Roseau, Dominique at 7 a. m. 
 Saturday, Feb. 4th, 1809. 
 
 Monday, Feb. 6th. Finding that the business which 
 led me here would not be attended to till the 15th inst. I 
 concluded, in the interim, to proceed to Antigua. Took 
 passage in the British Sloop Charming Ann, Capt. Wilson, 
 and sailed from Roseau at 7 p. m. A dull time over — 
 without any accident anchor'd in St. John's, Antigua, on 
 Wednesday, Feb. 8th, at 6 p. m. 
 
 Thursday, 9th. Once more, my dear Ann, I am among 
 my old acquaintances. I landed at a late hour last 
 evening and walked up to the house of Mr. Rose, the 
 American agent. By him and Mrs. Rose I was received 
 with politeness. This day I took my lodgings at a tavern 
 on shore, and have spent the day without effect, in trying 
 
184 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 to close the business that brought me here. This evening, 
 tired and disgusted, I walked to Mr. Rose's — he was 
 absent. With Mrs. and Miss Rose I chatted a half hour, 
 and retired, solitary to my lodgings. What would I give 
 could I spend the rest of the evening by my own dear fire- 
 side! 
 
 Saturday, Feb. 11th. At 2 p. m. parted with my friends 
 here and went on board a schooner bound to Dominico; 
 and after a very disagreeable passage — owing to high 
 winds and calms — I again landed at Roseau in Dominica 
 on Monday. 
 
 Monday, April %4>th. St. Bart. After a long and 
 anxious detention here,* I this day sailed at 3 p. m. in the 
 Swedish Brig Charlotta Capt. Duncken, bound to St. 
 Domingo, expecting to be followed in a day or two by 
 the Brig Adolphus, belonging to the same concern. 
 
 Wednesday, 26th. Brig. Charlotta At Sea, Lat. by 
 observ. 17 — 26' N. With a pleasant breeze continued 
 our course to the Westwd. the whole 24 hours. At 10 a. m. 
 were abreast of some high land bearing north just dis- 
 cernible in the smoke of the Horizon, which we take to 
 be the western part of Porto Rico. 
 
 Friday, April 28th. Lat. 17—26' N. At 8 p. m. 
 
 shortened sail. At 12 tacked and stood off and on, under 
 
 our topsails. At daylight squally and very thick, with 
 
 heavy rain. Saw no land and at 6 again stood off. At 
 
 * A detention of more than two months. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 185 
 
 8 a. m. discovered the land, which proved to be Beala 
 Island, and at 10 saw Altevela — passed without it and at 
 Meridian it bore W.b.N. distant three leagues. When 
 passing Altevela saw a sail a great distance astern — 
 proved to be a schooner. We crowded all sail, but at 
 6 p. m. she came up with us and brought us too. She 
 proved to be a French Schooner from the City of St. 
 Domingo — called the Beau Narcisse, Louis Ouray, Mas- 
 ter, mounting eight guns, and having about 70 men. Took 
 possession of us and attempted to beat up to the city. 
 
 Saturday -, %9th. Chased a large English merchant ship, 
 and engaged her some time — attempting to board her — 
 carried away the Schooner's bowsprit. Then sheered 
 off — and after repairing continued to beat up, and on Mon- 
 day May 1st anchor 'd under Beata Island, where we 
 found the brig. At 3 p. m. the privateer got under way 
 and chased a schooner, then in sight — brought her too — 
 and anchor'd near the Brig. The Schooner now com- 
 menced unloading our Brig, and taking on board as much 
 as they could carry. 
 
 Tuesday, May %nd. The other Schooner having taken 
 part of our Cargo, they both left us and got under way at 
 3 p. m. taking Capt. Duncken, — the Mate and Crew. 
 
 Wednesday, May 3rd, 1809. A Prisoner at Beata Island. 
 In the afternoon we were alarmed at the sight of an armed 
 Schooner running down. Mr. Dupont, our Prize Master, 
 immediately prepared to go on shore. The Schooner 
 tack'd and stood off, but after dark she came and anchor'd 
 near us proved to be La Superieure, Capt. Forrest, from St. 
 
186 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Domingo. I learn from him that he has captured the 
 Brig Adolphus, Capt. Englehart — but he has ransomed 
 him and he proceeds to Jacquemel. The privateer soon 
 left us and at 10 p. m. we got under way, and continued 
 beating up between Beata Island and St. Domingo all night. 
 
 Thursday, 4th. Anchor'd at sunrise under Beata Is- 
 land, about 4 leagues to windwrd. of our former berth. 
 At 9 a. M. a Brig appeared in sight to Windwd. which 
 alarmed our Prize Master so much that he and his Crew 
 hustled all their things — with some provisions — all our 
 small arms, powder, &c. into the boat and on shore. At 
 length the cause of the fright disappeared by stretching 
 on to Windwd. probably not having seen us. Our topsail 
 yards were now sent down, the topmasts struck and an- 
 other anchor let go, &c. 
 
 Friday, 5th. Another day — gloomy and tedious — has 
 passed over. This completes a week since my unfortunate 
 capture; since my air castles were demolished by the stroke 
 of the Enchanter. Why was I not content with small 
 earnings? Why did I not return with my little to the 
 bosom of my lov'd Family? Alas — have I not by aiming 
 at too much let slip what was safe and certain. But I 
 thought I was doing right. The prospect was good and I 
 eagerly embraced any laudable plan that promised to 
 secure competence to my loved Wife and Children. Dis- 
 appointment has blasted my expectations. My fond 
 hopes are withered and destroyed. Yet — O! Father of 
 Mercies Thy dispensations are just. Thou seest not as 
 man seeth. Teach me to bow submissive to Thy holy 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 187 
 
 Will, teach me to check all murmuring and repining 
 thoughts and to say with heartfelt sincerity " It is the Lord, 
 let Him do what seemeth Him good." 
 
 Saturday, May 6th, 1809. Brig Charlotta at anchor 
 under Beata Island. At noon, we discovered over the 
 land, a Brig at anchor, where the Charlotta first lay. 
 Mr. Dupont, the Prize Master, immediately loaded the 
 boat with stores, sails, clothes, &c, and going to shore in 
 her, himself, he went down by land to discover what the 
 Brig was. In his absence we saw a schooner coming 
 down from Windwd. and soon after a large ship, and 
 then a smaller one, both beating up from leeward, and 
 before night they came to an anchor, near the first men- 
 tioned Brig. 
 
 At 5 p. m. Mr. Dupont returned, and when dark he 
 went on shore with the remainder of his people, and the 
 two men belonging to the Charlotta, leaving me only with 
 the boy Jacob. Between 10 and 11 we were boarded by 
 3 boats, from the above named (British) vessels, the 
 largest of which is the Polyphemus of 64 guns, Capt. 
 Cumby, last from Jamaica. They took possession of the 
 Brig — got her topmasts up, bent some sails, &c. and, 
 Sunday the 7th at sunrise weighed the anchor and made 
 sail. At 8 a. m. anchor'd near the Polyphemus and in our 
 old berth. Thus — to my great joy — am I at last relieved. 
 But, it would be injustice not to remember that M. Ouray, 
 the Commander of the Privateer, and Mr. Dupont, the 
 Prize master, have uniformly behaved to me like gentle- 
 men — everything of my private property has been respected, 
 
188 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 and everything that was in their power, has been done for 
 my personal accommodation. Every exertion was made 
 to get the Charlotta ready for Sea — she having been well 
 stripped by the Frenchmen. I dined aboard the Poly- 
 phemus, and having, in vain, attempted to persuade Capt. 
 Cumby to send us to Jacquemel, at 4 p. m. I went on 
 board the Charlotta and sailed for Jamaica, under the 
 direction of Mr. Morell, a Master's Mate. 
 
 Tuesday, May 9th. Brig Charlotta, at sea, steering for 
 Jamaica. At daybreak saw Capt. Tiberoon. Con- 
 tinued our course to the westward, and hope to-mor- 
 row to see Jamaica. But when shall I see my native 
 land? Great Parent of Mercies! it is thy Property to 
 bring good out of evil; it is thine to remember mercy 
 in the midst of Judgments. May Thy fatherly corrections 
 be the means of drawing me nearer to Thee, of detaching 
 my thoughts and affections from this vain and empty 
 World, and placing them on things heavenly and divine, 
 and — " Though no chastening for the present be joyous 
 but grievous, yet, afterwards, may it in me bring forth the 
 peaceable fruits of righteousness and joy" — Amen ! — 
 
 Wednesday, 10th. At 10 a. m. saw the N.E. end of 
 Jamaica. Steered W.S.W. with a very light breeze. At 
 sunset were abreast of Point Morant. Steer'd for Yallah's 
 Point — light wind all night. 
 
 Thursday, 11th. At sunrise were just below Yallah's 
 Point — at 7 a. m. took a pilot on board. The wind very 
 light and not being able to get up to Kingston — at 1 p. m. 
 we anchor'd at Port Royal. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 189 
 
 Friday ', 12th. At nine a. m. got under way and at 1 p. m. 
 anchor'd in Kingston harbour. I went on shore immedi- 
 ately, with Mr. Morell to the agents, Atkinson, Boyle & 
 Co. Mr. E. H. Adams, the acting partner, received us, 
 and with all the hauteur pertaining to a purse-proud 
 Briton, he ordered me to bring all my papers, of every 
 description on shore to be inspected by him and then to 
 be lodged in the files of the Admiralty Court. As the 
 Capt. of the Charlotta had given up all the ship's papers 
 to the French captors, and I had already handed to the 
 Captain of the Polyphemus, my Charter party and Invoice 
 — which was all that related to the vessel — I peremptorily 
 refused to give up my private papers — unless forced from 
 me — and being informed that I had friends here I was 
 told that I must not see them till I had been exam- 
 ined. I disregarded the injunction and called on Henry 
 West & Co. 
 
 Kingston, Jamaica, Saturday, May 13th, 1809. 
 
 This morning I attended at the Surrogate's Office, and 
 went through the usual examination by making answers, 
 under oath, to the customary Interrogations, &c. Messrs. 
 Henry West & Co. have undertaken to assist me. I noted 
 a protest. Mr. Moull, who conducted the Brig from 
 Beata here, left me this day, being appointed a Lieutenant 
 since our arrival. He is a worthy young man and has 
 behaved like a gentleman on board the Brig. 
 
 Sunday, Iteh. Our Brig still laying at a distance from 
 the Wharf. An old man — a native Greek — 74 years old 
 
190 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 is appointed to stay on board. As we have no boat I have 
 spent the whole day in reading, writing &c. I have no 
 opportunity to attend divine Worship in Any Temple 
 dedicated to the service of the Most High. Eternal 
 Source of all Worship, adoration and Praise! the whole 
 Universe is Thy Temple — yet thou hast graciously prom- 
 ised to dwell with those who have clean hands and a con- 
 trite heart. Deign then, from Heaven, thy holy Throne 
 to hear my prayers — and when thou hearest, forgive. 
 May Thy holy Spirit enlighten my mind and inhabit my 
 heart, and make me wholly thine — Amen and Amen — 
 
 Tuesday, Wth. I was agreeably surprised at the sight 
 of Mr. Hale — the late Mate of the Charlotta, and five of 
 the Crew, who arrived in an English Brig. Mr. Hale 
 informs me that he went to the City of St. Domingo, in 
 the privateer, where she discharg'd and immediately 
 returned to Beta for the rest of our Cargo. 
 
 Tuesday, 23rd. Having yesterday heard that the 
 Admiralty Court will set to-day, I exerted myself among 
 the lawyers to have everything ready for our trial which 
 came on this day. Decree — one eighth Salvage to the re- 
 captors — the residue of cargo to be given up to me — the 
 Brig sold and proceeds retained till a power of Attorney 
 is received from the owner, or given up to me on bond. 
 
 Sunday, 28th. The Schooner Union, Capt. Paul, via 
 Havana, has remained here till this day. To the care of 
 Mr. O'Hara, on board her, I gave my Letters. I had pur- 
 posed to attend divine Service to-day, but it has been 
 squally and rainy all day, and I have spent the Sabbath 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 191 
 
 on board, having the company of Capt. Whittlesey, of 
 Saybrook, an old man from the land of "Steady Habits." 
 
 Friday, June 2nd. By an arrival from Philadelphia we 
 this day received the interesting news that the trade to all 
 British ports will be renewed after the 10th inst.* 
 
 Sunday, June 4>th. This forenoon I attended Divine 
 Service at Church and heard a very good discourse from 
 these words of the apostle, "Let him that thinketh he 
 standeth take heed lest he fall." It is now a long time 
 since I have joined in the Divine services of Devotion. 
 How often, to-day, has my memory pointed back to the 
 happy times when with my dear lov'd family I went to the 
 house of God, to hear the Word of Life. 
 
 Sunday, June 11th. Yesterday I finished all my busi- 
 ness in Kingston, and to my great joy having the Char- 
 lotta ready for Sea, in ballast. Capt. Hale, to whom I had 
 given the command, cleared at the Custom House, and at 
 5 p. m. we got under way and anchor 'd last evening at Port 
 Royal. 
 
 I had accepted an invitation to ride into the country 
 and spend the day in company with Mr. Hayes, and 
 his amiable wife, but the morning proved rainy and I 
 amused myself with reading St. Pierre's interesting 
 work "Studies of Nature." While thus engaged about 
 twelve o'clock, a servant cried out, "Little Jim has 
 hung himself." Jim was a fine black boy, not twelve 
 years old, active and faithful — beloved by his Master and 
 * The lifting of the embargo ordered by President Jefferson. 
 
192 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Mistress, and the favourite of all who frequented the 
 house. 
 
 On hearing the cry I ran eagerly to the yard and ascend- 
 ing to the room pointed out — found the door fastened 
 which we instantly burst open, and to our horror and 
 surprise found the poor lad, hanging by the neck. We 
 instantly cut him down, but alas ! too late, the fatal Deed 
 was consummated and Life had forever flown. Dreadful 
 and heartrending was the scene, his poor mistress scream- 
 ing and crying, joined by her little daughter. The crowd 
 that flocking round us — the Coroner's inquest, of which 
 I was one — as well as a witness — the, whole together — 
 has truly been a shocking scene. From such — and from 
 all evil — Good Lord deliver us. 
 
 6 * ♦ $ $ 
 
 Once more, weary and fatigued, I am spending the Sab- 
 bath's peaceful day at sea, far from those I love, far from 
 all the endearing intercourses of Civil, Social and domestic 
 life; far from the means of joining in the solemn assembly 
 of the Saints. Though deprived of these endearing 
 Privileges, may my heart — Oh! Eternal Parent, look up 
 to Thee — as to the Giver of every good and perfect Gift. 
 May I feel humble and penitent for my Transgressions — 
 truly and deeply grateful for Thy mercies — and may I 
 be enabled with heartfelt Sincerity to commend to thy 
 gracious care and Protection all who are near and dear to 
 me. Oh! bless my family, I humbly beseech Thee, with 
 the choicest of Thy blessings. Be Thou to them a Hus- 
 band and a Father — and soon may I again be restored to 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 193 
 
 them and to my wonted happiness, and Thine be all the 
 glory ! Amen. 
 
 Monday, July 3rd. In the Brig Delight, Capt. Mosher 
 arrived this day. On the wings of friendship I flew to 
 meet him. And, blessed be God, I learn that he left my 
 lov'd wife and my darling children well. But he has told 
 me things that cut me to the soul. Time, however, must 
 develop what I ought to do. I know and value Mosher's 
 friendship, but I know too his ardent and irritable temper. 
 As for myself — proud in conscious integrity, I can hurl 
 defiance on the wretch who meanly dares to stab my 
 honest character. 
 
 Tuesday, July Uh. On the Birth of my Country's In- 
 dependence I ought to rejoice — for this day I have 
 sailed in the Brig Adeline, Captain Christian, bound to 
 N. York — huzza ! ! 
 
 This is a day of rejoicing throughout America, and it 
 ought surely to be a day of rejoicing with me, my face is 
 set once more towards my native country, and soon I hope 
 to rejoice with those I love. 
 
 Sunday, July 9th. Lat. by obsr. 29 — 50'. Adeline 
 at Sea. Our passage has hitherto been favourable and 
 pleasant, and we now think our prospect good for reaching 
 soon our desired port. Our Captain does all he can to 
 make us comfortable, but my thoughts are continually 
 anticipating the moment of meeting with the best of Wives 
 and our loved Children. Is it possible my love, that those 
 in whom you place the highest confidence should have 
 wounded your peace of Mind, by meanly and assassin-like 
 
194 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 stabbing the reputation of your absent husband. No, I 
 will suspend my opinion till I can have certainties. But 
 should it be so — adieu to Friendship — adieu to Confidence 
 — at least in Bristol! 
 
 Sunday, July 16th. Another week of our passage has 
 passed away pleasantly enough, but the winds have been 
 very light — or we should have been in port before this. 
 We are now to the Northwd. of Cape May, surrounded 
 by several sail, and were this morning boarded by a 
 Delaware pilot. I am anxiously looking for the time when 
 I shall again set foot on my native shore, and once more 
 embrace the best of women and our lov'd children. May 
 we soon join in the solemn exercises of Devotion, and 
 may our united orisons ascend like grateful incenses to the 
 Throne of the most high. 
 
 Monday, 17th. The morning begins rainy and thick. 
 Wind at East — we stood in under all sail and at 10 a. m. 
 saw the lighthouse on Sandy Hook. At 12 being within 
 a mile of the light house a lazy pilot came on board, and 
 in one hour brought us to anchor at Quarantine Ground. 
 Blows fresh and rains violently but we are at anchor, safe, 
 on our own native shore — God be thanked! 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 195 
 XIII 
 
 THE SHIPMASTER'S LAST LOVE LETTERS 
 
 The last letters written to Mrs. Ann Russell by her 
 husband, as preserved in the old sea chest, were sent 
 from sea and the West Indies in 1809. In them he refers 
 to the misfortune of his capture by Frenchmen and to 
 other events more fully described in the log which com- 
 prises the preceding chapter. It is to be hoped that he 
 was permitted to spend a good part of the next year ashore 
 and that a longed-for visit with his family accounts for 
 the dearth of letters after this return from sea. There 
 were three girl babies in the Bristol home in 1809, Betsy 
 and Parnell and Nancy, the eldest six years old. Their 
 father was still struggling and hoping for a shift in the 
 tide of fortune that had set so strongly against him year 
 after year. These last letters read as follows: 
 
 To Mrs. Ann Russell, Bristol, R. I. 
 
 Jant. 18th, 1809. 
 The best thing I can tell you my Love, is that I 
 enjoy excellent health, I desire to be thankful to the Giver 
 of all good for it, and constantly and earnestly pray that 
 you and our dear little Ones may through His Blessing 
 be preserved and protected. I have had some perplexing 
 scenes to go through here, but this world is a state of 
 
196 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 perplexity and trial, and as respects myself — I have little 
 reason ever to expect to gather the rose without feeling 
 the thorn. 
 
 I think the Islands were never fuller of Americans. I 
 have been here but eight days, and have had two letters 
 from Antigua, which is also full of Yankees. I expect the 
 first American port I shall reach will be Charleston. I 
 wish you to write me there. Good Aunt Becca, you 
 must write me too, and if I make a fortune this voyage, I 
 will on my return escort you in style to Barnstable. 
 Which of the children shall go with us? You must settle 
 that among yourselves, after kissing them all for me. 
 
 St. Bakths, March 11th, 1809. 
 My Dearest Friend: 
 
 Capt. Taylor sailed yesterday for New York in the 
 Swedish Schooner Jane. I wrote you a hasty line yes- 
 terday, and though now at leisure — what can I add — Ah ! 
 my lov'd Friend ! Could I say all that my feelings dictate — 
 could I unburthen my whole Soul to you — could I explain 
 what I suffer when a temporary suspension from the per- 
 plexities of business allows me a little time for Reflection 
 — I say — could I then explain how much I need the kind 
 and faithful friend of my heart, to whom I may open my- 
 self without reserve — whose smiles would sooth my cares ; 
 — this sheet would be a scanty beginning and as I would 
 never know when to end — so I shall not make the attempt. 
 
 Here, my love there is no such thing as that charming 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 197 
 
 domestic Society, that endearing social intercourse which 
 is the zest of life. The gentlemen here are very friendly 
 to me but in all the houses where I visit, I am sure to be 
 surrounded by mulatto children — the Mother of which 
 generally takes care to shew herself. In Dominico it was 
 otherwise. I had a social, smart and kind Landlady, 
 who kept an excellent house and paid every attention to 
 her Guests. The Gentleman to whom I had letters of 
 introduction there had a wife who was not the less inter- 
 esting for being young and very handsome; but she was 
 at the same time, frank and agreeable in her manners 
 and truly amiable in her disposition. 
 
 At that home I became quite domesticated — and nothing 
 that I have ever seen in the West Indies appeared so much 
 like rational society — so much like my much lov'd Home. 
 In a few days I expect letters from the Windward and 
 then I shall be able to inform you when to expect me. If I 
 am not in time to make arrangements for the garden you 
 must consult with your father and do what you think 
 best. I hope and trust that you will not stand in need 
 of cash, as the arrangements I made with the cashier I 
 suppose would meet everything necessary. Adams and 
 Lothrop will owe me about $400 for Goods which they 
 sold for me, I think it falls due the last of this month. I 
 need not caution you to hold that and everything else fast, 
 for some accident may deprive me of my prospects and ren- 
 der me the poorer for this voyage. 
 
 Charge the little ones to remember me and behave well 
 as they value my blessing. 
 
198 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Sr. Barths, April 14th, 1809. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 I have been so long detained in this place that I have 
 lately begun to flatter myself with the fond hope of hearing 
 from you before leaving this — but notwithstanding the 
 daily and hourly arrivals from America, and many from 
 Rhode Island, yet I have hitherto been disappointed. I 
 however, persuade myself, my Love, that you could not 
 possibly calculate for a Letter to reach me here, at so late 
 a period as this; for indeed my stay has been prolonged 
 very far beyond my intention. The hundreds of Ameri- 
 cans that have poured in here in consequence of the 
 unexpected raising of the Embargo — has so totally 
 altered the face of things, and deranged all former Cal- 
 culations, that we had as it were to begin anew, but I am 
 at last so near ready as to expect to sail in three or four 
 days. You will have learned by my former letters, what 
 is the intention of the voyage, and I have great hopes of 
 being in the United States within forty days after leaving 
 this. My long absence — so very unexpected to you, I fear 
 has caused you too much concern — but I trust you have 
 been supported, together with our dear little ones, and 
 preserved in safety by Him in Whom our breath is, and 
 Whose are all our ways. Through His Goodness I have 
 enjoyed uninterrupted health. To His holy Protection 
 I daily and I hope sincerely commit you. 
 
 I am much disappointed that I shall not have the pleas- 
 ure of attending my little garden this spring. If little 
 Parnell is blest with returning health, Betsey must now 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 199 
 
 have her for a constant companion at school. I hope the 
 only strife between them will be, who shall learn fastest 
 and behave best. The dear little Nancy, I suppose, begins 
 to talk, and then Aunt Becca as well as you, will have a 
 new source of delight, I wish I could partake it with you. 
 In the mean time, dearest and best of Friends, keep up 
 your spirits and be careful of yourself for his sake, who 
 lives but for you. Ever affectionate 
 
 R. 
 
 Sr. Baeths, April 22nd, 1809. 
 
 My dearest friend. After a tedious detention here, I am 
 now prepared to sail to-morrow, in the Swedish Brig Char- 
 lotta, Capt. Duncken. We are to be accompanied by the 
 Swedish Brig Adolphus Capt. Englehart, both bound to 
 St. Domingo, and thence to the United States — if per- 
 mitted. I have chartered one-fifth of each of these vessells 
 and have advanced towards my part, seven thousand five 
 hundred dollars, I enclose you an agreement showing how 
 far I am interested, which you will take particular care of, 
 and together with this Letter, keep to yourself. 
 
 If I am not almost worn out myself, by so long driving 
 about among these Islands, I have certainly almost worn 
 out my clothes, although I have been obliged to spend 
 more than 60 Dollars to recruit my small wardrobe. But 
 think not, my love, that I am leaning towards extravagance; 
 on the contrary, I think I am more economical than ever, 
 and begin to fear that I shall, bye and bye, grow too 
 worldly and avaricious. With the assistance of some 
 
200 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Friends I have made some handsome speculations since I 
 have been out here — by which I have realized something. 
 Whether I shall lose all by pushing further is yet to be 
 determined. But we have been careful to write for In- 
 surance on the whole property — so that in all events I 
 hope to have something left. 
 
 I have thought it necessary to be thus explicit with you, 
 my lov'd friend, concerning my business, in order to lessen 
 as much as is in my power, your uneasiness at my absence. 
 I need not caution you to keep your own counsel. I think 
 the time will not be long 'ere I shall be happy in the bosom 
 of my much lov'd family. 
 
 For while my memory holds her seat 
 The fire so brisk — the hearth so neat 
 
 The smiling wife, the Children's play 
 Shall never from my memory stray, 
 
 Nor howsoe'r by fortune tos'd 
 
 Shall these fond scenes be ever lost. 
 
 I hope our much revered Pastor calls often to see you, 
 that you may have the benefit of his pious private counsels 
 — as well as the rich consolations of his public ministra- 
 tions. These are privileges — these are blessings from 
 which I am debarred. But I trust you remember me when 
 humbly imploring Divine Mercy, whether in public or 
 private that you make our children constant Partakers 
 with you in the solemnities of religious Worship; as far as 
 circumstances and health will permit. Arduous and im- 
 portant is the task my Nancy— the double task that de- 
 volves on you — from my long absence, of rearing aright 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 201 
 
 those tender plants, at this critical age; of instilling into 
 them, not only suitable ideas of firm reliance on the Divine 
 Goodness, but that He ordereth all aright. 
 
 I had provided myself with some books while at Windwd. 
 My British friends have borrowed them from me, as well as 
 some other articles, entirely without leave, but they have 
 left me the best of Books, and in its Divine pages I daily 
 find abundant sources of consolation, "which the world 
 can neither give nor take away." 
 
 When I review my Misfortunes and feel oppressed with 
 solicitude for the future Maintenance of my lov'd Wife and 
 Children, I open the sacred volume and receive consola- 
 tion from the affectionate promises of our Blessed Re- 
 deemer. I read Matthew, 6th Chapter, from the 26th 
 verse to the end. I ponder on the words of Life and my 
 throbbing bosom is still. 
 
 Again, when I reflect that all my best laid plans are 
 rendered abortive by some unforeseen and fatal Disap- 
 pointment, while Fools and Boobies around me are basking 
 in the sunshine of fortune's favor and wallowing in the 
 luxuries of this life, my Pride takes the alarm, and I say 
 to myself, "surely it requires neither virtues, talents or 
 abilities to obtain the smiles of fortune, since such Animals 
 as these can succeed." I again open the inspired volume 
 — and even my Pride is soothed, by finding that the wisest 
 of men, thought on this subject as I do. I read Eccles. 
 11th Chap, and 11th verse, and fortify my mind with the 
 same opinion which Solomon formed and promulgated 
 three thousand years ago. 
 
202 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 May 18th, 1809. 
 
 The Mate and five of the Crew of the Charlotta have 
 just arrived here from St. Domingo. I am rejoiced to see 
 them, as I can now provide for them and soon put them 
 in a way to reach their respective homes. I have this day 
 also the pleasure of a letter from my friend, Mr. Ogden, 
 informing me of his arrival at his destined port, having 
 lost by falling in with the Frenchmen, about Eight thou- 
 sand Dollars — which however the underwriters must pay. 
 Mr. Ogden has already made sale of the residue of his 
 Cargo and I hope will soon be in America. When he 
 arrives you will hear from him, having family of his own 
 that are very dear to him, he will feel it a Duty to give you 
 all the information he can. 
 
 I hope and trust my lov'd Friend, that the unexpected 
 length of my absence will not cause you any embarrass- 
 ment for money. I shall endeavor by means of Mr. Ogden 
 to remit you something before long. Be not too much 
 disheartened, my dearest Nancy. Notwithstanding all 
 my Misfortunes, I shall still have something left, and 
 though it would be idle to say that I do not feel — and very 
 sensibly too — these unlucky tricks of Dame Fortune — yet 
 I firmly trust that I shall rise superior to them all. 
 
 Betsey, you are almost a little woman by this time. I 
 hope you are attentive to your School and that I shall find 
 you have greatly improved. Do you take Parnell with 
 you? Be careful of her, and always be very kind to both 
 your sisters, my love. You must learn little Nancy her 
 letters at home. Let me have the pleasure of hearing that 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 203 
 
 you are dutiful and good to the best of Mothers and I shall 
 love you more and more. 
 
 My dearest and best friend — you see I am scribbling 
 away to you all; as if I knew that Life and Health was 
 still continued to you. God only knows what changes 
 may have happened in my absence. But 'tis our duty to 
 say in all events "His will be done." To His holy pro- 
 tection I commit you. 
 
 Per Schr. Eliza Capt. Thayer. 
 
 Havana, July 3d, 1809. 
 My Dearest Love: 
 
 Since I last wrote you from this place I have been 
 anxiously waiting for the arrival of friend Mosher, having 
 heard when he sailed from R. I. by Capt. Thayer of the 
 Schr. Eliza. But Mosher has not yet arrived, and my 
 anxious feelings for the situation of my dear family are 
 still in full force. I have taken Passage in the Brig Adeline, 
 Capt. Christian, and expect to sail for N. York this evening 
 or to-morrow. I prefer going by way of N. York on ac- 
 count of my business there, which would otherwise compel 
 me to go there from Bristol very soon. I shall doubtless 
 be in N. York before you will receive this, but as Capt. 
 Thayer was going direct to Bristol, I have entrusted to his 
 care a piece of linen which I bought in Jamaica (my 
 shirts are almost done for) also a brass coffee pot and 
 four bottles of Castor Oil, which he will deliver to you. 
 
204 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 Brig Adeline, Quarantine Ground 
 
 Below N. York, July 17th, 1809. 
 
 My ever dear Nancy. My last letter from Havana will 
 have informed you that I should probably take passage 
 from thence soon. Have this moment anchor'd here, 
 where we must remain four days performing quarantine. 
 Well, my sweet Friend, with sensations of delight I am 
 once more at anchor on my native coast and with a 
 mind much more at rest than I have been for many 
 months, as I had the day before I left Havana the 
 pleasure of meeting our friend, Capt. Mosher, and of 
 being assured that he left you all in good health. 
 As this was my first intelligence from you for more than 
 6 months I leave you to judge my feelings on the occasion. 
 I shall not attempt to describe them. But my Love, he 
 told me things that made my heart ache, but stop ! I shall 
 soon see you. In the mean time, my Nancy, rest assured 
 that if His "possible for human nature should be so base, as 
 that those you lov'd and trusted should meanly attempt to 
 wound your feelings, by stabbing the reputation of your 
 absent husband, that husband — strong in conscious integrity, 
 feels as much above such rascally attempts as the authors of 
 them are below contempt. Pray keep this letter to your- 
 self. I wish you had done so by all that I have wrote in 
 my absence. I hope my business will detain me but a 
 few days in N. York, when on the wings of love and im- 
 patience I shall fly to meet you. May that gracious Being 
 who has hitherto protected us in our long separation still 
 continue His goodness to us, and enable us to meet in 
 safety. Your affectionate Russell. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 205 
 
 XIV 
 
 THE DEATH OF HIS " DEAR FRIEND AND PARTNER* * 
 
 On the 25th of May, 1810, the first son was born to 
 Captain and Nancy Russell. Her life was the price the 
 mother paid, and less than four months later "she de- 
 parted in peace — calm, composed — and entirely resigned 
 to the Will of her Maker — having lived the life of the 
 righteous." The husband and father has left his own 
 record of his loss in the following letters to his father and 
 brother which bring to a close the romance of Captain 
 John Willard Russell, mariner of Bristol, who was to 
 survive his Nancy no more than four years. 
 
 For sometime there had been an estrangement between 
 the sailor and his father. The why and wherefore of it 
 are buried with their dust, but in these last letters of this 
 series, bereavement bridged all differences and a great 
 sorrow reunited the wandering son with his kindred. The 
 following pages complete the story of an old-fashioned 
 American shipmaster as he wrote it from the heart, a 
 hundred years and more ago : 
 
 To Nathaniel Russell, Esquire, Winchester, Conn. 
 
 Bristol, Oct. 9th, 1810. 
 Will my dear and highly honoured Parents once more 
 condescend to receive a Line from their long lost son — 
 
206 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 who has long thought himself entirely thrown from your 
 Affection and Remembrance. It is utterly impossible for 
 me to tell you what I felt on once more beholding a Brother, 
 and hearing from him that I still had a place in your Hearts. 
 To him I refer you for an explanation of the past — and — 
 if I have conducted myself unseemly towards you — may 
 God and you — my beloved Parents — forgive me. 
 
 My dear Brother has been with me when I was bowed 
 down with affliction, having been but recently deprived of 
 a beloved Partner of my heart, who, after a Marriage of 
 eight years — I every day found more and more reason to love 
 and esteem. I am left with four children — all almost help- 
 less — God grant I may be able to perform my duty to them. 
 
 If circumstances can render it possible, I shall very soon 
 see you. In the mean time I again refer you to my worthy 
 Brother — whom I can never sufficiently thank for his 
 kindness. I remain your affectionate 
 
 John W. Russell. 
 
 To Mr. Giles Russell, Winchester, Conn. 
 
 Bristol, Nov. 2nd, 1810. 
 Your very friendly Letter of the 12th ult. my dear 
 Brother, came safe to hand, and I feel greatly rejoiced 
 that you had the satisfaction of finding your Family well, 
 and especially that our venerable Parent was so much 
 more comfortable than your Fears had anticipated. I 
 participate with you in the Happiness of again meeting 
 our eldest brother, and hope you will have much Enjoy- 
 ment while together. You found me my beloved brother, 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 207 
 
 in a state of mind from my recent loss — almost dead to all 
 joy and the Avenue to every earthly happiness, as it were, 
 closed up — but if anything in my Widowed state could 
 find its way to my heart — could again lighten up the almost 
 extinguished fires of social feeling — it would be accom- 
 plished on again beholding a beloved brother; on again 
 hearing — (thanks be to God) that my respected and be- 
 loved Parents — and all those once so dear to me, still 
 lived. I feel very grateful, my dear Brother, to you, in 
 particular, for the pains you have taken to restore our long 
 interrupted intercourse. May nothing but Death put an 
 end to it. 
 
 My dear little children talk much of you, and about 
 your children. Oh! could their lamented Mother, whose 
 Heart was all alive to social bliss, could she have shared 
 this joy with me — how happy we should all have been — 
 but — God's Will be done. 
 
 I have delayed writing you so long that I might inform 
 you of my removal to my new house — where we are now 
 settled. It was a trying scene to me — but time — reflection 
 — and above all " those consolations which are neither few 
 nor small" will, I trust, enable me better to sustain my 
 mournful situation. 
 
 I shall probably sail very soon on some Winter's Voyage, 
 though I have not exactly yet determined where. I shall 
 write you again soon and expect to hear from you often. 
 Good Aunt Becca desires her love. Remember me with 
 warmest love to all and believe me ever your affectionate 
 brother J. W. Russell. 
 
208 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 To Mr. Giles Russell, Winchester, Conn. 
 
 Bristol, Dec. 29th, 1810. 
 My Dear Brother: 
 
 I wrote a few lines last week to sister Betsey — and have 
 been particularly anxious since to hear from some of you, 
 on account of the critical situation of my respected Father's 
 health. I have been disappointed — but I flatter myself 
 that, had he been worse you would have wrote me. God 
 grant that my hopes and not my fears may be realized. I 
 had the pleasure of finding my little family all well, and 
 they still continue so. My dear little boy — who never 
 knew a Mother's fondness or a Mother's care — is yet a 
 charming Child. The other children are continually talk- 
 ing of yours, and reminded me of the Pleasure I felt in 
 being a short time with them. 
 
 I have not yet determined on my voyage circumstances 
 made me wish to put it off as long as possible; and the 
 gloomy prospect of Affairs abroad makes me shudder at 
 the thoughts of risking anything. I think it pretty certain 
 that the non-intercourse will again be in force, as respects 
 England. In the mean time there is no prospect of a 
 restoration of any of the Millions taken from us by our 
 loving friend*, nor do I see any shadow of security for 
 better treatment from that quarter in future. 
 
 The seizure of West Florida, by force at this critical 
 juncture, by our valiant and energetic Administration, 
 will very probably lead to unpleasant consequences. On 
 the whole, notwithstanding the pleasant picture drawn by 
 
 * France. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 209 
 
 Mr. Madison, I think our situation, as respects foreign 
 Commerce was never more gloomy. . . . 
 
 Remember my duty and best respects to our beloved 
 Parents. My love to your amiable wife — whom I shall 
 always delight to call by the endearing name of Sister. 
 
 To Betsey and the children say every kind thing for 
 me, and believe me ever Your affectionate Brother 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
 To Mr. Marshall Keith, Strafford, Norwich, Vermont. 
 
 To be left at the Post-office. 
 
 Bbistol, April 13th, 1811. 
 Dear Keith: 
 
 Your friendly Letter of the 24th ult. did not reach me 
 till two days ago. Amid the gloom of my own sorrow, my 
 heart still participates in the joys and sorrows of my 
 friends. And very great indeed was my satisfaction to 
 hear once more from you and Mrs. K. after so long a 
 silence. I am much rejoiced to learn that you feel so 
 happily settled. May your anticipations of calm Serenity 
 and decent Competence through after life be amply 
 realized. 
 
 On the 25th of May last my dear Nancy was safely 
 delivered of a fine boy — her first son and fourth child. At 
 the moment of childbed illness she was attacked with a 
 severe pleurisy. The double shock was too much for her 
 — a violent Fever ensued. The strength of her excellent 
 constitution long struggled with disease and pain, and she 
 so far recovered as to ride out two or three times. But, 
 
210 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 alas ! the die was cast, medical aid and anxious attentions 
 availed nothing. She languished till Septr. 5th and then 
 departed in Peace — calm, composed — and entirely re- 
 signed to the Will of Her Maker. 
 
 Having lived the " life of the righteous — her latter end 
 was eminently like His." 
 
 I am left with four infant children — but I need not 
 speak to you and Mrs. K. about my loss — you knew her 
 worth — you knew how necessary she was, almost to my 
 existence — and I have no doubt of your kind sym- 
 pathy. 
 
 Early last spring I commenced building a new house, 
 on the lot I own north of the Church, nearly opposite the 
 dwelling of James DeWolf. It progressed rapidly, and in 
 July it was ready to go into. But, alas ! She for whom I 
 built it — She who assisted in all my little plans for making 
 it convenient — She, who fondly anticipated many happy 
 days beneath its roof with her husband and children was 
 now fast hastening to "the house appointed for all liv- 
 ing." 
 
 After my loss I long hesitated what to do with my house. 
 I could not bring myself to remove into it — and I did not 
 wish to sell or rent it. At length a sense of the Duty I 
 owed my Children enabled me to struggle with my feel- 
 ings, and in November we occupied the new Mansion. 
 An elderly maiden lady — a near relation and intimate of 
 Mrs. Russell — who had been an inmate of our family for 
 the last seven years, kindly stays to superintend my family. 
 The infant, at a few weeks old — was put out to nurse; 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 211 
 
 has had an excellent place — we are about weaning and 
 taking it home. 
 
 Some time since I was pretty largely interested in a ship- 
 ment of coffee to Tonningen — you know how things are 
 managed lately in Continental Europe, and I have great 
 reason to fear that the great personage who "loves the 
 Americans "* will never suffer me to have my property 
 again; if so — it will absorb the greater part of the hard 
 earnings of many years. 
 
 Many of your old friends still remain and often speak 
 of you with affection. Our friend Mosher is at Havana, 
 in which trade he has done well lately. During his ab- 
 sence — his wife, in her old age — has another daughter. 
 
 This place has greatly altered since you were here, you 
 would be almost lost among the numerous new wharves 
 and stores. I presume you would not know one in ten of 
 the persons you meet. Many too, of your old acquain- 
 tances, whom you never would have suspected of such 
 things (Jacob Babbit, for instance), have become great 
 men. 
 
 Society here is not so good as it was formerly; "owing 
 to the continued influx of strangers, and it being a kind of 
 city of Refuge. A large proportion of our newcomers are 
 related to rag-tag-and-bobtail. Party politics, too, have 
 poisoned the peace of our social circles — but this is in 
 some measure wearing off. 
 
 Do let me hear often from you, and should you come 
 near here, you must not fail of making us a visit. Remem- 
 * Napoleon I. 
 
212 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 ber that when you are here my house must be your home. 
 My respectful love to Mrs. Keith, and believe me to be 
 with affectionate regard your old friend 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
 To Mr. Giles Russell, Winchester, Conn. 
 
 New Haven, May 25th, 1811. 
 Dear Giles: 
 
 The Convention which I have been attending here, 
 having now compleated their business, I am preparing to 
 return to my dear family, anxiety for which has alone 
 prevented me from enjoying myself well while here. There 
 were delegates from every State, from Maryland northward 
 and I may venture to assert that a more respectable body 
 of Clergy were never convened in the United States. The 
 Lay Delegation was composed of some of our first charac- 
 ters, among whom were the Hon. Rufus King, from New 
 York, and several former members of Congress, from 
 several states. This Convention meets but once in three 
 years. Their deliberations and doings have been con- 
 ducted with much harmony, and I hope through the 
 blessing of the Great Head of the Church, may conduce to 
 the strengthening and advancing of his cause and Kingdom. 
 
 When I wrote you the other day I mentioned something 
 of our good sister's coming to see me this summer, if con- 
 sistent with her engagements. Such an event would be 
 very desirable to me on many accounts; as I much fear 
 that good Aunt Rebecca's precarious state of health will 
 make it absolutely necessary for her to leave me for a few 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 213 
 
 months — and it would be impossible almost to find any 
 person willing to take charge of my infant family, and 
 with whom I should be willing to entrust them; or who 
 could feel and do for them as Aunt Rebecca has done. 
 
 To Mr. Giles Russell, Winchester, Conn. 
 
 Bristol, Dec. 11th, 1811. 
 My Dear Brother: 
 
 You have been a long time silent, but I have had the 
 satisfaction of hearing several times from you and yours. 
 I need not tell you what Pleasure I received from the un- 
 expected visit of my Brother Benjamin. My Satisfaction 
 was much enhanced on receiving his Letter, when leaving 
 you, in which he informs me that he returns prepared as 
 he hopes to save his farm. I wish you to write me the 
 Particulars. 
 
 Our little Boy has been very gradually recovering and 
 is now pretty smart, but he has not yet gained his former 
 stand. He was reduced very low, even to Death's door, 
 I desire to be truly grateful to Him who has restored him 
 to me. The rest of us are all well. Sister Betsey has been 
 for some time quite smart for her. Our good Aunt Becca 
 has returned sooner than we expected. Some of our 
 Barnstable friends were coming here on a visit, and she 
 took the opportunity to accompany them, greatly I assure 
 you, to my satisfaction. Her health is much better since 
 her return. Our little ones are very often talking about 
 yours, planning future schemes of happiness with them 
 and wondering why we have no letters from you. Our 
 
214 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 old complaint of dull times not only remains but increases. 
 As to anything of a public nature — you have the same 
 means of seeing and judging that I have. I think how- 
 ever, that the gloom thickens, and in regard to business I 
 am almost discouraged. My respects and duty to our 
 honour'd Mother, my love to all the little ones. Let me 
 hear soon and often from you. and believe me your ever 
 affectionate brother 
 
 - J. W. Russell. 
 
 To Mr. Giles Russell, Winchester, Conn. 
 
 Bristol, Nov. 9th, 1813. 
 My Dear Brother: 
 
 Your favour of the 3rd inst. from Hartford I received in 
 
 due course of mail, and am very happy once more to hear 
 
 of the welfare of those so dear to me. My friends, that 
 
 went to the Westwd. have returned — they came through 
 
 Lenox, which route prevented their calling on you. I 
 
 have all along had hopes of seeing you here this fall, 
 
 but you must be the best judge whether it would answer. 
 
 You made enquiry respecting clocks — this would be no 
 
 time to sell any, on account of the great scarcity of money, 
 
 and the peculiar pressure of the times*, which is already 
 
 severely felt in a place situated like this — when corn-meal 
 
 is scarce at $1.50 per bushel; and flour from $12 to 13 
 
 per bbl.; when the common labourer, who would always 
 
 through the season, have his six dollars every Saturday 
 
 night for his week's work, and has now probably not 
 
 * During the War of 1812. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 215 
 
 earned 10 dollars in the summer; when the crop of onions, 
 which has usually sold for $60,000 in a year is now worth 
 0000; when the honest sailor who supported his family 
 well and laid up a little every year, has now been three 
 years almost out of employ — and living on his former little 
 savings; when added to this we view the hopeful prospect 
 before us, you will judge that it is not without reason, that 
 we complain of hard times. 
 
 . . . My little flock are all well. The boy grows 
 finely and is greatly attached to his Aunt Betsey v My 
 situation ought perhaps to make me feel melancholy — 
 but I think, at times at least, that my Confidence in the 
 goodness of our Heavenly Father is unshaken, and I know 
 that I still possess many blessings — yea, many more than 
 I deserve. Our little Ones were delighted to hear from 
 you and send their love. Mine to my dear and honoured 
 Mother, and to all yours. Believe me your affectionate 
 Brother 
 
 J. W. Russell. 
 
216 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 ANNUAL THANKSGIVING, NOV. 26, 1812 
 
 Dedicated to Parnell Russell.* 
 
 By Captain John W. Russell 
 
 When God, in anger lifts his arm 
 
 And hurls the frowning dart; 
 When the bar'd bosom feels the stroke, 
 
 That rends the aching heart — 
 
 When Parents, children, brothers, friends, 
 
 Resign this mortal breath; 
 Or the dear partner of each joy 
 
 Lies pale and cold in Death — 
 
 Though all creation then may smile 
 
 And songful groves be glad 
 The very music of the groves, 
 
 The very smiles seem sad. 
 
 Drear looks the face of cheerfull day 
 More drear the gloom of night, 
 
 And frolic scenes of harmless joy, 
 Are anguish to the sight. 
 
 If then, mid frowns — such killing frowns 
 
 (While virtue mourning lies) 
 The grief fraught soul, serene looks out 
 
 From sorrow streaming eyes — 
 
 *The second daughter of Captain Russell. 
 
OLD TIME SHIPMASTER 217 
 
 Resigned — looks up, to heaven's high throne, 
 
 And feels the strokes were right, 
 On those deep wounds — Jesus shall pour 
 
 The balm of sweet delight. 
 
 Consoling angels lend the hand 
 
 To guide the wanderer home — 
 And sing — the wanderer too shall sing 
 
 My God, I come — I come. 
 
 All Heaven's bright host shall tune the lyre 
 
 To praise a glorious God; 
 All passing glorious when he smiles, 
 
 And glorious in the rod. 
 
 From Heaven's bright host let mortals lean 
 
 To join the angelic lays; 
 And know no time — though clad in gloom 
 
 But brings some cause for praise. 
 
 Then let the voice of praise resound, 
 
 In love's harmonious strains; 
 Glad tidings hear, Jesus has come, 
 
 The Lord Jehovah reigns. 
 
 Come — nature's offspring all unite 
 
 Let men begin the theme; 
 Yes — recent mourners, you may aid 
 
 This rapt, seraphic hymn. 
 
218 THE ROMANCE OF AN 
 
 I, too, would add my feeble voice, 
 Self-severed though I mourn, 
 
 Though all — near all, my earthly joy 
 Is flown, forever flown. 
 
 My soul shall still rejoice in God, 
 And still his succour crave — 
 
 Who's nigh to heal the broken heart, 
 The contrite spirit save. 
 
 Captain John Willard Russell died in Bristol, Aug. 20, 
 1814 — Aged forty-four years. 
 
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 Fine schedule: 25 cents on first day overdue 
 
 50 cents on fourth day overdue 
 One dollar on seventh day overdue. 
 
 AW} 25 1947 
 
 
 LD 21-100m-12, , 46(A2012sl6)4120 
 

 M224197 
 
 £yr 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY