About Manuscripts Profiles Maps Map Gallery Credits

Travels in Some Parts of North America, in the Years 1804, 1805, & 1806, by Robert Sutcliff

SW_Sutcliff_Page_009

the noise of a very heavy discharge of cannon, from one or two vessels which were some distance a-head of us. At first we supposed it to be an engagement between an English and a French privateer; but, on coming nearer, we had reason to believe they were two slave ships, which had left Liverpool a little before us, and had taken the opportunity of scaling their great guns, and exer- cising their men, when in a situation that would produce the greatest echo and noise; a disposition very prevalent in the world. The night coming on, the beautiful and romantic Welch scenery was hid from us, and, next morning, having made but little progress during the night, we found ourselves nearly opposite to Holyhead. Having been favoured with a smooth sea, we escaped sickness, and sat down to breakfast with some appetite. Before we rose from table, a ship that was coming up the Channel, put out her boat and made a signal to speak with us. Our vessel was accordingly managed in a way to put them to as little trouble as possible; and they soon reached us. On their coming on board, we found the ship was the Liverpool, from New-York to Liver- pool; and the Captain being an old acquaintance of the Master of our ship, they were rejoiced to see each other. After an exchange of intelligence and news papers, we parted from her, and sailed slowly round the head of Holy-head, and soon had