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

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that they hoped we would not hoist our sails until we had a signal from the frigate; which was com- plied with. We were now again in sight of land, being near Sandyhook. Having a fine view of the Jersey Mountains, and it being a clear summer's morn- ing, the country before us appeared exceedingly beautiful. In approaching the shore we observed an appearance not less beautiful in what I believe is called a land-loom. The whole country ap- peared to be reflected in the atmosphere; some- thing like what we see from the banks of rivers, when objects are reflected in the water. But here, instead of the images appearing in the water united at bottom to the objects, they were all re- flected in the air, with their tops downwards; and each reflection seeming to touch the top of the object reflected. The different ships of war, which I have just mentioned, made a very gay appearance; for the weather being fine and clear, and but little wind, they had most of their sails spread, and continued sailing to and fro before Sandyhook; the Never-sink Mountains being in the back ground. Their object was to watch two French frigates then lying in New-York, as the Lieutenant of the Boston informed us, and, at the same time, to examine all American ships in order to discover if there were any of the subjects of Great Britain