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

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and connexions, I went this day to Philadelphia, and forwarded various letters and papers to Eng- land. Afterwards I dined at J. A.'s, an English- man, who had often kindly invited me to his house. He had been sent to this country by D. B. on business. J. A. gave me an account of singular preservation experienced by the ship's company in crossing the Atlantic, when more than 500 miles from land. His narrative was nearly as follows:--Lying awake early one morning, he was alarmed by the people's continuing a long time at the pump. About five o'clock the Captain came down and informed him that the ship had sprung so considerable a leak, that he was fearful the consequence would be serious, for the water gained fast upon them; that in all probability it would not be many hours before the vessel would sink, and that there was no alternative but taking to the long-boat. Preparations were accordingly made to leave the ship, by providing the few stores and necessaries they were able to stow in the boat. While this was doing the water increased so rapidly, that, early in the forenoon, it filled the lower hold and began to make its appearance on the cabin floor. About noon all were under the absolute ne-cessity of leaving the ship, from an expectation she would go down every moment. With this awful pro- spect before them, the ship's company committed themselves to the waves, with scarcely a ray of hope