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

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wind. The weather being fine and clear, we had a beautiful autumnal prospect of the country around us, all the way down to Sandyhook; and there being no sickness among the passengers, we enjoyed the scene. Our company consisted of a remarkable diversity as to the countries whence they came. One came from Delhi in Persia; two were Hindoos, a man and woman; one came from Berbice in South America; one from Jamaica; one from Ireland; one from Scotland; four from England; and one was a military officer from Bengal. Besides these, the Captain and Mate of the ship were North Americans, and the ship's Steward was a native of Germany. Notwithstanding this great national variety, in our cabin's company, and a great diversity in reli- gious profession, yet considerable harmony pre- vailed; which in a great measure arose from the constitution of our little republic, the government of which was formed, at the request of the Cap- tain, in the outset of the voyage. The plan adopted was to divide the company in the cabin, into three committees, who took the government into their hands by turns; each having the direction of affairs for a certain number of days in rotation; during which the Steward and Cook applied to the acting committee for instructions, in all affairs relative to eating and drinking; these being mat- ters in which the judgment of passengers is very