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

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neighboring mountains, which then appeared nearly to surround us. These were to me the most awful moments I had experienced, in all my travels, and, by those who know any thing of the coast, our situation may be more easily conceived than I can describe it. As the ship was thus with difficulty working her way through the discordant elements, every moment in danger of striking upon the rocks, we happily came in sight of the Skerries Lights, which removed all our fears. To be re- lieved from a situation of such great anxiety and danger, was indeed cause of thankfulness, and I trust will not soon be forgotten. Although there were neither moon nor stars visible, yet the bleak mountains around us were distinctly seen, and at times did not appear to be more than a stone's cast from the ship; but this appearance was in all probability deceptive, as it was scarcely possible we could have escaped ship- wreck, had we really been so near the rocks. Immediately after coming in sight of the Lights, a signal gun was fired from our ship; and in a few minutes a pilot-boat came alongside us, and we took a Pilot on board. The wind about this time subsiding we gently made our way up the Channel; and early in the morning, cast anchor off the Cheshire coast, where we remained till day-light of the 26th day of our voyage, being the 5th of the