Had a pleasant night, found little wind and that not favourable; in fact
they tell me we are not nearing N.Y. Finished Watson's "Memoirs" 667
octavo pages; a good reply to those who have attempted a defence of
slavery from O. and N. Testament. Spent the day very delightfully, being
so warm that we preferred the shade. The wind but light and not fair.
Tried fishing but not successful.
An old seaman who has been with the _Britannia_ over three years says he
never knew a passage from England to America made in less than 30 days.
Played another game at chess with Mr. Seaton, had the worst of it, but
called away to dinner. Another play was putting the feet in a swing rope
and trying how far they could go, being then chalked on the deck.
After tea went on deck, a beautiful starlight night, a good deal of
singing. Jackson had ascended the rigging, was followed by one of the
seamen who tied his legs. The usual penalty followed--a bottle of rum;
he gave them two and the evening passed merrily.