The Author arrives at Canton.—Transactions in China.—Sails for the United States.—Loss of manuscripts.—Difficulties with Mr. Slim. Page 222
Hurricane off the Isle of France.—Its consequences.—Death of Mr. Slim. Page 229
The Author arrives in the United States.—Consigns his cargo to Mr. Slippery.—Is reduced to poverty by the failure of Mr. Slippery.—His great distress.—Inducement to publish this brief account of his discoveries.—Conclusion. Page 235
A VOYAGE.
CHAPTER I.
The Author’s reasons for undertaking a voyage of discovery.—He builds a vessel for his purpose upon a new plan.—His departure from the United States.
In the year 1817, I projected a voyage of discovery, in the hope of finding a passage to a new and untried world. I flattered myself that I should open the way to new fields for the enterprise of my fellow-citizens, supply new sources of wealth, fresh food for curiosity, and additional means of enjoyment; objects of vast importance, since the resources of the known world have been exhausted by research, its wealth monopolized, its wonders of curiosity explored, its every thing investigated and understood!