1759. Oct. 19—Sailed from Salem. Very sick.
20—I prodigious sick, no comfort at all.
21—I remain very sick, the first Sabbath I have spent from Church this long time. Little Sleep this Night.
24—A little better contented, but a Sailor’s life is a poor life.
31—Fair pleasant weather, if it was always so, a sea life would be tolerable.
... Nov. 11—This makes the fourth Sunday I have been out. Read Dr. Beveridge’s “Serious Thoughts.”
12—Saw a sail standing to S.W. I am quartered at the aftermost gun and its opposite with Captain Clifford. We fired a shot at her and she hoisted Dutch colors.
13—I have entertained myself with a Romance, viz., “The History of the Parish Girl.”
14—Quite pleasant. Here we may behold the Works of God in the Mighty Deep. Happy he who beholds aright.
15—Between 2 and 3 this morning we saw two sail which chased us, the ship fired 3 shots at us which we returned. They came up with us by reason of a breeze which she took before we did. She proved to be the ship Cornwall from Bristol.