The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-09-18
MORAL.
THE NOCTURNAL SEPARATION

IHE NOCTURNAL SEPARATION.
From Blackwood's Magazine sor July.
One summer while at Baltimore on a
pleasure excursion, peculiar circums,an-
ces suddenly rendered il necessary that
should set sail for ST. Thomas's. i'm.
nediatcly proceeded TO make inquirp a.
bout vessel Ia convey me there, and
found that there were none bound for
that quarter, except a small schooner.
which had very inferior accommodations,
and was commanded by a person of rude
manners and disobliging temper
However, as my business admitted of no
delay, engaged passage IN her, and
put nv luggage on board,and desired the
captain to send mt notice whenever he
vas ready to sail, that might immediate
y join him.
passed two tlays in that anxious and
unsettled state of mind which the pros
pect of going to sea generally induces,
and went desponding to bed the second
night, alter having sscertsiEed that the
wind was unfavorable TO the prosecution
ofmy Intended voyage. A loud knocking at
my chamber doorawskned me from pro-
found sleep, about an hour before dawn.
Twas on the point Of demanding who oc-
casioned the disturbance, when a voice
called out, 'The schooner is ready to sail
they are heaviDg up the anchor-Cap-
tain Burder sent me TO warn you 10 come
On board without moments delay
started from bed, and having dressed
myselfas quickly as possible, accompani-
cd the messenger to the wharf, &embark.
ed in boat which waited there for us,
and soon reached the schooner. Hor
captain was so busily engaged in giving
orders to the seamen that he seemed
scarcely to notice my arrival. However,,
addressed him b made some remark about
the suddenness of his departure. THAT
doesn't concern you, replied he abruptly;
81 suppose your birth is ready below
But instead oftaking his hint, and going
down to the cabin, I remained upon deck
until we cleared the mouth Of the harbor,
which we at last accomplished with much
difficulty, for the wind was as directly a.
kead as il could blow.
felt alta loss to conceive the cause of
Our quitting TO sea in such unfavorable
weather--but Judged, from the specimen
of The captains manner which had al
ready had, that it would be useless to ad-
dress TO him any inquiries upon the subs
iect. Therefore went to bed, and did
not get up the next morning till called to
breakfast.
Oh entering the cabin was astonished
TO find lady and gentleman there, whom
l had not previously known 10 be on
board. They were introduced to me as
fellow-passengers; and after expressing
my qualification at the prospect of enjoy |
ing their society during the voyage. be
gan to converse with therb, and soon
found that their presence would in a
great messure connierbalance the disa-
sreeables, arising from Captain Burder's |
sprly u untractable temper. They were
named Mr.. e Mrs. Mont, and were both |
young and had recently been married. |
She was pretty, lively, interesting crea-
,ure and having fortunately been at sea
before, she did not suffer from sickness,
or feel at all incommoded or depressed
bv the comparative uncomforts of her sit
naiion; and therefore the society of our
little circle was never interrupted by her
absence, or her incapacity TO Join ii. But
the charm of her manners seemed to ex-
ert no influence upon the stubborn ma
lure Of Captain Burder, who always main
tanned cold reserve and rarely took any
part in our conversation.
His appearance and department were
nDp,epossessiDs. A short
figure, stern countenance,
burnt almost to copper ccior by expo
sure to tropical cIimates,black bushy hair,
and small sciniilfaiing eyes, formed the
exterior of our commander, and bis &C.
lions and external behaviour proved that
The traits OF his mind were as revolving as
Chose Of his person.
He treated his crew in capriCious |
& tyranical manner; but,at The same time,
behaved towards them with an air of ia.
very unusual for ship masters
10 assume when among common seamen.
But anegro man, who attended the cabin,
daily experienced the most iDhumaD u
sage from his hands, and afforded such
spectacle Of degradation and misery as
was painful TO look upon. Almost every
night after dark Captain Burder had
conversation with his mate, during which
both seemed particularly anxious to avoid
being overheard: and once or twice CD
served them studying charts of parts Of
the ocean That lay quite out of our due
5nd proper course, Their whole con
duo, was equally suspicious and nexplica-
bic, sDd often felt uneasy and apprehen-
siye, though there was no defined evil to
Tear, nor any danger 10 anticipate.