The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-10-07
WHOLE No. 50.

parative uncomforts of her situation and
therefore the sociality of our little circle was
never interrupted by her absence, or her in
manners seemed to exert no influence upon
the stubborn nature of Captain Burder, who
always maintained a cold reserve, and rare
ly took any part in our conversation.
His appearance and department were sim
gularly unprepossessing. A short muscular
figure, a stern countenance, burnt almost to
copper colour. by exposure to tropical cli-
mates, black bushy hair, and small scintilla
ting eyes, formed the exterior of our COM
mander; and his actions and external be-
havior proved that the traits of his mind
were as revolving as those of his person.
He treated his crew in a capricious and
tyrannical manner |; but at the same time,
behaved towards them with an air of famili-
arity very unusual for ship masters to assume.
when among common seamen.-Bu a negro
who attended to the cabin, daily experience
ed the most inhuman usage from his hands,
and afforded such spectacle of degradation
and misery as was painful to look upon. AL
most every night after dark, Captain Bur-
der had a long conversation with his mate
during which both seemed particularly anx-
ious to avoid being overheard and once or
twice observed them studying charts of parts
| vi lhS oSCetil tHdl ihy QullS Out VI OUT uuG
proper course. Their whole conduct was
equally suspicious and inexplcable, and
often felt uneasy and apprehensive, though
there was no defined evil to fear, nor any dan-
ger to anticipate.
Our personal comfort was but little attend
ed to on board the schooner: and our table,
which had never been a we'll furnitured one,
soon became SO mean and uninvting, that
Mr.. Monti complained to Capt Burder about
lit: however, without avail, for the latter
told him he must just take things as he found
them. On comparing the equality of stores
we had respectively brought on board, we
thought we could manage to live independent
four commander; and Mrs. Months woman
servant was therefore, desired to prepare our
meals, and spread table for us every day.
Captain Burder grew furious with passion
when he learned this arrangement, and NUT
tered some threats which we did not UNDER
stand. However, next day his rage against
us was farther increased, in consequence Of
Mr.. Monti having taxed him with cruelty
and injustice, while m the act of beating the
negro man already mentioned. This offence
was not to be forgiven, and he accordingly
broke off all intercourse with the individuals
of our party.
i Delightful weather attended us during the
first week the voyage, and we usually spent
the evenings upon deck, under an awning.
While thus seated, one calm and beautiful
moonlight night, Mrs. Monti said, "If the
weather and ocean we're ever in this placid
state, Ibelieve would prefer alsea life to any
a other. The most susceptible mind could not
S discover any cause for terror or anxiety in the
d scene around us--I would rather meet
V speedy death among these little pillows, than
i inger life away upon sick bed, racked with
e pain, and surrounded with weeping friends"
a II have less objections, Harriet" said her
: husband, "to your mode ofdying than to your
a mode ofliving. Ishould not care to spend much
g time at sea, for l am sure it would pass very
d heavily. l love variety, and nothing of that
d is to be met with Oh board a ship.'-'I agree
C with you," said Mrs Monti ,"but variety is
IS not necessary to happiness-a regular, we'll
IN planned, uninterrupted routine, would suit
my disposition exactly, and would be more
l. easily attainable at sea than any were else.
Of 1t makes us the slaves of accidents of every
1t kind, and when we are happy we never can
II feel secure that our happiness will continue.
: Now, were mistress of large ship, and had
ID the power of sailing continually upon a calm
II and safe ocean, l would collect my dearest
,, friends on board of her. and get out of sight
le of land as fast as possible carrying with me,
s. of course, various means of amusement and
lie recreation. We would regulate our time
lg and our pleasure as we chose--no disagree-
to able person could intrude upon us--no spec
D. tacles of misery would meet our eyes, and no
lamentations assail our ears; and we would
ID enjoy each others society without the fear
ID of ever being separated or disunited, except
ID by death and when any one was removed.
IN the remaining persons would console them
so selves with the reflection, that link had
A. been withdrawn from the chain which bound
v their hearts to this delusivc and transitory
e. world and that in proportion as their friends
re dropped away, they would feel more ready
le and willing to die than they had done while
ly the former were in existence This
ID seems very plausible scheme of yours my
k love-" replied Mr.. Monti "however, l am
T., glad you cannot put it in execution. don't
h know any part of the ocean that is exempt
ID from tempests, which see you are resolved
entirely to avoid, and with reason, for sus-
lr pect that good gale of wind would discom-
er pose you and your select party, even more
D. than Capt. Burder himself, were he to find
at means of admittance into your projected
n floating Elysium."
mt Whilst we were engaged in conversation
~ of this kind, several times observed Samno,
the negro man, beckoning to me, and then
to putting his finger upon his lips. Atlength l
| went to the bow of the vessel whcrehe stood,
d. and asked whether he had any thing to COM