I Had Several Times Been Called On To
Anticipate Death From Illness; But Here, As I Heard The Men Outside
Say,
"She's going down, she's water-logged, she can't hold together," there was
a different prospect of sinking down among
The long trailing weeds in the
cold, deep waters of the Atlantic. Towards three o'clock, a wave, striking
the ship, threw me against a projecting beam of the side, cutting my head
severely and stunning me, and I remained insensible for three hours. We
continued in great danger for ten hours, many expecting each moment to be
their last, but in the morning the gale moderated, and by most strenuous
exertions at the pumps the water was kept down till assistance was
rendered, which enabled us about one o'clock to reach the friendly harbour
of Portland in Maine, with considerable damage and both our boats stove.
Deep thankfulness was expressed by many at such an unlooked-for
termination of the night's terrors and adventures; many the resolutions
expressed not to trust the sea again.
We were speedily moored to the wharf at Portland, amid a forest of masts;
the stars and stripes flaunted gaily overhead in concert with the American
eagle; and as I stepped upon those shores on which the sanguine suppose
that the Anglo-Saxon race is to renew the vigour of its youth, I felt that
a new era of my existence had begun.
CHAPTER V.
First experiences of American freedom - The "striped pig" and "Dusty Ben" -
A country mouse - What the cars are like - Beauties of New England - The land
of apples - A Mammoth hotel - The rusty inkstand exiled - Eloquent eyes -
Alone in a crowd.
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