Thus We Continued, Ahead, Astern, And Abreast Of One
Another, Alternately; Now, Far Out At Sea, And Again, Close In Under
The Shore.
On the third morning, we came into the great bay of
Santa Barbara, two hours behind the brig, and thus lost the bet;
though, if the race had been to the point, we should have beaten
her by five or six hours.
This, however, settled the relative
sailing of the vessels, for it was admitted that although she,
being small and light, could gain upon us in very light winds,
yet whenever there was breeze enough to set us agoing, we walked
away from her like hauling in a line; and in beating to windward,
which is the best trial of a vessel, we had much the advantage of
her.
Sunday, Oct. 4th. This was the day of our arrival; and somehow
or other, our captain always managed not only to sail, but to come
into port, on a Sunday. The main reason for sailing on the Sabbath
is not, as many people suppose, because Sunday is thought a lucky
day, but because it is a leisure day. During the six days, the crew
are employed upon the cargo and other ship's works, and the Sabbath,
being their only day of rest, whatever additional work can be thrown
into Sunday, is so much gain to the owners. This is the reason of
our coasters, packets, etc, sailing on the Sabbath. They get six
good days' work out of the crew, and then throw all the labor of
sailing into the Sabbath.
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