LIFE AND LETTERS OF JOSEPH HARDY NEESIMA

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SAILS FOR BOSTON. 41 ship unloaded she sailed for Manilla to get a full cargo of hemp for the homeward voyage. When we were ready to sail out from the harbor of Manilla there was a report that an English steamer was lying in wait for American vessels at the entrance of the harbor. We had no idea that the civil war in the United States was over then, and the captain feared that English boat might do some mischief to the ship. He busied himself on deck with his spyglass, and the mates were hurrying down to the magazine to take out powder and balls to be used for self-defense. How­ever, we sailed forward towards the suspicious ship and passed her without the least disturbance. It was the first of April, 1865, when we left Manilla, and it took us just four months to reach Boston. We did not stop on the way, as we had plenty of provisions and water. "During the voyage my business was to wait upon the naptain at his meals, to keep the cabin in order, etc. I often pulled ropes when I was free from the captain's service. The most enjoyable part of the voyage was my daily calculation of the ship's position with the captain. He was extremely kind to me, and treated me as if I were one of his own brothers. He never spoke any cross words to me. Every one on board treated me pleasantly. I often wished to go to the forecastle to see the sailors, but I was not allowed to do so. The captain warned me to keep far from them. We enjoyed fine weather and fair winds throughout the voyage, with the exception of one or two rough storms. When just off the Cape of Good Hope we saw a waterspout; it was the finest sight I ever saw. Then we caught the trade winds, and sailed daily thirteen miles an hour on an average.

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