THE VOYAGE
THE VOYAGE
WEDNESDAY, June 26, 1754.--On this day the most melancholy sun I
had ever beheld arose, and found me awake at my house at
Fordhook. By the light of this sun I was, in my own opinion,
last to behold and take leave of some of those creatures on whom
I doted with a mother-like fondness, guided by nature and
passion, and uncured and unhardened by all the doctrine of that
philosophical school where I had learned to bear pains and to
despise death. In this situation, as I could not conquer Nature,
I submitted entirely to her, and she made as great a fool of me
as she had ever done of any woman whatsoever; under pretense of
giving me leave to enjoy, she drew me in to suffer, the company
of my little ones during eight hours; and I doubt not whether, in
that time, I did not undergo more than in all my distemper.
At twelve precisely my coach was at the door, which was no sooner
told me than I kissed my children round, and went into it with
some little resolution. My wife, who behaved more like a heroine
and philosopher, though at the same time the tenderest mother in
the world, and my eldest daughter, followed me; some friends went
with us, and others here took their leave; and I heard my
behavior applauded, with many murmurs and praises to which I well
knew I had no title; as all other such philosophers may, if they
have any modesty, confess on the like occasions.
In two hours we arrived in Rotherhithe, and immediately went on
board, and were to have sailed the next morning; but, as this was
the king's proclamation-day, and consequently a holiday at the
custom-house, the captain could not clear his vessel till the
Thursday; for these holidays are as strictly observed as those in
the popish calendar, and are almost as numerous. I might add
that both are opposite to the genius of trade, and consequently
contra bonum publicum.
To go on board the ship it was necessary first to go into a boat;
a matter of no small difficulty, as I had no use of my limbs, and
was to be carried by men who, though sufficiently strong for
their burden, were, like Archimedes, puzzled to find a steady
footing. Of this, as few of my readers have not gone into
wherries on the Thames, they will easily be able to form to
themselves an idea. However, by the assistance of my friend, Mr.
Welch, whom I never think or speak of but with love and esteem, I
conquered this difficulty, as I did afterwards that of ascending
the ship, into which I was hoisted with more ease by a chair
lifted with pulleys. I was soon seated in a great chair in the
cabin, to refresh myself after a fatigue which had been more
intolerable, in a quarter of a mile's passage from my coach to
the ship, than I had before undergone in a land-journey of twelve
miles, which I had traveled with the utmost expedition.
This latter fatigue was, perhaps, somewhat heightened by an
indignation which I could not prevent arising in my mind. I
think, upon my entrance into the boat, I presented a spectacle of
the highest horror. The total loss of limbs was apparent to all
who saw me, and my face contained marks of a most diseased state,
if not of death itself. Indeed, so ghastly was my countenance,
that timorous women with child had abstained from my house, for
fear of the ill consequences of looking at me. In this condition