Mde. de Clerval, and two other ladies visit M. Le Veillard with several gentlemen. In the evening, when we thought we were on the point of departing, the captain of the packet comes and acquaints us that the wind is right against us, and blows so hard that it is impossible to get out, and we give up the project till to-morrow. July 22d.-Breakfast and take leave of some friends, and go on board the packet at half after ten. Wind not very fair. July 23d.-Buffet all night against the north-west wind, which was full in our teeth. This continued till two o'clock to-day, then came fair, and we stand on our course. seven P.M. we discover land, the Isle of Wight. At July 24th.-We had a fair wind all night, and this morning at seven o'clock, being off Cowes, the captain represented to me the difficulty of getting in there against the flood, and proposed that we should rather run up to Southampton, which we did, and landed there between eight and nine. Met my son, who had arrived from London the evening before, with Mr. Williams and Mr. J. Alexander. Wrote a letter to the Bishop of St. Asaph, acquainting him with my arrival, and he came with his lady and daughter, Miss Kitty, after dinner to see us; they talk of staying here as long as we do. Our meeting was very affectionate. I write letters to London, viz. to Messrs. W. J. M. and Co., to acquaint them with our arrival, and desire to know when the ship will sail, to Mr. Williams. These letters went by post before we knew of his being here. B. Vaughan. Wrote also to Mr. July 25th.-The Bishop and family lodging in the same inn, the Star, we all breakfast and dine together. I went us. at noon to bathe in Martin's salt-water hot-bath, and, floating on my back, fell asleep, and slept near an hour by my watch, without sinking or turning! A thing I never did before, and should hardly have thought possible. Water is the easiest bed that can be. Read over the writings of conveyance, &c., of my son's lands in New Jersey and New York to my grandson. Write to M. Ruellan, M. Limosin, M. Holker, and M. Grand. Southampton is a very neat, pretty place. The two French gentlemen, our friends, much pleased with it. The Bishop gives me a book in 4to., written by Dean Paley, and the family dine with Sundry friends came to see me from London; by one I receive a present of my friend Dr. Fothergill's works, from Dr. Lettsom, and a book on finance from Mr. Gale. Mr. Williams tells me the ship had fallen down to Gravesend the 22d, so that she might be in the Downs the 24th, and possibly here to-morrow; that is on the Mother Bank, which we can see hence. Mr. Williams brought a letter from Mr. Nepean, secretary to Lord Townshend, addressed to Mr. Vaughan, expressing that orders would be sent to the custom-house at Cowes not to trouble our baggage, &c. It is still here on board the packet that brought it over. Mr. Alexander takes leave for London; write by him to Mr. Jackson, Dr. Jeffries, Dr. Lettsom, and my son-in-law Bache, the latter to be sent by the packet. July 26th.-Deeds signed between W. Franklin and W. T. Franklin. Mr. Williams having brought sundry necessaries for me, goes down with them to Cowes, to be ready for embarking. Captain Jennings carries down our baggage that he brought from Havre. My dear friend, M. Le Veillard, takes leave to go with him. Mr. Vaughan arrives from London to see me. July 27th.-Give a power to my son to recover what may be due to me from the British Government. Hear from J. Williams that the ship is come. We all dine once more with the Bishop and family, who kindly accept our invitation to go on board with us. We go down in a shallop to the ship. The captain entertains The company stay all night. us at supper. July 28th.-When I waked in the morning, found the company gone, and the ship under sail. Tuesday, September 13th.-The wind springing fair last evening, after a calm, we found ourselves this morning at sunrising abreast of the light-house, and between Capes May and Henlopen. We sail into the bay very pleasantly; water smooth, air cool, day fair and fine. We passed Newcastle about sunset, and went on near to Red Bank before the tide and wind failed, then came to an anchor. Wednesday, September 14th.-With the flood in the morning came a light breeze, which brought us above. Gloucester Point, in full view of dear Philadelphia! when we again cast anchor, to wait for the health officer, who, having made his visit and finding no sickness, gave us leave to land. My son-in-law came with a boat for us; we landed at Market Street wharf, where we were received by a crowd of people with huzzas, and accompanied with acclamations quite to my door. Found my family well. God be praised and thanked for all his mercies! |