I am now growing so hungry that I can scarcely refuse my companion's pressing offers of

his bread & butter and wine. I think however if we reach Gravesend this afternoon I

shall not be quite starved in the interim sanctuaries for a quarter of an hour we have

a breath of wind and at any time but little so that it may be tomorrow afternoon

before we get out to sea. I think myself well off if I get to the end of any voyage

by fryday night or saturday morning.

Would it be worth while for me to have a good glass? It might be something

very usefull to discover or examine objects too distant for the reach of the eye; but it

would cost money; not less than 3 or 4 guineas at Mr Ramsden's. Nairne's

which I have is but of very little use. My fellow passengers have now said all they

can find to say to one another and ennui has got hold of them some however have outwitted

him for they are fallen asleep. The spectacles I have immediately before me the cleanness

and calmness of the weather and the pleasant appearance which the country about us

at this time exhibits will I fear shortly have some little effect on my verdicts; but when I

find the change coming on I must take resolution enough to harm to my and

settle the more minute details of my plan of proceding when I get to the strange shores.

We don't seem under any apprehension of the French; but I cannot but have enough &

make me rejoice most heartily when I am safe landed. I have shared one of my apples

with my companion.

Wednesday morning Gravesend.

We did not reach Gravesend last night but came to an anchor

about 3 or 4 miles above its shore we were to stay from 8 o'clock in the evening till day light the next morning there was no getting ashore. However we

1779 S.B. Gravesend

Aug 1.B Linc. Inn

25 On board the

Jorge Maria

on his voyage to Petersburg