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CHAP. I.

O satisfy a violent Inclination which I always had to see foreign Countries, and being incapacitated by my Circumstances to travel barely for the Improvement of my Mind, I thought it most adviseable to turn Sailor; and in pursuance to my Design, I bound my self to one James Anderson, Master of the Runner, a Vessel of about 75 Tun, (tho' the Custom-house had it but 70) belonging to Dublin, in the Year 1718. This I did against the Will of my Mother, my Father being dead a little before, of which I have many Times since repented, and observ'd, that those who will not be directed by their Parents, meet with ill Success in their Undertakings.

On the 6th of June 1718, we set sail for the Canaries, being loaden with Beef, Butter, Cheese, Candles and Soap, and in a few Hours got clear of the Land. But here I cannot but mention the sad Condition my Mother was in at our parting; she accompanied me to the Side of the Vessel, and there,