Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/393



DOCUMENTARY 385

As to the oily part of my story, I have not come to that yet no further than to tell you we are as free from oil as the sky is of cobwebs. We have not lowered since the 7th day out

Our ship sails remarkably well. We have run by all that we have fell in with. She is likewise light. We have been out 160 days and she has not leaked more than we could pump in four hours. The ship has met with no material accident.

I am sorry I cannot write you better news but we live in high hopes of having a sley ride. We are altering our course to the south some in hopes, of finding whale. They are very plenty in Japan where likely we shall be in four months. I shall write again from the Sandwich Islands if I have oppor- tunity. I shall be glad to hear from you. Please to write me the news. Write and tell of everything. Write if the turn- pike has lived over the winter, the price of corn arid the fare of ducks, and above all things, how your swamp hay holds out. If pigs should be scarce this spring among you, you can have some for coming here for them. We shall in a few days have an assortment, some of the Connecticut breed and some of the Portugue. It is but about 15 or 16 thousand miles we shall not want them all as we have no milk you know.

The Capt. of the Equator is now aboard of us. I momently expect him to leave and must therefore leave writing. So goodbye. I do not expect to return short of three years. Give my love to all enquiring friends, as I remain, Affectionate brother,

E. Wright. Addressed,

Samuel Wright,

Saybrook,

In Connecticut.

III.

Rec'd 27th July. Beloved Brother :

I shall now improve time by writing a few lines to give you the news if you will take the trouble to peruse