ade little progress through the
night. A most delightful day, sunshine with fair wind. At five, a cry of
"Land," we instantly went on deck and observed the Irish coast dimly on
the horizon. Read the remainder of the "Youth's Letter Writer," and also
Hamilton's "Men and Manners," also Meredith's "Orations." Soon after
seeing the land I began to think of my late father and wept to think I
should see him no more to relate my wonderful adventures. The wind has
been favourable all day and improved still more since noon. About half
past six we perceived a lighthouse supposed to be at Kinsale.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8TH.

Rose at six; found we had been going well all night; were then passing
some high land called Saltees[34]. Two vessels astern, one inward, the
other outward bound. Heard the Captain up several times. Passed Tuskar
lighthouse at eight; one or two towers and several white cottages.
Passed Holyhead at five o'clock about five miles off. A glorious sail
all day till half past five, then the sky assumed a stormy aspect, the
clouds dark and flying in different directions. At half past six a
lighthouse hoisted us a signal for a pilot. In about fifteen minutes a
light was observed which the Captain said was from a pilot's boat. In
1/4 of an hour after the boat came up and sent off a small boat
alongside, when a lusty pilot was at length pulled up into our ship. He
brought a newspaper, Whitehaven, 15th July. Immediately the sail was
hauled in so that it scarcely moved, though the gale had considerably
increased; though a clumsy sort of fellow we all felt easier and no
doubt shall sleep better. On coming opposite we hoisted signal 292 which
is the number of the _Hibernia_.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH.

Last night the pilot came into the cabin at half past ten, and reported
the gale to have abated. I turned in immediately to sleep on the
favourable intelligence. At twelve, the gale again increased but I was
unconscious. Rose before seven; found the wind still favourable. Passing
Great Orme's Head; two or three vessels about us, one the _Archer_ that
I saw at Quebec, we passed close by. At half past ten a boat came up
with four men to assist us in landing. They left Liverpool at twelve and
therefore exposed to the gale and all for 17/6. So true as Goldsmith
says, "One half the world does not know how the other half lives"; the
boat 6-1/2 yards long and only about one foot above the water abaft.
Another boat comes alongside