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Then Mr. Gallaudet gave the following toast:

"Patriotism is a virtue if it does not degenerate into national prejudice. While Americans are grateful for the blessings which their own country enjoys, may they be anxious to diffuse civil liberty and religious truths throughout the world."

When my turn came, I drew my sentiment from my pocket and gave it to Mr. Gallaudet, requesting him to read it with a loud voice:

"Today is the 4th of July. This day ought to be a fine day for all the Americans, for it its the anniversary of their liberty, of their independence and of their happiness. May this anniversary long return. May this liberty long continue! May this Republic long exist!

"Long live the memory of the great Washington! How much his name ought to be revered from generation to generation and continue till the most remote posterity! Let us never forget that this illustrious general was seconded by the French in his generous undertakings!!

"The French have always been the friends of the Americans and it is to be wished that they may always be so! Let us drink to the friendship and the good harmony which now reign between the two countries, and let us address prayers to God for their common felicity!

"May the citizens of the United States ever feel how great a happiness it is for man to be free! May their President always be an able and worthy magistrate!

"Let us drink also to the health of the amiable and virtuous American ladies, without whom there would be no true bliss in this world!!"

To conclude, the last toast was given by Mr. Gregory who drank to the health of General Jackson:

"Gentlemen! Whilst we celebrate the day, let us not forget the noble defender of our country in the last war. If the Misissippi River should dry up and all its branches let its noble hero, Andrew Jackson glitter on its bank forever."

We drank a small glass of Bordeaux wine to each toast. We were more than an hour at table. At length we rose and went to walk upon deck. As for me, I did not walk long. I had a wish to sleep and went and threw myself on my bed and slept till one awoke me to take tea. I rose immediately and went to bed again as soon as I had supped and prayed to God.

Friday, July the 5th. This day was one of our most tedious days. It rained, it was cold, and to increase our unhappiness the wind continued to be contrary, which it had been for seventeen days, and caused all of us to be sad, melancholy and indisposed. The majority of us went to bed at noon-day and endeavored to sleep that the time might not hang so heavily upon us. We nevertheless did not murmur. We had a good ship and a good Captain, and as God directed the winds, it was our duty not to complain. We still trusted in him and hoped that he would sooner or later change the wind in our favour. That thought encouraged us. The confidence we felt revived us and joy appeared again on our faces. At evening when all were in bed, M. Gallaudet and I stayed in the cabin and conversed together till about eleven o'clock. We talked of London and of the persons whom we had reciprocially known there, especially of M. Wilberforce, General Macauley and Mr. Babington to each of whom we gave a sign to distinguish them. Slumber soon began to seize our sense and invited us to go to bed.

Saturday, July the 6th. I have a pretty little room in the ship. If my friends are to be believed, it is the best of all. I agree to this because it is indeed very convenient. Nevertheless, the air does not penetrate thither enough, so that when I am in bed, I perspire although I am lightly covered. This heat causes me not to sleep as well as I should wish. I do nothing but turn all the night from right to left and from left to right and over and over. That continual stirring disorders my bed. At length, at the break of day, after having turned and stirred a great deal, in spite of myself, I feel myself so fatigued that slumber comes and agreeably surprises me. I continue to sleep profoundly whilst my friends dress themselves and when one comes to see or to awake me, he finds me in this state, and my profound slumber leads him to think that I have passed a good night and that I like much to sleep. What an error! What a mistake! It is not wonderful that after so bad a slumber I have a mind to sleep in the day, My friends were up, half an hour before me; breakfast was ready; they waited only for me; it was then my duty to rise and I rose immediately. When I had breakfast, I laboured till dinner to write or to study, and after dinner, I shaved myself to be neat the next day; but I did not yet change my linen, our French custom being to change it on Sunday in the morning and not before. When I had entirely finished, I ascended upon deck and passed all the evening in talking with Mr. Gallaudet. It was fine weather all the day, the morning was fresh, the afternoon warm, and the evening, embellished by the moon, promised fine weather for the next day.