Talk of the Mediterranean, its Islands and its romance, why there is more of the wonderful and romantic connected with the first voyages to the western Archipelago, and the continent of America, than is comprised in the history of the travel-stained Levant.
Would you have the story of the Argonauts, enlarged and improved, follow the track of any of those Portuguese, Spanish, or even English adventurers in search of gold, to these lands, and amongst these keys, and see how the expedition for the "golden fleece" dwindles into insignificance. But what does my poor pen with what our own wizard of the west, Washington Irving, has made immortal? Turn to the pages of his Columbus, but not before you have laid aside these.
_Tuesday, June 8th._--Each day decreases our distance, and we were, at meridian, but 1600 miles from our port. The 20th is put down as the time of our arrival now. Have been busy in preparing things for debarkation. A barque came near running into us the night before last. To-day saw two sail, a bark and brig. Sea-weed is floating by; like ourselves, returning to the Gulf from strange seas.
_Thursday, June 10th._--Lat. 24° 21' north. Made 218 miles the last twenty-four hours: about 180 the day previous, which leaves only 1200 miles to run, and going nine knots. Trade still strong.
_Friday, June 11th._--Passed an English barque bound to the eastward. She showed her longitude on a black board. Did not hail. Showed our longitude, still keeping on. She was a degree out of her reckoning.
At meridian had made 225 miles, and were in lat. 26° 47'; long. 63° 15' west. Ten days more ought to bring us in easily.
_Sunday, June 13th._--Lost the trades yesterday, in lat. 28° 44', long. 65° 42'; and from nine and ten knots, have come down to three and four. Made only 176 miles yesterday. To-day nearly calm; made but 80 miles since meridian yesterday. Most beautiful weather; could not be more pleasant, only have no wind. Are now in the "horse latitudes," but cannot complain; the trade has pushed us along bravely, and served us well. Only 720 miles from our port at meridian.
_June 14th._--On coming on deck this morning, found the wind had come out nearly dead ahead, and the ship barely heading her course under a topsail breeze, with her yards braced sharp.