[Extract]
[Frigate Boston off Bordeaux lighthouse]

March 30. Monday. This Morning at 5, the officer came down and told the Captain that a lofty Ship was close by Us, and had fired two heavy Guns—All Hands called—She proved to be an heavy loaded Snow.—

The Weather cloudy, but no Wind.—Still—except a small Swell.

The Tour of Cordouan, or in other Words Bourdeaux Lighthouse in Sight, over our larbord Bow.—

The Capt^n. is now cleaning Ship and removing his Warlike Appearances.

This Day has been hitherto fortunate and happy.—our Pilot has brought us, Safely into the River, and We have run up, with Wind and Tide as far as Pouliac,¹ where We have anchored for the Night, and have taken in another Pilot.

This forenoon a Fisherman came along Side, with Hakes, Skates and Jennetts—We bought a few, and had an high Regale.—

. . . . The Water in the River is very foul to all Appearance, looking all the Way like a Mud Puddle.—The Tide setts in 5 Knots.—We outrun every Thing in Sailing up the River.—

. . . . a great Number of Vessells lay in the River.—

The Pleasure resulting from the Sight of Land, Cattle, Houses, &c after so long, so tedious, and dangerous a Voyage, is very great: It gives me a pleasing Melancholly to see this Country, an Honour which a few Months ago I never expected to arrive at.—Europe thou great Theatre of Arts Sciences, Commerce, War, am I at last permitted to visit thy Territories.—May the Design of my Voyage be answered.—