rejoicings, the homeward-bound pennant and blue-peter would be hoisted, and the voyage home would begin.
As may be imagined, these voyages consumed a good deal of time; but they were comfortable and pleasant, with the best of provisions and good cheer. Indeed, these vessels carried quite a farmyard; cows, goats, pigs, sheep, geese, ducks, turkeys, and chickens. One passenger—Dr. John Fryer—records, "That though a tedious voyage of seven months, it passed away merrily, with good wine, and no bad musick, but the life of all good company, and an honest commander, who fed us with fresh provisions of turkeys, geese, ducks, hens, suckling pigs, sheep, goats, etc., and to crown all, the day we made England, kill'd us a fatted calf, so that you may spare that welcome when you receive this."
Here is an extract from a Victualling Bill of one of the Company's ships, of 1200 tons, for an India voyage: "Ale, Beer, Wine, or other liquors, in casks or bottles, for the use of the commander's table, allowing 252 gallons, or 86 doz. quart-bottles per tun. Thirteen (13) and one-half (½) tuns Beer, strong and small, in casks (not bottles). Twenty-eight (28) tuns, Brandy, or other spirits for the ship's company, Ten (10) puncheons." The officers were provided for in the matter of refreshment as follows: First mate, twenty-four (24) dozen of wine or beer; second mate, twenty (20) dozen; the other officers were attended to on a similar scale for each voyage.
