394 LETTERS OF ELIHU WRIGHT
every night and return the next day. Capt. Weeks has been on shore the most of the time since we arrived. Capt. Barnet took charge of the ship for two weeks. But now our first mate, Franklin Hussey, is on board as Mr. Jay is not able to go the voyage. Mr. Foldien & Previe & Hillman are better. Job Turner is very feeble yet. It is not much likely that he will be able to go with us. James Gardner has given up the voyage since we arrived here. We have our cargoe mostly on board. There is one liter more to come. We expect to sail the first of next week if not before. Three ships have sailed since we have arrived here, viz : the Frances, the Queen, the Lydia. The last news received from the ships at sea was very dull from all quarters. There was scerce any full. Some that had been out for four years had but four hundred & fifty bar- rels. Oil is now worth about one dollar per gal, there being but little in at this time.
We are now ready for plowing. I think you must have done mowing and now should be ready for sowing after making a little new cider.
There has been no vessel in from Saybrook or Killingsworth as I could learn so I have had no news from home, or at least from Saybrook and consequently have had no opportunity of writing unless by the mail and so delayed untill now, daily expecting vessels in from that quarter. Should your letter not be forwarded so that I receive it before we sail you must write to me next spring as there will be ships going out. I should be very glad to see you, with many others, but as that is not to be expected I should be glad to receive a letter from you and you will be so good as to write me respecting friends and relatives.
Perhaps you would like to know my mind about returning. I still think I shall abide in the ship for home is a fool to this place. I am as contented and happy as a toad under the har- row. I have regained my health and flesh far beyond my expectations.
If Dr. Crane has absconded from Saybrook information may
