and further I am bound to add, I frequently had occasion to blush for my own ignorance, both about Europe and America.  To use a vulgar expression, they are a wide-awake people.  Their cheap publications, their thirst for knowledge, and their naturally quick perceptions, place them above the level in society.  That America must rise, and become a great country, is my earnest wish and belief.  I do not like to individualize, but I feel an inward gratitude to many kind and dear friends whom T made in my short sojourn, whose study it was to make me happy, and my journey a pleasing one.

At one o’clock I paid my bill, and proceeded to East Boston, on board the Acadia; and set sail exactly at two o’clock, P.M., for England, with 25 passengers.

On leaving the harbour, on the right, we passed several small islands, and the Liverpool light and Dorchester heights, where the Orphan Asylum is situated on a lofty eminence.  On the left we passed Lynn and Salem, and steamed it along in good style during the night.

Saturday morning, the 2nd November.—­Spoke the Hibernia at eight o’clock, A.M.:  about 130 passengers, all on deck, with whom we exchanged cheers as she passed.  I was struck with the warlike appearance she had:  whether it has been contemplated or not, I discovered that all these mailsteamers are admirably adapted for war:  all they require are port-holes for cannon.  They are made to Admiralty order, and cost L60,000 each.  At six P.M. we passed the Devil’s Limb, a rock close by Seal Island, where the Colombia was lost.  The coast is dangerous between Boston and Halifax.  The captain was up both nights.

Sunday morning, at seven.—­I was aroused by the discharge of a brace of cannon, and on coming on deck I found we were in Halifax harbour.  Population of this place is 20,000.  Governed by Lord Falkland.  Nova Scotia is about 300 miles in circumference.  Staple of the town, fish:  I should have thought dogs, for I saw some hundreds.  It is a mean-looking town:  nearly all wood houses:  a very good fort and government-house.  St. John’s, New Brunswick, is 250 miles from here:  population, 35,000:  governed by Sir W. Colebrooke:  staple, timber and deals, and whale-fishing.  I intended visiting St. John’s, but had not time.  It was fortunate, as I should have been left behind.  Owing to some breakdown, the mail did not arrive in Halifax in time for us:  neither did the Quebec mail, by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, from Quebec, via Picton, 120 miles from Halifax, arrive; and, because Captain Harrison would not wait for these mails, the Governor would not allow him the Halifax:  so we started at half-past ten, leaving them all behind.  At Halifax I made the acquaintance of Mr. Howe, late of the Executive Council, and Collector of Excise, which he resigned:  salary, L700 a year.  He is now editor of the Nova Scotia newspaper.  I shall not forget his politeness, although he is a