the noise of a very heavy discharge of cannon, from
one or two vessels which were some distance
a-head of us. At first we supposed it to be an
engagement between an English and a French
privateer; but, on coming nearer, we had reason
to believe they were two slave ships, which had left
Liverpool

a little before us, and had taken the
opportunity of scaling their great guns, and exer-
cising their men, when in a situation that would
produce the greatest echo and noise; a disposition
very prevalent in the world.

The night coming on, the beautiful and romantic
Welch scenery was hid from us, and, next morning,
having made but little progress during the night,
we found ourselves nearly opposite to Holyhead

.
Having been favoured with a smooth sea, we
escaped sickness, and sat down to breakfast with
some appetite. Before we rose from table, a ship
that was coming up the Channel, put out her boat
and made a signal to speak with us. Our vessel
was accordingly managed in a way to put them
to as little trouble as possible; and they soon
reached us. On their coming on board, we found the
ship was the Liverpool, from New-York to Liver-
pool; and the Captain being an old acquaintance
of the Master of our ship, they were rejoiced to
see each other. After an exchange of intelligence
and news papers, we parted from her, and sailed
slowly round the head of Holy-head, and soon had