Took my passage on
board a small schooner bound to Alexandria. Captn. Knox and Mr. Bayley pressed
me to stay a week longer and get a little stronger before I attempt to move. I
think I am able to go to Alexandria as it is only 100 Miles by water. I am under
infinite obligations to these worthy people, every possible care has been taken
of me in my late illness, had I been their Brother more tenderness could not
have been used for my recovery. They absolutely refused taking anything for my
board so that I must remain under obligations to them which I am afraid it will
never be in my power to repay. Calm in the evening, the Captn. and I went
ashore, to what they call a reaping frolic. This is a Harvest Feast. The people
very merry, Dancing without either Shoes or Stockings and the Girls without
stays, but I cannot partake of the diversion.
SOURCE: Nicholas
Cresswell, The Journal of Nicholas Cresswell 1774—1777, pp. 25-6
