text:  Ere he had been two days on board we find him remarking--"I had by this time made some acquaintance among the passengers and began to find my situation less irksome and lonely;" shortly afterwards adding--"The annoyances inseparable from this situation were relieved in some measure by the music and dancing going on every day except Sundays owing to the numerous party of passengers both gentlemen and ladies whom we had on board--seeing which a man forgets his griefs and troubles in the general mirth around him