This, however, settled the relative sailing of the vessels, for it was
admitted that although she, being small and light, could gain upon
us in very light winds, yet whenever there was breeze enough to set us
agoing, we walked away from her like hauling in a line; and in beating
to windward, which is the best trial of a vessel, we had much the
advantage of her.
Sunday, Oct. 4th. This was the day of our arrival; and somehow or
other, our captain always managed not only to sail, but to come into
port, on a Sunday. The main reason for sailing on the Sabbath is
not, as many people suppose, because Sunday is thought a lucky day,
but because it is a leisure day. During the six days, the crew are
employed upon the cargo and other ship's works, and the Sabbath, being
their only day of rest, whatever additional work can be thrown into
Sunday, is so much gain to the owners. This is the reason of our
coasters, packets, etc., sailing on the Sabbath. They get six good
days' work out of the crew, and then throw all the labor of sailing
into the Sabbath. Thus it was with us, nearly all the time we were
on the coast, and many of our Sabbaths were lost entirely to us.
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