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[[underlined]] 76 [[/underlined]] as to the probable term of our passage, this last arrangement rendered this part of the Voyage unpleasant, it seemed as though we were Convicts on board of a Prison Ship banished to some unhappy land, allowanced on Water, although the quantity was sufficient, and nearly allowanced on food - Thursday Augt 2nd '49. Cloudy, Wind North West, We had a heavy fall of rain during the night This morning we saw 3 vessels, did not speak any of them. Home, and the happy unions of the past, are themes that reprise to the wanderer on the Main in repeated intervals, causing many a wakeful night, or seeking some Solitary retreat, aside from the discordant Scenes on the decks of a crowded Ship, it was during one of these wakeful nights where I composed the following lines, entitled The Thoughts of Home Home! The thoughts of Home! That sacred gem The power of Thought, that gift divine By [[underlined]] Him, [[/underlined]] to mortal man imparted, by them In heavenly, Social pure and kindred thoughts - to entwine. The thoughts of Home! To the weary traveller on the Main How sweet the power, as memory true, and yet so kind To recall past scenes, past pleasures to Sustain The drooping Spirit, and soothe the troubled mind. The thoughts of Home! The happiest images which the mind Can conceive, or imagination conjure, are near so dear As those in childhood we loved, or with affection so kind As the object of our earliest vow, our hearts to cheer. The thoughts of Home! Where kindred hearts in sweet communion [[insertion]] thrive [[/insertion]] A Home, where virtue and inocence, in harmony are mingled