We conversed freely in regard to the future, and formed a resolution to keep together, and embrace the first opportunity of getting to the United States.
When I had been about a week in Porto Cabello, I was attacked by a severe and dangerous illness.

I suffered severe pains incessantly, which deprived me of sleep.

I was losing my strength daily, and at length, without any relaxation of the symptoms, was hardly able to crawl about the ship.

I received no sympathy or medical aid from the captain or mate, and could not even obtain a little rice or gruel, or any other food than the coarse viands that were served out to the ship's company.
Strictland was with me whenever he could be spared from his regular duties, and gave me encouragement and aid.

But I could not conceal from myself that my illness was becoming a serious matter.