Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

238 LIFE OF COL. BLACKADEK. CHAP. XI.
March 31. Embarking this day at Kirkaldy ; com-
mitting myself, my wife and family, to the conduct
and care of a kind God and Father, who must be our
convoy and safe-guard.
April 1. Weather blowing and tempestuous.
April 4. Alarmed this morning by the motions of
some French privateers appearing and coming close to
us, and waiting on us most of the day. In the after-
noon the ships retired, but appeared again and came
up to us in the evening, and followed us all the night.
I bless God I was easy and composed.
April 5. Disordered by stormy weather, contrary
winds, and fears of a tedious voyage. Privateers
hovering about us all the day. A life at sea is the
true emblem of a Christian's life, tossed up and down
while here ; But there remains a rest.
. April 7. Landed this day, but not at the port
designed; being chased in here by fear of enemies
and storms.
April 8. Reached Rotterdam.
April 12. Leaving Rotterdam and going up to the
regiment ; at night came into the Busse.
April 17. Taken up all day in preparations for
marching. More easy and composed this year in
going out to the camp than last.
April 20. Marching out of the Busse. I trust
God will accompany me, and keep me from the in-
fection of bad company, which is the greatest dis-
couragement I have in the army.
April 22. Sabbath. Marching all day. This is
what I hate most. Nothing but cursing, swearing,
and profaneness, as if hell itself had broken loose about