'Travels from India to England : comprehending a visit to the Burman Empire, and a journey through Persia, Asia Minor, European Turkey, &c., in the years 1825-26, by James Edward Alexander' [‎2] (39/412)

2 BURMAN EMPIRE.
the Golcondah transport, containing the head-quarters and remaining
companies of the 45th. At night-fall we lost sight of the arid
plains of the Carnatic.
The vessel, which was manned by natives, was a very heavy
sailer, and excessively crowded, there being a soul on board for
every ton. The officers (with the exception of the three seniors,
who had cabins) roughed it in the steerage, which was so close and
hot, that it was utterly impossible to sleep till towards morning.
Swarms of cock-roaches and centipedes infested this as well as
every other part of the ship : some of the latter were a foot in
length, and of the thickness of a finger. I slept, during the whole
of the voyage, on deck, which presented a curious spectacle at
night; most of the European soldiers doing the same. As some
recompense for the miseries experienced during the night, we were
extremely comfortable during the day; a better or more abundant
table I have scarcely ever seen. In the intervals between meals, we
either read or sauntered beneath the thick awnings. In the evening,
the men sat in circles on the deck, amusing themselves with songs
or stories. Mirth and hilarity reigned on board, diversified by a
few occasional curses vented at the slow progress of the ship.
In about two or three days it fell calm, and we saw, as usual,
turtles, dolphins, and sharks. The Golcondah was observed astern of
us hull down. Whilst we were in smooth water, the men were
exercised by being marched in quick time, and made to run round
the decks to the sound of lively music : a practice which cannot be
too much recommended on board transports, since it is attended
with the most beneficial effects; our men were thereby kept in high
health ; they enjoyed the amusement almost as much as quizzing
the