mysterious influences.  In marrying Sarah Pennock, John Woolston was slightly conscious of making a little sacrifice in these particulars, but she was a very pretty, modest girl, of a suitable age, and the circle to choose from, it will be remembered, was very limited.  In America that connection might not have taken place; but, at the crater, it was all well enough, and it turned out to be a very happy union.  Had the sacrifice of habits and tastes been greater, this might not have been the fact, for it is certain that our happiness depends more on the subordinate qualities and our cherished usages, than on principles themselves.  It is difficult to suppose that any refined woman, for instance, can ever thoroughly overcome her disgust for a man who habitually blows his nose with his fingers, or that one bred a gentleman can absolutely overlook, even in a wife, the want of the thousand and one little lady-like habits, which render the sex perhaps more attractive than do their personal charms.

Several other marriages took place, the scarcity of subjects making it somewhat hazardous to delay:  when Hobson’s choice is placed before one, deliberation is of no great use.  It was generally understood that the Rancocus was to bring out very few immigrants, though permission had been granted to Capt.  Saunders to take letters to certain friends of some already settled in the colony, with the understanding that those friends were to be received, should they determine to come.  That point, however, was soon to be decided, for just a year and one week after the Rancocus had sailed from Betto’s group, the news reached the Reef that the good ship was coming into the northern roads, and preparing to anchor.  The governor immediately went on board the Anne, taking Betts with him, and made sail for the point in question, with a view to bring the vessel through the passage to the Reef.  The governor and Betts were the only two who, as it was believed, could carry so large a vessel through; though later soundings showed it was only necessary to keep clear of the points and the shores, in order to bring in a craft of any draught of water.

When the Anne ran out into the roads, there she found the Rancocus at anchor, sure enough.  On nearing her, Capt.  Saunders appeared on her poop, and in answer to a hail, gave the welcome answer of “all well.”  Those comprehensive words removed a great deal of anxiety from the mind of the governor; absence being, in one sense, the parent of uncertainty, and uncertainty of uneasiness.  Everything about the ship, however, looked well, and to the surprise of those in the Anne, many heads belonging to others beside the crew were to be seen above the rail.  A sail was in sight, moreover, standing in, and this vessel Capt.  Saunders stated was the brig Henlopen, purchased on government account, and loaded with stock, and other property for the colony.