about eight in the morning
One of the objects was to obtain statistical facts ; though personal observation , with a view to future laws , was the principal motive . The governor , secretary , attorney-general , and most of the council were along ; and pleasure and business being thus united , their wives were also of the party . There being no necessity for remaining in the Martha at night , that vessel was found amply sufficient for all other purposes , though the `` progress '' occupied fully a fortnight , As a brief relation of its details will give the reader a full idea of the present state of the `` country , '' as the colonists now began to call their territories , we propose to accompany the travellers , day by day , and to give some short account of what they saw , and of what they did . The Martha sailed from the cove about eight in the morning , having on board seventeen passengers , in addition to two or three who were going over to Rancocus Island on their regular business . The sloop did not sail , however , directly for the last-named island , but made towards the volcano , which had of late ceased to be as active as formerly , and into the condition of which it was now deemed important to make some inquiries . The Martha was a very fast vessel , and was soon quietly anchored in a small bay , on the leeward side of the island , where landing was not only practicable but easy . For the first time since its existence the crater was ascended .