CHAPTER VI.

_From 1800 to 1803—age, 27-30._

Second marriage; character of his wife.—Mr. Bowditch engages in commerce for two years.—School committee.—East India Marine Society; a description of the annual meeting of this society.—Mr. Bowditch becomes part owner of ship Putnam, and sails for India.—Anecdote, occurrence a few days after leaving Salem.—Studies during the long voyage.—Begins to study and make notes upon La Place’s “Mécanique Céleste.”—Arrival off Sumatra; difficulties there.—Boarded by English man-of-war.—Revisits Isle of France.—Journal extracts about modes of procuring pepper; seasons for it, &c.—Incident on approaching Salem harbor.—Decision of Mr. Bowditch 80