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THE PEIVATE JOURNAL OF AN OFFICER. -*»*»- fuil^^r/; ^rt-J'?c- lo\^/y^ie-J A SUPPLEMENT SOUTH AFRICAN ABVERTiSER AND MAIL Ga^e Town, Satmday, September 19, I8C1.". LONDON: Printed by A. Schulz.e, 13, Poland Street. J/aN ^O ion N CO ac a bi ai of bf ■wi tl a^ of g£ la G fo "5 99 Poland Street. OUR CRUISE IN THE CONFEDERATE STATES' WAR STEAMER a ALABAMA; The Presidential election — the slave-qnestion — the slan- derous tongues of Northern senators — the tone of the Northern press, and the unjust laws passed by a Northern congress— unjust because they acted, and were intended to act, upon the Soutliern people — all these tended to produce a feeling of discontent and to foster minds already em- bittered against the North to withdraw from the Union, and to make for themselves a place among the nations of the earth. To effect this object, negotiations were attempted to be entered into, which, however, signally failed, and it was only after every exertion had been made to adjust the matter in a peaceful and proper manner (but without avail), that recourse was made to arms. Alter the nutlireak of the war, the immense naval superiority of the North gave them considerable advantages over the South, who, lacking convenience and material, were not able to build vessels with sufficient dispatch, and the Crn'rc^nitc f^t.itu lioard iu Liver- pool. Skill and secr.ry of uo iuconsidenihle degree; were required to eseape the vigilance of the Yankees, who, through the agency of their sj.ies, were quite an fait with regard to Confederate aft'airs in England. No sooner was our departure kni.wn than the United States' Steain.'r ' Tusearora' received, through the American Consul at Liveri.ool, news of it. Every exertion was made hy her commander t(j seize us, but without avail, for by the time the ' Tusearora arrived in Moelfra Bay, we had been crone two davs. Going on shore, I found the peoide both courteous and hospitable, every attention being paid by them. The bay is a moderate sized one, with good holding ground, and protected from all save easterly winds. Three or f.jur forts (without guns) were built, but were nearly useless through decay. Beef has to be brenight from Aiigra on the other side of the island. Fruit and vegetables are plentiful, but water is scarce. On the 13th, a sail was observed standing into the harViour ; anchoring near us, she proved to be the American whaling schooner ' Rising Sun' of Province Town. Through the indiscretion of the i>urser, our real character k>ca:iic known, and considerable ai)prehension was felt for our safety ■ on her departure a few days after. On the 18th, a sail was observed making for the anchor- age. In the evening she anchored near us, when we found her to be the ' Aggripina,' of London, Captain McQueen, Kn^'iuecT, J. MoNair, ut hcv.iity '!•-'» 11"'^ is, to Torccini- wii9 tioii, &.('., rt-qviisite for iiimtion of noutrulity d on lioiinl ill Tiivcr- ;i8icloriil)lt' ili'grt'o wito f till" Yankees, who, ■IV quitu au fait with itid. lown than the TJiiitetl thi-oxigh the Auiericaii very' exertion was maiio ithout avail, for by the 'Ifra Bay, wo had been fuiiiul the peoiilu both lention being paid by one, with good holding easterly winds. Three built, bnt were nearly bo br(night from Angra ^ruit and vegetables are yed standing into the jved to be the American rovincc Town. Through real character bt>canie in was felt for our safety I making for the anchor- near us, when we found idon, Captain McQueen, liaving on board six guns, with aniniunition, c )als, stui,s, Ac, for us. Preparations were inmiediately mad' to transfer her cargo. On the afternoon of tiie -Jnth, while iMiiiil'ved discharging the barque, the s( rew-steaiuer ' JLiliania,' Captain Tessier, arrived, having on lioard Commander Raphael Semines and olUeers of the Confeder.ite States' steamer 'Sumter.' llaule-l steamer alongside, taking from her two tliirty-two pounders, with some stores, &c., which took na luitil the foUowing day. 22nd.~-(iot up steam ; dodging slowly along the island, having the barque fast alongside, taking from her a quantity of coal, itc, which took us until the evening of the 'J^ird, when we anchored in Angra Hay. About 1* a.m. we were startled by the rc[)ort of a gun, tired from a fort, and ..hich was believed to have had a shot in. The ' Bahama' ini- raediatidy stood s(.'award, in order to draw the lire from us towards her. At 11 a..m. another was iired. The explana- tion given by the authorities the following morning was that it was only a mail signal. We hail, however, considerable reason to doubt it. I was this day appointed acting master's mate to the Confederate States' steamer ' Ahibama.' Sunday, 'lUk Awjmi, 181)2.— Strong N.W. wind at 12'30, got under weigh in company with the ' Bahama,' and stood along the Island of Terceira. At 2 r.M. Captain Semnies read his commission, and formally took command of the Confederate States' steamer ' Alabama,' 8 guns : hoisting the Confederate ensign at the peak, the English St. George's at the fore, and the pendant at the main, firing a gun at the same time. Commander Semmes made a most eiiective, spirited address, in which (after speaking of the relations existing between the 'North and South) he said : " his prin- cipal object was to crii-ple the commerce of the enemy ; that he was not going to fight a fifty-gun sliip, but as soon HI they had become proficipiit in the use of their wcaponi, he would ^'ivc llicin an oiiiMPidiiiity to whow tin' world wluit th.-y were made of." Thref roiisiny iheerH were gi"cu on its eoiitduHioii. Having' conveyed Captains Bullork and niit.lier to the 'Bahainii,' I n-ttirii.d, and at 11:{IM>.M. we hoisted launch and parted, the ' IJihania' returuiu<^' to hiverpuid, and the • Alaliaina' proceeding' on a eruisi-. [ Inelu.lin^,' euniniander, — '2(; .>nirers and «."> nii'n.| 'I'-W r.n. of the following' day, hoisted up the propeller, and secnrod it, it iK-ing our in- tention to eruiso under sail only, unless oeoasion demanded steam. 2t>//(.— Gave chase to a liri^', lost her in the darkness. The following' day 8i^,ditrd another that showed Freneh colours. (r'.M r.M. called all hands to muster, aiul stationed them at the great guns. Strong N.E. wind. 31«<.— Sail reported on our lee bow, gave chase. Showed Portuguese colours. 2nd Scplemher.- Chased a barque ; on boarding she proved to be the * La Foi,' from Timor to Nantes. 4//*.— Exercised 1st and 'Jnd divisions at great guns. 5//,,.-._Sfveral vessels in sight; gave chase to one, dis- covering her to be a Tortuguese brigantine ; went about and chased a ship which showed American colours. On boarding she proved the ' Ochiunlgoe,' whaler, of Martha's Vineyard, with a valuable sperih whale fast alongside. Took possession, transfcn-ed her crew to the ' Alabama,' and a quantity of stores. All prisoners, American horn, were put in irons; the rest, if English, &c., were not ironed. 6n of her. The schooner ' Courser,' of Province Town, vve then stood towards the land, sent prisoners ashore, stood out to sea. and made a target of prize. AfU'r some creditable shooting we burnt her. to bu a Portuguese one proved to be u lutiiie, iinl which of o!i lioiirtl our vessel, ui,' of Sippiean. lil on lee-bow. 2. 30 Darkness prevented us board to examine her to signal it and heave irding thiti vessel wa^ [)rizes. Pulliny under ip ' Benjamin Tucker,' g the quarter deck, I .Is. In answer to my lame, port of registry, sly aware. I then told 3. Sir. 'Alabama,' or- me trunk, allowing the navigation books and lylight sent the captain ;id luggage to the ' Ala- and finding some cases ar ship. The prepara- o that after seeing her ed our vessel, the pri- agle irons. 15th, light 10-30 A.M. Sail reported of her. The schooner then stood towards the ,ut to sea, and made a ie shooting we burnt her. 11 17:d,nge of weather keenly felt, it being very cold. IS 3rJ.— Early in the morning the joyful cry of " sail ho !" was heard from the mast-head ; presently, three sails were reporte J in sight. At D'^iO came up with one ; hoisted the St. George's ensign ; boarded, hauled down, a id hoisted the Stars and Bars, and took possession of the ship ' Emily Farnum,' of Portsmouth (N. II.) Made sail after another prize following astern. On boarding she was found to be the ship ' Brilliant,' of and from New York, twelve duysout, bound to Liverpool with a valuable cargo of grain and flour. The cargo of the 'Emily Farnum' proving to be neutral, and the prisoners becoming irksome, it was deemed a favourable opportunity to get rid of them. All the prisoners were then placed on board of her, and the ship allowed to proceed on her vovage, her captain promising to land them in Liverpool. It seemed a fearful thing to burn such a cargo as the ' Brilliant' had, when I thought how the operatives in the cotton districts would have danced with joy had they it shared amongst them. I never saw a vessel burn with such brilliancy, the flames completely enveloping the masts, hull, and rigging in a few minutes, making a sight as grand as it was appalling. This evening, quite unexpectedly, we were called to general cpmrters, going through all the evolutions in quite a masterly manner. Sounded fire alarm, manned pumps as for a leak, called away boarders, and went through everything expected to be done in action. After this, 'every Friday evening, when practicable, was set apart for general quarters. From the papers taken from the 'Brilliant' we read of the success of our brave troops in Virginia, and also of the successful escape of the Confederate screw-steamer ' Florida' into a Confederate port. 5//(.— Boarded a French barque. In the evening chased a brigantine, who proved to be a Swede. Fresh breeze from the westward. rue rful cry of " sail ho !" 'utly, three sails wore with one ; hoisted the down, a id hoisted the 11 of the ship ' Emily tide sail after another she was found to be York, twelve days out, e cargo of grain and 'arnuni' proving to be irkaoine, it was deemed id of them. All the of her, and the ship r captain promising to a fearful thing to burn ^hen I thought how the )uld have danced with . I never saw a vessel 3 completely enveloping ) few minutes, making r. This evening, quite eneral quarters, going te a masterly manner. is as for a leak, called rerything expected to be Friday evening, when ■al quarters. From the we read of the success 1 also of the successful teamer ' Florida' into a In the evening chased I Swede. Fresh breeze 1? 7th. — Light winds. 4.30 a.m., sail reported on starboard bow ; chased, and at 6 fired a gun to heave to, and hoisted the Confederate ensign. On boarding I foiind her to be the barque ' Wave Crest,' of and from N(!W York, to Cardiff, eight days out. Her captain asserting that his cargo was Frglish, but not having any j>apers to prove it, of course she Avas made a prize. Cargo consisted of grain and flour. 2.30 P.M., called all hands to qtiarters, port battery firing two rounds of shell at prize. Boarding to burn her, we found that two shells had struck, tlie rest passing over in good line firing. 6.30 p.m., sail reported on weather bow. 9.30 brought her to with blank cartridge. Boarded and made a prize of the brigantine ' Dunkirk,' of and from New York, to Lisbon, flour laden, eight days o\it. By midnight had crew on board of us, and the vessel burnt. Examining the prisoners, we found one of them to be a deserter from the C.S. steamer ' Sumter,' he being one of the seven deiserting at Cadiz. Immediately upon arrival on board he was placed in double irons. 9//^.— Light westerly breeze. 10 a.m. a court-martial assembled in the ward-room to try George Forrest, A.B., for desertion from the ' Sumter.' The court consisted of the following officers, viz. :— President, the first lieutenant, and and the senior second lieutenant, surgeon, master, chief engineer, and lieutenant of marines; judge advocate, the captain's clerk. 4.30 captured the ship ' Tonawanda,' of and from Philadelphia to Liveriiool, laden with grain, having also on board about 75 passengers. Took from her David White, a slave to one of the passengers. 8.15 p.m. boarded the English brig ' Ann Williams,' from Cuba to Bristol. lOth.—Head sentence of court-martial to prisoner, and discharged him ; the sentence was, " that all pay, prize 14 money, &c., due to him be forfeited ; that he fulfil his term of service, and forfeiting all pay excepting such as is sufficient to provide necessary clothing and lil)erty rnomy." 10.30 made out a sail on lee ])ow ; after an hour's ch ise fired a gun and brought her to. She proved to be a Mecklenburg ship, from New York, bound to DuV)lin. ll//t.— Light easterly wind until evening, 5.45 a.m. made a large sail on starboard bow ; being far to windward and wind light, did not chase. 3.30 p.m. sail rcpoi-ted on weather bow. 5.30 overhauled and hove her to; upon boarding she ])roved to be the ship 'Manchester,' of and from New York, bound to Liverpool, with wheat, cotton, &c. Transferred all prisoners to prize ship ' Tonawanda,' and burnt the 'Manchester.' The captain of the 'Tona- wanda' being kept on board our ship as security. Strong variable winds up to the 13//i.— 10.50 A.M., made a sail on weather bow; made sail in chase, suspecting her to be a disguised vessel of war : all hands were called to quarters, and the guns loaded with shell. Kaining heavily at 5.50 p.m. Gave up the chase, and secured the battery, the chase having shown Spanish colours. 6 P.M., released the 'Tonawanda,' her master ransoming her at 80,000 dollars. Her passengers testifying, in rather a ludicrous manner (to me), their joy at their deliverance. im.— Strong N.W. winds,- a.m. Chased and overhauled the Danish ship 'Judith.' Chased another, proved to be French. Another vessel in sight to windward. Coming up with her, she proved to be English. Her captain saluted our flag ; which compliment we returned. 15rize ship ' Tonawanda,' captain of the 'Tona- lip as security. Strong )n weather bow ; made disguised vessel of war : id the guns loaded with ii. Gave up the chase, i having shown Spanish 'onawanda,' her master [er passengers testifying, me), their joy at their Chased and overhauled 1 another, proved to be 1 windward. Coming up sh. Her captain saluted irned. iccompanied with heavy a weather bow. Coming bridge, hauling down the St. George's ensign and hoisting the Confederate flag. No notice being taken of it, both bow gnus were loaded with sliot; observing it the chase hove to. On our boat returning with the cai>taiu, it was found to l;e the banpie ' Lanipligliter,' of Boston, from New York, to Gibraltar, ladeti with tobacco. Brought crew on board our vessel, anu burnt prize. Midnight, blowing fresh. lO^/i.— Commenced with a strong gale from the S.S.E. Towards dayVn-cak it freshened considerably, a heavy sea running at the same time, D.HO. Blowing a perfect hur- ricane, the sea rising to a fearful height, and the ship labouring heavily. Shortly after, a squall of extraordinary violence struck us, we being under close reefed main-top- sail, reefed main-try-sail and foretop-mast stay-sail. The heavy strain on the main braces caused the weather bumkin to snap in two— the yard flew forward, bonding upwards until it was almost double, when with a sudden crash it broke in two, splitting the top-sail with a noise equal to the loudest thunder. A sea striking immediately after smashed in the whale-boat; it was soon cut away. No sooner had the main-top-sail gone, than the fore-top-mast stay-sail was cut away by the captain of the forecastle, thereby preventing the ship falling off into the trough of the sea. A storm try-sail was soon bent,, and the main-try-sail lowered, splitting the sail during the opera- tion. Various minor casualties occuired, but nothing of a very serious nature. Everybody was thoroughly wet by the salt spray. The vessel's behaviour during the storm was beautiful. A finer sea-boat never floated. All the idlers, boys, &c., were placed under the weather bulwarks on the quarter-deck, with a rope stretched before them to prevent them falling to leeward. Wind N.W. im- mediately after. Moderated towards evening, so that we le were able to send down the wreck of the main yard, and bend new sails. The evening turned out with a heavy sea from the southward ; the wind abating, causing the ship to roll heavily. 17th, opened with a moderate breeze and a heavy swell from tlie south. About noon the 8oa went down considerably; sail was made; and in about half-an-hour a sail was reported on the starboard bow; went after her, hoisted English colours, the chase hoisting English in return. The heavy sea and the amount of work requisite to be done prevented us follo.ving her up, so wo hauled upon our coin-se again. Hard squalls until Sunday, 19th, commenced with fine weather, 4 p.m. Sent up main yard and bent main-top-sail. 20th, 4 a.m., two lights, one ahead the other astern, were seen, made all sail in ciiasc of one. Coming within two miles of her she hoisted English colours. Went about in chase of the other, who proved to be a brigantine under Dutch colours. Hauled up on our course again. Alternate sun- shine and showers until noon, when a heavy squall, ac- companied with rain, struck us, the wind veering round to W.N.W. Double reefed top-sails and try-sails. Towards evening a sail hove in sight ; she being so far to windward, and darkness drawing on, we gave up the chase. 2l8<.— Fine, with a northerly wind; at daylight made a sail. Found her to be the barque ' Heron,' of Sunderland, from New York, bound to Qvjeenstown, we calling our ship H.M. Steamer 'Eacehorse.' Towards midnight the wind freshened considerably. 22nd.— Blowing a fresh gale with a heavy sea. Hove-to at 10 P.M. Cut away the dingy, it having been stove by a sea striking her some time previously. Saw two vessels standing easterly. 23rd.— 4 JL.M., a light reported astern. Stood for her. k of the main yard, y turned out with a wind abating, causing cned with a moderate } south. About noon 111 was made ; and in rted on the starlioard lish colours, the chase vvy sea and the amount ■nted us following her 3 again. Hard squalls th fine weather, 4 p.m. -top-sail. 20th, 4 a.m., stern, were seen, made » within two miles of Went about in chase brigantine under Dutch again. Alternate sun- en a heavy squall, ac- he wind veering round and try-sails. Towards eing so far to windward, ip the chase, 'ind; at daylight made ' Heron,' of Sunderland, 3wn, we calling our ship irds midnight the wind th a heavy sea. Hove-to it having been stove by iously. Saw two vessels astern. Stood for her. 17 Hoisted tho Encflish blno, to whirh vhn.9.c nnswerod by hoisting English also. Saw two vcsscIh f;ir to jcowiird, hauling up to the N.W. ;V40 i-.m., "sail, ho!" was licard again. Kept away for her, called the tirst gun's rrew to quarters, fired a blank cartridge ; hove her to, boarding and returning with her captain and papers ; she proved to bo the ship * Lafayette,' of Newhaven, New York, to Belfast, throe days out, with a large cargo of grain, ^Sic. The captain stated that his cargo was English ; but not having papers to that effi>ct, of course he was declared a prize. Transferred jirisoners, chronometers, &c., not forgetting half-a-dozen porkers, &c., to our ship, and fired prize. Tho cold and weather generally being rather severe, the prisoners were put below in tho forward fire- room, it being vacated for that purpose, and the fires kindled in the after one instead. Hitherto they had lived on the main-deck with a tent specially rigged for them. 24<7t. — Fine, with a strong northerly wind. Sail in sight ; coming up with her, she proved to be an English brigantine. From a stray newspaper, taken in the ' Lafayette,* wo read that news had been received in New York of tho capture of tho Yankee vessels by the ' Alabama,' in which it stated that tho treatment to which the prisoners were subjected was " worse than dogs." Such gross falsehoods annoyed us considerably, as all our prisoners had been treated with every kindness consistent with safety. 25th. — Light winds. A sail in sight all day. 2 p.m. all liands to general quarters, going through all naval evolu- lutions. Sunday, 2Gth. — Fine, with a fresh breeze. Chased a vessel for a short time ; put about after another ; after firing a blank cartridge the first division was called to quarters and two shots fired over her at a distance of three miles. HoTo to anni this vessel wo obtained papers, in which wo read the infa- mous assertions made hy the captain of the ' Brilliant' with respect to our treatment of prisoners. A conviction was forced upon every mind that kindness extended to them was completely thrown away. 27if)ceeded on our cour.sc. By this vessel, Cuinniandant Semnies sent his respects to the New York Chamber of Commerce, stating also that by the time tliis message reached them he (Captain Semmes) would be oil" that port. 30//t, — Strong N. wind, H a.m. ; three vessels in sight. Passed a liarque, evidently a foreigner, steering N.W. We were startled and annoyed to find that only lour days' coals was on board. Such a discovery, however ojiportune as it was, annoyed us not a little. To astonish the enemy in New York harljour, to destroy their vi'ssels in their own water, had been the darling wish of all on board. It now being impracticable to continue our course, we reluctantly squared away and stood towards the S.E. 2 p.m., hoisted up screw and banked the fires. 3 p.m., made sail in cluise of a vessel. Found her to bo the Dutchman wo had spoken twice previously. November let. — Fine, with light winds. Chased two vessels, one proved to bo English, the other French. A third in sight. Sunday, 2nd. — Fine, light winds, 7 a.m., a sail descried steering to the N.E. This being the first Sunday in the month, the articles of war were read as usual. 12 30, hove the vessel to with blank cartridge. Took possession of ship ' Levi Starbuck,' of and from New Bedford, five days out. Obtained news of our successes in Kentucky. Employed until sunset transferring stores &c., from prize. Then burnt her. 6th, 4 A.M. — Two vessels hove in sight. Boarding one, I found her to be a French barque bound to Havre. Sth, 2 A.M. — Made sail in chase of a schooner standing to the southward. Another vessel standing N.E., in sight shortly after. Went in chase of her. She showing c 2 80 Yankee colours. W.> anHwcrcd by 8howin^' tin- Kiiiii.-. In reply to his Hij,'n!il wo piisHod as tli.- U.S. ' Ticnn.l.To^,'a.' The signal, " Wliai is yotir Inn^'itiidc ?" w.> U.S. 'Tic.ii.l.Toj^'a.* Ic ?" wt) ili'diiioil tin- it. Plovf to until hIh' oisted tilt! ContV'ilfratt! )ok jiossoHsion. Found Boston, from CaUuttii, ionyor tho lato United i wife and two iliildrt-n, hini also. They wore The oilicera vacatiuK ' articlos for shiii's use uyard ; at sunset burnt ', 6 A.M. Sail hove in an English hrigantino of the Alahania destroy- ed States Steamer ' Wyo- il. Fired a blank car- She not heaving to, a astonishment four lights ately called to quarters, l)attle. On our boat re- loarded was the English nerara, the crew having hat she had shown two to, the third light being and the fourth our boat's. lad been gone through le men wore highly eulo- 'S. At daylight two vessels 21 in sight. A three raastod schooner, lioing liull down to windward, did not chase; the other liroved to bo aSjianiard from Cadi/ to Habaiia, we passing as the United States' Steamer ' Ortorora.' I7lh, 2-M I'.M. Island of Dominica in sight, ISth. — 1>'30 came to an anchor in Port Koval harbour, Martinicjuo. After the health ollicers had visited us, ar- rangements wore niado to l;iy in a stock of provisions, Ac. A most enthusiastic reception was givt u by the inliabitajits, both civil and military. Invitation to the ofiicers were given ad lib., the clubs being placed at our disposal. Our store ship ' Aggripina' was lying laden with coal for our use. Letters were received by many on board. Landed all pri- soners. iVth, G'30 A.M. — A steamer was descried standing towards the harbour. On her coming nearer, wo made her out to be a large lianiue-rigged vessel. At 7i!j all doubts as to her nationality was set at rest. Tho Stars and Stripes being hoisted at her peak, and aj)parently a heavy armed vessel. On our communicating with the shore, it was found that tho vessel (who was now within a mile of us,) was tho United States' Steamer ' San Jacinto,' 14 guns, viz. : 12 sixty-eight pounders, and 2 eleven-inch shell guns. Tho Governor issued notices about tho town forbidding any com- munication with her, and prohibiting any supplies being sent to them. Ho also sent a communication to her Commander, to tho effect that " either ho must come to an anchor, and if so to remain 24 hours after our departure, or else go out to sea and remain outside of three miles." Ho adopted the latter course. The Governor stated that if we wanted to coal ship, it would be best for us to run down to St. Pierre and anchor under the f(jrts. But it was deemed advisable to send tlie banpie away to auotlier rendezvous, she giving out thilt .he wa» Koin^ to an.l tloaviiiR for Trhm-lul. Tl,.« Fr»M.fli Kuul-oat 'Fata* K'^t ui. Ht.nuu iin-l unchor.',l near iw, to i-n-vnt any a.'inoiiHtn.tini. U'uv^ m;uh' 1-y tho ..neuiy whilHt wo w.-r.. at an.'l.ur. Hor ronnuaii.l.'r af- tordin- UK cvory ansistaiuv, l.y Hhowin^' us tho boHt plau of f«caro the harbour alVora.-l. At firnt it luul boeu our captain's intention to ^o out an.l ^'iv tl... onoiny Lattl.-, but aftrr .b.lilM.ratiou ho .l..tornun.-a to wait until .larkuons m.t in. At 1 P.M. tho English mail boat i-aHsed tho luirbour. Ik.foro mui-.lown ovory i-roi-araticu ha.l boi-n made for battl.', tho onon.y api-aroutly protty iu.-tivo in u.akin- proparatum also. The broadside yuns being loaded with shot and tho pivot guns with shell. 7-15 p.m., "all hands up anchor," whieh was BOOH accomplished. All lights were thou ex- tinguished, and we steamed cautiously across tlie harbour aloug tho shore. 8 p.m., dismissed the pilot, and called all hands to quarters, and run out tho guns, all expecting to hear a bang from the enemy. Signal lights were ob- served from a Yankee vessel iu harbour. Tlu' night was very favourable to us, the enemy's vessel n,.t having been seen since tho last particle of daylight allowed us to see anything, she then being ab,)ut the centre of the harbour on tho alert. After tho pilot had left us, the engines were set a-going, and away we steamed at tho rate of 14 knots an hour. At 0-20, all danger of intorcoptmn being over, tho guns were run in and secured, and all hands piped down. Wo then shaped our course towards Blanquilla, at which place we had made arrangements to meet the barque. Wo learnt afterwards that tho 'San Jacinto' had two boats on the look-out that evening, and had a set of signals instituted, by which a Yankee vessel inside the harbour could afford him information of our movements. I believe the authorities arrested her captain W iiR for Trinair jrities arrested her captain f()r signalling our departure; yet, notwithHtautling tho liuilitios at tiio 'Han Jacinto's' commuuil, thy UofkiuM the purl fit II r dityn timl nitjhh nftir vi h'j'l. Tho previouB evening a drunkon disturbauco took place on board, by which it was found neccBsary to call tho hands to tjuartors t(» quell it. It appeared that tho deserter from tho 'Sumter' (of whom mention has boon made elsewhere) had Hlipi)ed down tho cable, swam to a boat, and returned on board with a great and that he be ignominioiisly dismissed the ship aiid service, placed in tlie hands of the master-at-arms, and conveyed on shore on the island of Blanquilla, with a stain of infamy upon him. A few ai)propriate remarks were then made by Captain Semmes, and the sentence carried out. 8.15 r.M., got under weigh and hoisted propeller. 29//t. — Considerable excitement was caused by the look- out reporting a steamer on lee bow standing towards us ; made her out to be a barque-rigged side-wheel steamer. From or rather in the direction she was steering, wo con- cluded she was a French war-steamer bound to Martinique. 10.30 A.M., saw land on weather bow, the S.W. part of Porto Kico. Saw two vessels, one a schooner hugging the shore ; the other a barque standing to the northward. Shortened sail to allow her to come up to us, hoisting U. S. coloiirs ; the stranger hoisting English. Found her to be the ' Barbadoes.' 30<7i, 6.10. — Sail reported on starboard bow. 8.45, ano- ther in sight, two points on starboard bow ; chased the latter. 10.30, hove her to with blank cartridge ; found her to be the Spanish schooner * Neveaux.' 12.45, saw two more ; chased the one right ahead. 2 p.m., brought her to. Boarded and took possession of the barque ' Parker Cook,' of Boston, bound to Hayti. Engaged until 9 p.m. trans- ferring stores, then set fire to her. Filled away and stood north-westerly. Shij^ped one man. 1st December. — 2.30 a.m. hove to. Filled away in chase of a vessel on stai'board beam. 7 a.m., made another astern ; found both to be foreign. 9.30 p.m., made a vessel under sail and steam on port quarter. Called all hands to quarters, and loaded the battery with shell, expecting every minute to hear a shot, a broadside whizzing over or into us. Tlie stranger showed two signal lights, lieceiving no answer, 2(\ he quietly stoamod past us. Conjecture was busy as to his nationality, and as to his bein^' a vessel of war oruot. 10.15, piped down and secured the battery. W^^ now man six guns on a broadside, transporting one of the midship thlrty-twos to a port-hole near the bridge. The state of ethcieney the men have arrived at reflects the highest credit upou both officers and men. 2«fL— Saw the land, and several vessels. •3r(?.— 7.45 P.M., sail discovered on st-iiboard bow ; gave chase. At 9.10 fired a blank cartrijge; no notice being tjiking of it, a shot was fired at hi-n. This produced the desired effect. On boarding I found it to be the French barque ' Feu Sacrc,' of Nantes, from Portau Prince to Fal- mouth, we passing as the United States' steamer ' Wynona.' Her captain protesting against the United States' vessels annoying him. 4<7i.— Light winds and fine. Cruising in the windward passage, hoping to meet one of the CaUforuian mail steamers, one Ijeing expected about this date. 5<7i.- Still cruising in the passage between Cuba and St. Domingo. Saw several vessels, amongst which was a schooner showing Yankee colours. Boarded and took possession, the ' Union,' of and from Baltimore, to Jamaica. His cargo being English, she was ransomed, the c- w of ' Parker Cook' being transferred to her. K^ceived news of Bragg's successful capture 'of baggage waggons, &c. ; and al8o%hat seven United States' vessels of war were off the Northern ports, expecting that we were going to attack their seaports. ah.— 9 A.M. hoisted up the propeller. 7a-Several sails seen. At 2.15 p.m. a sail descried on starboard bow ; in a short time niade hor out to be a brigautine-rigged side-wheel steamer. Steam was imme- F' onjcctitro was busy as ig a vessel of war or not. battery. Wc' now man ting one of the midship le ViriJge. The state of eflecta the highest credit vessels. on st'iiboard bow ; gave rtriage; no notice being li-n. This produced tlie >und it to be the French m Port au Prince to Fal- Jtates' steamer ' Wynona.' he United States' vessels [bruising in the windward Califoruian mail steamers, ;a"e between Cuba and St. amongst which was a irs. Boarded and took )m Baltimore, to Jamaica. iis ransomed, the cr w of to her. Received news of ggage waggons, &c. ; and vessels of war were off the i were going to attack their peller. 2.15 P.M. a sail descried on e made her out to bo a luncr. Steam was imme- diately got up, the propeller lowered, sails taken in and furled. All hands called to quarttTs, the battery loaded with shell and run out, and every preparation made for a " mill." Everybody in the best possible spirits and eager for a fray. The celerity of the men in the preparations for battle was remarkable, giving proof of the spirit that actuated them. The steamer kept heading for us until 2.45, when we fii'cd a blank cartridge and hcvisted the Confederate flag. No notice being taken of it, a broadside of six guns were trained on her, awaiting the order to fire. Wo recognized her as the United States' mail-boat ' Ariel,' of and from New York, to Aspinwall. The steamer turned and made for off. The order was then given to train and fire the pivot guns at her ; a second order was given to fire at her smokestack. In the position she then was her fore- mast was in a line with the smokestack. Both guns were then fired, one shot of which struck the foremast about ten feet from the deck, taking way two-thirds of it, the stick still standing ; fortunately they did not explode at the time, else the carnage amongst the passengers would have been frightful. She then hove to. A boat was sent on board, and the captain brought on board us with his papers. Three boxes of specie, a 24-pounder rifled gun, ] 25 new rifles, 10 swords, and about 1000 rounds of ammunition were quickly transferred to our vessel, ther>3 being on board 140 oflicers and man (marines), going out to join the U.S. Pacific Sq\iadron, and about 600 passengers, men, women, and children ; several naval and militai-y officers being also on board. The military wore paroled. On boarding, the marines were found drawn up in fighting order. From the captain of the steamer I learnt that the marine officers first advised the surrender of the vessel. The Yankees said that they had not the remotest idea we should dare show our- 28 solves in that part of the world. Received newspapers up to the 1st Decenilicr. In the evening, two officers, two engineers, and ten men were sent on board as a prize- crew. Her captain remaining on Ijoard onr vessel. 8//i.— Still cruising in the same passage, on the look out for the homeward-bound steamer duo about this time. Prize l)eing near us, 1 I'.M., our chief engineer wont on board to disable her machinery- orders also being sent to throw overboard her sails, so that in the event of our being en- gaged with any other vessel she could not escape. It was our intention to tow her into some port and knd the pas- sengers, then to destroy her, first replenishing our stock of coal, provisions, &c. At 7-15 p.m., on account of the women and children, we determined to run for Jamaica. Accord- ingly the " bonnet of the steam chest and a steam valve" were sent on board the ' Ariel' again, with orders to get up steam and follow us as quickly as possible. Wliilst doing the above, a steamer was reported on our starboard quarter. All hands to quarter, making towards her; nearing her it was found to be a barque. On boarding, found her to be a German. Secured the battery and stood for prize, 11 p.m. Stood on course 9th. In the evening Morant Light was distant about five miles, 7-15 a.m. Slowed the engines, intending to run in on the morrow. 8-15 p.m., a sail hove in sight. Got ready for action. Coming up with her and boarding, we found she wa'S a foreigner from Kingston, Jamaica bound to Furope. Understood from her that the yellow fever had broke out, so it was determined to ransom the ' Ariel' and let her go. Just, however, as the order was given to go ahead, the chief engineer reported that "the brackets and guides of the safety valve" were broken. The utmost caution was observed to prevent any on board the 'Ariel' knowing the disaster that had fallen upon us. 29 [Icccivpd newspapers ui> ling, two officers, two 1 board as a prize- crew. vessel. ^ssagc, on the look out about this time. Prize incer went on board to 1 being sent to throw event of our being en- ild not escape. It was port and knd the pas- :?plenishing our stock of )n account of the women a for Jamaica. Accord- lest and a steam valve" n, with orders to get up possible. Wliilst doing n our starboard quarter. Lrds her; near in g her it rding, found her to be a , stood for prize, 11 p.m. ning Morant Light was \i. Slowed the engines, f. 8-15 P.M., a sail hove Coming up with her and foreigner from Kingston, irstood from her that the as determined to ransom aowever, as the order was ineer reported that "the ralve" were broken. The ircvent any on board the lat had fallen upon us. Whilst the l)oat was dispatched to bring off the engineers (who had Uam on board the 'Ariel' to take charge of her engines) ami the captain to make arrangements relative to a bond the propeller was hoisted ui> and sail made upon our vessel. Shortly after she was ransomed, and the prize officers and crew returned on board. The ' Ariel' when last seen was steering S.S.W. Tlie passengers, civil and mili- tary, highly eulogized our prize-crew for their cpiiet, orderly respectful conduct. From the papers taken we read some important news ; foremost of which was, the proposal of France and the rejection by England of the intervention question. Its rej(;ction we supposed arose through the discord that was known to exist upon this question in the British calnnet. Then, again, the immense navy possessed by the United States caused us to feel considerable uneasi- ness for our seaboard cities. The fearful disadvantages under which we labour compared with the vast resources of the United States, is in itself fearfully alarming. Our only trust is in God and our strong arms — Dieu et man droit. Soon after the departure of the ' Ariel,' we steered to the N. and E., standing off and on the island of Jamaica, close under the land, keei)ing as much as possible out of the track of vessels. The whole staff of engineers had, up to about midnight of the 11th, been working night and day repairing the machinery. Great indeed was our joy on its completion. Steering to the N. and W., nothing to vary the monotony of a sea life, cruising under small sail. 15% > 30 strong galos with heavy sea from the N.E. heading N. W'ly. 21g^_A steamer descried on starboard bow, steering east, supposed to be a French vessel of war, making for an anchorage or rendezvous. 22«(?.- Moderate breeze. On account of the many dan- gerous reefs it was deemed advisable to let go the 1:edgo anchor. A breeze springing up, we let go the port anchor. 23rd.— About 10 a.m., hove up and got under weigh; moderate breeze. 2-30 p.m., sail discovered on port bow. It proved to bo the ' Aggripina.' 3, land descried on star- board bow, our course being S. W'ly. At 5-15, came to an anchor in 10 fths., Las Areas, rocks bearing N.N.W. Being about 100 miles W.N.W. of Campcchc. 6-30, the ' Aggripina' anchored near us. 24<7i.-De8irou8 of being protected from the strong northerly winds that blow here, an expedition, consisting of the cutter, gig, and whale-boat, under the immediate com- mand of Captain Semmes, sailed to discover the best an- chorage. 12-30, the boats returned, having successfully accomplished the desired object. 1-45, got under weigh, and anchored at 2-35 in 9i iathoms, between the three islands of Las Areas ; the barque following and anchoring near us,-the propeller being kept down in case of any emergency. 25ilitiofl of a fiplit •Of/.i'. Sail (liwcoverctl I))' aftor, tliroc, anJ at last ich were reportod to I'f ; the i>rospcct of a fi^'lit, their bcius war vcshoIs : .tch l)olow came on dcfk, 1 preparing the gunH, At'., it was on deck were fady for lowering ; others d, and putting it over the team. OfHccrs looldng to ; the size of tlieir expeeted shortened sail and tacked ner reported standing out 1 main-topsail and lowered ported ready for action, •n miles. Twilight set in At C.20., heat to quarters, nd loaded with five-second r the steamer, having prc- masted side-wheel steamer li at the distance she was irm any correct estimate of hailed and asked " What (in order to ho certain who p ' Petrel !' " Two or three il we heard. " This is the ; hearing the name. How- it. As no doul>t existed as 15, that this was the " Con- la,' " accompanying the last ayllable of our name with a shell fired over him. The signal being given, the other gnns took up the refrain, and a tremendous volley from our whole broadside given to him, every shell striking his side, the shot striking being dis- tinctly heard on board our vessel, and thus found that sho was iron. Tlie enemy replied, and the action became general. A most sharp spirited firing was kept up on lioth sides, our fellows peppering away as though the action depended upon each individual. And so it did. Pistols and rilles were continually pouring from our quarter-deck, messengers most deadly. The distance during the hottest of the fight not being more than 40 yards ! It was a grand though fearful sight to see the guns belching forth in the darkness of the night sheets of living flame, the deadly missiles striking the enemy with a foi'ce that we could feel. Then, when the shells struck her side, and especially the percussion ones, her whole side was lit up, and showing rents of five or six feet in length. One shot had just struck our smokestack, and wounding one man in the cheek, when the enemy ceased his firing, and fired a lee gun ; then a second, and a third. The order was then given to " cease firing." This was at 6.52. A tremendous cheering commenced, and it was not until everybody had cleared his throat to his own satisfaction that silence could be obtained. We then hailed her, and in reply he stated that he had surrendered, was on fire, and also that he was in a sinking condition. He then sent a boat on board, and surrendered the U.S. gunboat ' Hatteras,' 9 guns, Lieutenant-Commander Blake, 140 men. Boats were immediately lowered and sent to her assistance, when an alarm was given that another steamer was bearing down for us. The boats were recalled and boist«d up, when it was found to be a false alarm. The order was then given, 34 and the boatswain and his mates i-iped " all handfl out boats to save lif."," and soon the i-risoncrs wore trannferrcd to our 8hip-the officors under ^uard on tlu- quartor-dwk, t.nd the men in single irons. Tho boats wor.« thou iioistod up, tho battery run in and sorun-d, and tlu- main bra.r splicd. All hands piped down ; the enemy's v.-ssel sunk, and we steamed quietly away by 8.30. All having been dcno in less than two hours. In faet, had it not been for our having tho prisoners on board, we would have sworn nothing unusual had taken place, tho watch below quietly sleeping in their hammocks. The conduct of our men was truly commendable. No flurry-no noise-all calm and determined. Tho coolness displayed by them could not be surpassed by any old veterans— our chief lioatswain'a mute, apparently in his glory. " Sponge."-" Load with cartridge."—" Shell, five- seconds."—" Kuu out."--" Well, down compressors."-" Left, traverse."-" Well;" " ready-fire."-" That's into you."- " Damn you, that kills your pig."-" That stops your wind," Ac, Ac, was uttered, as each shot was heard to strike with a crash that nearly deafened you. The other boatswain's mate equally enjoyed the aflair. As he got his gun to bear upon the enemy, ho would take aim, and bang-in would plug her, he exclaiming as each shot told—" That's from the scum of England." "That's a British pill for you to swallow." The New York papers having once stated that our men were the " scum of England." All the other gunh were served with equal precision. We were struck seven times. Only one man being hurt during the en- gagement, and ho receiving only a slight flesh wound in the cheek. One shot struck under the counter, penetrating as far as a timber, then glancing off; a second struck the funnel; a third going through tho side, across the berth- decl in I Tal san chi« the As woi mei for iroi ( tha smt Bla sta< beii roo the any ( A 'H to c anc the wai Frc as wh( par seh anc 36 Btl " all haiuls out boata were tranHfer'-ed to our • quarter- Jei'k, and the iTo then iioistcd iii>, tht! main Imur splictil. All lel sunk, ami va stfamed ; been done in li-ss than een for our having the 3 sworn nothing unusual quietly sleeping in their ruly commendable. No termined. The coolness surpassed by any old uate, apparently in hia artridge."-" Shell, five- ivu comiiressors." — " Left, '—"That's into you."— -" That stops your wind," ; was heard to strike with , The other boatswain's As he got his gun to take aim, and bang-in each shot told—" That's That's a British pill for papers having once stated England." AH the other ecision. We were struck ing hurt during the en- r a slight flesh wound in jr the counter, penetrating g off ; a second struck the ,he side, across the berth- deck and into the opposite side ; another raising the deuce in the lamp-room ; the others lodging in the u(al-b\inkor«. Taking a shell up and examining it, we found it filled with sand instead of powder. The eni'iny's fire was directed chiefly towards our stern, the siiots flying J>retty thick over the quarter-deck, near to where our captain was standing. As they came whizzing over him, he with his usual coolness would exclaim : " Give it to the rascals." " Aim low, my men." " Don't be all night sinking that fellow." When, for all or anything we knew, she might have been an iron-clad or a ram. On Commander Blake surrendering his sword, ho said that " it was with deep regret ho did it." Captain Semmes smacked his lips, and invited him down in his cabin. On Blake giving his rank to Captain Semmes, he gave up his state-room for Blake's special use, the rest of the ofTicers being accommodated according to tlusir rank, in the ward- room and steerages — all having previously been paroled — the crew being placed on the boi-th-deck. Our men sleeping anywhere, so that the prisoners might take their places. Of the enemy's loss we could obtain no correct accounts. A difference of 17 being in their number of killed, the ' Hatteras ' having on board men she was going to transfer to other ships. Their acknowledged loss was only two killed and seven wounded. A boat had been lowered, just before the action, to board us ; as we anticipated, and learnt after- wards, it pulled in for the fleet and reached Galveston. From conversation with lier first lieutenant, I learnt that as soon as we gave our name and our first broadside, the whole after division on board her left the guns, apparently paralyzed ; it was some time before they recovered them- selves. The conduct of one of her ofiicers was ■ wardly and disgraceful in the extreme. Some of our shells went D 2 3C completely throuj?h hot before exploiUuK, other, burnt in- •i.le, and sot her on Bro in three plucoB ; ono went through her engines, couii-letely dimiblinj? her; another oxplodinff in her Bteam ehost, H<.al.linK all within rom-h. Thun waH fought, 28 inileH from Oaiveston, a battl.', thoUK'h Hmall, yet the first yanl-arin action b.'tw.>en two Bteaniors at sea. She was only inf. rior in weight of metal. H«r guns being nine in number, viz :- four S'i-poun.lers, two rifled 30- poundern, currying «!Hlb. Bhot (conical), one rifled 20- pounder, and a couple of nmall l2.pounderB. On account of the confli.-ting atatements mad., by her officers, we could never arrive at a corre.t estimate of her crew. Our prisoners numben-d 17 offic.rs and 101 seamen. Wo further learnt that the 'Hatteras' was one of seven vessels sent to re-capturo Galveston, it being (although unknown to us) in the possession of our troops. We also found that the flag-ship ' Brooklyn,' twenty-two guns, and the 'Oneida,' nine guns, sailed in search of us; by their account of the course they steered they could not fail to have seen us. 13<;i.— Strong S.E. breeze and heavy sea. At 1-20, a sail was reported right ahead. Made sail ; on nearing her we hoisted Yankee colours ; she replied by hoisting English. We soon recognised her to be the ' Aggripina,' homeward- bound to England. Fearing she would destroy our mail bag, we hauled down, hoisting our own flag, saluted, and kept on our course. 14tfc.-Fre8h gale and head sea. 5 p.m., sail reported on port bow. 6 p.m., blew ofif steam, and set reefed fore and aft sails. 15«fc.-Gale continuing. 6 p.m., hove to, with a heavy squall, the wind chopped round to the westward. 2 p.m., made sail again. ho' wil Wi sai ahi At col Pr Pa col col Po shi pel aft soc mc we ou: all cat sai cln rec 'E rej an< loiUuKt otheri burnt in- iccb; one wont throuj^h T i anotlicr exploding in rt'iuh. TliUH waa fought, , tlKUiKli HiniiH, yt't the ) stcaincrH at st-a. She n-tal. H»fr guns being oundcrs, two rifled 30- -onical), one rifled 20- 2-poundcr8. On account by her ofticers, we could ate of her crew. Our 101 seamen. ittcras ' was one of seven iton, it being (although 1 of our troops. We also n," twenty-two guns, and in search of us ; by their id they could not fail to heavy sea. At 1"'20, a :ade sail ; on nearing her jplied by hoisting English, e ' Aggripina,' homeward- 3 would destroy our mail our own flag, saluted, and lea. 5 P.M., sail reported steam, and set reefed fore .M., hove to, with a heavy to the westward. 2 p.m., I6th, — Blowing heavily. A frightful xea running. 3 a.m., hove to. G'3(), made Hail on her, keeping tlio screw turning with 2 lbs. of Btt'um, and going on comfortably at M knots. Wind and sea moderating towards ovfiiing. 17M. -Strong breeze from the north. Took in all square ■ails, increasing stttam. 2*50 p.m., two sails reported, one ahead, the other on lee-bow ; but steering to the northward. At 3.30, eanu! up with one, who on our hoisting Spanish colours, re[>lied with English. Wind frerfhening. 18 Been on lee bow. 11 15, to. On boarding, found ndower,' from Foo-Choo > of tea, silks, &c. Dis- len •whose term of service her captain agreeing to 1 seen to the S.E. ; sig- omberg,' from Sourabaya ited States' steamer * Da- English barque ' Three jondon. Gave our name ir ' Iroquois.' 5 p.m., two e French ship ' Alphonse During the night, saw (, boarded and took pos- liah Thayer,' of Eocklaud, neutral cargo on board, proceed on her voyage. 1 the English flag at her J. breeze, set our flying every stitch upon them. ig chase, we came up with se the 'William Edward,' rst we called our vessel ideroga.' After obtaining ir, we announced our real rg brig. 8 p.m., a large hour's chase, fired a guo, him and hailed him ; after On boarding, I found hrr )n, from Akyab to London, 109 days out. She corroborated a statement made by a ship, some days ago, to the effect that the United States* vessel of war was in the South Atlantic. Supposed to be the ' Ino ' by us. 2nd.— Light winds. Daylight, sighted a large ship steer- ing towards us. At 6, boarded and took possession of the ship 'John A. Parks,' of Hallowell, from New York to Buenos Ayres, with a cargo of lumber, &c. Transferred her captain, his wife, and crew, also some stores, and set fire to the prize. 4 p.m., chased another. Hoisted the United States' ensign to her ; she replying with English. At 6-30, I boarded and found her to be the barque ' Miss Nightin- gale,' of Sunderland, from Colombo to London, the captain agreeing to take the captain's wife, and two boys, and laud them in England. From this vessel, received information that a Yankee barque had passed them a few hours previously. 3rd. — Light westerly winds. Saw four vessels, but did not chase any. Hoisted United States' colours to a brigan- tine, who, however, did not reply. Steering to the S.E. 6 A.M., four sails reported cb proved by signal to be »ner on port bow. Hauled up and made Hail in chaHC. 7"4(), sail reported on lee-bow. 930, got up steam and lowered pr<>[M'ller, and titood for schooner. 12 p.m., came up with her: found to lie a rortu^,'ut'Hi'. Cliiiscd aimthcr ; fired ii Maiik cartrid^'o; she not hcediiiL,' it,, fired ii sliot aiTos.s her Itow ; she tlun hove to, and proved to be a Brazilian. Kept away for prize ship 'Louisa Hatch;' 115, came up to her. Mew off steam, hoisted propeller, made Hail, and stood on course. 7th.- Made sail i» chase of a vessel a-head. 5'30 p.m., reduced sail — whole sheets of water pouring down; in fact, the heaviest rain ever seen by any on board. 8th. — I came on board and received further instructions. Pressed the captain of the schooner 'Kingfisher' into the service to pilot the prize into harbour. Sent him, the steward, and his wife, of the * Nora,' on board the ' Louisa Hatch.' Received the mates on lioard, 0th. -Two vessels in sight. l)-30 p.m., land reported in sight. 9 p.m., got up steam, lowered propeller, took in all sail, and took prize in tow. Coaling ship in boats. 10<7j.— Prize still in tow ; coaling ship ; tow-line parted twice, so knocked off coaling, and stood for the anchorage off the Island of Fernando de Noronha. Both vessels under Confederate colours. '2-45 p.m., came to an anchorage in 13 fathoms. Hauled prize alongside, and commenced coaling. lllh.—On account of heavy swell, cast off prize at "30 A.M. Coaled by the boats. 12th. — 2 a.m., saw a steamer's lights. Called all hands to quarters. Finding she stood on her course, piped down. During the day saw a vessel. Coaling. 13,' ..IV iin.l -.1. lli<< Imu.I. Two loiitrt from vcssrU olm.-rv.'.'l -oi„>- to 111.- 'r,oui,.ii Iht.'li.' ll-^ P.M., Htart.-a uiul.T Mv.xm aft-r tlir two vhsi'Is. •2';!0. l.oar.l.Ml, in..l took poHrtcssioii rltli.' wlialiii^' l'ri:,';u»tiii.' ' Katr Cory,' of Wrst Port. At :i P.M. caiiic up with UiVi\\U' ' Lafay.'ttr,' of N.'W IVafonl, whalrr ; srt fin' to l-aniu.'. r, p.m., t..ok l.ri-autiiio in tow, ami Hfo.ul for tho anchora.^'... 7-;5(», aiiolior.'.l in U fathoni.4 water: i.yrami.lboarin^' S.W. ', W; oasti-n. part of irilau'l E.N.N. !(.//(.- Parolca a!l prisonors, an.l sent them on shore. ProviHii)nin!? from i.rizes. Sent 21 days provlaiona on shore for \ise of prisoners It" in all. 17//I.-5-30 P.M., ship 'Louisa HateV nml l.rifjantine 'Kate Cory' slipped labl.'s and proceeded seaward. 7 p.m. both vessels beinjj; five miles from lan-l, were set on fire. Mr. Evans and myself returned on board by 'J p.m. Shipped four men. Fernando do Noronlia is a Brazilian penal settlement. There is an abundance of live-stock; but veget.ibles arc rather scarce. There is pood water, but owin>,' to the surf it is at times difficult to bo obtained. The anchorage is unprotected from -western winds. 18/ft.— Several vessels in sight. Awaiting the arrival of our store-ship. 2lH^— () I'.M., a small schooner got under weigh, and proceeded to sea, her destination being Ternambuco, convey- ing as many of the crews of our prizes as she coidd carry. 22)if?.— At 9-30 A.M., got under weigh, steering to the eastward. 4.30 p.m., hoist propeller storing south-westerly. 24//i.--Saw a vessel yesterday. 2 a.m., a vessel hove in I cnnv til jirizo iigiuii. iii^;. Two v4'8h»'1b nan An IpoutS I'rom vessels ■li.' ll'. P.M., staiteil !•;!(), lioiinltMl, 1111(1 toiil.- • K,i1" Cory,' of Went lie ' liilavi'tle.' of New r, I'.M., took l)ii;,'iiiitiiio 7-;W, nueliored in H v. \ W ; eiisteni part of 1 sent tlioiu on shore, lays provisions on shore Hatt-h' nmT hripmlino ceiled seaward. 7 i-.M. land, were sot on fire. loardbv'J I'.M. Shipped izilian penal scttlomont. ick ; but voget.ihles are •, but owinj; to the surf ned. The anchorage is Awaiting the arrival of got under weigh, and .nng Pernambuco, convey- izes as she coidd carry. f weigh, steering to the iv storing south-westerly. 2 A.M., a vessel hove in u siglit, eliased, haileil, nnd ordered him to lieave to. On boarding, sln' proved to 1m> the baric 'Nye,' of New Hedford, whaling, having on board MM) lirls. of oil. Trannferred jirisoners ami burnt prize. '2 p.m.. naw another veBsel. "iiilli. Kre.Mli wind, 'i.150 p.m., wail in sight, standing southerly. •!•, hoisted Yankee eo|o\irs to her; eh.ise not replying, tinil a blank cartridge. She then hove to. Boarded and took possession of the ship ' horeas Prince,' of New York', from thereto Shanghai, 14 days out, with coals, bread, S.v. Took from lier a ipiantity of Mtores. ll.lJOi'M., burnt her. The captain having his wife with him, was, as usual, aci'ommodateil in the ward-room. 2Vlli,. — Fine moderate breeze. 2.'M) p.m., gave chase to a sail on the weather bow. .''i, brought her to, with blank cartridge. On boarding, I fo\uul her to be the Hanoverian brigantine ' Eliso,' Kio Grande, ](> days out, bound to England. lui Afa!/.~-F'nu': light winds. .5.4.'") a.m., made a sail on weather bow ; chased. On boarding she was found to be the English brig * Hound,' from St. John's (N.IV), to Mauri- tius. Obtained news up to the 1st April. Saw and chased several vessels during the day. All had neutral colours. Exchangei] signals with the brig ' Qeerdina,' from Tri(;8te to Bahia. 3n/.— Fresh breeze. Two vessels in sight ; gave chase. 12.15. — Came up with her. On lioarding, she proved to be the bark ' Union Jack,' of and from New York to Shanghai, 35 days out, having on board as passengers a United States Consul for Chee Foo; a gentleman and his wife. The caji- tain having hia wife, servant and two children. A general cargo. Gave chase to the other. At 2.45 p.m., came up with her. On boarding, I found her to be the ship ' Sea Lark,' of and from Boston to San Francisco, with a general cargo . E 2 r 53 Transferred prisoners and stores, and set fire to tlicm. Both vessels report having seen a vessel burning in lat. O'SO S., long. 3200 W. 4/7i.-Boardea a French brig- Monte Video to Havre. 5. boarding, she proved to be the (late Yankee) ship 'St. Leonard,' Hull to Calcutta. Transferred a passenger and lady to her. 7<7t.— Chased a bark until we lost her in a rain squall. 8th.— 4 A.M. Gave chase to a brigantine that turned out to be the ' Hanoverian.' 9ariiig W.S.W. ; stood n (larkiioss. Supposotl ifotlorate vessel, lauk cartridge a large \\u<^, she proved to bo York, thirty-two days, five passengers (one a IBS rilled I'i-pounders* lip to windward. O ate Yankee) ship 'St. "erred a passenger and her in a rain squall, gantine that turned out I windward. it meteor. 5 bow, which, on board- issels. 3 be French, the evening saw a sus- arters, tired two blaiik L^ hove to. On boarding, 9 throw., overboard some tiicu she was found to be the ship ' Queen of Beauty,' from Lon- don, 36 days, to Melbourne, with passengers. ISfh. — Made a light on port bow. Cliased, and hove her to with blank cartridge. Proved to be the Norwegian brig ' Iduma,' Rio Grande to Bahia. \9t)i. — 4 A.M. Saw a sail, gave chase. On boarding, I foiind her to lie the Bi-enn-n bark ' Brenia,' Buenos Ay res, 13 days, to New York. Culled ourselves the United States St. 'Diikotah.' 20icious-looking craft, went to quarters. Proved, however, to be a Frenchman. 27/fc.-Since leaving the ' Tuscaloosa' we have been steer- ing to the Cape of Good Hope; but, discovering our bread to be bad, turned back this morning. 29icious-looking sail ; gave chase. On boarding, I found her to be the ship ' Lillian,' of St John, cotton-laden, Bombay to Liverpool. Passing as the United States' steamer ' Dakotah.' Boarded a Dutchman, Batavia to Amsterdam. Chased another ship. He paying no attention to a blank cartridge, a shot was fired over her. She then showed her colours, and hove to. She proved to be the English ship 'Haveloek,' Bombiiy to Liverpool. Her captain corroborating a report made previously, to the effect, that a steamer was observed under steam, steering easterly. 27th, A.M.— Saw a schooner, signalled her to heave to. Boarding, I found her to be the schooner ' Kover,' of Cape Town, Walwich Bay to Cape Town. Had exchanged signals with a barque-rigged steamer the day previous. Large ship rerorted at Bundown, bearint; south. Throe vessels seen during the uight. Fresh S.S.W. gale. The Leon's Hump, Cai)e of Oood Hope, iu sight. 28//i.-Da«Hou Island on starboard beam, distanco ton miles. 21)//i.-Saw a 8ohoom«r on yiort bow. I brought her master off to pilot us in. 240 p.m., anchored in Saldanha Bay. Splendid bay. Fresh provisions abundant, but water scarce. A splendid harbour for a capital. 3rrf.— This day proved the most melancholy one sinoe we have been out. Four oilicers loft the ship in the dingy to go shooting. Whilst in the act of drawing a gun towards himself (in the boat) it went off, at a distance of throe inches from his breast, and its contents entered his breast, going through the lungs, and causing instan- taneous death. The deceased was third assistant-engineer, S. W. Cummings. His death caused universal sorrow. 5-15 P.M.— Passed his l)ody on declc. m, 2.45, v.M.-Callcd all hands: "bury the dead." Passed the body over the side into a boat. Everything being prepared, the funeral party accompanied by a guard, left the ship for the shore. On landing, the body, with four men, was phiced in a waggon. The guard also in a waggon. The officers in uniform on horseback. The pall-bearers were Engineers Freeman, O'Brien, and Pundt, and myself. Arrived at the grave, the 'first lieutenant read the service, and after three volleys had been fired over the grave, and a temporary headstone placed, we returned on board. 6th, 6 A.M.— Got under weigh and stood out of the bay along'the land in chase of a sail. Nearing her, it was found to be the Confederate States bark ' Tuscaloosa,' Lieutenant Commanding Low. I boarded and brought him off to com- muuicute with Captain Serames. Took him off again and partf 3 P.R She haulc Kan fire i kot s Sent Bridi beinj — Ii captt Carai fires. Visit mail cheei war 6t the with with obsei weat 7L let ^ heav Brid 8t anch 9t Saw ith. Throe vessels seen irale. The L'on's Rump, ard beam, distanco ton rt bow. I brought her w., anchored in Siildiinha lions abundant, but water •apital. )8t inchmcholy one sinee left the ship in the din^'V act of drawing a gun wont off, at a distance and its contents entered ngs, and causing instan- s third assistant-engineer, caused universal sorrow. k. mds: "bury the dead." into a boat. Everything d fires. Lieutenant Wilson sent on shore to visit the Governor. Visitors coming on board in numbers, 5'15,— English mail steamer 'Lady Joeelyn' anchond near us; the crew cheering us as they passed. 1030 p.m.— C.B.M. sloop of war ' Valorous' anchored near us. 6th. — The enthusiasm displayed by the inhabitants of the Capo amounts almost to a frenzy. All day crowded with visitors. Sent on shore all prisoners. Sent the cutter with instructions to the prize bark ' Sea Bride.' She was observed to stand out to sea. 8 p.m. — Cloudy threatening weather ; strong northerly breeze. 7th. — Strong gales. Veered out 90 fathoms of cable, and let go the other anchor. Evening; blowing strong, with heavy sea. Contradictory rumours respecting the ' Sea Bride.' 8ciii(j; at tiiiu' of oai.tnn- within thrr.' niih s „ra line .liMwn from hoa to iptnrc witliiu thrt'f iiiilrs lu>a.ll:in not liaMp to capture; ti:iO r.M.— ramt> to an i-al)lf8 in Boveu fatlioiris. liandK 1«y doscrtion. wautuDt,'' stt'ainc'l out to United States' steamer t; A.M.— The Confederate r weigh Visitors nd lib. Mr. Schroder appointed :>r, and steamed out of reported on port how. on/ Algoa Riy, to Cape )isted propeller. 11 r.M. pring S.E. rard. quarter. Stood in chase. Proved to he the ship nbay to Liverpool. Medi- ?ellyn was sent on board. on course. Three vessels ther-quarter. Beat to quar- 3ved to be the English ship n. Seven vessels in sight. le English bark ' Durbar,' to be Dutch. m 22nil. — Chased and boarded the English ship ' Sirawalc," Bombay to Liverpool, with cotLun, Sic , itc. Saw anntlior sail. 2''inl. — Court-martial soutemed Cliief lluatswain's Male, Johnston, to losi> all pay and ]iri/e-money due to hini, be coufiucd in irons three months, and disgraced liy a disrharge from the sliip. In a general order, the Captain expressed his regret at liavitig to roiilirtn tln' aliovt* sentence, and statt> 1 iurther that tlie jdea of drunkenness should not ]irotect any otVender from punishment, he believing that intoxication was a crime in itself, The charge was resisting and drawing a knife upon his superior oflicer whilst in the execution of his duty. 24//t. — Tacked ship in chase of a sail to windward. Boarding, biie proved to be the Dutch bark ' Minsister Van Ilall,' of and to Amsterdam from Batavia, with sugar and tobacco. 27tli. — 5 A.M. Stood in towards the land. Sounded at 10 ; sandy bottom in ()5 fathoms. Boarded a schooner, the ' Flower of Yarrow,' of Capo Town, from Ichaboo to Cape Town. 28///. — At 1 P.M., came to an anchor in 13 fathoms, in Angra Pequina. 2 p m. — Got under weigh and anchored in the harbour, Found the Confedt-rate States bark ' Tus- caloosa' and prize bark ' Sea Bride' at anchor. Officers and prize crow of ' Sea Bride' returned. Since our departure from Simon's Bay the coniiensing apparatus was found to bo out of order. Compelled to take twelve casks of water from a schooner. 'iiOtli — Strong southerly wind. Put a man on shore, at his own request, in accordance with sentence of cuurt-martial. 'Slat. — Got under weigh and stood out to sea. Strong southerly wind. 2nd. Sepf. G.30 a.m. — Saw a large sail to windward. 10. — hove her to by signal. On boarding I found her to be 64 the* Punjnub,' of ami to London from Kurradioo, ladon with •ttltpetre nnd cotton. 5 a.m.— niadc a miil on widtluT bow. 'Hrd.— 2.\!'> A.M. Saw a Hail onr jioint on wcatlnT how. Made all sail in cIuiho. At H.l.'i hovo chaso to with blank oartrid^jt'. On boiirdiu(/, found hor to be tho ' Iulf O'Miiy,' of and to London, from Colomlw), with eoll'co. Short ailowinco of water. bth, 7.30 P.M. —A Hteamor paHscd ua on weather beam. Sujiposod to bo thf Capo mail steamer. 8irf-.-=Si^Ji^'^^^i-^^^^:.