Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/52

This page has been validated.
6
ARRIVAL IN THE TRADES.
[1837.

following; having travelled during this interval, nearly west, 1440 miles, or at the rate of 7.4 per diem.

To our chagrin, the westerly breezes revisited us, and unfortunately, instead of standing southerly where smooth water and the trade might be hoped for, we kept attempting to work westerly.

On January 2nd we experienced a favourable flaw, by which we were compelled to make southing, and at length secured the steady trade wind.

Sunday, 8th.—Being seven hundred and sixty-five miles from Barbadoes, another current bottle was put over. On the evening of the 13th, we shipped the paddle floats, got the steam up, and at daylight on the 14th made the island of Barbadoes.

At eight we passed her Majesty's ship Melville, bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir P. Halkett, Belvidera, Captain Strong, and Racehorse, Sir E. Home.

Having delivered to the Admiral a letter from the Admiralty respecting my movements, I was directed to proceed on immediately to Jamaica, and if no ship of war was there, to proceed on in the steamer to Chagres.

I was fortunate in finding all the commanders old friends, and from my good messmate. Sir E. Home, received much valuable information, as well as hints to guide me in my future movements at Chagres, at that period not quite so well known.

In the evening we again started for Jamaica, having taken on board Mr. Sturge of the Society of