he San Jacinto--Neutrality of the port invaded--Prompt
measures--Expectation--Ready for action--Success--Locking an empty
stable--Temptation--The Clara L. Sparks--Refitting--A court-martial
--Dismissed_.

The 18th November saw Captain Semmes again off Martinique, which he had
visited in the Sumter just twelve months before. Making the north end of
the island at about 4 A.M., the propeller was lowered and steam got up,
the day breaking just as the Alabama's screw began to revolve. At 10
A.M., having run past St. Pierre, she anchored in the harbour of Fort de
France.

Here she found her faithful consort, the Agrippina, from whom she had
parted at Terceira on the 24th of August. On her departure from that
port, she had returned with all speed to Cardiff, from which she had
again sailed for the rendezvous at Martinique, and was now ready with a
fresh supply of coal for the Alabama, and had been waiting her arrival
just eight days. In addition to the much needed supply of coal, the
Agrippina brought a small mail for the Alabama's officers, who thus
received news from friends at home for the first time for more than
three months.

No sooner was the anchor down than a lieutenant was sent ashore to pay
the usual visit of ceremony to the Governor, carrying with him a note,
informing his Excellency of the arrival of the Confederate steamer
Alabama in French waters. A few hours brought a courteous reply,
extending to the Alabama the hospitality of the port; and the health
officers having visited the ship, arrangements were made for laying in a
stock of provisions, and such other articles as were required after the
cruise. Nor were the amenities of the Alabama's reception confined to
the authorities alone. An enthusiastic greeting awaited her from almost
every one; the clubs were placed at their disposal, and invitations _a
discretion_ poured in from every side.

It would, perhaps, have been better for the discipline of the Alabama
had the welcome extended to her crew been somewhat less cordial. Weary
of their long confinement, and bent, as the sailor always seems to be on
first putting into port, on a "good spree," a considerable number of her
men fairly succumbed to the hospitality of the worthy islanders, a
result that was not a little aggravated by the exertions of the
deserter, Forrest. This man appears to have entertained a deliberate
purpose of exciting a mutiny on board of the vessel, and with this
object in view, ma