at the
unfortunate "Zel" had foundered, and that her crew and the brave young
Harry Oliver and his still more youthful companion had perished. Many
hearts on board grieved for their loss. I will not say tears were shed,
because, however poets may write about the matter, it is my belief that
British seamen are not addicted to express their feelings in that way,
unless perhaps occasionally a few do so when they become sentimental
with a larger amount of grog on board than usual, but even that is not
very common. They are more inclined to become obstreperous and
combative on such occasions.

The latter part of our cruise was not likely to prove so successful as
the commencement.

Standing to the extreme south of the group, we came off a Spanish
settlement, guarded by a couple of forts, and which, as it was of
considerable size, our Captains determined to lay under contribution for
wood, water, and refreshments. We fortunately captured a felucca a
short distance from the coast, and her master was now directed to stand
in and make our request for the articles we required known to the
authorities of the place. They not understanding our amiable
disposition, or supposing that we were the bloodthirsty monsters we had
been described, declined acceding to our petitions. There was no help
therefore but to attempt to take by force what was denied to our modest
request. The wood and water we might have procured elsewhere, but
vegetables and fresh meat and other provisions we had no hopes of
finding. We accordingly stood in towards the town, hoping that our
appearance would overawe the enemy. The Spaniards, however, as soon as
we got within range of their guns, opened a hot fire upon us which
showed that they fully intended to keep to their resolution of not
rendering us assistance. Hungry Englishmen are not well-pleased to be
baulked of their provisions. The order was "Out boats and take the
fort." Four boats shoved off, under command of Captain Masterman, and
made for the shore, in spite of the hot fire with which they were
received. One, however, grounded on a sandbank, and several men were
hit while they were endeavouring to get her off. The intention was to
take the fort. They reached the beach, and on the men dashed, expecting
in a few minutes to be engaged in storming the fort. As, however, they
were rushing up the hill, a large body of armed men appeared on the top
of it, five or six times their number. A b