s and provisions, for, like weevils, we had to eat a
hole in our bread, before we had a place to lay down in; every officer's
cabin, the Captain's not excepted, being filled with provisions and
stores. Our sufferings were much encreased, for want of room to
accommodate our sick, notwithstanding every effort of the Captain that
humanity could suggest.

In this sickly lumbered state, near the latitude of Madeira, we observed
a sail bearing down upon us: from her appearance and manoeuvres, we had
every reason to believe she was a ship of war; and a rumour of a Spanish
war prevailing when we left England, rendered it necessary to clear ship
for action; as soon as our guns were run out, and all hands at quarters,
got along side of her, when she proved His Majesty's Ship, _Shark_, sent
out with orders of recall to Admiral Cornish, who had sailed for the West
Indies a few days before we left Spithead.

This little disaster deranged us much, having at the same time bad
weather, attended with heavy thunder squals. The Peek of Teneriff now
began to shew his venerable crest, towering above the clouds; and in two
days more came to an anchor in the road of Santa Cruz, but did not
salute, as the Commandant had not authority to return it.

Immediately on our arrival we were boarded by the Port-master, by whom we
learnt they had been in much apprehension of a disagreeable visit from
the English, but were happy to hear that matters were amicably settled
between the Courts of Madrid and St. James's.

With respect to site nothing can be more beautifully picturesque than the
town of Santa Cruz. It stands in the centre of a spacious bay, on a
gentle acclivity surrounded with retiring hills, and the noble promontory
of the Peek rising majestically behind it, dignifies the scene beyond
description, being continually diversified with every vicissitude of the
surrounding atmosphere, emerging and retiring thro' the fleecy clouds,
from the bottom of the mountain to its summit.

All the circumjacent hills on the margin of the beach are tufted with
little forts, and barbett batteries, forming an Esplanade round the bay,
affords a most agreeable landscape. The houses being all painted white,
pretty regularly built, and standing on a rising ground, raises one
street above another, and heightens the scene from the water; to which
the Governor's garden contributes much to beautify the town.

In the centre of the principal square, is a well built f