dress, a hymn was sung, and
it was singing! I have heard none like it since. I now preached to
this multitude, and how attentive they were! That was many years ago,
and I like to think that my first sermon was preached to a negro
audience in the West Indies at the age of sixteen. The subject was
Joseph as a type of Christ.

On this second West Indian cruise the ships of the fleet took part in
a sailing match from St. Lucia to Jamaica, the 'Bellerophon'
departing a day or two in advance of the other ships. When clear of
St. Lucia the screws were lifted, as no steaming was allowed, though
I think the flagship used both steam and sail. Be that as it may, no
other ship did. This match was a great competition, each commander
doing his utmost to trim the sails to the best advantage. The
'Pelican's' commander ordered all the heavy shot to be brought astern
of his vessel, and all manner of schemes were resorted to to increase
the speed. On the fifth day at sea we sighted the 'Bellerophon' on
the horizon, and in a few hours overhauled her, thus gaining the
position of the leading ship, which was maintained until we reached
Jamaica. As the 'Emerald' passed her that day the brass band
assembled on the poop to play "See the Conquering Hero comes." The
last ship to pass her was the 'Canada,' the band playing--"Where have
you been all the day?" which undoubtedly they thought very
appropriate. The second best ship in the fleet for sailing was the
'Pelican,' and for days she kept very close to the 'Emerald,' but
never overtook her.

As I now write, there hangs before me on the wall a picture
illustrating this race, bearing this inscription:--

H.M.S. 'Emerald'--12 guns.

From St. Lucia to Jamaica, January 19, 1891. The fleet racing, the
'Emerald' beating every other ship. Band of Admiral's ship playing--
"See the Conquering Hero comes."

At length the fleet reached Jamaica. Two ships (V12), the
'Bellerophon' and 'Thrush,' proceeded up Kingston harbour, and on the
night upon which the Great Exhibition was opened--and I think Prince
George, the commander of the 'Thrush,' opened it--all the fleet was
decorated aloft with incandescent lights--a truly grand sight. Two
Russian ships were present, and their decorations surpassed our
English display. One of them had the initial P shining between the
foremast and mainmast, and G between the main mast and mizenmast.
This was in honour of Prince George.

Just another incident in connecti