n many months their associate in imprisonment, I took a
deep interest in these poor fellows; participated in their feelings, and
parted from them with regret. Peace to their memories! They have without
doubt long ere this ended their weary pilgrimage of life.

We remained at St. Helena several weeks, waiting for the China fleet,
during which time we took in a fresh supply of provisions, water, etc.
This now famed island is nothing more nor less than a huge irregular block
of granite, rising perpendicularly from the midst of the sea. The town,
what there is of it, is built in a gully or chasm in the rock: the
inhabitants are composed mostly of the military establishment and those
connected with it, with perhaps a few exceptions. The island is only
useful as a stopping-place for outward and homeward bound India-men, etc;
and the inhabitants would be in a state of starvation, were it not for the
supplies of provisions which they obtain from the shipping which put in
there. All manner of coins from all manner of countries are in circulation
here; and all copper coin goes for a penny, be it twice the size of a
dollar, or as small as a five-cent piece. A person that way minded might
soon make a large and curious collection here.

The China fleet now made its appearance, and after a few days' delay we
all got under weigh, with a convoy of a frigate, a sloop-of-war, and a
transport full of troops, who on their arrival in England were ordered
immediately to the United States, where they were sadly cut up at the
battle of New-Orleans. We left the island with a stiff breeze, which
continued with fine clear weather for several days. The fleet amounted to
over seventy sail, and was arranged in two lines; and in fine weather,
with all sail set, we composed a beautiful spectacle. During the whole of
the voyage the utmost precaution was used to prevent an attack or capture
by privateers, or national vessels of the enemy. Lights of every kind were
strictly forbidden at night, except through a special order from a
superior officer, and a double watch was kept day and night.

'Land, ho!' cried the look-out at the mast-head, one day. It proved to be
what is termed the Western Islands, which lay directly ahead of us. 'Sail,
ho!' was the next cry; and all eyes were turned toward the strangers. They
were two 'long, low, black-looking schooners,' lying-to very quietly,
about three miles ahead. 'See the d----d Yankees!' shouted all hands, in