46 Voyage of the Novara. 



of precaution, all communication, and to postpone indefinitely 

 her departure, as a great part of the crew might be 

 overtaken with the disease whilst at sea, exposed to sudden 

 changes of temperature, thereby causing the most serious 

 consequences. Such is not the case with diseases which are 

 in some degree localized, as cholera, yellow fever, dysentery, 

 &c., when it is even prudent to set sail, notwithstanding the 

 presence of the malady, as a change of place and climate is 

 frequently accompanied with beneficial results. 



After we had got through our duties at Gibraltar, an attempt 

 was made, with the first favourable wind, to set sail and reach 

 the Atlantic ; the Caroline remaining behind for the benefit 

 of the sick on board. She was to follow only when the 

 health of the crew no longer excited any apprehension. 



On the 30th May the wind changed to south, and as the 

 current in the harbour was also favourable, we weighed anchor 

 in the hope that in the Straits we might meet with an 

 easterly wind. The Novara passed the Caroline, which saluted 

 with a round of cheers, when we tacked to clear the roads, 

 after which all sail was hoisted to beat out against the 

 western current in the Straits. The sea was covered with 

 a mucous substance, which generally indicates that there is 

 scarcely a chance of a fresh breeze ; however, even the little 

 we had, would have sufficed to carry us through the Straits, 

 but towards 6 p.m. a perfect calm overtook us, and notwith- 

 standing the press of sail, we were carried back towards the 

 East, and about midni^iflit found ourselves ajrain in the Medi- 



