270 PROFESSOR SMITH’S JOURNAL. 
with them, while the pretended gentlemen encouraged 
them. 
Fitzmaurice, accompanied by Tom Liverpool, had made 
an excursion in the morning, in order to examine a sand~- 
bank to the southward of Cabenda, mentioned by 
Grandpré ; but it was found to be so near the shore, that 
it was not thought to be of any consequence to us. About 
noon, we could discover some of the vessels at anchor 
under the high banks; and, on a projecting low point to 
the south-ward of the harbour, some huts were observed to 
be scattered among the trees. After our guests had left us 
Fitzmaurice was again sent out; Galwey and myself ac- 
companied him, and Hawkey soon joined us. ‘Though it 
was already growing dark, the thought of approaching for 
the first time so near the soil of Africa, afforded us great 
joy. From our anchorage, which was four miles distant 
from the shore, the depth was gradually diminishing. No 
breakers were observed until we came close under the land, 
the breakers running parallel with it to a great distance. 
We proceeded along the banks. The breakers were here 
so inconsiderable that a landing might have been effected 
without any difficulty ; but as the officers did not partici- 
pate in the eagerness I felt to visit the shore, we did not 
approach it nearer than at a distance of some hundred 
yards. It was a level tract of land, covered with wood, 
and in some places having small open plains, on which 
stood larger trees; from this plain we were separated by a 
white strand. A bright moon-light aiding the awakened 
enthusiasm of my mind, made me fancy that I beheld 
