PROFESSOR SMITH’S JOURNAL. 275 
with an umbrella over his head, though the weather was cold 
and cloudy, he represented the very best caricature I ever 
saw. He soon became more moderate on being informed 
that these vessels were not belonging to slave-merchants 
(who generally for the sake of their own profit grant these 
gentlemen every possible indulgence), but to the king of 
England, and that our object was not trade. In order 
however to give him a proof of our good will towards him, 
a gun was discharged, and a merchant flag hoisted. At 
table they ate and drank immoderately ; and in return 
promised to procure refreshments if we would send a boat 
on shore. In the meantime they were to remain on board. 
Fitzmaurice was accordingly ordered to go on shore in 
the boat. ‘The Captain observing my extreme impatience 
to accompany him, said that if an excursion of a few 
minutes could be of any use to me he would readily give 
his permission, but that there was no place for more of 
us. I was not long in jumping into the boat. With a 
fair wind aad with the assistance of oars we were scarcely 
able to double the point on account of the current. At 
Jast with great difficulty we reached the shore. Ali, our 
pilot, flung a rope to the negroes, who flocked down, and 
they drew us for some time through the surf along the 
coast. ‘The vegetation was magnificent and extremely 
beautiful. Shrubs of a rich verdure, large gramineous 
plants, and thick groups of palms met the eye alternately. 
‘he country displayed the most beautiful forms, the most 
charming scenery. I found myself as in a new world, 
which was before known to me in imagination only, or by 
