PROFESSOR SMITH’S JOURNAL. 279 
the vessel was whirled round by the force of the current. 
The wind however blowing fresh, enabled us to advance 
about a mile before we were again compelled to anchor. 
The Congo went on briskly, following Fitzmaurice, who 
was sounding ahead. She anchored at Sherwood’s creek, 
near the shore, her people having thereby the satisfaction 
of having sailed before us up the river, though she had 
been towed all the day. As we anchored we saw a schooner 
steering towards Kakatoo Point. While we were at table 
this vessel discharged a gun, and hoisted the Swedish tlag, 
which by mistake was reported to be Spanish. ‘On seeing 
the British flag displayed, she fired another gun, which 
was said to have been loaded with shot, and that the ball 
passed very near our vessel. Every thing was now ina 
bustle, and all in arms; the guns were loaded, and every 
thing in readiness to answer such an unexpected salute. 
We were all courage, though aware of our inferiority in 
point of strength. [he schooner anchored at a short 
distance, and sent a boat with a few men on board with 
the Captain’s comphments, and an offer of his services. 
Captain Tuckey began to suspect that it was an American 
slave-vessel under Spanish colours. He returned for an- 
swer, that he would send a message on board their ves- 
sel, with thanks for the Captain’s civility (the real object 
was to reconnoitre) ; adding, that he commanded an expe- 
dition, of which the principle vessel, a corvette, had pro- 
ceeded before us. The sight of regimentals, and of 
marines, and the return of Fitzmaurice in a boat from the 
upper part of the river, confirmed the Captain’s statement. 
