276 THE LIFE OF 



went on the fame expedition, fo that his Excels 

 lency, the Viceroy, had four lefs to provide for* 

 About the 24th of January laft, the fleet being 

 ready to fail, all thpfe belonging to the Lady 

 Shore, myfelf excepted, were ordered to em- 

 barki boats belonging tg the Cuftona-houfe were 

 provided for them, and an officer charged to con- 

 duel them to their refpedlive fhips. The boats 

 were drawn up at the landing-place near the 

 Palace, and every one embarked, except Enfigii 

 Minchin, m'Iio delayed it till the lateft moment. 

 I happened to be walking on the wharf at the 

 time, which he perceiving from the window of 

 the room where he bad remained fhut up fo long, 

 and confcious that he merited chaftifement from 

 my hand, folicited from the Adjutant-General, 

 and obtained an efcort to condud: hini to the 

 boat. Accompanied by two fuzilcers and a 

 non»commi0ioned officer, he crofled the parade 

 amidll the burfts of laughter of all who beheld 

 this extraordinary proceffion. 



CHAP. XXIII. 



l)efcription of the town of Rio de Janeiro. — M///- 

 iary ejlahliflment there. — Uncommonly fine mulatto 

 regiment of militia. — Produce of the country.— -De- 



fcription 



