PROFESSOR SiMITH S JOURNAL. 279 



the A'essel 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 

 Avas sounding ahead. She ancliored 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 

 steerino- towards Kakatoo Point. While we were at table 

 this vessel discharged a gun, and hoisted the Swedish flag, 

 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 witti shot, and that the ball 

 passed very near our vessel. Every thing was now in a 

 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 mferiority in 

 point of strength. The schooner anchored at a short 

 distance, and sent a boat with a few men on board with 

 the Captain's compliments, 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 n}essage 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 siglit 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. 



