274 MOUTH OF THE RIVER. 



to a considerable extent, which in alluvial soil 

 is a sure sign of shallow water. 



On the 19th of August we saw once more the 

 salt water, and came to anchor astern of the 

 brig Columbine. Coming as we did from the in- 

 terior, we felt the sea-breeze piercingly cold, and 

 were glad in the evening to take up our old 

 quarters in the cabin. 



I found the Columbine in charge of a stranger ; 

 this person and one of her apprentices were the 

 only white people on board ; the remainder had 

 gone in the schooner on a cruise to Fernando Po. 

 After waiting until the 2l6th in hopes of the 

 crew of the brig returning, I got under weigh 

 with the Quorra. I took the brig in tow and at- 

 tempted to cross the bar with her, when, about 

 half-way between the entrance of the river and 

 the bar, a squall from the sea prevented our pro- 

 gress. The anchors of both vessels were let go 

 instantly, and we brought up within fifty yards 

 of the breakers on the eastern reef. While the 

 squall lasted, the engine was kept working, and 

 was one means of preventing our dragging. 



As it was too late to attempt the bar again on 

 that afternoon, we remained there riding very 

 heavily. In the evening the schooner came in 



