KINDNESS OF COMMANDER TROTTER. 159 



save themselves, through a heavy surf, and amid 

 the gloomy darkness of the night. 



When steam was up, we slipped one of the field- 

 pieces, and taking the other on board, stood out to 

 sea. We soon got a good offing, and determined on 

 making the best of our way back to Fernando Po 

 Saturday, November 16th. — At 10 a.m. we 

 spoke the Esperanza schooner, a tender to his 

 Majesty's brig Curlew. We had a letter from 

 the Admiralty, to the Admiral on the station, 

 or to any of the commanders of His Majesty's 

 vessels on the western coast of Africa ; and show- 

 ing it to Lieutenant Matson, with one from 

 Commander Trptter, he kindly supplied us with 

 an anchor, some wood and water, and we con- 

 tinued on our voyage. Shortly after, the Cur- 

 lew, Commander Trotter, from Fernando Po, 

 hove in sight. After stating our losses, it was 

 deemed preferable to go into Bonny and pro- 

 cure wood, as Commander Trotter kindly agreed 

 to furnish us with an anchor and cable for the 

 vessel, rather than we should put back to Fer- 

 nando Po. Commander Trotter, to whom I am 

 indebted for numerous acts of kindness, also ■ 

 offered to send his master on board to take us 

 across the Adony river into Bonny. Mr. Lander 



