CHAP. I. FAREWELL VISIT TO THE "INDIANA." 15 



its end. Two sliip's lanterns were suspended, one on each 

 side of this rude pulpit, which was secured by seamen sitting 

 on each side and holding the chest upright with their hands. 

 The boatswain, an old man-of-war's man, sat by my side. 

 The berths and forecastle were filled with sailors and firemen, 

 who listened with attention and seriousness to a plain dis- 

 course. The captain was pleased with this conduct of the 

 men, and both he and the first officer said it was an unusual 

 thing for sailors to request to have religious worship amongst 

 themselves. 



Daylight, on the 7th of June, revealed to us the fertile 

 and romantic-looking island of Mauritius, which we ap- 

 proached from the southward; and, after proceeding along 

 its western shore, gazing with unspeakable delight on the 

 varied and picturesque forms of its lofty mountains or its 

 wide fields of sugar cane, we cast anchor in the harbour of 

 Port Louis early in the forenoon, having been little more 

 than seven weeks since leaving England. On landing soon 

 afterwards, we were cordially welcomed by Messrs. Le Brun, 

 and by the close of the day found ourselves comfortably 

 domiciled beneath the hospitable roof of Mr. Kelsey and his 

 amiable family. 



Before the vessel in which we had sailed left Mauritius, 

 I paid a farewell visit to the captain, officers, and pas- 

 sengers, and received from every individual the most cordial 

 and affectionate expressions of desire for my welfare. When 

 I left the saloon I found at the ship's side a number of the 

 inferior officers, firemen, and sailors, waiting to take leave of 

 me and to wish me Grod speed. I received their willing and 

 hearty expressions of good-will as a reason for hope that some 

 benefit had been derived from my intercourse with them ; and 

 should it ever be my lot to make another voyage, I shall 

 think myself highly favoured if I sail with a commander 

 equally able, attentive, and obliging, with officers and men 



