260 



ARRIVAL AT MARANHAM. 



of the British seas ; but their school is good, 

 and now he found his way to Maranham with as 

 much dexterity as an experienced pilot. This 

 coast is generally known to be dangerous ; and 

 the land has, for the most part, a dreary and dis- 

 mal look, particularly after passing Rio Grande. 

 We entered the bay of St. Marcos with the lead 

 going, took the channel to the eastward of the 

 baixo do meio or middle bank, passed the fort 

 of St. Marcos, and came to an anchor opposite 

 and very near to the sand-banks at the mouth of 

 the harbour of St. Luiz. As no pilot came off 

 to us, the master and myself got into the boat, 

 intending to fetch one ; but, on coming oppo- 

 site to the fort of St. Francisco, a gun without 

 shot was fired, and the sentinel beckoned us 

 back to the ship. We pulled for the fort, and 

 when we approached it, an enormous speaking- 

 trumpet was produced, and through itwe received 

 orders not to proceed to the city. However, 

 we landed at the fort, and I told the officer that 

 the master was particularly desirous of having 

 a pilot, as he was unacquainted with the bay or 

 port; but it is well known that they contain 

 many sand-banks. We were answered, that the 

 pilot would come in due time ; and rinding re- 

 monstrance of no avail, returned to the ship. 

 When the pilot arrived, he was accompanied by 

 a soldier and a custom-house officer. It was 

 with some difficulty that I could persuade the 



