CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 
441 
setting to the eastward and westward of that point. On the 30th of 
April, in the latitude of 23° S., and longitude 2° 40' E., we entered the 
trades, from which time until our arrival at St. Helena on the 1st of 
May, we experienced no currents. 
The appearance of the island disappointed us: its height and size 
were much less than we anticipated. It is but a bare and barren rock, 
rising abruptly from the sea; and the only thing remarkable is the 
succession of batteries, which are seen occupying every nook and 
corner where cannon could be placed, from the water-line to the 
highest peak. All now serve but to recall to mind the extraordinary 
man for whose safe-keeping so much cost and care had been bestowed. 
From the outward view of St. Helena, it seems scarcely necessary to 
have incurred so much expense and provided such means for the safe¬ 
keeping of Napoleon; for the island itself is almost inaccessible on all 
sides ; its bare rocks rising several hundred feet perpendicularly from 
the water. To reach the roadstead it is necessary to pass within a 
short distance of the rocks, and close along them until the valley of 
Jamestown is reached, which offers the only anchorage. Here it is 
often difficult to procure a good berth, as the roadstead is frequently 
crowded with vessels. 
On our arrival we were informed that the Porpoise and Oregon 
had sailed but a short time previously; all were well, and their stay 
at the island had been short. Six American ships were at anchor in 
the roadstead when we arrived, and three more came in the day after, 
making in all ten ships and a schooner bearing the flag of our own 
country. 
In addition to these were two English and one Swedish vessel, and 
a Dutch sloop of war. Several captured slavers, all of which had 
oeen condemned, were seen, either partly broken up, or lying on shore 
preparatory to that process; and one, a Baltimore clipper, captured 
under Portuguese colours, was fitting as a British cruiser, to be em¬ 
ployed against vessels in the same nefarious traffic. 
Soon after anchoring, we were visited by our consul, Mr. Carrol, 
who offered us every assistance; he made arrangements for procuring 
us a supply of water, and a party for that purpose was permitted to 
remain on shore all night at the jetty. This is the only place at which 
either passengers or goods can be landed: it is furnished with suitable 
cranes and stairs; but even with these, it is not well adapted for the 
accommodation of visiters or trade. Precautions have been evidently 
taken to discourage a landing; a small guard is always kept on duty 
at the guardhouse and drawbridge. From the landing-place a narrow 
road leads along the face of the perpendicular cliff, towards the gate 
56 
VOL. V. 
