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 

 been 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 



vol. v. 56 



