PORTER'S JOURNAL. 



17 



time, to fill up our water, and take in refreshments. I 

 therefore ran in and anchored in seven fathoms water, clear 

 sandy bottom, the flag-statF bearing N.N. W., and the east 

 end of Quail Island west by compass. We tired the salute, 

 which was punctually returned. 



At nine o'clock on the morning of the 28th, I waited on 

 his excellency, accompanied by some of the officers. He was 

 engaged at the time on some business at the custom-house, 

 as I was informed, and could not be seen until about 1 1 ; 

 the second in command, however, major Medina, who 

 spoke indifferent English, entertained us during the inter- 

 val, making oifers of his services in procuring the supplies, 

 of which we gave him a list. After making the necessary 

 arrangements, and fixing on the prices, we waited on the 

 governor, whom we found at his house, dressed in all his 

 splendour to receive us. His reception was of the most 

 friendly nature, and I am persuaded he was much pleased 

 to see us in the port. He appeared astonished that I should 

 have sent in for permission to enter the port. I informed 

 him, that as the Portuguese were the allies of Great Bri- 

 tain, I had entertained doubts whether he would feel au- 

 thorized to give us protection against a superior British 

 force, should it appear ; but so soon as he had granted per- 

 mission for us to enter the port, those doubts were removed. 

 He expressed much regret that the war had deprived them 

 of the advantage arising from the American commerce, as 

 they had been cut off from all their supplies, and were now 

 destitute of bread, and every other comfort of life, except 

 what the island afforded, which consisted chiefly in live 

 stock and fruit. He told me that a little flour, or any thing 

 else we could spare, would be most acceptable to him j and 

 invited me to make my dinner with him, on such scanty 

 fare as he was enabled to give me ; adding, if I would come 

 on shore next day, he would endeavour to provide some- 

 thing better. I accepted his invitation with as little cere- 

 mony as it was given ; and although there was but little va- 

 riety of meats, he had an abundant supply of the best tro- 

 pical fruits I ever tasted. The oranges were very fine. 

 We this day commenced watering ; but, after having to roll 

 the casks about five hundred yards, found great difiiculty in 

 getting them from the beach, on account of the heavy surf. 



On the 29th, I again dined with the governor, and from 



VOL, I, " 3 



