VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 
583 
we could wish. We had been threatened with a repetition of a fit 
of sea-sickness, after spending three days on shore, but felt no 
symptoms of that unpleasant malady. St. Helena remained in 
sight all day, and for some hours we could see Longwood through 
an opening behind the Barn-rock. In the evening, the moon 
shone bright, and we sat long on deck. 
Of oar fellow-passengers, onl}' Captain Crawford and Lieutenant 
Keeling had been on shore. The former complained sadly of the 
expense he had been put to at a tavern. Lieutenant Keeling had 
been in camp with the fifty-third regiment, called with Dr. O'Meara 
on Bertrand, and walked over the grounds at Longwood. 
No\ ember 1st. We had entirely lost sight of St. Helena, and 
were gently gliding along towards the island of Ascension. Hav- 
ing got rid of General Boiiapiirte's goods, our decks were clear, 
and we had room to walk two abreast from the wheel to the ladder. 
Having been informed, that we were at war with the Algerines, 
our valiant tars conceived good hopes, that we should " have a 
brusii" with some of them. 
In the afternoon the Captain ordered a general exercise of great 
guns and small arms, without firing. 
2d. A target being fixed at the end of the fore-top-sail-yard, the 
marines and artillery-men fired at it. A general exercise took place. 
The whole operation of calling the men to quarters, mustering 
at the guns, each officer taking his particular station, was put in 
practice; firing with great guns; boarding; resisting boarders; ex- 
tinguishing fire; falling down to avoid raking broadsides; jumping 
up to fire ; &c. The manoeuvres were directed by 1 he captain, unex- 
pectedly, as he thought fit, and the men seemed to go through 
their work with great spirit. The whole represented a naval en- 
gagement, and was to me a very entertainmg exhibition. In the 
sequel, this exercise was frequently repeated. 
4th. Every preparation was made, and I was informed, that in 
case of an attack;, in a few minutes we might be ready for the fight. 
For some days past, I had perceived a slight pain in my left leg, 
