VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 389 
calms and squalls. But in about an hour's time, a breeze sprung 
up from the north-east, which continued fair and strong. 
21st. Some showers passed over us. Every preparation was 
made for any unforeseen event, in reference to the war with the 
Algerines. Blue lights were got ready, and shot brought on 
deck. 
22d. A merchant ship hove in sight, and a square-rigged vessel 
was seen to windward. Boxes of case and grape-shot were brought 
on deck. About noon, a sea-man fell from the fore-top, and 
bruised his head exceedingly. The loss of his services was much 
regretted, as he was a remarkably clever and active man, and 
captain of the top. 
23d. Captain Forbes and I have been lately, at our leisure, 
reading Goldsmith's compendium of the histories of Greece and 
Rome, which Mr. Somerset had brought with him. I cannot di- 
vest myself of the party-feelings I had, when a boy at school. 1 
then took a dislike to the character of the Romans, and alvv^ays 
wished success to their enemies, more especially to Hannibal. 
Goldsmith's great admiration of them therefore did not accord 
with my sentiments. But the history of Rome is peculiarly in- 
structive to an Englishman, and he may thereby learn, what real 
enemies of the happiness of mankind all demagogues have ever 
been, however plausible their pretences. 
25th. This morning, about four o'clock, the sky being covered 
with dark clouds, and the moon set, a ship coming from the east- 
ward, approached us within two cable-lengths. She hoisted lights, 
but the night was so dark, that she was not immediately perceived 
by the men on the look-out. By God's providence, she did not 
run foul of us, which, as she was coming in full sail, and right 
before the wind, might have proved a serious injury to both 
vessels. The wind freshened towards evening, and we ran at the 
rate of from eight and a half to ten. knots an hour. 
26th. In sleepless nights, I vv^as both disturbed and amused by 
the various noises on board a sliip of war. First, the centiiiel be- 
