90 
MOCHA. 
The pier does not extend far enough out, for the boats to reach it at 
low water ; this is extremely inconvenient. The SuUaun procured 
us excellent bullocks ; he was himself the sole dealer in these 
articles. He was extremely civil, sent Captain Vashon and me a 
present of a cow, two sheep, and seven goats, and invited us on 
shore, saying, he had horses, kc. at our service. The limes are 
excellent, and in profusion. Fire wood is to be obtained. The climate 
is healthy, and I suspect we were particularly unfortunate in having 
it so unpleasant. Our tents were blown down and torn to pieces. 
July 27. — "Yesterday the wind was so violent that no boat put 
off after the early part of the morning. One that went on shore 
was nearly swamped in returning. My servant went out on an ass, 
and procured me another plant of the balsam of Mecca, and some 
seeds. At seven in the evening it suddenly fell calm, and a light 
sea breeze sprung up. Last night it began to blow at half past one; 
but, fortunately, this morning it became moderate, which enabled 
us to get off our tents, bullocks, fruit, and water. Towards evening 
it again blew so fresh that we left our anchor behind us when we 
weighed for sea. 
July 28. — A ship was in sight early, bearing from the Straits: 
we gave chase, and neared her considerably, till it fell calm. We 
suspected her to be a French privateer, and cleared for action. She 
hoisted American colours, but immediately took them down again. 
At night she was out of sight. 
August 2' — ^The vessel we chased steered in so strange a way, 
that we did not wish to leave her and, consequently were consi- 
derably delayed. On the 29 ih she was visible in the morning, but 
astern. On our firing a gun to leeward, and hoisting our colours, she 
