1831.] 
CAPE DE VERDS. 
27 
and men respond with alacrity, as it is the harbinger of fine 
weather and clear skies. The stately topmasts of pine soon 
bear their flowing sheets, while the unfolding brails of the heavier 
sails add apparent dignity and strength to all below. Topgallant 
sails, royals, and studding sails, spread, as if by magic, their 
white surface to the breeze, and bright eyes, and. cheerful glee, 
show that the storm has sunk to rest. 
Early on the morning of the twenty-first September, St. An- 
tonio, one of the Cape de Verd islands, was in sight, bearing 
southeast, and about ten miles distant. This is the most west- 
ern, or rather northwestern island, of the whole group, being in 
latitude 14° north, longitude 25° 30' west. The reefs were 
turned out of the topsails, with the view of keeping off, and, if 
possible, avoiding the calms which ships are liable to experience 
when they pass near this lofty island, some of the mountains of 
which are nearly as high as the Peak of TenerifFe. As a gen- 
eral remark, all vessels not wishing to touch at the Cape de 
Verds, should keep at least thirty miles to the west of St. An- 
tonio, and thereby avoid the frequent calms which take place 
within ten or fifteen miles of the land. 
The voyage of the Potomac, thus far, had not been very favour- 
able, as her course had not been facilitated by any winds which 
were entitled to the appellation of trade. On the day following, 
the commodore stood in close with the island of Brava, the most 
southern of the group, and by far the most fruitful. Two boats- 
were now despatched towards the shore, in charge of Lieutenant 
Pinkham, to procure, if possible, fruits and vegetables. The 
principal landing-place is on the northeast part of the island, 
though hopes were entertained that a landing might be effected 
on the west side, in the of&ng of which the Potomac lay. 
After rowing several miles to the southeast, along the shore, 
without finding a single spot against which the sea did not break 
with violence, the boats were compelled to return to the frigate, 
Upon the sides of almost perpendicular mountains and cliffs, 
goats and monkeys were seen ; the latter keeping up an incessant 
chattering, as if alarmed at the near approach of the boat to- 
wards their airy and solitary abode. But no human beings were 
visible, save two only, who were seated on a rock, fishing, in a 
state of perfect nudity. Thus failing in his intention of procuring 
