SOO SHIPWRECK OF THE MEDUSA. 
On the 2d of July, at five in the morning, the captain was 
persuaded that a large cloud, which was discovered in the di- 
rection of Cape Blanco, was that cape itself After this pre- 
tended discovery, they ought to have steered to the west, for 
about fifty leagues, to have gained sea-room to double with 
certainty the Arguin Bank ; moreover, they ought to have 
conformed to the instructions which the Minister of Marine 
had given to the ships which set out for Senegal. The other 
part of the expedition, from having followed these instructions, 
arrived in safety at their destination. During the preceding 
night the Echo, which had hitherto accompanied the Medu 
sa, made several signals, but being replied to with contempt, 
abandoned us. Toward ten in the morning, the danger whici 
tlireatened us was again represented to the captain, a-nd he 
was strongly urged, if he wished to avoid the Arguin Bank, 
to take a westerly course ; but the advice was again neglected, 
and he despised the predictions. One of the officers of the 
frigate, from having wished to expose the intriguing Richefort, 
was put under arrest. My father, who had already twice 
made the voyage to Senegal, and who with various persons 
was persuaded they were going right upon the bank, alsc 
made his observations to the unfortunate pilot. His advice 
was no better received than those of Messrs. Reynaud, Es 
pia, Maudet, &c. Richefort, in the sweetest tone, replied. 
"My dear^ we know our business; attend to yours, and h< 
quiet. I have already twice passed the Arguin Bank : I havn 
sailed upon the Red Sea, and you see I am not drowned.' 
What reply could be made to such a preposterous speech ? 
My father, seeing it was impossible to get our route changed, 
resolved to trust to Providence to free us from our danger, 
and descended to our cabin, where he sought to dissipate his 
fears in the oblivion of sleep. 
At noon, on the 2d of July, soundings were taken. IKL 
Maudet, ensign of the watch, was convinced we were upon 
the edge of the Arguin Bank. The captain said to him, as 
well as to every one, that there was no cause of alarm. In 
the mean while, the wind blowing with great violence, impell- 
ed us nearer and nearer to the danger which menaced us. A 
species of stupor overpowered all our spirits, and every one 
preserved a mournful silence, as if they were persuaded 
we would soon touch the bank. The color of the water en- 
tirely changed, a circumstance even remarked by the ladies. 
About three in the afternoon, being in 19 deg. 30 min. north 
latitude, and 19 deg. 45 min. west longitude, an universal cry 
