— 89 — 
On rounding the Island Port Victoria came into view, and 
wo dropped onr anchor in the inuer harbour about 5 p. m. In 
a short time a boat put off shewing the English ensign, and 
Mr Franklyn the Civil Commissioner, Dr Brookes the Health 
Officer, and Mr Vaudin the English Minister soon hoarded us 
after the usual iuquiries pratique was given, and they returned 
to the shore, Mr Gordon accompanying them, to make pre- 
parations for the official landing on the morrow. 
“ We found in the harbour the French corvette Surprise of 
4 guns, Captain Thierry, and a small Arabian man of war. 
Officers from both ships soon made their appearance and 
apologized for not saluting, as they had not sufficient guns. 
The American whale ship Herald lay astern of us and she 
soon run up her Stars and Stripes. I was greatly pleased 
watching the men of the j Forte heaving the anchor short at the 
Capstan, all keeping regular time to the lively airs played by 
the Band, such as “ Champagne Charley,” “ Sally in our alley,” 
“Tom Bowline,” and other favourite nautical ditties. 
“ In the evening the Admiral gave a dinner on board the 
Forte and several ladies and gentlemen from shore were present . 
II. 
The morning of Friday the 25th August was bright and 
clear, and the crystal waters of the Bay of Mahe were smooth 
as a mirror. The town of Victoria could be distinctly seen 
from the Frigate, and as I gazed on the grand outlines of 
mountain and forest on the island, I was already revelling in 
the anticipation of pleasant hours spent iu exploring the one 
and climbing the other. As it was understood that His Ex- 
cellency was to land this day, I concluded to go ashore as soon 
as breakfast was over, in order to note everything there was 
to be seen, which I accordingly did. 
“ About 8 o'clock a steam barge left the ship with two field 
pieces and a squad of sailors, and when I landed I saw them 
hauling the guns along the Chauesea in true military style. 
I found the town iu a perfect ferment of bustle and excitement. 
Many planters bad come in fronj the couutry with their fa- 
