34 
VISIT TO THE ‘ WILBERFORCE.’ 
and had sight of the low land through the fog just in 
time to haul off shore, and steam against a strong head 
wind and sea. Seeing, however, some vessels of much 
greater draft of water than ourselves steering into 
Skerries Harbour, we followed, and soon anchored 
in a perfectly smooth basin. The sudden relief was 
such as we thought only a landsman could have ap- 
preciated. On the following day, we coasted along by 
Rock Bin, Ireland’s eye, &c., and passing the beautiful 
Bay of Dublin, arrived in Kingston Harbour. 
The number of visitors who daily crowded on board, 
brought from Dublin by the newly constructed railroad, 
testified the interest taken in the expedition; forming 
a contrast to the monotonous time passed in Trafalgar 
Dock at Liverpool, where our existence seemed to be 
unknown ; and certainly if the good wishes and bene- 
dictions of the fair daughters of Erin could have ensured 
our success, they were not wanting. 
During our stay, we were honoured with a visit of 
inspection by His Excellency Lord Ebrington, the Lord 
Lieutenant, and suite, who examined every part of the 
vessel, and were much interested by the novelty of the 
arrangements. 
A ludicrous circumstance took place, which was after- 
wards a subject of frequent joking — among his messmates 
— with the innocent cause of it. The marine placed as 
sentry on the gangway, had orders to keep the “ finest 
pisantry” from crowding on board, while we were lying 
alongside the pier, preparing for the Viceroy. Just as a 
