292 REMINISCENCES OF A VOYAGE TO AND FROM CHINA. 
MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 
Reminiscences of a Voyage to and from China (continued 
from page 262).—At break of day on the 19th of June., the Island of 
St. Helena was visible a-head, at the distance of about six miles. In 
the early dawn, it appeared like a vast black cloud floating on the sur¬ 
face of the ocean. Finding the prediction of the previous evening so 
correct, we could not suppress admiration at the accuracy with which 
the fleet had been navigated to this lonely speck of the earth, nearly in 
the middle of the South Atlantic Sea, and several hundred miles from 
the nearest continent of Africa. 
Making sail, we neared the island rapidly, our course lying close 
round the eastern side, in order to reach the roadstead, which is before 
the only landing-place on the north-west angle of the rock. The 
nearer we approached this remarkable place, the more were we asto¬ 
nished at its vast altitude and rugged outline. While yet two or three 
miles from the nearest point of its base, the eye must be considerably 
elevated to view its topmost peak, from whence we could discern the 
signal-guns discharged, but were too far off to hear the report. A signal 
announcing the approach of a numerous fleet produces great commotion 
on this little world of granite. In time of war, all fly to arms; in 
time of peace, all hurry to their toilets, and proceed to the esplanade to 
receive their friends or letters from India. 
The anchorage ground requires to be gained by a press of sail, in 
order to give the ship head-way to reach high enough on the shelving 
ground where the anchor is “ let go,” and then brought head to 
wind; ” for if the ground be missed, a voyage of a month, perhaps, 
would be required to regain the same spot. In approaching the anchor¬ 
age, and close under the beetling crags, great caution is required in 
passing the deep and narrow clefts or ravines, as the sudden gusts of 
wind through these openings endanger the topmasts if the halliards are 
belayed. 
All the fleet, however, got safe to anchor, and immediately our inter¬ 
course with the shore began. Despatches for the Triton were received; 
and soon after they were opened, we were summoned into the captain’s 
apartments to speak with the purser (our employer’s brother-in-law). 
We found him in tears, and he could only articulate, Main, our good 
friend is dead!” Little more was said at that interview, but enough 
to send us away full of sad rumination to our own berth. 
Next day it was determined, concerning the plants, that all which 
had any chance of reaching England alive should be kept in their 
places, and treated as before; and any of the most valuable, that were 
