CIIAP. XVI 
DEPARTURE PROM MADAGASCAR. 
447 
farewells from my friends, I joined the captain who was * 
already in the boat, and before ten o’clock was in the cabin 
of the “ Castro.” Sodra, my faithful attendant, had arranged 
my berth, and waited to bid me farewell, after which he 
returned to the shore, having during the day, without my 
knowledge, applied in vain to the authorities of the port for 
permission to accompany me to Mauritius. 
By six o’clock on the 18th we were under way. The wind 
was fair, and during the first three days we passed over two- 
thirds of the distance to Mauritius. But calms and con¬ 
trary winds detained ns at sea sixteen days, and it was not 
until the 2nd of December that we reached Port Louis. 
The medical officer who came on board to examine our ship 
delivered a letter from Commodore (now Admiral) Trotter, 
then in the harbour; and on my way to the shore I called 
on board the frigate, and spent some time with the Commo¬ 
dore, whom I had previously met at the Cape of Good Hope. 
On reaching the shore I found that death had again re¬ 
duced the circle of my friends; but I was cordially welcomed 
by the survivors, and took up my abode beneath the friendly 
and hospitable roof of M. Lebrun. In company with Com¬ 
modore Trotter I visited Keduit, where I met a number of 
other friends, and afterwards spent my Christmas with the 
governor and his family. I also accompanied the Bishop of 
Mauritius, whose arrival since my former visit had afforded 
much satisfaction to many residents in the island, with 
some of the officers of Government, to the Commodore’s 
ship, where I met a gentleman recently from Beunion, 
from whom I obtained much valuable information. I like¬ 
wise met repeatedly with Mr. Layard from the Cape, who, 
for purposes of science, was voyaging with the Commodore. 
During my stay I also shared the hospitality of Major- 
General Hay, commander of the forces at Mauritius, and 
found myself again a guest at Cerne, with the Honourable 
