THE AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE.

NATURE OF THE SERVICE.

Since the settlement of Europeans on the continent of America and the West Indian Islands, a trade in slaves, brought from the African coast across the Atlantic, has existed to a less or greater extent. The unfortunate black-skinned sons of Africa were first captured to supply the loss of the mild and yielding natives of the New World, destroyed by the avarice and cruelty of their Spanish taskmasters. The British settlers, seeing what they believed the advantages which the Spaniards derived from the introduction of this forced labour, yielded to the temptation, and, entering into the nefarious traffic, bequeathed to their descendants a curse which is even now weighing heavily on their prosperity, and may some day overwhelm them. For centuries, indeed, although many wise and good men saw the slave-trade in its true light as a deadly outrage against the laws of God and the rights of man, yet the great mass among the civilized nations of the world were unconscious of its enormity, or indifferent to its practices. In those days it was carried on like any other trade in the present day. Vessels came out for slaves, ran down the coast, touching at all the principal native settlements, and purchased such slaves as were offered for sale, until their cargoes were completed. Sometimes the unsuspicious natives, who came off in their canoes to trade, were kidnapped in numbers sufficient to form a cargo. Sometimes a well-armed slaver carried off by force the negroes on board another slaver, ready to sail, and unable to defend herself. There were besides, along the coast at convenient points, forts and stations, established by the British and other European Governments, for the very purpose of facilitating the slave-trade.

At length, by the indefatigable efforts of Wilberforce and other philanthropic men, a brighter light dawned upon the eyes of the British public, as well as that of the United States, and they were taught to look on the slave-trade in all its dark and revolting colours.

The truth having once become manifest, the honest-minded of the people began to look with horror on a system they had so long sanctioned by their silence, and the desire to put an end to it became general among them.

On the 25th of March, 1807, the Royal Assent was given to the Bill for the Total Abolition of the British Slave-trade on and after the 1st of January, 1808. At first only a penalty in money was exacted from those convicted of slave-dealing; but this, of course, being found inefficient, in 1811 slave-dealing was made punishable by transportation for 14 years. This being afterwards discovered to be a most inadequate check, the offence was declared in 1824 to be piracy, and the punishment death. This law continued in force till 1837, when the punishment inflicted on British subjects for trading in slaves was changed to transportation for life.

A squadron of small vessels supposed to be suited for the purpose was forthwith equipped and sent out to the African coast to capture slavers wherever they could be found north of the equator, either embarking their cargoes or prepared to receive them, or with full ships, or up rivers on the coast, or out at sea; but though much energy and gallantry were displayed, and though there was an immense amount of boat-service of a hazardous description, often proving fatal to those engaging in it, there were, from the year 1819 to 1839 (twenty years), only 333 slave-vessels captured by the squadron, owing to the inefficiency of the cruisers employed, while from the year 1839 to 1849 inclusive (eleven years), 744 slave-vessels were captured. The slave-trade, at the former time, existed on the coast from Port St. Louis, on the river Senegal, on the north, to Cape St. Martha, in Benguela, in the south—a coast line of 3,000 miles and upwards. Till the year 1839 only a few 10-gun brigs and other inefficient vessels were employed,—indeed, there were never more than six cruisers at a time on the coast. So inferior, generally, were the vessels in sailing qualities, and so disastrous was frequently the result from the deadly climate when their boats were sent away up the rivers, that the officers were often disheartened, and persuaded themselves that the plan of blockading the coast would not put any effectual stop to the slave-trade. When, however, a very superior class of 16 and 18 gun brigs and sloops-of-war, and, latterly, of fast screw-steamers fitted for sailing as well as steaming, were sent out, the state of affairs was completely changed, and, as we have before remarked, in about half the time twice as many slavers were captured as under the old system.

The following extracts from the work of the Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, an American missionary on the Gaboon river, west coast of Africa, will more clearly prove what the British squadron has done to put an end to the slave-trade, and the subsequent accounts will show how they accomplished their work:—

"When the trade became illegal, it was banished from most of the European settlements; and the Spaniards, Portuguese, and others who determined to persist in it, notwithstanding its illegality, had to adopt a new mode of operations.

"They could no longer perform their usual voyages along the coast without being seized as prizes, and having their property confiscated. It became necessary, therefore, to erect barracoons on those parts of the coast where slaves could be collected with the greatest ease and in the largest numbers; and at the appointed time the vessels returned and took away these slaves without being detained on the coast more than twenty-four hours, and in some cases only a single night. The points thus occupied at one time could not have been less than forty or fifty.

"The English have never had any treaties with the Spanish, Portuguese, or Brazilian governments that would authorize them to destroy these barracoons. Hence they have been compelled to do what they could by guarding the coast and seizing slave-vessels in the vicinity of these barracoons. But as the numbers of the places occupied by the slave-trade greatly exceeded the number of cruisers employed to watch them, and were seldom less than fifty or a hundred miles apart, it will be readily seen that the cruisers had a difficult task to perform, and the frequent escape of slavers was inevitable. At the same time the profits of the trade were so great, that the escape of a single slaver would cover the profits of three captures.

"Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, such have been the diligence and activity of the officers of the squadron, that they have forced this trade out of more than three-fourths of the strongholds which it once occupied.

"From the Senegal river, on the borders of the Great Desert, to Cape Lopez, a few miles south of the equator, a distance coastwise of something like 2,500 miles, there is now no trade in slaves whatever. In fact, the trade is now confined to what is called the Congo country, in which there are not more than eight or ten points where slaves are collected, and from which they are shipped. Thus more than 2,000 miles of the frontiers of the best and fairest portion of the African continent has been relieved from this unparalleled scourge, and perhaps more than 20,000,000 of human beings in banishment have been restored to comparative peace and happiness by the operations of the squadron along the coast."

"The Bight of Biafra, into which run the rivers Benin, Bonny, Brass, Calabar, and Cameroons, once the chief seat of the trade, having been subjected for several successive years to a virtual blockade [adds Mr. Wilson], not only did the Spaniards and Portuguese find themselves under the necessity of relinquishing it, but at the same time the natives saw that they could derive a larger and more certain profit from lawful commerce, and consequently turned their attention to the manufacture of palm-oil. The number of vessels now engaged in carrying on a lawful trade in these rivers is between forty and fifty; and so decided are the advantages reaped by the natives from this change in their commercial affairs, it is not believed they would ever revert to it again, even if all outward restraints were taken away." "Palm-oil, however, is only one of a great variety of other products of the country equally valuable and capable of quite as much augmentation. Regarded merely in a selfish point of view, for its commercial results, England will be repaid for every dollar she has expended upon this enterprise, not only by the market she will have created in Africa for her manufactures, but likewise in the immense amount of valuable products that will be brought to her own shores from that country. But if these results acquire importance in connexion with commercial enterprise, how must they appear when contemplated in the light of humanity! We cannot contemplate this sudden and wonderful development of commerce in any other light than as one of those efficient agencies employed by Providence, not only to raise up Africa from the lowest depths of barbarism, but to place her on a footing of respectability with the most favoured nations of the earth." The squadron has also put down piracy most completely, and has enabled a number of settlements belonging to various nations to exist and flourish. But it has done more than that, it has aided in protecting a number of zealous workers in Christ's vineyard, who have been employed in sowing the seeds of the gospel in the land. "To the south of Sierra Leone, and between that and the Equator, that part of the coast where the efforts of the squadron to put down the slave-trade have been most successful, there have been founded, in fifteen or sixteen years, as many as twelve independent missions, at the distance of 100 or 200 miles from each other, embracing three times that number of distinct stations along the coast, and a still greater number of out-stations in the interior. The gospel is statedly preached to thousands and hundreds of thousands, not only along the frontier regions, but far in the interior. More than 10,000 youths are now receiving a Christian education in the schools connected with these missions, and will ere long be sent forth to spread the blessings of education and Christianity far and near among the benighted inhabitants of the land."

In all these varied ways has the British squadron rendered important service to the cause of humanity. It has put down piracy on the African seas; has restored peace and tranquillity to a line of sea-coast of more than 2,000 miles; has called into existence a large and flourishing commerce, and, at the same time, has thrown the shield of its protection over the cause of Christian Missions, and all the varied agency that has been employed to promote the cause of humanity and civilization among the benighted inhabitants of this great continent. IF THESE GREAT OBJECTS ARE NOT WORTHY OF BRITISH PHILANTHROPY, WE KNOW NOT WHERE TO FIND THOSE THAT ARE.

The Committee appointed by the Lords of Parliament, also report to the same effect, from the evidence collected from a number of officers employed on the coast, and other persons acquainted with the country:—

"With respect to the effect of the squadron on the coast of Africa, it appears, in the first place, that all other means of direct impression, as well as all moral influences which tend to the same result (such as the extension of Christianity and commerce, the return of liberated Africans and others to their native countries, &c.), depend on its maintenance; that, in proportion to its efficiency, these become more widely spread and more deeply rooted; but, if withdrawn, or materially reduced, that these secondary means could not continue to exist.

"With regard to the actual and direct effect of the squadron in suppressing the slave-trade, it has been proved that, when its operations began, the traffic extended over almost every part of Africa, from the Equator, as far as Cape Verde, a distance of nearly 2,500 miles. To this quarter, the efforts of the cruisers were entirely confined from 1815 to 1839; the slave-trade south of the Equator, from which Brazil was almost altogether supplied, being prosecuted with perfect security, and indeed protection. Yet, within this time, the slave-trade has been expelled from every quarter, north of the line, except from the Bight of Benin, a space of less than 300 miles. In the Bight of Biafra, (in which 15,000 slaves per annum were very recently exported from the river Bonny alone, while a large export also took place from the Old and the New Calabar, the Cameroons and other rivers), the slave-trade has been entirely extinguished. Complete treaties, enabling the British force to land and put it down, if resumed, have been concluded; and a consul, resident at Fernando Po, periodically visiting these rivers, and assisted by an occasional visit from a vessel of war, will, it is expected, be able to secure their fulfilment. In the place of the slave-trade, a great increasing commerce is springing up in this bight.

"Mission stations have been established, and the comparatively small means which suffice to prevent the revival of the slave-trade, compared with those which were required to put it down, show that wherever the slave-trade has once been effectively suppressed, a large reduction of force may follow, without danger of its revival.

"On the Gold Coast the influence of the English forts has entirely eradicated the traffic. At Cape Palmas, to the northward, as far as Cape Mount, the settlements of Liberia have been equally efficacious to that end.

"At Gallinas, under the treaty of 1840 (the operation of which was long suspended by a doubt as to the legality of destroying factories), the slave-trade has been recently entirely rooted out, mainly by the assistance of the surrounding natives. In this quarter a Government agent or consul on shore, aided by the presence of a single cruiser, will, there is reason to hope, prevent the slave-trade breaking out afresh; so that here, as well as in the Bight of Biafra, effectual repression may be followed by a great reduction of force.

"Further north, the natives themselves have risen against the traffic, requesting the captain of a cruiser to land and destroy the factories. A profitable trade has sprung up in its place, and the Sierra Leone Commissioners report that not a slave has been shipped for the preceding twelvemonth.

"To the south of the Equator the continuance of the slave-trade is owing partly to the shorter period during which repressive measures have been tried; partly to the inadequacy of the force which has hitherto been employed in that quarter; and in some degree to the assistance derived from the occasional connivance of certain of the authorities in the colonies of Portugal. But there is no reason to doubt that an adequate force, employed on the best system, would soon reduce that traffic to a very small amount.

"The general tenor of the evidence establishes, beyond all doubt, first, that the English cruisers have greatly checked and crippled the slave-trade; secondly, that their removal would be the signal for its breaking out with unexampled vigour at every available port along the whole sea-board; thirdly, that this would lead, amongst other results, to the whole coast swarming with piratical vessels, which would utterly destroy the legitimate trade, now daily increasing in value, between Great Britain and Africa; whilst all the beginnings of civilization, and all attempts to Christianize Africa, would be wholly defeated and destroyed; also that the legitimate trade cannot coexist with the slave-trade; but that if the slave-trade be suppressed for any lengthened period, its revival would be prevented by the lawful trade."

The following description of the barracoons at Gallinas, and of slave-vessels, empty and full, is taken chiefly from Captain Forbes' account of the African coast blockade, a service we may feel assured as important as any on which our navy is employed.

DESCRIPTION OF SLAVE BARRACOONS.

Gallinas is the largest establishment for the sale of slaves on the northern division, besides which there are factories at the Pongos, Sherbero, Shebar, and Grand Bassar, and the line of coast to be guarded is about 150 miles. Some of these are migratory. At Shebar, along the Kiltain coast, a distance of about 60 miles, there are stockaded barracoons for the reception of slaves, should the Gallinas be well blockaded.

In Gallinas, the chiefs still have remains of the ancient splendour acquired by the profits of the trade in former times. Huge bowls of solid silver adorn their tables, while satin and cloth of gold bedeck their jet-black bodies. The trade, by no means so lucrative, is now carried on in muskets, powder, spirits, and piece-goods, &c., supplied by vessels under American, French, Sardinian, or other colours of nations whose Governments have rendered their treaties as abstruse as possible; and as was the case with the 'Maid of Islay' steamer, sometimes by English vessels. These receive money in exchange, or, should the opportunity be a good one, a cargo of slaves.

A factory consists of several large dwelling-houses for the members, clerks, &c., of huge stores for the reception of goods, to the amount of sometimes one or two hundred thousand pounds.

When purchased, the slave is imprisoned in a barracoon, a shed made of heavy piles, driven deep into the earth, lashed together with bamboos, and thatched with palm-leaves. If the barracoon be a large one, there is a centre row of piles; along each line of piles is a chain, and at intervals of about two feet is a large neck-link, in one of which each slave is padlocked. Should this method be insufficient, two, and sometimes, in cases of great strength, three, are shackled together; the strong man being placed between two others and heavily ironed, and often beaten half to death beforehand to insure his being quiet. The walls of the barracoon extend from four to six feet high, and between them and the roof is an opening about four feet, for the circulation of air. The floor is planked, not from any regard to comfort to the slave, but because a small insect, being in the soil, might deteriorate the merchandise, by causing a cutaneous disease. Night and day these barracoons are guarded by armed men; the slightest insubordination is immediately punished.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMPTY SLAVER.

The equipment of the regular slaver is attended with a large outlay; in short, no expense is spared. She is run up for the voyage, and should she be found strong enough for another, she undergoes a thorough repair. In order to make her light and buoyant, her timbers and beams are small, and screwed together: when chased, these screws are loosened to give the vessel play. After the hull is built, she is placed in the hands of the coopers, who erect, in the hold, huge water-casks, called leaguers. On these are stowed the provisions, wood, &c., above them, is the slave-deck. Thirty-six inches may be considered a medium height, but they sometimes measure four feet six inches, though occasionally only fourteen or eighteen inches, intended for children only. The upper deck is generally clear, except of the sweeps or oars for calms, &c. There is a covered sleeping-place, about six feet long by three feet wide, on each side, for the captain and pilot. Some have guns, but the system of arming is by no means common now. When they carry a boat, it is a very small one, and generally serves as a hen-coop. The rigging and sails are fitted with a sailor-like neatness not to be surpassed.

The sails, on account of the frequency and force of the tornadoes, are very low, and bent broad: thus the fore-yard of a brig of about 140 tons taken by H.M.S. 'Dolphin,' was seventy-six feet long, and her ropes were so beautifully racked aloft, that, after a cannonade of sixty shot, in which upwards of fifty had taken effect, not one sail was lowered.

The following are the articles by which a slaver can be condemned, if found on board: a slave-deck, or planks ready for a deck; slave-irons and slave-coppers, which are a large cooking apparatus for the slaves and crew, standing generally amid-ship of the upper deck; an extra quantity of farinha, rice, water, or other provisions which cannot be accounted for. The slaver leaves her port equipped with provisions, wood, and water, for the return voyage, carrying the outward passage stock, which frequently comprises all sorts of luxuries, on the slave-deck. The officers consist of a captain, who tries to pass for a supercargo or a passenger if taken, and whose salary is seldom less than 2501. for each hundred slaves; a man called Capitano de Bandiera, who acts as substitute for the captain if the vessel is taken; a pilot, and a boatswain, frequently a superior class of sailors.

DESCRIPTION OF A SLAVER WITH CARGO ON BOARD.

The horrors of a full slaver almost defy description. Arrived on the coast, and the port reached, if no man-of-war be on the coast, two hours suffice to place four hundred human beings on board. On the slaves being received, the largest men are picked out (if not sent with bad characters) as head-men, and these, dividing the slaves into gangs, according to the size of the vessel, of from ten to twenty, keep them in order. The slave-deck is divided into two unequal parts, the greater for the men, the other for women and children. The stowage is managed entirely by the head-men, who take care that the largest slaves shall be farthest from the ship's side, or from any position in which their strength might avail them to secure a larger space than their neighbours. The form of stowage is, that the poor wretch shall be seated on the beams, and the head thrust between the knees so close that when one moves the mass must. The slave is fed twice a-day; in order to give room, one-half are allowed at a time on deck. At the hour of the meal they are ranged into messes, and when all is ready, at a signal from the head-men, they commence. The food consists of either rice, calabancies (a kind of bean), or farinha (the flour of the cassada, a species of potato) boiled. As a relish to these are either salt pork, beef, fish, chillies, or palm-oil, in small quantities. After each meal they are made to sing, to digest the food, and then the water is served out, the fullest nominal allowance of which is one quart each, daily, though seldom more than a pint is given. Irons are seldom used on board, unless after a mutiny, or if closely chased by a man-of-war; in which case the condition of the slave becomes truly dreadful; they are all barred below, for fear of their rising, are seldom watered till the chase be over, though it may last two or three days, while everything that can be thought of to make the vessel sail is done, whatever misery it may cost the cargo: often some of the unfortunate wretches are thrown overboard in empty casks or small boats, in the hope that the cruiser will stop to pick them up and thus delay the chase.

CHASES AND CAPTURES OF SLAVERS BY H.M.S. 'BONETTA,' ON THE AFRICAN COAST.

We give some accounts of the chases and captures of slaves by the ships of H.M.'s squadron employed in blockading the west coast of Africa to prevent the slave-trade. The accounts will show a part of the description of work the officers and men of the Navy are called on to perform.

In the year 1848, H.M.S. 'Bonetta,' Commander Forbes, formed one of the northern division of the squadron on the west coast.

SLAVE-SCHOONER RUN DOWN.

On the 6th of March, as she was standing in for the land, near Cape Mensurada, at about seven in the morning, a schooner appeared in sight, and from her endeavours to escape, left no doubt of the illegality of her trade. Between the land and sea breeze, which set in about eleven, it was nearly a calm, with light variable airs. The chase took advantage of this to lighten, and casks, boats, planks, everything that could be, were thrown overboard: after eleven the run became very exciting, the schooner making for the land; presently she took in her studding-sails and hauled to the wind. In-shore, lay at anchor a man-of-war, and in a short time the chase was joined by H.M.S. 'Rapid,' and her yawl, making now four in all. Finding the 'Bonetta' too close on her, the schooner again bore away, and by sunset (the 'Rapid' a long way astern) both were under all sail, running before the wind. The schooner appeared almost in their grasp, when a tornado took all aback; every rope being manned, the sail came in, and running off the land, they lost sight of the chase before eight o'clock. At half-past nine, when all but the watch on board the 'Bonetta' were in bed, a most severe shock was felt by all; one of the watch, without orders to do so, sprang to the lead, and in answer to the question why he did so, declared, as did the whole watch, that the ship was on shore. Some below were completely thrown out of their beds; no bottom was found, and the ship was at least fifteen miles from land. It might have been the shock of an earthquake. Could it have been the sinking hull of the lightened schooner?

BRAZILIAN SLAVE-BRIG CAPTURED.

On the 14th of March a vessel seen from the mast-head at 3 P.M., immediately tacked and endeavoured to escape. By sunset she was discernible from the deck, and a clear moon left little difficulty in keeping her in sight all night. Every manœuvre imaginable was tried in vain, proceeding on almost every point of the compass; still, when daylight broke, the vessels were so close that, after firing three shots at the slaver, she hove to, and the Brazilian brig 'Dois Amigos' became the 'Bonetta's' first prize, with a cargo of 408 negroes.

Bearing an important cipher despatch from Sierra Leone to Captain Moneypenny, at Cape Mount, on the 16th May, the 'Bonetta' was becalmed for an hour, about four miles from a brigantine. Having delivered the despatch she was ordered to proceed to Sierra Leone. This brigantine shipped her slaves at Gallinas, and was captured in August by H.M.S. 'Sealark,' under the name of the 'San Francisco;' she was returning for another cargo.

BRAZILIAN SLAVER DESTROYED

Returning from Sierra Leone on the 31st of May, standing in for the land about Gargwa, the 'Bonetta' chased a schooner, and in about four hours brought her to, when she proved to be the Brazilian slave-schooner 'Phoco-foo' (which means lighthouse). Her crew had perfectly cut her to pieces; all her masts were sprung, and so much damage had been done that a party of officers, sent on board to survey, condemned her. Having removed the crew, a train was laid, and having set fire to both ends, she scarcely touched the shore when she blew up; but continued burning nearly all night. This was a vessel fully equipped for the trade, but with no slaves on board.

SLAVE SCHOONER CAPTURED.

On the morning of the 12th of June, owing to the prevalence of strong currents and light winds, with a heavy swell, the 'Bonetta' had drifted so close to the land between Manna and Gallinas, that at 4 A.M. it was deemed prudent to anchor. A few hours after daylight a boat was seen pulling for Gallinas. Immediately sending another in chase, they were both soon alongside the brigantine, now under weigh, and the boat proved to be one from a slaver in the offing, sent in to make arrangements for the cargo.

By information derived from this boat's crew, it appeared that their vessel would stand out for a time, but that on a certain day she would be off Little Cape Mount. Acting upon this information, a sharp lookout was kept, and on the morning of the 19th, at daylight, a schooner was in sight. The wind being very light she was scarcely visible from the deck; Mr. Smallpage (midshipman) being therefore detached in the gig, after a pull of nearly 15 miles he succeeded in capturing a schooner, claiming the protection of no flag, with all fittings necessary for the slave-trade. It was called the 'Tragas Millas.'

The next prize was descried at daylight on the 28th of June, having Cape Mount Bay under her lee. Her captain preferred trying to cross the bows of the 'Bonetta,' to the chance of being embayed; accordingly they neared each other on opposite tacks, each carrying studding-sails. As it was suspected from his object that the chase was a superior sailer, a cannonade was opened upon her, and so effectually, that after four shots she hove to. The prize's crew was immediately removed, though scarcely in time; one shot had passed completely through her, and tumbling right over, she nearly capsized the boat, which was bearing the last of the crew. This vessel, the 'Andorimha,' Brazilian, fully equipped for the slave-trade, had first put into the most southern part of the coast on the 5th of May, but was chased from thence by a steamer. On the 3rd of June she again put into Ambriz, but a second time escaped, after being chased. Finding this part of the coast too well guarded, she made a voyage of about 1,500 miles, and sent a boat into the Pongos to arrange the cargo again. She was chased, and running from Charybdis this time fell upon Scylla.

On the 10th of August, after a run of about seven hours, and firing three blank-cartridges, the 'Bonetta' captured a schooner, the 'Alert.' She was under no flag, and had recently been bought for Don Jose Luiz, the factor at Gallinas; for whom, besides a full equipment for the slave-trade, she had a quantity of wine and other articles.

On the 5th of September H.M.S. 'Sealark' chased a schooner beyond the limits of her station, when about 3.30 P.M. she was descried and taken possession of by the 'Bonetta.' She proved to be a vessel called the 'Louiza,' and her supercargo (who passed for one Don Jose Segui) was one of the most notorious slave-dealers on the coast. His name was Theodore Canot, a Florentine by birth, but American, French, or English, when either suited. If all the horrible murders said to have been committed by this miscreant are true, he must have been the most atrocious of mankind. While a factor at Cape Mount, almost a hundred human beings are said to have fallen victims to his avarice—nor were all these negroes, but many of them white men.

The last vessel taken on the northern division was captured, in fact, by the 'Sealark,' but virtually by the 'Sealark' and the 'Bonetta.'

In September, on her passage to Sierra Leone, the 'Bonetta' chased a brig; while making sail, about noon, a man fell overboard, and after lowering a boat and saving the man, she made sail again, when H.M.S. 'Sealark' was observed in chase also. A fine breeze now added to the interest of the scene. The 'Sealark' and chase were some distance apart on the port-tack. Coming up with them at two, the 'Bonetta' tacked and opened fire at extreme range, and kept it up with shot and shell till four. At seven, after the 'Sealark' (by change of wind) opened fire, the brig wore round and hove to windward. She proved to be the 'Achilles,' with a double slave-deck, equipped for the shipment of a thousand slaves, and hoisting no flag.

The captain of this vessel was the same who had made the successful voyage in the 'San Francisco,' and three out of four thousand dollars cleared by that voyage he had laid out on the 'Achilles,' and he now lost all.

CAPTURE OF THE 'CATHERINE' SLAVER, BY H.M.S. 'DOLPHIN,' CAPTAIN R. H. DUNDAS,

1839.

The system pursued in order to elude the vigilance of the British cruisers is clearly exemplified in this affair. H.M.S. 'Dolphin' fell in with the 'Catherine' on the 13th August, 1839, off the coast of Africa, about 20 miles from the harbour of Quipo. She gave her chase, and compelled her to bring to by firing several shots. The 'Dolphin' boarded her, and found that, though she was sailing under American colours, she had the necessary planks for a slave-deck, and all other equipments usually found on board a vessel engaged in the slave-trade. The cargo consisted of tobacco and spirits; her crew, of six American seamen and 25 Spaniards. No slaves were found on board, however, but a negro boy, said to be the son of an African prince, whom they had shipped to be used on the coast of Africa.

Among other papers on board, was the following letter of instructions:—"The main thing for you to do on the voyage is, to be ready, in case you are boarded by a man-of-war, to show your log-book (which must be regularly kept from the time you leave here), your ship's papers, your charter-party for the voyage, your ship's roll and instructions; and you are, in that event, to make all concerned with you American sailors according to your roll; all the others are to be passengers. You are to be very careful that, in any cross-questions, you do not commit yourself. Always stick to the same story. When the vessel is discharged, you must at once cut your register in two pieces; one piece you must endorse, direct, and send to Messrs. Thomas Wilson and Co., Baltimore; the other piece you will bring with you, and give to me when you return here. You must be very particular about that, and do not let any time pass after the cargo is out, before you cut the register in two pieces; and be careful to keep them separate: throw one piece overboard if you are obliged to do so by being boarded by a man-of-war." The 'Catherine' had been fitted out at Havannah, cleared there, and the necessary papers obtained through the office of the American vice-consul.

CAPTURE OF BRAZILIAN SLAVER 'FIRME,' BY THE BOATS OF H.M.S. 'DOLPHIN,' LIEUT. LITTLEHALES, ACTING-COMMANDER; UNDER THE COMMAND OF MR. AUGUSTUS CHARLES MURRAY, MATE, AND MR. JOHN F. REES, SECOND MASTER,

1841.

The particulars of this successful and gallant enterprise, for which both the above-named officers were promoted, were as follows:—

At daylight, on the 30th May, 1841, the 'Dolphin' being under easy sail off Whydah, a brigantine was observed on the lee-bow. All sail was immediately made in chase; but as the stranger increased her distance, the cutter, a 20-foot boat, with nine men, including the officer, and the gig, with six, were despatched at half-past six o'clock, under command of Mr. Murray and Mr. Rees, to endeavour to come up with and detain the chase before the setting in of the sea-breeze. Both boats being soddened from constant blockading, pulled heavy, and the crews had been employed during a squally, rainy morning in trimming and making sail; but after a harassing pull of two hours and a half under a hot sun, they came up with the chase, the gig being rather a-head. The brigantine bore down upon her, opening a sharp and continued fire of musketry, which was returned, when both boats, after steadily reloading under her fire, cheered, and boarded on each quarter. The sweeps of the brigantine were rigged out, which prevented their boarding by the chains, thereby rendering it difficult for more than one or two to get up the side at a time.

Mr. Murray was the first on board, and though knocked back into the boat with the butt-end of a musket, which broke his collar-bone, he immediately clambered up the side again, in which act his left hand was nearly severed at the wrist with the blow of a cutlass. Another cut was made at his head, which he parried, cutting the man down. The bowman of the gig was shot through the heart while laying his oar in, and the bowman of the cutter in getting up the side. After a resistance of 20 minutes the vessel was captured, most of the crew running below, firing their muskets as they retreated.

Mr. Rees had previously proved himself a most zealous and active officer, particularly in the destruction of the slave factories at Corisco, by the boats of the 'Wolverine,' Captain Tucker.

VOYAGE OF THE 'DORES,' A SLAVER, CAPTURED BY H.M.S. 'DOLPHIN,' FROM ACCRA TO SIERRA LEONE, UNDER COMMAND OF LIEUT. AUGUSTUS C. MURRAY,

From August 12th, 1840, to January 5th, 1841.

The 'Dores,' a schooner of about 60 feet in length and 15 in breadth, had been taken at Quittah, in June, and sent in charge of the 'Dolphin's' gunner to Sierra Leone. Six weeks afterwards she was found about 20 miles below Accra, having performed scarcely 30 miles of her passage, and lost almost all her prize crew, including the gunner, from fever. Mr. Murray, who had but just recovered from wounds received in the action with the 'Firmé,' was then put in command of her, with a crew of two men, two boys, and a prisoner boy, the only one who had survived the fever.

His orders were to proceed to Sierra Leone, and the indomitable perseverance with which he adhered to them, through formidable dangers and difficulties, together with his care of the men under his command during a voyage of 146 days, are well worthy of being recorded.

The only cabin which was at all habitable was eight feet in length, five in height at the centre, and three at the sides, the breadth decreasing from eleven to two and a half. It was entirely destitute of furniture, swarming with vermin, and before the end of the voyage, the fumes of the rotting tobacco with which the vessel was laden, clinging to the beams, formed a coat nearly an inch in thickness. This, with an awning of monkey skins, manufactured by themselves, was the only refuge for the young officer and his men. The fourth night of the voyage was ushered in by the most fearful squalls, which gradually freshened till about two in the morning, when a tremendous storm came on and obliged them to bear up under bare poles; the seas washing over the little vessel, and the wind blowing in the most terrific manner until about seven, when it moderated and fell calm. The schooner was then observed to float much deeper than before, and on sounding, nearly three feet water were found in the hold. The pump was immediately set to work, but it hardly fetched when it broke and became useless. This was repaired by about sunset, and in two hours afterwards the vessel was cleared. They then made sail and tacked, steering for Sierra Leone, till, on the morning of the 14th of September, they sighted land just below the River Sestos. Finding that they had but three days' provisions left, the commander determined to make them last for six, and stood on in the hope of weathering Cape Palmas. This was baffled by a tide that set down along shore; but on the 20th of September, they anchored off Cape Coast Castle. Having no provisions remaining, the governor supplied them directly with sufficient for forty days, and having refitted, the schooner put to sea again on a close sultry morning, which was succeeded by a violent gale, lasting three days. About two o'clock one afternoon, a rakish-looking brigantine was perceived standing towards the 'Dores,' and judging her to be a slaver, the young officer called his crew together, and having loaded the muskets and got the cutlasses ready, they silently awaited her coming up, determined to defend themselves. To their great joy, when she got within two miles and a half of them, a strong breeze sprang up, which placed the schooner dead to windward, and in the morning the brigantine was out of sight. Their sails were now so worn that they were obliged to lower them, and drift about for a whole day to repair them. Having neither chronometer nor sextant, and only a quadrant of antique date, often ten, and even twenty miles out of adjustment, the position of the vessel could only be guessed. The men behaved admirably during this weary time, employing themselves in cleaning their arms, fishing, or making their clothes. The rain generally fell in torrents till the 4th October, when the day closed in with very heavy appearances. All preparations were made for the coming gale; all the sails were lowered down but the fore stay-sail, and everything lashed and secured. The fore stay-sail was kept up to place the schooner dead before it. At about five in the evening the gale began; it became dead calm, the atmosphere close, and all around dark. After about half an hour, a sound like heavy thunder was heard in the distance, and through the gloom a bank of foam was seen hastening towards the schooner; in a few minutes the stay-sail was stowed, and the wind caught her, gradually freshening until it burst upon her in all its fury: the rolling sea broke in upon her, and completely filled her upper deck; but the side bulwarks were open, and the sea found vent. Having battened his crew down below, Mr. Murray lashed himself to the deck, and steered the vessel through the storm, which continued with heavy thunder and torrents of rain till about two in the morning, when, completely exhausted, he fell asleep, and was aroused by the crew (who having knocked once or twice without reply, believed him to have been washed overboard), hammering at the sky-light to get out. This gale so strained the schooner, that the water gained to two feet a-day; and, to add to the disasters, one of the crew was ill for a fortnight. From the 10th of October till the 4th of November, when land was again discovered, the 'Dores' continued her course for Sierra Leone, experiencing the whole weight of the rainy season. It now became evident that she could not stem the current; and that in the course of many days she had not made more than four or five miles. Mr. Murray then determined to try again to reach Cape Palmas, by standing along the land, and thus nearly incurred a new danger from the natives, who assembling on the beach, armed with pikes and clubs, as night drew on, prepared to attack the schooner should she run on shore. Happily a slight breeze sprung up, which gave her steerage way, and enabled her to draw off the land. No resource remained but to shape her course again for Cape Coast Castle to obtain provisions, their stock being exhausted. The governor made every effort to prevail on Mr. Murray to relinquish the undertaking, which now appeared so hopeless; but he was resolute in staying by the charge intrusted to him, and calling his men together, he gave them the choice of going on shore to await a passage down to the 'Dolphin.' With one consent, they replied, that they would never leave him; holding to the old feeling of a true seaman, never to leave his officer at a time of difficulty till death parts him. Their provisioning was just completed, when a fatal accident diminished the number of the crew. They had been bathing after their day's work, and one of them, a black, was still in the water, when he was seized by a shark, and so fearfully injured that he died before he could be got on board. The weary voyage recommenced, and, as before, their chief diversion was fishing. The sharks, skipjacks, dolphins, and bonetas which were caught were counted by hundreds, for they literally sailed through a sea of fish. Two parrots had been added to their crew, and were a great amusement, becoming so tame that they would obey their master's call, and follow him afterwards through the streets like dogs. The 9th of December was marked by a serious disaster. Seeing a huge shark alongside, they had fastened a boneta as a bait to a piece of small line, and made a running bowline in the end of the peak halliard with the fish towing a little ahead of it; the shark immediately saw and swam after it: they were already on the bowline to run him up the side with his head a little out of water; gliding silently along, not two feet from them, he came up to the bowline, which was held wide open, while the bait was quietly hauled ahead until he was far enough through it, then giving a sudden jerk on it, they closed it just behind the two side-fins and tried to catch a turn with the rope; but, quick as lightning, the shark gave a terrific plunge and tore it through their hands, when Mr. Murray unfortunately got in the middle of the coil, and as the men had all let go, it had got a half-hitch round his leg, and in an instant he was drawn up and over the gunwale. Catching at the peak halyards, which were belayed close to him, he held on with his only sound hand as he was flying overboard, the men also seizing him by the arm. Before he could be extricated, the limb was severely injured and torn. The only remedy which could be applied was bathing it in oil. In the meantime the 'Dores' progressed, though very slowly; she had become much more leaky, the cargo was completely rotten, and the stench drove them all on deck; nor could they heave a particle of it overboard, for then the vessel would have capsized, as she had no ballast in. The sails were perfectly rotten, so bad that the vessel was often a whole day without a stitch of canvas set when the wind fell light, that they might be repaired with monkey-skins, of which there was a good stock on board. The fourth month closed, and the schooner had not yet performed a voyage of ten days, from seven to fifteen miles a-day being the progress lately made; but now the current seemed to favour her, for a change of forty miles a-day was observed in the latitude, and the hearts of officer and men grew lighter, notwithstanding their miserable plight, always wet to the skin, and unable to change their clothes for days together. Two terrific storms were still to be encountered, and at the commencement of the second Mr. Murray sent the men below, and remained alone on the deck, which he never expected to leave alive. The heat of each flash of lightning was felt as if from a fire; the rain falling in torrents, leaked in every direction through the deck, and the schooner was fast filling with water. At length the rain ceased, and the lightning became fainter, when they made sail again, pumped out, and proceeded till they had made sufficient northing for Sierra Leone. They then bore up east, and on the 31st December, the colour of the water showed that they were nearing the land. On this day they kept their Christmas, and many were the hearty toasts they drank to those at home. It was not till the 6th January, 146 days from the commencement of their voyage, that they anchored off Sierra Leone, where it was fully believed that they were lost. Here Mr. Murray found his promotion awaiting him for the capture of the 'Firmé,' and was at once invalided home.

CAPTURE OF THE 'JOSEPHINE' SLAVER.

The 'Josephine' brigantine was the fastest sailer in these seas, and had been chased by H.M. ships 'Wolverine,' 'Bonetta,' 'Cygnet,' and 'Lyra,' all of which she escaped by her superiority of sailing. She was at length captured by H.M.S. 'Fantome,' Captain Butterfield, in May 1841, with 299 slaves on board, after a severe chase of 24 hours, going over 257 miles of ground, and carrying a press of sail that placed every spar in jeopardy. During the chase the captain of the brigantine supposed he had to encounter the celebrated 'Waterwitch,' and treated with derision the idea of his being captured by a ship-of-war. Captain Butterfield was obliged to send his first-lieutenant in charge of the prize, leaving himself as the only officer on board, having lost by death the master, second-lieutenant, and surgeon.

CAPTURE OF AN ARMED SLAVER, BY A FOUR-OARED GIG, UNDER COMMAND OF MR. TOTTENHAM, MATE,

1844.

On the 13th of August, 1844, Mr. John Francis Tottenham, mate of H.M.S. 'Hyacinth,' Commander Scott, performed a gallant and dashing exploit, which obtained for him his promotion to the rank of lieutenant, and the testimony of his commander to the coolness, decision, and gallantry displayed by him on the occasion. When off Fish Bay, on the west coast of Africa, Mr. Tottenham was sent in a four-oared gig, with one spare hand, to communicate with the Portuguese Governor. The weather became thick and he missed his port, but, knowing that the 'Hyacinth' was working along the coast, anchored for the night, and pulled to the southward. On the morning of the 13th he discovered a brig at anchor without colours, and saw her slip and make sail, on which he gave chase. Being to windward, and the breeze light, he was enabled to approach her weather-beam, and fire a musket ahead, to induce her to heave to and show her colours; this, and a second were disregarded, but a port was opened and a gun run out, and brought to bear on the boat, which caused the officer to pull into her wake, when part of the crew of the brig commenced firing musketry, while the others got the gun on the poop and pointed it at the boat.

Mr. Tottenham now commenced firing, as fast as the spare hand could load for him, being just able to keep way with the brig.

Having hit four of the men on board, they left the gun, and after firing muskets for twenty minutes, finding they were unable to weather the land or tack, without being boarded by the boat, they ran the brig on shore, and abandoned her to the number of 18, including 3 wounded men, leaving another mortally wounded on board.

In the course of the afternoon the brig was perceived from the masthead of the 'Hyacinth,' which stood in and anchored, and hove her off, when she proved to be of 200 tons, fully equipped for conveying about 1000 slaves, with two guns of four pounds calibre, loaded, a barrel of powder, and a quantity of langridge-shot, a number of muskets, swords, and bayonets, on the deck. Almost every bullet expended in the gig, was traced to the gun-carriage or its immediate vicinity on the poop.

LIEUT. LODWICK's (IN THE 'GROWLER'S' PINNACE) GALLANT ATTACK ON A SLAVER,

1845.

On the 12th of January, 1845, Lieut. Lodwick, First-lieutenant of H.M. steamer 'Growler,' Captain Buckle, who had been away for some time cruizing in the pinnace, on the look-out for slavers, fell in with a felucca, which, on seeing the pinnace, hove to; and the officer expected that she would make no resistance, as she might have got away if she had chosen. When the pinnace, however, was within 30 yards, they observed a whole range of muskets, fore and aft the felucca; after this, Lieut. Lodwick cheered his men on to get up to her before she discharged this fearful battery; but no sooner was the cheer out, than the felucca opened on the boat. This was a staggerer for the poor boat; but fortunately, this time they fired too high (the felucca had now filled and was going just as fast as the boat could pull). Lieut. Lodwick now returned this with a round shot and 180 balls in a bag. In the first volley from the felucca, the rim of the officer's hat was shot through; but their second volley told with mortal effect: two men were shot dead, and Lieut. Lodwick and two men severely wounded—the officer having been struck on the left knee and thigh. This left the pinnace with so few men, that having had six of its oars shot away, it was obliged to leave the field, and was picked up by the 'Growler,' standing towards the 'Gallinas,' boat and gear literally riddled with shot.

Lieut. Lodwick was promoted for his gallantry. The felucca had been chased by every vessel on the coast, and always got away clear. She was afterwards captured by a war-steamer, and bore evident marks of her conflict with the pinnace. There were about 70 men on board, English, French, and Americans, and she was commanded by an Englishman.

CAPTURE OF THE 'FELICIDADE' AND 'ECHO' SLAVERS, BY H.M.S. 'WASP,' AND RECAPTURE OF 'FELICIDADE,' BY H.M.S. 'STAR,'

1845.

As H.M.S. 'Wasp,' Captain Usherwood, was cruizing in the Bight of Benin, near Lagos, on the 27th February, 1845, a strange sail was seen, and Lieut. Stupart was immediately ordered in pursuit. At about eight o'clock in the evening he came up with her, and found her to be the 'Felicidade,' a Brazilian schooner, fitted for the slave-trade, with a slave-deck of loose planks over the cargo, and a crew of 28 men. With the exception of her captain and another man, they were transferred to the 'Wasp,' and Lieut. Stupart, with Mr. Palmer, midshipman, and a crew of 15 English seamen, remained in charge of the prize. On the 1st March, the boats of the 'Felicidade,' under Mr. Palmer, captured a second prize, the 'Echo,' with 430 slaves on board and a crew of 28 men, leaving Mr. Palmer, with 7 English seamen and 2 Kroomen, onboard the 'Felicidade.' Several of the 'Echo's' crew were also sent on board, as prisoners, with their captain. The officer and prize-crew were overpowered and murdered, and an unsuccessful attempt made to regain possession of the 'Echo.' The 'Felicidade' was seen and chased on the 6th March by H.M.S. 'Star,' Commander Dunlop. When she was boarded, no one was on her deck, the crew being concealed below; and on being found and questioned, they stated the vessel to be the 'Virginie,' and accounted for their wounds by the falling of a spar; but there were traces of a conflict, and many tokens which proved that English seamen had been on board. She was then sent to Sierra Leone, in charge of Lieut. Wilson and 9 men. Whilst on the passage, during a heavy squall, the schooner went over, filled and sank, so as only to leave part of her bow-rail above water. When the squall passed, the whole of the crew were found clinging to the bow-rail. Some expert divers endeavoured to extract provisions from the vessel, but without success; and nothing but death stared them in the face, as the schooner was gradually sinking. Lieut. Wilson ascertained that there were three common knives among the party, and it was resolved to make a raft of the main-boom and gaff, and such other floating materials as remained above water. These they secured by such ropes as could be cut and unrove from the rigging, and a small quantity of cordage was retained to make good any defects they might sustain by the working of the spars; a small top-gallant studding-sail was obtained for a sail, and upon this miserable float the ten persons made sail for the coast of Africa, distant 200 miles, without rudder, oar, compass, provisions, or water. Being almost naked, and washed by every wave, their sufferings were very great. Famished for food and drink, scorched by a burning sun during the day, and chilled with cold during the night, they thus remained twenty days. Delirium and death relieved the raft of part of its load of misery, two blacks being the first to sink under their sufferings. The question naturally suggests itself, how did the survivors support life? Some persons would be almost afraid to put the question, or hear the answer. There is nothing, however, to wound our feelings, but much to admire, in the admirable conduct of Lieut. Wilson and his men during these melancholy and miserable twenty days. Showers of rain occasionally fell: they caught some water in their little sail, which they drank, and put some into a small keg that had floated out of the vessel. The sea was almost always breaking over the spars of the raft, which was surrounded by voracious sharks. The famishing sailors actually caught with a bowling-knot a shark, eight feet in length, with their bare hands, and hauled it upon the raft, they killed it, drank the blood, and ate part of the flesh, husbanding the remainder. In this way three other sharks were taken, and upon these sharks the poor fellows managed to prolong their lives till picked up (in sight of the land) in what may be termed the very zero of living misery. Lieut. Wilson and four seamen survived and recovered their strength. Order and discipline were maintained upon the raft; fortitude, forethought, a reliance upon Divine providence, and good conduct, enabled these Englishmen to surmount such horrible sufferings, whilst the Kroomen and Portuguese sank under them.

CAPTURE OF A SLAVER BY H.M.S. 'PANTALOON,'

1845.

H.M.S 'Pantaloon,' 10-gun sloop, Commander Wilson, had been for two days in chase of a large slave-ship, and succeeded in coming up with her becalmed, about two miles off Lagos, on the 26th May, 1845. The cutter, and two whaleboats, were sent under the command of the First-lieutenant, Mr. Lewis D. T. Prevost, with the master, Mr. J. T. Crout, and the boatswain, Mr. Pasco, some marines and seamen, amounting to about 30 altogether, to make a more intimate acquaintance with the stranger. The pirate gave the boats an intimation of what they were to expect as they neared, by opening on them a heavy fire of round-shot, grape, and canister, in such a spirited style, that, after returning the compliment by a volley of musketry, the boats prepared for hard work. Animated by the show of resistance, each boat now emulated the other in reaching the enemy, the pirate continuing a sharp fire as they steadily advanced; the marines as briskly using their muskets. In half an hour from the discharge of the first gun from the slaver, the boats of the 'Pantaloon' were alongside; Lieut. Prevost and Mr. Pasco on the starboard, and Mr. Crout, in the cutter, on the port side. The pirate crew, sheltering themselves as much as possible, nevertheless continued to fire the guns, loading them with all sorts of missiles, bullets, nails, lead, &c.; and amidst a shower of these our brave sailors and marines dashed on board. Lieut. Prevost and his party, in the two boats, were soon on the deck of the prize. The master boarded on the port bow, and, despite the formidable resistance and danger, followed by one of his boat's crew, actually attempted to enter the port as they were firing the gun from it. He succeeded in getting through, but his seconder was knocked overboard by the discharge. The gallant fellow, however, nothing daunted, was in an instant up the side again, taking part with the master, who was engaged in a single encounter with one or two of the slaver's crew. Having gained the deck after a most determined resistance, they now encountered the pirates hand to hand, when the cutlass and bayonet did the remainder of the work. Lieut. Prevost finally succeeded in capturing the vessel, but the pirates fought desperately, and it was not until 7 of their number lay dead on the deck, and 7 or 8 more were severely wounded, that they ran below and yielded. In the encounter, 2 British seamen were killed; the master and boatswain, and 5 others, were severely wounded. Lieut. Prevost received immediate promotion.

LIEUT. MANSFIELD AND PRIZE CREW—DEFENCE OF THE 'ROMEO PRIMERO,' AGAINST AN ATTEMPT AT RECAPTURE,

1847.

On the 22nd of July, 1847, H.M.S. 'Waterwitch,' with H.M.S. 'Rapid,' in company, captured the Brazilian brigantine 'Romeo Primero,' which was subsequently given in charge to Lieut. W. G. Mansfield, R.N., and four seamen, to be conveyed to St. Helena for adjudication. Owing to adverse winds, and the unmanageable qualities of the prize, the officer in command found it necessary to alter his destination, and to bear up for Sierra Leone. On the 11th of August, about mid-day, two of the crew being engaged aloft and the others in the bunks, where the arms were stowed, the lieutenant, being at the moment pulling a rope which had been recently spliced, was murderously assailed from behind by one of the prisoners with an axe used for chopping firewood. There were four of them who were during the day-time allowed the liberty of the vessel. At the same moment, the other three prisoners furiously attacked the sailors in the bunks, who, from the unexpected nature of the assault, were driven from their post wounded and unarmed. Lieut. Mansfield, laying hold of a piece of firewood, gallantly, but unequally, contended with a Brazilian, armed with a cutlass; in the course of a desperate struggle the officer received no fewer than nine wounds, more or less severe; a great coat which he wore being, under Providence, the means of saving him from instant death. The two sailors who had been occupied in the shrouds, having reached the deck, of course, unarmed, the lieutenant, nearly exhausted by profuse hæmorrhage, made a violent effort to join them, in which he fortunately proved successful, though in his progress one of the prisoners discharged at him a marine's musket, the contents of which took effect, inflicting a most dangerous wound on his head, and bringing him for an instant to the deck. Having succeeded in recovering his feet and gaining his men, he encouraged them to rush aft upon their armed antagonists; a piece of service which three of their number performed in the most daring manner; the fourth seaman (since dead) being hors de combat from his wounds, and the lieutenant himself fainting at the instant from loss of blood. The intrepidity of the three British tars rendered them more than a match for their armed antagonists, whom they speedily overpowered; one of the prisoners leaping overboard and perishing in the waves. Believing their officer to be killed, the seamen, in the excitement of the moment, were about to hurl the surviving prisoners over the gangway, when Lieut. Mansfield, partially reviving, ordered them to be imprisoned, that their wounds should be washed, and that they should be reserved to be dealt with by the authorities at Sierra Leone. On the 1st of September, the 'Romeo Primero,' the scene of this bloody encounter, entered the port. Lieut. Mansfield, who, since the day of the conflict, had scarcely been able to stir hand or foot, was promptly conveyed to sick-quarters, and for many days his life was entirely despaired of by his medical attendants. The gallant little crew, all wounded, were also looked after in the best manner which skill and sympathy could suggest, but two were soon beyond the reach of human succour; one dying of the direct consequences of his wounds, and the second, of fever induced by them. After a fortnight of extreme danger on shore, Lieut. Mansfield showed symptoms of recovery, and in the same year received the rank of commander.

RESCUE OF SLAVES IN THE RIVER PONGOS, BY COMMANDER H. DUNLOP, H.M.S. 'ALERT,'

1849.

Captain Dunlop, of H.M.S. 'Alert,' having anchored off Biombo Point, on the night of the 10th of December, 1849, his object was to ascertain with as little delay as possible whether the slaves that he supposed Jozé Vaurell had sent up from the river Pongos were still in the barracoons of the slave-dealer, Don Victor, as by that means he could judge whether any slaver had been lately in the river, or whether it was probable that one was expected. With this view, he sent the pinnace, in charge of the second lieutenant, to examine the St. Martinho and other creeks, in the immediate vicinity of the ship, up one of which Capt. Dunlop had reason to think Don Victor's barracoons were. He directed the officer to land the pilot wherever it was probable he could with safety obtain information; the pilot being a native of this part of the country, Capt. Dunlop had hopes that he might be found useful.

The pinnace brought back intelligence of the exact locality of the barracoons, and that there were certainly slaves in them; Captain Dunlop therefore determined to wait for some days, in hopes of intercepting the vessel sent for this cargo. On the 22nd instant the pilot was sent on shore, with a party of Kroomen, to cut some wood at Biombo Point, and while so engaged, some of the slaves came to him and told him that Don Victor had a number of slaves in chains in his barracoons who were very ill-treated; that it was against the law of their country to carry on the slave-trade, and that they hoped the English would liberate these slaves; and that their king (whose name is Branco, King of Biombo) would himself have gone on board the man-of-war to make the same request, but that he was ill. This announcement was quite voluntary on the part of these natives, and they received no present of any kind, either before or after making it.

On hearing this intelligence Capt. Dunlop determined, as far as lay in his power, to turn it to the advantage of the unfortunate people chained in the barracoons; he, therefore, at daylight the next morning took the boats up the creek and landed at the town where the barracoons were, and having personally communicated with the natives through an interpreter, he found that what the pilot had told him was strictly true as regarded their feelings; and he received a second message from the king, stating his inability to come and see Capt. Dunlop in consequence of his illness, and the distance of the town in which he resided from the place where Capt. Dunlop then was. Capt. Dunlop then took a party of men with him and proceeded towards Don Victor's barracoon. The latter met Capt. Dunlop on the way, who told him that he understood he had slaves in his barracoon; that the king and natives of the country represented to him that Don Victor's having slaves for exportation was contrary to their laws, and that, although afraid to do so themselves, they had applied to him to liberate them; that, consequently, he should take them out of the barracoons, and give them their choice of either remaining where they were at liberty, or of going with him to Sierra Leone. Don Victor at once confessed that the slaves were in the barracoon, but said that they did not belong to him, but were the property of Jozé Vaurell, who had sent them up from the Pongos, and that he merely took charge of them for him until such time as they could be shipped.

Capt. Dunlop then entered the barracoons and found 21 slaves, 19 of whom were heavily ironed; the two without irons were in a dying state. He had the irons knocked off by one of Victor's own men, and the slaves were then told they were at liberty; but that, if they were afraid to remain where they were, they might go with Capt. Dunlop to Sierra Leone, upon which they all proceeded to the boats, with the exception of the two above mentioned, who were too ill to be moved. Capt. Dunlop then requested Don Victor to accompany him to another barracoon he had some miles higher up the creek, which he immediately consented to do. At the second barracoon Capt. Dunlop found 48 slaves, men, women, and children included: as they were on a small island on the creek, from, which they could not easily have escaped, they were not kept in irons during the day, but were chained by the neck to each other at night. The same choice of staying in the country at liberty, or of going to Sierra Leone, was given to the slaves, when they all immediately declared their wish to be taken away, excepting one woman, who was accordingly left behind, and who had probably connected herself with one of Don Victor's people. Not being able conveniently to stow so many people in their boats, Capt. Dunlop borrowed a canoe from some of the natives, in which to put a part of them, promising to return the canoe the next day, and to pay for the use of it; but when the money was offered to them, they positively refused to receive it, and therefore, from first to last, got no present of any kind. This circumstance is merely mentioned to show how decidedly their feelings were in favour of Capt. Dunlop liberating these slaves, as they were, on other occasions, exceedingly alive to the advantages to be derived from the possession of money, and made those who purchased fowls or fruit pay a high price for them. Capt. Dunlop having ascertained from the liberated negroes that there were about 30 more slaves who had been sent up lately from the Pongos by Jozé Vaurell, on a small island called Papagaio, within a few miles of the ship, he took the boats there the next day. When he landed, Don Victor's men positively denied that any slaves were there; but upon sending parties to search the island, they very soon discovered, hid in the thickest part of the jungle, a party of 15 slaves, chained by the neck, who pointed where 19 women and children were likewise hidden. The chains being taken off these people, they expressed their anxiety to be taken on board Capt. Dunlop's ship, which he accordingly did; and finding that he had now liberated all the slaves held by Don Victor, with the exception of the two dying men (whom it was impossible to move from the place where they were lying), and the woman who wished to remain, he lost no time in proceeding with them to Sierra Leone.

CAPTURE OF A SLAVER BY H.M.S. 'PH[OE]NIX,' COMMANDER WODEHOUSE,

1850.

On the morning of the 13th of April, 1850, whilst H.M. steam-vessel 'Phœnix' was dodging about on her cruizing-ground, the exciting cry of "Sail, oh!" from the mast-head was a sufficient inducement to get her steam up and make all possible sail in chase. The stranger was about 14 miles off when first seen, and running towards the 'Phœnix' under all studding-sails; but no sooner did she discern the English cruizer (and a steamer to boot), than she took in every studding-sail, and hauled dead on a wind which soon proved what she was to the satisfaction of all on board the 'Phœix.' She was chased from one o'clock until eight, P.M., the last two hours of the chase being so dark that there was some risk of losing sight of her, when, after six or eight 63-pound shot had been dropped uncomfortably close to her, she hove to and showed a light over the stern, it being very dark. The 'Phœnix' then ranged up alongside of her to leeward, when the slavers, driven to desperation at their being captured, put the helm up, filled and ran right into the cruizer, no doubt thinking she was a paddle-wheel steamer, and intending to damage the wheels. However, the 'Phœnix' bore the shock nobly. The slaver struck her on the starboard bow, and only carried away a few of the shifting bulwarks and a little iron-work of the 'Phœnix,' leaving on board her jib and flying jib-boom, with all the sails and gear attached, which were broken off short. She then gradually dropped astern close alongside the 'Phœnix,' which still had a great deal of way on her, though the engines were stopped immediately, when the gear in-board of the 'Phœnix' by which she was hanging dragged her fore-top-gallant-mast, top-gallant-sail, and royal and main-top-mast, with all the gear and sails attached, over the side. She then dropped astern clear of the ship, a perfect wreck, her bowsprit, completely unshipped, lying over her starboard bow—her masts gone by the board, lower masts unstepped, and her cut-water and bows completely knocked to pieces, and leaking like a sieve. A well-manned and armed boat was immediately sent in charge of the first-lieutenant to take possession of her. On first boarding her a large poopoo-tub was found with a small spar placed in it, and a lantern lashed to the top of the spar all ready to be put overboard, with the intention of misleading the British cruizer into going in chase of it instead of the vessel, but the 'Phœnix' was too old in the service to be duped by this common device.

The crew of the slaver were landed the next day, and a survey held on the prize, which proved so crippled and unseaworthy that she was forthwith burned. Eight slavers were captured by H.M.S. 'Phœnix' about the same time.

CAPTURE OF THE SLAVER 'ANNE D. RICHARDSON,' BY H.M. STEAM-FRIGATE 'PLUTO,' COMMANDER JOLIFFE,

1850.

On the morning of the 14th of February, 1850, about half-past six o'clock A.M., a sail was seen from the deck of H.M.S. 'Pluto,' cruizing off the coast, but owing to a dense fog she could not be made out. The steam was immediately got up, and the 'Pluto' proceeded in chase. About seven o'clock the stranger was made out to be a large barque standing along the land on the starboard tack. She hoisted no colours as the cruiser approached her, although the 'Pluto' had carried hers from the time she was first sighted. As the 'Pluto' passed under her stern, the captain was ordered to hoist his colours, and forthwith the American ensign was shown. On being requested to heave to, he refused, saying he could not afford to lose time, but on the request being repeated, he complied, and Commander Joliffe then going on board, demanded his papers, which he produced, with the exception of the manifest of his cargo. On closely examining his papers, Commander Joliffe observed that two signatures which should have been in the same hand were signed by different hands; this immediately excited suspicion, which was strengthened by the fact that the whole of the vessel's sails were made of light cotton canvas, and of such a size that no legal trader could afford to carry a sufficient number of men to work them. He stated his doubt and pointed out the signatures, which, not being accounted for, he returned on board; and on referring to the officers and ship's company, he decided upon detaining her on suspicion. Lieut. Shewell was therefore sent with a party of men to take charge of her. The captain of the barque inquired what was to be done with her, and on being answered that he would be sent to an American man-of-war unless he opened his hatches and proved he was an honest man, the main hatchway was opened, and a Brazilian crew, 13 in number, found concealed on a slave-deck. The captain then hauled his colours down and threw them overboard, after which the barque was taken in tow and brought to an anchor off Ambriz, her captain protesting against the whole proceeding, stating that he was a lawful trader and should protect his vessel; though, on preparations being made to send him away for that purpose on the following morning, he withdrew his protest, and gave certificates stating that he did not claim the protection of any nation, and did not wish to defend his vessel. He was then landed with the passengers and crew, at their own request, and the prize sent to St. Helena for adjudication.

ENCOUNTER WITH BLACK PIRATES,

1850.

A merchant ship having been captured by black pirates, who murdered some of the crew and carried the vessel up the river Seba, the French governor of Senegal sent a small man-of-war steamer and some marines to accompany the 'Centaur,' Captain Buckle, and 'Teazer,' Lieut. Selwyn, with a number of marines and 60 soldiers to chastise the marauders. The two British men-of-war, and the French steamer 'Ruby,' having gone up the creek where the island is situated, anchored off the place where they were to land. The 'Centaur,' being too large to come up so far, sent up her boats, 12 in number, while she remained about three miles down. Captain Buckle and Mr. Selwyn then went in advance of the other boats near the shore, intending to demand the restitution of the vessel, together with the men who murdered the crew, when they were fired at, and Mr. Young, midshipman of the 'Centaur,' was dangerously wounded in the breast. The 'Teazer' and 'Ruby' then opened a furious cannonade, which lasted nearly half an hour. The natives stood it without answering a shot, but as the first boat attempting to land came near the bush through which it was necessary to pass, a volley was fired which took fatal effect, killing Lieut. Crockets commanding the marines, and dangerously wounding eight others, sailors and marines. They then withdrew, and the men in the boats landed without further opposition; and after beating about for some time returned to their vessels. The single shot which wounded Mr. Young, and the volley, was the only firing from the enemy. The next day the party went 10 miles up the creek and recovered the merchant vessel without opposition or seeing a man.

SKIRMISH ON THE CONGO RIVER,

1852.

On the 19th of June, 1852, while H.M. brigantine 'Dolphin,' Lieut.-Commander Henry Temple, was lying in the river Congo, an American brig, the 'Mary Adeline,' attempted the passage up the river; but on reaching Sharks' Point, a position of great danger, owing to the strong currents sweeping round it, she touched the ground, and in a few minutes the stream and surf imbedded her fast ashore. The danger of the brig was instantly observed by the 'Dolphin,' which at once made preparations for her assistance; but while doing so, the master of the vessel in distress, seeing that he and his crew could do nothing towards getting the vessel afloat, made the distress-signal by hoisting the American ensign reversed. Within half an hour of the disaster the brigantine's boats, with anchors, hawsers, &c., were alongside the stranded brig; but the tide falling at the time, rendered merely preparatory measures necessary for heaving off the vessel next day. To the surprise of all, on the following morning the river was crowded with canoes, from 10 to 40 natives in each, all armed, and at least two-thirds with muskets. Their movements left no doubt as to their predatory and hostile intentions. A boat's gun with ammunition was sent on board, and fitted in the brig. The 'Dolphin,' as soon as circumstances could permit, took up a position within gun-range for her protection. The natives appeared determined not to lose their prey, and poured a fire of musketry into the stranded vessel, and brought their scaling-ladders in front, evidently determined on boarding. Under these circumstances the 'Dolphin' opened a fire of shot and shell, and in a little time cleared the beach of the assailants, whose numbers must have exceeded 3,000. This being done, the next object was to get the brig off, and every endeavour was made to do so. In the evening H.M. steam-ship 'Firefly' arrived, and sent her boats to assist. During the night the natives, who had merely retired to the bush, again returned to the beach, and fired a few muskets on the brig, but without injury. The next morning another movement took place on the part of the enemy. They appeared to concentrate and meditate a second boarding attack; but a shot from the 'Dolphin' fortunately again dispersed them. The surf rolled in heavily during the day, increasing considerably the difficulties and dangers of the necessary operations; so much so, that the 'Dolphin's' cutter and crew were capsized by the rollers, and one man seriously injured. Finding it necessary completely to lighten the brig, the cargo was transferred to the 'Dolphin,' and by great industry and exertion the brigantine succeeded in heaving off the 'Mary Adeline' on the evening of the 22nd.

ATTACK ON MEDINA, SIERRA LEONE RIVER, BY H.M.S. 'TEAZER,' LIEUT. RICH, AND 'LINNET'S' BOATS,

1853.

Medina, one of the largest and most regularly-built of the native Mandingo towns, is situated at the mouth of the Sierra Leone river. It stands on flat land, at an elevation of 150 or 200 feet from the sea, and is surrounded by a strong mud wall and stockades, and fortified by a battery of five small pieces of ordnance, placed in a commanding position for defence. The town of Medina, and the country for one mile inland, is within British jurisdiction, and the chief had entered into a treaty for the protection of British interests, and suppression of the slave-trade; but he is, nevertheless, suspected of having connived at it; and on his refusal to deliver up a British subject, who had been kidnapped and carried to his town, as well as the perpetrator of the deed. Governor Kennedy made a requisition on Commander Need to send the 'Teazer' either to bring back the parties in question, or to destroy the town. The 'Teazer' accordingly got up steam on the morning of the 11th March, 1853, and proceeded to the Bulloni shore with the 'Linnet's' boats in tow; and at 9 A.M. came to anchor one mile off the land. All the boats were then manned, and, having effected a landing, the men were marched up to the town, where Commander Need and Lieut. Rich were received by Kelch Moodah and his headman, Sirreh Moodah. Commander Need then explained the object of his visit, and desired to have a conference with the chiefs. On this the tom-tom immediately beat for a war palaver; and in less than 10 minutes numerous petty chiefs, with war men, numbering about 500, all armed with spears, cutlasses, and firelocks, and no lack of ammunition, flocked to their chiefs' rendezvous. Having heard the governor's despatch, which Commander Need read, they conferred together for some time; and having resolved not to deliver up the captive and the accused, Commander Need retired with his men to their boats, followed by the native warriors, who, imagining that they had scared the white men, performed a war-dance on the shore. In the course of half an hour a fire with shot and shell was opened on the town from the 'Teazer,' supported by a cross-fire from the gun-boats of the 'Linnet,' which was continued for a quarter of an hour, when Captain Need again landed, and marched up to the now-deserted town. The chief appeared after a little delay, gave himself up to spare the town, and was brought off as a hostage for the men demanded, who were given up in a day or two, the chief having meanwhile been allowed to be at large, on giving his word not to attempt to leave the colony. These measures were necessary to impress on the chiefs the duty of adhering to the treaty they had signed, as it appears that Kelch Moodah considered himself too strong within his town to be made to feel the power of British law.

CAPTURE OF SLAVERS IN THE RIO PONGOS, BY THE BOATS OF H.M.S. 'LINNET,' COMMANDER H. NEED.

Information having been given to Commodore Seymour that two suspected vessels in the river Pongos were being prepared for slaves, Commander Need, of H.M.S. 'Linnet,' proceeded up the river on the 30th April, 1853, in her pinnace and two gigs to search for them; and on the following morning learned from an English schooner that a large Spanish schooner was lying in a small creek, about 5 miles up, waiting for a cargo. They soon came in sight of her, with most of her sails spread over her sides, and green bushes hanging around her bows. The moment the crew perceived the boats they left the vessel and got on shore. She proved to be the 'Bellona,' of Barcelona, a fine brigantine, of about 350 tons. Having anchored her in a wide part of the river, with the crew of one of the gigs in charge, the pinnace and the other gig proceeded up the next creek, where a fine schooner was soon discovered, without cargo or crew, but having her beams laid, and the slave-deck piled up in her wings, ready for laying when the slaves came on board.

DESTRUCTION OF BARRACOONS, BY COMMANDER J. STRANGE, AFRICA,

1851.

The natives at the mouth of the Benin River have for some time past borne a bad name. About the latter end of the year 1850 they were guilty of several acts of piracy upon the long-boats of merchant vessels entering the river for the purposes of trade. Early in 1851 Mr. Beecroft, the British Consul for the Bights of Benin and Biafra, in consequence of the representations he had received from the agents and masters of vessels trading to the Benin, visited the river in the 'Jackal,' a small man-of-war steamer commanded by Lieut. Norman B. Bedingfield, with the intention of remonstrating with the chiefs, and of settling the matter, if possible, by peaceable measures.

In order to put affairs on a permanently satisfactory footing, he found it necessary to proceed to Warree, the seat of government, about 100 miles up the river. On his return from thence, he learned that during his absence the factory at the mouth of the river had been attacked by the natives of Bonbee and Battary, and property to a large amount plundered, the European residents having only escaped with their lives by taking refuge on board a merchant schooner.

This audacity on the part of the natives, whom usually the mere mention of a man-of-war was sufficient to overcome, determined the consul to take stronger measures, and accordingly a schooner was despatched to look for a man-of-war, with a letter addressed to her commander, urging him to repair to the Benin as soon as possible for the purpose of chastising the pirates.

On the 23rd March the 'Archer' anchored off the bar of the river, and her commander, Captain Strange, having learned the particulars, left two boats, a cutter and a whaleboat, with 20 men, to assist Lieut. Bedingfield in the protection of the factory, while he proceeded in search of his pinnace, which had been left watching Lagos during his absence. On the 26th the 'Archer' again anchored off the bar, and her remaining boats attempted to pass it, but finding the sea breaking the whole way across, were compelled to return to their ship. On the following day, however, they succeeded in joining the 'Jackal' off Factory Isle.

It was hoped that the increase of force would have a salutary effect on the marauders, and that matters would be settled without having recourse to hostilities; and in this hope Mr. Beecroft and Captain Strange agreed that no offensive demonstration should take place that afternoon.

The latter, however, with Lieut. Bedingfield, in their respective gigs, proceeded to reconnoitre the mouth of the creek, where the town of Bonbee was situated, and if possible, to find a passage deep enough for the large boats to enter. On approaching the shore, a number of men appeared armed with muskets, who after a preliminary volley of abuse, opened a fire upon the two gigs. The distance was too great for doing mischief, but the fire was returned while the boats continued sounding, and succeeded in the object of finding a channel.

This act of aggression on the part of the Bonbees now left no alternative; but the tide was then falling, and any attack that afternoon must have been indecisive, while it would probably have been attended with much unnecessary bloodshed. The boats which had come promptly up to the support of the two gigs, were therefore ordered back to the 'Jackal,' and preparations were made for an attack the following day.

The town was situated on a branch of the river running in a southerly direction. Between the town and the river was a small creek running parallel to the main stream, and divided from it by a narrow peninsula of sand covered with brushwood about eight feet high, which had the effect of masking the town and concealing any preparations that might be making inside, while it afforded a most favourable cover for musketry. The channel which had been sounded on the 27th, approached the entrance of the branch above mentioned in a winding direction, and compelled the boats to pass the peninsula in single file, and so near as almost to touch it with their oars.

At 11 A.M. of the 28th, the 'Jackal' weighed from her anchorage off Factory Isle, and took up a position abreast of the town, as near as the shoals would admit of, in order to cover the boats with the fire of her 18-pounder. The boats' crews took an early dinner, and at noon (the tide being about quarter-flood), after an experimental shot from the 'Jackal's' gun at long range, which was seen to throw up the muddy water out of the creek, the force, consisting of eight boats, viz., the pinnace, two cutters, and two whaleboats of the 'Archer,' and the cutter, gig, and jolly-boat of the 'Jackal,' containing in all 92 officers and men, including 14 Kroomen, started off on their expedition.

On nearing the shore, the musketry with which the jungle was filled opened upon the boats. Soon after the firing had begun, the pinnace grounded several times, the tide having scarcely risen enough, and at last it became necessary for the Kroomen to jump into the water to shove her over the flats, the other boats closing round her to protect them, during all which time a heavy fire was kept up on both sides, but, as far as our people were concerned, a harmless one.

At length the intricacies of the channel being past, the boats made for the entrance of the creek, the pinnace, under Lieut. Badge of the 'Archer' leading. The point of the peninsula above described, which appeared from outside the most critical part, was passed without a shot being fired, it having been well swept by the canister and shrapnell shell from the pinnace's 12-pounder.

On rounding the point, five war-canoes, each holding about 40 men, and armed with a swivel (about a 3-pounder) in the bow, were seen drawn up across the creek. Three more small guns were planted in front of the town; the whole in such a position as to rake the boats as they entered. Their fire, however, as well as the musketry from the town, although delivered at about 30 yards, did no damage.

A well-directed shot from the pinnace sent the canoes to the right-about, and the town was taken possession of and burnt without further opposition. In this affair the boats suffered no loss. That of the pirates, at the lowest estimate, was about 40 killed. It is impossible to say what number were engaged on their side, but 400 would not be over the mark.

The following morning the boats again proceeded into the creek, and destroyed another town close to the one burnt on the 28th, but which, from being concealed by the jungle, had escaped notice. The resistance on that occasion was trifling, and no casualty occurred.

The effect of these operations upon the pirates and upon the natives in general was very satisfactory. Several canoe-loads of stolen property were returned immediately, and at a meeting of chiefs and headmen of towns on board the 'Jackal,' the most powerful one was unanimously elected chief of the Benin River, who was to be responsible for the protection of trade in future.

MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM TUCKER, R.N.,

1842.

Captain Tucker was the third son of the Rev. O. Tucker, vicar of Borden in Kent, and was born in 1795. In 1809 he joined the 'Arniston' East Indiaman, but preferring the king's service he left this ship in India, and was received as a volunteer on board the 'Diomede.' He afterwards served in the 'Ramillies,' and then in the 'Cumberland,' both 74's, the latter of which was successively employed in the West Indies, and in watching the Dutch fleet in the Texel during the last year of the war. He then sailed again to the East Indies in the 'Liverpool,' Captain Collier, in which ship he had the rating of mate. She was employed for five months on the Isle of France station, during which time her boats captured five slave-vessels. Mr. Tucker was constantly in command of a boat, and was sometimes absent from the ship for six weeks at a time. His exertions on this service were most conspicuous. At the attack on Ras-ool-Khyma, in the Persian Gulf, in which the 'Liverpool' subsequently assisted, he commanded one of the gun-boats, and nearly lost his life. He was ashore when a night attack was made on the camp, and two midshipmen were creased close to him. The sickness caused by the weather during this expedition, when the thermometer stood at 108° in the night, was a formidable addition to the other dangers of the service. After twelve years of active service, Mr. Tucker was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and served successively in the 'Pylades,' the 'Atholl,' and the 'Maidstone.' While on the coast of Africa, in command of the 'Maidstone's' tender, the 'Hope,' a schooner of 140 tons, armed with a long traversing 12-pounder, and four 18-pounder guns, and manned with 32 officers and men, including eight native Africans, he fell in with the 'Prince of Guinea' slaver on the 5th August, 1826. She was a brig of 280 American tons, pierced for 16 guns, but having only 9 mounted, viz., a long traversing 24-pounder, four long 9-pounders, two long 6-pounders, and two swivels, and manned with 72 men. After a chase of 28 hours, and upwards of two hours' hard fighting, Lieut. Tucker having three out of his five guns disabled by the heavy fire of the brig, resolved on boarding her, but being prevented from leading the boarders by a very severe wound in the right foot, received at the commencement of the action, he notwithstanding continued throughout to fight the traversing gun. They were led in the most gallant manner by Mr. R. N. Pengelly, Admiralty mate of the 'Maidstone,' and they succeeded in obtaining a footing on the vessel's deck, and, after a fight of several minutes, in getting possession of her. She had but recently sailed from Whydah with 578 slaves on board. Captain Tucker's commanding commission was sent out the moment the news of the gallant capture arrived at the Admiralty. A handsome watch presented to him by Commodore Bullen, bears in its inscription that he had while in the 'Maidstone' "liberated 1,003 fellow-creatures from the bonds of slavery." In 1837 Captain Tucker was appointed Inspecting Commander in the Coast Guard service, and afterwards to the 'Wolverine' sloop, then at Malta, but destined for the slave coast; with this vessel he captured 14 slavers, and also destroyed the slave-factories at Corisco. His complete knowledge of the coast, and of the habits of the slavers, enabled him not only to terminate but to anticipate the horrors of the slave-ship, and to turn all his energies with success to the task of capturing the pirates before they got into the ports where they were to take in their cargoes. When the West Coast station was separated from that of the Cape of Good Hope, Captain Tucker, having then succeeded to the command of the 'Iris' frigate, and having been made Post Captain (Oct. 26th, 1840) became the senior officer, and continued the same career most successfully, making upwards of 20 more captures. His health, however, gave way, which obliged him to return to England. He took his passage from the Cape of Good Hope in the 'Reliance' East Indiaman, which was wrecked on the 12th November, 1842, in a dreadful storm off Boulogne, and he was lost almost in sight of his native land. The last seen of him was on the poop-deck until it was broken up by the fall of the mizen-mast, supporting in his arms a young midshipman of the name of Ford, whose leg had been broken by the fall of the main-mast. Those who survived saved themselves by swimming. Captain Tucker was himself an excellent swimmer, and had twice jumped overboard to save the lives of others. It seems probable, and in perfect accordance with his character, that he lost his life in attempting to save his wounded companion, and the composure thus evinced in remembering the duties of humanity when death is close at hand, has at least as much of merit as the courage shown before an enemy.