On running for Port Royal we stuck on the middle bank, the sea-breeze, with its accompanying swell, having set in. We did not shorten sail, as we drew only about three inches less than the water over the brittle coral reef. My station was in the main top; the sea and down to the bottom as clear as crystal: it was a pretty sight, when the swell lifted the ship and eased her down. As we proceeded, the variety of beautiful fish and animals dashed from under, on both sides. Got into Port Royal with our bottom a little cleaner than it was. I believe the mishap occurred by the Quartermaster not rightly distinguishing the black pilot’s pronunciation of “starboard” and “larboard.” Found here the magnificent hospital and store-ship _Isis_, 50, with flag, _Rattlesnake_, 28, and _Harlequin_, 18. Sent pinnace with specie to Kingston. We were not wanted long; I had only time to make the acquaintance of one Johnnie Ferron, a jolly Frenchman, who kept a store, in which was to be found everything, even to a pair of skates, and three pretty daughters. We were ordered on a cruise: there were few dollars, but we _might_ tumble across a slaver. [Sidenote: July 11, 16.] Sailed for the eastward, and as trade wind and current were the same way, we had to work to windward, unless, as frequently happened near land, we got becalmed with islands of Cuba and St. Domingo in sight. At daylight we saw a rakish-looking black schooner, running before the wind under studding sails. She no sooner made us out than she hauled to the wind, and was soon out of sight. [Sidenote: July 20.] Four days after we ran into Port-au-Prince, and saluted the Black Republican flag with seventeen guns. Mr. Mackenzie was our Consul, and through him we saw quite enough. There were negroes parading about in the cast-off uniforms of our infantry and cavalry, helmets and jack-boots, but nothing to ride. The most beautiful island in the Far West was the first landed on by Christopher Columbus. Some of his followers fancied they smelt gold; he left a party behind, from the effects of which Hayti never recovered. For the short time that they claimed the British protection our hands were full, and we only undertook half-and-half measures. During the earthquake of 1842, 3000 people were burnt. The history of St. Domingo and Hayti fills a book of horrors. [Sidenote: August 23, 29.] Sailed from Port-au-Prince on August 6; during our cruise visited the Gonaives and St. Jago de Cuba. Left in the early morning, just in time to share prize-money with the _Aurora_ and _Harlequin_. Observed the frigate fire a shot across the bows of a schooner under Dutch colours; between us she had no chance of escape. She proved to be Spanish, from Africa, with 267 slaves on board, which, as their heads were shaved and greased, they looked, before we got close, like so many 32 lb. round shot. [Sidenote: Sept. 2.]