We had two midshipmen’s berths and places allotted for stores; even for a midshipman’s pig, which is supposed never to die. The lower-masts and bowsprit had been replaced, and the ship re-coppered. The Captain wore a moustache. Having commanded a ship in the Mediterranean on the Greek station, he fancied petticoat trousers for the crew. The ship was soon out of dock, and secured alongside the hulk. The _Royal Sovereign_ arrived bearing the flag of Lord High Admiral the Duke of Clarence, Royal standard flying. His Royal Highness had visited the Russian fleet. We manned the side of the hulk, with the crew in their petticoat trousers, while the Royal Marines, on a raised platform, presented arms. The Lord High Admiral came on board later, and mustered the crew. He did not notice me, although I had red hair like his Flag-Lieutenant, Hon. J. F. De Roos. _Espoir_, Commander F. Greville, sailed with £70,000, newly-coined money, for the Cape. We had a Naval Instructor and a nice set of officers, particularly among our midshipmen. Among our messmates was a most agreeable and amusing old salt, one Jonas Coaker, second master. We were not to have his company, as he had to take charge of a water-tank for Simon’s Bay. Coaker and I were shipmates later on. I could scarcely recognise the interior of my old ship. Our mess sported plate and table-cloths. I had a Marine servant to myself, who no longer answered to the name of “_Cheeks_.” [Sidenote: Sept. 8.] We sailed out of harbour, saluting the flag of Sir Thomas Hardy. Having taken on board the copper coin for _Espoir’s_ freight, we sailed on 9th, and came to off Cowes. [Sidenote: Sept. 16.] We hove to in Plymouth Sound; saluted the flag of Sir James Saumarez. After communicating, proceeded. [Sidenote: Sept. 27.] Kind readers will have had enough of sea-voyages. We arrived at the always agreeable and hospitable Funchall Roads. Usual salutes. Visits from Russian and Danish Consuls. [Sidenote: Oct. 9.] At sea. A man fell overboard from the fore topsail yard; picked him up unhurt. [Sidenote: Oct. 10, 11.] Came to in Porto Praya Roads, St. Jago, saluting the Portuguese flag. While watering, a few of us, including surgeon, schoolmaster, and six of my messmates, also taking with us James Winser, mids’ servant, landed with our fowling-pieces for a picnic. We had a long and enjoyable day. When we returned at sunset, we found that, on account of slaves, no boats were allowed to quit the shore. First Lieutenant, being aware of the rule, no boat was sent. We took up our quarters in a deserted hotel, slept on the bare mud floor, unpleasantly near swampy ground. Watering here was disagreeable, having to raft our casks off with a swell rolling into the roads. It took us three days. [Sidenote: Oct. 14.]