At daylight observed two line-of-battle ships to leeward. Bore up; saluted flag of Admiral Sir Robert Stopford, in _Princess Royal_, _Vanguard_ in company. Received orders to proceed to the West Coast of Africa as soon as _Childers_ could be spared from present duties. The same order was posted to me from Malta by Sir Josias Rowley, homeward bound, which reached me afterwards. [Sidenote: Aug. 9.] At the request of Commander Baldwin Walker, took _Vanguard’s_ boats in tow and ran into Port Faugal. Enemy had disappeared. [Sidenote: Aug. 17.] Secured to Gibraltar Mole. Found a French Squadron; Prince de Joinville on board _Hercules_. Busy taking in stores and provisions. I was sorry at being obliged to leave the Mediterranean without seeing more of my friend, George Grey, who commanded the _Scylla_, and ordered home on promotion. He was one of the smartest and most promising young officers in the service. He married a charming lady who was not a sailor. George was appointed in 1846 Superintendent of Gibraltar Dockyard, where he remained for many years. CHAPTER XVIII _CHILDERS_: WEST COAST OF AFRICA [Sidenote: 1837. Aug. 24.] Adieu to Mediterranean and civilisation! We were ordered to Portendick, the northern limit of the West African and Cape of Good Hope station. [Sidenote: Sept. 5.] Called at Portendick. [Sidenote: Sept. 24.] Arrived at Sierra Leone. Here we received our proportion of Kroomen, the most useful and intelligent of natives, who relieved our men of much sun work. As they were discharged, on their ships leaving the station, they were at liberty to volunteer for any ships they fancied. We were not long in completing our complement of twenty-four. The native names of these Kroomen were so incomprehensible that on their first joining a man-of-war the Captain had to find names for the ship’s books. Thus, among those left with me were “Doctor Inman,” “Sea-breeze,” “No Grog,” “Prince of Wales,” “Bishop of London.” It would be tedious to name them all. They were good-tempered and willing fellows; thoroughly acquainted with the coast. During the few days that it was necessary for me to remain in this picturesque, but sickly harbour, the _Harpy_, 10, Hon. George Clements, arrived with a returned prize crew from the West Indies. (His sister had married my clergyman brother.) He had fever on board, and had lost many men. The day before sailing the poor fellow dined with me. He told me the night previous he had heard bodies dropped into the river from merchant ships near. The wind blows chiefly off the coast, and when the _Harpy_ sailed with her sickly crew, the officers went aloft to assist in loosing sails. Poor George Clements! From the kind way in which he pressed on me a gold chain he had worn, I do not think he expected to live long. [Sidenote: Oct. 1.] Left Sierra Leone October 1, _Saracen_ in company. [Sidenote: Oct. 3.]