CRUISE OF THE “PERRY”--INSTRUCTIONS--DISPATCHED TO THE SOUTH COAST--BENGUELA--CASE OF A SLAVER WHICH HAD CHANGED HER NATIONALITY CAPTURED BY AN ENGLISH CRUISER--ST. PAUL DE LOANDA--ABUSE OF THE AMERICAN FLAG--WANT OF A CONSUL ON THE SOUTH COAST--CORRESPONDENCE WITH BRITISH OFFICERS IN RELATION TO SLAVERS UNDER THE AMERICAN FLAG--THE BARQUE “NAVARRE”--TREATY WITH PORTUGAL--ABATEMENT OF CUSTOM-HOUSE DUTIES--CRUISING OFF AMBRIZ--AN ARRANGEMENT MADE WITH THE BRITISH COMMODORE FOR THE JOINT CRUISING OF THE PERRY AND STEAMER “CYCLOPS”--CO-OPERATION WITH THE BRITISH SQUADRON FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF THE SLAVE-TRADE--FITTING OUT OF AMERICAN SLAVERS IN BRAZIL. On the 21st of December, 1849, the “Perry” arrived at the Cape Verde Islands, and was reported to the commodore of the American squadron. On the 9th of the succeeding month a communication was received from the commodore intimating his intention to dispatch the vessel immediately on a cruise south of the equator: stating, that he should leave the commander to the exercise of his own judgment in general matters; but as an object of the first consequence, called his attention to the observance of every means calculated to preserve and insure the health of his crew. He had been counselled by the experience of the fleet surgeon and others, that it was absolutely necessary for white persons to avoid exposure to the heat of the day, and to the night air on shore, and always when at anchor to lie at a sufficient distance from the shore to avoid its deleterious effects. Besides these precautions, cleanliness of ship and persons, constant ventilation, proper food and clothing, sufficiency of water, and good discipline, had hitherto produced the happiest results, and no doubt would continue to do so. A number of Kroomen sufficient to man two boats, were to be furnished at Monrovia, which would relieve the crew ordinarily from the hazards of that duty. The officers and men should not be permitted to visit the shore unnecessarily; or at all, when they could not, with certainty, return at any moment. Care was to be observed in procuring good wholesome water, and in such abundance as to insure at all times, if possible, a full allowance to the crew; and also to furnish them with fresh provisions and vegetables, whenever the opportunity offered. A record of all vessels boarded, with a report according to the form furnished, was required. The commander was reminded of the disposition of the government to cultivate and maintain the most friendly intercourse with all other nations or people, and was directed to govern himself accordingly.