- ^ St.Lucia. Morne Fortunée, March 10th.-^-On die eighth inst, in the
afternoon, we sailed from Martinico ; the prospect is very pleasant;
Dominico lies id the N. IÊ. Martinico east, and St; Lucia ; to the
west; these, three islands make a verypicturesqueappearance, ànd'
maöy of the mountains seem to indicate; a volcanic origin. I am
sorry that I have tost with my luggage a very good: telescope, by
which I might have had a moré minute inspection of these mountains
;• those of St. Lucia seem to be the least- lofty.
in a time l of general peace; it must be,? extremely pleasant to
cruise.in this western archipelago, and to visit the different islands,
as there are so many vessels provided with the-"bosfc ^accommodations,
coming‘and going constantly to all the different places. 1
We passed the Diamond-rock off Martinieo, at present in- the
possession of the English, although there -cannot be a great garrison
kept there, to undertake any attack against Martinie©/ ill is
merely used for the purpose of observing what passes, at Fort
Royal. Several of our passengers who had been at. the Diamond
rock, said -it was - a good fortification, but from its want of a well,
was badly supplied wi th fresh1 water. t$é
• This Swedish brig, though fitted out in the manner of a packet,
is very small, and crowded; witli passengers, as there.are .few oppor-.
tunities at present of having an intercoursé with the different islands.
The wind being fair when we left Martinico, we all thought that the
passage would be made in a few hours, but when we were .about
half way the breeze began .to die away, and we. did not arrive till
next day at St. Lucia ; I was therefore ; the more thankful for
having been so well recommended to the captain, who accommodated
me as well asJay in his power. ,
; As soon as we had landed at Morne-Fortunée, and provided ourselves
With lodgings, I took a walk ; but this to\Vn has nothing pleasing
in its appearance, the houses are all builtof wood, and not being
paintéd, they- look very indifferent. Thé streets ; are- likewise laid
•AA ' ; -• ' - ■ , ’ •• W “r „ f ■ f L J A t V ÜL*-
out iri an-irregular manner. This place seems to be very unhealthy |
as even now, ink the best part of the séâsëh; many of the Creoles or
natives are afflicted with fevers ; which is not to be wondered at,
as the-harbour; which1 fortris almostëàHèireular- bason, is nearly* shut
out from the sea by ¥ fid^f of Mgh^ Hills' which only leavéâ open
a narrow ôhârihel; this Ig# well fortified, so that ail the ships lié
here in perfect safety ; yet the ‘ hills preveht ; the free ciréiilàtion
of thë^àeâ breezes, and fei®SMl;to fhei town on1 ||fp olhè^ side vis'S
forest. Rut as: 'the- mountains are not so high on that*;side,; it
seems that by more cultivation and clearing the^ibubtry^df the
trees for better circulation of the land'-breezes, Vhis place may in
time become more healthy. I must! however inform yon; that I
have not bèén up to the fort; where I might have seèn better
buildings..
# No neutral vessels are laying here, but an Ehgliffr brig is ready-
for Sailing to Barbadoes ; in time of war, they give a! Very short
nótiéé^óf tneir dëpàrture, for as the islands are so* near to each
other,1 intimation might be given to the enemy’s privateers, to pursue
them.
Barbadoes. Bridge-town, April 7th.—On thte fevehirig’ of the eleventh
lilt, we left St. Lucia, and being obliged to pass so near
Martiniëö^ the captain assured all-his passengers that hè should
keep a careful look out, that he mighfnOt-' be surprised by a priva*
teer; and should hç see an ehefriy in titaé^hî^Véssèl sailëdk) well
that he never had any fehr of being taken ; how great th'eh was
our surprise when, in the dead of the night j we heàrd the watch call
out, “ a strange sail’s ahead, and vérÿ near üs.” Wé all hurriëd tipon
dëck^ Thé captain was in thddiig^éMtëègfrê# éB|gihumour ; there
was no time for manoeuvring the Véssël, ànd wè were obliged to
stand our chance, whether !ot'%iéeting a friend or an enemy. -Bit t
it seéthdd the other ttéÖsfel Wës equëll^; sdspiciSds of uë, ànd we
passed each Other as fast as we could. Our captain then told u