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 8 the pendant of Commodore Sir J. Peyton, with the rest of the West Indian and North American squadron blockading the port.

I was then transferred to the Madagascar, Sir John Peyton very kindly following up the attentions I had experienced from my friend Commodore Pell, who shortly after quitted us to return to Jamaica.

In order to obtain as much information as our position would afford, I volunteered to examine the bay and passage to the Passo Cavallos, and became the guest of Captain Warren of the Serpent, who was ordered to intercept supplies destined for Carthagena by that channel.

Whilst employed on this service, one of Captain Warren's crew was unfortunately shot by a person concealed amongst the bushes; and the same evening a boat belonging to the Government reached us with orders to return. Having with me the Commodore's barge and crew, I immediately determined, as we were informed that hostilities had ceased, on making a short cut through the Pass, the pilot offering no opposition. I thus obtained some insight into this channel, which I afterwards found was not opened to foreigners.

By a small steamer it could easily be passed; but the width, barely sufHcient Ibr the oars of the barge, would render it a rash step in uncovered boats, the trees, which are well cleared for ten yards or more back, affording ample shelter for musketry.

On reaching the port, I found the Madagascar