The climate of the south coast, especially from 6° south towards the Cape of Good Hope, is more healthy than on the north coast. As evidence of this, Europeans are found in comparatively great numbers in Loanda and Benguela, in the enjoyment of tolerable health.
There is a northerly current running along the southern coast of Africa, at the average rate of one mile per hour, until it is met by the Congo River, in 6° south; where the impetuous stream of that great river breaks up this northerly current and forms one, of two miles per hour, in the direction of N. W., until it meets with the equatorial current in 2° or 3° south. The Congo will be more particularly noticed in speaking of the third southern cruise of the Perry.
The rollers on the coast are very heavy. And the breaking of the tremendous surf along the shore can often be heard at night, the distance of twenty miles from the land, reminding one of the sound of Niagara, in the vicinity of that mighty cataract.
But having in this part of the work (compilation of the correspondence) to treat more of ships, sailors and letters, than of the climate, the shore, and its inhabitants, it is time to recur to the Perry,—now squared away before the wind, with studding-sails set below and aloft, bound to Porto Praya, via Prince’s Island and Monrovia, in search of the commander-in-chief of the squadron.
There are so many graphic descriptions before the public, in sea novels and naval journals, of life in a man-of-war, that it may well suffice here to remark—that a small vessel, uncomfortable quarters, salt provisions, myriads of cockroaches, an occasional tornado and deluge of rain, were ills that naval life duly encountered during the five days’ passage to Prince’s Island.
On the 27th of April the Perry arrived, and to the great gratification of officers and men, the broad pendant of the commodore was descried at the main of the U. S. sloop-of-war “Portsmouth.”
The U. S. brig “Bainbridge” was also at anchor in West Bay.
Prince’s Island is ten miles in length from north to south, and five miles in breadth. In places, it is considerably elevated, presenting, in its grotesque shafts and projecting figures curiously formed, an exceedingly picturesque appearance.
The natives are mostly black, and slaves; although a few colored people are seen of a mixed race—Portuguese and African.
The island is well wooded, and the soil rich; and if cultivated properly, would yield abundantly. Farina is extensively manufactured.