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For some time from this date quiet days preponderated. The Alabama was now in the region of the trade winds, but it was some time before they were fairly taken. From the 9th November, in Lat. 27.52 N., Long. 58.24 W., to the 15th November, in Lat. 21 N., Long. 57.49 W., the wind continued light and variable, sometimes even for a few hours blowing directly from the southward. On the 15th November the N.E. trade appeared to have fairly set in, and from this time fine weather and favouring breezes became the order of the day.
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Sunday, November 16th.—Beautiful clear weather, with a moderate trade from about east by south. Woollen clothes becoming uncomfortable. At 11 A.M. mustered the crew, and inspected the ship. A quiet Sabbath-day, with nothing in sight. Our ship begins to look quite like a ship of war—with her battery in fine order, her decks clean, freshly-painted outside, masts scraped, &c., &c., and the crew well disciplined. Thus far I have never seen a better disposed or more orderly crew. They have come very kindly into the traces.
Monday, November 17th.—… Running before the wind, with studding-sails set on both sides. At 2 P.M. made the island of Dominica, half a point on the starboard bow.
CHAPTER XIX.
Martinique—News from home—Friendly greetings—Mutiny!—Order restored—The San Jacinto—Neutrality of the port invaded—Prompt measures—Expectation—Ready for action—Success—Locking an empty stable—Temptation—The Clara L. Sparks—Refitting—A court-martial —Dismissed.
The 18th November saw Captain Semmes again off Martinique, which he had visited in the Sumter just twelve months before. Making the north end of the island at about 4 A.M., the propeller was lowered and steam got up, the day breaking just as the Alabama's screw began to revolve. At 10 A.M., having run past St. Pierre, she anchored in the harbour of Fort de France.
Here she found her faithful consort, the Agrippina, from whom she had parted at Terceira on the 24th of August. On her departure from that port, she had returned with all speed to Cardiff, from which she had again sailed for the rendezvous at Martinique, and was now ready with a fresh supply of coal for the Alabama, and had been waiting her arrival just eight days. In addition to the much needed supply of coal, the Agrippina brought a small mail for the Alabama's officers, who thus received news from friends at home for the first time for more than three months.
No sooner was the anchor down than a lieutenant was sent ashore to pay the usual visit of ceremony to the Governor, carrying with him a note, informing his Excellency of the arrival of the Confederate steamer Alabama in French waters. A few hours brought a courteous reply, extending to the Alabama the hospitality of the port; and the health officers having visited the ship, arrangements were made for laying in a stock of provisions, and such other articles as were required after the cruise. Nor were the amenities of the Alabama's reception confined to the authorities alone. An enthusiastic greeting awaited her from almost every one; the clubs were placed at their disposal, and invitations à discretion poured in from every side.