rance;
and another great consolation was, that the vessel was perfectly
tight.

From the direction of the wind being at south-east, all
vessels going to the north-west harbour, must luff close round
the gunner's quoin, and haul over for the island, taking care to
avoid the reefs with which the shore is lined, and on which the
surf breaks with great violence. A continuation of forts and
batteries extend from the harbour's mouth as far as it is
possible for any vessel to fetch; though, independent of these
forts, landing here must be attended with much danger, from the
constant surf which breaks on the reefs already mentioned; and as
the wind always blows out of the harbour, every vessel is obliged
to warp in. No vessel ought to touch at this island during the
hurricane months*, as the harbour cannot afford shelter for more
than six or eight vessels. In 1788, six large ships were wrecked
in this harbour.

[* October, November, and December.]

At this time there were lying in the harbour, _La
Thetis_, of 38 guns, commanded by Compte M'Namarra, Chef de
Division; _La Nymphe_, 38 guns, Le Compte de Forineaux, Chef
de Division; _La Medusa_, 38 guns, Le Compte de Rossilly;
three American vessels, and a great number of French merchant
ships.

The revolution of this island, which had taken place about
three weeks before our arrival, was attended with great excesses
by the people, who carried Le Compte M'Namarra to the gallows,
where he was near being executed. The governor, _Le Compte de
Conway_, had resigned his government to a Monsieur _De
Caussigny_, commandant of Bourbon, who arrived here only three
days before us. Monsieur de Conway waited the equipment of La
Nymphe frigate, in which ship he proposed returning to
France.

The town of Port Louis is large, and covers a deal of ground,
but the houses are in general paltry buildings. Here are large
stores, and every thing necessary for the equipment of fleets.
The number of inhabitants on the island, exclusive of the
military, is about 8000; and blacks, 12,000.

Fresh provisions, especially butchers meat, are very scarce
here; what there is costs 20 sous per pound; but turtle is
procured from _St. Branden_, and sold at a much cheaper
rate.

The general object of cultivation on this island is the
indico, of which from four to five crops a year are procured: one
person sent to Europe 30,000 lb. in 1789, of a very superior
quality. Attempts have been made here to rea