me on to blow so violently during the
night, that they were prevented from landing; the following day they
were more successful, and Mr. Nopps walked up the coast. For two days
his search proved useless, but on the third he had the pleasure of
finding Mr. McDonnell still alive, in a hut, under the care of some
Indians. After the lapse of two days, he was so far recovered as to be
taken on board the pilot-boat, and arrived next morning at Belize Bay.

It would have been happy if all connected with the Firefly had been
equally fortunate. The gig, which had been sent from the wreck to
Belize for assistance, was found several days afterwards cast upon the
beach, broken in two, and all in her must have perished.

Lieutenant McDonnell was promoted to the rank of commander in 1846,
and at present is unemployed.

THE AVENGER.

The Avenger, a steam frigate, with an armament of 6 heavy guns and 280
men, sailed from Gibraltar on the afternoon of the 17th of December,
1847. As her commander, Captain Charles G.E. Napier, was anxious to
spare the coal, the steam was reduced to the least possible degree,
leaving sufficient to work the wheels up to the rate of sailing. On
Monday, the 20th, the steamer was running with square yards, at the
rate of eight or nine knots an hour, steering about east by south,
under double-reefed topsails and reefed foresail. At eight o'clock in
the evening the usual watch was placed, with directions to keep a
careful look-out. The night was dark and squally, with a high sea
running, and occasionally loud peals of thunder were heard,
accompanied with vivid flashes of lightning.

Most of the officers were collected in the gun-room, with the
exception of the captain, who had retired to his sleeping cabin. He
had directed his steward to request the attendance of the master, and
of Mr. Betts, the second master, who soon joined him in the cabin,
where they remained for a few minutes examining the charts. The
captain's steward relates, that the above officers went upon deck,
when Captain Napier desired him to take away the light, and to leave a
small lamp burning in the fore-cabin, which was always kept alight at
sea during the night. He accordingly did so, and returned to his
berth. In about half-an-hour afterwards he heard some one come down
from the quarter-deck, and go into the captain's cabin. In about five
minutes the captain went upon deck, where he remained for a short
time, and again returne