be placed, especially if
the climate should prove colder than was anticipated;
consequently, there were not more than three thousand four
hundred men upon whom a General could fully depend.

Together with these forces were brought out abundant stores of
ammunition, some clothing for the troops, and tents to be used
when an opportunity should offer. There were also numerous
additions to the commissariat and medical departments; in short,
the materiel of the army was increased in proportion to its
increase in number.

To find himself in the chief command of the army, exceeded the
expectation, and perhaps the desire, of General Keane. Being a
young and dashing officer, he had been selected as most fit to
serve under General Ross; and having sailed from England before
the death of that gallant chief was known, he reached Madeira
before his elevation was communicated to him. Young as he was,
however, his arrival produced much satisfaction throughout the
armament; for though no one entertained a doubt as to the
personal courage of Colonel Brook, it was felt that a leader of
more experience was wanted on the present expedition.

As soon as the newly-arrived squadron had anchored, the Bay was
covered with boats, which conveyed parties of officers from ship
to ship, hastening to salute their comrades, and to inquire into
the state of things at home. Greetings and hearty embraces were
interchanged between friends thus again brought together; and a
few passing ejaculations of sorrow bestowed upon those who could
not now take part in the meeting. Many questions were put,
relative to persons and places in England; in a word, the day
was spent in that species of employment, which can be completely
known only to those who have been similarly situated.

CHAPTER XVIII.

AT SEA.

BUT the period granted for such indulgence was not of long
duration, for on the following morning the Tonnant, Ramilies, and
two brigs stood to sea; and on the 26th the rest of the fleet got
under weigh and followed the Admiral. It is impossible to
conceive a finer sea-view than this general stir presented. Our
fleet amounted now to upwards of fifty sail, many of them vessels
of war, which shaking loose their topsails, and lifting their
anchors at the same moment, gave to Negril Bay an appearance of
bustle such as it has seldom been able to present. In half an
hour all the canvas was set, and the ships moved slowly and
proudly from their anc