jaws of the Mexican Gulf. Whilst keeping
thus close to the shore, our sail was more interesting than
usual, for though this side of Cuba be low, it is nevertheless
picturesque, from the abundance of wood with which it is
ornamented. There are likewise several points where huge rocks
rise perpendicularly out of the water, presenting the appearance
of old baronial castles, with their battlements and lofty
turrets; and it will easily be believed that none of these
escaped our observation. The few books which we had brought to
sea were all read, many of them twice and three times through;
and there now remained nothing to amuse except what the variety
of the voyage could produce.

But the shores of Cuba were quickly passed, and the old prospect
of sea and sky again met the gaze. There was, however, one
circumstance from which we experienced a considerable diminution
of comfort. As soon as we entered the gulf, a short disagreeable
swell was perceptible; differing in some respects from that in
the Bay of Biscay, but to my mind infinitely more unpleasant. So
great was the motion, indeed, that all walking was prevented; but
as we felt ourselves drawing every hour nearer and nearer to the
conclusion of our miseries, this additional one was borne without
much repining. Besides, we found some amusement in watching, from
the cabin windows, the quantity and variety of weed with which
the surface of the gulf is covered. The current being here
extremely rapid, the weed sails continually in the same
direction; that is to say, it goes round by the opposite side of
Cuba towards the banks of Newfoundland, and is carried sometimes
as far as Bermuda, and even to the Western Isles.

It is not, however, my intention to continue the detail of this
voyage longer than may be interesting; I shall therefore merely
state that, the wind and weather having undergone some
variations, it was the 10th of December before the shores of
America could be discerned. On that day we found ourselves
opposite to the Chandeleur Islands, and near the entrance of Lake
Borgne. There the fleet anchored, that the troops might be
removed from the heavy ships into such as drew least water; and
from this and other preparations it appeared that to ascend this
lake was the plan determined upon.

NEW ORLEANS.

But before I pursue my narrative further, it will be well if I
endeavour to give some account of the situation of New Orleans,
and of the nature of