The Mona Passage being the regular track of United States commerce, it was looked upon as almost a certainty that at least one cruiser would be stationed for its protection.  A bright look-out, therefore, was kept, and hopes again ran high of a speedy brush with the Yankees.  Nothing, however, appeared; and the attention of the Alabama was for the most part devoted throughout the day to strictly domestic affairs.

To-day—­says Captain Semmes, in his journal—­has been a great “house-cleaning” day with the first lieutenant, who, regardless of Mona Passages, strange sails, &c., is busy with his holy-stones and sand. * * *

Gave an order to the paymaster to-day, authorising him to pay the increased rates agreed upon with the crew off Terceira, viz.

L  s.      Dollars. 
Master-at-arms               per month         6  0  —­  29.04
Yeoman                           "             6  0  —­  29.04
Ship’s steward                   "             6  0  —­  29.04
Ship’s corporal                  "             6  0  —­  26.62
Armorer                          "             6  0  —­  29.04

L  s.      Dollars. 
Ship’s cook                   per month        5 10  —­  26.62
Chief boatswain’s mate            "            6  0  —­  29.04
Second  ditto                     "            5 10  —­  26.62
Gunner’s mate                     "            6  0  —­  29.04
Carpenter’s mate                  "            6  0  —­  29.04
Sailmaker’s mate                  "            5 10  —­  26.62
Quartermaster                     "            5 10  —­  26.62
Quarter gunners                   "            5 10  —­  26.62
Cockswains                        "            5 10  —­  26.62
Capt. of forecastle               "            5 10  —­  26.62
Capt. of top                      "            5  0  —­  24.20
Capt. of aftguard                 "            5  0  —­  24.20
Capt. of hold                     "            5  0  —­  24.20
Cabin steward                     "            5  0  —­  24.20
Ward-room steward                 "            5  0  —­  24.20
Seamen                            "            4 10  —­  21.78
O. seamen                         "            4  0  —­  19.36
Landsmen                          "            3 10  —­  14.94
Boys                              "            2  0  —­   9.68
Firemen                           "            7  0  —­  33.38
Trimmers                          "            5  0  —­  24.20

Sunday, November 30th.—­Mustered and inspected the crew.  At 9 A.M., sent a boat on board of a Spanish schooner twenty days from Boston, bound to the port of San Domingo.  Received some newspapers by her as late as to the 13th inst.  Soon afterwards another sail was discovered to leeward, beating up the coast.  Ran down for her, and when within proper distance hoisted United States colours.  The stranger responded with the same; whereupon, in accordance with our usual practice, we hoisted our