CHAPTER IV.

Excitement—­Taking the bull by the horns—­official visits—­H.M.S.  Cadmus—­Captain Semmes’ commission—­At sea again—­A dull time—­Wind and current hostile—­Cayenne—­French politeness—­False hopes—­At Paramaribo—­A hot pursuit—­A loyal Yankee—­Doubtful security—­Not to be beaten—­To sea again—­A parting arrow.

The arrival of the Sumter at Port of Spain appeared to create no small excitement among the inhabitants, official and non-official, of that little colony.  The Governor at once proceeded to take legal opinion as to the propriety of permitting the suspicious stranger to coal, and a long leading article in the colonial paper gave expression to the editor’s serious doubts whether the Sumter were really what she represented herself to be, a regularly commissioned vessel of war, and not, after all, a privateer.  The legal advisers of the Governor seem to have reported favourably on Captain Semmes’ request, for permission was given to take on board the requisite supplies, and the Sumter’s coaling proceeded, though not with much rapidity.

The morning of the 2nd August introduced on board a visitor of a new description.  Through the heavy tropical rain which had been pouring almost incessantly since the arrival of the Sumter, covering the calm water of the harbour with little dancing jets, and drumming on the steamer’s decks the most unmusical of tattoos, a little dingy was seen approaching, and in due time brought alongside of the Confederate man-of-war the master of a Baltimore brig, which, was lying at anchor some little distance off.  The worthy skipper had heard of the terrible doings of his new neighbour, and in no little anxiety for his own fate had determined to take the bull by the horns, and inquire on board the Sumter herself whether he would be permitted to depart without molestation.  Great was the poor, man’s delight when he was hailed as a native of a sister State, and informed that Maryland, though compelled by superior force to maintain an apparent allegiance to her enemy, was still considered a friend by her natural allies of the South, and that strict orders had therefore been given to Set her commerce pass unharmed.  With a lightened heart he returned on board his vessel, and the Baltimore brig went on her way rejoicing.

The afternoon of the same day brought two more visitors in the persons of two English officers in mufti; but the international courtesy did not extend so far as returning the official visit made on Captain Semmes’ behalf by Lieutenant Chapman, and Government-house remained unrepresented on board the Sumter.  “His Excellency,” it is to be feared, had taken offence at the slight passed upon his official position by Captain Semmes, in not having taken care to recover his health and strength sufficiently early to be able to make the official visit in person!