A change of cruising ground was now again resolved on, and a course shaped for the West Indies.  Still, however, without success, and at length the supply of water beginning to fail, the cruise was abandoned, and on the 9th November the Sumter steamed into Fort de France in Martinique, having been fifty-seven days at sea.

CHAPTER VII.

A French governor—­At church—­Visitors—­On shore—­Prisoners released—­Coaling difficulties—­Sympathy for the South—­A glass of grog!—­St. Pierre—­Curiosity—­The Iroquois—­An attempt to intimidate—­L’Acheron—­Yankee notion of neutrality—­Masquerading —­Preparations for a fight—­The marine league—­The Trent outrage—­On the watch—­Violation of rights—­A bold attempt—­Success.

Saturday, Nov. 9th.—­Weather fine during the morning.  At daylight, got up steam and stood in for the land northward of Fort St. Louis’ Bay, running down the coast as we approached.  The coast, all the way into the anchorage, is bold and clear.  Ran within three hundred yards of Point Negro, passing a passenger steamer bound to St. Pierre, and anchored in six fathoms water, with the south end of the fort bearing E. 1/4 S., and the wharf about N. by E. A pilot soon after came on board, and we got up anchor and went in to the anchorage E. of the fort, the health officer visiting us in the meantime, and giving us pratique.

Sent a lieutenant to call on the Governor, and afterwards visited him myself.  I stated in this interview that I had come into Martinique to refresh my crew, and obtain such supplies as I needed, coal included.  The Governor replied that he could not supply me with coal from the Government stock, but I was free to go into the market and purchase what I wanted, he, the Governor, not knowing anything about it; and that as to my prisoners, if the United States consul at St. Pierre would become responsible for their maintenance, I might land them.  With his consent, I sent the two masters up to St. Pierre in the packet to see this consul, and arrange the matter.  I despatched also the paymaster to look after coal and clothing for the crew, giving leave to Lieutenant Chapman to accompany him.  The Governor at one time ordered me to shift my berth, by returning to my first anchorage; but countermanded the order upon my demanding an explanation of it.  He seemed disposed, too, to restrict my procuring supplies at this place, on the ground that it was merely the seat of government and a military and naval station; but upon my insisting upon my right, under the Imperial proclamation, to be treated in all respects as a lawful belligerent, be abandoned his point.  The French colonies are governed by the minister of Marine, naval officers being the governors and chief officials.  The Governor of Martinique is a rear-admiral.