Of The Last We Succeeded In
Turning Three, The Average Weight Of Each Being 360 Lb., And We
Took Large Numbers Of Their Eggs.
We then went to Mozambique, and visited the Portuguese Governor,
John Travers de Almeida, who showed considerable interest in the
prospects of the expedition, and regretted that, as it cost so
much money to visit the interior from that place, his officers
were unable to go there.
One experimental trip only had been
accomplished by Mr Soares, who was forced to pay the Makua chiefs
120 dollars footing, to reach a small hill in view of the sea,
about twenty-five miles off.
Leaving Mozambique on the 9th August, bound for Johanna, we came
the next day, at 11.30 A.M., in sight of a slaver, ship-rigged,
bearing on us full sail, but so distant from us that her mast-
tops were only just visible. As quick as ourselves, she saw who
we were and tried to escape by retreating. This manoeuvre left
no doubt what she was, and the Brisk, all full of excitement,
gave chase at full speed, and in four hours more drew abreast of
her. A great commotion ensued on board the slaver. The sea-
pirates threw overboard their colours, bags, and numerous boxes,
but would not heave-to, although repeatedly challenged, until a
gun was fired across her bows. Our boats were then lowered, and
in a few minutes more the "prize" was taken, by her crew being
exchanged for some of our men, and we learnt all about her from
accurate reports furnished by Mr Frere, the Cape Slave
Commissioner.
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