Page:Narrative of an Official Visit to Guatemala.djvu/445

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CH. XXXII.]
TO GUATEMALA.
426

CHAPTER XXXII.


Embark for England.—Nearly wrecked off Ambergris Quay.—Vessel runs upon the Colorados-reef.—Becalmed off the Havannah.—Clear the Gulf.—Voyage across the Atlantic.—Land at Deal.


As we were to embark the next day, I called to take leave of the intendant, to whom I was indebted for much civility, and on Monday the 15th, about two o'clock, went on board the vessel which was to take us to England. We did not sail till the next day; for our crew was not complete. The master was a Mr. Smith, a shrewd good natured Glasgow man: he had been mate of another vessel and was induced to take the command of this: our mate was a clever active young fellow who belonged to the brig, but had declined taking charge of her; though, from the ability he evinced during the voyage, he proved himself perfectly competent to the task. After dusk,