Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-04
EDITORS CORRESPONDENCE.
MAY FLOWER, or Havana, ,
VNakrp,rv = 1917 {

Nhowihg the interest which is felt among our
friends in relation to all that concerns otr gallant
corps. avail myself of the first opportunity which
has been afforded me of writing since our voyage
You have no doubt heard that on Tuesday the Goth
INST, we weighed anchor Off Fortress Monroe, at
CLOCK In the morning, with four companies on
ooard. Capt. SCOTS, Capt. Harper's, Capt. Arch
ers, and Capt Bankhead's, numbering in all 334
men, under the command of Lit, Col Randolph
The Colonel had come On board the evening before,
and was received with three hearty cheers, and as
cehded the deck under the glorious folds of the
banner oil Old Augusta. He is most gentleman
ly man and good soldier, and if the opportunity
offers, doubt not, will give good account of him
SELF
The wind being against US, we dropped down
with the tide to Cape Henry, but were unable to
get out until about O'Clock, when a fine breeze
sprung up, which carried us beyond the Capes into
the open sea. The next day at noon we were in
the Gulf Stream. and had very pleasant weather
until towards night, when stiff breeze sprung up
from the Northwest, which in the course of the
night became gale. On Thursday the sea was
very rough-what sailors call chopping, and most
Of the volunteers became deadly sick.-Our Angus
ia boys, officers and all, completely used up.
Not more than twelve Of them escaped During
the day, immense numbers of porpoises were seen.
The blow continued for three days, and being in
our favor, carried us near to the northern limit of
Florida. Towards evening Friday however,
the wind lulcd, and the weather became more plea
SANTA number of whales were seen on this even
ing. Saturday and Sunday were delightful days
in temperature very much like our climate in the
early part of June. On the last mentioned day, all
the men were OH deck, most of them having reco
vered from their sickness, and the utmost cheerful
ness and contentment visible among them
The wind during these two days was not favorable
TO our progress, but ON Monday we had rather
more suspicious breozo.-On this day, we had the
first sight Of land we had met with since we left
the Capes of Virginia-the Island Of Abaco which
although as desolate looking place as you could
well imagine, consisting of little more than sand
and rock, nevertheless excited the most agreeable
feelings in all.-''Land I" 81 and ~ resouuded
from every part of the ship. The Island belongs
to the British, and is one of the Bahama group
We passed close by it, and all that could sec up
on 1t that denoted habitation Light House.
and understand that besides its keeper and Dri-
fish officer called Civil Surveyor and his family it
Is without inhabitants, except some miserable blacks
who live in one corner Of it. The ''Hole in the
WALL" as it is called, this Island, is quite Gu
rloslty-something in character like our Natural
Bridge. 1t is an arched passage through a promon-
tory of solid rock, which runs out into the sea a
considerable distance, and through which the waves
may be seen dashing very distinctly On this day
I wp , nharo Of Wi,
and STUNNING along the waves like young par
tridges On Monday, Tuesday and "Wednesday.
we had tedious time Of it-the wind dead AGAINST
us, and we could make no head-way. In these
days came in sight of Berry Island, Cat Island
and the Big and Little Jacobs. The latter anne,r
to be nothing but huge projecting rocks, and Berry
Island perhaps the only at all fit for tle abode
OF man. On Thursday, however we had Gpe
breeze which carried us past the Florida Reefs,
which were lii full view. We had sight also
during the day of an immense number of the Her
ring Hog, fish about six or seven feet long. To
day (Friday) Nautilus fish hoated by the ship,
spreading his fnny sail to the breeze We have
had frequent opportunities during the voyage of
witnessing that glorious sight of brilliant sun rise
and sun set at sea-
! we are now setting in towards the Island of
Cuba, and shall probably anchor off Havana, and
send boat ashore to procure some necessary me
dlcnes. The warmth Of the weather has occasion
ed return of fever and ague among some Of the
men from the lowlands, who were affected with it
last fall. Our stoppage will only be for few
hours. The wind at present is favorable to us,
although but light A thousand miles of our voyage
still remain, which it may take us eight or ten
days TO accomplish Point Isabel is our destina-
Ton, but we shall remain there, hope only long
enough 10 allow the rest of the Regiment to come
up. Vera Cruz, beyond doubt, is our ultimate
destination, where warm work may be expected
This, at least, was the impression when we left
Fortress Monroe. The most active preparations
were making at the Navy Yard for an attack upon
that place and the Castle OF San Juan D'Uloa
The Island Of Cuba presents beautiful outline
in the dstance--its bold and lofty mountains re-
mindng of home.
The May Flower, in which we sail, is New
York vessel and is considered the finest transport
in the service Of the Government. Its commander
Capt. Hitchcock, is most agreeable gentleman
and an excellent sailor.
shall write you again from Point Isabel.
Yours truly.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.