We found ourselves at once in the centre of communication with all
parts of the commercial world on taking our position among the shipping
in this English free port. We continued to live on board the ship,
being advised by all that we should find it more comfortable than on
shore. There were at least two hundred vessels here, from the four
quarters of the globe. Their national flags were an interesting study.
The first evening of our arrival we manned our boat and were rowed
round among the steamers and principal vessels, going close to those
whose bands were playing their national airs.