CHAPTER XIX.
_Martinique--News from home--Friendly greetings--Mutiny!--Order restored--The San Jacinto--Neutrality of the port invaded--Prompt measures--Expectation--Ready for action--Success--Locking an empty stable--Temptation--The Clara L.Sparks--Refitting--A court-martial -- Dismissed_.
The 18th November saw Captain Semmes again off Martinique, which he had visited in the Sumter just twelve months before.

Making the north end of the island at about 4 A.M., the propeller was lowered and steam got up, the day breaking just as the Alabama's screw began to revolve.

At 10 A.M., having run past St.Pierre, she anchored in the harbour of Fort de France.
Here she found her faithful consort, the Agrippina, from whom she had parted at Terceira on the 24th of August.

On her departure from that port, she had returned with all speed to Cardiff, from which she had again sailed for the rendezvous at Martinique, and was now ready with a fresh supply of coal for the Alabama, and had been waiting her arrival just eight days.

In addition to the much needed supply of coal, the Agrippina brought a small mail for the Alabama's officers, who thus received news from friends at home for the first time for more than three months.
No sooner was the anchor down than a lieutenant was sent ashore to pay the usual visit of ceremony to the Governor, carrying with him a note, informing his Excellency of the arrival of the Confederate steamer Alabama in French waters.