Nothing in sight, and I intend to see nothing--unless it be a homeward-bound Californian steamer--at present, as it is important I should make the run I contemplate without being traced.

I should have much liked to touch at the Caymans for fruit and vegetables for the crew, but forbear on this account.
* * * * * _Monday, December 15th .-- _Fresh trade, ship rolling along under topsails.

This running down, down, the ever-constant trade wind--to run _up_ against it, by and by, under steam--is not very pleasant.

Still, God willing, I hope to strike a blow of some importance, and make my way safely out of the Gulf.
_Wednesday, December 17th._--The wind blew quite fresh during the night from about N.E.by N.To-day it is blowing a moderate gale from about N.N.E.This is probably a _norther_ from the American coast, modified by its contact with the N.E.trade wind.
The clouds look hard and wintry.

Close-reefed at nightfall....
The gale has continued all day, with a rough sea, in which the ship is rolling and tumbling about.