Morning, a few rain-squalls, clearing, but with passing clouds, as the sun gained altitude.

Afternoon heavy, overcast sky, with half a gale of wind.

At 2.50 P.M.descried a sail on the starboard-quarter, bearing about S.E.Got up steam and gave chase, and at 5 P.M.came up with her.

Fired a blank cartridge and spoke a Prussian ship, which I caused to heave-to for the purpose of sending a boat on board of him; but, as in the meantime the wind freshened, and considerable sea had arisen, and as I had no doubts of the character of the ship, I gave him leave to fill away and proceed on his course (to some one of the Windward Islands) without boarding him.

As I was rounding the ship to, near this vessel, we came so near a collision that my heart stood still for a moment as the bows of the huge, heavy-laden ship passed our quarter, almost near enough to graze it.