No noise or bustle could be noticed; but a quiet, firm determination was expressed in the countenance of each man to defend our noble little ship to the bitter end, and never strike our flag to the foe.

These flagrant violations of neutrality greatly irritated the inhabitants, and the better portion of them threw off their thin mask of indifference, and openly expressed sympathy for us.

Some were so excited as to volunteer to go with us; but their kind offers were not accepted.

The negroes, however, did not seem to recognise us for what we really are, their best friends, but were somewhat opposed to the Sumter; and their allegiance to our enemy was made the subject of one of Captain Palmer's voluminous despatches to Mr.Gideon Welles .-- _Index._] _Saturday, November 10th._--The Iroquois ahead of us, about a mile distant.

At 10 A.M., I returned the visit of the French commander.