The vessels which lay at anchor in Algoa Bay had just arrived from England, with a numerous collection of emigrants, who, to improve their fortunes, had left their native land to settle in this country.

Many had landed, but the greater proportion were still on board of the vessels.
The debarkation was rapidly going on, and the whole bay was covered with boats landing with people and stores, or returning for more.

The wind blowing from the westward, there was no surf on the beach; the sun was bright and warm, and the scene was busy and interesting; but night came on, and the panorama was closed in.
Alexander and his companions remained on the deck of their vessel till an undisturbed silence reigned where but an hour or two before all was noise and bustle.

The stars, so beautiful in the southern climes, shone out in cloudless brilliancy; the waters of the bay were smooth as glass, and reflected them so clearly that they might have fancied that there was a heaven beneath as well as above them.

The land presented a dark opaque mass, the mountains in the distance appearing as if they were close to them, and rising precipitately from the shore.