The Bermuda islands all belong to Great Britain, and are about 300 in number, but the whole lot are no larger than S. Thomas. Bermuda itself is the largest, and Hamilton the chief town is built on it, the whole population is about 12,000 and the greater portion are colored people. The islands were discovered in 1527 by Bermudez a Spaniard, who named them after himself. In 1609, Admiral Sir George Somers, was wrecked on the islands and founded the Colony; and have belonged to the British ever since. There is a fine fortified Dockyard, on one of the islands, and an immense iron floating dock, for the convenience of re-fitting the Fleet stationed in North American waters, without sending them home. This immense dock was built at Woolwich, and towed across the Atlantic a few years ago, by four of our largest Ironclads. This place would be of great importance as a rendezvous for the Fleet &c in case of a war with America; it is 5 days sail from New York, and 800 miles from the nearest land, Cape Hatteras in North America.

I went on shore yester afternoon, & had a fine walk on 5 or 6 different islands, which are connected either by a Bridge or Ferry Boat, and have some splendid walks on them. The flowers here are beautiful, and there are plenty of English singing birds, as well as native ones of most brilliant plumage. The walks are shaded by trees on each side, and there are several Churches, schools &c on the islands. Hamilton, the chief town is 8 miles from here, I walked nearly there yesterday and intend going all the way before we leave, about the 20th inst.