1852.] THE SHIPS LEAVE WOOLWICH. 21 



To Mr. Barrow all are deeply indebted for his un- 

 deviating kindness, anticipating wants which in our ex- 

 cited preparation we had but little leisure to dream of, 

 and for promises fully realized during our absence. 



Under such conditions, like spoiled children, with 

 everything our own way with even the weather favour- 

 ing every motion of our equipment behold the Expedi- 

 tion ready, if need be, at the appointed hour ! 



I have an almost superstitious dread of indecision, and 

 do not consider men liable to it fit for any species of 

 trust. And under such feelings, on the 15th of April, 

 much to my relief, the Squadron slipped their fasts to 

 the hulks to which they had been secured, and, towed by 

 the steam-tugs, proceeded down the river. 



It was a deeply interesting scene in every sense. 

 Groups might be noticed on the Dockyard walls, scanning 

 with eager interest for the last signal. Now a white 

 handkerchief rose and fell with an almost passionate ac- 

 tion. On board frequently a laced-cap individual might 

 be noticed intently gazing through a telescope, and sud- 

 denly holding up the badge of recognition. Often the 

 wave of the blunt seaman's hand told where his heart 

 was, "without leave." Fortunately the steam-tug dis- 

 pensed with any but the sacred duties of the last farewell. 

 In addition to these interesting matters, the Dockyard 

 authorities had summoned the workmen to line the walls, 

 the band striking up ' Should auld laiig syne' and other 

 appropriate tunes, between the peals of cheers which 

 kept our crews incessantly engaged, and which were re- 

 sponded to with equal vigour. This friendly fire was 

 again taken up by our warm-hearted friends, the True 



