THE COMMANDER OF THE EXPEDITION. 11 



perplexity. It was impossible to send for Mr. Wasli- 

 burne ; it was impossible for Mr. Washburne to reach the 

 waiting couple. Moreover, the steamer which was to 

 take Captain Wotton, the father of the bride, was to 

 sail for America in a couple of hours. The fates seemed 

 against the marriage, and Mr. De Long was looking in 

 vain for a way out of the dilemma, when the consul, 

 whose learning had been so destructive, suddenly drew 

 upon his reserve legal forces, and exclaimed : — 



" There is a United States man-of-war in port, and 

 under the flag she flies this clergyman has a perfect 

 right to perform the ceremony of marriage between 

 two American subjects." 



This simple and brilliant expedient was seized upon 

 with alacrity. Messengers and servants were sent oli' 

 in various directions. Captain Wells of the Shenan- 

 doah, who was a friend, immediately prepared his ship 

 for the ceremony by displaying all his bunting and dec- 

 orating with Chinese lanterns. He sent boats 'for the 

 party, who rowed out at half after nine of a brilliant 

 starlight night, and were received by the officers in full 

 dress uniform, and with all the music that could be 

 summoned. The following entry was made in the 

 ship's log : " March 1, 1871. From 8 p. m. to mid- 

 night. . . . At 10 p. M. the ceremony of marriage be- 

 tween Lieutenant George W. De Long, U. S. Navy, 

 and Miss Emma J. Wotton, of Havre, was performed 

 by the Rev. Dr. Washington, of the Episcopal Church 

 of Havre." 



At the end of April Lieutenant De Long was ordered 

 to duty in the Equipment Department at the New York 

 Navy Yard, and in January, 1872, he was ordered to 

 the Nantasket as executive officer. The ship cruised 

 in the Gulf, and in July he was detached from the 



