THE LAYING OF THE ATLANTIC CABLE. 259 



ern, guided by so skilful a commander as Captain 

 Anderson, and Avith such men as Messrs Canning 

 and Clifford to superintend the machinery, and 

 Messrs de Sauty and Saunders to conduct the elec- 

 trical operations, there is every reason to indulge in 

 the most sanguine expectations. 



Yet is there wisdom in not being over-confident. 

 Sweet are the exulting poeans of victory, but it were 

 better not to sound them until the battle is won. It 

 is well to be hopeful and sanguine, for except under 

 the influence of such feelings no great work can ever 

 be accomplished ; but to express those hopes as if 

 they were already realised, before an atom of work 

 has been done to ensure success, will too often lead 

 to regret and mortification, as, unfortunately, has 

 been the result in the present instance. 



And yet I have no doubt whatever of final success. 

 Xo matter what faults arise, whether caused by acci- 

 dent or malice, with picking-up machinery as perfect 

 in its working as that made for paying out the Cable, 

 no more serious misfortune can happen than is pro- 

 duced by a temporary delay. The next expedition, I 

 hope and believe, will meet with complete siiccess; 

 and my only wonder is, that such has not been the 

 result of the present undertaking. 



