NARRATIVE 
THE EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 
CHAPTER I. 
MADEIRA. 
18 38. 
On the 17th of August I received my sailing instructions, and 
final orders to put to sea the moment I was ready. The signal was 
accordingly made that the squadron was under sailing orders. 
At 3 o'clock p. m., on the 18th, the signal for sailing was made, 
and we got under weigh with an ebb tide, and a light air from 
southwest. At 5 p. m. we anchored at the Horseshoe, in consequence 
of its falling calm and of the tide making against us ; but at 9 p. m. 
the wind freshened, when we tripped and stood down the bay. At 4 
a. m. on the 19th, we passed Cape Henry Light; at 9 a. m. discharged 
our pilot and took our departure. 
At 11 a. m. all hands were called to muster, and divine service was 
performed. The day was beautiful, the sea smooth, the wind light, 
and the squadron around, with the land sinking from our view. I 
shall never forget the impressions that crowded on me during that 
day in the hours of service. It required all the hope I could muster 
to outweigh the intense feeling of responsibility that hung over me. 
I may compare it to that of one doomed to destruction. We were 
admonished in the discourse to repose confidence in the aid and 
