xv j INTRODUCTION. 
been embarked,) by all the vessels, and the yards were manned. This 
produced a good effect on all, for it showed us that a watchful eye was 
kept over us, and that much interest was felt in the undertaking. 
This visit formed an epoch to which I often heard reference made 
during the cruise. Few are able to estimate the feelings of satisfac- 
tion that such acts occasion to those engaged in undertakings like this. 
I shall now proceed to give a description of the vessels that com- 
posed the Squadron. 
The Vincennes was a sloop of war, of seven hundred and eighty 
tons, originally single-decked, but in consequence of the intended 
cruise, a light deck was put on her for the protection of the men, and 
to afford more room. The accommodations thus became those of a 
small frigate. 
The Peacock was of smaller size, a sloop of war of six hundred and 
fifty tons, originally built for this service in 1828, with a deck like that 
of the Vincennes. She had made two cruises previous to her sailing 
in 1838. 
The Porpoise, a gun-brig of two hundred and thirty tons. The 
experience I had had in this vessel induced me to ask for an altera- 
tion, which was made, and added much to her safety, as well as 
increased her accommodations. This was to build a poop-cabin and 
a forecastle on her deck. 
The tenders Sea-Gull and Flying-Fish were New York pilot- 
boats. The former had been known as the New Jersey, of one hun- 
dred and ten tons ; the latter as the Independence, of ninety-six tons. 
They were purchased on the 3d of August. Their masts, sails, &c, 
were reduced, and their outfits completed in the short space of three 
days, by those enterprising shipwrights, Messrs. Webb and Allen of 
New York, to whom much credit is due. They joined the Squadron 
on the 12th of August, in Hampton Roads. 
The Relief was a new vessel, originally intended for a store-ship for 
the Navy, but had been transferred to the Expedition on being 
launched. She was built for carrying, and her slow rate of sailing 
made her ill adapted for the cruise. 
The Expedition is much indebted to Commodore Ridgely and the 
