CHAPTER VII. 
SOUTHERN CRUISE. 
18 3 9. 
On the 25th of February, having completed the arrangements for 
the southern cruise, and prepared instructions for the continuance of 
the duties of the Expedition in case of my being detained among 
the ice, the signal was ordered to be made for the vessels to get under 
way, when I joined the Porpoise. Very many of my crew were 
desirous of following me, and expressed regrets and disappointment 
that the Vincennes was not going south. All I could do, was to 
promise them enough of Antarctic cruising the next year, and I 
believe they are now all satisfied that I kept my word. About 7 
a. m., we left the harbour, with a light breeze from the north, having 
the Sea-Gull, of which vessel Lieutenant Johnson was in charge, in 
company. On passing the other vessels of the squadron we received 
three hearty cheers, which was duly returned. 
Various causes conspired to render our short stay in Orange 
Harbour the turning point of the discipline of the cruise. I cannot 
but express my surprise, even at this distant day, that any officers 
embarked in this undertaking could have so far lost sight of their duty 
as to have endeavoured to throw obstacles in the way of the prompt 
execution of the duties they owed to the country, and the service on 
which they were engaged, or would have allowed selfish feelings to 
predominate over those for the public good. Prompt and energetic 
action soon put an end to these small difficulties. 
At the mouth of the harbour, Captain Hudson and the few officers 
who had accompanied us took their leave. I must own at that 
moment I felt greatly depressed, for I was well aware that we had 
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