434 SINGAPORE. 



rhoea, and fevers, are seldom experienced here ; but, at the same time, 

 it is necessary to take every precaution, and avoid the heat of the 

 vertical sun. The crews of the squadron were remarkably healthy, 

 and only a few of them experienced any ill effects from the heat. 

 One man, on board the Vincennes, was attacked with a brain fever, of 

 which he died a few days after leaving the place. This case was 

 attributed to great imprudence on his part, in defiance of all warnings 

 not to expose himself. 



On my arrival at Singapore, various reports were made to me of 

 defects existing in the tender Flying-Fish. It was to be expected, 

 after the arduous service she had performed ; yet, having brought 

 her safely thus far, I felt a natural desire to carry her home with us; 

 and in this all the officers seemed to partake. But the idea of risking 

 the lives of her officers and crew, after the disaster that had already 

 befallen her sister craft, was not to be endured; and I saw that it 

 was necessary to have a thorough examination of her before I ven- 

 tured her in the homeward voyage. I therefore ordered a survey by 

 the most experienced persons in the squadron, who, although they 

 could not point out any conspicuous defects, were satisfied that from 

 long and hard service she had become weakened in her frame, and 

 that she would not only need much time, but a large expense, to place 

 her in a fit condition to make the voyage home. I must say that even 

 after I had received the report I still felt a strong inclination to persist 

 in bringing her back to the United States; but my final decision 

 was against it. The consul was therefore desired to advertise her for 

 sale, and in the mean time all her stores and armament were removed. 



She was, agreeably to the notice, sold at public sale for three thou- 

 sand seven hundred dollars. To part with this vessel was unpleasant 

 on many accounts ; for she had been daily, for nearly four years, my 

 first and last thought. The attachment I had felt for her was great ; 

 the efficient aid she had occasionally afforded in the performance of 

 *my duties, caused me to value her highly; and as a vessel of her 

 class, she was almost faultless. 



By the 25th of February, we had completed filling our water, 

 which is here conveniently supplied by tank-boats ; and having ob- 

 tained for the passage home all the stores we needed, except bread, 

 we made every preparation for sailing. 



In consequence of the short supply of the latter article, I deter- 

 mined to touch with the Vincennes at the Cape of Good Hope; while 

 the two brigs were ordered to stop at Rio Janeiro, for the same pur- 



