XXll INTRODUCTION. 



Squadron was employed, and may be able to examine and compare the orders 

 under which we acted, with the duties which have been performed. The Narra- 

 tive will embody all those which w T e executed, and wiil thus enable all to judge 

 how the work was conducted. 



I had, at an early day after my appointment, assigned the 10th of August as the 

 time for our departure, and had assured the President that at that time I should be 

 ready, and would sail ; but that it was entirely impossible for me to fix an earlier 

 day. I feel much satisfaction in reflecting on the confidence the President and 

 Secretary placed in me. It was fully appreciated. The exertions of all were bent 

 to fulfil this pledge, although almost all those connected with the enterprise doubted 

 the possibility of getting off so soon. Every thing, however, was completed, and 

 I left Washington on the 10th of August. 



On my arrival at Norfolk, I found every thing in a state of forwardness, and the 

 Squadron in Hampton Roads, whither they had dropped down on the 8th of Au- 

 gust. The names of the pilot-boats were now changed to the Sea-Gull and Flying- 

 Fish, as had been agreed upon with Mr. Paulding ; and they were placed undei 

 command of Passed Midshipmen Reid and Knox. 



I was well aware, from my own observations and the reports made to me, that 

 we were any thing but well equipped for such a cruise. But whatever our defects 

 were, it was now entirely too late to remedy them. The great anxiety of the 

 government to have us get to sea, after the vexatious delays that had be fee occurred 

 in the sailing of the Expedition, disappointing the honest expectations of the whole 

 country, and particularly the depressing effect any further delay would produce on 

 the spirits and ardour of the officers and men, made me come to the resolution to 

 put to sea at all hazards, and endeavour to remedy the defects as much as possible 

 within our own means, or on our arrival at places where it could be done 

 effectually. 



Before sailing from Hampton Roads, the internal rules and regulations for the 

 government of the Squadron were issued, in order to make the terms of duties 

 more uniform, and that in case of transfer of men and officers during the cruise, 

 from one vessel to another, no one could be at a loss to know the duties he had 

 to perform. These continued, without any material change, to be rigidly enforced 

 throughout the cruise. Signal-books were also arranged, to supply the defective 

 ones that are furnished the navy. 



I was called upon, in a few cases, to exercise the means in my possession to 

 punish aggressions. Yet my aim has been, throughout the cruise, so to conduct 

 the duties devolving upon the Squadron, that it would carry with it the force of 



