NARRATIVE 



THE EXPLORING EXPEDITION 



CHAPTEK I. 



MADEIRA. 



1838. 



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 Saturday, the 18th, the signal for sailing was 

 made, and we got under way 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. dis- 

 charged 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 mustei 

 to outweigh the intense feeling of responsibility that hung over me 

 J may compare it to that of one doomed to destruction. We were 

 admonished in the discourse to repose confidence in the aid and 



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