ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 



365 



crew, to state that I am well satisfied, that his coolness, decision, and 

 seamanship, with the good conduct of his officers and men in the 

 perilous situation in which they were placed, are worthy of the highest 

 encomiums. The preservation of the ship and crew, and her subse- 

 quent navigation to a distant port, reflect the highest credit upon her 

 commander and upon the service to which he belongs. 



Sydney was now much crowded with people, and several balls were 

 given, to which we had the honour of an invitation. That of the St. 

 Patrick Society was attended by the chief people in the neighbourhood 

 of Sydney, including the governor and most of the officers of the 

 crown. It was given in the new court-house, and was a handsome 

 and well-conducted entertainment. Two military bands were in 

 attendance; quadrilles and country dances followed each other in 

 rapid succession ; rooms were provided for cards, refreshments, teas, 

 lemonade, &c. ; and towards the close of the evening, the company 

 was ushered in to an elegant supper, which was partaken of standing. 



I was struck with the beauty and general appearance of the ladies, 

 though I was informed that many of the belles were absent. The 

 style of the party was neither English nor American, but something 

 between the two. I scarcely need remark that we were all much 

 gratified and pleased. The hospitality and kindness shown us were 

 of that kind that made us feel truly welcome. 



Our last week at Sydney was spent in a round of pleasure, and the 

 attention we met with being entirely unexpected, was doubly gratify- 



ing to us. 



o po 



