22 
VOYAGE OF THE JPOTOMAC. 
[August, 
shaking in the wind, and about to bound fearlessly on her destined 
track, must always possess a value that under no other circum- 
stances can be imparted to it. 
The pilot, having taken charge of these sacred scraps, hastened 
to his little boat, which had been dancing on the undulating 
billows near the Potomac like another nautilus during the whole 
/ of the morning. The ship was now filled away, and every draw^ 
ing sail set, bearing to the south and east. 
There have so often pretty things been said, and so many fine 
.changes rung on language in describing the feelings of the heart 
on bidding to our " native land good night," that we shall attempt 
nothing of the kind here. We are well aware, however, that 
thousands are daily taking their departure without evincing any 
unusual emotions about it ; and yet we do really believe no one 
can thus depart without experiencing emotions which do credit to 
the human heart. 
In four hoiu-s, and they were short ones, the last faint lines of 
the highlands had vanished, and the active duties to which many 
were called seemed to relieve them from the recollections of 
home. But it is the youth, the young ' ' reefers," who have for 
the first time left the parental fireside, who are likely to feel 
much in moments like these. Though previous to their embarca- 
tion they think they have a tolerably correct idea of the privations 
and toils of the mariner's life, and feel their minds well fortified 
to combat the most untoward events ; yet, when in the space of 
a few hours they find themselves tossing upon the mighty deep, 
and that deep begirt only by the open horizon, the ship dashing 
with each freshening breeze, with accumulated velocity, from all 
their young affections hold dear ; 'tis then that the heart, despond- 
ing, shorn of every pride, feels its frailty, and owns how strong is 
that cord which binds to coxuitry and home. 
They now remember with the liveliest feelings and emotions 
of filial affection, that the kind adnionitions of a father were really 
and in truth kind. Bygone hours and days, spent from home 
with convivial friends, or in search of some momentary pleasure, 
now present themselves to their lively imaginations, shaking their 
" gory locks," upbraiding them with their time mispent — or, if 
not entirely mispent, they feel they might have been much bet- 
ter employed in the society of a fond mother or sister— of those 
