1831.] 
TRIBUTES OF AFFECTION. 
21 
many others may occur. The approaching departure of the 
Potomac will afford the government an opportunity of intrusting 
the expedition to an intelligent, active, and gallant officer, who, 
we apprehend, would teach these piratical vagabonds such a les- 
son respecting American manners and customs as would hereafter 
induce them to mend their own." 
Although Commodore Downes had hoisted his broad pennant 
on board of the Potomac on the 24th of July, he was still absent 
on business until the 23d of August. During this period the 
Potomac lay at anchor off Castle Garden, in the North river, 
and every arrangement deemed necessary for a long and distant 
voyage was completed. 
The wind, which for several days had blown from an unfavour- 
able quarter, chopped round on the morning of the 24th of August,* 
and gave us a fine light breeze from the northwest. " All hands 
up anchor, ahoy !" was the cheerful cry which passed through 
the ship before five o'clock, ere the rising sun had gilded the tall- 
est spires of the city. This summons was succeeded by a scene 
of bustle and excitement which can only be realized by one who 
has witnessed its effects on the officers and crew of a man-of- 
war bound on a distant cruise. The Potomac's canvass wings 
were suddenly expanded, as if by magic, and the gallant vessel 
moved slowly but gracefully from her anchorage down the bay, 
until Sandy Hook lighthouse bore east by south half-south, when 
she' was again brought to anchor. . ■ 
The wind and tide both favoured the departure of the Potomac 
on the morning of the 26th, and by eight o'clock she had passed 
the bar with a fine leading breeze. The maintopsail was now 
laid to the mast, while the pilot made his hasty preparations to 
depart. At such a moment most vessels, but, perhaps, especially 
a man-of-war, present a busy and interesting scene. There had 
been ample leisme for writing during the days of detention by 
contrary winds ; but the last moment on such occasions must 
always be embraced; and the state-rooms of the officers, the 
ward-room, steerage, and cockpit, are occupied by writers pen- 
ning hasty adieus, despatching the last little earnest of continued 
affection. If this be a mere matter of feeling, be it so ; there is 
something sacred in it which the warm heart can always appre- 
ciate — for a line written at the moment the noble vessel lies 
