236 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC, 
[March, 
" ' 0 Washington ! dearest and best of our race, 
Thy deeds through the night-cloud of ages shall lighten ; 
Thy name on his banner the soldier shall trace, 
To hallow his death, or his triumph to brighten.' " — Speague. 
" Insulated and distant as we are from our homes and the soul- 
exciting ceremonies and festivities of the day, — with nearly the 
whole diameter of the globe between us — still we exult in the 
proud name and privileges of American citizens, and feel that the 
national tie which binds us to that beloved region, strengthens by 
distance. Though antipodes to those of our joyful countrymen 
who are now united in celebrating the birthday of Washington, 
we are with them in heart, and warmly embrace them with the 
arms of affection, gratitude, and patriotism. We pledge them in 
the deep musings of the silent heart ; and between the change of 
watch, and the pressure of a tropical sun, we honour the day as 
well as our nautical duties will permit." 
Such doubtless were the unexpressed feehngs of many on this 
interesting occasion ; neither were the brave tars forgotten, on 
whose valour and steadiness the ef&cacy and glory of our navy 
depend. They were treated by the commodore to an extra ex- 
hilarating draught ; or, in language more technically correct, they 
were all called to " splice the main brace." 
But they were recalled from the pleasing visions of their distant 
homes and national festivities, by the sadder duties incidental to 
their present situation. The sick-list had begun to swell on 
board the Potomac, and now comprised more invalids than it had 
at any former period since she left the United States. Some of 
these new cases were dysentery, — that ruthless scourge of sea- 
men in the East Indies, and brought on, perhaps, in this instance, 
by change of diet, and drinking the river-water of Sumatra ; but 
all things considered, the ship's crew might even then be termed 
very healthy. 
From the last-mentioned date until the first of March, the 
Potomac stood along the outer channel, from the north, almost 
constantly beset by squalls, particularly for the last two or three 
days. But even these changes were acceptable, as they cooled 
the air, and relieved the redundant pulse and throbbing temple. 
On Thursday, the first of March, the wind was again fresh and 
steady, so that the ship was once more throwing the spray and 
