1833.} 
POLITICAL. 
479 
out the world, to behold these states, containing no less than twelve 
miUions of inhabitants, moving on " through good and through 
evil report," through heavy sacrifices, oft-repeated and severe trials 
and conflicts, but without for a moment losing sight of or waver- 
ing in their first determination to estabhsh free institutions ! They 
must succeed; though they commit errors, they will correct them 
again, and at some perhaps distant day, the hopes of the philan- 
thropist and patriot will be reahzed. Liberty can only be attained 
by great sacrifices, and preserved only by eternal vigilance ! 
The period for the return of the Potomac to the United States 
had now arrived ; indeed, it had passed some time, from a desire 
to meet with our relief, Commodore Wadsworth, before leaving 
the station. The pubhc interest, however, not making it neces- 
sary to remain longer, every thing was put in readiness for the - 
homeward-bound passage ; and on the morning of the ninth of 
February, eighteen hundred and thirty-four, the Potomac was 
ready for sea. Joyous was the impulse that throbbed in every 
bosom, as her hardy tars heaved up the heavy anchors to her bows, 
while the parting salute was exchanged with the Chilian flag on 
shore. The wind was fresh, and in a short time Valparaiso faded 
in the distance. The aspiring hills, and even the lofty mountains 
in their rear, sunk by degrees, until they at last could be seen no 
longer. 
In three days we passed beyond the Island of Juan Fernandez, 
and then, changing our course, stood for the stormy Cape, the 
passing of which was rendered tedious by light, baffling, and often 
contrary winds. 
On the morning of the ninth March, we came in sight of one 
of the Falkland Islands, in latitude 52" 55' south--a low island 
of about five miles in length. The day was pleasant and clear; 
and we began to enjoy, by anticipation, the pleasure of visiting the 
main group, which was now hid from our view by white fleecy 
clouds suspended over them. 
We stood around to the east end of the island, with the inten- 
tion of going into Berkley Sound, in comphance with discretion- 
ary instructions which the commodore had received from the de- 
partment to that effect. 
