MY LAST CRUISE. 
CHAPTER I. 
INTRODUCES THE READER TO THE EXPEDITION, AND CARRIES HIM TO THE 
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE; AFTER WHICH HE IS TAKEN BACK TO THE CAPE 
DE VERDE ISLANDS, AND FROM THENCE AGAIN TO THE CAPE OP GOOD 
HOPE. 
The United States Surveying and Exploring Expedi- 
tion to the North Pacific, China Seas, &c. &c. sailed from 
the port of Norfolk on the 21st of June. 1853, and com- 
menced its wandering and perilous cruise. 
It was commanded by Commander Cadwallader Ring- 
gold, of the navy, and consisted of the five following 
vessels, viz. : — 
The sloop-of-war Vincennes, (flag-ship,) of eight hun- 
dred tons, ten guns, and some two hundred men. 
The screw-steamer John Hancock, of five hundred and 
thirty tons, three guns, and seventy men. 
The brig-of-war Porpoise, of about four hundred tons, 
five guns, and some seventy men. 
The schooner J. Penimore Cooper, of eighty-eight tons, 
one gun, and twenty men. 
And lastly, the store-ship John P. Kennedy, of five 
