Kathay: A Cruise in the China Seas

BY W. HASTINGS MACAULAY.
NEW-YORK: G. P. PUTNAM & CO., 10 PARK PLACE. M.DCCC.LII.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, by G. P. PUTNAM & COMPANY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New-York.
JOHN F. TROW, PRINTER, 49 Ann-Street.
Dedication TO MRS. JANE G. SPROSTON, BALTIMORE.
ESTEEMED AND RESPECTED MADAM:
I have presumed to address this work to you, more to prove the truth of its motto, than from any hope that it may be intrinsically worthy of your acceptance.
Connected with a noble profession by ties at once sad and dear, I have considered that a narration of events seen in its service—however unworthily set down, might not be uninteresting to you; and feeling assured that your prayers and kind wishes have followed us through changing skies, as we have sped across distant seas, —upon our safe return, I am truly happy in being able to imitate the custom of mariners of more sunny climes, and to place this offering of affection upon the altar of Gratitude.
THE AUTHOR.

Set Sail​—​Sea-sickness​—​Get a good offing​—​Sail ho!​—​Islets of St. Paul​—​Shipwreck there​—​Sufferings​—​Crossing the Line​—​Fernando Noronha​—​Fire​—​Remarkable peak​—​Arrival at Rio​—​Disappointment​—​Beauties of the harbor​—​Ashore at last​—​Village of San Domingo​—​Flying trip to city​—​Yellow fever​—​All hands up anchor​—​Sugarloaf Mountain​—​Off for the Cape.
Immediately after noon, upon the 29th day of January, 1850, we east off from the wharf at the Navy Yard in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and with the pilot on board, proceeded to sea. But little time was allowed to send our adieus, for he soon left us, bearing with him some hasty scrawls, to the illegibility of one of which a very good friend of the writer can testify. Our commander was very anxious to commence his cruise, and having been delayed nearly one month for officers, put off upon it as soon as the last gentleman had reported.