“Men—
“Your conduct since you have been on board this ship justifies the strongest confidence in your fidelity. Above us floats the flag of our country; to your patriotism and undaunted valor I intrust its honor, dearer to me than life. We now sail for California and Oregon, and then, where it may please Heaven.”
Then, turning to the chaplain, he said—
“You will offer up our prayers to Almighty God for his protection.”
This service performed, the broad pennant was saluted, the ship cheered, and the band struck up “Hail Columbia.”
The whole ceremony was well calculated to inspire a jealous regard for the honor of our flag, and impress sentiments of dependence on the divine protection-so well becoming those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on the great waters, and who see the wonders of the Lord in the deep.
Commodore Stockton invited the officers into the cabin to an elegant entertainment. Sentiments connected with country, home, and those left behind, passed feelingly around. The pilot now took his departure with our letter-bag. How many affections, hopes, and fears, that little hasty mail took back! If you would know how dear home is, start on a three years’ cruise. How the heart clings to the living, recalls the dead, and restores the forgotten! How all animosities die and give place to love! I do not wonder the Greek and Roman dreaded exile more than death. What is earth without a home?
Farewell! the shore is fading fast,
The wind is piping free,
The pennant, from our gallant mast,