n hostile
portals. We had gained renown there; we had seen the American flag
raised on its beautiful shores, and but a few minutes ago we heard a
ringing American cheer come over its clear waters, bidding us Godspeed
and a joyful home coming.

The voyage home was like a triumphal journey. All hands were in high
spirits. The gloom of a few hours before was dispelled by the talismanic
words, "'Yankee' and 'Niagara' will sail for Tompkinsville."

Though we were exceedingly glad, there was a good deal of quiet thinking
going on.

One and all realized that we had been exposed to no ordinary dangers.
Danger from the enemy's fire; danger from a deadly climate; danger from
the effects of unaccustomed labor; danger from wind and raging sea. We
had been brought through safe and sound by an all-wise God to lead
peaceful, useful, and, it is hoped, helpful lives at home.

This same thought had been in our minds many times before, and with the
feeling of thankfulness would come a sense of surprise that we should
pass through it all without harm.

We sped on and on, the ship's prow ever pointed North. We watched the
water to note the change in color; to see when the blue water of the
Gulf Stream should be left behind and the green northern sea should be
entered.

As we neared New York our impatience grew with every added mile, and
this eagerness was felt by officers as well as men.

We sometimes forgot that our officers were capable of feeling
disappointment, impatience, and joy; that they also had to stand watch
and get along on short allowance of sleep; that they, too, were subject
to annoyances as well as we. If we had not felt this before, we fully
realized, now, how much _our_ officers had done for us.

Lieutenants Duncan, Greene, and Barnard, Dr. McGowan, Ensigns Dimock and
Andrews, always treated us fairly and honestly.

Every man has a deep-seated feeling of loyalty and affection for them
that will last as long as life shall last.

As the tropical latitudes were left astern the nights became cool, and
the watch on deck had the novel experience of walking post in pea coats.
Shortly after daybreak on the twenty-seventh of August the Atlantic
Highlands were sighted, and, to quote one of the forecastle men, "All
hands shouted to see God's country once more!"

Though we had seen the Highlands, Sandy Hook, and all the familiar
landmarks of the harbor many times, never had they seemed so attractive.

The steam vessels