mutterings, the fateful tidings, that preluded the Rebellion. Every
fresh arrival but added to the excitement and increased the bewilderment
that had so unexpectedly come upon the squadron; for, far removed from
the scene, and not daily witnesses of the overt acts of the maddened
South, they had mostly believed that the threatened conflict would be
tided over, and the government be enabled to continue on in its wonted
peaceful course. Now a wall, as of fire, rose up between the officers;
every mess in every ship was divided against itself; brothers-in-arms of
yesterday were enemies of to-day; and no one spoke of the outlook at
home except in bated breath and measured speech, from fear that the
bitter cup would overflow then and there, and water turn to blood. Many
Southern officers sent in their resignations at once, and all, both from
North and South, were anxious to get home to do their part on one side
or the other.

"For some time past," wrote Master Perkins, "the foreigners here have
shown us but little respect, and seem to regard us as a broken power;
and this has been very provoking, for in my opinion it will be a long
time before any power can afford to despise the United States." And he
notes the fact that no more money could be had,--that the credit of the
government was gone! Ah! how happy the day to loyal but wearied hearts
on that inhospitable shore, when the news came of the President's call
for seventy-five thousand men, giving assurance that we still had a
government, and meant to preserve it through the valor, the blood, the
treasure of the nation, if need be!

After unaccountable and vexatious delay, the Sumter received orders,
July, 1861, to proceed to New York; meanwhile she had captured the slave
brig Falmouth, a welcome finale to the cruise, and what with the
officers transferred to her and the resignations that had taken place,