he boats; then went
ashore and spread them on the beach to dry.

We have been living on very short allowance, being thankful for
a spoonful of beans, a small piece of meat twice a day, with a
cup of tea or coffee in the morning. I am indeed thankful that
no lives were lost, and hope to see you all in three months'
time. The gig has been decked over and is to start for Honolulu,
to-morrow or next day, for relief.

Ocean Island is similar in formation to Midway, but is larger
and the coral reef is farther from the land.

We had for breakfast this morning some of the brown albatross or
"goonies," as they call them. We shall not want for meat for
some time, as there is an abundance of fish seal and turtle, but
the flour, rice, and hard bread will not last more than two and
one half months.

I hope this will reach you before you get anxious about us, for
if the gig should not be successful we may have to stay here
until the middle of March. I shall send this in her to be mailed
from Honolulu. Our executive officer and four men go in her, and
a perilous trip it will be, for she is only twenty feet long and
the distance is over a thousand miles. Look us up on the map.

Most of our sails were saved and we are comparatively
comfortable in good tents. I am well but hungry. We have dug
wells, but found no fresh water. However, we are getting some
from a condenser fitted by our chief engineer. Altogether we
have more conveniences than might be expected and are in good
health generally. I should like to write to friends, but space
in the boat is scarce and everybody is writing.

The hour set for the boat's departure (four o'clock) arrived and we
were all mustered upon the beach. Prayers were read by the captain,
after which final farewells were said and the brave men who were to
peril their lives for us waded off to the gig and climbed on board.
They quickly stepped the little masts, spread the miniature sails,
raised their anchor, and slowly gaining headway stood off for the
western channel through the reef. With full hearts and with many in
tears, we gave them three rousing cheers and a tiger, which were
responded to with spirit, and we watched them until the boat faded
from sight on the horizon to the northward.

As I write this by the dim light of a candle the mental excitement due
from the parting with our shipma