and volunteered to take one of the
ship's boats to Honolulu in order to bring back relief for the
officers and crew of the vessel. He has been most zealous and
spirited through this whole affair and of the greatest
assistance to me.

His boat (by the usual route at this season) will probably have
to sail and pull some fifteen hundred miles, and I think some
recognition of his handsome conduct would be proper.

The names of the crew are as follows:--Lieutenant J.G. Talbot;
Coxswain William Halford; Quartermaster Peter Francis; Seaman
John Andrews; Seaman James Muir. The last two are contractor's
men and were specially enlisted by me from Mr. Townsend's party
for one month. They were men of such fine qualities and
endurance that I thought it proper to let them go.

The enlistment was made with the express understanding between
myself and them that it did not interfere with their previous
contract with Mr. Townsend.

I am very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
MONTGOMERY SICARD,
Lieut.-Comd'r-commanding.

V

WAITING

_Thursday, November 24._ Thanksgiving Day--at home; the noble bird,
roast turkey, has not graced our tarpaulin-covered table. He has been
replaced by a tough section of albatross. Nor was there any expression
of thanks at the mess table until one of the officers, having finished
the extra cup of coffee served in honor of the day, said, "Say,
fellows, let's be thankful that we are alive, well and still with
hope."

Last evening about nine o'clock we were given another flurry of
excitement over expected relief. The storehouse sentry reported a
light to the eastward and in a "jiffy" our tent was empty. Sure
enough, there was a bright light close to the horizon which, as we
watched, appeared to grow larger and nearer. The captain was called,
and I joined him with Mr. Cogswell (our new executive officer since
Talbot left) in front of his tent. After watching the light for a few
minutes, the captain turned to us and said, "Gentlemen, it is only a
star rising and the atmosphere is very clear. Better turn in again";
and he entered the tent.

_Sunday, November 27._ Last Sunday and to-day we have had divine
service led by the captain reading the prayers of the Episcopal
ritual.

(_Note._--I f