ed, and the riggers from the yard came on
board and made things lively for a while.

In about a month's time we were ready, and started for Charleston. All
went nicely until after we passed Cape Hatteras. I had an attack of some
light fever, and was on the sick list. On board was a master's mate by
the name of Bridges. He had been recommended for promotion to ensign,
and ordered to Boston for examination, but, failing to pass, he was
attached to the Perry, and every one on our vessel was desirous to
assist him in gaining experience. For that reason he was allowed to
stand my watch while I was sick, and usually some of the ensigns would
be on deck to see that everything was all right. But early one evening
we had just finished supper, and all of us sat in the ward-room having a
social chat. Feeling as if some fresh-air exercise would benefit me, I
went on deck, and, looking to the windward, I saw that a heavy squall
would soon strike us. Mr. Bridges was serenely promenading the deck,
totally oblivious of any impending danger, while the brig was sailing
close to the wind with every stitch of canvas set. I told Bridges to
have the light sails taken in as quickly as possible, at the same time
calling his attention to the squall. No time was lost by me in getting
to the ward-room, and informing the executive that he was needed on deck
to have all hands shorten sail. While I was speaking, the squall struck
us and nearly capsized the brig, and it was hard work for us to get on
deck, on account of the vessel careening over so much. Then there was an
exciting time; the crew had become panic-stricken for a few minutes.
Orders were given to let go everything. The pressure of the wind, the
mast lying at such a great angle, prevented the yards from coming down.
The wheel was in front of the cabin door, the excitement brought the
captain out, and he yelled to put the wheel hard down. Now that was the
first time that he ever gave an order on deck, and it nearly ended the
Perry's career, then and there.

The navigating officer has to stand regular deck watch with the others
while at anchor, and the executive is expected to be on board during the
day and have charge of everything in general. One of the master's
mates---not Mr. Bridges---was also put on watch duty, and, with six
ensigns, our turn on watch was only four hours out of every twenty-four;
in fact, we had so much leisure time that we did not know how to pass it
away. All the