With Porter in the Essex

He made his way to New York, where he was received with demonstrations of most profound respect; and when the exploits of the Essex had been told, every city, village, and hamlet in the country sung the praises of the frigate and those who manned her.

Phil and I went home as soon as it was possible to escape from those who were eager to show their admiration of what had been done by the Essex, and I carried in my pocket a song which was made especially for the frigate. It was printed and sold on the streets; there was in the verses no little praise for all hands; but the lines I set down here pleased me more than all the rest, since they referred to that gallant sailor who by his skill and courage had made it possible for any of us to see home again.

"From the laurel's fairest boughLet the muse her garland twine,To adorn our Porter's brow,Who, beyond the burning line,Led his caravan of tars o'er the tide.To the pilgrims fill the bowl,Who, around the southern pole,Saw new constellations roll,For their guide."

1

Herman Melville.

2

Benson J. Lossing.

3

J. Fenimore Cooper.

4

J. Fenimore Cooper.

5

A ship employed in the exchange of prisoners, or in communicating with the enemy.