hours’ notice. His provisions were put on board. The bunkers were filled with coal. Not a man of the crew was missing. He had only to light the fires, get up steam, and put to sea. People would not have tolerated the delay of half a day. Besides, Commodore Farragut was only too anxious to set out.
Three hours before the departure of the Abraham Lincoln, I received a letter couched in the following terms:—
“M. Arronax,
“Professor of the Museum of Paris,
“Fifth Avenue Hotel,
“New York.
“Sir,—
“If you wish to accompany the expedition on board the Abraham Lincoln, the United States’ Government will be pleased that France should be represented by you, in this enterprise. Commodore Farragut will hold a cabin at your disposal.
“Yours very truly,
“J. B. Hobson,
“Secretary to the Admiralty.”
