[Gutenberg 27861] • Kathay: A Cruise in the China Seas

Immediately after noon, upon the 29th day of January, 1850, we east off from the wharf at the Navy Yard in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and with the pilot on board, proceeded to sea. But little time was allowed to send our adieus, for he soon left us, bearing with him some hasty scrawls, to the illegibility of one of which a very good friend of the writer can testify. Our commander was very anxious to commence his cruise, and having been delayed nearly one month for officers, put off upon it as soon as the last gentleman had reported. That bugbear to all landsmen, -sea-sickness, - gave me but little annoyance, although some of the crew appeared to suffer greatly from its effects.