The "Burton" was released, and steamed out of the harbor.
It was about this time that a well-authenticated rumor went the rounds to the effect that we were to go with a formidable fleet to Spain, harass her coasts, and do up Camara's fleet.

This rumor was so well founded that many of us believed it, and, consequently, much time was spent in writing farewell letters.
The prospect of soon seeing the "land of the free and the home of the brave" was not very bright.

The consensus of opinion at this time was that we would see our year out in Uncle Sam's service.
There was considerable gloom.

The start once made and the "Yankee" actually on her way to the land of the Dons, all would be well and all hands would be cheerful; but the contemplation of the long trip in the wrong direction was a very different matter.
The air was full of rumors.

All was uncertain.