Chapter I: Preface

“Isles of the Sea” is the sixth and last volume of the second series of “Young America Abroad,” and contains the history of the academy squadron during its voyage, “homeward bound,” across the Atlantic. The title of the book, “Isles of the Sea,” indicates the character of the foreign travel in which the students of the institution were engaged; and in the pursuit of knowledge they visit the Madeira Islands, the Canaries, the Azores, the Bermudas, and one vessel of the fleet extends its cruise to the Cape Verd Islands. As in its predecessors, the professor of geography and history has something to say about each of the islands visited, and the surgeon and sanitary officer continues to enlighten the young gentlemen who seek his companionship in their rambles on shore. The field of geography and history is not so extensive as in the preceding volumes of the series; and for this reason the story occupies a larger place in the book.

Of the story, Mr. Tom Speers is the central figure, or at least one of the most prominent characters. Possibly he may be deemed a rather eccentric character for one under age; but, as the author has so often expressed himself before, it does not so much matter what else a young man may be, if he only has high aims, and a resolute purpose to carry out his ideal of what is noble, good, and true. Tom is a high-toned young man, as are all the other characters with whom the young reader is at all likely to sympathize, and in whose fortunes he is most certain to be interested.

As to the innate probability of a few of the leading incidents, they are suggested by actual occurrences in maritime history, which may be recalled by those who have kept themselves familiar with the subject. In regard to the long search of the Ville d’Angers for the academy squadron, which extended nearly across the Atlantic, the recorded experience of those who have traversed the ocean on similar ventures shows how difficult it is, away from the telegraph and the ship-news, for one vessel to find another.

The first volume of the first series of “Young America Abroad” was published in 1866, by the publishers whose imprint is on the present and last of the series. It is therefore eleven years that the author has been engaged in this pleasing work. These books have been received with a degree of favor which the writer is proud and happy to acknowledge, and for which he returns his sincere thanks. He is especially grateful that his life has been spared to complete the work begun; and every year has increased his interest in the host of young friends to whom these books have introduced him in all parts of the country. He regrets, that, in this particular field of travel and adventure, his task has reached its conclusion. He has crossed the Atlantic four times, and travelled in every country of Europe, in preparing himself for the work; and the pleasant memories of the “lonely ocean” and the far-distant lands he has visited will always be retained and cherished, in their association with the multitude of young people in whose delightful service he voyaged and travelled.

TOWERHOUSE, BOSTON, NOV. 3, 1877.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

I. THE TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCH 11

II. THE LETTER FROM LONDON 25

III. AN APPROACHING SQUALL 39

IV. A VESSEL IN DISTRESS 53

V. BOARDING THE WRECK 67

VI. A VOLUNTEER SHIP’S COMPANY 81

VII. THE INVALID YOUNG LADY 95

VIII. THE VILLE D’ANGERS 109

IX. THE NEW SHIP’S COMPANY 123

X. SOMETHING ABOUT THE MADEIRA ISLANDS 137

XI. BUDDING VINES AND ORANGE-GROVES 151

XII. CONCERNING THE MISSING STEAMER 165

XIII. A MUTINY IN THE FIRE-ROOM 180

XIV. THE WRECK OF THE CASTLE WILLIAM 194

XV. A CHANGE OF DESTINATION 208

XVI. THE WINE-ROOM OF THE VILLE D’ANGERS 222

XVII. STRIKING WHILE THE IRON IS HOT 236

XVIII. A TRIP TO THE CANARY ISLANDS 250

XIX. WALKS AND TALKS ABOUT THE CANARY ISLANDS 263

XX. “A YANKEE SHIP AND A YANKEE CREW” 276

XXI. THE SPRIGS OF NOBILITY 292

XXII. WHAT THE STUDENTS SAW IN THE AZORES 306

XXIII. CARRYING OUT THE PROGRAMME 319

XXIV. A HASTY RUN TO THE CAPE VERDS 333

XXV. THE LAST OF THE ISLES OF THE SEA 348

XXVI. YOUNG AMERICA HOMEWARD BOUND 363

ISLES OF THE SEA.

ISLES OF THE SEA;
OR,
YOUNG AMERICA HOMEWARD BOUND.