The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-07-18
Norfolk, Va.

NORFOLK, July IL, 1872
Naral LateRigeHee- Mediterranean Squadron Cetc-
brdtioa Of iic Fourth.
The L. S. ship Brandywine, David Geissenger,
commander, arrived here from the Mediterranean
station having performed her allotted cruise Of
ly three years. The officers and crew in good
health.
This ship left Mahon on the 10Th April, with the
intention CATER stopping as usual at Gbrata of pro-
ceeding direct TO the United States. Upon her ar
rival at the rock, Captain Geissenger was requested
by the American Consul to remain until he heard
from Commodore Morgan, at Mahon, to whom the
Sloop- War Preble sent with dispatches, re-
latiye to misunderstanding that had taken place
between the authorities of Tangier and the Amer
can Consul at that place. The Bradywine and Pre-
bic having long passages from and to Mahon, the
Commodore left on the first of May for Marseiles,
in the Sloop-of War Fairfield, having board the
American Consul and daughters, being bound on a
matrimonial excursion--arrived at Marseilles and
the Commodore was married on the 9Th to Miss
Richie, the daughter of the Consu of Mahon. The
Preble arrived on the 9th, and returned immediate
ly to Gibraltar. The Commodore and lady joined
the Fairfield on the 18th. nd following, arrived OFF
proceeded IN company WITH the Brandywne and
Preble. Oh Iangiers, IN consequence OF lis blow
ing heavy and high sea, were not enabled TO COM
mNnicate with the shore. Captain Geissenger hay
ing obtained permission to continue his boulevard
passage. Left on the 3lst May-the Fairfield and
Preble still lying of and the harbor of Tanglers
encounterlng succession OF calma and head winds
causn CHER 10 have passage OF = days.
The Fairfield still retains her character OF La
Belle" her spardeck being beautifully ornament
ed, and every thing kept in the most perfect order
she now Is, and probably will remain the flagship
until the arrival Of larger vessel, being the first
year of her cruise Her officers and crew have
been kept very busy in getting things in order and
neatncss. BY some II would de thought wasting
time and trliilng 10 see so much bright work. and
cleaning going on day by day on board of d vessel
intended more for the protection and defence on her
country than for show, but this depends, in a great
measure, upon the disposition of her officers and the
station on which she is destined to cruise. No
doubt when all her officers are satisfied with her
appearance, their time and that ofthe crew will pass
more pleasantly than being in continual hurry and
hustle without any ostensible occasion.
But to return to the BIandywine. The ever TO be
revered anniversary of our glorious independence.
celebrated on board this vessel In "A most exem-
plary and orderly manner, being then about $50
miles from the United States--the weather pleasant.
The crew having permission, assembled after din
ner, on the forward part of the vessel the Declare
ton of independence read by one of the crew,
several patriotic songs and tunes were sung and
played by a band composed of the crew, an Grafton
delivered by L. Kelly, (seaman0 original, in
It's kind, and incidentally relative to the proceeding
OF some Of the Fathers of the Revolution. some OF
which were new, and showed degree of reading
and searching which would hardly be thought prac-
tcable for one in his situation. The Grafton and
music was attended and listened TO by the most oil
the officers who highly pleased with the order
" manner in which every thing was conducted In
the evening the crew amused themselves with some
builoon theatrical feats, and at O'Clock having
spliced the main brace, retired in the most perfect
harmony and order. Such a celebration was high
ly credable TO the crew, and will trust serve
example to others hereafter