The Abraham Lincoln had nothing to reproach herself with, she had done her best to succeed.
Never had an American ship's crew shown more zeal or patience; its failure could not be placed to their charge--there remained nothing but to return.
This was represented to the commander.

The sailors could not hide their discontent, and the service suffered.

I will not say there was a mutiny on board, but after a reasonable period of obstinacy, Captain Farragut (as Columbus did) asked for three days' patience.

If in three days the monster did not appear, the man at the helm should give three turns of the wheel, and the Abraham Lincoln would make for the European seas.
This promise was made on the 2nd of November.

It had the effect of rallying the ship's crew.