If you do receive any, preserve them with the greatest care, for they will be great curiosities." "_August 10._ Thus far we have had most delightful weather, and everything goes on regularly and satisfactorily.

You are aware we cannot stop night nor day in paying out.

On Saturday we made our calculations that the first great coil, which is upon the main deck, would be completely paid out, and one of our critical movements, to wit, the change from this coil to the next, which is far forward, would be made by seven or eight o'clock yesterday morning (Sunday).

So we were up and watching the last flake of the first coil gradually diminishing.
Everything had been well prepared; the men were at their posts; it was an anxious moment lest a kink might occur.

But, as the last round came up, the motion of the ship was slightly slackened, the men handled the slack cable handsomely, and in two minutes the change was made with perfect order, and the paying out from the second coil was as regularly commenced and at this moment continues, and at an increased rate to-day of five miles per hour.
"Last night, however, was another critical moment.