We finally concluded that the enemy were fighting shy of the vicinity of New York, and all began to long for orders to the southward.
Drill followed drill during these waiting days.

Target practice was held whenever practicable, and the different guns' crews began to feel familiar with the rapid-fire rifles.
The men, accustomed to a life of ease and plenty, found this first month's work an experience of unparalleled hardship.
Their hands, better fitted for the grasp of pen and pencil, were made sore and stiff by the handling of hawsers, chains, and heavy cases.
Bandages on hands, feet, and, in some cases, heads, were the popular form of adornment, and the man who did not have some part of his anatomy decorated in this way was looked upon as a "sloper," or one who ran away from work.

For how could any one do his share without getting a finger jammed or a toe crushed?
The work that was done, too, during this month of cruising along the coasts of Long Island and New Jersey was hard and incessant.

Drills of all kinds were frequent, and sleep at a premium.
The "Yankee" at this time was attached to the Northern Patrol Fleet, of which Commodore Howell was the commander.

It was her business to cruise along the coast from Block Island south to Delaware Breakwater, and watch for suspicious vessels.