It was a spare sail which covered the silent and motionless forms of those whose loyalty to their country had led them through the gates of death to "the undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveller returns," but whose fadeless record is inscribed in the hearts of a grateful nation.
During or after a severe action on board a ship of war, the dead are usually disposed of with but little or no ceremony, as the exigency of the hour may require, as had been done on board of the prize.

But Captain Breaker was more considerate, as the conditions permitted him to be; and the killed had been sewed up in hammocks, properly weighted.
"All hands to bury the dead;" piped the boatswain of the Bellevite, when breakfast was finished.
By this time the deck had been cleaned up, and dried off under the warm sun which had dissipated the fog and the morning mists.

The bodies of the slain had been previously placed at the port gangway, covered with the American flag.

The seamen removed their caps, the commander read the service, and the bodies were committed to the deep.

The officers and seamen witnessed the ceremony with uncovered heads, and in reverent silence..