  [The following is one of his latest literary efforts,—which was often sung by the ship’s company,—a song entitled “Rolling Home,” which eminently proves that he is possessed of as much poetic fire and genius, as he is of tact and ability to carry out great political undertakings.] Right across the Indian Ocean, while the trade-wind follows fast, Speeds our ship with gentle motion; fear and chains behind us cast. Rolling home! rolling home! rolling home across the sea; Rolling home to bright Columbia; home to friends and Liberty. Through the waters blue and bright, through dark wave and hissing foam, Ever onward, with delight, we are sailing still for home; O’er our pathway in the sunshine flies the wide-winged albatross; O’er our topmast in the moonlight hangs the starry southern cross. Rolling home, etc., etc. By the stormy Cape now flying, with a full and flowing sail; See! the daylight ’round us dying on the black breast of the gale; See! the lightning flash above us, and the dark surge roll below; Here’s a health to those who love us, here’s defiance to the foe. Rolling home, etc., etc. Now the wide Atlantic cleaving, with our good ship speeding free, The dull “Cape of storms” we’re leaving far to eastward on our lee; And as homeward through the waters on the old Catalpa goes, Ho! you fellows on the masthead, let us hear once more, “He blows!” Rolling home, etc., etc. Next by lonely St. Helena, with a steady wind we glide, By the rock-built, sea-girt prison where the gallant Frenchman died; With the flying-fish and porpoise sporting round us in the wave, With the stars and stripes of freedom floating o’er us bright and brave. Rolling home, etc., etc. Past “the Line!” and now the Dipper Rolling home, etc., etc. |
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