As the tropical latitudes were left astern the nights became cool, and the watch on deck had the novel experience of walking post in pea coats.  Shortly after daybreak on the twenty-seventh of August the Atlantic Highlands were sighted, and, to quote one of the forecastle men, “All hands shouted to see God’s country once more!”

Though we had seen the Highlands, Sandy Hook, and all the familiar landmarks of the harbor many times, never had they seemed so attractive.

The steam vessels we met tooted a welcome, as our identity became known, and the sailing craft dipped their colors in salute.

Inside the Narrows, and ranged along the Staten Island shore, we found our companions of the Santiago blockade, and, as we passed through the fleet to our anchorage, the crew stood at “quarters” in their honor.

We heard later of the great reception these tried and true fighting ships of Uncle Sam’s had received, and we only regretted that we were not present to add our little mite to the applause.

After two days’ stay off Tompkinsville, during which time the ship was fairly overrun with visitors eager to see the “Yankee” and her crew of “heroes,” we steamed through the Narrows en route for League Island.  Orders had arrived from Washington providing for the paying off and discharge of the New York Naval Reserves, and little time was lost in obeying.

On reaching League Island, the naval station near Philadelphia, we found the old-time war monitors “Nahant” and “Jason” in port.  The crew of the “Nahant,” made up of the New York Naval Reserves, were in readiness to accompany the “Yankee’s” crew back to the metropolis.

While waiting for the specified date—­Friday, September 2d—­bags were packed for the last time, and all preparations made for leaving the ship.  Now that the hour for departure was rapidly approaching, many of the boys began to express regrets.  Despite the hardships attending the cruise, it had brought many happy days—­days made pleasurable by novel and strange surroundings—­and it is not claiming too much to say that not one of the “Yankee’s” crew would have surrendered his experience.

Friendships had been formed, too—­friendships cemented by good fellowship and mutual peril.  Those who have spent many days at sea know that acquaintances made on shipboard in the midst of calms and storms and the dangers of the deep, are lasting.  And that was now being impressed upon the boys of the “Yankee.”

While the crews of the “Nahant” and “Yankee” were preparing for the railway trip to New York, arrangements were being made in that city for a rousing welcome to the returning Naval Reserve Battalion.

Shortly after ten the boys were mustered aft to hear Captain Brownson’s parting speech.  In his usual brisk manner he said that we were now to go back to our peaceful avocations; to our homes; to join our relatives and friends, and to become again private citizens.  He ended by wishing us the best of luck.