Mr. Lowington was a religious man, and the position of the Rev. Mr. Agneau, as chaplain on board, was by no means a sinecure.  Services had always been held twice a day on Sunday.  At five minutes before eight in the morning, and at the same time in the evening, prayers were said on deck, or in the steerage, in the presence of the entire ship’s company.  On the point of leaving the shores of the United States, it seemed highly appropriate to invoke the blessing of God on the voyage and the voyagers, and the principal had directed that the service should be conducted in the presence of the parents and friends.

The prayer and the remarks of the chaplain were very solemn and impressive, and even the roughest of the students were moved by them.  At the conclusion of the religious service, Mr. Lowington addressed the visitors, explaining the details of his plan more fully than he had done in his circulars, and saying what he could to inspire the parents with confidence in regard to the safety of their sons.  It need not be said that there were many tears shed on this occasion.

At the close of the speech a collation was served to the visitors, in the cabins and steerage, after which another hour was allowed for social intercourse; and then the ship was cleared, the visitors going on board the steamer again, which was to accompany the Young America below the lighthouse.  The boys were sent below to change their clothes again.

“All hands, up anchor, ahoy!” piped the boatswain; and the crew sprang to their stations with more than usual alacrity.

This was a greater event than they had ever known before.  The anchor, which was now to be hauled up, was not to be dropped again for about a month, and then in foreign waters.  They were going out upon the waste of the ocean, to be driven and tossed by the storms of the Atlantic.  They were bidding farewell to their native land, not again to look upon its shores for many months.  They were boys, and they were deeply impressed by the fact.

The capstan was manned, and the cable hove up to a short stay.  The topsails and top-gallant sails were set; then the anchor was hauled up to the hawse-hole, catted and fished.  The Young America moved; she wore round, and her long voyage was commenced.  The courses and the royals were set, and she moved majestically down the bay.  The steamer kept close by her, and salutations by shouts, cheers, and the waving of handkerchiefs, were continually interchanged, till the ship was several miles outside of the lower light.

The steamer whistled several times, to indicate that she was about to return.  All hands were then ordered into the rigging of the ship; and cheer after cheer was given by the boys, and acknowledged by cheers on the part of the gentlemen, and the waving of handkerchiefs by the ladies.  The steamer came about; the moment of parting had come, and she was headed towards the city.  Some of the students wept then; for, whatever charms there were in the voyage before them, the ties of home and friends were still strong.  As long as the steamer could be seen, signals continued to pass between her and the ship.