In the midst of this work came the startling news of the portentous
events at home. The infrequent mails began to bring the angry
mutterings, the fateful tidings, that preluded the Rebellion. Every
fresh arrival but added to the excitement and increased the bewilderment
that had so unexpectedly come upon the squadron; for, far removed from
the scene, and not daily witnesses of the overt acts of the maddened
South, they had mostly believed that the threatened conflict would be
tided over, and the government be enabled to continue on in its wonted
peaceful course. Now a wall, as of fire, rose up between the officers;
every mess in every ship was divided against itself; brothers-in-arms of
yesterday were enemies of to-day; and no one spoke of the outlook at
home except in bated breath and measured speech, from fear that the
bitter cup would overflow then and there, and water turn to blood. Many
Southern officers sent in their resignations at once, and all, both from
North and South, were anxious to get home to do their part on one side
or the other.