noticed the studious little middy, and had many a kind talk with him.
At this time his pay as a midshipman was only nineteen dollars a month, half of which he sent regularly to one of his sisters.
After a cruise of some months in British waters, and the Mediterranean, the 'Brandywine' returned to New York in 1826, and Maury was transferred to the sloop-of-war 'Vincennes,' then on a cruise around the world.
While on the ship Vincennes, young Maury became a great favorite with the captain, who frequently invited Maury to dine in the cabin. On one such occasion, when the captain had taken a glass or so too much, he insisted that Maury should drink more than the moderate quantity he allowed himself and never exceeded. Maury firmly and politely declined. But his superior officer insisted, and, rising from his seat, approached, glass in hand, to push him yet further. Maury dashed the glass to the floor, and, turning on his heel, left the cabin.
During this cruise, the ship touched at Nukahiva, the island on which his brother John had passed two stranded years, about twelve years before. The old king who had befriended him was still alive, and recognized the younger brother by his name and likeness. He made great show of affectionate greeting, and offered to adopt him as his son and heir.
The change to the ship 'Vincennes' was a fortunate one for the young student, who found his accommodation in the smaller vessel much more favorable for study than in the noisy and crowded steerage of the frigate. When not occupied with his regular duties, or such social intercourse and amusement as courtesy demands among companions on ship-board, he applied himself resolutely to his books, and made such progress, that, at the conclusion of the voyage, he was
