Peacock – Rio de Janeiro

February 27^th 1834

My Dear Father

The Lexington arrived here on the 19^th inst. 9 days from Monte Video. The Commodore remained there in the Natches, to sail in 15 or 20 days for the this port. He has received no orders from the Secretary concerning this ship and is loathe to take the responsibility upon himself, of sending us to the U.S. and expressed his intentions to Cap. M^cKeeves of the Lexington, to keep us out on the station until he hears from the Secretary. When we do hear I have no doubt, but that the orders will be to repair to the U. S. Sailors are all very sanguine, and we are so much so as to hope that when we get hand to hand & face to face with our ≥Sovereign Lord & Master≤ that with our long yarns and piteous tales, about the arduous cruise undergone, the state of the ship which requires extensive repairs &c &c, he will relent, and send us home. As yet all must be uncertainty, so soon as I can guess at the certainty of the time, I will inform you of it.

The Captain who resides at Burlington N.J. wishes very anxiously to carry his ship into Philadelphia, when she does go home, and it is likely he will be gratified in that respect. Should that be the case, I will let you know, time enough to enable you (should you wish it) be at Philadelphia when the Peacock would arrive; I think it would gratify you very to visit her. I could explain every thing to you, the use of it &c.

If after the recπt of this you will forward a letter for me to the Secty at Washington I think it will reach me in safety; he will best know whether to send or retain it; Should you know of an immediate opportunity, it would be well to send a duplicate by it, nothing could give me half the pleasure which the recπt of a letter from you except indeed it be the call of ≥All hands up Anchor for the U. States≤, which is always done, on such occasions, three hearty cheers given, the moment she is underweigh, which is echoed by the crews of squadron in port, who are gazing with wistful eyes on their departing friends, and wishing them a safe and speedy passage in order that their own letters may reach their destination. I know those will be my feelings, in the morning, when I listen to the Lexingtonπs band playing ≥Home≤ as she leaves the Harbour.

I have seen Mr. Buchananπs arrival in the U. S. mentioned in the papers, also an extract from his speech at Philad. from the purport of it I presume he will remain in the U. S. if not in Lancaster for the remainder of his days. Last dates from the U.S. Jany [ ].

My time is out, and I must ≥knock off≤ as Jack has it.

Goodbye with my love to all the family – I am your most affectionate Son

W^m Reynolds