savage foes, venomous reptiles, and a torrid climate could inflict. They reached Point Arenas worn down by exertion. He then embarked in a brig to Panama, and from thence on the regular steamer to California.
After remaining in San Francisco a few weeks to recruit his exhausted system, in 1857 he embarked for his home and his native land, a passenger on the steamer "Central America." This gallant ship had nearly completed her voyage, and was in sight of the home and birthplace of our hero, where his affectionate parents anxiously were awaiting the return of their "war-worn son" when the alarming discovery was announced that the ship had sprung a leak. Young Tayloe, although only a passenger, was the first to tender his services to the noble Herndon; and from that time until the brig "Marine" rounded to under her lea, he was foremost in relieving the steamer; working at the pumps until they were exhausted and useless. When all hope of saving the steamer was abandoned, he remained at his post, an example of coolness, of courage and seamanship. He was indefatigable in aiding the ladies, children and others in embarking on the relieving ship, and could have saved himself but for his attention to others. But on consideration with the officers it was decided that the ship would continue afloat till daylight, and as did Captain Herndon and our lamented John V. Dobbin, (brother of James C. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy 1853-'57,) Captain Tayloe retired to his stateroom, seeking that repose that his continued labors demanded.
In the course of the night a huge wave swept with violence the ship's decks, and she went suddenly down with all on board.
Thus perished, off his native coast of North Carolina, near Cape Hatteras, one of her boldest, bravest sons.
The eternal sea in its dark waves have swallowed up the mortal remains of our gallant countryman; but neither sea nor time can bury his virtues and his gallantry from our memories, our sympathies, or our affections.
Toll for the brave!
The brave that are no more;
All sunk beneath the wave,
Fast by their native shore.
Toll for the brave!
Brave Tayloe! he is gone;
His last sea fight is fought,
His work of glory done.
Toll for the brave!
It has been suggested as proper to recall some further memories of Central America, and of a long residence in that interesting country at a most exciting period. Even at this day this country is of rare interest, forming as it does the connecting link between the two great oceans, and which from recent surveys by Captain Lull, of United States Navy, and others, will be the probable route of the oceanic canal.
The resignation of Hon. Solon Borland caused a vacancy in the Mission to Central America, and without any solicitation or expectation on my part, my name as Minister Resident to the Republic of Nicaragua, was sent to the Senate, and on the 2d August, 1854, (my birth-day) I received from the State Department my commission. This was considered, from the position of the country and the complications as to the protectorate assumed by England, as an important and delicate mission. Mr. Everett, of Massachusetts, in March, 1853, stated in the Senate that "it was more important than the mission to London or Paris." After waiting for instructions and arranging my private affairs for a long absence, with my family I departed from Norfolk, Virginia, on 31st October, 1854, on board the U. S. steam frigate "Princeton," commanded by Captain Henry Eagle. We touched at Havanna for a supply of coal, and at Pensacola we went on board the "Columbia," the flag-ship of the home squadron, commanded by Commodore Newton, a model officer
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