 On August 14, while off Cape Ann, Trenchard rescued the crew of the British bark "Adieu", which had struck a reef and was breaking up.He received a sword from the British Government as a mark of gratitude, and although it was against the laws of the United States () for its officers to accept awards from a foreign state, Congress passed a special act permitting him to receive it.In 1857 Trenchard was appointed executive officer of the sidewheel steam frigate , under the command of Captain George F. Pearson, for an extended cruise to the Far East as part of the East India Squadron.