8 p.m.
At last the grappling-chains , air-chambers , and automatic grappling-irons were embarked on board the Susquehanna . J.T. Maston , the engineer Murchison , and the Gun Club delegates already occupied their cabins . There was nothing to do but to start . On the 21st of December , at 8 p.m. , the corvette set sail on a calm sea with a rather cold north-east wind blowing . All the population of San Francisco crowded on to the quays , mute and anxious , reserving its hurrahs for the return . The steam was put on to its maximum of tension , and the screw of the Susquehanna carried it rapidly out of the bay . It would be useless to relate the conversations on board amongst the officers , sailors , and passengers .