The first volume of the first series of “Young America Abroad” was published in 1866, by the publishers whose imprint is on the present and last of the series. It is therefore eleven years that the author has been engaged in this pleasing work. These books have been received with a degree of favor which the writer is proud and happy to acknowledge, and for which he returns his sincere thanks. He is especially grateful that his life has been spared to complete the work begun; and every year has increased his interest in the host of young friends to whom these books have introduced him in all parts of the country. He regrets, that, in this particular field of travel and adventure, his task has reached its conclusion. He has crossed the Atlantic four times, and travelled in every country of Europe, in preparing himself for the work; and the pleasant memories of the “lonely ocean” and the far-distant lands he has visited will always be retained and cherished, in their association with the multitude of young people in whose delightful service he voyaged and travelled. TOWERHOUSE, BOSTON, NOV. 3, 1877. CONTENTS. PAGE I. THE TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCH 11 II. THE LETTER FROM LONDON 25 III. AN APPROACHING SQUALL 39 IV. A VESSEL IN DISTRESS 53 V. BOARDING THE WRECK 67 VI. A VOLUNTEER SHIP’S COMPANY 81 VII. THE INVALID YOUNG LADY 95 VIII. THE VILLE D’ANGERS 109 IX. THE NEW SHIP’S COMPANY 123 X. SOMETHING ABOUT THE MADEIRA ISLANDS 137 XI. BUDDING VINES AND ORANGE-GROVES 151 XII. CONCERNING THE MISSING STEAMER 165 XIII. A MUTINY IN THE FIRE-ROOM 180 XIV. THE WRECK OF THE CASTLE WILLIAM 194 XV. A CHANGE OF DESTINATION 208 XVI. THE WINE-ROOM OF THE VILLE D’ANGERS 222 XVII. STRIKING WHILE THE IRON IS HOT 236 XVIII. A TRIP TO THE CANARY ISLANDS 250 XIX. WALKS AND TALKS ABOUT THE CANARY ISLANDS 263 XX. “A YANKEE SHIP AND A YANKEE CREW” 276 XXI. THE SPRIGS OF NOBILITY 292 XXII. WHAT THE STUDENTS SAW IN THE AZORES 306 XXIII. CARRYING OUT THE PROGRAMME 319 XXIV. A HASTY RUN TO THE CAPE VERDS 333 XXV. THE LAST OF THE ISLES OF THE SEA 348 XXVI. YOUNG AMERICA HOMEWARD BOUND 363 ISLES OF THE SEA. ISLES OF THE SEA; OR, YOUNG AMERICA HOMEWARD BOUND. CHAPTER I. THE TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCH.