University of California Berkeley A Gift of the Hearst Corporation * ;T B*. ; V / ~ 53 '' , GREENWICH HOSPITAL, A SERIES OF NAVAL SKETCHES, DESCRIPTIVE OF THE LIFE OF A MAN-OF-WAR'S MAN. BY AN OLD SAILOR. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK. lion&on: PUBLISHED BY JAMES ROBINS AND CO. IVY LANE, PATERNOSTER ROW; AND JOSEPH ROBINS, JUN. AND CO. LOWER ORMOND QUAY, DUBLIN'. MDCCCXXVI. CONTENTS. PAGE. INTRODUCTION . . 1 BILLY CULMER AND THE GOOSE WILL BLOCK LORD KEITH ..... RIO JANEIRO OLD JOHNSON .... .27 THE STORM . ..... .31 TOUGH YARN . . . . . ... 36 THE SLAVE SHIP ..... .40 FLYING ARTILLERY ; OR A HORSB-MAR1XR . . . 45 CORNWALLIS'S RETREAT . . . . 49 THE ENGAGEMENT . . ... .55 SIR ISAAC COFFIN . . ... .61 I HAVE DONE MY DUTY . . . 67 THE POINT OF HONOUR . . . 73 WILLIAM AND NANCY . . . . .76 THE PRESS-GANG . . ... 80 QUIDAM ASSOCIATION . 87 JOE THOMPSON . . . . . . 92 NAVAL PORTRAITS . . . . .97 THE JEW ... . . . 102 ANNA .... . . . 108 THE ARETHUSA . . . 115 SAM SPRITSAIL ... . 120 THE MIDDY'S INTRODUCTION . . . 127 THE BARGE'S CREW CHAPTER i. ... 132 CHAPTER II. . . . 137 CHAPTER III. .... 142 CHAPTER IV. . ... 147 CHAPTER V. . .... 153 HORSE-MAN-SHIP ... ... 158 CAPTAIN ROUGHTREE . . . ... 163 MICHAEL O'BUCKLEY . . . 169 CROSSING THE LINE . . 175 TRINITY-MONDAY . . ... 181 SCUD HILL . . . .... 185 ARDENT SPIRITS . ... 190 THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE . . . Igg J ILLUSTRATIONS, DESIGNED AND ENGRAVED BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK BILLY COLMER AND THE GOOSE . . . TofaCC the Titlt. JACK'S TRUMP OF DEFIANCE . . . 21 FLYING ARTILLERY ; OR A HORSE MARINE . . . .45 SAILORS CAROUSING ; OR A PEEP IN THE LONG-ROOM . 61 THE POINT OF HONOUR . . . . .7':! THE BATTLE OF THE NILE . . . 87 DAVY JENKINS . .... 97 PAYING OFF . . . . . .lO'J SAILORS ON A CRUISE . . 1 15 A WITNESS ........ 158 CROSSING THE LINE . ..... 17# SCUD HILL . 185 INTRODUCTION. ' Then, just as it comes, take the bad with the good ; One man's spoon's of silver, another's of wood; What's poison for one man's another man's balm ; Some are safe in a storm, and some lost in a calm ; Some are rolling in riches, some are not worth a sous; To-day we eat beef, and to-morrow lobscouse. Thus the good we should cherish, the bad never seek, For death will too soon bring each anchor a-peak.' ' WELL THEN, I'll do it, said I, jumping 1 up in an ecstacy, and clapping my hands so loud that it awoke old Dick Towline, who, for the last two hours (that is, during my cogitation), had been fast asleep, with his head resting upon the table, and winding his nasal bugle with no ordinary degree of vigour. ' I'll do it,' said I. ' Ay so do,' says Dick, raising his head, and rubbing his eyes, ' so do, and I'll lend you a hand.' 'You lend me a hand!' returned I, con- temptuously, and with a scornful look, unmerited by the worthy soul, ' You lend me a hand !' ' Why ay,' replied he, ' I thought you was going to broach t'other bottle of Aunt Tabitha's eye- water, and wanted me to fetch the corkscrew.' ' No Dick, no my boy ; I am for broaching no bottles now,' erecting myself into perpendicular altitude; ' No, no, I am going to write yes I'll write a what the dickens shall I write? Why, my hearty, I'll write a book.' ' Wheweeweeew, &c.' whistled Dick, ' the fellow's mad stark-staring mad; write a book indeed, and who do you think will read the productions of a man that scarcely anybody knows, and nobody cares for ; come, come, clap a stopper on your nonsense, and leave the pen to the A. M.'s, D. D.'s, and A-double-s-es, and them sort of gentry ; why, they'll write you more in an hour than you'll be able to understand in a year ; stick to your marlin-spike and heaver, and in the mean time let's freshen the nip with another glass of grog ; for depend on it you'll find book-writing a dry sort of work enough I never knew any good come on't.' ' No matter,' said I, ' I'll do it yes, I'll astonish you, and leave a name to posterity as long as my B 2 INTRODUCTION. arm but what shall 1 write about?' 'Ah, what indeed; for Historical* and Criticals, Poeticals and Filliperics, are quite common now; well, I see you're wilful, so e'en take the consequences ; but don't say I arn't given you warning. Why, I remembers once when I was in the frigate, laying at anchor in the Swin, abreast of the gunfleet beacon (for we were bound up to Sheerness), a whole fleet of light colliers came running down before the wind ; and our captain, thinking he might pick up a few smart hands, sent the boats away to overhaul 'em and to press. Well, d'ye see I belonged to the pinnace, and we boarded and examined several ; but somehow the officer was too easy and good-natured a soul to take anybody; he didn't like the duty, so there warn't much search made. At last we got alongside of a bark, and the master knocked his hands out for muster. ' Are these all the people you have in your vessel ?' says our officer. ' Yes, sir,' replied Jock, looking round at them, 'there's nae more aboord that T ken ; but stop, there's a passenger-body somewhere aboot the decks, though he wont do for Andrew Millar, for he's mair like unto a cuckoo clock-maker than a Jack tar.' All hands now turned to and searched for the passenger, but for a long time without effect. Well, I goes forward afore the windlass, and there stood a large earthenware crate filled with straw and capsized bottom up. ' Yo-hoy,' says I, ' give us a lift here with this hurricane house;' and, as we heeled it over, out bundled the most deplorable object that imagination can conceive a thing of shreds and patches. He looked like a half-fledged rook crawling out of a crow's nest. ' I've got him,' says I : ' come along, ship- mate ! our officer wants to whisper a word in your ear ; come along !' and so we handed him aft on the quarter-deck ; but never was there such a miserable figure. His truck had once been an hovel-shaped beaver, but now re- sembled an old salt-box with the bottom out : Mambrino's helmet was a coronet to it. He wore a black coatj or rather part of a black coat; for a lappet was gone in front, and half the tail from behind, as if he'd been moulting. One foot was graced with a shoe like a Hindoo slipper; the other was as naked as the hour he was born, for there was only the remnant of a stocking descending down the leg, leaving all below the ancle bare. Under- neath his coat (for-he'd no waistcoat) was a frilled shirt, which once had been white, but now had as many different colours in it as an ornamented map of the world. Round his neck was a handkerchief of similar texture, and it looked INTRODUCTION. 3 as if originally worked with fancy patterns; but, on a closer inspection, they proved to be grease and ink. His small clothes were small indeed ; though they were large enough in all conscience, as far as it respected the breaches, being, as a body may say, fundamentally rent from stem to stern. But how shall I describe his countenance? 'Twas hardly human. He had high bony cheeks, like the hip-joints of a starved donkey, over which the skin of the face mantled in ample folds; an odd pair of crojack eyes; and a nose like a corn- meter's shovel. His forehead was bald ; and, over all, was a little wig, scarcely covering two-thirds of his perry-crane-em : in short, he was a complete picture of misery and wretchedness. ' Halloo !' says the officer, ' where have you sprung from ?' 'From London, sir.' 'What! one of my lord-mayor's men, I suppose. And how came you in this condition ?' ' Distress and sickness, sir : I have endured every degree of privation, till, worn down with disease, destitute of food, and without a bed to lie on, I should have sunk at once into the grave, had it not been for the humanity of this generous captain, who kindly complied with my entreaties, and has given me a passage to Newcastle, where I have some friends yet living, and who, I trust, will administer to my wants, soften my anguish, and by whose sympathetic kindness my life may be pro- longed a few more months, till my spirit shall pass away into everlasting rest.' ' But don't you know, by storing yourself away, you have forfeited every protection? and now I've no alternative left but must take you with me on board the frigate.' 'Oh! sir,' exclaimed the poor creature, falling on his knees l oh! sir, do not add to my misery : 1 shall be of no service to you, for I was never at sea before in my life, and it will be death to me in my present almost hopeless state.' We all looked on in silence ; but, right earnestly, [ never felt a heartier desire to pipe my eye since I was a snivelling powder- monkey in the Spitfire, when the boatswain thrashed me for dropping his quid overboard. The lieutenant, too, made a dozen wry faces, to try and make a laugh of it ; but 'twouldn't do. ' Come, come,' said he, ' you must go to the frigate : I cannot swerve from my duty. Had you not stowed away, the case would be different : what induced you to hide yourself in that rattle-trap concern ?' ' I was persuaded, sir, by some of the apprentices ; but, if I have acted wrong, I am grieved, very grieved, for it.' ' Why, the consequence is, that you must get into the boat: surely you are able to do something, and his 4 INTRODUCTION. Majesty's beef and biscuit is none of the worst. What trade are you ?' None, sir.' ' What have you been brought up to? You appear to have seen better days.' ' Yes, sir ; in younger life I was gay and happy.' ' What profession are you, then?' 'I am an author, sir.' 'An author, hey!' exclaimed the lieutenant, shuddering as if something had stung him, for he was a bit of a scribe himself. ' An author, hey! Poor fellow, that accounts for it?" Pray what works have you been engaged on?' ' Fragments, I presume,' says a weekly- account gentlenuiu, taking hold of the remnant of the tattered garment behind ; 'morsels miscellaneous, if I guess right.' 'No, sir; I was employed, with several others, by Mr. Charles Dibdin, to cast Shakspeare's plays into verse, for the Surrey Theatre ; but, as we were paid by measure, and I was desirous of giving animation to my characters, I did not make so rapid a progress as my companions : yet I have often had the gratification of listening to the plaudits of the audience when the parts which I myself had rendered into rhyme were performed upon the stage.' Here he drew himself up as stiff as a midshipman, while he grinned self-approbation and squinted satisfaction most horribly ; ' But, sir,' he continued, ' I starved upon my pittance till I became reduced to my present state.' ' Well,' says the lieutenant, ' I'm sorry for it, but you must get into the boat.' In vain he entreated and implored; nothing could save him, and away we pulled against wind and tide for the frigate, then about three miles off. On getting alongside, the officer jumped on the deck first as usual, and the captain hailed him from abaft with, ' What success? what success, Mister? I hope you have procured a few stout lads.' ' Not many, sir, I've picked up one prime hand,' replied the lieutenant. ' Hand him up,' said the captain, advancing toward the gangway, 'Hand him up;' but, when the wretched object came over the side and appeared full in view, back recoiled the skipper in amazement and alarm, ' A prime hand! Who's this what have you got there? A travelling scarecrow a churchyard deserter a non-descript from Bartlemy fair What are you, my man?' 'An author, sir.' ' A what an au- thor! There, jump into the boat again; and d'ye hear, Mister? bear a hand, take him from whence you had him. An author! ey! Why I should have all hands troubled with proclamations like Philadelphy lawyers, and my ship converted into Westminster Hall in less than a week. Jump into the boat, jump into the boat directly ;' and away we were compelled to pull after the collier, which was INTRODUCTION. 5 now about seven miles distant ; while, to add to our misfortunes, just after shoving off, we had the mortification to hear the boatswain's mate piping to grog. Howsomever, after a hard pull, we put him safe on board again, and our boat's crew made a kind of a club-up, to which the lieutenant liberally contributed; but he swore he'd never press another author as long as he lived. So you see the effects of authorship ; but there, I can tell by your looks that 'tis of no manner of use for me to arguefy the matter; so I must e'en let you gang your ain gait, as the Scotchmen say ; only remember, I've warned you, and if you should crack your brains against a hard word, or get choked with a poll-silly- bull, don't blame Dick Towline, that's all.' Here the veteran closed his harangue; and so earnest was he in the delivery, that at the close he could scarcely draw his breath for several seconds, but perhaps that might be occasioned by the long and strong pull he took at a mug of grog I had just finished mixing. I must acknowledge Dick's oration rather staggered me ; but the pleasing visions which I had previously conjured up, and the desire of seeing my name in print, easily overcame Dick's logic ; and I positively told him it was my intention to persevere. ' Well, well,' said he, ' I pity you from my heart, but I must give up your company unless, indeed, a thought strikes me no, no, I cannot desert an old shipmate. What do you say to get some of the worthy blues, my mess- mates (Dick is a pensioner), to spin us a yarn or two about the shattered old hulks in Greenwich moorings.' ' Say no more, say no more,' exclaimed I, it shall be done directly.' ' And aret 'em printed in one o' your periodicals,' con- tinued Dick. The very thing, my friend, the very thing; I'll set to work this instant. Yes, yes, I'll do it at once.' Accordingly I sallied forth into the college, and, falling in with old Clark, the regulating boatswain, and a few others, I very soon got introduced amongst them, and was afterward known by the titles of ' The man with the wig' ' the absent man,' ' the litter-hater gemmen,' ' the walking yarnwinch,' &c. &c. &c. After collecting a few tough stories, they were forwarded, through the medium of a friend, to the editor of The Literary Gazette, who kindly honored them with a place in his columns; and thus, in spite of Dick's remonstrances, I commenced author. Thinking, however, that if the sketches (nearly the whole of which are founded in fact) were collected and improved, some originals united with them, and the whole illustrated by George Cruikshank, they might afford entertainment to my brother 6 INTRODUCTION. tars, to while away an hour at sea, and prove not wholly unacceptable to the landsman, who is fond of the characteristic humour of the sailor ; I boldly launch my little bark upon the ocean of public opinion, merely saying 1 that 'tis neither a man of war, nor a merchantman, but a small pleasure yacht, gaily swimming upon the surface of amusement, and I hope will float down the tide of favour with flying colours. One word to the gentlemen critics, and that is be it remembered that I have no fighting commission, and therefore if any of you throw a shell, or fire a shot to try to sink me, all I say is you're a pack of cowards. So no more at present from Yours, as you behave yourselves, A PLAIN BLUNT OLD SAILOR. BILLY CULMER AND THE GOOSE. ' Then Bill was, moreover, a comical dog, Aud, if rightly I stick to my story, He would now and then get so aboard of the grog, That, d'ye see, he was all in his glory.' AND a glorious fellow he was too: I wish I could give you all his sayings and doings; it wouldmake a better volume than Theodore Hook's. But I remem- ber when we were messmates in the cockpit of the flag-ship under Lord H . Many'sthe rum rig 1 we used to play, and carry on the war together like Trojans. Billy was upwards of fifty ; and, though he had several commissions, threw them all up, preferring rather to be honoured as the oldest midshipman in the service, than be pointed at as the youngest lieutenant. He was a great favour- ite with the admiral, to whom he was distantly related. Just after we had re- fitted at Plymouth, orders came down for the fleet to sail. Up went Blue Petre, and all hands prepared to pay their tailor's bills with the fag-end of the fore-top- sail sheet; for they knew, by going to sea in his debt, he'd never cease praying for a fair wind to bring 'em home again. Well, d'ye see, Billy was ashore, and no one could discover where he was stowed ; but the admiral, unwilling to leave him behind, requested the lieutenant on duty to ferret him out and get him aboard. This was no easy task ; and Mr. E , after overhauling about fifty houses, was returning to make his report, when, passing a door in Street, he heard the well-known voice singing, with great glee ' Then haul away, pnll away, jolly boys, At the mercy of Fortune we go.' Passing through the outer room and entering the kitchen, there sat Billy very comfortable by the fire, with one hand turning the spit to his own music, and with the other basting a fine fat goose that was roasting. His gold-laced cock'd hat ornamented the handle of a saucepan, his side-arms hung pendant from the leg 8 BILLY CULMER AND THE GOOSE. of a gridiron, and his uniform coat and waistcoat dangled from the same peg with an old warming-pan ' We're in for it now, 'tis a folly, boys, To be down-hearted, yo-lio !' But, observing the lieutenant enter, his song ceased. 'What cheer what cheer? Glad to see you. What, are you come to dine with me?' 'No, sir,' replied E , scarcely able to refrain from a roar of laughter, 'No, sir: I come with the admiral's orders for you to go on board.' 'What, and leave the goose !' ' Come, come, Mr. C , be serious ; there's the signal for sailing at the mast-head, and the fleet are ordered to sea directly.' ' Well, tell them to wait till the goose is done.' ' Nonsense ! would you skulk ashore when, perhaps, we may fall in with the enemy, and bring a few of them home with us?' ' Why not altogether that; but the goose will be spoil'd, for there's not a soul in the house beside myself." ' Oh never mind the goose, you II take that with you. But come, bear a hand ; you have already incurr'd the ad- miral's displeasure, and surely you wouldn't act ungratefully to him who has always behaved so generously to you.' ' Touch my honour, touch my life. No, I'll only get a fresh scrape and a paint, clap my rigging over the mast-head, and then we'll make sail together ; but the goose will be burned.' ' Confound the goose!' said E , stripping off his coat 'Look smart, and I'll turn the spit till somebody comes j' and down he sat. Away went Billy, having mounted his uniform, to call the mistress of the house, and get shaved : but scarce had he turned the corner of the street when he ran full butt against the admiral. ' Halloo, Mr. C !' said his lordship, '1 understand your leave of absence is expired : what are you doing ashore ?' ' 1 don't know, my lord ; I've been very unwell these two days confined by room-a-tism.' ' Those are idle excuses, sir. Pray have you seen Mr. E ? Ah, now, if I could see you copy that young man, what satisfaction and pleasure it would afford me !' Billy shrugg'd his shoulders and laughed. ' What insolence is this, sir !' said his lordship, ' I can- not express my indignation. Tell me directly Have you seen that gentleman ?' laying a particular stress on the last word. ' Yes, my lord,' replied Billy, 'and so may you if you go to No. there,' pointing down the street. ' What do you mean, sir? your insinuations are base. But come, sir, I'll be satisfied BILLY CULMER AND THE GOOSE. 9 show me the way ;' and Billy conducted his lordship to the door. But what was the admiral's surprise and chagrin to see the person he had just been com- mending busily engaged in attending the sputtering bird, now almost burnt to a cinder ! His back was towards them ; but hearing some one behind, and con- cluding it was the proprietor of the rookery ' Come along, old Bet, a pretty kettle of fish I've made of it! there's the fleet getting under weigh, and old Shiver-the-wind will give me a sermon as long as the main-top bow-line. Here's the goose as brown as a berry, and I've burnt my fingers with the ladle.' This was too much for Billy he roared till his sides shook. But who can paint the astonishment and embarrassment of the young lieutenant, on turning- round and seeing who was present! ' Old Shiver-the-wind is greatly obliged to you, Mr. E ,' said his lordship, bowing and walking off; ' and now I shall know in whom to place confidence again. Make haste down to the barge, and wait till 1 come ;' and away he went. ' What's the matter, what's the matter, Mr. E ?' said Billy, almost convulsed with laughter on seeing the young officer throw himself into the chair in an agony ' What's the matter ? Why, the admiral knows that Spit-head's a naval station, and you are always fond of imitating the philosophers of grease.' ' I'll have satisfaction, Mr. C ; this is your doings.' ' So you shall, so you shall, (spreading a large sheet of brown paper, and packing the goose up in it.) You put the goose upon me, you know I clapp'd it upon you and now we'll go and saddle it upon the admiral;' and off they set for the boat. His lordship soon joined them, and the boat shoved off. ' What is this smell, coxswain?' inquired the admiral. ' Tis Mr. E 's goose, my lord,' said Billy. How is this that you dare to presume upon my indulgence?' ' Indeed, my lord, I I the goose I I,' replied the stammering lieutenant. 'The goose I I!' reiterated his lordship; 'what do you mean, sir?' But Billy, seeing he had run his cable out to the clinch, and that the old gentleman began to get serious, made a thousand apologies, and explained the whole business, taking the blame to himself, and respectfully entreating pardon where he had so often obtained it before. But 'twas not till the general action fought soon after that the admiral was any way reconciled. ' How these balls hiss, 1 said E to Billy, both stationed on the quarter-deck. ' Aye, aye,' retorted Billy ' Aye, ay?, it puts one in mind of the goose.' ' So,' exclaimed his lordship, who had overheard it, and turned short round ' So you can't forget the goose, c 10 BILLY CULMER AND THE GOOSE. Mr. C ! Well, well, baste the French as well as you did the goose, arid I shall be satisfied.' A few minutes afterward, and the enemy dropt alongside. The boarders came rushing from their quarters, when Billy snatched up a cutlass, and, springing from the nettings on to the Frenchman's deck, roared out, waving his sword, ' Here's my spit; ev'ry mon his bird, and I'll tak gibbie;' and cutting down all before him, though severely wounded, fought his way to the taffaril. E was close at his side, and together they dowsed the colours, amid three cheers from all who witnessed the exploit. The cheers were returned by the boarding party, for the finest ship in the enemy's squadron was now their own ; and many an old goose * at Greenwich lives to tell the tale. * Goose, a nickname given to the pensioners. WILL BLOCK. A TRUE TALE. But the creed of a sailor still farther extends : He believes 'tis his duty likewise To comfort his poor distress'd messmates and friends, And the girl that is faithful to prize.' IT was on the afternoon of a lovely day in summer, a veteran tar came whistling through the narrow lane that cuts off a considerable portion of the main road between Plymouth and Exeter, and shortens the journey to the weary traveller. There was something in his whole appearance so peculiarly interest- ing, and neat, that the passenger, after receiving his ' What cheer, what cheer?' could not refrain from turning round and stopping to take another look. Indeed that sparkling eye of good-humoured pleasantry, that countenance displaying at once the generous benevolence of his heart, was not easily passed by unnoticed, or readily forgotten. His dress consisted of a blue jacket and white trowsers, a straw hat bound with black riband thrown carelessly back upon his head, so as to display the straggling locks of silvered grey that flowed beneath, and a black silk handkerchief loosely knotted round his neck, over which lay the white collar of his shirt : a short cudgel was tucked under his arm. He had now reached the inn by the way-side where he purposed heaving to, to hoist in a fresh supply of grog and biscuit for the voyage. Crossing the threshold, and entering the passage, his ears were saluted with vile discordant sounds of some one in a terrible passion. ' Never throw hot water and ashes to windward,' says the old tar, shortening sail ; ' I'd sooner engage a squadron of fire-ships than one woman in a rage. They're sure to have the last broadside, even while sinking.' He was putting about to stand off again, when a sweet voice, in plaintive supplication, struck upon his heart, and brought him up. 'Twas in reply to the vociferations of the termagant, and he remained backing and filling in the passage. ' What, 12 WILL BLOCK. money clothes all lost, did you say ?' exclaimed a rough-strained throat, something resembling the combined noise of a blacksmith's bellows and a flint- mill : ' All gone, eh ?' ' Yes, ma'am, all all is lost to me,' replied a female, in tones which would have excited pity in any heart that claimed the smallest ac- quaintance with humanity. ' So you think that story will do, eh?' continued the first; ' 'twon't though, missus, so you must tramp. I don't keep a house for vagrums, and sich like.' ' Indeed, indeed 'tis true; the villains robbed me of all, and I've walked many, many weary miles. Oh but for a piece of bread a little cold water! can you deny me this? Indeed I've not been used to beg.' ' Why that's the way with all you canting creatures all ladies, forsooth ! Where do you come from?' ' Oh, ma'am, I'm a wretched girl, yet I was once happy ; sorrow has indeed reached me lost, lost Lucy !' ' Ha, I see how it is! What, you've been with the fellows, have you ? Why, you good-for- nothing ! there, get out of my house get out, f say !' ' Can you have the cruelty to let me perish ? Where where shall I find compassion, if my own sex refuse it! Oh remember, that mercy that pity is the attribute of angels!' ' Don't talk to me of angels, hussy ! and as for tributes, there's sesses, and taxes, and poors' rates enough Out, I say ! What you won't, eh ? Here, John ! Bet! where are you all? you pack of idle vagabonds ! Here, take this miss, and turn her out.' ' Oh let me implore your pity here humbly let me beg ' This was too much for our honest tar. Entering the kitchen, he beheld a young girl, plainly but neatly dressed, on her knees before an old woman. The tears were running down her pale face, and she seemed fainting with fatigue and grief, while a man grasped one shoulder, a boy the other, and a maid-servant together, were attempting to force her out. ' Yo-hoy, what's the matter here?' said the veteran, flinging the man to the opposite side of the room, and giving the boy a trip that laid him sprawling on the other: ' Cowardly, lubberly rascals! what, grapple a vessel in distress ? And you (turning to the landlady) to stand looking on ! Is this a Christian country ? For shame, old woman !' ' Old woman, forsooth!' exclaimed the now doubly-exasperated landlady, 'Old woman, forsooth! What, you takes the part of the young-un, eh? But she shall budge directly.' ' 1 say she shan't, then. Come here, pretty one, and nobody shall harm you while old Will Block can keep the weather-gage.' ' Well, this is fine treatment, too, in my own house ! And you, ye rapscallions, who eat my victuals WILL BLOCK. 13 and take my wages, to see it tamely ! Lay hold of her, I say.' ' Touch her if you dare,' says old Will, flourishing his stick, ' and I'll I'll Aye, that's right, keep off, for if you come athwart my hawse, blow my wig but I'll cut your cables !' Poor Lucy had got close to his side ; but, fearing her protector would be injured for his generosity, she entreated him to desist. ' I am not worthy your notice, sir; only a drop of water, for I am very faint.' ' Shall have the best the house affords, while I've a shot in the locker. Go along, old Mother Squeeze- lemon, and get something for the poor child ; don't you see she's all becalmed ?' ' What, give my property to vagrums and wenches ! not I indeed ! Will you pay the reckoning?' ' Avast, old Grumpus! think of this here when you stands at another bar, and the last great reckoning comes how will you look then ? This will stand a black account against you, and what'll you have to rub it off' with, eh ? Go, get her a glass of wine.' ' And who's to pay ? Wine, indeed ! get her some water, Jack,' said the now alarmed landlady, for Will's reflection, and the solemn manner in which it was uttered, operated powerfully on her conscience. ' Heave to, you porpoise-faced swab none of your water; get us some wine, and the best in the house, too, d'ye hear? Why, what's the lubber grinning at? Will this satisfy you, ye old she-shark ?' thrusting his hand into his jacket-pocket, and drawing it out again filled with gold ' Will this satisfy you?' The landlady's countenance brightened up: ' Why if so be as how you means to pay for it, that's another thing. Well, well, I dare says you're a gen- tleman, after all. Come, child, (to Lacy,) I'm sorry I was so harsh, but it's only my way. There, run, John, and fetch a bottle of my best wine, and some of those nice sweet cakes Stop, John, stop, I'll go myself for the poor dear.' ' Ha, ha, ha ! what a generous heart !' cried Will ; ' how readily it expands at the voice of distress!' shaking his pockets. ' Here's the key will unlock the flood- gates of her benevolence at any time, (holding up a guinea.) But come, pretty one,' drawing a chair, ' sit down and rest.' ' Oh, sir, how shall I ever repay your bounty ?'said Lucy. ' Wait till I ax you,' replied Will, who felt hurt at the idea of being repaid. * Here, miss,' said the landlady, entering, ' take this nice cake and wine, 'twill do you good. God bless your sweet face ! why, do you think that I would go for to hurt a hair of your head ?' ' There, there, there's enough of it no more palaver ; I arn't agreed for that, you know, though 1 suppose you'll consider it in the bill.' Luckily at this moment, to prevent the gathering storm, the 14 WILL BLOCK. bell rung violently in another room, and she disappeared. ' Come, come, don't be backward ; never mind an old sailor,' said Will : ' refresh yourself, and then tell me what I can do to serve you ; speak as if I was your father.' ' Oh, sir, don't talk of my father I have fixed a wound in his heart'. There, there; don't cry : I carn't bear to see a woman's tears it. makes a fool of me : but tell me honestly all about it, for I've got to be at old Admiral M 's by night,' ' Of Grove ?' inquired Lucy, much agitated. ' Why ay ; do you know him?' ' No, sir; but but I have seen I have been in company with his nephew ;' and again she burst into tears as if her heart would break. Why ay, I see how it is; knock old Will down for a witch. I see how it is : this is some of Master Tommy's doings, eh? Zounds!' clinching his fist; ' but no matter. And where are you come from?' ' From my father's, sir.' ' And who is your father ?' ' Oh do not ask me ! my name is Lucy B .' 'What, the daughter of old B , that was in the Venerable as first lieutenant?' ' Yes, I am indeed his wretched daughter.' ' Zounds! why,' starting up in a passion ' why, and has Tom dared ? But don't be frightened, don't be frightened. And so you have deserted your home and my poor old friend ?' ' Spare me, sir ! spare me ! If my father was indeed your friend, oh succour his erring child !' ' Well, well, my upper works get crazy now hardly able to weather the storm. But the villain that would betray innocence, and then abandon his victim zounds! But come, come along.' ' I thought of going to the admiral's, sir.' ' To be sure, to be sure ! we'll be under weigh in a minute.' ' Yet, sir, perhaps he will not see me, or it may be injurious to his interests; and oh I would willingly die to serve him, for he has a feeling heart.' ' A what ? a feeling heart ! Why are you here then ? But come along, sweetheart!' and, discharging the reckoning, they set off in company. Of all the eccentric beings in this eccentric world, old Admiral M was the most eccentric. He had risen solely by merit from the station of cabin-boy to vice-admiral of the white ; and 'twas ever his boast that he had never skulk'd in great men's pockets, nor been afraid to dip his hands in a tar-backet. ' I came in at the hawse-holes,' he would say, ' and didn't creep in at the cabin win- dows.' He had been known to absent himself from home for weeks together; and no .one could tell where he went, or what had become of him, till his repeated acts of generous bounty discovered the track he had taken. He would WILL BLOCK. 15 frequently return home without previous notice, enter the house unobserved, ring his bell, and order refreshments, as if he had never quitted it. Not an old sailor that ever sailed with him but was welcome to partake of his cheer; and those who had been his messmates previous to his mounting the uniform (if of good character, but not so successful as himself) always sat at his own table. Possessed of an immense fortune, which he was accustomed to say was drawn from the Spanish stocks yet without children, for he was a bachelor he had adopted his nephew, determined to leave him the bulk of his property. The young man, who really was naturally of an amiable disposition, on this acces- sion to his uncle's favour, associated with some of the dashing characters of the day, and became tinctured with their vices and follies. He had been introduced to the family of Lieutenant B by a brother officer; and that acquaintance, which terminated so sadly for poor Lucy, was begun. Yet he passionately loved her ; but, fearing the condemnation of the admiral, and the loss of his patronage, he had withdrawn himself from Exeter without even bidding her farewell, choosing rather to immure himself from the world than break the oath he had pledged to Lucy, or disoblige his uncle by marrying without his consent, knowing that the old gentleman was ambitious for his nephew to look for a wife agreeable to the high prospects in view before him, and equally convinced that to thwart his inclinations would but annihilate all his hopes, and cast him adrift upon the world. Such was the state of aifairs when Lucy left her home to endeavour to gain an interview with her lover, and fell in with old Will, who in early life, according to his own account, had sailed with the admiral, and was now going to pay him a visit, and see some of his old messmates, of whom the principal part of the household was composed. She had been plundered by some villains of all she possessed at day-break, but still continued her journey, till, worn with hunger and faint with fatigue, she entered the inn, and implored assistance. The shades of evening fell on the landscape as they passed under the avenue of trees that led to Grove House. Will, having promised to exert himself in obtaining an interview between Mr. M and his convoy, left her at a short distance, and proceeded onward. Almost overpowered by her reflections, and every pulse throbbing violently with agitation, she leaned against the trunk of a tree, expecting to see the being whom, next Heaven, she loved most tenderly. 1( 5 WILL BLOCK. 'Twas now too dark to distinguish objects, but she could hear footsteps ap- proaching, and she sunk without sense or motion to the ground. On recovery she found herself sitting- on a couch in a small room, and the old housekeeper, with other females, sedulously administering to her necessity. Her eye glanced wildly round for another object, while the old lady strove to sooth her mind, informing her that 'twas herself who had discovered her in the avenue, at the request of old Will. Refreshments were placed, of which Lucy partook sparingly, desirous of knowing, yet trembling to ask, whether Mr. M was in the house, or had seen the worthy veteran, her kind conductor. ' Pray, sir,' said the admiral, entering the room abruptly when his nephew was sitting alone, and ruminating upon his own hapless condition, but more upon the object of his sincere attachment, little imagining that she who occupied his thoughts was at that moment under the same roof ' pray, sir, what does that man deserve who robs a friend of his dearest trea- sure who, stealing into the confidence of a young and artless girl under the flag of affection, turns pirate, and plunders his prize with remorseless cruelty ?' The young man sat petrified, for these questions were precisely accordant to his own feelings previous to the entrance of his uncle. ' Answer me!' exclaimed the admiral, raising his voice 'answer me directly!' 'I cannot, sir ; I am too deeply sensible of error.' ' Or what does he merit,' continued the admiral, ' who, contrary to the views of a relative that has raised him to opulence, first contracted himself to a young female, and then deserted her!' ' Infamy ! infamy and disgrace!' exclaimed the agonized M . * I feel it all all, and shudder !' ' You have judged right, sir : your acquaintance with the poor distressed child of Lieutenant .B I have just received infor- mation of, and your own lips have condemned you.' ' Not so much as my heart, sir,' replied M . ' Pass what sentence you please ; but, oh ! suffer me to expiate my fault! do not drive me to desperation! 1 ' 'Tis well, sir, you are convinced of your error ;' and, ringing 1 the bell violently, a servant ap- peared. ' Order Mr. M 's horse to the door:' then, turning to the young man, ' This is no longer a home for you : however, you shall first have the satisfaction of facing your accuser ;' and, again ringing the bell, directed an- other servant to introduce the stranger. No culprit ever stood more agitated than M while these orders were given. He fixed his eyes upon the door WILL BLOCK. 17 in anxious expectation ; but what were his feelings what his agony when Lucy herself appeared ! He would have rushed towards her ; but his uncle caught his arm, and, in a voice that made the poor girl tremble, ' No, sir! would you again coil like a snake about your victim ? would you once more sting a bosom whose only fault was loving a villain? Go, sir! you have for- feited all pretensions to my favour you have degraded my name you have disgraced yourself. Go, and let me never see your face again !' This was too much for poor Lucy : she had expected a private interview with her lorer, and imagined, when she quitted the housekeeper's apartment, 'twas for that purpose the folding-doors of the drawing-room were thrown open. How great then was her surprise and distress when she found herself in the presence of the admiral ! He was habited in an immense cloak, that covered his whole person, and his laced cocked hat upon his head ; but the sentence was no sooner pro- nounced than Lucy knelt before him imploring mercy. M , at the same moment, threw himself by her side, caught her upraised hand, joined it in his own, and offered his petitions with hers. The old admiral dashed the tears from his eyes, and, overcome by the scene, grasped their united hands, and blessed them. But who can express the astonishment, the gratitude, of Lucy, when, throwing off his cloak and hat, he appeared before her as her generous benefactor, protector, and guide even old WILL BLOCK! LORD KEITH. Only just do your duly, you'Jl find, should death call, The same gracious Providence watches for all.' WELL,, messmates, exclaimed an old pensioner, entering the ward with a newspaper in his hand well, messmates, so Lord Keith is gone, full of years and honour ! Death has grappled him at last ! He was a worthy com- mander a mild unassuming man : but all our old friends are dropping oft' one by one, and by-and-by poor Jack won't have a protector left. Howsomever, I hope, before that time, messmates, all hands will be standing on the same tack, till we moor ship in the port of Heaven at last. Ah ! well do I remember the admiral at Toulon, at Egypt, and afterward in command of the Channel fleet. He was a father to his people brave and humane. I think I see him at this moment, a tall thin figure, standing in his admiral's uniform on the deck of the Queen Charlotte. We were lying in Basque Roads. The white flag was flying at Rochelle, but the French fleet had not yet hoisted it. A large party, in their bag wigs and swords, (if I recollect right, a deputation from the town,) came alongside on the larboard side. His lordship, very plainly dressed, placed himself near the gangway. On the starboard side of the quarter-deck stood Sir Pulteney Malcolm, firm and erect, one hand thrust into his waistcoat, the other arm a-kimbo, the right foot advanced. There he stood in all the conscious pride of a bold intrepid British tar. By-the-by, I saw his portrait, some seasons ago, in the Exhibition : I knew it in a moment, and my heart kindled with pleasure. Sailors have their feelings, and fine ones too, though they cannot always express them. Well, there he stood; and the Monsieurs came on board, passed his lordship, giving and receiving a slight salutation, and advanced, full of compliment, scraping and bowing, to Sir Pulteney, who received them with that dignity and politeness sp peculiarly his LORD KEITH. 19 own. His lordship continued his station, unnoticed by the party, till the rear- admiral introduced them to him as the commander-in-chief. The last time I saw him was in the theatre at Bordeaux : oh it was a glorious sight! In the starboard stage-box was his lordship, Lord James O'Brien, and I think Sir Pulteney Malcolm and Sir Harry Neele, but won't be positive : however, there were several of the captains and officers of the fleet in their full naval dress, blue and gold. On the larboard hand, Lord Wellington, Lord Hill, with other distinguished noblemen and generals, in their scarlet uniforms ; while every part of the house displayed the British costume intermingled with the white of the ladies' dresses. It is true that many a regimental coat looked the worse for wear; but it heightened the interest of the scene they had known hard service. The play was ' Richard Coeur de Lion ;' and between the acts ' Vive Henri Quatre' was played and sung with the whole strength of the house. The pit of a French theatre, messmates, has no seats like ours, but resembles the riding- ring at Astley's. Well, nearly in the centre of this area stocd a brother tar about half-sprung, turning his quid, looking wonderfully knowing, but per- fectly quiet, lest a suspicion should arise that he was ignorant of the language. Several shipmates were dispersed around, affording considerable amusement to the assembled group of all nations. The song ended, and, after a few demi- semiquavers, our national anthem 'God save the King' commenced. 'Twas like an electric shock to poor Jack. ' What ! " God save the King" in France?' He roared, he bellowed, accompanying the music, seeming insen- sible to the presence of a single individual beside himself. It ceased for a moment, and then struck up ' The White Cockade.' ' Clear the decks ! clear the decks!' cried Jack; and indeed all were glad to get out of his way. A space was cleared, and he went through the hornpipe in handsome style, to the great delight of all present. Bumper after bumper was proffered, and as readily swallowed. What sailor would shrink from splicing the main brace when his king was the toast? ' God save the King' was again played; but this did not satisfy our jolly tar, now completely groggy. ' Rule, Britannia ! Rule, Britannia !' he would have ' Rule, Britannia !' or he'd board the stage and thresh the fiddlers. ' Rule, Britannia ! Britannia rules the waves ! Play up; none of your gammon ! Rule, Britannia ! Britannia, rule What! you won't, eh ? Then here goes !' advancing to the orchestra, to commence his 20 LORD KEITH. attack. This was too much even for French politeness; and, another act just commencing, a scuffle ensued, in which poor Jack wastioisted on the shoulders of his messmates, who bore him off in triumph, roaring ' Rule, Britannia! Britannia rules the waves ! For Britons never, nevir, never, never, shall be slaves.' RIO JANEIRO. ' Would you know, pretty Nan ! how we sailors pass our time, As joyously we roam o'er the sea, Why, believe me, dear girl, in each region and clime, True hearted and merry we be.' ' AND so,' exclaimed a fine Commodore-Trunnion-looking old gentleman, with his silver locks flowing gracefully over his shoulders, and little sparkling black eyes, beaming with animation and good humour as he sat on one of the benches which are so pleasantly situated on the terrace of Greenwich Hospital, facing the Thames ' and so the present Queen of Spain is that interesting girl that we've so often seen at Rio Janeiro ! I remember her very well, and recollect the scuffle there used to be among the young navy blades, in the billiard-room, whenever the royal cavalcade passed by on its way to the palace, to try who should be in time to get a kiss of her pretty little white hand ; for you know 'tis the custom among the royal family of Portugal, when they pass to and from their carriages or barge, to extend their hands to the spectators on either side, and those who saluted them went down upon one knee. Well, just under the Piazzas might be seen a whole raft of young- sters bending the knee, and watching for the sweet smile that excited a lively interest in the heart, and sometimes a graceful inclination of the head, to acknow- ledge the gentle pressure of the hand. Hah!' continued the veteran, turning to a gentleman whose countenance bore the stamp of sailor ' hah, Mr. Wallis, you may well grin ; many's the time you've been amongst 'em.' ' Ay, old boy,' rejoined the officer, ' and those were some of the happiest days of my life. I would give the world to enjoy the same feelings now that I did then ; but the cares and anxieties that creep on us damp the enthusiastic ardour oi the mind ; and, when I look back upon the sunshine of youth, the dark clouds that have gathered since come rolling between, and shade it with a gloomy 22 RIO JANEIRO. aspect. I think of my old friends and messmates; but where are they now? Either scattered upon the wide world, or numbered with the dead. There was poor Tom Miller : you must remember him ?' ' Remember him ! to be sure I do; he was master's mate in the London when I was gunner: a finer voung fellow never stepp'd 'twixt stem and starn.' ' Well, Tom used to say, ay, and swear to it too, that the Princess should be Mrs. Miller. He was always at the Piazzas as regularly as the captain of the guard, and the dear lady bestowed upon him a more gracious look than on any one else. He was, as yovi observed, no despicable figure ; nay, I believe he was the best-looking fellow in the fleet ; and, when well rigged, there were but few who could sur- pass him. One evening we had all assembled in the billiard-room, (it was on the very day Tom had received an acting order as lieutenant of the Eliza- beth,) when the signal was given that the royal carriage was approaching, and away sprang the whole covey at once. Tom took the lead, but had scarcely got ten paces when he made a slip-bend, and came down sprawling at full length. This was abominably provoking, for he had sported a new uniform suit in honour of his promotion, and his toilette (id est, his sea-chest) had been most assiduously attended to. However, up he started again, his white panta- loons suffering no loss by coming in contact with mother Earth ; and, what was more unfortunate, a patch of mud nearly as large as a half-crown most uncere- moniously attached itself to his left cheek. Nothing daunted, and unconscious of this embellishment, he arrived at the foot of the great stairs just previous to the passing of the princess. An officer of the Portuguese navy, observing this meteor dart through the court, followed close upon his heels, and, just as Tom's lips were anticipating the coming hand, soft as the down upon the cygnet's breast, a rougher hand grasped his shoulder, and he felt a down of another description, by being extended flat upon his back. The sweet girl looked distressed and confused, but passed quickly up the stairs ; yet, before she disappeared, her eyes were cast below. Tom, stung to madness, had sprung in- stantly upon his feet, and the Portuguese in his turn measured his length upon the pavement. The bayonets of the guards were brought to the charge, but not before we had rallied round our companion, and formed a barrier to protect him: swords and dirks were unsheathed, and either party gazed upon the other. Our number amounted to fifteen : the guards were treble that, and RIO JANEIRO. 23 many others came in to increase their force. The commandant advanced towards us, and demanded our friend in a haughty and insulting 1 manner; but we plainly told him, as Tom was not the aggressor, we were determined to part with our lives first, though the generous fellow made repeated struggles to break through and deliver himself up as a surety for the rest. Again the officer taunted us as puny striplings, declared his resolution to seize him, and ordered his troops to advance. Our weapons were prepared, and we stood firm, when, at this very instant, a wild shout, so exhilarating to the heart of a tar, told us that succour was at hand, and about fifty British seamen, belong- ing to the watering parties, headed by the gallant Lieutenant R , of the E , seventy- four, rushed in like an overwhelming wave, and bore down all before them. Their intrusion was so very sudden that they were close aboard the soldiers before the latter could face about ; and Jack stuck to them so close that their firelocks were rendered useless, and black eyes was the order of the day. " Put up your side-arms, gentlemen," cried R , " and lather away till all's blue." This species of so-fist-try didn't agree with the enemy ; the weighty arguments knocked many of them down, and the remainder re- treated in confusion and haste to the guard-room. Thither we were about to follow, and the word was passed for the boarders to prepare, when the brave and worthy Commodore Campbell (in the Portuguese service) appeared in the midst of us, and with mild language, yet dignified expression, represented the necessity and propriety of immediately repairing on board of our respec- tive ships, adding " Commit no outrage, my friends; do not let me have to blush for my countrymen : brother tars, let me advise you to go directly to your boats." As the soft zephyr smooths the raging billow after a storm, so did our passion subside under the gentle remonstrances of the gallant Campbell, and we quitted the Piazzas : but, scarce had we crossed over toward the fountain, when a troop of royal cadets advanced at full charge in our rear; but, seeing our force beyond their expectation, they reined in at about twenty paces from us : indeed our numbers were by this time considerably augmented, for many of the English residents, and the sailors belonging to the merchant- men, had joined our party, so that we mustered upwards of a hundred. The scene at this moment was highly interesting and ludicrous ; the moon shone beautifully clear from a cloudless sky, and rendered every object and counte- 24 RIO JANEIRO. nance conspicuous. loi the advance, near the palace, were the royal cadets, mounted on their prancing 1 steeds, as if collecting 1 all their physical powers for a grand attack. We had long been indebted to these young gentlemen for their treatment of a British officer, (whom they had met upon the road,) while escorting' the old Queen compelling him to dismount from his horse, and laying the flat part of their sabres across his shoulders. The skip-jacks seemed aware of this, for their courage began to evaporate, and many were looking over their shoulders. Near and about the fountain, in a solid mass, were collected a motley group of officers, man-of-war's men and merchants, armed (excepting the few swords and dirks among the former) with broken oars and boat-hooks, stretchers, loose 'thwarts, tillers, bung-starters, and copper pumps; and one Jack Tar excited an universal roar of laughter by advancing several paces in our front towards the cadets; and, applying the small end of a large tin funnel (used for filling the casks) to his mouth, he gave them a flourish of defiance in all the graceful attitudes of a theatrical trumpeter. " Stand to your colours, my men," (for they had hoisted the boats' ensigns on poles,) said Lieutenant R ; " and do you, officers, separate your- selves among the people, that, should these rush-light warriors charge upon us, they may open to the right and left, and let 'em in amongst us." Tom again begged them to deliver him up, that the rest might not be involved in trouble on his account: but not a man would listen to it; they swore to protect him to the last. By this time the guard had rallied, and were approaching in the rear of the horse, who, seeing a reinforcement at their backs, and unwilling to let slip an opportunity of displaying their tyrannic insolence, as well as making certain of defeating a handful of rattle-brained seamen, clapped spurs, and flourished their sabres. Our manoeuvre was admirably executed, and not a few of them went, horse and all, clean over the quay, where the boat-keepers mauled them unmercifully: numbers were dismounted, and Jack vaulted on to their saddles, cutting the drollest figure imaginable. After a skirmish of about ten minutes these royal cadets gave way, and retreated at full speed through the palace square : we crowded all sail in chase, but were again stopped by the commodore. Indeed, this worthy man, foreseeing, by the advance of the cadets, that some mischief would ensue, had collected the guards, to endeavour, if it were possible, to prevent it ; and this was the cause of RIO JANEIRO. 25 their inarching toward us, and not mingling in the affray. The commodore, finding his object defeated, ordered them back to their station in the guard- room. He once more represented to us the imprudence of remaining on shore, and we consented to return to our boats ; but, previous to quitting the field of action, the gallant commodore was hoisted on the shoulders of a couple of seamen. Lieutenant R- enjoyed the same elevation ; and two of Tom's old messmates in the London raised him aloft. A procession was formed, and paraded through the palace square, while several members of the royal family witnessed from their balconies this truly novel spectacle. When the boats were all manned, and had pulled a short distance from the shore, the crews lay upon their oars ; and the sailors' note of triumph, three hearty cheers, roused up the slumbering air, awoke the dormant winds, and echoed o'er the vast expanse of snoring waves. Echo prolonged the sound for a few seconds, and then it sunk from a confused murmur into stillness and peace, broken only by the measured dash of the oars, and the ripple of the boat as it cut through the yielding wave. Happily no lives were lost, though there were some broken limbs, and many severe wounds and bruises. Poor Tom ! he died soon afterward, bravely fighting the battles of his country ; but he has left a memorial in the hearts of all who knew him which time can never de- stroy.' 'Well, and how was the business settled?' inquired a listener; 'what did the admiral say?' 'Say! why he told them they were rightly served. The prince regent, or rather Mrs. Prince Regent, the lady that has kicked up such a dust lately in Lisbon, laid a formal complaint against us; and the admiral instituted an inquiry, which terminated in our favour. Sir Sydney was'nt exactly the man to yield and compromise the character of his men. He returned for answer, " that, if they sported with British seamen, they must ex- pect rough play." 'Hah! Sir Sydney was the boy,' said the old veteran. ' Do you remember how he served them when they fired from Santa Cruz bat- tery at the little Steady gun-brig, then commanded by Lieutenant (late Cap- tain) Stow ? D'ye see, she was bound to sea upon a cruise ; and, when dropping down with a light breeze, just sufficient to blow out her ensign and pendant, the officer commanding at the fort hailed him to send his boat ashore. Now this was customary for merchant-ships, but never for men-of-war. Stow re- E 2G RIO JANEIRO. plied through his trumpet that the vessel was his Britannic Majesty's brig Steady, and ordered one of the topmen to clear the coach-whip; but this did not satisfy the Portuguese, who instantly fired a shot (though he might have almost jumped aboard), which passed close to the commander, and carried away the main-boom. Lieutenant Stow felt highly indignant at this insult, and immediately up helm and stood in again for the harbour. He made his report to the commander-in-chief, and the admiral demanded an audience of the prince regent. A formal statement was drawn up against the officer, with a request that a public apology might be made for the unwarrantable insult. The prince regent, however, treated it rather lightly, and that roused up the pride of the gallant Sydney. On taking his leave he remarked, that " the London (she was a ninety-eight, you know) would be going out on the mor- row, and he would recommend the officer to fire at her: if he did, it was not improbable but she would growl a little." Accordingly the next day we got under weigh, with our guns run out and double shotted ; but they knew better than to meddle with the bull-dog. In fact, they did'nt like the look of our teetli ; for, though they were all hollow, there warnt a decayed one amongst them ; and I'd taken good care that they should be charged with the best car- tridges. However, we sailed out and in without the least notice being taken ; and from that hour no more shots were fired from Santa Cruz at British cruisers. I'll tell you another long yarn some day about our surgeon and one of the maids of honour to the queen : but it's growing late now, and I must get under hatches; so good night, my children! good night!' and the old tar walked off at the age of ninety-seven (with a step as firm and facul- ties as sound as a youth of twenty) to take his glass and smoke his pipe with an honest heart and a clear conscience. OLD JOHNSON. But poor as a beggar, and often in tatters He went, though his fortune was kind without end : For money, cried Bill, and them there sort of matters What's the good on't, d'ye see, but to succour a friend ?' - - -FoL-de-rol-de-rol-lol, fol-de-rol-de-ray. Ha! how are you, geminen? how are you ? Here I am again, as stanch an old blade as ever knock'd a cock- maggot out of a king's biscuit, or shook a mosquito by the ears. Ay, ay, you may talk of your Penny-rammers and your Mar-maids in Chancery, your Mix-i-can scenes and Cracker-acts of the Ganges; but what are they to the .sights I've seed in my life ? This is a comical out-o'the-way world I must needs own, for a man no sooner dowses his coat than somebody else is ready to put it on, and swear point-blank they have had it ever since it was a jacket. Howsomever that says nothing; here I am again, and if you wants a few more tough yarns from the same winch, I'm your boy. What ! did you think I was going to desert? Lord love you, old Jack never was the lad to flinch from his gun or forsake his colours. Let but Humanity beat to quarters and Benevolence take command, I'm on deck in a minute, and clear for action. So you see here I am again none of your Tom-Coxes-traverse gentry, up one hatchway, down t'other in every body's mess and nobody's watch. No, no, all fair and square by the lifts and braces, that's poor Jack's plan. None of your tea-for-two and toast-for-six without a friend to share it. Give me the feeling heart and the helping hand adorned with the richest of all earthly gems, the sparkling tear of gratitude ; and this puts me in mind of a circumstance that happened the other day There, don't be in a hurry ; you gemmen of the press are so impatient. ' Let me gang ma ain gait,' as old Hameish says ; that 28 OLD JOHNSON. is, hobble along as well as I can. You forget I've got one leg in the grave, and the other is longing to be with his mate ; but wait a wee, wait a wee, Mr. What's-your-name, and you shall have it as clear as ink can make it. Why, d'ye see, an old messmate of mine got married some years ago ; and what then ? why, he'd a whole troop of children before he could look round him, and that's poor work upon three farthings a year, and receive it quarterly it made him calculate his vulgar fractions. Howsomever he struggled with his difficulties, kiss'd his wife, nursed the bairns, and turned a penny when he could get it. Well, d'ye see, about six weeks ago he was sitting on the bench a-top of One-tree-hill in the Park, in a lack-a-day-sigh-cal manner, swinging one leg for pastime, and beating a tattoo upon the other, occasionally picking his teeth, to clear them of the remains of a chestnut dinner. (By-the-by they're good for nothing this year, and so our dessert's spoiled.) His last shilling was con- founded restless, and had been driven from pocket to pocket, undergoing fifty examinations to ascertain whether it was a good-un. He was giving it another twirl in the air, when a poor ragged tar ranged up alongside, and, dowsing his truck, supplicated charity. He had not been accustomed to beg, for his head hung down with shame, without raising his eyes to the person he implored j and he was actually wearing round to sheer off without having his petition answered, when my messmate sprung up, grasp'd his hand ' What, Johnson, my worthy old soul, come to this!' 'Ay, ay, Mr. T , (said the veteran,) needs must when the old-un drives ; and I'm sure, of all the foul fiends, hunger's the worst. But what's the use of distressing you with my complaints? I know you've a generous heart, and 'twill only make you more unhappy, 'cause you carn't relieve them. Heaven knows half-pay's little enough for a wife and family, for I hears you're married.' ' Why ay, Johnson, I have a family, and they are so dear to my heart that I wouldn't part with one of them to be made lord high admiral, though 1 confess I'm often obliged to sail close-haul'd to get 'em a meal. However, they will dine hearty to-day, God bless 'em ! and so, my old boy, you shall share all I have in the world ; and for to-morrow why aye to-morrow no matter, Providence will never see that man wreck'd upon a lee shore that takes in tow an old shipmate in distress : so come along, Johnson remember " There's a sweet little cherub that sits up OLD JOHNSON. 29 aloft." Come along 1 , my old worthy, a crust of bread and cheese, and a glass of grog to the king 1 , will bowse all taut, and get us in good sailing trim.' And away they started for the town. For several weeks after this poor T got lower and lower, and his half-pay was spent. Reduced to the greatest straits, in hourly expectation of being ejected from his lodgings for rent, his heart was fill'd with bitterness. A few days ago, having failed in an effort to procure a supply, he returned home half distracted. His wife sat, in calm de- jection, with an infant cradled in her arms that vainly sought for nourishment ] but not a tear, not a sigh, not a look, escaped to wound the susceptible mind of her husband : the arrow rankled within, whilst the little innocents around were crying for food. Oh what a scene was this for a parent! ' Almighty Ruler ! (exclaimed T ,) what have I done to merit thy wrath ? why pour out the phials of indignation on my helpless offspring ?' But a look from his partner calm'd the intemperance of the moment, and, folding his hands upon his breast, he bowed his head with pious resignation ' Father, forgive ! not my will, but thine be done!' ' Sir, you're wanted, (said the landlady of the house, tapping at the door,) there's the postman with a letter for you.' ' I have no money, my love, to pay for it (said T to his wife) ; what's to be done ?' ' The postage is paid (said the listening landlady) ; I supposes they knew you was down in the mouth.' His heart was wrung too bitterly to heed this sore hit, and, hastening to the door, ' Be you Mister Squire T , of the Royal Navy ? (titter 1 d the man) be you the gemraan ?' ' I suppose that letter is designed for me (taking it) ; yes, 'tis right.' He returned to his room. ' Who is it from ?' inquired his wife. ' I know not (said he) ; 'tis very carefully seal'd at both ends ; but the writing and direction lead me to imagine 'tis from some poor fellow that needs assistance like myself. Oh .that the time should ever arrive that I'm debarr'd the satisfaction of succouring a friend in distress ! (He pass'd his hand across his face) However, I will open it and see.' He unfolded the sheet, when the first thing that was presented to his sight was a five-pound note. Only those who have felt the pinching fangs of poverty, and witness'd the wants of those so dear to their hearts, without a shot in the locker, grasping at the last gleam of expiring hope only those can tell what the sensations are when unexpected, unlook'd-for, succour comes. He fell upon 30 OLD JOHNSON. his knees his wife clung round his neck the children gather'd round, while he pour'd forth his heart in gratitude to Heaven. The letter ran thus : ' DR SUR URE ONNER This kums hopping to find u well, nd to let u sea the gud tun u did ould Johnson will niver skip from his art fust i kud get bownd to Ingee dont hundestan letter righting God bless u OULD JOHNSON.' Need I tell you what follow'd ? Oh no, you can picture it yourself. Wor- thy soul ! may he never want a friend in this world, and have his name enter'd on the Book of Life in another and a better ! THE STORM. ' Tlie vessel while i;he dread event draws nigh Seems more impatient o'er the waves to fly Fate spurs heron,' FALCONER'S Shipwreck. WHY, sir, sailors that know the construction of a ship, how the timbers and knees are jointed together, and where every treenail is drove, are far more timorous in a gale of wind than those who are ignorant of her frame-work. By the same rule, I have known some surgeons, who were skilled in anatomy, apt to be narvous upon occasions. But, howsomever, a gale of wind is no plaything, sir. You have never witness'd one at sea ; but mayhap you'd like a rough description from an old weather-beaten tar, who, ever since he was the height of a quart pot, has been working against wind and tide, and braved every billow from the Bay of Biscay to the Bay of Bengal ; but, bless you, what's the use on it? I went to windward like smoke. Well, sir, I was in a transport about six hundred tons ; a pretty ship, sail'd like a mermaid, and sat on the water like a duck ; but no matter. Well, we sailed from St. Andero with sick and wounded troops, and women : there were some officers too, with their families, and we were bound to our own dear native land ; but before I proceed I'll just give you a sketch of our passengers: and, first, was Captain R , of regiment, a fine Dalgetty-looking old veteran, with flowing locks as white as a snow-ball : he had sought the bubble reputation even in the cannon's mouth ; but he'd no interest, sir, and, having buried his wife in a foreign land, was now returning home with his two daughters, lovely girls, the prop and stay of his declining age : they were sweet flowers, and, when they used to sit on the deck each side of their father, administering the balm of con- solation to his wounded spirit, 'twas like the picture of Mercy and Benevolence soothing the sorrows of Time. Then there was Lieutenant N and his 32 THE STORM. wife, a very interesting couple, and yet they were but one in mind. He had been severely wounded, and she had quitted her country to attend the partner of her heart, but now, through grief and too close attention to his wants, droop'd like a lily withering in the storm, and seemed fast hastening to that bourne whence no travellers return : they had one little boy, about eight years old, the mother's darling and the father's pride. Next there was Doctor Mac I, a native of auld Reekie : he was a stanch kirk o' Scotland man, as kind a soul as ever broke the bread of life, and treated the poor fellows under his care with the tenderness of a parent : he had national prejudices, to be sure call'd Doctor Johnson an ' ig-no-ram-ass,' and used to boast of his acquaint- ance with Rab Burns, who was an old croney of his father's : ' I ken'd him fu' well,' said he, ' when he biggit near the Brig of Ayr; he would come to the hoose, and sit with my gude feyther for the hoor thegither o'er the brandy- stoup, and crack of auld lang syne ; but they are gan the way of aw flesh, and we must prepare to follow.' But I mustn't forget Lieutenant B : he was what you call an in-fid-hell : 1 don't know what it means, but some of the sodgers told me he'd no more religion than a pope : he had committed a fox- paw by profaning one of the Spanish churches ; but he got over that, for his uncle was a nobleman : however, one day his regiment was order'd on some dangerous and honourable service, and so he throws himself into the sick list with a gum-boil in his throat ; but it wouldn't do, and he was near getting an emetic which would have made him throw up his commission ; so the general, to save him, sent him home to take charge of the troops ; but he was much despised, particularly by the ladies. He would often fall foul of the doctor; and one fine clear night, when the stars were all glowing, I was at the helm, and the good old Scot was pointing 'em out by name to one of the lassies, and, says he, ' The heavens declare the glory of God ! Wha but a gowk wad suppose that yon bright orbs were produced by blind chance, and that they have conti- nued preceesely in the same place for nearly sax thousand years, without a superintending power?' Up comes the young spark, and overhaul'd a great deal of lingo; but I couldn't understand it: I recollect the doctor saying ' Hoot, hoot ! wait a wee, mon wait a wee If there is a God I'm right, and if there's nae God I'm right still.' Well, sir, these were our principal cabin passengers: there were others, but I shall tire you to describe 'em all. The THE STORM. 33 sodgers, poor souls, were most of 'em in a very low state, and the incessant quarrelling 1 of the women deprived them of rest. To be sure there were some exceptions, where the wife attended to the wants of her wounded, but brave, husband, and sooth'd his harsh complainings with a voice of soften'd tenderness, and these were generally the youngest and prettiest amongst 'em. But to pro- ceed : We had been out about ten days with tolerable fair weather, when just at the end of the dog-watch (that's about eight o'clock in the evening, sir) a sud- den squall hove the ship on her beam ends, and away went the main-top-sail clean out of the bolt-ropes what a scene of confusion ! The shrill howl of the wind the shrieks of the women the flapping of the fragments of the sail the groans of the sufferers below, the dashing of the waters, and the yo-hoy of the sailors, with the bellowing of the captain formed a concert which I dare say you have no desire to hear. We clued up till the squall was a little abated, and then all hands were employed in bending a new topsail : this occupied us till near mid- night, and the gale continuing we furled the fore and mizen topsails, and set the reef d foresail and trysail. By the reckoning, we were at no great distance from Ushant, and, the wind being fair, we entertain'd hopes of soon getting into Ply- mouth : indeed, by the time we had got all snug, the storm abated considerably ; so, instead of turning in, we were obliged to remain on deck and set the topsails again ; but scarce had we loosed the sails when the wind took us right a-head, and blew harder than ever. Of all places in the world, the Bay of Biscay is the worst for a cross sea; you never know where it will take you. ' Hold on aloft!' roared the captain, who saw it coming, and clung to the weather-shrouds ; ' Hold on fore and aft; mind your helm; ease her, boy, ease her.' The sea struck us amidships, and a whole body of waters burst upon the deck: away went bulwarks, boats, hen-coops, and every thing moveable. 'A man overboard, a man over- board !' was echoed from all sides, and as soon as our eyes were clear of salt spray we saw three poor fellows buffeting with the waves; one was the helmsman, the others were invalids, who had crawl'd on deck for air. Oh, sir, 'twas a distress- ing sight. At first we could hear them hallooing for assistance, and then their voices were lost in the howling of the gale ; but we saw them, sir, a long while. The helmsman had got hold of a spar, and one of the others on the boat's keel ; the third had sunk ! We kept sight of the first nearly all day, but could'nt save him, for another sea had carried away the bowsprit and foremast ; the second, F 34 THE STORM. after remaining some time on the boat's bottom, let go his hold ; the boat still floated on the wave, but he was gone for ever ! Oh what must have been my poor messmate's feelings his ship in view, though leaving him himself de- voted to destruction the dark waters yawning on all sides to receive their prey every billow a threatening grave no hope ! Thought he then of home ? his wife, his little ones? Oh, sir, what must have been his feelings! As night approach'*!, so darker grew each scene of horror, and its deep'ning shades fell heavy on the seaman's soul. We had but little command of the ship, and were fast drifting to leeward. Night came, and sky and ocean seem'd blended to- gether in the distance, while the sea around was one white foam. Wave after wave washed over us ; the well was sounded, alarm was pictured on every .countenance she had sprung a leak. All hands mnster'd at the pumps, but the water gained so fast death stared us in the face ! From the commence- ment of the gale, all the hatches were batten'd down, so that the poor creatures below were in total darkness, and nearly without food or air : some had fallen out of their hammocks, and, unable to rise, had been dash'd from side to side with the motion of the ship till they expired. The good doctor exerted him- self to the utmost, but to little purpose. About four in the morning the water had gained so much that every hope had fled, and the ship was sinking fast. The passengers after many struggles crowded on the deck, but scarcely were they secured when a dreadful shock told us another fatal truth. The ship had struck ! Men, women, and children, rush'd from below, and every breaker carried off its victims. Oh what a scene of horror ! We saw our companions washed from our side witness'd their struggles as a prelude to our own heard the loud yell when the last death-pang parted soul and body and saw the children clinging round the parents as they sunk together! Every wave threw us higher on the rocks, and hope dawned with the day ; but vain were our efforts to discover land, all was one raging foam. I had assisted to secure Captain R and his daughters to the taffaril ; the captain and mate had done the same by Lieut. N and his wife; the doctor had shifted for himself, sup- porting Lieut. B , who clung round him in trembling alarm, till a sailor, observing his situation, gave him a lashing to the ring-bolt, and there he sat pale and quivering, wishing the bitterness of death had pass'd, yet dreading its approach, trying to pray, yet mingling curses with his pray'rs shrieking as THE STORM. 35 the roaring billows dash'd over us, and then laughing in all the convulsive agony of bitter despair. What a contrast to the worthy doctor! there was no fear in his look ; 'twas calm resignation, and an eye of tender compassion bent upon his fellow-sufferers : I heard him repeating to himself ' I know in whom I have believed, I know that my Redeemer liveth.' But oh the anguish of the grey-haired father, as each arm was thrown around those lovely plants, whose growth he'd watch'd from earliest infancy ! And first he turned to the youngest ' Emma,' said he and then to the other, ' Eliza,' as if it was a dreadful dream whose certainty he fear'd ; " Emma, Eliza, both my children both doomed to perish! Is there no hope? Great God, on me on me inflict vour wrath, but spare, oh spare my children !' Mr. N had suffered severely from his wounds, and since the gale they had burst out afresh : his wife hung round his neck, and feebly he grasp'd his boy between his knees his hold relax'd grew weaker and the poor child was wash'd away ! Shrieking, the mother shook her husband in all the anguish of maddening torture no notice was returned his spirit had fled ! And now a tremendous breaker came rolling tow'rds us, as if mustering all its force to close the dreadful scene: it struck the ship the rending timbers separated, carrying away that part of the stern where the sufferers were lash'd ! I saw no more, and recollect but little, except the horrid crash and the gurgling of waters in my ears, mingled with groans and shrieks. When I recovered, I found myself lying on an old sail in a fishing vessel. They had observed me clinging to part of the floating wreck, and at imminent risk to themselves had pick'd me up. Three others were likewise saved, a soldier and two sailors all, all the rest had perished ! We had struck upon those dangerous sunken rocks on the coast of France, called the Saints, several miles from land, and where many a gallant ship and hardy tar have mingled their timbers together and those sweet girls, too but they are happy, sir ; they are happy in another and a better world, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. TOUGH YARN. 'Travellers see strange tilings.' To be sure they do, or else what's the use of crossing the ocean? and though at the same time many hardships must be encountered, yet what of that ? If it warn't for a stiff" breeze now and then we should have all the old women going upon voyages of discovery, and peeping into every corner of the world with the same ease that they overhaul their neighbours' consarns. Besides, arn't travellers amply repaid by the wonderments they come athwart ? Only read Mr. Brookes's ' Journey to the North Cape,' about the lemmings and the manner of catching puffins. Many persons would be led to doubt the truth of this account, and consider the narrator as cousin-german to Baron Mun- chausen, or the more amiable Tom Pepper, particularly about the foxes. In such matters I am little skilled } but the following plain statement of facts was given by old Ben Marlin to some young sprigs of fashion, who listened with wonder and astonishment: '\Vhyay, young gentlemen, you may well say sailors see strange things. They are a sort of hum-fib-ius animals, that often stand in the imminent deadly breach, as Shakespur has it ; for d'ye see, the breech of a gun is its stern, as a body may say ; and I've often elevated and depress'd my breech when the shots were flying about so thick, that you couldn't stick a marlin-spike atwixt 'em. Well, I often wonder I did'nt get knock'd down in the many blow-ups I've been in, but suppose I was bomb- proof. I remember when I was boatswain's mate of the Firefly frigate, Cap- tain Tommyhawk, we were cruising off the coast of Norway to look for the flying Dutchman, 'cause, d'ye see, the Nabob of Arcot him as lives at Pon- dicherry, in the north of Scotlandhad sent an express to the lords of the admiralty in a fire-balloon, to inform 'em she was cruising about there, to the great annoyance of our merrylime subjects; so we were commissioned to TOUGH YARN. 37 send the ghost aloft in a shower of Congreve's rockets. Well, d'ye see, we'd got as far northward as sixty-six, when one afternoon, about three o'clock, it being then pitch dark, we cotch'd sight of her. Up comes Captain Tommy- hawk ; he was a rum subject, always full of spirits, and so was the first lieutenant for matter o'that. Up he comes ; and, clapping his speaking- trumpet to his eye, and the glass to his mouth No, no ; I mean he put his eye to the speaking-trumpet, and his mouth to the glass Avast ! I don't mean that either. Howsomever, you knows what I mean. Well, we made all sail in chase, and the officers swore it was she ; for, whichever way we put the ship's head, still she was on the starboard bow, and none but a fan-torn could do that. The rockets were prepared, the matches were lighted; and, just as we were going to fire, the officer of the watch disco- vered we had been chasing the anchor-stock that stuck up above the cat- head, and loom'd large in the dark; but that warn't the best of it, for it came on to blow great guns. The wind was at south-sou-north, and we lay a north-east and by west course. The night was as black as the Emperor of Morocco ; however, we got her under close-reef 'd pudding-bags, balanced the cook's apron for a trysail, and stow'd the masts down in the hold. Away she went sky-pole and bobbing-pole, scupper-hole and hawse-bole, spanker- boom and jib-boom, all under water. Lt took five men to hold the captain's hat on, and we were obliged to shove our heads down the hatchways to draw breath. The first lieutenant had all his hair blown off, and has worn a wig ever since. The boatswain's call was jamm'd so fast in his jaws, that it took a dozen men to bowse it out with a watch-tackle. The master was bellowing through his speaking-trumpet, when a squall took every tooth out of his head as clean as a whistle. His gums were as bare as the hour he was born, but that didn't matter; he lived on suction, grog, and bacca, though he's chew'd upon it ever since. Oh what a sight to see the whales and dol- phins jumping over us just like flying fish! and a shark swallowed the jolly- boat at one gulp ! We drove all night ; and about eleven o'clock next forenoon, just as day began to break, we heard a most tremendious roaring ; it was like but I carn't tell you what it was like. The charts were examined, and every body pull'd long faces, for it was discovered to be the Moll-strum, that swallows every thing up. My eyes, there was a pretty perdickyment ! 38 TOUGH YARN. When it was broad day-light we were close to it, and nothing could save us. You've seen soap-suds run round in a ring down a gully-hole? Well, what do you think of a whirlwind a whirlpool I mean, whose horror-face was as wide as it is from here to Jerusalem ? Ah, you may stare ! but it was a complete earthquake. Up comes the chaplain, and he soon began his dive-ocean, for a lump of a sea lifted him up above the heads of the people, and overboard he went; but we saw him afterwards on the back of a grampus, making the best of his way to the North Pole. Well, we were suck'd in, and run round and round, just as people do when they run down from the top of the Monument; but still we kept on an even keel, though I'm certain we went at the rate of fifty miles a minute, and floated on the surface of the whirlpool. They said this was occasioned by gravitation. I know we were all grave enough upon the occasion, expecting to be buried alive. Well, we kept at this for some hours, and then the captain swore we should come out on the opposite side of the globe, if we could only keep clear of the planet Pluto ; and he supposed the Frenchman who found out that the variation of the compass proceeded from an internal motion had gone that way before us. For my part, I couldn't tell what to make of it. Well, we kept at this, as I told you before, for some hours, when it began to get plaguy hot, and the water steam'd again. "Boiling springs!" says the captain; "we're under Lapland, and the witches are all at work under this huge caldron !" We had only to dip our beef overboard, and it was cook'd in two minutes! Well, young gentlemen, we soon found out where we were; for though 'twas as dark aye, as black as my hat one minute, yet in an instant, in an amagraphy, I may say, we burst from the water into the middle of a roaring fire, and was shot out of the top of Mount Hecla like a pellet from a pop-gun. How would you like that now? How high we went I can't say, but the sparks got hold of the rockets and set them off; and I understand the astronomer royal, at the house up there, was looking out that night, and took it for a whole fleet of comets. We had a fine bird's-eye view of the world saw Captain Parry jamm'd up in the ice, Captain Franklin chasing the wolves, and Mr. Brookes killing the lemmings. Well, I can't say how high we went. Says the master, says he, " A little higher, my lads, and we shall be able to TOUGH YARN. 39 catch hold of the tail of the Great Bear, pass a hawser round it, and make fast to repair damages; but mind your helm, boy, or you'll spur us on to Bootes, knock Kiss-you-peeper out of her chair, or run away with the Northern Crown though the Emperor of Russia takes pretty good care of that." However, we didn't go quite so high, but came rattling down in a tremendious hurry, pass'd close to Riggle-us in Li-o, and nearly poked the eye out of Medusa's head. Well, we fell at last upon a mountain of snow, keel down- wards; it broke our fall, and happily we sustained but little injury made a fine dock for ourselves shored the frigate up got all ataunt in a few days and waited for the melting of the snow ; when one morning the stocks fell, and we were left upon the wide ocean. The fact was, we had tumbled on to the back of a kraken that had been asleep for a century ; the snow had ga- thered upon him in mountains ; our thump woke him, though I suppose it took a fortnight to do it thoroughly ; down he went, and we returned in safety to Old England ! So Here I am you see, God bless His Majesty ! All dangers past, Safe moor'd at last, In Greenwich Hospital. I've nothing to complain of but one thing; and 1 think, if I was to write to the commander-in-chief at the parliament-house, he'd take it under his pious consideration; and that's this here: We ought to get our bacca^ duty free, as we used to do in actual service. My old captain, Sir Joseph, might jaw a bit about it, and come York over 'em ; and Sir Isaac Coffin, however grave on other subjects, ought not to be mute in this, but commence undertaker in the cause, and re-hearse our grievances, that we mayn't get pall'd at last, and have it shrouded in obscurity, or buried in oblivion; for, d'ye see, right Virginia is a baccanalian treat to such a dry quid nunx as OLD SAILOR. THE SLAVE SHIP. ' I paint from life, though with a tar-brush.' - - -' COAST of Africa, sir? Why, ay, I've been there too, and once knew a little about it but 'tis many years since. Poverty is no disgrace, sir, and so I'll tell you what took me there. My father was a dissenting minister a worthy pious man had his peculiarities, to be sure; but there's few warm hearts that have cool heads. He taught me bits of Greek and Latin, and them there sort of things, and he used to praise me for my progress; but, bless you, T knows nothing about it now. I've been nearly all over the world, so I mingles Dutch, Italian, German, Spanish, Hindostanee, French, Portoguese, all together, and makes a confusion of tongues. 'Tis true I can remember Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and something about Tupto, but there I sticks fast. Then there was hie, haec, hoc, and A mo Amas, but I knows nothing about 'em now. I was left an orphan at eleven years of age, and mother's brother that's my uncle was captain of a Guinea-man, and so he offered to take me with him to sea; though, says he, ' I suppose his laming has spoiled him. However he'll have plenty of opportunity to practise his humanities in a slave-ship ; and as for his grammar, he'll meet with some rum articles, and no doubt often decline his duty, take up a preposition in the cook's caboose, make an interjection in his hammock, form a conjunction between his mouth and a dough-boy; and for pronouns, ay, ay, he'll soon get hold of them, for our service is the worst in the world for swearing ;' and so I found it. I parted with my mother, and never saw her afterward but we shall meet again. I shall forbear telling about my first entry on board the many privations and cruelties I suffered, as often getting thrash'd for not doing wrong as for com- mitting a fault; but there's little compassion in a slave-ship. I should have sunk under it but for the conviction that there was a Power aloft that kept THE SLAVE SHIP. 41 watch for poor Jack; and my good father used often to tell me, ' Boy, bear this always in mind : he who eyes a providence will never want a providence to eye.' Well, sir, we arrived on the coast, and all my troubles were awhile forgot. Oh what a scene for a young enthusiastic mind ! It was all enchant- ment to me. Well, we brought up at , near Congo, and alongside comes several canoes full of natives ; the decks were soon cover'd with 'em. ' Haugh, captain, how he do, eh? Look dere, you see my king King Tom he tan upon de beash. Haugh, captain, fire one salute for my king.' The salute was fired, and fresh demands made. ' Haugh, captain, what he got for my king?' ' I've got some fine chintz,' replied the skipper. ' Ha, chintz, eh!' ' Some cotton and other articles.' ' Ha, good dat ! What hab got a brandy ?' < No.' ' Rum ?' No.'-' Rack ?' No.' What for dat, eh? Haugh! hear him captain bring chintz, bring cotton no bring brandy, no bring rum. What for bring tuff for de back and no bring tuff for de belly ?' Well, sir, we began to trade, and the poor creatures were brought aboard in droves. Oh it would have melted a heart of stone to have seen them stowed away below many of them in irons! and then I thought of their father's curse, and pitied the poor descendants of Ham. And so I crept out on the bowsprit into the fore-stay-sail netting, and pretended to be asleep, that I might ease the anguish of my heart in secret ; but when 1 came in again they found me out, and so I got a rope's-ending for being a lubberly sniveller but indeed I couldn't help it. In about three weeks our cargo was complete two hundred and forty, and we left the coast in a hurry. I fancy my uncle had cheated some of the traders, and was glad to be off. A limited number of slaves were permitted to be on deck at a time; and there was one, a youth of interesting countenance, rather sickly. Ah ! I shall never forget his looks, as his native land receded from his view ! At first it was calm dejection, mingled with a melancholy idea that he should always keep it in sight ; but still it sunk lower and lower. He could not account for it, though his sudden starts express'd his anger and astonishment; but when it lessened to a dim speck just darkening in the hori- zon, he burst out in all the agony of bitter despair, raised his clench'd hands above his head, shook them at his oppressors, and utter'd a yell that fill'd me with horror. He was answered by the lash across his bare back, to keep him quiet. I see you shudder, sir, and well you may 'tis all as true as gospel. G 42 THK SLAVE SHIP. There was a young mother, too, with her infant at the breast : she look'd at the shore, and then at her babe, and then at ihe shore again, but she shed no tear. Her forehead was wrinkled up, and her eyes red and swol'n, and every now and then she press'd her hand to her head as if it was scorch'd, and the burning anguish had dried up the source of tears ; but she sigh'd no, 'twas not a sigh, but a groan, as if her heart was bursting. What she was, or where she came from, I couldn't learn; but on the passage her baby died. Well, she conceal'd it for some time ; but it was discover'd at last, taken from her, a shot tied round its middle, and thrown overboard before her face. I got another taste of the tarr'd gingerbread for snivelling; but I'm sure, sir, you couldn't have help'd it yourself if you had seen the poor unfriended mother. After she lost her child she refused her allowance, and would sit huddled to- gether in one spot, nor could any persuasion move her; so the lash was applied, and in a day or two she grew more calm, and would look over the side, for the hour together, on the dark waters that entomb'd her babe. One morning, on mustering, sjie was missing, and couldn't be found. There was no doubt but she had gone overboard in the dark, though no one could give any account of the matter. I didn't cry this time, for I began to get insensible, and now can readily account for the hardness and depravity of heart evinced by the crew, they had been brought up to it from childhood. But this was not all : both officers and men were so rejoiced on nearing Barbadoes, that they indulged too freely in soaking their biscuits, and got completely groggy, excepting the second mate, the carpenter, the two apprentices, and myself. The negroes dis- cover'd it by some means, seiz'd and kill'd the sentry over the hatchway with- out noise, and got possession of the arm-chest. They rush'd on the deck, some descending to the cabin ; my poor uncle fell first, but not till he had laid two at his feet to rise no more. The chief mate, after a hard struggle, was thrown overboard : he was a good swimmer, and, though severely wounded, got hold of the mizen channels; here he clung some time, but was seen at last, when a black made a blow at him with a cutlass, which separated his hand from his wrist, and he dropp'd again, shriek'd, and sunk ! A sudden shock will some- times rouse a man from drunkenness; this was the case now: several of the crew concealed themselves, and were saved; the others were easily destroyed. On the first alarm the second mate and myself got into the main-top, and the THE SLAVE SHIP. 43 carpenter and two apprentices into the fore-top. Here we remained for some time undiscovered, while the negroes, who had broken open the steward's room and got at the liquor, were tearing about the decks with all the fury of wild beasts seeking their prey. At last they caught sight of us, and several mounted the shrouds. The mate kept encouraging me to persevere to the last struggle. There was an old case of empty bottles stowed away in the top, and, armed with one in each hand, we waited their attack. The first whose head appear'd above the top-brim was instantly knock'd overboard by the mate; the second grappled him, but as quickly follow'd his companion, on a blow from a quart bottle which I gave him on his head with all my might. God forgive me, sir ! but life's precious. In the same manner five, one after the other, follow'd their leader; and the two apprentices joining us by the top-mast-stay, they gave over the attack. The lads knew nothing of the carpenter, and so we concluded he was massacred. The slaves now ransack'd every place for pow- der and ball ; and, though there were several cases of cartridges in the arm- chest which they must have handled, yet providentially their contents were passed over. All at once we heard the most dismal yells, and saw the car- penter and two of the men, each with a bayonet in one hand and a cutlass in the other, driving the howling slaves along the deck, and cutting all down before 'em. We joined as quick as possible, and had the satisfaction of seeing our numbers increase, so that we soon retook the ship. The carpenter had watch'd an opportunity got down the fore-stay on to the bowsprit. Here he found the two men stowed away under the stay-sail ; they descended the bob- stay, and got along outside of the ship to the gangway, without being noticed. Cutlasses and bayonets were lying on all parts of the deck ; so they were arm'd in an instant. But what most contributed to our success was a box of of I forget now what they call 'em, but they resemble a bullet, only, instead of being smooth, are cover'd all over with spikes like a hedgehog, or like the ball one of the giants holds in Guildhall.* On such occasions as these they are strew'd over the decks; and the poor wretches, with their bare feet, unable to step without treading on them, are easily overcome. A box-full was in the stern sheets of the long-boat ; the carpenter knew it, got 'em out, and spread them * Star-shot. 4 4 THE SLAVE SHIP, around ; and oh how the slaves shriek'd as they pierced their feet ! After securing them all below, we found the captain, chief mate, seven whites, and about twenty blacks, killed, and a great many wounded. Among the latter was the youth, who died shortly after; indeed few of the hurt survived. We were now red need to the second mate, who took command, and fourteen hands: and after a toilsome passage, in which we were obliged to be on deck night and day, armed, and burying upwards of sixty slaves, we arrived at the West Indies. Here, sir, T could give you such a horrid picture of misery as would harrow up your soul; but I forbear, sir, I forbear I can see your heart is suffering severely already at the recital. But to witness it! God bless Mr. Will-be-force ! he made a noble stand in the cause of Humanity, and deserves her thanks, ay, and the thanks of every lover of freedom. But why can't the trade be abolished altogether? only because in other countries, as Corporal Trim says, ' they have nobody to stand up for them.' But oh, sir, could the nobles of the land see the poor African as I have seen him pinioned on his back without sufficient room to turn little food to eat brought on deck, and, though weak and exhausted, compell'd by the whip to run, and dance, and submit to the caprice of his cruel masters could they see this, every nerve would be strain'd to prevent the inhuman traffic. Arn't they flesh and blood, sir ? and sha'n't we all have to appear together at the last great day before the same unerring tribunal? God is no respecter of persons ; and, so the heart be right, no matter if the skin be black, white, or copper colour. I have been telling you a long story, sir; but, bless you, it isn't half what I could tell you ; and some other time, if you pleases, I'll give you another about it. I am sure you'll not value it the less for coining from AN OLD SAILOR, intf nrbltery. or A Uvr&z- ftlantit, , FLYING ARTILLERY; OR, A HORSE-MARINE. ' Here we go up, up, up- ' GOOD-BYE, Dick !' said an elderly lady one foot on the step of her carriage, her left hand hold of the body, and turning half round, her right extended to a bold handsome-looking gentleman in a Radical hat. I am no physiognomist ; but I love to trace the goodness of the heart when 'tis pictured in the countenance. 1 know a man may ' smile, and smile, and be a villain ;' but I'd rather have a feeling of benevolence and harmony for all human nature than one grain of splenetic animosity. However, here there could be no decep- tion ; 'twas plain matter-of-fact an index, and no errata. There was some- thing, too, so very expressive in the lady's countenance it was a look that cannot be described; like the sun bursting through a shower mingling plea- sure and grief. The remains of beauty were visible in her face ; or rather it was beauty still, though differing from her youthful day of frolic mirth, resem- bling a calm evening after a lovely noon. Good-bye, Dick!' said she j 'I shall take an airing this way again before long. Good-bye!' The hands were disjoined, she entered the carriage, and the parties disappeared. ' Who is that gentleman ?' said I to one of the old dolphin-strikers that stood century at the door. ' That gemman, sir,' replied the veteran, ' is Sir R - K . our commander-in-chief, and a worthier fellow never stepp'd 'twixt stem and stern. This is his cabin his house, I mean. He is a sailor, sir, and that's saying every thing. But I'm on duty, and musn't stand speechifying ; yet, if you wants to know any thing about him, I often sees you here Ax for Tim Bobstay, and I'll yes, I'll give you a spell.' 'Thank ye, Tim; thank ye, my worthy soul ; I'll take you at your word.' So he shoulder'd his thing- hum-he, (ail-but I think they call it,) and stood as erect as a fathom of smoke. 46 FLYING ARTILLERY. A group of old blades were assembled on the terrace, cutting their jokes, and gabbling like wild geese on a common. I stole among them, sat down, and, pulling out a book, appeared to be reading with profound attention. ' Then you know nothing about it,' roared an old rough knot in a laced coat and cocked-up hat. ' He had left his left arm in the Mediterranean when he lent a fist to thrash the French out of Acre, under Sir Sydney Smith. But that was nothing ; he never could be persuaded that it was placed upon the right shoulder, and this did away with the argument. One of his legs too had danced itself off while leading up the middle at Lord Cochrane's attack upon the French fleet in Basque Roads ; moreover his starboard eye had sunk into his head, as he used to say, to search for his brains, but it threw no light upon the subject. ' Then you know nothing about it; Sir Sydney had both a head and a heart, and, when alongside of the enemy, would hammer away like a coppersmith. Bless his honest face and his curly wig ! he was none of your fantizzymagoria sort of fellows; and, now you've put me up, I'll e'en sit down and give you a curious antidote about him. D'ye see he had his flag flying in the Foudroyant, at the time the Portygeese court nutmeg- grated to the Brazils homo-grated I mean and took French leave of their country. We brought up in Port Praya at St. Jago's, one of the Cape Verds, and after the usual salutes and ban bans the admiral went ashore to dine with .the governor. Well, he was ushered into the saloon, and introduced to a stranger dress'd in deep black, who had been landed some days before from a Yankee schooner, to collect plants for bottom-me, [ think they calls it. After introduction, Sir Sydney whispered his Head-to-come, and the officer immediately withdrew. So, d'ye see, they sat down to dinner. Well, just as the disheart was set upon the table, in comes the officer again, bringing with him the captain of marines. The admiral rose from his seat, turned round, and, pointing to the gemman in black, said, " Captain H , you'll consider this person under your charge." Then, changing his position, he slued round : " General," said he, ' see lay fortune dig here ; I was your prisoner once, now you are mine." It was an officer of the French army, who had guarded Sir Sydney when in prison in France, and was now acting as a spy. Well, d'ye see, the admiral brought him aboard, and they mess'd together like good friends till we arrived at Rio Janeiro, when he was delivered up to the FLYING ARTILLERY. 47 Portygeese government, and then it makes my ould heart thump against my rickety limbers to think of it. He was a fine fellow ; and, though our brave admiral tried every means to save him, yet he was condemn'd to labour in the mines for life. I'd rather be flogg'd at any time than have my grog stopt ; and I think death must have been preferable to that constant sickness of heart arising from hope deferred, as our poet the loblolly-boy used to say. The whole ship's company pitied him ; he \vas our enemy, to be sure, but then he was in our power. Howsomever I arn't much skill'd in the knowledge of that ere idol that so many people worships, called Polly-ticks. My old girl Bet can wash a shirt or sew on a button with any she-goddess in the world, and so can I for matter o' that ; and I'll make a sea-pie or cut out a pair of trowsers with the Queen of She- bear any day in the week and Solomon says she was no fool either. Once more, and then I'll belay. The boats were all ashore at Port Praya watering. Some on you have seen the militia of the island them as parades the beach with a bag-a-knit stuck on a mopstick, and a cutlash without a scabbard hung by a strip of green hide ; and then there's a whole troop of light dragoons mounted on Jerusalem ponies. Well, d'ye see, one of these fellows drew his sword and made a cut at the cock- son of the launch ; it fell on his head ; but, Lord bless you, he might just as well have tried to cut into this stone ! Flint and steel always strike fire, and he was a precious hot-headed joker; so what does he do but claps the soldier, Rustynante, accoutrements and all, into the boat, and takes him alongside with the casks. The hands were turned up, clear boats 'twas just dusk the tackles were overhaul'd down, and the falls manned. " Mind how you clap on the slings, that the butts don't slip out," said the first lieutenant. " Ay, ay, sir." " Hook on, and not so much noise alongside. You've been foul of the hoggy-dent* again." But he was mistaken, for it was ass-a-felter'd-ha. "Silence, I say again! Haul taut ! hoist away!" Away danced the men, the fifers playing " Drops of Brandy." " Well behaved, my men !" cried the lieutenant ; but, observing them run off with the fall hand-over-hand, he advanced toward the gangway, exclaiming, " This butt's not full it cornes up very light !" when, looking over the side, he roared out with astonishment, * Aquieilente; a powerful liquor. 48 FLYING ARTILLERY. " What the deuce have we got here? St. David and his goat? High enough ! high enough!" and indeed it was a high rig, for what should it be but the royal horse-guard, regularly mounted on his donkey, swinging aloft by the main-yard tackle 'twixt heaven and ocean, in an awful state of suspense. Hwngwggh Hwgwgwggh (there's no vowel in the bray of an ass) roar'd Jack, to the music of the boatswain's-mate's pipe, while the trooper joined chorus most milodiously till he was safely landed on the deck. The cockson laid his complaint ; and the officer, thinking the fellow had been sufficiently punished, sent him ashore again, advising him for the future to have nothing to do with sharps, for it was a comical thing to fall into the hands of AN OLD SAILOR.' CORNWALLIS'S RETREAT. ' And little of this great world can speak More than pertains to feats of broil and battle.' 'WELL!' said I to myself, having just finished the naval work of a pro- fessional gentleman, and walked forth for a ramble through the college, ' well ! our brave tars are rubbing up their intellects a bit, and showing that they can do something more than " handle a rope's-end." But what are the reviewers to do? Where will they find critics capable of understanding the merits or detecting the errors of the author ? Ay, there's the rub : they may chafe and slue to all points of the compass nay, they may stand griffen-faced to a northerly gale for a month but that will not make them seamen ! No, no ; they may eye a splice, but that won't teach them to splice an eye they may compass a boxing, without boxing a compass.' Full of these reflections, I had insensibly approached the ' Jennings' ward ; and, remembering a worthy old blade who had first taught me to rig a broomstick, when scarcely higher than the \vindlass-end, and who had in fact been my nautical father, I laid my hand upon the latch, and opened the door. The fire was blazing brightly, as if to work up steam; and upon one end of the coal-box sat old Harry Bartlett, with a book open before him, while in an irregular semicircle round stood a group of veterans with their spectacles crossed, their counte- nances inflamed with argument, and their wooden legs in violent agitation. I drew near them as silent and secret as possible, unwilling to disturb the controversy, and desirous of ascertaining the subject in dispute. But my caution was needless, for so engrossed was their whole attention that I much question whether any thing except the broadside of a seventy-four, or the boatswain's-mate piping to grog, would have attracted their notice. Peeping over the shoulder of a dry old codger, I discovered the volume they were perusing to be ' Ekins's Naval Battles ;' and soon found that they were the best critics in the world, for they spoke from experience. After discussing ' JH 50 CORNWALLIS'S RETREAT. several of the general actions with energy and spirit, ' I'll maintain,' exclaimed old Harry, pointing to one of the plates representing Cornwallis's Retreat, ' I'll maintain that this here Ah ! you may grin, Jack Bumpleby, you may grin That head of your's is a disgrace to your shoulders ! Why don't you get rid of it ? Zounds, if it was mine, I'd stick it upon a post and throw stones at it !' ' Och ! by my conscience,' roared Paddy O'Swillagain, a rough red.headed Emeralder a sort of penny-trateing gineous with a purly drop in his eye, 'Och, by my conscience, is it stuck upon a post that you mane? Faith, (hat would be posthumous work, and his posting would be post mortuum. But Harry, my jewel, you're right. The ' 'Avast! avast, messmate!' said Harry, interrupting him ; 'let me have my own say, and I'll maintain that this plate why they calls it a plate I don't know, unless like the chain-plates to the mast it is the principal support to the thing, for d'ye see its no more like a platter than a bisket's like a checker-board. But mayhap it is some tickneckeal lingo that hearties use in their puff-essians for navel-belly-gerunds, and so belike when they describe the heavy-lutions of an army it is called a trench-ev.' ' Hoot toot!' cried Dougal Mac Whackington, ' ye're a set of gowks aw thegither. They are caaed plates, d'ye mind, seeing that the in- formation they contain is served up for the public taste. But the gude folk aften get dished, as witness this spicey-men before us, whilk they sometimes caa that is, when it represents a sea-fecht or a general action, they caa it a die-a-grim from the nature of the sarvice. I'm just saying they caa it a die- a-grim ; but ' ' Arrah be aisey, Dougal ; hould your blarney, and don't be coming Dick-shinnery over us. Och ! botheration, be quiet, and take your leg off my toe then it is bootless to back-strap us with your derry-vations, and stretch out our understandings by the foot rule ' ' Silence, gemmen, silence!' cried several voices at once, ' and let's hear what Harry has got to say. But first and foremost, Jem, give the fire a raking broadside here's the rammer,' handing over a superannuated leg ; ' and then, my old cinder, throw on a few coals, and strike a light upon it, d'ye hear?' ' If so be,' said old Harry, rising up, with the book nicely poised, and stretching forth his right arm, ' if so be you want to know what I think, this is my o-pinion, and I plume myself on it, seeing that it does not wander on the wings of imagi- nation, nor will my de-tail be spread in the flights of fancy. Well, then, all that I've got to say is this here that there plate's wrong. There arn't a single CORNWALLIS'S RETREAT. 51 ship in her station, and as for calling it a wedge mallet me if it warn't a screwing day's work after all ; for we hammered the French till we drove them astern. I can remember it as if it was but yesterday, for [ was in the old Triumph, d'ye see; and Sir Erasmus Gower warn't the man to flinch.' 'You may say dat, Harry, my jewel ; the Triumph's behaved like game-cocks: och! they were prime bits of mettle, and so were the Sovereign's. Faith and I'll engage they were, by the same token that Dougal there and meself were part of her crew. And didn't we man the stern-chasers till the French fleet made their best bow-shot, and dacently walked off with themselves ? Beside, warn't I with ould Billy Blue in the Kennedy?' ' The Kennedy ! why what ship was that?' inquired several. ' Hootawa!' said Dougal, 'he means the Can- ada; forbye he's nae owr daft at names, puir bodie. But we were baith in the Can-ada thegither, and though he's sadly apt to miscaa things, yet I ken his ootlandish dialect parfaitely weel. Ech ! lads, I can remember, too, the first time the warthy commander came aboard, and a fearfu' day it was. There was a laing arrear of wages oweing the ship's company, who were maist o' them as ragged as cowts, and ithers looked mair like unto Rag Fair in motion, or a moving mass o' patch-work, than ony thing else. There's auld Pat, there, strongly resembled a half-worn tippenny mop ; and all hands were in breekless anxiety, like lawyers, for new suits, as the auld ones had done their best service. In gude sadness they were sair put to it to make even a bare appearance o' decency cladding their neutrals in canvas pettycoats, like a parcel of auld wives or Highland mountaineers: it's the naked truth I'm telling you. So, as I was a saying, they expected their wages; and, as there was nae mention made o' a settling day, the ship's company, ane and aw, signed a roond robin to the skipper, containing a remonstrance, and telling him, with aw due submeession and respect, that we were determined not to fire a gun till accoonts were brought to a balance. But 'twas nae mair use to threaten the auld boy than it would be for the Paddy creature there to thrust his head into the grate to make it mair red-hot than it is. 'Twas nae use in the warld. Every mon was ordered aft on the quarter-deck, and there we stood several minutes, whiles the captain strode fore and aft, looking as good-humoured and pleasant as if naething had happened. Weel, lads, just before this the petty officers had mixed a tub of grog in the waist, and noo the mate came to report it ready. But there the captain strode, wi' 52 CORNWALLIS'S RETREAT. all the faashery and pleasantry possible. At last he stopped short, and, mounting the back o' the gun, " My lads!" says he, "My lads, I'm just understanding by your sifflication that ye wull na fire a shot if ye shuld faa in wi' the enemy, unless your money is paid beforehand." Upon this we aw gave a single cheer, that naebody might be fixed on as spokesman. '* Weel, weel, my lads," continued he, " I can only tell you the cash is no' forthcoming till ye return into port. It's nae ma fa\vt, men ; but you ken as weel as I do mysel that every officer maun obey his orders ; and there- fore we must to sea the necht. As to your fechting, leave that to me lads leave that to me ; for, shuld Providence alloo us to faa in wi' the French fleet, I'll just clap you alongside o' the biggest ship I can find ; and then ye'll not only fire a single shot, but Auld Hornie himsel won't stap ye from firing whole broadsides. So gang to your duty, men, and I'll pledge my honour that when we come back ye shall hae the siller. Boatswain's mate, pipe to grog; and, d'ye hear, my lads, drink your captain's health and success to our cruise, that our prizes may arrive safe into port." Weel, what could we do? for he spake so cannily, and had sic a bonny smile upon his mou', that we couldna answer him. Then there was that temptation of Auld Sootie's ain invention the grog, mon. Sae we e'en fetched the mutclikin stoup, and aw hands got a wee bit fu'. There wasna ane that hadna a drap in his ee ; for, though we had lightsome pouches, we had gladsome hearts, and kenned that the captain would keep his word, whilk in good truth he did ; for soon afterward we fell in wi' the enemy's fleet, and sae the men gat speering questions ane to the ither, and casting a lainging look through the portholes as they coonted their number; and yet there was a speerit of dis- affection that gar them sad. Weel, just before beating to quarters the hands were turned up ; and the people, with downcast looks, congregated thegither along the gangway, and on the quarter-deck, aw in awfu' expectation of some langsome proclamation or discourse aboot duty and bravery, and aw sic like consarns. Weel, there we stood as silent as a kirk-yard ; and the skipper, wi' the glass to his ee, observationing the French, was exalted on the self-same gun where he had orationed us before. He was resting on the hammocks, gazing wi' aw the arnestness in the warld, as if he wur picking oot an oppo- nent of bonnie dimensions for his farst attack, when suddenly the glass was pointed at a direct object near the centre, and we heard him repeat to himsel CORNWALLIS'S RETREAT. 53 "That's she! that's she!" and then, turning his coontenance toward us, it seemed to display a vivacious delight, but with an arch expression of malee- cious pleasure, as much as to say ' I've got you noo' " So, my lads," said he, " ye wull na fecht, eh?" Not a tongue waggled the decimal fraction of the fiftieth part of an inch. " Weel, weel, we shall see, we shall see:" and then, turning to ane of our leading hands, "Come hither, my mon !" 'Twas Sam Binnacle, ane of the quarter-maisters ; and putting the telescope into his hand " Look yonder, my chield, and tell me what ship is that recht in the centre?" Sam obeyed; and, taking the glass, brought it fairly to its bear- ings, and then instantly replied, "It's just an enemy's three-decker, your honour." "You are recht, my mon," said the skipper, " vera recht; and I am glad to find you're a lad of nice discernment. Noo, my men, I'm just gaaeing to run that three-decker alongside, and then they may blow the little black ship out o' the water, an' you wish it. Sae if there are ony amainst ye that are afraid of a few shot, why e'en gang doon in the pump- well, or some ither place, to hide your cooardly heads. Port! my lad, port! and keep her away. There, studdy so! studdy ! So ye see, my boys, we shall soon be recht in the thick on't. Those that wish to skulk may gang ower on the larboard side Studdy, boy, studdy ! that I may ken you weel : Starboard a little, and bring her to a sma' helm, you lubber, do ! and those that will bide by their captain rin doon to your quarters, and stand by your guns." Ech, sirs! in twa minutes awmaist in the twinkling of an ee not a soul was in secht but the quarter-deck stationers and the officers. They lowped off the gangways upon the main deck, and doon the hatchways on till the lower deck ; the guns were cast loose, and run oot ; the word was passed, " All ready ;" when the captain came round, and every gun gave him three cheers as he passed. Warm work we had of it, sure eneugh ; but what o' that ? we gained the victory, and a main glorious ane it was too. Weel, we returned safe into port wi' great glee ; and, as he had honourably kept his troth in ane thing, so he did in the ither, for we were aw paid directly : and mony's the joke we cracked aboot the skipper's promise.' ' Ey, ey,' said Harry, he was a gallant fellow, that Cornwallis : we haven't many such now-a-days. How nobly he bore up to support the Mars, when the enemy closed round him ! There was one captain, though, for running away from the rest : up he came upon the Triumph's quarter. " Sir Erasmus," says he, " I see no chance of 54 CORNWALLIS'S RETREAT. escape unless by carrying all sail, and leaving the rest to their fate." This hail was distinctly heard by every soul fore and aft, for just then the firing had ceased ; and, before our captain could answer my eyes ! what a bobbery was kicked up on the main and lower decks! " Do you hear that, sir?" said Tom Crampton, catching up his musket, and turning to the lieutenant of the divi- sion : "do you hear that, sir? Zounds, what a pretty shot!" presenting at his . " Pray say the word, your honour, and I'll knock him off his perch like a gull : only one click of the lock, and he'll drop like a ripe pear. Run away is it?" " Silence, fore and aft!" bellowed the commanding officer; "the captain speaks!" and we heard his voice not altogether so placid as usual. " My w - ," says he, " you are captain of your own ship, and I of mine : for my part, I shall stick by the admiral." As soon as this was uttered three hearty cheers resounded from all hands. The Billy -ruff-uns heard it, and they answered with right good will. Well ! what was the upshot :* Why, when the daring little French frigate and four of their line-of-battle ships had nearly grappled the Mars, up went our helm, away we ran down to leeward to her protection, and the Frenchmen hauled off. It was the finest thing done throughout the war. Five British ships of the line and two frigates, against twelve sail of the line and fifteen frigates, was great odds, messmates; but we lathered 'em, for all that ; and every now and then we ran up the rigging to cheer, for it was idle work, seeing that we could'nt always get our broadsides to bear at 'em ; but at the starn-chasers alone we expended upwards of five thousand pounds of powder ; and the galleries and gingerbread work were knocked to shivers, but we never lost a man. Well, when we joined the fleet, ' Halloo!' cried one of the captains, as he passed under our starn : ' Why, Grower, what old Jezabel has been breaking your windows in that fashion ? You look like a Gosport rookery : we shall have to send a ship for putty and glass ; you have had your kicked finely. But never mind, my brave fellow! we'll plaster it up for you, never fear.' ' As for these diggerums, as Dougal calls them, why there arnt one of them right. The two last are the best. I wish the admiral had axed me : I'd have told him all about it, and chalked 'em out correct. There's a good many others wrong, and so ' Here the old boy caught sight of me, and, starting up, the spell was dissolved, the book safely packed in the chest, and the veterans separated to spin their yarns in some other place. THE ENGAGEMENT. ' Now in his white hammock shrouded By the kind and pensive crew, As he dropp'd into the ocean, All hurst out, Poor Tom, adieu !' POOR TOM ! He is gone, and the tongue that could once set the cockpit in a roar is silent now for ever! He died bravely in the service of his country, and has left a memorial in the hearts of all who knew him which time can never efface. The wailings of distress had only to reach his ear, when his hand, his purse, were at the disposal of the supplicant. Poor Tom ! I have shed many a tear to thy memory ; nor do I consider it a weakness that my eyes are at this moment moistened by the overflowings of affectionate remembrance. We had embark'd in the navy on the same day, and in the same ship, had endured together the many tricks to which all greenhorns are exposed at their first introduction to the midshipman's birth. We were watch-mates, and shared the secrets of each other's heart. Oh, how often, at the midnight hour, have we gazed at the full round moon pictured on the bosom of the azure wave, and whiled away the midwatch in painting scenes of future glory ; or looking towards our own home-shore, thinking on those we'd left behind ! Fancy, delusive most where warmest wishes are, would lead us on in a romantic dream of sweet delight, known only to the young mariner. There are some feelings of the human mind so exquisitely delicate in their nature, and yet so powerful in their operations, that as soon would the pulse of existence cease to beat as those feelings cease to actuate the heart of man. The cherish'd re- membrance of ' Auld lang syne" dwells in the breast, and is as dear when only illuminated by the last rays of a declining sun, as when it bask'd in its meridian beam, and exulted in the glorious splendour. ' Hallo ! (you will say,) where is our Old Sailor bound to now ? surely he is getting out of his latitude.' May- 56 THE ENGAGEMENT. hap I may be. May be ? no I'm a child to this hour ; but one word's as good as twenty, let me go on and spin my yarn upon my own winch. Our ship was paid off, and all hands were drafted into other men of war ; consequently a separation took place, and we lost sight of each other for some years. One day I was walking the deck, when the quarter-master of the watch informed me there was a boat coming alongside with a lieutenant in her; and, as our third had applied to be superseded, I made no doubt that this was the new luff-tackle coming to join us. But what was my pleasure on beholding between the white lapelles the smiling face of my old friend ! A glow of inex- pressible animation warm'd my heart; but perhaps, thought I, promotion has alter'd him. I drew back, however, he had caught sight of me, and the pres- sure of friendship told me in an instant Tom was the same honest, generous, open-hearted being I had ever found him. In a few days we sailed with the fleet for the Mediterranean, and were present at the glorious battle of the Nile. Poor Tom and I were stationed on the same deck, and never did mortal display more heroic bravery, more cool intrepidity ; yet there was an indefinable ex- pression at times in his look, as if some thought lay struggling in his breast, and could not gain an utterance. Oh, what a day was that for England ! The name of Nelson now has lost its charm ; yet are there some who can re- member its magric influence on the seaman's mind 'twas emblazon'd on the CT standard of Fame, which waved the bright banner of Victory. I look some- times at his funeral car, and call to remembrance the time when a grateful country paid a just tribute to his memory. Well do I recollect the counte- nances of the honest tars who pass'd in succession his last remains when lying in state, part of the crew of the Victory : they had fought they had conquer'd together, and what can bind the tie of kindred stronger ? All around us now was blood and flame, the shrieks of the wounded and groans of the dying came mingled with the deafening roar of guns and hissing balls that struck us through and through. ' This is glorious,' said a little youngster, who had joined us for his first trip previous to sailing, ' This will be glorious news for home.' He had got a twenty-four pound shot in his left arm, and was chalking on it. ' What are you about?' said I. ' I'm only writing a moving billet- doux to one of the enemy's midshipmen, sir. There, 'tis done, and now let's put it in the post.' And so he claps it into the muzzle of the gun. ' By my THE ENGAGEMENT. 57 faith,' said a Paddy, bowsing at the tackle, ' but that's a lawyer's letter, with a double charge, shoot aisey, and don't be after doing mischief.' ' Hoot, hoot,' replied an old Scotchman, ' it's cannonical law, then, and whoever stops its execution will have death without benefit of clairgy ; but I rather dement 'tis an epistol deadicatory to some body. Weel, weel, these French are a ceevil sort o' bodies, and nae doubt yon will have une rap-artie by prime -ier op-port- unity.' Just at this moment a fresh ship of the enemy's laid us athwart the bows, and opened a most tremendous fire that raked us fore and aft, and made our groaning timbers shiver the midship guns came in heavily most of their hands lay stretch'd upon the deck. Poor Will Ransom fell close to my feet, he had raised himself up by one arm, and with the other supported the little midshipman, who had been struck by a grape-shot. ' Oh, my mother my poor mother !' said the lad, struggled for a moment and expired. Will gazed upon the youth : ' He's gone (said he), his cable's parted, and my anchor's a-trip,' laid himself down and instantly died. I don't know how it was, but I felt as if something was choking me my heart was almost bursting ; but 'twas momentary the angel Pity shuns the horrid scene of carnage and revenge, revenge steels the heart against every feeling of humanity. The dead bodies were launched out at the port to clear the decks; and many a burst of unrestrained grief attended their departure. The blue wave closed over them, and they were seen no more. Another heavy broadside shook us, and poor Tom fell into my arms, a musket-ball had pierced his breast. I order' d some men to convey him to the cockpit, for I dared not quit my station, and from that moment I lost every softer sensation of the mind. We were victorious ; and as soon as duty would permit, I hastened to my friend. The surgeon's assistant was just quitting his cabin : ' Another hour,' said he in a whisper, ' arid all will be over; or it may be earlier.' He was sitting up in his cot, with his desk before him, attempting to write. A languid smile beam'd on his death-stricken countenance as I entered. ' See, (said he,) I am performing the last duty to my parents, and to one' here a convulsive spasm made him pause ' to one whom I had fondly hoped to call my own ; 'tis past 'tis over, and this heart will soon cease to beat, even with that feeling it will lose the latest.' I grasp'd his hand, but could not speak. He continued writing, finished his letters, and directed them, with the calmness 58 THE ENGAGEMENT. and resignation of a Christian. ' And now (said he), my friend, to your charge I commit these papers and my little property ; soften the anguish of a parent's heart, and sooth the sorrows of the tender female. Tell them I have done my duty ; and though I die in the hour of victory, yet, 'tis in the service of my country, and I die with resignation. This miniature was designed for Oh! Father of mercies! spare spare ' The surgeon entered. I supported his head upon my arm while a cordial was administer- ing ; he revived for a moment, placed the locket in my hand, uttered the name of ' Matilda,' hreathed short, and in broken whispers, ' Father, into into thy hands I I commit my spirit,' bowed his head upon my breast, and he was no more. The tide was setting very strong out of Portsmouth Harbour, and, hav- ing received urgent orders to use expedition, I directed the cockswain to land me on South Sea beach. The day was unusually fine, the garrison troops were manoeuvring on the common, and large parties of ladies and gentlemen, at- tracted by the beautiful scene which ever presents itself to the view, were strolling on the shore. The boat grounded, and instantly, with my dispatches under my arm, my feet pressed the dear land of my nativity. Only those who have been long absent from their native country can tell the thousand delightful sen- sations, mingled with anxiety, which pervade the mind at once again treading upon British soil. Joy swelled my heart, while tears started from my eyes. There is a degree of selfishness in our richest pleasures an epicurean delight which seldom admits of participation ; but when this feeling has in some degree subsided, we share our gratification with our friends. At this moment I thought only of myself, the next, parents, brothers, sisters, all rushed upon my memory. I should see them hear their voices grasp their hands oh there was rapture in the idea! Pride, too, whispered, The dispatches you carry contain certain recommendations to the higher powers for conduct in battle. ' I have forgot it,' said I, feeling my pockets ; ' what shall I do !' For by this time I had walked some distance from the boat. ' 'Twas his last dying request, poor fellow, and to neglect it is neither kind nor honorable I'll run back.' Accordingly I hastened my return, and was much surprised to find a crowd of people assembled near the spot. The cockswain ran to me : ' Oh, sir, she's dead, she's dead ! I would willingly have given all my prize-money to THE ENGAGEMENT. 59 have saved her.' ' Who's dead ? (said I,) what do you mean ? Jump into the boat, and bring the parcels and letters 1 have left there.' ' That's it, sir,' replied the poor fellow : ' she took it up, and, before I could prevent it, burst it open.' A gentleman now approached. ' I believe, sir, I am speaking to the officer of the ?' ' You are, sir ; I hope no accident has happened ; but I really cannot wait. Cockswain, fetch the parcels, and follow me to the admiral's office directly.' Then turning to the stranger : ' Will you do me the favour to walk up with me, and explain?' ' Most willingly.' We proceeded onwards, and he began. ' Previous to your landing, a party of ladies and gentlemen were strolling on the beach, and admiring the many beauties of the surrounding prospect. When you quitted the boat, curiosity drew us towards it, 'Tis the 's, exclaimed Miss , springing forward ; My brother, my brother! Another young lady rush'd towards the boat at the moment the cockswain was jumping ashore with several small packages under his arm, and dropt a letter close to her feet.' ' What is the lady's name?' said I. ' E ,' he replied. Had a thunderbolt struck me at that moment, I could not have been more paralyzed. The truth rushed upon my mind with tenfold horror, from the unknown extent of mischief my negligence had occasioned ; and I should have fallen to the ground but for the timely support of my com- panion. I looked in his face with agony and shame. ' Do not tell me, (said 1,) do not tell me, but run back, if you have pity, gain what information you can, and bring me intelligence at the admiral's office.' He shook me by the hand, and instantly returned to the beach. With a spirit almost wrung to mad- ness, I rushed forward, but was spared the agony of a formal introduction, as fortunately the commander-in-chief was absent. I delivered my dispatches, and was ordered to wait. Oh what torture, what anguish did I undergo for upwards of an hour ! and when released flew to the spot ; but all were gone, and solemn stillness reigned around. I now remembered the orders given to the boat's crew to come for me at the sally-port. Thither I hastened, and, grasping the cockswain's arms, ' Where, where are they ? (said I;) how came this accident to happen ? be quick and do not trifle with me.' ' Oh, sir ! (replied the man,) she snatch'd up the letter, and was going to hand it over, when her eyes caught the direction : " It is for me, (said she,) it is for me!" Avast there, young woman, says I; but before I could get it away, she 60 THE ENGAGEMENT. made sail, and then broke open the hatches. I gave chase directly ; but before I could come alongside, she uttered a piercing shriek, and dropt down dead.' ' Dead !' exclaimed I, my blood curdling with horror. ' Dead,' repeated the man, with an involuntary shudder. At that moment 1 felt some one touch my arm: 'twas the person who had promised to bring me intelligence at the office. He drew me with him, and I followed almost unconscious of what I did. ' Does she yet live?' said I. A convulsive sob was the only answer. We entered a neat but elegant house in Street. Anguish was pictured on every countenance. An elderly gentleman approached, with his hand ex- tended, but speech was denied him ; 'twas my poor messmate's father. My companion motioned me to be seated, but I continued standing; when an opposite door was thrown open a female rush'd in, and threw her arms around my neck. ' She lives! she lives!' said T; and, pulling Tom's picture instinctively from my pocket, held it to her view. She raised her head ; I saw her features 'twas his sister. ' Yes, (replied she,) Matilda, still lives ; come, come, you shall see her,' taking me by the arm ; and before my companion could prevent it we were in the adjoining room. Oh what a scene was here ! Upon a couch lay the beautiful, the accomplished, the amiable Matilda a living corpse ! There is a certain stupefaction of the intellect, occasioned by a sudden depression from the height of joy to the abyss of sorrow, which can only be compared to death ; and such was her case now. My conductress, whose senses were much disordered, pushed me towards the couch. I stood I gazed alive to feeling, but as it were alive in marble, so fettered was every faculty of the body. She had shown no signs of returning animation, except her breath ; her eyes were open, glazed, and fixed. They were towards me, and unconsciously I raised my hand which held the portrait to my face. A momentary flash of recollection seemed to return ; she suddenly sprung up, grasped my arm, snatched the fatal picture, gazed wistfully upon it ' Hark!' said she; then, reclining her head -upon her bosom, murmured her lover's name, and breathed her last ! SIR ISAAC COFFIN. ' At sea, or on shore, or when harbour'd, The mariner's compass is grog,' 'THERE he goes!' exclaimed a rough old hard-a-weather, pointing to a gladiator-looking sort of a gentleman, whom he had just before saluted in his best style while standing at the main guard in the College ' there he goes, any how ! Do you know him, Murphy ?' ' I do well, bad luck to his picture !' (replied Murphy.) Didn't he pick me up at Lisbon for an ould shipmate when I was following a paceable occupation on shore ? And didn't he send me stock and fluke aboard the Queen Charlotte afore she was burnt off Leghorn? Faith and he did ; and I shall never forget to remember that same. Och, wasn't I wid him in the Thisbe, upon the Halifax station, when he was a Captain ? Sure and I was, and that's enough to make any man know him again.' ' Hoot! hoot! (said old Dougal Macdougal,) peaceable occupation, Murphy, what ca' you that? Was it delving your paw into ither men's pouches ?' ' Arrah be aisy, Dougal, and don't bother me now j you'll never be half the rogue that I am !' ' Troth, Murphy, there's mony a word of truth comes frae a joker's mou ; but dinna let us blather aboot honesty, seeing that now-o-days Justice keeps it penned up i' the bilboes for fear it should leave the coontry aw thegither. I ken the admiral vera well, and was ane of his ranting lads when he was commissoner in Port-in-gale. Mony's the time I've followed him harly- skarly through the streets the whiles he strode on before, like a wharlwind sweeping the chaff from off the face o' the yearth ; and mony's the sair bruises and cloody een we hae gotten i' the fray. But Isaac was no a bock-hand at fisty-cuffs; he would gather up his muckle bony knuckles like the hammer o' death, and gie a fellow a tap that would slaughter an ox. Ma conscience, I've seen them drap donn by dozens on the quay, and then packed up in sma parcels 62 SIR ISAAC COFFIN. for the fleet. Nae doubt, Murphy, you were ane of the flock, for we baggit all sorts o' game, frae the humming-bird to the wild goose ; and now I think on't, I've a slight memorial of your ugly countenance when you was drum-major to a moontebank.' ' Och botheration, and do you say dat to the face o' me? Fait, but I'll bate a tattoo upon the nob of you, will make your teeth chather, and show that an Irish drummer with his row-de-dow is better than a Scotch fiddler playing the organ upon the bag-pipes.' ' Weel, weel, Murphy, we'll no come to wranglesome babblement, seeing that I entertain a vera high re- spect for your ancestors, because they were the first who cultivated that whole- some plant the potatoe, when the Devonshire mon, Raleigh, brought it frae Vir-jenny in the time o' the petticoat government under auld Queen Bessie ; but, Murphy, ye've sadly degenerated since sadly degenerated indeed! Wha would hae thought, in those days, that your mither's son would come to be blazed at, and winged and peppered wi' powther and shot, and at last to be fixed here in Greenwich, all shattered and shook like unto a sea-gull nailed out at the jib-boom end? But for the admiral as I live, yonder he stands talking to the governor. Look ye now, look ye, how they shake hands! and sure enough off they make sail thegither, and nae doubt there'll be mony a tough yarn spun aboot auld lang syne.' ' And you may say dat, (cried Mur- phy, as the two admirals walked towards the governor's house.) There they go, any how, as pretty a pair of pictures as the babes in the wood !' - - - ' Hah, (says old Harry Bartlett,) I recollects one day, when I belonged to the Barfleur, there was a quarter watch of liberty men on shore ; and just as we were strolling along Common Hard, up comes the admiral to overhaul us. Well, d'ye see, Will Ransom sheered off", and the t'other twigged him. " Ahoy, sailor, ahoy !" Will gave him a leer. " Come here, my man, come here, I want a word or two with you." " I arn't got time now, sir," roared Will ; and away he started like a shot from a gun. Off set the admiral in chase, the whole fleet of us bringing up the rear. My eyes, there was a run ! Will was a famous fist at his heels, and kept his forereach a-head of the admiral, who laid his feet to the ground as fast as he could, and he was no bad hand at his legs either. There was a precious kick-up ! the pigs squeaked, the donkeys brayed, the dogs barked, the old women and girls shouted with roars of laugh- ter ; the admiral bellowed " Stop him, stop him !" the men halloo'd " Go it, SIR ISAAC COFFIN. 63 run it, my hearty !" And sure enough Will kept the lead in fine style through Oyster Street into High Street, and away on to the Point; and at last he doubled upon the admiral, and got housed in Capstan Square. But then to see Sir I , his sky-scraper flying back off his head, his uniform coat hang- ing upon his shoulders, his white breeches and military boots spattered v mud, his sword slued round to the wrong side, and his face as red as a maiv jacket; while the big round drops of perspiration poured down his checks likt- a spring tide. The best of it was, the guard was immediately called out to search the houses; but Will was up to them there, too; for what did he do but togged himself off like an old woman ? and out he comes among us. We knew him directly, but not a man would split ; so up he goes close alongside of the admiral, and played his pranks to admiration. The sodgers overhauled the shop, but, as night was coming on, they were glad to make sail out of it ; and we all bowled down to the long-room with Mother Kilderkin, alias Will Ransom, mounted on our shoulders, and the evening was rattled away in jollity and punch. Ah, them were the times, messmates ! I thinks I sees 'em all now jigging away, while the fiddlers scraped the cat-gut, and the grog flowed in purly streams, and the volumes of smoke rolled their columns to the ceiling. Oh I could silly-quiz upon it for an hour. Sometimes, too, we could detect inter-lowpers among us, who the next day mounted the dog-vane and epaulettes, though then only figged in blue jacket and trowsers, Tommy P , Captain Ess , and Sir I himself. There would also be lieutenants and midshipmen in abundance, dressed like poor Jack. D'ye remember the time the expe- dition was fitting out, and the transports lay in the harbour? After dark the men used to land at Point, and take a cruise to themselves, passing for man- of-war's men ; but Sir I got scent of this, and so he rigs himself out in a pea jacket, and orders the gangs to scour the coast, while he himself brought to the stragglers. Well, just as he got through Point Gate by the sally-port, Jem Williams, of the Bedford, staggered along, singing * Since grog is the licker of life,' when the admiral cotch'd hold of him by the collar, and brought him up all standing. Jem changed his tone to ' Down, down, derry down,' and stretch'd the old geemman at full length along the scuppers the gutter I mean. Howsomever up he got again, and at it they went like fighting-cocks. My eyes, there was strop a block in a minute ! There was square-'em come 64 SIR ISAAC COFFIN. round-'em, while Jem dowsed the admiral like a widow's pig. At last the buff-sticks came running up from the guard-house with their bagonhits fixed, and the bluejackets came running down from all quarters with chair and table legs, warming-pans, pokers, toasting-forks, gridirons, frying-pans, broomsticks, roasting-spits ; in short, every thing that could present a muzzle against the enemy. Well, d'ye see, just as we were bearing down to engage, off went the pea jacket, and the Admiral proclaimed himself as Sir I . Of course we hauled our wind directly, and Jem gave himself up ; but the old boy was too generous to punish him, seeing as how he'd run our messmate alongside, and boarded him under false colours. Nay, for the matter o' that, he was so pleased with Jem's defence and noble surrender, that he got him promoted to warrant officer, and ever afterward stood his friend. Howsomever he was a great terror to the midshipmen, and many on 'em remembers the stone galley in the Gladiator, and the white-house ashore. What a sight it was of a morn- ing to see 'em carried before Sir John Carter like a bunch of granny's knots, or half-wrung swabs; and the admiral was generally there to take a peep and laugh at 'em. Tommy P , when he had the Le Juste, used to go as regular as possible to release his men, for there was always sure to be a gang clapped in irons during the night. Ha ! ha ! Jack Hatchway, I believe you were one of Tommy's boys?' ' I was, (replied Jack,) and a better commander never wore a head. He was strict, to be sure, but he'd never see a sailor injured. Then for grog, ah, that was the craft for spiritual liquors ! I understands they are going to shorten the allowance in the navy; but mark my words 't wont do. They may just as well take away Jack's life at once as to go for to stop his grog. Why, zounds ! it's meat and drink to him ; yes, and a watch- coat into the bargain. Only think of burning under the line upon a single pint of grog a day ! Ay, ay, they may talk of their tea and slop, but 't wont do, I say, and so they'll find it. What ! did Howe's men fight upon tea and burgoo? Did Duncan's boys lather the Dutch upon cat-lap; or Nelson's lions beat Moonseer and the Don with only a pint of grog? No, no; your lord-mayor's-men may swallow it, and glad of the chance, seeing there's none of 'em go to sea for want, because as how they have plenty of that at home ; but your true British tar will be lost without his grog, and there'll be more drunkenness than ever. Mayhap the commodore down yonder has had some SIR ISAAC COFFIN. 65 hand in this, for he was a taut hand upon rum spirits. I belonged to his barge (as I did afterward to Pakenham's) ; and Lady K had a dog that could smell out if a poor fellow had a drop about him, and the whelp would bark and kick up a confounded racket, till poor Jack discharged his cargo. Her ladyship, when she got into the boat, and we were pulling off, would say, " Now, Pompey," (I thinks it was Pompey) Now, Pompey, find out who has been drinking grog." And the son of a would come and sniff, sniff, at one, and sniff, sniff, at another ; but he generally barked at all hands in their turn, particularly if they had got a little stowed away. One day he attacked the strokesman, and howled like a witch. " Down, Pompey, down !" cried the man, as he chuck'd him under the chin with his oar; but Pompey wouldn't be quiet; he lugged Tom's jacket from under the thwart (for we had all stripped at it), and, shoving his confounded black muzzle into the pocket, out he roused a small bladder of stuff. I shall never forget it, nor Torn neither, if he's liv- ing, poor fellow, for he got bamboo boxes, as they say, in the East Ingees, and, what was worse, lost his licker besides. Now you know this was a shocking perdickyment, and made it necessary to find out some other plan ; so we deter- mined to try and outwit Pompey and the admiral too. Well, one day aboard they comes into the barge (Sir R and his lady, and the spaniel, you may be sure) ; and away we shoved off. " Down !" cried the cockswain, and the oars dropped into the water; but scarcely did we begin to stretch out, than Pompey opened his jaw-trap and gave mouth like a church-organ, and away he skulled fore and aft the boat, tail on end, like a hog in a squall. " Bless my heart, (cried her ladyship,) what's the matter with the dog ? Surely he's going mad!" " Shall I heave him overboard, ma'am? (axed the bowman;) I thinks he begins to foam." " Oh no, no, no ! don't hurt Pompey ! Come, poor fellow, come;" and she chirped to him like a cricket. " Ay, ay, (says Sir R ,) I see how it is; some on you has got licker in the boat, and I am determined to make an example of the first I catch." Pompey still continued his growling and barking till we got alongside, and then we were called up one by one to be searched ; howsomever nothing was found. The barge underwent a strict overhaul with the same success ; and Pompey continuing his noise, the boat was hoisted in to see if any thing was slung under the bottom ; but they were disappointed in that too. Well, at night we had a double allowance, and made K 66 SIR ISAAC COFFIN. ourselves quite happy. And how do you think we weathered 'em, messmates? Why, we hollowed the looms of the oars just big enough to admit a small bladder, or rather a bullock's gut, filled chock-a-block ; and thus we knocked to windward of Pompey and all hands, till 1 was discharged into the Le Juste under Tommy P- , and was one of his coach-horses. But there's dinner, messmates, there's dinner ; so I must clap a stopper on, and take a severe turn while one on 'you pipes belay. Afterward I'll spin ^ou a yarn or two about some of our freaks along with the old Triumphs ; and then- messmates, let's to dinner.' Come along, ' I HAVE DONE MY DUTY. A TALE OF THE SEA. ' She would sit and weep At what a sailor suffers ; Fancy too, Delusive most where wannest wishes are, Would oft anticipate his glad return.' COWPER. ' I DEAULY love a sailor !' exclaimed the beautiful and fascinating Mrs. D , as she stood in the balcony of her house, leaning upon the arm of her affection- ate and indulgent husband, and gazing at a poor shattered tar, who supplicated charity by a look that could not fail to interest the generous sympathies of the heart : ' I dearly love a sailor, they are so truly the children of nature ; and I never feel more disposed to shed tears, than when I see the hardy veteran, who has sacrificed his youth, and even his limbs, in the service of his country, " Cast abandoned on the world's wide stage, And doomed in scanty poverty to roam." Look at yon poor remnant of the tempest; probably reduced to the hard necessity of becoming a wanderer, without a home to shelter him, or ever witnessing one commiserating smile to shed a ray of sunshine on the winter of his life. I can remember, when a child, I had an uncle who loved me very tenderly, and my attachment to him was excessive ; indeed he was the pride and admiration of the village, and every one esteemed the cheerful mariner. But untoward events cast a gloom upon his mind ; he hastened away to sea, and we never saw him more.' By this time the weather-beaten, care-worn sea- man, had advanced towards the house, and cast a wistful glance aloft; but it was full of honest pride that disdained to beg, and yet his appearance was so 68 A TALE OF THE SEA. marked with every emblem of poverty and hunger, that, as the conflicting feel- ings worked within his breast, his countenance betrayed the struggles of his heart. There was, however, a manly firmness in his deportment, that bespoke no ordinary mind ; and a placid serenity in his eye, that beamed with benevolence, and seemed only to regret that he could no longer be a friend to the poor desti- tute, or share his hard-earned pittance with a messmate in distress. A few scattered grey locks peeped from beneath an old straw hat, and one sleeve of his jacket hung unoccupied by his side the arm was gone. ' I should like to know his history,' said the amiable lady ; ' let us send for him in.' To express a wish, and have it gratified, were the same thing to Mrs. D , and m a few minutes the hoary tar stood before them. ' Would you wish to hear a tale of woe ?' cried the old man in answer to her request. ' Ah no! why should your tender heart be wounded for another's griefs ? I have been buffietted by the storms of affliction I have struggled against the billows of adversity every wave of sorrow has rolled over me; but,' added he, while a glow of conscious integrity suffused his furrowed cheek, ' but I have always done my duty, and that conviction has buoyed me up when nearly overwhelmed in the ocean of distress. Yet, lady, 'twas not always thus I have been happy was esteemed, and, as I thought, beloved. I had a friend in whom I reposed the highest confidence, and my affections were devoted to one but she is gone she is gone, and I yes! we shall meet again.' Here he paused, dashed a tear from his eye, and then proceeded. ' My friend was faithless ; he robbed me of the dearest treasure of my heart, and blasted every hope of happiness and joy. I left my native land to serve my country have fought her battles, and bled in her defence. On the 29th of May, and glorious 1st of June, 1794, I served on board the Queen Charlotte, under gallant Howe, and was severely wounded in the breast ; but I did my duty. On that memorable occasion, a circumstance occurred which added to my bitterness and melancholy. The decks were cleared the guns cast loose and every man stood in eager expectation at his quarters. It is an awful moment, lady, and every conflicting emotion agitates the breast, when, in the calm stillness that reigns fore and aft, the mind looks back upon the past, and contemplates the future. Home, wife, children, and every tender remembrance, rush upon the soul. It is different in the heat of action; then every faculty is employed for conquest, that each man may have A TALE OF THE SEA. (5J) to say, " I have done my duty." But when bearing down to engage, and silence is so profound that every whisper may be heard, then the thought it cannot be described sailors know what it is, and, conquering it by cool deter- mination, and undaunted bravery, nobly do their duty. I was stationed at the starboard side of the quarter-deck, and looked around me with feelings incident to human nature, yet wishing for and courting death. The admiral, with calm composure, surrounded by his captains and signal officers, stood upon the break of the poop, while brave Bowen, the master, occupied the ladder, and gave directions to the quarter-master at the helm. The enemy opened their fire* and the captains of the guns stood ready with their matches in their hand, waiting for the word. The work of destruction commenced, and many of our shipmates lay bleeding on the deck, but not a shot had we returned. " Stand by there upon the main deck," cried the first lieutenant. " Steady, my men ! wait for command, and don't throw your fire away !' " All ready, sir," was responded fore and aft. At this moment a seaman advanced upon the quarter- deck, attended by a young lad (one of the fore-top men), whose pale face and quivering lip betrayed the tremulous agitation of fear. The lieutenant gazed at him for a few seconds with marked contempt and indignation, but all stood silent. The officer turned towards the admiral, and, on again looking round, found the lad had fainted, and lay lifeless in the seaman's arms, who gazed upon the bloodless countenance of his charge with a look of anguish and despair. " Carry him below," said the lieutenant, " and let him skulk from his duty, this day must be a day of heroes." The poor fellow seemed un- conscious that he was spoken to, but still continued to gaze upon the lad. The officer beckoned to a couple of men, who immediately advanced, and were about to execute his orders, when the seaman put them back with his hand, exclaiming, " No ! she is mine, and we will live or die together !" Oh, lady, what a scene was that ! The frown quitted the lieutenant's brow, and a tear trembled in his eye. The generous Howe and his brave companions gathered round, and there was not a heart that did not feel what 'twas to be beloved. Yes ! mine a lone was dreary, like the lightning-blasted wreck. We were rapidly approaching the French admiral's ship, the Montague ; the main decks fired, and the lower deck followed the example. The noise brought her to recollection, she gazed wildly on all, and then clinging close to 70 A TALE OF THE SEA. her lover, sought relief in tears. " T ," said his lordship mildly, " this must not be. Go, go, my lad ! see her safe in the cockpit, and then I know that you will do your duty." A smile of animation lightened up his agitated face. " I will ! I will !" cried lie ; " God bless your lordship, I will ! for I have always done my duty," and, taking his trembling burden in his arms, supported her to a place of safety. In a few minutes he was again at his gun, and assisted in pouring the first raking broadside into our opponent's stern. Since that time I have served in most of the general actions, and knelt by the side of the hero Nelson, when he resigned himself to the arms of the angel of death. But whether stationed upon deck amidst the blood and slaughter of battle the shrieks of the wounded, and groans of the dying or clinging to the shrouds during the tempestuous howling of the storm, while the wild waves beat over me whether coasting along the luxuriant shores of the Mediterranean, or surrounded by icebergs in the Polar Sea one thought, one feeling, possessed my soul, and that was devoted to the being I adored. Years rolled away, but that deep strong deathless passion distance could not subdue, nor old age founder. 'Tis now about seven years ago when the British troops under Wellington were landed on the Continent : I was employed with a party of seamen on shore in transporting the artillery, and erecting batteries. A body of French attacked one of our detachments ; and, after considerable slaughter on both sides, the enemy were compelled to retreat. We were ordered to the field to bring in the wounded and prisoners. Never never shall I forget that day ; the remembrance even now unmans me. Oh, lady, forgive these tears, and pity the anguish of an old man's heart. Day had just began to dawn when we arrived upon the plain, and commenced our search among the bodies to see if there were any who yet remained lingering in existence. Passing by and over heaps of dead, my progress was suddenly arrested, and every fibre of my heart was racked on seeing a female sitting by the mangled remains of an English soldier. She was crouched upon the ground, her face resting on her lap, and every feature bid from view ; her long black hair hung in dishevelled flakes about her shoulders, and her garments closed round her person, heavy with the cold night-rains. One hand clasped that of the dead soldier, the other arm was thrown around her head. Every feeling of my soul was roused to exertion. 1 approached she raised herself up, and and great A TALE OF THE SEA. 71 Heaven ! 'twas she the woman whom I loved ! She gazed with sickly horror, and though greatly altered though time and sorrow had chased away the bloom of health though scarce a trace of former beauty remained, those features were too deeply engraven on my memory for me to be mistaken ; but she knew me not. I forgot all my wrongs, and, rushing forward clasped her to my breast. Oh what a moment was that ! She made an ineffectual struggle for release, and then fainted in my arms. Some of my shipmates came to the spot, and, turning over the lifeless form before us, my eyes rested on the countenance of him who once had been my friend. But death disarms resent- ment ; he was beyond my vengeance, and had already been summoned to the tribunal of the Most High. When 1 had last seen them, affluence, prosperity, and happiness, were the portion of all three. Now but I cannot, cannot repeat the distressing tale ; let it suffice, lady, that she was carried to a place of safety, and every effort used to restore animation, which eventually was successful. Oh, shall I describe our meeting when she knew me? It is im- possible ; I feel it now in every nerve, but to tell you is beyond my power. Through the kindness of a generous officer, 1 procured her passage to England, and gave her all that I possessed, with this one request, that she would remain at Plymouth till my return to port. In a few months afterward we anchored in the Sound, and, as soon as duty would permit, I hastened to obtain leave to go on shore : it was denied me yes, cruelly denied me. Stung to madness, I did not hesitate, but, as soon as night had closed in, slipped down the cables, and swam to land. With eager expectation I hurried to the house where I had requested her to stop. I crossed the threshold unobserved, for all was silent as the grave, and gently ascended the stairs. The room door was partly open, and a faint light glimmered on the table ; the curtains of the bed were undrawn, and there there lay gasping in the last convulsive agonies of nature Oh, lady, she was dying : I rushed into the room, threw myself by her side, and implored her to live for me. She knew me yes, she knew me but at this very instant an officer with an armed party entered the apartment. They had watched me, and I was arrested as a deserter. Arrested, did I say ? Ay ! but not till I had stretched the insulting rascal at my feet. I was hand- cuffed, and the bayonets were pointed at my breast. In vain was every entreaty for one hour, only one hour. The dying woman raised herself 72 A TALE OF THE SEA. upon her pillow she stretched forth her hand to mine, manacled as they were she fell back, and Emma yes, my Emma was no more. Despair, rage, fury, worked up the fiends within my soul. I struggled to burst my fetters, dashed them at all who approached, but, overcome at length, was borne to the common gaol. I was tried for desertion, and on account of my resistance was flogged through the fleet. 1 had acted wrong as a seaman, but I had done my duty as a man. It was not my intention to desert my ship; but my feelings overpowered me, and I obeyed their dictates. Yet now I felt indignant at my punishment, and took the first opportunity to escape : but whither could I go ? there was no protection for me. One visit, one lonely visit, was paid to the grave of her who was now at rest for ever, and I again entered on board the , bound to the West India station. I fought in several actions, and lost my arm. But the R* for desertion was still against my name, and, though I obtained a pension for my wound, yet I could obtain none for servitude. I cannot apply to the friends of my youth, for they believe me dead, and who would credit the assertion of a broken-hearted sailor? No, no ! a few short months, and the voyage of life will be over; then will old Will Jennings be laid in peace by the side of Emma Wentworth ; andwait for the last great muster before Him who searches all hearts, and knows those seamen who have done their duty.' Here he ceased, while D turned to his wife, whose loud sobs gave witness to the sympathy of her heart ; but the agony increased to hysteric convulsion ; she sprung hastily on her feet, and, shrieking, cried " 'Tis he! 'tis William! 'tis my uncle !" and fell upon his neck.' * Run. THE POINT OF HONOUR. ' He would find it another guess story, Would bring his bare back to the cat.' ' I SAY he was a Tartar,' said an old pensioner, turning round the quadrangle of the building, and advancing upon the Terrace, near the spot where I was standing, contemplating the beauties of a summer evening ' 1 say he was a Tartar.' ' Then you are mistaken, Harry,' replied his companion ; ' he was a lad who did his duty, and saw that every one did theirs. I allow that he was strict, but always a sailor's friend.' ' Ay, ay, for tarring a rope's end, or rope's-ending a tar, 'twas all the same to him. His cats were often fed, Tom.' ' That's poor wit, Harry ; I sailed with him captain and admiral some years, and ought to know a little about him.' ' Well, well, messmate, mayhap you did so; let's hear, for I love to talk about past times and old commanders. There's old Jarvis has dowsed his coach-whip, and gone out of commission, and Lord Keith has resigned his command to harbour in a better world. I've sailed with 'em both, but I'll not say more till you've told me of Seymour.' ' Why then, d'ye see, where could there be a stronger attach- ment shown to our officers than when we arrived at Spithead during the mutiny? Ah, Harry, you old cartridge! you was then in that rebel ship the Triumph but howsomever I won't blow you up. You must know lieutenant Q was commanding-officer when the delegates came on board. " Well, my men," says he, " what do you want here ?" " We want to speak to the ship's company, sir," said the foremost. " Oh certainly, certainly," replied the lieutenant. " Here, boatswain's mate, pass the word, and walk forward my men." Well, Harry, you old rogue, didn't we all muster on the forecastle, and listen to their lingo? Ay, that we did. And says our spokesman, says he, " Mayhap, gemmen, you have had bad treatment, and are dissatisfied with L 74 THE POINT OF HONOUR. your officers ?" " Yes, yes," said the leader, " you're right." " Then all we have to say is," said our spokesman, " that we are not. We like our ship, like our captain, like our officers, and like one another and so, gemmen, good day." There was reasoning for you, you old swab. Ah, Harry, you ought to have been taken in tow for a mutineer; and now I'm in the line, I'll tell you more. D'ye see, every order was exposed publicly for the ship's company to read, so that every man fore and aft knew what he had to do. This was his plan : " Do your duty, and no one shall wrong you ; neglect it, and I'll punish." Among other orders, there was one, that no man should sing out, either in pulling a rope, or any other duty, but all were to be silent as death. One day we were mooring ship, when some one sung out, at the capstan, " Hurrah, my boys! heave!" The captain heard it " Send that man on deck directly." The officer immediately pick'd him out, and he was ordered aft under the sentry's charge. As soon as the ship was moored, the hands were turned up for punishment. Well, up we goes, and there stood the captain with the Articles of War in his hand by-the-by I don't think he was a lord then. Howsomever there he stood, and the officers around him in their cocked hats and swords. The gratings were lashed to the break of the poop, the quarter- masters ready with their foxes, and the boatswain's mates with the cats. " Come here, my man," said the captain. " Was it not my orders that there should be silence fore and aft? " Yes, sir." " And why did you disobey ?" " It warn't me, sir; I never opened my lips." " Are you sure this was the man that sung out at the capstan ?" said the captain, turning to the officer. " Yes, sir, confident ; I removed him instantly from the bar." " Indeed, sir, Mr. is mistaken I never spoke." " Are you certain, Mr. ?" " Yes, sir, quite certain." " Strip, then." It was complied with. The poor fellow was seized up hats off the article for disobedience of orders read and " Boatswain's mate, give him two dozen," was heard. The tails of the cat were clear'd, the arm was lifted up, and the blow just falling, when a man rush'd from amongst us, and call'd out, " Avast ! it was I that sung out at the capstan !" and in an instant his shirt was over his head, and his back bare. " Stop," said the captain to the boatswain's mate; and then, turning to the seaman, " Why didn't you come forward before ?" " Because, sir, I was in hopes you would have taken nay messmate's word, for he never tells a lie, axing your pardon ; but when I THE POINT OF HONOUR. 75 saw him likely to suffer for me, no, no, I couldn't stand that." " And did he know it was you?" " Yes, your honour, he knew it well; I was alongside of him at the bar but he scorn'd to flinch." " Cast him off, and pipe down," said the captain. But oh, Harry, if you had seen the two bare-backed dogs stand and look at each other for more than a minute without moving, and then, grasping each other's hands, after a hearty shake, walk off together but I can't describe it, though I've got it all in my heart as strong now as I had then.' . ' And what became of the officer?' ' Why, the captain slued round to him, and ' Here they again turned the quadrangle j all was hush'd, and I sought my pillow. WILLIAM AND NANCY. Bleak was the morn when William left his Nancy, The fleecy snow frown'd on the whiten'd shore; Cold as the fears that chill'd tier dreary fancy, While she her sailor from her bosom tore.' ' I'VE lost one eye, and I've got a timber toe,' sung- old Joe Jennings, as he swivelled round on his wooden pin, whilst bustling through the comical Jack* in-the-box gate at the east end of the Naval Asylum going into Greenwich Park ' I've lost one eye, and I've got a timher toe.' ' And where did you leave your eye, Joe?' ' In the Gut of Giberalter.' ' Well, Joe, you'll never see double again, so what do you say to another glass? Come, lers freshen the nip, my old boy, and spin us a tough yarn.' ' No, no, thank ye, sir, all the same No, no, thank ye, I'd rather not; for whilst I am spinning the yarn you would be winding me up, and then I should go reeling it to my cabin, and catch the yellow fever.'* ' But where did you lose your leg, Joe?' Why I'll tell you all about it, sir, as soon as we come to an anchor under the trees. There, now you shall have it. Why, d'ye see, I lost my leg when I lent a hand to take the R French 80, and warm work we had of it.' ' Avast there, Joe, avast ! you know it's all a fudge,' said old Tom Pipes, as he came hobbling up ' You know it's all a fudge. Warn't you groggy? and didn't you jam your foot atwixt the shot-locker and the combings, and capsize down the hatchway ? and now you want to persuade the gernman it was done in action.' ' Ay, ay, Tom, you're always running foul of me but no matter, you know better. Zounds ! didn't you hold the step of * The pensioners, wheu in disgrace, are compelled to wear a parly-coloured coat, in which yellow predominates. WILLIAM AND NANCY. 77 my precious limb while the surgeon dock'd it and savv'd away the splinters? and arn't I got the shot to this hour?' ' Yes, Joe, yes; but tell the gemman about Nancy, and her husband ; my scuppers run over whenever I think of it.' ' Why, ay, he shall have it, and do you lend me a lift if I should break down, though I don't much fear it. Why dy'e see, sir, Bill Neville was our \nessmate, and he used to tell us u little of his history. And so, sir, he was brought up in a country village, and loved his wife when only a little girl ; and he went to sea, thinking to make his fortune for her sake. Well, he got to be master of a merchantman, and then they were married. Who can de- scribe the pleasures of that moment when their hands were spliced at the altar, and he hailed her as his own! But he was obliged to sail again. " Oh !" said Nancy, " should you never return, what shall I do? where shall I pass where end my wretched days?' His heart was too full to speak; one hand clasped in hers, the other pointed to the broad expanse where the noon-day sun was shining in meridian splendour. It had a double meaning Nancy felt it: " There is a God, trust in him!" or, " If not on earth, we meet in heaven!'" Well, sir, eighteen months roll'd away, during which, in due time, Nancy brought into the world a dear pledge of affection a lovely boy. But oh the agony of the mother as every day dragg'd on without intelligence from Wil- liam! When she look'd at the sweet babe was it indeed fatherless, and she a widow? You'll excuse my stopping, sir, but indeed I can't help it I've shed tears over it many a time. ' Well, sir, eighteen months was turned, when one morning Nancy arose to pour out her heart before her Maker, and weep over her sleeping child. The sun had just risen above the hills, when a noise in the little garden which fronted the cottage alarmed her. She opened the casement, and, putting aside the woodbine, beheld delightful yet agonizing sight her dear, her long- mourned William, handcuff'd between two soldiers, while others, with their side-arms drawn, seem'd fearful of losing their prey ! His face pale, and his emaciated body worn down with fatigue and sickness, his spirit seem'd ready to quit its frail mansion, and was only kept to earth by union with his wife. Nancy forgot all, and clasp'd him in her arms; but the rattling of the irons pierced her soul. I do not mean to condemn the policy, sir ; but 'tis a cruel practice, that of pressing. Ah! I well remember it though I always served 78 WILLIAM AND NANCY. my king, God bless him ! Yet I've witness'd many an aching heart, and heard many a groan of agony. But to proceed: William was press'd; Nancy hastened into the coUage, and, wrapping the sleeping babe in its blanket, she prepared to accompany them. Cannot you picture to yourself the first glance which the wretched parent cast upon his child? Oh it was a sad sweet joy, that wrung the soul! I shall pass by their meeting, their dear delight, their bitter anguish. If you can feel, it is already engraven on your heart. Suffice it to say, William had been shipwreck'd on the African coast, and though he had lost the whole of his property, yet heaven had spared his life, and his the only one. Sickness came on him, and but for the humanity of a poor un- tutored negro, he might have breath'd his last. She was black she was a negro but God searches the heart. He had procured, with much difficulty, a passage home. The ship arriv'd ; he set out, and walk'd many a weary mile, led on by love and cheer'd by hope, till the roof of his cottage appeared in view. Here he sunk upon his knees, and poured forth his heart in trem- bling anxiety and fervent petition. A sailor can pray, sir, and it matters not, so it be right, whether it is in a matted pew at church, or swinging like a cat at the mast-head. He arose, and with hastier step reach'd the wicket, when but I dare not repeat the story I've told you already he was press'd. Well, he was drafted on board of us, and his dear Nancy permitted to be with him. The evening before the action, she was sitting on the carriage of the bow gun, with her baby cradled in her arms, and William by her side they were view- ing, with admiration and delight, the beauteous scenery displayed by the sink- ing clouds in a thousand fantastic shapes, tinged with liquid gold streaming from the setting sun, and caressing the little innocent, while all the parent kindled in their hearts. But hark ! a hoarse voice is heard from the mast- head all is hush'd. " Halloo !" said the captain. " A sail on the larboard bow, sir." " W r hat does she look like ?" " I can but just see her, sir, but she looms large." " Mr. Banks," said the captain, " take your glass aloft, and see if you can make out what she is. Call the boatswain turn the hands up make sail." In a moment all was bustle; the topmen were in their station, and every man employed ; and in a few minutes every stitch of canvass was stretch'd upon the yards and booms. The officer that was sent aloft reported it a ship of the line, which look'd like a foreigner. Every heart was now WILLIAM AND NANCY. 79 elate but Nancy's it might be an enemy ! Oh that thought was dreadful ! And as William conducted her below, the tears chased each other down her pale face, and the heavy sigh burst from her gentle bosom. William mildly reproved her, and, again pointing to heaven, flew to his post. The stranger had hauled to the wind, fired a gun, and hoisted French colours. Up went ours with three cheers ; and there's seldom a moment of greater pride to a British tar than when he displays the ensign of his country in presence of the enemy. Three cheers resounded through the ship, and broadside upon broad- side shook her groaning timbers. Where was Nancy ? William was first in every danger. Three times we boarded the foe, but were repulsed. Dreadful grew the scene of blood and horror through the darkening shades of coming night. No one bore tidings of the fight to Nancy none, save the poor sailor whose shattered limb came to suffer amputation, or the wounded wretch to be dress'd, at which she assisted with fortitude. Two hours had pass'd in this awful suspense and heart-rending anxiety, when a deep groan and piercing shriek from the lower deck convulsed her frame. She knew the voice, and, snatching the infant in her arms, rush'd to tlie spot. Soon she found the object of her search : his manly form mangled and shattered ; that face, once ruddy with the glow of health, now pale and convulsed ; the blood streaming from his side and breast! He saw her too. " Nancy !" said he, and raising his feeble hand pointing to heaven it fell and William was no more ! Sinking on the lifeless body of her husband, Nancy fainted with the dear babe still in her arms; when, oh mysterious Providence! at that very moment while senseless and inanimate at that very moment a ball entered through the vessel's side it pierced her bosom! Need I tell the rest? They were pleasant and lovely in their lives, and in their death they were not divided." [This pathetic slory is founded on facts which actually occurred ; and there i every reason to believe that the orphan is still alive.] THE PRESS-GANG. Bnl Chance is not, or is not where thou reign'st : Tliy providence forbids thai fickle pow'r (If pow'r she be that works but to confound) To mix her wild vagaries with thy laws.' WHY, as for the matter o' that, sir, what else have we got to do ? Here we are, snug moored in Greenwich, riding out the gale of life till death brings our anchors home, and then our sarvice being worn through, and the cable stranded, we slip and run for the haven of eternal rest. Why, sir, if it warn't for our spinning a yarn now and then, we should spit and sputter at each other like a parcel of cats in a gutter ; but by reviving the remembrance of old times, when we steer'd at the same wheel, fought at the same gun, or belonged to the same watch, we likewise cherish those mutual feelings of regard which ad- versity cannot capsize, nor old age founder. Ay, ay, you may laugh at poor Jack, but he's got a heart for all that : he'll fight or die for his friends, and never see his foes cowardly ill-treated. But many of your sin-ical gemmen condemn us because we are apt to lie our strands a little too close, and deal in rumbusticals and cornflobgisticatioris ; but, bless your heart, all them there sort of polly-silly-bulls comes as natural to us as our grog, and what's the use of making a fuss about a lapsis lingo or two? howsomever it's the way of the world to find fault with what they don't understand. Give me a rum story and a store of rum (for that's the true lick-numvity), and a good Dibdin now and then about Tom Bowline, or Meg of Wapping ay, them are your sentry- mentals ! The women now-a-days are another guess thing to what they were when I was a youngster. There was Bet Spanker of Plymouth; by Jupiter she was a Wenus, and that's a couple of gods ! There was a run from stem to stern ! there was bows and head-rails, quarter and fashion-pieces, braces and stays! Ah! she was one of your lady-ships. Then to see her full rigg'd, THE PRESS-GANG. 81 with her colours and pendant flying 1 , and her tops deck'd out! Well, d'ye see, we took a Spanish galleon, and so one evening I was ashore, and got within hail. ' Yo hoy !' says I. ' Be off!' says she. So seeing- as how it was no use to stand backing and filling, I clapp'd her alongside, fired a round or two of shiners, and ax'd her if she'd be spliced? Well, after two or three glasses, she sweetly bltish'd consent ; and next morning the parson read a page out of ' Hamilton Moore,' and a better wife never swung in the same hammock. What does a sailor know about court-ships and Q-pids, doves, and darts, any more than what Dibdin tells us? I hear his songs are all preserved in bars and crojacks by that grate composer, Dr. K , him as prescribes for the indi- gestions, or gives vent to the bellows of an organ in strains of harmony j invents capital spectacles for the hungry and short-sighted, and figures away at the pie-any, hop-ticks, or fiddlesticks: nothing seems to come amiss. Well, it's a fine thing to be born a genus and have heady-catian. Now I never took to my laming, 'cause, d'ye see, I was knock-knee'd ; but the French made all that straight, as belike you may see by my two wooden pins. Ay, ay, I lost them in Basque Roads, that 'ere Cock-a-running business ; but what's the use of complaining? it makes a man neither fairer nor fatter. Here I am, after fifty years' quarrelling with the windy storm and tempest, playing at rackets with Death, and ducks and drakes with old Davy, after overhauling every part of the globe from New Zealand to Greenland, from Otaheite to Tooley-street, from the United States to Basses Straits, and a hundred other places. Here I am (that is, what's left of me) safe moored in Greenwich, bidding defiance to the dirty sharks of the world. The old song says, ' Life's like a ship in con- stant motion ;' and so I've found it. The lighter my ballast the more I heel'd to the gale. But mayhap you would like to hear a bit of a yarn, sir. I see old Sam there, blowing like a grampus to get his jawing-tacks aboard ; and I know it's a hard matter for him to sit dumb-foundered when his muzzle-lash- ings are once cast off. Out tomkins, Sam, and fire away. ' Why, ay, d'ye see, (says Sam,) what's the good of wasting your precious time boxing a com- pass that nobody can steer by? You may just as well nail it to the binnacle at once; but howsomever, I arn't a going to give you a long pro-log for a day's work, like my messmate there. It was somewhere about the beginning of last war I belonged to the frigate, lying at Plymouth ; and we had a M 82 THE PRESS-GANG. new captain appointed indeed it was high time, for the old un was one of your- but avast, he's in t'other world, so his reck'ning's up here; and it's cowardly to rip old grievances out of the grave. Well, our new commander read his commission, and a finer-looking old gemman never crack'd a king's biscuit. " My lads (says he), I understands you've had some complaints among ye. Now all I've got to say is this here : Do your duty like men, and you shall never want for encouragement. Here's a sweet ship and a good crew: stand by me, and I'll stand by you." That was just what we wanted, so we gave him three cheers and piped to grog. " Where does he come from ? 1 says Dick Bobstay : " I don't remember hearing any thing of his bearings and distances afore to-day. What ship has he commanded ?" " "Tis fifteen years since he was taken by an Algerine, after losing his masts, and throwing his guns overboard, in a gale of wind (replied a young midshipman). He has pass'd the intervening time in slavery, for every body at home thought the ship had foundered, and all hands perish'd. He has felt cruelty, and will practise mercy." " Nobly said, young gentleman (said Dick) j give a ship's company good officers, and a fig for cropeaus and flying Dutchmen." Just then the word was pass'd for the coach-horses and bloods (that's the barge and galley's crews) to get harness'd, and be in readiness to go ashore on duty, as soon as the sun had gone to bathe his beams in the western wave after the toil and heat of the day. The hour arrived, and headed by the third lieutenant, we landed to press. We were just crossing one of the streets, when we fell in with a young man and a lad. " Heave to (said the lieutenant, seeing they Avere about to sheer off) ; what ship do you belong to ?" " The Adversity." ' Adversity Adversity, that must be a hard-ship ; there's no such name in the British navy. Where do you come from ?" " From the port of Tribu- lation, bound to the Straits of Difficulty." " Ay, ay, I see how it is (cried an old master's mate) I see how it is, they'are Yankees them there are American consarns, so we may as well make sail again." " Avast (said the lieutenant), we must send them down to the boat." " By what right?' enquired the man. ' Right ! (repeated one of the gang ;) here's a pretty fellow ! Talk about riffht among man-of-war's men ! Halloo, yosing Fly-by-night ! (addressing the lad,) what have you got to say why you shouldn't serve his majesty ? He')! make a smart topman, your honour." " Silence, sir, and do your duty with THE PRESS-GANG. 83 humanity,' said the lieutenant angrily, observing he had grasp'd the trembling boy's arm. " Then we may proceed." " No, we want hands, and my orders are imperative. You must with us." " Never! (said the other, pulling forth a pistol from his breast:) My liberty is as dear to me as life, and he who robs me of one must also take the other." The lad press'd close to his side, and after a short ineffectual struggle they were both secured, but not till the man had become senseless ay, almost lifeless in the contest. Well, we pickt up a few more, and then returned. The frigate was unmoored, and heaving short upon the small bower when we got aboard. An express had arrived to say that a suspicious ship had been seen off the Start, and we were ordered to over- haul her. The boats were hoisted in, and the man and lad conducted to the sick bay, the man still senseless, the boy half dead with fright. " Bring to," cried the first lieutenant. " All ready, sir." " Heave round at the capstan, and run the anchor up to the bows." Away danced the men to the tune of " Off she goes." " Well behaved, lads, well behaved," said the captain from the quarter-deck. " Heave and in sight" was heard from the forecastle as the ponderous iron appeared above the water ; and in less than a minute the boat- swain's pipe gave signal to heave and paul. " Hook on the cat ! Hoist away !" and the anchor was instantly run up to the cat-head. " Haul taut the fish! Walk away !" and the massy flukes rose gradually up the vessel's bows, till the pipe sounded " High enough ! Belay !" The anchor was secured, and " Loose sails !" cried the boatswain, after a flourish with his call. " Bear a hand, my boys, cast off your gaskets, and shake out the reefs," said the captain. " All ready, sir." " Let fall! sheet home! hoist away!" bellowed the first lieutenant through his trumpet, and instantly that which had been only bare poles was covered with canvass 'low and aloft. Morning began to streak the east with a brighter glow as we pass'd the Mew Stone. I was at the helm. " Well, Sims, (said the captain, addressing the surgeon,) did you meet with any success?" "None, sir; all my inquiries have been fruitless. I went according to your directions, but could obtain no other intelligence than that such a person had been known there, but quitted the place without any one being able to tell where she had gone." " I feel grateful for your attention, my friend. Oh, Sims, when I sailed from England on that fatal cruise, I left behind me a wife and two dear children. For fifteen years these limbs 84 THE PRESS-GANG. have felt the galling- fetter; for fifteen years I struggled with affliction as the drowning wretch struggles hard with death, and yet a ray of hope would beam upon my mind, and cast a gleam of sunshine on the future. The thoughts of freedom swell'd in my breast each rising morn, and buoyed me up through the toil of the day. My dreams of night were still of home, and often have I been transported to those I loved. I've stretch'd forth my arms in ecstacy, when the rattling of my chains awoke me to a sense of misery. At last, after repeated efforts, I escaped, and returned to my native land. I hastened to the sweet spot of innocence and joy, where once but you can- not tell my feelings. The cottage was swept away, to improve the neighbour- ing estate. The white stone in the yard of tlie village church bore the name of her yes, my Maria lay mouldering below, my children cast abandoned on the world. Father of mercies! from thy throne behold, protect, and restore them to a longing parent's arms!" " 'Pon deck there!" shouted the man at the mast-head. " Halloo !" replied the first lieutenant. " A sail on the star- board bow, sir." " Port, lad, port!" " Port it is, sir," says I. The lieutenant run forward with his glass. " Meet her, boy, meet her ! Steady !" " Steady,' says I again. He applied his glass to his eye. "What is she, Mr. ?" inquired the captain. " By the length of her legs, sir, I should take her to be one of our own class, only heavier." " Beat to quarters, and see all clear for action."" Ay, ay, sir. Drummer, blow up a tune upon your sheep's-skin fiddle, that they may hear you at the Land's End." " Ay, ay, sir." " Shall I show them the Buntin ?" inquired the officer. " If you please." " Hoist the colours abaft. Main-top there : take the turns out of the coach-whip." The decks were cleared, the stoppers clapp'd upon the top-sail sheets, the yards slung, the guns cast loose when the boatswain roared out from the fore- castle, " There it goes, sir, Try Junk in you-know * red, white, and blue! Trail that gun forward, you lubber, and elevate her breech !" " A French frigate (cried the lieutenant, rubbing his hands in ecstacy) : Now, my boys, for wooden clogs for your sweethearts." " All ready with the gun," said the gunner, casting his eye along the sight. " Speak to him, Bounce, and ask the news." " Ay, ay, sir, (replied the old tar as he applied the match to the * Tria juncta in uno. THE PRESS-GANG. 85 priming,) I'll whisper a word in his ear." In a few minutes the action com- menced, and at the second broadside I fell with a wound in my breast. " Take that poor fellow below," said the captain, catching hold of the wheel I had left. I was carried down to the surgeon, and from my loss of blood was unable to go again on deck. The man we had press'd the night before lay senseless on the deck, and the agitated lad sat beside him. For two hours the firing con- tinued without ceasing, (and many a poor fellow was brought down to be dock'd,) when the drop-oh* of the Frenchman was hauled down, and three cheers resounded through the vessel, which we, in spite of our wounds, joined in. The young man was roused by it, and, rising, gazed wistfully around; he grasp'd the hand of his youthful associate, and pressed it to his lips. At this moment the second lieutenant was supported below by one of the midshipmen and a seaman. " Why (said the junior officer) did you conceal your wound so long ? You are now faint; pray Heaven it mayn't prove fatal!" " Let me see (exclaimed the surgeon) ; let us hope for the best." The young man's waistcoat and shirt were thrown open, when, suspended from his neck, appear'd the portrait of a blooming girl. He snatch'd it in his hand, and raised it to his lips. " Elinor, (said he,) Elinor, and must we part part for ever!' "Never! (shrieked the lad, as he sprung to his side;) for you Elinor has lived, and for you Elinor will die." The lieutenant turned his looks upon the speaker, whose voice thrill'd to his very soul. He gazed for one moment on the pallid cheek : " 'Tis she ! 'tis she! my love, my Elinor!" and they sank together in each other's arms. Restoratives were immediately applied, and soon produced the desired effect. " Why, my Elinor, are you here, and thus disguised?" " Stay, Wingood, (said she,) and T will tell you all; but first, this, (pointing to her companion,) this is my brother. You know my early history : An orphan supported solely by his exertions ; our father, as we sup- posed, perish'd in the service of his country ; our mother sunk broken-hearted to the grave ; my brother became a sailor, and through his industry I have been maintained. A few days since we received some vague information that our honoured father still existed, and, having escaped from his cruel tyrants, was at Plymouth. We determined to ascertain the matter personally. William * Drapeau ensign. 80 THE PRESS-GANG. persuaded me to adopt this disguise, that I might the more readily escape insult if separated from him. On our arrival yesterday, with scarcely a ray of hope, we understood the person we were in search of was appointed to the command of a frigate." " Her name ?" inquired the lieutenant eagerly. " The Brilliant." " Mysterious Heaven !" ejaculated the surgeon, as he instantly ascended the ladder to the deck. " The Brilliant ! (reiterated the young officer ;) 'tis plain 'tis evident the names agree. Do you not know, my love, what ship you are now on board ?" " No." " Oh, Elinor, this this is the Brilliant frigate." " This the Brilliant! (faintly articulated the brother of Elinor, struggling to rise j) but my head is strangely disordered ; yet, if you have mercy, ask him ask the captain if ever he remembers my dear mother's name. Beg him to say if Maria Wentworth ever held a sacred spot in his breast." " She did ! she did ! (exclaimed a voice, descending down the hatch- way.) My children ! my children !" and the captain immediately folded them in his arms. What need of saying more? We bore up for Dartmouth with our prize. The lieutenant, whose wound was but slight, was made happy, and all hands had a double allowance of grog.' QUIDAM ASSOCIATION. ' Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And wasle its sweetness in the desert air.' WE have now all sorts of clubs and societies, conjposed of all sorts of odd fellows, who meet upon all sorts of occasions, and transact all sorts of business : but ' Jack un a son gout,' and accordingly I shall, without farther preface, introduce to your notice an assemblage of old blue-bottles belonging to Green wich College, under the title of the ' Quidam Association,' who meet at the ' Jolly Sailor' for the purpose of recounting past adventures, and fighting their battles o'er again. It would do your heart good to hear them, and afford a fine subject for the pencil of Wilkie, could he but take a sly glance when the enthusiastic crisis is on, in the description of an engagement. I join them sometimes, and I remember once Jack Rattlin had gone through the battle of the Nile, till the moment they were called from their quarters to board their opponent ; he did it so naturally and bellowed so loudly, applying his hand to his mouth by way of speaking-trumpet, ' Boarders on the starboard bow !' that the whole company rose spontaneously, and, with visages * like the grim ferry- man that poets write of,' seized crutches, sticks, wooden legs, &c. &c. and presented so formidable an appearance, that I began to get alarmed, but was soon relieved from apprehension by three hearty cheers, the enemy had struck ! This was a signal for the landlord to replenish, but avast, you shall have all their pictures, from the president (for they've got a president as well as the United States) down to the last old Pigtail admitted. And first for the president. Jem Breeching was gunner's mate of the Ajax when she caught fire and blew up in the Dardanelles. The powder had got hold of his face, and never was there a better barometer in the world. You have only to look upon Jem's frontispiece to know which way the wind blows, and what sort of 88 QU1DAM ASSOCIATION. weather is expected : in easterly breezes 'tis as blue as a dying dolphin ; to the southward, a cerulean hue ; westerly, a greyish pink ; but at north ay, at north tis a beautiful mixture of every tint in the rainbow. A pair of small squinting ferret eyes, and a nose like the gnomon of a dial; but there's a sort of Listonish look with him, a Jenny -say-Quaiuish curl of the lip, that tells you at once he's fond of fun. Jem has one standing jest his wooden pin. Next on the list is old Sam Quketoes : he was purser's steward of the Bedford when the enterprising Captain Franklin was a lieutenant in the same ship, and talks much about the plays they performed on board. Indeed he says the whole ship's company were very fond of drammers. Sam piques himself on his lam- ing, and has Shakspeare ' conn'd by rote, to cast it into our teeth ; and in his brain, which is as dry as the remainder buscuit after a voyage, he hath strange places cramm'd with observations, the which he vents in mangled form, with overwhelming brow gulling of simples.' Sam has a huge red proboscis dan- gling from a face of scarlet, that appears like a joint of meat roasting before a good coal fire, or like the sign of the ' Red Lion' over the door of a brandy-cellar ; but his eye (that's his left eye', for the other's gone) is a speaking one ; and if any body is disposed to quiz his forefront, it immediately flashes, ' Tua refert teipsum NOSSK.' Who have we next? Oh, Hameish Morgan from the High- lands, but known now as James Hogarth. He was brought up in the town of Ayr, and received all the little education he ever had from Burns the poet, of whom he speaks in raptures, and often repeats his verses, particularly his ' Address to the Deil,' with great precision and fluency. Hameish was bound apprentice to a tailor; but, finding they'd mair use for claymores than breeks in the Highlands, he listed into the 42d regiment, and was with them in Egypt when they engaged and defeated Boney's Invincibles. He has all the fire and spirit of the Gael, and, when relating the account of their pinning the French up against the walls of Aboukir Castle with their bayonets, he erects himself as stiff as buckram, and screws up his mouth like a button-hole. ' Eh (says he), we measured our ground and cut out our wark weel that day, though there was mony a gude yard of braid claith spoiled by the ugly bayonets.' Poor Hameish had a seam ript in his head by a French trooper, and a musket-ball took up a seating in his hip ; so he was invalided, for marching was out of the question, as he bobb'd up and down like a barrow with a broken wheel. But still he QU1DAM ASSOCIATION. 89 would serve his king; so he entered into the navy, and was in the Victory at the battle off Trafalgar, when Nelson fought and Britain triumphed. Here he got another wound ; relentless Fate displayed her shears, and nearly snipp'd the thread of life; but he stuck to his stuff, and was in the Agamemnon when she was wreck'd in the River Plate. From thence he was sent into the Mutine sloop, and was at Buenos Ayres at the first declaration of their inde- pendence. This vessel brought home the Spanish deputy to the court of Great Britain. Teddy O'Shaugnessy has been in almost every ship in the navy, either as master at arms or as his lock-'em ten-ends, i. e. ship's corporal. Teddy is a perfect original, and when at sea acquired the name of Mittimus Oramus, the Irish attorney-at-law ; and T much question whether the late Counsellor Curran could handle a cause, sport a rapparty, (as Teddy calls it,) or, as a punster, make a pun stir with more hech-la. His spectacles, which he declares will make any man see no-lens vo-lens, are mounted on a huge Domine dirige nose that meets an aspiring chin, defying every joke that can be levell'd against them, and seeming to say, ' Ay, ay, Quiz seper-a-bit.' He wears his hair close cropp'd ; and nature has rendered it so coarse, that it shows like a plantation of young broomsticks; and thereby hangs a tail, or rather stretches away from his neck in an horizontal direction, like a tangent-screw, which fastens his head to his shoulders, always retaining the same situation, for Teddy's tail never varies. Now comes my old and worthy friend Ben Marlin. You have already heard of him through the wonderful account which was real- lie, true-lie, and faithful-lie, (Ben's own accent,) related some time since. He prides himself upon being a bit of a cog-no-squinteye, a sort of critic that sees two ways at once ; and has a small collection of queeriosities, which he calls his muse-he-hum ; for instance, his bacca-stopper is made of one of Noah's cheek teeth, given him by an old Arab, who had it from the Wandering Jew. His pricker, which has been made to go into the hollow of the tooth, is the identical needle (descended to him in the thread of lineal gin-and-ale-orgie, as heir-loom of the Twist family) with which the first Mr. Twist raised himself to opulence, by sewing up a rent in the seat of Julius Csesar's small-clothes. This needle has occasioned much controversy among the members, Sam Quke- toes affirming that the Romans were sans cullottes, or only had 'em of cast iron or brass ; but Ben insists upon the matter, and furthermore adds, ' The N 90 QUIDAM ASSOCIATION. job was so cleverly done, that Mrs. Julius Caesar preserved them as a specimen of British neatness and ingenuity.' Teddy sides with Sam, and says Julius was a Highlander, and wore petticoats; and Dick Wills, who knows a little of history, asserts that the ancient Britons were clad in winding-sheets stuck together with skewers; while Ben declares, from undoubted authority, that the Agricultural Society the Antiquarian I mean, but 'tis all one are hourly expecting the identical pair of breeches to be dug from the ruins of Hercu- laneum. 'Jem Breeching gives them a knowing look, and, after a few hems ' Gemmen, it's my opinion -I say, gemmen, it's my opinion that if Mrs. Julius Cresar took such a fancy to the small-clothes, it is more than probable that they actually belonged to her in their primitive state, and that her hus- band had slipp'd them on by mistake, being unable to find his petticoats. I say, gemmen, he might have slipp'd them on by mistake, or in a hurry, through the uncourteous reception our forefathers gave him, and that she was compelled to adopt the coats, and so it has continued ever since. And this is no fundamental error, for I'm borne out in my argument that the inexpres- sibles were originally the rfatural privilege of the ladies, by the struggles which many gentlewomen make for them even in the present day ; nay, are they not worn by the softer sex (here Jem rolls his gogle eye) in many parts of the world to this hour?' But for Ben's picture: he is a short, thick, punchy man, one leg exceeding bandy, the other perfectly straight but that's his wooden one; a face like a dripping-pan, proving him to be of greasian ex- traction; a short, club, bas-relief nose, scarce a quarter of the face, and, you know, to be in due proportion it should be exactly one-third; and this may be easily ascertained by the thumb, for the thumb is equal to one-third of the face, and the nose equal to one-third of the face ; ergo, the thumb is equal to the nose. Q. D. If any body doubt this, let them measure their noses; indeed I'm not j -'-ing. As a portrait-painter I must give the true standard, though by the rule of thumb. Some people's noses, to be sure, are longer than others', and that accounts for their being so easily led by them. Ben has a precious great head, increased in size by an enormous wig, from under which, spite of all his efforts to the contrary, the upper flaps of his ears thrust themselves out, and play at bo-jxtp with each other. He was shipmate in the Dryad, under Lord A - B with a learned physician who now keeps his carriage, QUIDAM ASSOCIATION. 9] &c. in London, but was then captain of the sweepers. ' This M. D. however (says Ben,) was always a scheming genius, and once bought a little-thousand clock-wheels, and set 'em all in motion to find out the longitude : he is a clever fellow, and eminent in his profession, well worthy of his deplumper.' Ben lost his leg in the gallant action of the Eurotas frigate, Captain Phillimore, when she took the Clorinde off the Black Rocks. And now I must lay down my brush for the present, as they have just piped to grog; so I hasten to wet my whistle and clear my pallet; but you may rely on an early description of the remaining members, their rules and regulations, their debates and harangues, &c. &c. ; with many a tough yarn of most disastrous chances ; of moving accidents by flood and field; of hair-breadth 'scapes; of Andes vast and deserts wild, and mountain waves whose heads touch heaven; of flying fish and swimming cows; and genuine anecdotes of many a brave commander. We have our critics too : witness Ben's remarks on my reading the extracts from ' Memorable Days in America.' ' Why ay, (says he,) this is, without dis-guys, a matchless production, and will strike a light upon the subject. Well, things shouldn't be viewed With a dark lantern ; I dare say it will make a pretty blow-up among the Yankees, for they all stick up for A-merry- key, that dear, delightful, star-banner'd country. 'Trs a pity they're not all constellations. But about them there dead and dying fish I should like to know whether they were red herrings or pickled pilchards if not, it looks very much like a whale. I've been a great while in the New World, and knows a little about it. I dare say he pass'd through the Straits of BafHeman, where you can't square your yards for monkeys, and tells about the land crabs as big as donkeys. I've seen the black boys catch, mount, and ride races on 'em many a time it beats Newmarket hollow ! I'll tell you ' Grog a-hoy!' Ay, ay, I'm coming, like seven bells half struck like a cuckoo-clock maker Good-by like a bunch of sheep's trotters tied in granny's knots like like like AN OLD SAILOR. JOE THOMSON. ' Let not Ambition mock their useful toil, Their honest joys and destiny obscure; Nor Grandeur hear, with a disdainful smile, The short and simple annals of the poor.' WHY ay, day after day we hear and read of great men's actions and their fame ; but who is there beside a sheave of the old block would endeavour to snatch from oblivion the memorial of the humble tar? No, no, the world's too busy bespattering their foes, or bepraising their friends, to heed the ' aun- cient mariner.' But to me oh there is a rich treat in it far beyond what the antiquarian feels when he takes the rusty farthing out of the vinegar, expect- ing at least to find a ca:SAR. However, I hate detraction Jack un a son gout' is my old motto. For myself, I love to steal in unperceived among a group of old pensioners, and listen to their tails of the olden time. There is a secret pleasure in notoriety when honourably acquired. Ask whether he never felt a gratification at hearing the whisper as he pass'd along, ' That's C the poet: that's the author of .' Well, so it is with me; I square my wig by the lifts and braces, get my spectacles a cock-bill, mount my sky- fc-raper hat with a dog- vane, and sally forth into the college. A graceful bow, like the heave-and-set of a Dutch dogger in a head sea, always attends my entry at the gates; and I pass on among the loud remarks of ' That's he! that's the litter-hater gem man him as sends our yarns for the Head-it-er to spin.' Once or twice, 'tis true, I have been annoyed by some pickled dog willing to preserve his wicked jest, who has sent a stale quid whistling by my left ear, to show his knowledge of Latin in declining quis-quis. But who is there, unmoved, can look at the grey-haired veteran timber to the heel his mathematical moon-raker topp'd to port, and his left arm upon either shoulder JOE THOMSON. 93 swinging 1 about like the spanker-boom in a calm, a good-humoured smile, and ' What cheer! what cheer!' for every one he meets? Death and he have been playmates ever since he was a little powder-monkey in the Thunder; and though that gentleman has often grinn'd at him, and smugg'd (as the boys say) a bit of him now and then, he still lives in spite of his teeth, a French abridgment of an English work. Oh if I could persuade you once to pass an hour at the ' Jolly Sailor,' it would leave an impression upon your mind never, never, to be erased. There all is honesty and truth ; though, to do them justice, they can stretch the fox a bit, such as seeing the purser running round the grater of Mount Vesuvius for making dead men chew tobacco, and placing the stoppages of grog to his own account ; or a long story of the mermaids (as they pass'd the ships of a morning watch) with their pails, going to milk the sea-cows. ' Ay, ay, (says old Sam,) I remembers a merman in the Mediter- ranean ; he was about the civilest fellow of the kind I ever met with, for after dancing a hornpipe he comes alongside, and, pulling off his hat to the captain, asked to light his pipe by the binnacle lamp, for his wife had got drunk and let the fire go out, and they had chips only once a day.' But then to hear them talk of wounds and battles, while the names of the gallant heroes of the wave are as ' familiar in their mouths as household words:' names that once warmed the Briton's heart with glowing ardour Howe, Duncan, Nelson, Collingwood, Malcolm, and a hundred others, are 'in their flowing cups freshly remembered,' and each, pointing to his scars, will tell of the feats done in his day. A few evenings since I took my usual seat in the room, (a snug corner being appropriated to the absent man,) and, resting my head upon my hand, appeared involved in thought. ' Ah ! them were the times, messmate, (said Dick Wills,) when they used to get their bread and cheese raw; bad luck to old- for ever inventing water to grog! Howsomever, we are never satisfied, and shouldn't be content if they made us lords of the admiralty. I recollects as if it was but yesterday, when Nelson led us at Trafalgar, eh, Hameish ? that was a glorious day for England ! You remember Mr. Rivers, a smart active midshipman, that lost his leg? I understands he's a captain now;* a worthier fellow never wore a head; nay, there wasn't a man aboard * The Old Sailor is mistaken, lie is still a lieutenant PRINTER'S DEVIL. 94 JOE THOMSON. (though his precious limb was dock'd) that could beat him in going aloft ; and I've seen him lead down a dance with his wooden pin flourishing away as well as the nimblest there. Almost the first as was killed fell close to Nelson ; I shall never forget the look he gave ! and when he received his own wound, 'twas as if the shot had pierced every heart in the ship. But he's gone, mess- mate, he's gone ! Well, here's suetess to him wherever he is ; we shall never look upon his like again. And my brave commander, Collingwood, he too has slipt his moorings, and got a money ment in St. Paul's, though I carn't make any thing of it. Mayhap it may be all right, for I don't understand harkey-tecture and Greek ; but yet I should have liked to have seen some-ut like himself.' ' Why, (says Jem Breeching,) it's the fashion, and they wear 'em so now. Poor Joe Thomson ! he lost his life that Trafalgar business. We were messmates together in the Amelia frigate. He used to tell a comical story about his old mother. She was a press-biter or a methodiss, I don't know which howsomever, before he got press'd, he sailed in a merchant-man, and the dame had waited a long time in anxious expectation of hearing from him. At last the letter arrived at the village, and all hands ran to know the news, but the old lady chose to peruse it first ; and because she could' nt read herself, the clerk of the parish was sent for, and then she found that her son " had been driven into the Bay of Fundi by a pampoosa right in their teeth. It blow'd great guns," wrote Joe, "and we carried away the bolt-sprit; a heavy sea wash'd overboard the binnacle and the companion ; the captain lost his quadrant, and couldn't get an observation for fifteen days: at last we arrived safe at Halifax." " Read it again, neighbour." Again the letter was read. " Once more, neighbour." This too was complied with ; when the old girl, thinking she'd got it all by heart, sallied forth, big with importance. " Well, dame, what news?" cried a dozen voices. " Oh! my poor son" " I hopes no mischief, dame" Thank God ! he's safe ! But he has been driven into the Bay of Firmament by a bamboozle right in the teeth. It blow'd great guns " La ! bless us ; what a wonder they wasn't all beat to atomys well, I wouldn't be a sailor" " Ah ! but that warn't the worst they carried away the pulpit a heavy sea washed overboard the pinnacle of the tabernacle the captain lost his conjuration, and couldn't get any salvation for fifteen days at last they arrived safe at Hallelujah.'' Poor Joe was desperately fond JOE THOMSON. 9.5 of soaking his biscuit, and always got groggy whenever he could. Once, I remember, we were refitting in Portsmouth harbour, and lay over on the Gosport side, just above the old Gladiator, and a quarter watch had liberty every day. It was Sunday afternoon, and the first lieutenant, with the other officers, were walking the quarter-deck. Joe bowled aft, and, dowsing his hat, ask'd leave to go on shore. " No, Thomson," said the lieutenant, " it is not in my power." " Only for half an hour, sir." " I cannot grant it." " I have been five years, sir, without ever touching land, sir, and if you don't let me go I shall die." " You know, Thomson, if you go on shore you'll get drunk, kick up a row, and 1 shall be condemned besides, the captain's orders are posi- tively against it." Away went Joe forward to look over the gang-way. Back again he came : " For ten minutes, sir; indeed I won't get moon-eyed." " Not for one minute." " Only let me put my toes ashore." " Well, Thomson, (says the lieutenant,) if you like to go and tramp in the mud there (pointing towards Haslar Hospital) for the next two hours, you're welcome ; but not a step further." " Thank ye, sir ;" and down below he went. We all pitied him, 'cause he was a hearty fellow, and we knew the officer was only in joke. Up came Joe again, full dress'd. " I'm ready, sir." " Ready ! ready for what?" " To take a walk, sir." " Why, Thomson, you could hardly think me serious." "1 hope you won't go from your word, sir." A burst of laughter and surprise came from all hands; but Joe persevered, and was actually landed on the mud in his white dress, where he continued to travel to and fro, in the presence of some hundreds of spectators, till his two hours were expired, when he hailed to be taken aboard, and was as perfectly satisfied as he would have been with a week's liberty. He was a dry subject, though always wetting.' 'The Gladiator! (said Jack Rattlin ;) why that was the time Sir I C had his flag flying aboard of her him as used to make us march like sodgers, two and two, in the dock-yard ; and one day our midship- man had only three hands ashore, and we were going up to the rigging loft, when the flag lieutenant ordered him to make us fall in agreeable to the regu- lations. Well, there he was for about an hour facing us to all points of the compass. At last the admiral cotch'd sight of us: " Halloo! halloo, officer! what are you doing here ?" " I'm endeavouring to make the men fall in two 96 JOE THOMSON. and two, sir; but, as there are only three of them, I can't do it for the life o' me, though I have been squaring them all manner of ways." I think I can see him now his scraper athwart ships, white small-clothes, and military boots (a famous hand at his legs) ; then his eye as keen as a northerly gale. There wasn't a middie on the station but will remember him all the days of his life ; and as for the warrant officers, to hear him call out, " Halloo ! Master Carpenter there, with the scupper-leather boots !" But he was a smart officer, and knew his duty, and while he lives may he never forget it.' NAVAL PORTRAITS. ' Look here upon this picture, and on this.' SHAKSPEARE. Ho ! the Gazette a-hoy ! Heave-to, and take a weather-beaten old tar aboard. Zounds! would you make sail and leave me aground ? Almost lost my passage ; ay, and so would you, if you'd one foot in the grave, and was compell'd to hobble along sideways like a crab, as I do. Well, well; there, now I'm fairly shipp'd, let's look about and take a survey of my fellow- passengers all worthy souls, no doubt. How are you, gemmen ? how are you? Hearty. That's right; long may you float on the tide of public favour, and scud before the breeze of prosperity : and as for our foes, may they be condemned to hunt butterflies, clad in a pair of half-worn cobweb small-clothes fastened together with bachelors' buttons, mounted on the back of an Irish hunter as rough as a hedge-hog, with a hip-bone you may hang your hat on. Ay, ay, I'm no polished moon-seer or star-gazer, but a plain blunt sailor. I'm proud of your company though, gemmen, indeed I am, and hope you won't despise me 'cause I shake a cloth in the wind : they are only a few Tailor's memorandums ' poor, poor dumb mouths.' Fine feathers make fine birds, they say ; but a wig no more makes a lawyer, than a lawyer could make a wig, unless it be an ear-wig ; and remember that an honest tar is not to be despised he may carry all his wealth upon his back ; and as for his cash, it may be like a wild colt on a common, obliged to be driven up into a corner of his pocket to be caught ; but ' a man's a man, for a' that.' And arn't I commenced minotaur-painter a kind of di-orammer a sort of my- crow-cause-mugh-roughy ? (there's a word for you.) But this is a tumble- do wn-and-get-up-again world, and the wheel is in constant motion. A man must either have a handle before his name, or tail like a comet after it, to get into notice and expose himself D. D. M. D. or LL. D. which Teddy o 98 NAVAL PORTRAITS. O'Shaugnessy Latinizes ' Leg-em Lather-em Doctor.' But avast ! let's get on ship-shape ' All hands a-hoy !' tumble up there, you ' Quidams,' and show yourselves don't lie skulking in your births when I want to display your poor-traits. None of your grinning, Jack Rattlin ; you look like the head of a Dutchman's walking-stick with a face as long as you can remember, and a mouth, not from ear to ear, but from there to yonder. The flowers of the navy, eh ? Ah, so Lord Melville called you ; sweet nosegays, to be sure, if we may guess by the grog blossoms on your nose ! They would have made you a gunner, Jack, but they were afraid of trusting that Volcano near the magazine. This, gemmen, is the identical son of that Jack Rattlin that Smollett speaks of in his ' Roderic Random,' and he's his father's child every inch of him. There, don't hold your fin up 1 know all about it; and once get you upon Duncan's action, there'll be no clapping a stopper on your tongue. I know what you are going to say now. ' Close alongside ! Close alongside !' was echoed from the lower and main deck as you ranged up to the Dutch Hercule ; and the captain answered, ' Ay, ay, my men, I'll lay you close enough, never fear : don't fire till you hear the quarter-deck.' And so when you got at a tolerable shake-hands' distance, you rattled your pepper- boxes at them, and made 'em sneeze a bit. Ay, ay, I understand all about it. In the language of one of our beautiful Latin poets, Horace, Homer, Caesar, or Jupiter, I forget which Pill-'em, Mill-'em, Board-'em, Sword-'em, Pike- 'em, Strike-'em, and that's a battle. Ha, Donald, my boy ! how's aw wi' you, mon ? ' Brawly, brawly, thonks to ye for speering ; how's aw \vi' yoursel' ?' There's a fine picture, gemmen: look at Donald's wig; it re- sembles that one cut in stone in the British Museum, and fits as well not one hair is out of place; indeed his head seems to have been made for it. Look at his countenance ! If some of our great masters want a study from nature, here's the face. But it's of no use talking I must get some of you into the Exhibition, and then take you to look at your pictures. Hold up your head, Donald, as you've been used to do every rope-yarn Sunday, when you muster'd by divisions, with a clean shirt and a shave. There, gemmen, upwards of eighty, with the bloom of a child, teeth like a young colt, and as active too. This was the man that won the running-match seven left against seven right wooden pins, in a narrow lane ; the left wooden legs on the right hand, and NAVAL PORTRAITS. 99 the right wooden legs on the left hand. My eyes, what a clattering as they rattled along and struck against one another ! Half a dozen Merry Andrews beating ' Paddy O'Rafferty' on the lids of as many salt-boxes was nothing to it ! Donald lost his leg at Trafalgar with the brave Lord Collingwood : indeed he has sailed with him ever since he was a midshipman. Where's Barney ? ' Here I am, sure.' And so you are. This, gemmen, is Barney Bryan, the one-eyed carpenter's mate of the Foudroyant. He is a native of Tipperary, though he tries to pass for a countryman of Sir Isaac Coffin's. He lost his eye by the accidental flash of a priming at the battle of the Nile; and has a particular aversion to a Welshman. Old Davy Jenkins, the purser's steward, and he, were perpetually wrangling about ancestry, and they frequently threatened to box it out. One day, 1 remember, (for Barney is an old ship- mate of mine,) poor Tom Miller and myself set out upon a sporting excursion on Sir Sidney's estate at Rio Janeiro. We had struggled through the woods, torn our clothes and flesh with the brambles, and were almost suffocated with the heat, without shooting so much as a rat; when my messmate, who was some paces in advance, singing ' A light heart and a thin pair of breeches Will get through the world, ray brave boys,' suddenly stopp'd, and laid his finger on his lip. We enter'd an area that had been clear'd of the trees by the admiral's men, for the carpenters to work and sawyers to cut the timber. ' Look, (sakl Tom in a whisper,) look there !' Close to the edge of the saw-pit sat old Barney fast asleep, snoring most sonorously, and, as if to beat time, his head kept respectfully bowing to the measure. A huge he-goat at a short distance, whether attracted by Barney's nasal organ, ( ' for music hath charms,' &c. &c.) or expecting the repeated nods were a challenge of skill, is uncertain ; but, at every bend of the one- eyed carpenter's head, up sprung the goat on his hind legs, and shook his tremendous horns in a menacing manner. I wish I could spell a snort, for snoring began to get out of the question now. ' A plot ! a plot!' whisper' d Tom, almost convulsed with laughter. ' I'll bet five pounds on the old-clothes' man. I say it is a good plot a brave plot, in all its ramy-fications.' ' Xxhhrnt,' said old Barney. Up went the goat again; but whether the apostrophe was longer than usual, or the nod more terrific to this hero 100 NAVAL PORTRAITS. 4 bearded like the pard,' away sprung Billy, and with one butt capsized the old man backwards into the saw-pit. ' Haugh ! haugh ! haugh!' roar'd Tom. 'Murder! Murder!' bellow'd old Barney. 'Haugh! haugh! haugh!' went Tom again. I ran to see if he was hurt; but there he lay half buried in dust and shavings, with his blind side uppermost. ' Halloo, Barney ! what's the matter?' said Tom. ' Oh, Mr. Miller! (replied the old man,) I didn't think you would have used me in this manner.' ' I ! (said Tom ;) No, no, I could never have done it so clean if I'd served a seven years' apprenticeship at it. But rouse up, old Barney, at him again; it was Davy Jenkins; here he stands, and says he arn't done with you yet.' ' The rascal! the backbiting, assassinating dog ! But stop a minute, I'll make him skip like one of his moun- tain goats, the villain ! I'll teach him to take advantage of me. Stop a minute, (rising, and climbing up,) I'll soon show him .' But scarcely did his head appear above the level of the ground, when the animal made another run, and happy it was for the old veteran he dipp'd out of the way. ' What! bob at a shot!' cried Tom. ' Ay ay, (said Barney, crawling out on the opposite side,) I might have guess'd as much where you're concerned, Mr. Miller.' In the evening, when the workmen came aboard, ' Lay hold of my axe there below,' cried the carpenter's mate down the hatchway. ' Baah,' was the reply. ' Ah. your baaing a fool's bolt is soon shot.' ' Baa-aa-ah,' flew along the main deck ; and from that hour poor old Barney has been almost baa'd out of lii senses. Who have we next? Oh, Dick Wills. Here, gemmen, 's a pretty perpendicular figure, six feet four; his head resembles a purser's lantern stuck on a spare topmast. There's a visage! a second edition of Voltaire! The barber's afraid to shave him, lest he should cut his fingers through both his cheeks. He walks on his toes, and appears as if he was always looking on a shelf. He was cockswain to Lord Hugh Seymour when he commanded the Sans Pareil. Dick has read, or rather swallowed, several authors, without digesting them, and now they lie heavy on his memory. He is a bit of a poet too ; but history is his forte. A pun is beneath his notice, and Teddy often gets a severe dressing for torturing words; however, 'tis taken all in good part, with an acknowledgment that a pun is the very punchinello of the vocabulary, and, if wanting pungency, merits punition ; and when a punitor becomes puni- tive, he should not punish with a puny punctilio. Now comes my respected NAVAL PORTRAITS. 101 and respectable friend, Sam Hatchway. Age has not dimm'd the lustre of that eye ; and, though the winter of life has spread its snow upon thy head, yet is thy heart as warm as ever. Thus have I seen the frost of ages gathered on the lofty mountain, while in the valley the luxuriant vine has spread its beauteous foliage, bow'd with the purple cluster, rich in dispensing joy around. Sam sailed the first two voyages round the world with the immortal Cook ; and he never to this hour mentions his name without a tear, although he sneezes, coughs, blames the weather, and a hundred contrivances to conceal the real cause. Nearly ninety summers have swept down the tide of time, and he is looking forward to a peaceful mooring in the blessed haven of eternal rest. How calm, how dignified that look, by care unruffled ! Yes, it is the sweet smile of hope, that looks beyond this cold dull sphere that bounds us. There may we meet again, where hope is unknown, where all is certainty, for all is heaven. Next comes Johnny Dumont, a native of Canada. He was with Wolfe at Quebec, and saw that gallant hero fall ; was present at both Copenhagen affairs, the taking of the Isle of Anholt, and the storming of San Sebastian, at which latter place he lost his right arm in attempting to stop a six-pound shot fired from the citadel. He is a quiet inoffensive man, and consequently has nothing very striking about him. But I must once more crave your indulgence for the rest, as Sam Quketoes has just hobbled up to inform me that my presence is requested at the ' Jolly Sailor,' to decide a dis- pute between Ben Marlin and Jem Breeching, whether the first invention of our ingenious ancestors was a pig's yoke or a mouse-trap, a subject well worthy of attention in this age of mechanical speculation. Sam, who has lately been studying craniology, has an idea that the brain actually takes the particular form of any object on which the fancy or ingenuity broods. Thus one man's coils away like a patent chain-cable, and another's resembles a steam-engine with a fly-wheel ; a third takes the shape of a corkscrew ; a fourth of a tread-mill in constant motion; a fifth of a roasting-jack; while an author's is constantly changing from a crust of bread to a round of beef from a sovereign to the King's Bench from his last work to a critical review. Good-by, gemmen, good-by you shall see me again before long. Keep a look-out, for perhaps I may come disguised as a gentleman ; till then (Don't bother me, Sam, I'm a-coming) till then, Meum and Tuum. THE JEW. Tic nac, nic nac, quick quack, ric rac, jim crack, tweedl'em dee And sing ting-a-ring-a-ting, to clink the chink's the music still for me. ' HA, ha, ha !' chuckled Sam Halliards ; ' Haugh, haugh, haugh !' roared Tom Pipes, on seeing an ancient Israelite with his shop, i, e. his petit U-joux box, on his back, advancing from the college towards the Prize Pay Office. They remember'd old times, when these rats practised their arts, and nibbled up the hard-earned substance of all jolly tars, under the moderate advantage of shent per shent. ' C'est un bon jeu,' said old Sam, who had pick'd up a little bad French while a prisoner at Verdun ' C'est un bon jeu ; and by the piper of war 'tis old Solomon Schernbac, that used to live near the " Blue Posts" on Portsmouth Point! Solomon, my old buck, how are you?' ' Vera veil, tank you, ma deer.' ' That's right, my hart ; and how does the world wag, Solomon?' ' Like de littel boys in de merry-go-round at de fair dem as vat got de penny ride in de coash j dem as got no more as von ha-penny ride on de horse ; and dem, to whom a far-thing is moneish, tramp troo de mud, and run round mid de rest. Oh, de varld is just like de merry-go-round !' ' Why, that puts me in mind (says Tom) of the volunteer black- guards of Yankee town, when the ivory sergeant tells 'em to fall in : " Hear-a, all you hab one shoe, one locking, tan in de front; all you hab no shoe, no tocking, tan in de centre; all you hab yam foot jiggery-toe, tan in de rear." But how is it you're crawling about here, Solomon, like a snail, with your shop on your shoulders? You ought to have made your fortune, and retired to your country-house. I've known you un juif mechant ever since I first went to sea a boy.' ' Yes, I have been de Jew merchant ven I was no more high dan dis shtick. I came from Hollands ven I vas littel baby ; but country house ! No, no, I am very poor man.' ' Come from Hollands, eh ? Well, I always THE JEW. ]03 thought you a spirited fellow above proof; but take care you arn't caught in a gin at last.' ' Ay, ay, (says Tom,) he'll have a country-house before long, for the county gaol is fitting up for him.' ' Get along mid your vaggery, I never sheated a shoul in my life.' ' That's very likely (says Sam) ; but there's many a poor body has play'd a losing game through your dealings, else you wouldn't be making head-way to yon office.' Vat you inshult me ? Go as your vays ; but shtop, vill you buy a good vatch ?' ' Watch, Solomon ? No, no, I've had watches enough in my time, without buying one now. You don't recollect me, I see. What, have you forgotten the old Triumph, and the para-shoot descent you had from the foregratings to the cockpit ? shop, watches, colifitchets, and ' Ha ! vat, vas you one of de roguesh dat tfhteal ma properties!! mid your gally-Jish.hooks ? Forget it ? never. I losht more as von hunder pounds.' ' Avast there, Solomon, avast ! Didn't the ship's company make it up to you? they had their frolic and you your money.' ' Upon ma conshience dat shlipt ma memory ; but 'tvas almosht cosht ma life.' ' What was it? (said Tom Pipes.) Come, Sam, let's have it, and then our honest friend here shall treat us with a glass apiece for old acquaintance sake.' 'Vat, me! Blesh ma heart! blesh ma heart! Vy, I've got no more as von two-pence in de varld ;' but, observing a handsome silver medal suspended from Tom's neck, he hastily added, ' Vat vill you take for dat, ma dear?' ' Ha ! ha ! (says Tom), two-pence won't buy it, old Shylock ; 'twas gained with my blood, and I've too much flesh about my heart to part with it.' ' Vera veil ; I musht go, den.' ' No, no, let's have Sam's story, and you shall stand by and correct him if his memory should fail ; for, to give the devil his jew, 1 do not think you would willingly tell the truth.' ' Not for the varld, not for the varld ; but 'tish getting late, and the offish \\ ill be closhed.' ' Just as I suspected, eh? the old song to a new tune ' Oh that the bullets may scuttle his nob, For I 've got his will and power !' But come, come; Faire un bon mine a mauvaisjeu.' ' That's ajeude mot,' says Sam. ' Mo! vat you mean? Mo! my name is Solomonsh.' ' What your Christian name?' ' Bah! give me ma box, and let me go as my ways.' ' So you shall presently ; but I must hear the story first.' ' Blesh ma heart, give me ma box, I say I vill call for help.' ' Do, my old Mo-a-bite, 104 THE JEW. and bring down a whole host of Philistines upon you.' 'Vat are you going arter?' ' Toussez vous, and let's have the story.' ' Ah! you vill teazh me to death.' ' Why, d'ye see, (says Sam,) we were laying moored at Spithead : Captain L commanded us then; and Will Scott, Jack Armstrong, and old Harry Bartlett, bought each of them a watch of Solomon here. But soon after there was a stoppage in their insides; the balance-wheel had no motion, and then they discovered that best part of the bowels were wanting. The complaint at last became general, so they determined to play the rogue a trick.' ' Vera veil ! 'tish all vera pretty !' ' Why you know 'tis true, Solomon. Well, pay-day came, and he was permitted to be aboard with all his traps ; and so he spread them all out on the fore-grating, making a grand display. There was his sealing-wax of brick-dust, copper-gilt gold rings, pencils without lead, watches without guts, lockets to pick your pockets, and a hundred other imposing articles.' ' Go on, go on, 'tis all vera pretty !' Why you carn't deny it. Well, d'ye see, one of the sufferers, unobserved, made a rope's end fast to the grating; they gave it a bowse upon deck, and away went old Solomon.' 'Oh dear! oh dear! de very remembransh makesh me shweat again! Dere, let me go, let me go.' ' No, no, we arn't done with you yet ; you must freshen the nip. Come, it's of no manner of use to refuse ; the name of Solomon Shunhock, of Portsmouth Point, would operate like a charm in our hive, and, should we whisper it, you'd have a swarm of blue-bottles foul of your box again.' 'Oh dear ! oh dear ! Veil, veil, come along mid you.' So away they set off for the ' Jolly Sailor.' On ascending the stairs to the long room, old Donald Mac Bean was heard singing, with Stentorian lungs, 'And mair if you'd be knowin, I've sail'd with Commodore Owen, And with Sir Pultney Malcolm I have nobly faced the foe; But now in Greenwich moored, With grog and bacca stored, I swivel like a peg-top round upon my timber toe, I swivel like a peg-top round upon my timber toooooh' shaking the last note with all the grace of a Bray-em, and swinging round like the dervises before the wonderful lamp of Aladdin. Oscar Byrne couldn't hold a candle to him. Donald was singular in his understanding, and always made it a standing rule to sing this song in character. He was still in rotary motion THE JEW. 105 when they enter'd. ' More like a humming-top than a peg-top," cried Jem Breech, ing-, while Sam Quketoes, catching sight of old Solomons, started up, exclaiming Angels and ministers of grace, defend us! What, my gentle master! Oh, my sweet master! Oh, you memory of old Sir Rowland, what makes you here?' ' Mai re like unto an Oliver than a Rowland (said Hameish Mogan) ; or you may ca' him hornie, sootie, clootie, seeing I ken fu' well 'tis auld Solomon Shinback, frae the Point at Portsmouth. How's aw wi' you ? Gie's your paw, mon, you're unco welcome. Sit ye doon, sit ye doon, and dinna fash your gab about that bur- then o' sins, that pedlar's hump. You're amangst honest men, Solomon, you're amangst honest men.' ' Arrah be aisey, (roar'd Teddy,) he's a solo-man, and not to be play'd upon by every body; sure isn't he going to do the nate thing now? Och, call for a pint of Jew-nipper, and after that we'll tryo to du-it in a quart-etto.' Every one had something to say, for he is well known to all. The best chair was offered, but he preferr'd making a throne of his box, for cogent reasons. Gemm'en, (said Jem Breeching,) Gemmen, our old friend has consented to treat us with a bowl of punch.' ' Vat, me ! Blesh ma heart ! No, no, I carn't afford it. Vy, you vill ruin me! Blesh ma heart! No, no!' Jem gave three loud raps on the floor with his wooden pin, which sounded like a paviour's rammer, a well-known signal ; and enter landlord. * A bowl of punch for Mr. Shacabac; and d'ye hear, shipmate, let it be good, for friends don't meet every day.' The punch was brought. 'Fill your glasses, gemmen (said the President, rising on his foot) : Here's the King our Royal Master God bless him!' drank with spirit and animation; when old Ben Marlin got upon his leg ' Gemmen, we have just drank to the health of our gracious sovereign, and every true and loyal heart glows with fervour at the name ; but let us not forget old friends one whose honest, smiling, happy countenance must be well remember'd by many of us. Ay, I recollect once on board the yacht he cotch'd sight of me with the grog kit. " Here, here, brother; here, here (says he) ; what, what, what's that?" 'Grog, an' it please your majesty,' says I. "Please you most please you most ; but, but, let's taste let's taste ;" and so he takes a swig, first nodding his head in a friendly way, as much as to say, Here's to you. It did my heart good to see him. " Very, very strong, very strong no sugar, though." And then he used to stand and talk with old Mr. Porteous, the master, about Duncan's action, as affable as if he'd been one of the crew. I pull'd the stroke- P 106 THE JEW. oar of the barge that 'ere day he embark'd from the college stairs for a trip down the river, and Sir Edward Trollope steer'd the boat : it must be between twenty and thirty years ago. How kindly he look'd! Every seaman loved him as a father. So now I give you, The lasting Memory of the poor Tars' Friend.' This was drank in solemn silence, and by some bedew'd with a tear ; it awoke old feelings and recollections, till Jack Rattlin, who has a tolerable good voice, struck up, ' Should auld acquaintance be forgot?' in which he was occasionally joined by all hands. At the conclusion of the song, Sam Quketoes got up, his eye in a fine frenzy rolling ' Brave peers of England, pillars of the state, to you Duke Humphrey must unload his grief.' 'Ocli, hold your blarney, (says Barney Bryan,) we'll have no grief while the grog is abroach. Come, Solomon, your toast.' ' Charity to de Christiansh' ' And honesty to Jews,' rejoined Teddy ; drank with the amendment. Song with infinite hu- mour by Sam Halliards, ' I am a gay Jew Pedlar.' ' We only wants Tommy Pakenham's band, (said Dick Wills,) to have as good a roary-tory-o as they have at the Uproar-house. Don't you remember it, Sam, when we were off the Western Islands? Tommy commanded the Le Juste, and one day he dined aboard of us along with Lord Hugh ; and so the music was playing on the poop : " What's that noise, my Lord ? (says Tommy,) we can scarcely hear one another speak." "Oh Captain P. (replied his lordship, lifting up his long- neck,) that is my band, and a very good one too." " Very likely, very likely, my lord, but it almost stuns one, and spoils conversation." A few days after- ward the captain of the squadron dined with Sir Thomas, and all at once there was the most dreadful howling, squeaking, grunting, snorting, as if a legion of foul fiends were bellowing in their ears. Upjunip'd his lordship: "What's the matter what's the matter ? Captain P , what can be the matter ?" "Oh, my lord, 'tis only my band, and a very good one too." He had ordered the but- cher and poulterer to seize all the pigs up in the mizen rigging, and arrange them according tb the gammon, orgammock, I think they calls it; however, there they stuck, black and white; like the keys of an hog-un, and a man play'd upon 'em with a rope's end. There was ham-ony, with your minums and crotchets, your tenors and hog-taves a modern Pig-malion ! But I don't know how it happened, they didn't keep very good time, and put one another out; yet with a good deal of swine-ging they made a shift at last to get through that beautiful com- THE JEW. J07 position by Friar Bacon, " They say little pigs make very good pork ;" but all hands pronounced it a terrible bore.' ' Arrah, take care, Sam Quketoes, (cried Teddy,) every body knows, as knows you, that if your nose gets into the punch it will make it boil, and scald your throat, so it will.' ' Gcntlemens, I musht bid you o-ood day ; it ish almosht tea-time, and my old bonesh want resht.' ' Hoc mihi tecum bone est, (roared Teddy again,) you must not start a peg till we've finish'd the supernacalum ; and I'd give you law for it, but that I know you are well acquainted with Jew-dish-all proceedings.' ' List to the chield list to the chield,' said Hameish. 'List, list, oh list ! (continued Sam Quke- toes, pointing to Teddy.) See, each particular hair now stands on end, like quills upon the fretful pork-you-pin ; and there is a round unvarnish'd tail dis- closed, while his huge barnacles, like glass-eyers on a lofty mountain, look with a chilling ass-peckt on the mole below that guards the entrance to his covered way.' ' I-ma-go nos-tri, (replied Teddy,) but I won't take it in snuff. Your nose should be tried by the thumb-ometer, but that I am afraid to burn my fingers. There's a face, latine red-ditura ; it would do for a fieri facias it puts Jen Breeching's to the blush, and all the rest out of countenance ; you might cook a chop at it at any time. Then for eyes, arn't you monoculous miseret me tu-i ; 'tis all my eye to talk about it. You and old Barney are a pair of specta- cles, for your left eye is on the right side, and his right eye is left. See how they look at each other, like crows peeping into a pitcher ! And if that sparkling eye of yours, Sam, was in Dick Wills's mouth, there'd be a pretty transparency like a Chinese lantern.' ' Order, gemmen, order! (cried the Pre- sident.) You're both mirrors of fun, but don't cast reflections upon one another. Seeing what I have seen, seeing what I now see, you're a couple of the ugliest- mugg'd rogues that ever I seed in my life, excepting the King of P , who beats us all. Howsomever, you may easily settle your difference, as they do a Scotch account current: "As for you, Sam Quketoes, I owe you nothing; you owe me as much," and then sign your name Teddy O'Shaugnessy. And so, Gemmen Quid-hums, I beg leave to make a motion for evacuating the chair.' Agreed to nem. con : and Solomon departed with the hearty thanks of all hands, who retired to their peaceful comfortable cabins. ANNA, A TALE. There's a sweel little cherub sits perched up aloft, To keep watch for the life of poor Jack.' To be sure there is, and its the best and sweetest hope of a tar, that, in every hour of danger and of difficulty, ' the same gracious Providence watches for all.' But there, I arn't a going to give you a long rigmarol for a pro-log. No, no, I'll just tell you the story as Ive heard it fifty times with my own ears on board the ould ' Marmaid,' commanded by Captain Malcolm, for d'ye see Jem Gantline knew all about it, and many a mid-watch he's kept us awake by telling it. ' It was one beautiful morning in July (says Jem), and the sun was just taking his look-out aloft, that Ned Davenport quitted his native village to be- come a lonely wanderer upon the wide world, determined to stifle recollection among the busy scenes of life, or amidst the tumult and wild roar of warfare. Yet, ou passing through the churchyard, he stopped to shed one last tribute on the grave of his parents. He looked on the surrounding lands and spacious farm which once had been their property, and thought of the time when, over- whelmed with accumulated distress, they had descended to their long home in anguish and poverty. He turned from this to catch a distant view of the stately mansion which contained all that was dear and precious to him in existence ; and a sweet girl she was too (Jem would say), for I remembers her, messmates, like a lovely flower blooming on the breast of spring. But, when poor Ned was left destitute, all intercourse was forbidden between them, and the hearts that had throbbed together from infancy were cruelly torn from each other ; ANNA. 100 but I lie messmates, I lie, nothing on earth can separate the hearts that truly love. Howsomever, they parted without a hope of meeting- again on the shores of time. Oh, who can paint the sorrows of his soul as he lay prostrate on the grassy mound, and poured forth the anguish of his spirit? I cannot do it justice, messmates, for my scuppers overflow whenever I think of it. That name, that endearing name, he had first learned to lisp in early infancy, " My mother!" burst from his lips, and then he prayed to Heaven for mercy. Mercy was near a kindly voice, mild as the gentle breeze on the shores of the Mediterranean, in- stilled the balm of consolation on his wounded mind, and directed him to look up to that wise unerring Being who feeds the young ravens when they cry. 'Twas the curate of the village, who had been passing the night by the humble pallet of a dying cottager, administering the last offices of humanity, and encouraging the departing spirit ere it took its flight to the realms of everlasting rest. He was returning to his little home when he heard the petition for mercy, and, as the servant of that Power to whom it was addressed, he soothed the sufferer's anguish, calmed the inward tempest of his mind, and they parted the curate to his modest mansion, and Ned ay, Ned, to brave the dangers, to feel the contumely, of that world to which he was a stranger. ' The father of Anna had risen from comparative obscurity to wealth and honours : he was what they call a privy gown-seller. I don't know what it means, but they told me it was something near the king, and so he had no time to devote to his daughter, whose mother died in giving her birth; and the sweet girl grew like a mountain rose-bud, luxuriantly wild, till poor Ned's parents, feeling for her situation, loved and cherished her as their own ; and thus was formed that deep, strong, deathless passion, which distance could not shake, nor time dissolve. I knows what love is, messmates, for in my younger days I but there, its over now, its over yet I love to think about it too. She heard of Edward's departure, and struggled with her agony j but the generous man who had softened the sorrows of the youth performed the same kind office for the sinking maid. Her principal gratification was to wander to the lone churchyard, and, sitting on the cold grave-stone near the resting-place of her early friends, she would recall the visions of her childhood, and commune with her own sad heart. Now, messmates, you shall hear in what manner she kept her vows of truth and constancy ; but, poor thing, she couldn't help it ! 110 ANNA. ' It was one still calm evening that a gallant little 20-gun ship lay under easy sail in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, to protect the commerce of our country from the attacks of the enemy. Five weeks had already passed on that enchanting station, (many of you know it, messmates, no doubt,) and our cruise (for I was in her) had been particularly fortunate in making captures and reprisals. The week after we were to return into port for stores and provisions. Well, d'ye see, the hands were turned up to sky-lark, and every soul hurried upon deck to enjoy the sport. The captain and officers assembled abaft, and shared among themselves in the amusement ; but, in all their athletic exercises, no one could be found fore and aft to equal the junior lieutenant. This young man had risen solely by merit to the quarter-deck; and his bravery in several actions had recommended him so powerfully to his commander, (whose life he had once preserved at the imminent risk of his own,) that he adopted him as his son, and obtained him a commission in his own name, for Captain Malcolm himself had come in at the hawse-holes, and had no relations that he knew of in the world. Young Malcolm was beloved, ay, almost idolized, by every hand aboard. He was the smart seaman, the brave officer, and, without departing from the strict line of duty, he conciliated the esteem and regard of all the men. His face, bronzed by a tropical sun, was seamed with honourable scars, that made him appear much older than he really was. His figure was remarkably neat and trim, firm-built and powerful, and he tried to copy his benefactor in every pursuit. ' A match against time had just been made from the deck to the mast-head and down again, and the lieutenant was laying his hand upon the truck, when, casting his eye round the horizon, he shouted " A sail, a sail upon the lee beam!" All was instantly hushed. " Turn the hands up, make sail!" cried the captain. " Keep her away, boy ! Square the after-yards ! Stations, men, stations ! Mast- headthere!" " Sir!" "Look out when she's right a-head." " Ey, ey,sir; starboard a little there, steady, so, steady !" In a few minutes every stitch of canvass that would draw a breath of wind was spread and trimmed. We had just light sufficient to make out that the stranger was a large ship, when darkness obscured all further observation. The breeze freshened, and the officers crowded on the forecastle to look out for the chase. Eight bells came, and we began to fear that we had missed the stranger. The captain was just giving directions to ANNA. HI alter the course, when a marine sung out, " I've got her, sir, I've got her !" " Got who ?" inquired the lieutenant. " Got her, sir, got the ship," replied the sodger. " Where ? where?" said the captain, running aft. " Here, sir! here, in the starboard waste." " That's right, my lad, hold her fast," exclaimed a midshipman, while the sail was shortened and the ship hauled to the wind. We were sufficiently close to discover that the stranger was a heavy frigate, and, as our night signals were unanswered, concluded she was an enemy. " Give him a shot," cried the captain ; it was instantly returned by a whole broadside that laid several of our best men lifeless on the deck, and the action commenced with daring bravery. Well, d'ye see, we kept at it for about two hours, when the frigate's fire began to slacken, and shortly after ceased. " Sail trimmers to the weather braces," cried the captain. " Boarders on the starboard quarter ! Stand by to heave all aback, and, Malcolm, be ready to lead the men. 5 ' All this was obeyed; but, just as we got with our yard-arms touching, the enemy poured in a tremendous fire, and Captain Malcolm, with his second lieutenant, fell. It would be impossible to describe the sensations of horror which this event occa- sioned. The young officer ran and raised his generous friend. He was yet living, though the tide seemed ebbing fast ; but his poor messmate was a corpse. " Leave me, Malcolm ; leave me, my brave lad," faintly articulated the captain ; and, pointing to the colours, added, " 'Tis the flag of England do your duty. Take her and I die content." At this moment one of the midshipmen came to young Malcolm, and told him the first lieutenant talked of striking. Rage and indignation shook his frame. The captain had been carried below senseless, and the command devolved upon the senior officer that officer who was about to disgrace himself for ever. The first lieutenant was giving directions to haul down the colours and the light, when Malcolm rushed aft. Here he found the boatswain standing by the ensign halliards, with his pistol cocked, swearing he would shoot the first man that offered to touch them. The com- manding officer drew his sword, and was in the act of making a thrust, when a shot very unceremoniously walked off with his head, and the sole charge now rested upon Malcolm, who fought the ship with heroic intrepidity, determined not to surrender till every hope was lost. The carpenter appeared, and reported that we were making so much water, that she could not hold it out another half hour. This was appalling news, yet, rousing all the energies of his mind, he ]]2 ANNA. called to the master to lay him aboard the frigate. In a few minutes the young officer, followed by his brave crew, were upon the enemy's deck, and the con- flict became terrible. In vain we swept away our foes, others instantly supplied their places, and, though our numbers were fast diminishing, yet our hearts were unsubdued. Twenty minutes had elapsed in hard fighting, when the master, carpenter, and surgeon, were seen on our own decks carrying in their arms our beloved commander the ship was sinking. This sight operated like enchant- ment on the men, a wild shout of desperation resounded, and in a few minutes more the frigate was our own. Scarcely had Malcolm received the Dutch captain's sword, (for she was a Dutch frigate, laden with specie for the Cape,) scarcely had the three officers with their dying burden been assisted on board, than our own gallant little bark went down. In a few hours afterward our brave captain breathed his last, and we bore up for England, where we anchored in Plymouth Sound, in about eight days' time. The young hero landed, and was ordered by the commander-in-chief to carry his own dis- patches to the metropolis ; at the same time receiving letters of introduction to a nobleman in a high official station. On his arrival he drove immediately to the house, and it happened that a large party of the nobility were assembled to a sheave-o, as they call it. Now I can tell you all this, messmates, for a fact, because d'ye see I was with him to take care of the colours and baggage, having sailed with him when he was a youngster, and first taught him his duty as a seaman; but no matter for that ; his lordship left the company, and entered the room where Malcolm was waiting to receive him; but when their eyes met, the young officer staggered back upon a chair, and turned as pale as ashes. Recovering, however, he apologized for his behaviour, and attributed it to the effects of his unhealed wounds. The Dutch captain's sword and the frigate's colours were displayed, and, while the lieutenant took some refreshment, Lord N returned to the drawing-room, and related the particulars. All were desirous of seeing the intrepid young tar immediately ; but his lordship promised to introduce him the following day, as he had no doubt that Malcolm required rest. Among the party were several members of the cabinet (that's a strong box, I believe, messmates, and every one of the gemmen belonging to it carries a gold key in his pocket, but I arn't sure): howsomever, next morning some of 'em got telling our good old king about it, and he expressed a wish to see the officer. ANNA. 1J3 Malcolm of course was introduced, and appeared before his majesty with his right arm bound round with a black bandage, his left suspended in a sling, while his curly hair, hanging over his forehead, scarcely concealed the covering of a deep wound. ' Make, make, make him a captain,' said old George ; ' shall be a captain, shall be acaptain he deserves it good officer, brave officer shall be a captain ;' and Malcolm obtained a commission for post rank. On the same evening he dined with his lordship, but on entering the room his embarrassment and agitation were excessive, as the ladies crowded round, and were almost ready to embrace him. Lord N led him first to his daughter, and Anna (for 'twas she, messmates, 'twas she) received him with all the natural warmth and good- ness of her heart. I saw it all, for they would drag me up too. I was never so daunted in my life ; for all the beautiful creatures said such kind things, 1 was ready to pipe my eye. I dare say I looked foolish enough, for I scratched my head, shucked up my trowsers, and twirled my hat, till at last I dashed my quid into the fire, and offered to kiss 'em. My eyes, how they run ! all but one sweet little cherub, who put her arms round my neck, and then there, don't laugh, messmates, 'twas the sweetest buss I ever had in my life and says she, ' If the brave defenders of our country do not merit our gratitude, who does?' To see Anna, and not love her, was impossible; and what's a sailor without a sweet- heart, eh? Why he is like a ship without stays, and so Malcolm fell in love. When we were alone, he used to talk all manner of things, but I couldn't understand him. Anna's affections, however, were still fixed on him, whom she feared was lost to her for ever. 'Tis true, she felt pleased in the captain's company, for he was so widely different from the airy flatterers that continually buzzed in her ear; but love oh no, she had sworn never to love but one. On the following week after our arrival his lordship purposed returning to his country seat, and we were invited to accompany him; bat Malcolm candidly told him the state of his heart, and his lordship, with equal candour, related the story of her early attachment and continued fidelity, declaring ' that, though the captain was unexceptionable, yet he had promised never again to importune his daughter.' A circumstance occurred which detained Lord N another week in town, during which time the captain passed every spare moment with his beloved Anna, till she became alarmed at his attentions, and yet an inde- scribable emotion prevented her from checking them. His conduct was so Q 114 ANNA. delicate, his manners were so engaging, and he appeared to anticipate her wishes with such winning- kindness, blended with a marked respect, as excited a deeper interest in her heart than she liked to confess even to herself. Well, d'ye see, at last we commenced our journey early one morning, and the next after- noon arrived at the family seat. After partaking of a sumptuous dinner, his lordship withdrew to arrange some affairs with his steward. The captain took a stroll in the park, while Anna hastened to her old friend, the curate, who had been prevented by the gout from attending their arrival. After passing some time with that excellent man, she promised to return on the morrow with the captain, and took her leave. One other duty yet remained the visit to the lone churchyard. The shades of evening began to fall heavier and heavier on the landskip, but Anna was superior to fear. Advancing with a light step towards the hallowed spot, what was her surprise and agony to see a man kneeling by the grave in the attitude of prayer ! She bounded forward, ' It is he it is he Edward, my Edward!' and she sunk senseless in the arms of Captain Malcolm, who sprang from the grassy tomb, and caught her to his heart. Yes, it was Edward, her own Edward, that held her to his breast, changed in all but that affection which could never change. He called her his Anna, moistened her lips with kisses, and, as she slowly recovered, heard her sweet voice acknowledge him. The poor lad, who had once implored the mercy of Heaven on that very spot, when cast abandoned like a weed upon the ocean, was now yet, why need I repeat it ? Ned Davenport and Captain Malcolm were one. Together they retraced their steps to the curate's cottage, where they poured forth the fulness of their hearts in gratitude and praise. Lord N heard their tale, joined their hands, and blessed them. There,' messmates, it's a tough yarn, but 'tis all true, you may depend on't ; and some other time I'll tell you all about the wedding, when I got groggy for joy ; but it's my next look-out, and so I'll just shut my eyes for five minutes, to keep 'em warm.' Here Jem would close his story and his papers together j and, if it only excites the same interest in the minds of my readers as it did upon us, why then, d'ye see, I'm satisfied to my heart's content. -3 i S THE ARETHUSA. ' Come all ye jolly sailors bold. Whose hearts are form'd in honour's mould, And I a story will unfold Hurra for the Aretliusa!' THAT was the ship, she was one of the fleetest of the fleet sailed like a witch, and sat on the water like a duck. Why, she could do any thing but speak, and all her crew had their hearts in the right places: there was no fumbling for 'era in their hats, or searching 'em out of their pockets when they came into action. No, no ; their hearts always beat to quarters, to the tune of Rule Britannia ;' and then their arms were sure to gain the day. The old Harry-thnsers were all well known at every sea-port town in the kingdom ; and no sooner did the blind fiddlers see any of 'em come into a room, than there was an extra expenditure of rosin and cat-gut upon the old tune. Ah! I can re- member Barney Whifflegig, a rum old codger ; he'd shake a quiver with his bow as would ' harrow up the soul !' Then he'd chant a stave, and make his own muse-sick as well as Mr. Bray-em at Common Garden. Oh, his notes were so exjcrewtiating, that I have known 'em draw a bung out of a wine-cask, or a cork from a grog-bottle : nay, for the matter o' that, the jolly tars always had a few notes of their own, that were generally pitched under the landlord's key, for he could play ' Money in both pockets' upon the horn, particularly if it was a green-horn. Beside, he had a power of musical glasses, and could wring the changes out of 'em with great glee ; though sometimes he'd be short in the measure ; but that was only when he was deficient in spirit. Howsomever, he was a good old soul : ' take him for all in all, we ne'er shall look upon his like again.' And there's many a tar can recollect Ben Block, of the ' Union Jack' at Gosport. The name of his house, d'ye see, was a sign of the times, and it stood next door to the ' King's Arms.' But they are nearly all gone now. H6 THE ARETHUSA. There's only two or three old hulks laid up in Greenwich moorings. I wives 'em a hail now and then when I goes to the Chest for my bit of a pension, and we take a drop together to the remembrance of old times. I don't know how it is, but after a glass of grog or two, and talking about ' auld lang syne,' I feel quite young again; not that I'm very old, d'ye mind, only just turned sixty- five; but then, d'ye see, I've been pickled with brine all my life, and sol suppose that has preserved me. But to return to the Harry-thusers. Didn't Lord Exmouth command them (in 1800) when they took the French squadron off Ireland? To be sure he did; though he warn't a lord then ; and a pretty day's work they had of it. Howsounever, they gained the day, as most of the Jehus about Plymouth can testify. Five on 'em bought a coach, horses and all, and then hired the coach- man for three days to drive about but all hands kept upon deck, and left th inside empty; for what was the use of sculking under hatches in fine weather? So, d'ye see, they stowed the craft well with grog and 'bacca got all snug, with a fiddler forward, and an organ-grinder abaft, and carried on between Plymouth and Dock during the whole time they stopped on shore. Ah, them were the days! when a sailor had no trouble in getting rid of his money; but now he can'tgather as much as would jingle upon a tomb-stone j and, if he does have a sixpence or two, he is obliged to drive it up in a corner of his pocket to catch it ! I can remember coming up from Portsmouth once, on a fortnight's leave; there were seven or eight of us, and, among the rest, was Jack Transom, of the ould Harry. Well, d'ye see, he'd nearly three hundred pounds prize-money about him, and which way to spend it he didn't know. Seven years had elapsed since his feet had touched the shore, and he was like a wild fellow. Every house he came to a fresh bucket of licknum-vitse was mixed for all hands, till he'd thoroughly set up the backstays of his heart, though the laniards had a taut strain on 'em before we made sail. Well, there he stood on the forecastle on the roof, I mean shouting ' Happy Jack !' flourishing his short stick, and waving his hat, to the great astonishment and terror of the rusty villagers. It was night-time, and Jack would pay for all the passengers' suppers, so he gave the landlord a fivepounder of Abraham Newland's, and told him not to mind change, for he hadn't got room for it. At last he was completely groggy, and THE ARETHU-SA when we changed horses at Thing-em-he I forget the name of the place he would have another nip at the stuff, which hove him into a stark calm till the vessel, I mean the coach, got into motion, and then he sprung his luff, and once more took his v station standing on the roof, hut, being quite tosticated, in a few minutes after we started he got tossed off' altogether. Overboard he went, and came down on to the road like a lump of lead. Coachee rounded in the braces directly, and hove all aback, so that every soul landed to pick him up. ' He's gone,' says Dick Fiferail ' he's outward bound Yo-hoy, Jack!' hallooing in his ear enough to split it: ' Yo-hoy, shipmate, rouse out, and don't turn in before the hammocks are piped down !' ' Blesh ma heart,' cried an old Jew agent, ' vat a pitysh! he's as deal as king Sholomou. Vere's de moneish, though ? musht take care of the moneish.' ' No, no,' says the guard ; ' let his pockets alone ; but lend us a hand to carry him back to the house.' A young assistant surgeon happened to be stowed in between decks; he felt his pulse, but gave very little hopes, unless they conveyed him instantly to the house. Indeed he thought he had already slipt his cable. So they put him inside of the coach, and drove back again. Here he was stretched out upon a table, and the doctor overhauled his timbers, to see if there were any but-ends started, or any of his precious limbs carried away. Howsomever, all was right, though he gave no signs of returning hangimation. ' Why don't you feel his neck?' says Dick : ' mayhap his windpipe may have got a turn in it, and his breath is jammed in the hawse. Yo-hoy, Jack ! un- muzzle, my boy, and tell us whether you're dead or dumb-foundered. What's the use of keeping us here ? He's gone, your honour,' turning to the surgeon, who was preparing to bleed him ; ' he's gone, poor fellow, and a most foul and unnatural death he has had of it. Give us another glass of grog, landlord ; and let it be stiff, d'ye hear. Bad thing that drunkenness, your honour. Put in a little more rum, landlord : but then, d'ye see, what's a sailor to do with his money, unless he makes it liquid ? " Oh, that a man should put an enemy in his mouth to steal away his brains !" My sarvice to you, sir. Ke-keep us all sober, say I. Here, Jack, you loved it alive; but your allowance is stopped now. Housomefer, a small drop won't hurt you' and so, contrary to every one's persuasions, he poured some into his mouth. Scarcely had he done so, when it produced a gurgling in the throat; and whether it was the smell or taste of the 118 THE ARETHUSA. stuff, or the effects of bleeding 1 , but I rather think the former, he opened his eyes, and faintly uttered his usual cry of ' Happy Jack !' ' There,' says Dick; ' 1 knew, if any thing would bring him to, this here's the me-dickey-ment it's a key would open a locked jaw at any time.' ' Happy Jack !' continued the other, as he sniffed the grog with a gust ; ' Happy Jack !' Wei!, d'ye see, his arm was bound up his money was examined (which old Moses wanted to count) and Jack was carried up to bed, while all hands returned to the coach, and made sail with a fair wind and a free sheet. At Godalming- we stopped about half an hour, to freshen hawse, and, just as we were all comfortably berthed for the next stage, another coach came driving in astern of us, well manned with liberty-boys, and cheering with all their might. As soon as they clapped us alongside at the inn, the first words we clearly distinguished were ' Happy Jack !' and sure enough it was he himself, for, after a short nap, he had mounted the next coach, and promised the coach- man a guinea if he would carry on and come up with his own ship again. This was accomplished. He boarded us with three cheers, in which all hands heartily joined; but, not being quite recovered from his fall, they wanted him to get inside. ' No, no,' says Jack ; ' I have never been used to a cabin, d'ye mind, and, mayhap, the gemmen and ladies (for we had taken up two ladies at Godalming) wouldn't like such a shipmate : but never mind, I'm Happy Jack; so if so be you can stow me under the forecastle there, all well and good; but if not, why then pass the gripes round me, and lash me upon deck.' ' The gripes!' cried the old lady inside ; ah, poor young man, it is enough to make one's bowels yearn with compassion to see you in such a deplorable state. Oh,' the crying sin of drunkenness !' ' So I say, ma'am,' rejoined Dick, about three parts slued. ' I'm always (hiccup) a telling him on it ; but, d'ye see (hiccup), he's a thirsty dog. Drunkenness, ma'am, says I (hiccup), drunkenness is a vice.' ' Ya, hip,' went the coachman, and so we coiled Jack away in the boot, and dashed off to the tune of ' Jack's alive,' which the guard played upon his bugle like an angel, to the admiration of all on board, except the old lady and Dick, who kept talking occasionally through the window against liquor, though both of them appeared to be pretty well fuddled. It was a delightful summer morning, and the sun shone beautifully on the dewy grass as we passed rapidly along the road, hailing the convoys homeward bound, and now and then catching a distant THE ARETHUSA. 119 glimpse of our consort, as he carried on to get up in our wake; but a starn chase is a long chase, so we had only an opportunity of just saying ' What cheer ? what cheer ?' as tfle coach hove- to to give the horses their water, and the coach- man his wet. At last, both vehicles arrived at the Elephant and Castle, when 'Happy Jack' roused out from his berth, looking very deplorably; for his clothes (a new suit) were torn to pieces, his face bruised, and his whole frame very sore. Howsomever, we hired three hackney-coaches, hoisted a bluejacket, on a barber's pole, for the admiral's flag, and steered boldly over London Bridge, bound for Wnnping, where we soon anchored in Blanket Bay, with plenty of rhino, a good supply of grog, and no purser to nip us on short commons. After a good sleep we reckoned our cash, found a great deal gone, particularly Jack's; but still we mustered somewhere about five hundred pound, which was shortly spent like true British tars, to the honour and glory of old England, and the Harry-thusers. SAM SPRITS AIL. Sam Spritsail's the lad you'd delight in, For friendship he's ever agog ; Lores his kin?, loves liis country, loves fighting, And loves to be sure lie does grog.' MAYHAP you didn't know Sam one of the worthiest tars that ever handled a marlin-spike, or took his trick at the helm. Many's the time we have spun our yarns together, shared each other's 'bacca, or fought at the same gun ; and tell me what can bind the ties of kindred stronger ? One day (shortly after the mutiny at Spithead) we were cruising off Brest, and it came on to blow a stiff breeze from the north-west; so the hands were turned up to reef topsails. Now we had always been considered the smartest ship in the fleet, and the topmen prided themselves on beating every one else, so they were at all times eager to get to their stations. Sam, in hurrying up the hatchway, happened to come in con-hick with a young midshipman that had scarce ever dipped his hands in salt water or bit the mark out of a king's biscuit, and nearly capsized him. It warn't done intentionally ; but the small officer, without hesitation, struck him a blow ; and, though it didn't hurt him much, yet his feelings were wounded, and that to Sam was worse than a broken limb. Howsomever, no time could be spared for parleying, for the gale was freshening ; so he turned to the young gentleman, gave him a look of stern reproach, and shinned away aloft like a sky-rocket. Well, d'ye see, after shortening sail, and the watch called, Sam was ordered aft on the quarter-deck ; for the midshipman, not content with striking him, had also complained to the first lieutenant (who had only joined us a few days before), charging him with mutinous conduct and insolence. ' Indeed, sir,' said Sam, SAM SPRITSAIL. 121 ' I couldn't help it I didn't mean to offend Mr. : it was all accidental, and I'm sorry for it.' ' What do you say to that, Mr. ?' said the lieu- tenant. ' It was not an accident, sir,' replied the midshipman, ' but design- edly done, for I saw him afterward turn round and grin at me.' ' Grin ! no, sir, I didn't grin. I certainly looked round, when Mr.' here he paused, too proud to mention the blow ' but let it rest, let it rest.' ' No, my man,' rejoined the lieutenant, 'I shall not let it rest: the dregs of a mutinous spirit are still operating among you. Here, boatswain's mate, get a rope's-end, and give this fellow a starting.' ' That's hard, sir,' said Sam : ' I've always done my duty, and every officer in the ship would answer for me.' ' Silence, sir! not a word. Boatswain's mate, do your duty ;' but the poor fellow, who was a messmate of Sam's, fumbled so long, that the lieutenant gave him a rap on the head to freshen his way. By this time the men gathered round the gang- ways and along the lee side of the deck, all wondering what was the matter ; for they knew their shipmate to be the most peaceable obliging man on board, and the best seaman to boot ; so whispers ran along, and doubtful looks, as if every one tried to read the other's thoughts. ' Do your duty, boatswain's mate!' bellowed the lieutenant. Jack Hawser raised his arm, looked at his messmate (who stood firm as a rock, without betraying a single emotion of fear), and then dropped it again with an expressive shake of the head. The lieutenant now got into a violent passion, and, seizing the end of the top- gallant clew-line, laid it across Jack's shoulders. Again the rope's end was raised ; and Sam, seeing how matters stood, mildly told his messmate ' to obey orders, and do his duty.' 'Lay it on!' roared the officer, observing Jack again hesitate; 'lay it on the scoundrel; you're a set of mutinous dogs all together.' Jack was about to give the blow, impelled by the pain from the lieutenant's stripes, when, observing the calm, composed, yet pitying look of his messmate, he dashed the rope's end on the deck, and, turning to the officer, exclaimed, ' If I do, I'll be hanged.' At this moment loud murmurs were heard amongst the men, who came pressing farther aft; but fortunately the next minute the captain walked out of his cabin, and finding the first lieutenant belabouring the boatswain's mate, while the determined countenances of the crew threatened tumult, Avast, avast, sir,' he cried out, ' what is all this ? R 122 SAM SPRITSA1L. I'm sorry to see you in so degrading an office, sir. Pray what has caused all this violence ?' The ship's company were eagerly crowding on the quarter- deck ; but their clamour immediately subsided when they heard the captain's voice. ' Sir,' replied the officer rather haughtily, ' these men are mutinous :' loud murmurings arose among the people. ' Silence, my men,' thundered out the captain, erecting himself in the attitude of one determined to be obeyed : the first I hear utter a word shall be instantly put in irons : if you .are injured, I am here to do you justice.' Then, turning to the officer, ' Be more guarded in, your expressions, sir, and let me know as briefly as possible what has occasioned this commotion.' This young gentleman, sir, brought me a complaint against one of the men, for wilfully running upon him so as nearly to knock him down, and for using insolent language.' ' Where is the man?' ' Here, sir,' pointing to Sam. ' Who, this this the man? why but I must hear farther.' So he questioned him about it, and Sam explained what had taken place, which was proved by the evidence of all who had witnessed the transaction. ' But why, sir,' addressing the lieutenant, ' were you starting the boatswain's mate ?' ' Because, sir, he would not execute my orders, in punishing the man.' ' There he was wrong, for obedience in a seaman is the first test of duty. I honour him for his humanity and noble feeling, but he has rny censure for disobedience of orders : however, as he has already suffered chastisement, I shall say no more. As for this man, sir/ pointing to Sam, ' I only wish that you, sir yes, you possessed a heart equally brave and honourable. This man, whom you have stigmatized, and would have punished unjustly, preserved this ship and the lives of her officers during the late insurrection at Spithead. 'Tis true, for the time being, the captain was deprived of his command, and this man elected by the delegates instead ; but such was his excellent conduct in restraining the seamen from acts of violence, or even trivial insult, that the duty was carried on by the officers with the same attention as before ; only, in one thing they were all determined, not to lift an anchor till their grievances were redressed ; and perhaps but that has been settled. Now, attend, sir, to what I am going to say : while the pendant is waving over our heads, bear in remembrance that 1 am captain of my own ship, nor will I suffer a hand to be raised against any SAM SPRITSAIL. 123 of the people, unless through my directions.' Some of the men began to cheer. ' Silence, fore and aft, men : these cheers are disgusting to me, and I am highly displeased with your conduct. Have you ever found me regard- less of your comforts or privileges, that you should thus assemble tumultuously together? But there are some among you on whom I shall have a bright eye, and therefore recommend them to keep a sharp look-out. Call the watch, boatswain's mate, and send the rest below.' As the calm frequently follows the tempest while the long-rolling waves are yet violently agitated, though the howling of the gale has ceased, so did the turbulence of the seamen subside, and, slowly quitting the deck, they scarcely raised their heads to look their commander in the face. Sam still stood by tht ' Jacob's ladder ;' and after the captain had taken a few turns he stopped before him. ' As for you, my man,' said he, ' your attachment to your king and country in the hour of peril has not been forgotten ; continue in the conscientious discharge of your duty, and no one here shall harm you ; nay, more, when we return into port, I shall use my interest in getting you pro- moted.' ' God bless your honour,' replied Sam ; ' I hope your honour don't want to get rid of me: I'd rather sail with you, sir, than be made a lord.' ' Well, well,' returned the captain, ' go to your duty now ; we'll speak about it another time.' A few weeks after this the fleet put in to Torbay to water, and all the boats were busily engaged in going to and from the shore, while many of the officers made short excursions into the country. During this period the first lieutenant did not forget Sam, for, being left in command, he harassed him incessantly; but the poor fellow scorned to shrink, or even complain. He was a married man, too, and his wife, (who resided with her parents between Torbay and Plymouth,) not having seen him since the mutiny, came alongside in a shore- boat, expecting to have an interview ; but the commanding officer would not suffer her to come on board, alleging an order to that effect, which excluded women from the ship ; so that poor Sam had only the cheerless satisfaction of passing a few minutes with her in the boat, vainly endeavouring to soften her anguish and sooth her disappointment. All hands exclaimed loudly against this tyranny, and would most probably have proceeded to open resistance ; but SAM SPRITSAIL. they remembered the late rebuke of their captain, and the remonstrances of Sam himself restrained them from open violence. Well, d'ye see, we sailed again, and cruised to the westward in the chops of the Channel. One evening, just about dusk, blowing very hard, we sprung our bowsprit, and the first lieutenant came out upon it to see the extent of the injury. At this moment a cry was heard on the forecastle, ' A man overboard, a man overboard!' but the gale was so strong, that it could not be heard aft. Sam, however, who was standing on the lee gangway, caught the sound ; and, repeating it as loud as possible, sprung upon the hammock-nettings. The ship had very little way through the water; and every soul on deck crowded to the same spot, with the ends of ropes and other things to throw to the unfortunate swimmer; but he was nowhere to be seen. 'Where is he?' exclaimed the captain, jumping by the side of Sam : ' lower the quarter-boat down. Can you discern any thing of him ?' Sam was silent ; but his keen eye seemed resting on a particular eddy in the sea. ' Where is the first lieu- tenant?' continued the captain; ' why is he not aft here?' ' "Tis Mr. L that's overboard, sir,' cried a dozen voices at once. ' I see him, sir,' said Sam, starting from that fixed attitude he had maintained ; ' I see him*!' and instantly dashed into the wave. The dark body of the lieutenant was now plainly visible, as it emerged from the deep, and lay for a moment inanimate upon the white foam of the billows, while Sam, with his sinewy arms, was cleaving the liquid element and throwing aside the spray. Before, however, he could reach the officer, the body began gradually to settle down again, and, when he reached the spot, was no longer to be seen. Breathless expectation sat on every countenance (for, though all hands disliked him, yet sailors forget animosities in a time of trouble) ; but what was their surprise what was their horror when the brave fellow, who had so gallantly risked his life to rescue his bitterest foe, disappeared in an instant! The ship had now forged con- siderably a-head, and, owing to the confusion occasioned by the accident, the boat was some time in lowering down; but at last they shoved off, while every eye was anxiously strained in the direction where Sam and the lieutenant had last appeared. The heavy wave rolled on unburdened, displaying its lofty top, as if in triumph, crested with sparkling foam. ' There he is!' exclaimed SAM SPRITS AIL. 125 the captain, as the struggling seaman rose upon the hollow of the swell : ' pull to starboard in the boat, and stretch out, my lads ; stretch out.' This latter was delivered through the speaking-trumpet; the officer heard it waved his hat, and, catching sight of Sam himself, steered directly for the spot. Hope glowed in every breast at the prospect of his deliverance : but transient was its ray. A mountain wave came curling its monstrous head, threatening destruction to the gallant little crew : it caught the boat, nearly filling her with water, and drove them past their object. Darkness now obscured them from our view ; though now and then we could just discern amidst the gloom a black speck, as it rode on the top of the billow. Another boat was immedi- -ately manned; lights were hoisted, and false fires burned; but nearly an hour elapsed, and no cutters returned. The captain paced the poop in violent agitation, frequently stopping to make inquiries and to look himself. At last, ' Here's a boat upon the weather quarter,' exclaimed a little midshipman ; and immediately added, ' There's two, sir there's two only look, there they both are! Hurrah, my lads: thank God! they're safe.' In a few minutes more they rowed alongside. ' Hand over a rope's end,' cried the officer in the headmost boat, which was the first that had been sent away. The rope's end was handed over. ' Some one must be hurt,' said the humane surgeon, who stood ready to render his assistance. ' I imagine so,' returned the captain, ' for I fear the poor fellow is lost. As for Mr. L , there cannot be the faintest hope : he has perished without doubt.' While this conversation was passing, the men were occupied in carefully raising some one up the side ; and, just as the captain had finished his sentence, an apparently lifeless body was lifted over the gangway. ' 'Tis Mr. L ,' shouted the surgeon ; ' 'tis my poor messmate !' and instantly sprung forward to assist in carrying him below. ' Have you saved the man ?' inquired the captain ; but, before his question could be answered, Sam appeared upon the deck. He staggered through exhaustion towards the captain, and fell senseless at his feet. ' Carry this brave fellow into my cabin directly,' cried the captain, raising him in his arms, ' and send the surgeon's assistant here immediately.' ' I am here, sir,' replied the young man; and, following them into the cabin, poor Sam was after some time recovered. The first lieutenant had been conveyed to the SAM SPRITS AIL. ward-room, and every exertion used for two hours, without showing the least symptoms of returning animation : at the expiration of that time his pulse returned ; and in another hour he uttered some incoherent words, and sunk into a deep sleep. Sam told his tale. When he first disappeared, finding he had missed his object, and trusting to his skill, he dived after the sinking officer. Catching him by the hair, he brought him to the surface ; but the lieutenant was sense- less, and Sam was compelled to let him go. Again he dived, and again brought him up, when the boat missed them, till, almost exhausted, his strength began to fail, and both were settling fast. Once more Sam quitted his hold, but he determined, as help seemed to be at hand, to make one desperate struggle. He again dived, and writhed his hand in the officer's hair. The effort was too much ; and despair even of his own life darted upon Sam's mind when, at this moment at this very moment before he had raised hi* head above the water, he felt his arm firmly grasped, and the next was hauled up to the bows of the boat, one of the men having thrown himself over for this purpose, while another held fast by his foot. What need of saying more? Sam was made a boatswain, and now lays up in ordinary in Chatham river while Mr. L (at present an old post-captain) ; learned to temper ' mercy with judgment,' and became one of the best and most humane officers in the British navv. THE MIDDY'S INTRODUCTION. ' Deep in that fabric where Britannia boasts O'er seas to waft her thunders and her hosts, A cavern lies, unknown to cheering day, Whose only sunshine is a taper's ray; Where wild Disorder holds her wanton reign, And careless mortals frolic in her train.' OF all situations which open to "the aspiring mind of youth, none is so interesting, so fraught with conflicting feelings, as the first entry of a young novice on board a ship of war: 'tis like bursting into a new world, yet without quitting the old one. The day on which my inauguration took place happened to be the anniversary of the birth of' Royal George. * v The captain permitted me to accompany him in his own boat, and, when we reach'd Spithead, the ships, dress'd in their gayest colours, commenced saluting. Oh what a view was this for an enthusiastic mind ! It spoke of glory in a voice of thunder; and, while looking at the British ensign waving in the breeze, I felt a glow of conscious pride at being enrolled among the gallant defenders of its dearest rights. The barge cut through the azure wave, and swept up alongside the ' Albion.' The boatswain's shrill pipe sounded, and four lads sprung over the side to extend the gangway man-ropes. So I followed up the captain, and found the officers on the quarter-deck uncovered, the marines drawn up with presented arms, and the band playing ' Rule Britannia,' to salute their brave commander. My senses were bewildered with astonishment. This is a young friend of mine,' said Captain Montague, presenting me to the first lieutenant : ' I hope you will find him all you can wish. And now, sir, you may go and visit your future companions.' ' Mr. Evans, (said the first lieutenant, calling to a midshipman on the larboard side of the deck, whose weekly account had been fresh pipe-clay 'd, and now he was employed in trimming the collar of his shirt, so that his eye just peep'd 128 THE MIDDY'S INTRODUCTION. point blank above it) Mr. Evans.' ' Sir,' replied the cockpit beau, touching his hat. ' As soon as you have done adjusting your lee boards, and bows'd all taut, take this young gentleman round the ship, and then conduct him to your mess-birth.' 'Ay, ay, sir; ay, ay,' said Evans; and then, in a lower tone, ' I'll show him the lions;' and away we went together. After examining the wonders of the wooden world, and swallowing as many marvellous stories as would fill a volume, we descended to the cockpit, and were guided by the glimmering rays of a candle to the midshipman's birth. ' Allow me to intro- duce Mr. B.' said my conductor, pushing open the door, and thrusting me in. ' Halloo! why, Evans, what gulpin have you got there?' exclaimed a squat tawny figure, who was nearly enveloped in smoke and stifled in grease. ' 'Tis a new messmate,' squeaked a little youngster. ' A new messmate !' replied the other, then let's have a survey,' taking down from a nail the frame of what had oiice been a large and beautiful mirror, and, raising it to his eye by way of quizzing-glass, he uttered a yell that fill'd me with horror, Evans,' said he, ' Evans, I'm fainting at the sight ! Bear a hand on deck, and order the captain to man the boat and send him ashore again directly.' I shrunk back. ' Halloo, shipmate, CHAPTER IT. ' Row the boat merrily merrily, oh !' SECOND-HIM heart-him ! Why, ay, ay, I sees you understand the larned lingoes ; though, for the matter o' that, there was a whole cargo of crinkum- crankums in the same Gazette : you call it Greek, and mayhap its all ship-shape ; for I don't know much about talking short-hand, only it looks comical to me how people can get such crooked letters into their mouth. But sailors know a little about languages too. Why, I remembers Jem Scupperplug, when he was carpenter's mate of a man-of-war brig on the coast of Brazil, and they sprung their main-yard. Well, d'ye see, they anchored at a small town, and the. captain inquired if there was any body that could palaver Portuguese ; and so Jem. offers his sarvices, and the captain took him ashore to the mast-maker of the place. 'Ho! seignor!' says Jem, 'you must humble-cum-stumble we want a roundem-come-squarem to make a main-yardo for de English brigo, d'ye hear?' ' No entendez, seignor,' replied the Portuguese, no entendez.' ' What does he say, Jem?' axed the skipper ' Say, sir! why, he says he carn't make it these ten days. 1 ' Does he ? well, then, come along, come along; we must go to sea as we are, and fish it aboard.' But you'll say, what has all this to do with the Barge's Crew ? steer a straight course, and don't yaw about to every point of the compass, like a Dutchman. All in good time, don't get in a passion ; I'm only trying my trim ; for, of all my consarns, I loved the barge the best, particularly when I pulled the stroke-oar, and Nelson's flag was flying in the bows, though he didn't live to carry it without the balls : I was with him that 'ere time up the Mediterranean, when poor Carraciolli was executed through T ]38 THE BARGE'S CREW. the cruelty and intrigues of Lady . That's a distressing story, and some day, when I'm in the mood, I'll tell you all about it; for I never shall forget seeing the old man, with his grey locks flowing over his shoulders, as he hung at the fore-yard-arm of the Neapolitan frigate. ' It is an awful spectacle,' whispered Ned Kentledge, as he bent down to his oar ; ' and 1 never believed before that woman's heart could exult in such a scene.' Poor Ned was a worthy fellow, he had the next thwart to me; and Sam Spritsail was alongside of him, for we pulled double-banked. Ned was shipmate with Jack G , that was afterward first lieutenant of the Concord frigate; indeed, Ned taught him his duty from first to last, \vhen he warn't much higher than a pint pot showed him how to hand, reef, and steer sweep, swab, and swear coil away a cable, or clear hawse, with any hand aboard ; and Ned was as good a seaman as ever raised a mouse upon a stay, or siesed a breeching to a ring-bolt. Well, Jack was a smart fellow, and so he got promoted to the quarter-deck ; and after a time the captain got a luff-tackle to bear, and bowsed out a commission for him ; but he never forgot his old station, his promotion didn't spoil him, and he always remembered former messmates. When he got to be first lieutenant of the Concord she was a long time in Ingee ; but at last they found her in such a rattle-trap state, that she was ordered to take convoy to England ; and so she gather' d 'em together at Ceylon, and proceeded to St. Helena; but the storms off the Cape shook her ould timbers, that when they reached the island every body thought she would have gone down ; however, they frapped her together with hawsers, and at last reached Plymouth. Well, a morning or two after their arrival, an ould bum-boat woman comes paddling along-side, puffing and blowing like a grampus off Cape Horn. She was a short bulky body, though for the matter o' that she was as round as a tun butt. Alongside she comes, and hails the sentry at the gangway : ' Keep off!' cried the marine ; and then, turning to the quarter-master, ' Zounds ! look there, did you ever see such a corporal substance ?' ' Ay, ay,' rejoined the veteran, ' 'tis a whale adrift in a butter-boat.' Again the old girl hailed, ' Is my Jack aboard?' ' Your Jack,' replied the sentry, ' who the botheration's your Jack ? we are all Jacks here.' 'No, you arn't,' says she, ' for you're a pike; and so please to answer the question I axed you, or else my Jack '11 let you know who's who.' ' Here, master at arms, (he-chuckle-ated the royal,) here's a customer for you ; she's too THE BARGE'S CREW. ]39 sharp for me.' ' What do you want, old do-man ?' inquired the latter; ' do you want any one in this ship?' ' Yes, I wants my Jack, so you let him know I'm here.' The captain and nearly the whole of the officers were walking the quarter-deck, when the first lieutenant, hearing a confusion at the gangway, came forward to see what the bobbery was. What's this noise, here, sentry? who's that alongside?' ' I don't know, sir; it's some old girl says she wants her Jack.' The lieutenant looked over into the boat ; but no sooner had* he cotched sight of the little punchy dame, than the man-ropes slid through his hand, and down he jumped into the cockle-shell ' What, my mother, is it you ?' cried he : ' I can hardly believe my eyes; they told me you were all dead; this is indeed a welcome surprise ; but come along, old lady, mount-a-reeveo' and he helped her up the side with the utmost care and attention. As soon as they had reached the deck, she threw her arms round the lieutenant's neck, and sobbed with joy. Then she gazed at him with a mother's pride, and again folded him to her heart ' Oh ! my Jack, my Jack ; now you glad my ould heart, and 1 shall follow your poor father to the grave in peace.' The captain, officers, and men, stared with astonishment to see the round little personage, in her striped cotton jacket, short thick petticoats, and high-heeled shoes, hugging their first lieutenant (dressed in full uniform) round the neck ; and many began to laugh : but the working of nature cannot be suppressed ; the lieutenant felt it no disgrace to be born of honest, though poor parents ; and the rich feeling of filial love flowed without restraint. That moment was perhaps one of the happiest of his life. He thought only of his mother, and repaid her caresses with interest. The scene was truly affecting. The rising laugh was entirely subdued, and many a furrowed cheek was moistened by a tear. It taught an useful lesson to the young officers, who witnessed the affectionate emotion of the parent and the dutiful conduct of the son. Peace be to their memory ! The diamond will sparkle, however roughly set; and if to snatch from oblivion one example worthy of imitation be meritorious but there, 'tis only my duty, and I arn't much skilled in simper-thetics. The lieutenant was worthy of his teacher, for never was there a nobler soul than Ned's. He was a great favourite with Nelson (and died in the Victory on the self-same day), though the hero was more attached to Sykes than any of us, and mayhap he deserved it. Now for Sam Spritsail : Poor Sam was a light-hearted easy-going blade, never without a smile indeed, 140 THE BARGE'S CREW. they said he was born laughing. Blow high, blow low, 'twas all the same to him : but he didn't stop long in the ship ; he was picked out for the long-shore party that was to go bush-fighting with the French. Well, d'ye see, one of the officers of the C , not knowing the cut of his jib, and being unaccustomed to see a man always happy under every privation, took it into his head one day that Sam was ridiculing him, and so he ordered the boatswain's mate to give him a starting with a rope's end. This almost broke his heart. 'Twas the first blow he had ever received in a man-of-war; and the deep indignity so preyed upon his mind, as almost to stupify him. A day or two afterwards the party received orders to storm a fort near Capua, and Sam prepared to do his duty ; but there was a listless indifference in his manner, that ill accorded with his former spirit. They advanced to the attack, and a very smart scrummaging took place ; but a fresh body of troops poured in, and the boarding party were compelled to retreat. The lieutenant (the same as had ordered the punishment) behaved most gallantly, and kept in the wake of his men, while they were retreating. On turning an angle of the battery, the enemy opened upon 'em with a long twenty-four pounder that did very great execution, and Mr. , at the second fire, fell. Sam, in an instant, hove all aback. He saw the officer fall his daring intrepidity returned and he rounded to, to pick him up. He did not know who it was at first ; but, when he looked on his face, resentment for a moment deadened the feelings of generosity and humanity, so that he returned several paces after his shipmates. The French were close upon them. In a few minutes the wounded man would have been in their power. Again Sam looked round, rushed back to the spot, and, stooping to raise the lieutenant from the ground, received a mortal wound in the chest, and fell upon him. The last effort of struggling nature roused him up ; he sprang upon his feet, lifted the officer in his arms, and ran towards his companions, who faced instantly about, resolved either to succour him or perish. He reached their centre, gently laid his burden down, faintly uttered ' I have done my duty !' and expired. The whole detachment paused for an instant, then came to the charge, drove back their pursuers, and in another half hour the British union waved on the ramparts of the fort. Where could there be a death more glorious? and if his memorial should meet the eye of any who were present on that day, they will shed a tear of grateful remembrance, and glory in poor Sam. After he left us, his berth was filled up by Jack Junk, a THE BARGE'S CREW. sly old codger, with a comical nose, a half squint with one eye and a whole squint with the other, so that he could see half a dozen ways at once. He was a famous hand to look out for a fleet, and none could beat him at making 1 signals ; why he could use two spy-glasses at once. Jack had been shipmate along with Billy C , him as played Lord H the trick with the goose, and thut warn't the old one. At the short peace, Billy (who always messed with the admiral when at home) axed leave of absence from the house to go and visit some of his family relations that lived down to the northward. Now Lord H 's moorings were very near Portsmouth ; so the old gemman, in the goodness of his heart, granted his request, and gave him a liberty ticket for fifty pounds, and a fine clean-going, neat-rigged, bay horse to carry him. Away posts Bill for London, intending to stop only one night, and then haul his wind for Yorkshire ; but somehow or other he fell asleep and forgot it, for not a step did he start from London while a guinea was left. He made all sneer again as long as it lasted, and then away went the bay horse, (shoved up the spout, as they call it,) and Billy carried on the warlike a Trojan. But his time and his cash nearly expired together ; so he takes his place outside the Portsmouth coach, and leaves bay horse to pay damages. Well, just as they got to Post- down hill he 'lighted, and, seeing a grey beast at pasture in a field, he gets a piece of two-inch rope, whips it over the neck, and rode home to his lordship's stables. ' Well, Mr. C , I hope you found all your friends hearty, eh?' ' Quite so, my lord, quite so.' ' And how's the bay horse ? I hope you have behaved well to him?' 'Yes, my lord, he's the first of his family that ever fared so well ; but there's a wonderful fun-nonny-me happened to him. Would you believe it, my lord, that he took fright at a bunch of turnips that was flung over a hedge, and, after running over a chimney-sweep, turned as grey as a badger?' ' Wonderful!' cried his lordship; ' I must see him immediately ;' and off they set for the stables. Well, I declare this is astonishing, Mr. C ! The creature is indeed grey; but,' said his lordship, adjusting his spectacles, but there is something more surprising yet, Mr. C ; why such a thing was never heard of before ! I protest, as 1 am a living man, the fright has been so great, that it has turned the bay horse into a grey mare !' THE BARGE'S CREW. CHAPTER III. ' Then stretch out and pull away, jolly boys, At the mercy of Fortune we go ; We're in for it now, 'tis a folly, boys, To be down-hearted, yo ho !' LET me see let me see who was the last man? Oh, ay, Jack Junk, Billy C , and the grey mare ; and that reminds me too that the grey mare is often the better horse; ax Sir , else which on 'em carries the admiral's flag ? But I sharn't spin my yarn to-day, though I've got Junk to work upon, if I don't turn the winch better. Jack Junk was a man-of-war's man every inch of him. He was brought to bed no, no, I mean born in an arm-chest, cradled in a frigate, rocked by the billows, and nursed by the captain of the forecastle. He soon came to be a plaything for all hands, quaffed his grog and chewed his pigtail like an angel. As soon as he could speak, the boatswain's mate tutored him in the vulgar tongue, taught him to wind his whistle, and whistle to the wind. At six years of age he had lamed to read from the lids of bacca-boxes; and then he served as powder-monkey under Hawke, and took to squinting because he would watch two guns at the same time, but he supplied his own the best. His head-sheets were flattened in by a spent wad. Well, he went through the usual gradations, from boatswain's boy to quarter-master, and always did his duty like a Briton. Jack's in Greenwich now, (for he lost his arm in Duckworth's action in the West Ingees,) and we often cuff away an hour talking about the barge and old times. Alongside of him, upon the same thwart, THE BARGE'S CREW. 143 was Jem Headfast, a steady old boy, who had been round the other side of the world, and outside of the world, along with Cook. Many a mid-watch he's kept our ports open listening 1 to his tales about their discoveries off Cape Flyaway, and drinking grog with the man in the moon ; how he married the Princess Lotoche- chowquanquischechino, sister to King Lougtomjackjemjerryjoe, at one of the Society Isles ; how he convarted them all, and was going to be made head chief, when the captain cotch'd him, and give him two dozen for running away; how the giants at Paddygonia were fifteen feet high, and carried their heads under their arms ; how the New Zealanders were savages, and ate human flesh, and he called them Anthonypopinjays, I think, or some such name ; how kind all the ladies were at the Sandwich Isles; rtnd last, how poor Cook was killed. Jem had a kindly heart, and after weathering many a gale and fighting many a battle, he was wrecked in the St. George, 98, upon the coast of Jutland ; but his life was saved. ' That was a dreadful night indeed (said Jem) ; our ship lay struggling upon her beam-ends, groanijig and writhing like a giant in the agonies of death, and the darkness which surrounded us was the darkness of the grave. Oh with what anguish we heard the shrieks and cries of our messmates as they buffetted with the waves, and saw their dark forms for a moment while struggling on the white foam of the billows! and then the sea closed over them, and they sank to rise no more! The jury-masts were gone, and every hope had vanished. Hundreds had been washed away by the breakers that beat over us, and the ship could not be expected to hold together much longer. It was determined to get the admiral upon deck, for he had retired, as every exertion was unavailing. I and another descended through the sky-light into the cabin;, the lamp was still burning, and threw its dim rays so as just to lighten up the gloomy scene. The admiral sat in his chair, which was lashed to the deck, his arms folded on the table, and his head resting on them. He raised himself as we approached ; but never shall I forget the countenance. He was a father he was a husband and his heart fainted within him. Only those who have been in danger like ours can tell the nature of the feelings of such a moment,' when every blast is the seaman's knell, and every wave a summons to eternity. He did not fear to die, but he thought of the anguish of those whom he should never see again. I yet see before my eyes the sickly paleness of his face and 144 THE BARGE'S CREW. the agitation of his look. We slung him, with a couple of ropes under the arms, and he was hoisted upon deck. The officers who remained assisted to secure him to the stump of the mizen-mast. A lantern was brought, and the few survivors who were near, clinging to whatever they could hold by, crowded round, and joined in the prayers which were read by one of the officers. Oh ! what a moment was that, when every heart poured forth its petition in fervency of spirit, while Death was waiting to receive his prey ! Before the officer had closed his book, and while the " Amen" yet trembled on their lips, a wild shriek was heard from forward. The wave came like a huge mountain, curling its monstrous head, sparkling with foam, which rendered it more horrible in the blackness of the night : it struck the ship, rending her fore and aft, and ingulfed us in its dark abyss. There was a loud yell it grew fainter and all was hushed but the howling of the gale and the roaring of the billows. Myself and eleven others alone were saved.' Poor Jem, however, was reserved for another fate ; for, at the close of the war, he became an out-pensioner ; but, still desirous of braving the ocean, he shipped in a West Ingee-man, and made two or three voyages ; but the last trip they were taken by the pirates, and all hands murdered. Jem used to come and visit us old hulks at Greenwich ; and one day he told us a rum story of a north-country lad, apprenticed to a Newcastle- man. ' D'ye see, (says Jem,) we were laying just below the dock. gates at Blackwall, waiting for water in, when a collier brig brought up, and swung alongside of us ; and, having nothing much to do, we went below to dinner. Well, aboard comes one of their apprentices to beg a little sugar. Taking off his hat, he preferred his petition to a huge baboon of the captain's, dressed in a blue jacket and trowsers, with a great furry cap, that was seated on a cask upon the quarter-deck. Jacko took no notice of him, except to grin a bit, while the poor fellow kept booing and booing, like Sir Pertinax Macsyco- phant in the play ; but, finding all his requests were disregarded, he came forward, and was descending the fore-scuttle, when we demanded what the lad wanted, and whether he couldn't find any body upon deck ? " Eh, (says Jock,) I saw the auld gentleman of a mate aft there a deadly sulky-looking sort of a body too, but he would nae answer me." " Hush (says the boatswain,) he'll hear you. That isn't the mate, but a passenger we brought home from the island of THE BARGE'S CREW. 145 Jamaica. He's a very rich sugar-baker, but dreadfully cross and spiteful we're all afraid of him." " Eh, be g-ood unto us ! (returned the simple lad;) are all the sugar-bakers like unto him ? They must be a main comical set !" He was directed to go down the half-deck and take a little out of a cask ; but he wouldn't attempt it till one of his companions descended with him. " Eh, Jammie, (says the first,) did you nae see the ootlandish pas- senger body sitting aft on the quarter-deck ?" '" Na, Jock, (replied the other,) wha was it?" "I dinna ken, but they tellit me he was a sugar- baker from Jemakee ; but such an ugly cat-fared looking Eh, sir ! (taking off his hat on observing the monkey grinning at 'em down the hatchway, as if listening) Eh, sir, 'twas nae you we were talking aboot, but anither gentleman, a sugar-baker in Soonderland. Eh, sir, we would nae offend your coontenance for the warld !" However, no persuasions could induce them to come on deck till they were convinced the gentleman' passenger had forgiven them, and gone quietly to his cabin.' Upon the next thwart was Joe Henderson, him as is now boatswain of the yacht building at Woolwich. Joe was a hair-brained careless fellow, but open and free-hearted ; ready for any thing, so that it did but promise mischief. He was in the Triumph at the mutiny, and was bow-man of the barge. Well, when Sir E left the ship, the boat landed at Sallyport, and Joe runs out the gang-board, while he observed a rough-looking captain waiting on the beach, who hailed their old skipper with " Good morning. Sir Erasmus, good morning." "Good morning, Captain E-r , (replied Sir Erasmus;) I understand you are appointed to the Triumph, and I am very sorry to say you will have a set of mutinous scoundrels to deal with." "Never fear, Sir Erasmus, I am as mutinous as any of them, and 1 have no doubt they will speedily discover it." So after shaking hands he jumped into the boat, and they pulled aboard. Well, the hands were turned up, the commission was read, and every one expected a speech, and a speech they had. "I'll tell you what it is, my men : I would advise you to keep a sharp look-out, or I'll hang one half of you." This made them feel comical j and, as soon the boatswain's mate piped down, a meeting was summoned to know whether they shouldn't send him ashore u 146 THE BARGE'S CREW. again ; but an old quarter-master advised to try him first, for, says he, " I knows the gemman he came in at the hawse-holes, and understands what a seaman is; therefore it arn't fair to shove him out of the cabin windows." This settled it, and they never had cause to repent of their delay. But I haven't time to tell you more now ; however, I'll try and recollect some- thing else about Joe and Captain E , and the old Triumphs, as, d'ye see, they are all connected &ith the Barge's Crew.' " THE BARGE'S CREW. CHAPTER IV. ' All on board of a man-of-war.' So, as I was a-saying, Joe Henderson pulled the bow oar in the Triumph's barge, and a worthier fellow or a better seaman never handled a boat-hook : he was one of them that played ould Solomon the trick when shop, watches, trinkets, and all, went flying down the fore-hatchway; and that lie used to call a ' jew de spree.' But you should see him now, in his boatswain's uniform, with his white locks flowing over his shoulders, and his smilling face as full of fun and frolic as a boy of sixteen. Well, d'ye see, after the captain had been aboard some time, and they began to find him strict a