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Volume 1" /> + <meta name="DC.Date" content="April 1, 2012" /> + <meta name="DC.Language" content="English" /> + <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Project Gutenberg" /> + <meta name="DC.Identifier" content= + "http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/39341" /> + <meta name="DC.Rights" content="This text is in the public domain." /> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Sea: Its Stirring Story of + Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 1 by Frederick Whymper</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[*/ + /* + The Gnutenberg Press - default CSS2 stylesheet + + Any generated element will have a class "tei" and a class "tei-elem" + where elem is the element name in TEI. + The order of statements is important !!! + */ + + .tei { margin: 0; padding: 0; + font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal } + + .block { display: block; } + .inline { display: inline; } + .floatleft { float: left; margin: 1em 2em 1em 0; } + .floatright { float: right; margin: 1em 0 1em 2em; } + .shaded { margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + padding: 1em; background-color: #eee; } + .boxed { margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + padding: 1em; border: 1px solid black; } + + body.tei { margin: 4ex 10%; text-align: justify } + div.tei { margin: 2em 0em } + p.tei { margin: 0em 0em 1em 0em; text-indent: 0em; } + blockquote.tei { margin: 2em 4em } + + div.tei-lg { margin: 1em 0em; } + div.tei-l { margin: 0em; text-align: left; } + div.tei-tb { text-align: center; } + div.tei-epigraph { margin: 0em 0em 1em 10em; } + div.tei-dateline { margin: 1ex 0em; text-align: right } + div.tei-salute { margin: 1ex 0em; } + div.tei-signed { margin: 1ex 0em; text-align: right } + div.tei-byline { margin: 1ex 0em; } + + /* calculate from size of body = 80% */ + div.tei-marginnote { margin: 0em 0em 0em -12%; width: 11%; float: left; } + + div.tei-sp { margin: 1em 0em 1em 2em } + div.tei-speaker { margin: 0em 0em 1em -2em; + font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0em } + div.tei-stage { margin: 1em 0em; font-weight: normal; font-style: italic } + span.tei-stage { font-weight: normal; font-style: italic } + + div.tei-eg { padding: 1em; + color: black; background-color: #eee } + + hr.doublepage { margin: 4em 0em; height: 5px; } + hr.page { margin: 4em 0em; height: 2px; } + + ul.tei-index { list-style-type: none } + + dl.tei { margin: 1em 0em } + + dt.tei-notelabel { font-weight: normal; text-align: right; + float: left; width: 3em } + dd.tei-notetext { margin: 0em 0em 1ex 4em } + + span.tei-pb { position: absolute; left: 1%; width: 8%; + font-style: normal; } + + span.code { font-family: monospace; font-size: 110%; } + + ul.tei-castlist { margin: 0em; list-style-type: none } + li.tei-castitem { margin: 0em; } + table.tei-castgroup { margin: 0em; } + ul.tei-castgroup { margin: 0em; list-style-type: none; + padding-right: 2em; border-right: solid black 2px; } + caption.tei-castgroup-head { caption-side: right; width: 50%; text-align: left; + vertical-align: middle; padding-left: 2em; } + *.tei-roledesc { font-style: italic } + *.tei-set { font-style: italic } + + table.rules { border-collapse: collapse; } + table.rules caption, + table.rules th, + table.rules td { border: 1px solid black; } + + table.tei { border-collapse: collapse; } + table.tei-list { width: 100% } + + th.tei-head-table { padding: 0.5ex 1em } + + th.tei-cell { padding: 0em 1em } + td.tei-cell { padding: 0em 1em } + + td.tei-item { padding: 0; font-weight: normal; + vertical-align: top; text-align: left; } + th.tei-label, + td.tei-label { width: 3em; padding: 0; font-weight: normal; + vertical-align: top; text-align: right; } + + th.tei-label-gloss, + td.tei-label-gloss { text-align: left } + + td.tei-item-gloss, + th.tei-headItem-gloss { padding-left: 4em; } + + img.tei-formula { vertical-align: middle; } + + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> + +<body class="tei"> + <div lang="en" class="tei tei-text" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 2.00em" xml:lang="en"> + <div class="tei tei-front" style= + "margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div id="pgheader" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 2.00em">The Project + Gutenberg EBook of The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, + Peril, & Heroism. Volume 1 by Frederick Whymper</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This eBook is + for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no + restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use + it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License <a href= + "#pglicense" class="tei tei-ref">included with this eBook</a> or + online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license" class= + "tei tei-xref">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a></p> + </div> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +Title: The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 1 + +Author: Frederick Whymper + +Release Date: April 1, 2012 [Ebook #39341] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SEA: ITS STIRRING STORY OF ADVENTURE, PERIL, & HEROISM. VOLUME 1*** +</pre> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"></div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="figbritcrme" id="figbritcrme" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_002th.jpg" alt= + "Illustration: British crosses and medals" title= + "BRITISH CROSSES & MEDALS, see Key [larger version]" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + BRITISH CROSSES & MEDALS,<br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">see Key</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <a href="images/illo_002.jpg" class="tei tei-xref" style= + "text-align: center">[larger version]</a> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">BRITISH CROSSES AND + MEDALS.—(<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Coloured + Frontispiece.</span></span>)</p> + + <table summary="This is a table" cellspacing="0" class= + "tei tei-table" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <colgroup span="7"></colgroup> + + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td colspan="7" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">1. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Medal of Elizabeth.</span></span> + (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Defeat of the Armada, + 1588.</span></span>)</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">2. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Crimea Medal and + Naval + Clasp for Azoff</span></span> (1854-6).</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center">5. + <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Naval + Medal of Commonwealth</span></span> (1650).</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">3. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">China Medal with Two Naval + Clasps</span></span> (1857-58).</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">4. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Naval War Medal + Ribbon</span></span> (1793, 1840).</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">6. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Conspicuous Gallantry + Ribbon</span></span> (1854, 1874).</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">7. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Naval Medal of + Commonwealth</span></span> (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Blake’s Victories over the + Dutch</span></span>) (1653).</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center">8. + <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Naval + Medal of Charles II.</span></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">9. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Naval Medal of + Commonwealth</span></span> (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Blake’s Victories over the + Dutch</span></span>) (1653).</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td colspan="7" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">10. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Collar of the Order of the + Bath.</span></span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">11. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Good Conduct and Long-service + Medal.</span></span></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center"></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">12. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Baltic Medal</span></span> + (1854).</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td colspan="3" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">13. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Victoria Cross with Naval + Ribbon.</span></span></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center"></td> + + <td colspan="2" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">15. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Albert Medal</span></span> + (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Sea</span></span>).</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td colspan="7" class="tei tei-cell" style= + "text-align: center">14. <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Badge of the Knights of the + Bath</span></span> (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Military and Naval + Division</span></span>).</td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"><img src= + "images/cover.jpg" alt= + "Illustration: Illustrated title page" /></div> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-titlePage" style="text-align: center"> + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div><a name= + "Pgi" id="Pgi" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: center"></a> + <span class="tei tei-docTitle" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 173%; font-variant: small-caps">The + Sea</span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Its Stirring Story of + Adventure, Peril, & Heroism.</span></span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + + <div class="tei tei-byline" style="text-align: center"> + BY<br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docAuthor" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">F. + WHYMPER,</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">AUTHOR OF</span> <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">“</span><span style="font-size: 75%">TRAVELS IN + ALASKA,</span><span style="font-size: 75%">”</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 75%">ETC.</span></span> + </div><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">ILLUSTRATED.</span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docImprint" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-publisher" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Cassell Petter & + Galpin</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 120%">:</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-pubPlace" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">LONDON, PARIS + & NEW YORK</span></span>.</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 75%">[ALL RIGHTS + RESERVED]</span></span> + + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div><a name= + "Pgii" id="Pgii" class="tei tei-anchor" style= + "text-align: center"></a> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgiii" id="Pgiii" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc1" id="toc1"></a><a name="pdf2" id= + "pdf2"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CONTENTS.</span></h1> + + <table summary="This is a table" cellspacing="0" class= + "tei tei-table" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <colgroup span="2"></colgroup> + + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap01" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + I.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap01" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center">MEN-OF-WAR.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">PAGE</span></span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Our Wooden Walls—The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>—Siege of + Toulon—Battle of St. Vincent—Nelson’s Bridge—Trafalgar’s + Glorious Day—The Day for such Battles gone—Iron <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">v.</span></span> + Wood—Lessons of the Crimean War—Moral Effect of the Presence of + our Fleets—Bombardment of Sebastopol—Red-hot Shot and + Gibraltar—The Ironclad Movement—The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span>—Experiences with + Ironclads—The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> in Hampton Roads—A + Speedily-decided Action—The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span> sunk and + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span> burned—The First + Monitor—Engagement with the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span>—Notes on Recent + Actions—The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Shah</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Huascar</span></span>—An Ironclad tackled + by a Merchantman</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">4</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap02" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + II.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap02" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">MEN OF + PEACE.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Naval Life in Peace Times—A Grand + Exploring Voyage—The Cruise of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span>—Its Work—Deep-sea + Soundings—Five Miles down—Apparatus employed—Ocean Treasures—A + Gigantic Sea-monster—Tristan d’Acunha—A Discovery Interesting + to the Discovered—The Two Crusoes—The Inaccessible + Island—Solitary Life—The Sea-cart—Swimming Pigs—Rescued at + Last—The Real Crusoe Island to Let—Down South—The Land of + Desolation—Kerguelen—The Sealers’ Dreary Life—In the + Antarctic—Among the Icebergs</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">28</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap03" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + III.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap03" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">THE + MEN OF THE SEA.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">The Great Lexicographer on Sailors—The + Dangers of the Sea—How Boys become Sailors—Young Amyas + Leigh—The Genuine Jack Tar—Training-Ships <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">versus</span></span> the old + Guard-Ships—<span class="tei tei-q">“Sea-goers and + Waisters”</span>—The Training Undergone—Routine on + Board—Never-ending Work—Ship like a Lady’s Watch—Watches and + <span class="tei tei-q">“Bells”</span>—Old Grogram and Grog—The + Sailor’s Sheet Anchor—Shadows in the Seaman’s Life—The Naval + Cat—Testimony and Opinion of a Medical Officer—An Example—Boy + Flogging in the Navy—Shakespeare and Herbert on Sailors and the + Sea</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">42</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap04" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + IV.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap04" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">PERILS + OF THE SAILOR’S LIFE.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">The Loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span>—Six Hundred Souls + swept into Eternity without a Warning—The Mansion and the + Cottage alike Sufferers—Causes of the Disaster—Horrors of the + Scene—Noble Captain Burgoyne—Narratives of Survivors—An almost + Incredible Feat—Loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Royal + George</span></span>—A Great Disaster caused by a Trifle—Nine + Hundred Lost—A Child saved by a Sheep—The Portholes Upright—An + Involuntary Bath of Tar—Rafts of Corpses—The Vessel Blown up in + 1839-40—The Loss of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span>—Half a Million sunk + in Fifty Minutes—Admirable Discipline on Board—All Saved—The + Court Martial</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">54</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap05" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + V.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap05" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">PERILS + OF THE SAILOR’S LIFE (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>).</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">The Value of Discipline—The Loss of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Kent</span></span>—Fire on Board—The Ship + Waterlogged—Death in Two Forms—A Sail in Sight—Transference of + Six Hundred Passengers to a Small Brig—Splendid Discipline of + the Soldiers—Imperturbable Coolness of the Captain—Loss of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Birkenhead</span></span>—Literally broken + in Two—Noble Conduct of the Military—A Contrary Example—Wreck + of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>—Run on a + Sand-bank—Panic on Board—Raft constructed—Insubordination and + Selfishness—One Hundred and Fifty Souls abandoned—Drunkenness + and Mutiny on the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="pageiv">[pg + iv]</span><a name="Pgiv" id="Pgiv" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Raft—Riots and Murders—Reduced to Thirty + Persons—The Stronger Part massacre the Others—Fifteen + Left—Rescued at Last—Another Contrast—Wreck of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Alceste</span></span>—Admirable Conduct of + the Crew—The Ironclad Movement—The Battle of the Guns</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">67</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap06" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + VI.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap06" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">ROUND + THE WORLD ON A MAN-OF-WAR.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">The Mediterranean—White, Blue, Green, + and Purple Waters—Gibraltar—Its History—Its First Inhabitants + the Monkeys—The Moors—The Great Siege preceded by Thirteen + Others—The Voyage of Sigurd to the Holy Land—The Third + Siege—Starvation—The Fourth Siege—Red-hot Balls used before + ordinary Cannon-balls—The Great Plague—Gibraltar finally in + Christian Hands—A Naval Action between the Dutch and + Spaniards—How England won the Rock—An Unrewarded Hero—Spain’s + Attempts to regain it—The Great Siege—The Rock itself and its + Surroundings—The Straits—Ceuta, Gibraltar’s Rival—The Saltness + of the Mediterranean—<span class="tei tei-q">“Going + aloft”</span>—On to Malta</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">87</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap07" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + VII.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap07" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">ROUND + THE WORLD ON A MAN-OF-WAR (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>).<br /> + MALTA AND THE SUEZ CANAL.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Calypso’s Isle—A Convict + Paradise—Malta, the <span class="tei tei-q">“Flower of the + World”</span>—The Knights of St. John—Rise of the Order—The + Crescent and the Cross—The Siege of Rhodes—L’Isle Adam in + London—The Great Siege of Malta—Horrible Episodes—Malta in + French and English Hands—St. Paul’s Cave—The Catacombs—Modern + Incidents—The Shipwreck of St. Paul—Gales in the + Mediterranean—Experiences of Nelson and Collingwood—Squalls in + the Bay of San Francisco—A Man Overboard—Special Winds of the + Mediterranean—The Suez Canal and M. de Lesseps—His Diplomatic + Career—Saïd Pacha as a Boy—As a Viceroy—The Plan + settled—Financial Troubles—Construction of the Canal—The + Inauguration Fête—Suez—Passage of the Children of Israel + through the Red Sea</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">98</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap08" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + VIII.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap08" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">ROUND + THE WORLD ON A MAN-OF-WAR (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>).<br /> + THE INDIA AND CHINA STATIONS.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">The Red Sea and its Name—Its Ports—On + to the India Station—Bombay: Island, City, + Presidency—Calcutta—Ceylon, a Paradise—The China Station—Hong + Kong—Macao—Canton—Capture of Commissioner Yeh—The Sea of + Soup—Shanghai—<span class="tei tei-q">“Jack”</span> Ashore + there—Luxuries in Market—Drawbacks: Earthquakes and Sand + Showers—Chinese Explanations of Earthquakes—The Roving Life of + the Sailor—Compensating Advantages—Japan and its People—The + Englishmen of the Pacific—Yokohama—Peculiarities of the + Japanese—Off to the North</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">117</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap09" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + IX.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap09" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">ROUND + THE WORLD ON A MAN-OF-WAR (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>).<br /> + NORTHWARD AND SOUTHWARD—THE AUSTRALIAN STATION.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">The Port of Peter and Paul—Wonderful + Colouring of Kamchatka Hills—Grand Volcanoes—The Fight at + Petropaulovski—A Contrast—An International Pic-nic—A Double + Wedding—Bering’s Voyages—Kamchatka worthy of Further + Exploration—Plover Bay—Tchuktchi Natives—Whaling—A Terrible + Gale—A Novel <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Smoke-stack”</span>—Southward again—The Liverpool + of the East—Singapore, a Paradise—New Harbour—Wharves and + Shipping—Cruelties of the Coolie Trade—Junks and Prahus—The + Kling-gharry Drivers—The Durian and its Devotees—Australia—Its + Discovery—Botany Bay and the Convicts—The First Gold—Port + Jackson—Beauty of Sydney—Port Philip and Melbourne</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">131</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap10" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + X.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap10" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">ROUND + THE WORLD ON A MAN-OF-WAR (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>).<br /> + THE PACIFIC STATION.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Across the Pacific—Approach to the + Golden Gate—The Bay of San Francisco—The City—First Dinner + Ashore—Cheap Luxury—San Francisco by Night—The Land of Gold, + Grain, and Grapes—Incidents of the Early Days—Expensive + Papers—A Lucky Sailor—Chances for English Girls—The Baby at the + Play—A capital Port for Seamen—Hospitality of + Californians—Victoria, Vancouver Island—The Naval Station at + Esquimalt—A Delightful Place—Advice to Intending + Emigrants—British Columbian Indians—Their Fine + Canoes—Experiences of the Writer—The Island on <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="pagev">[pg v]</span><a name="Pgv" id="Pgv" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Fire—The Chinook Jargon—Indian + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pigeon-English”</span>—North to + Alaska—The Purchase of Russian America by the United + States—Results—Life at Sitka—Grand Volcanoes of the Aleutian + Islands—The Great Yukon River—American Trading Posts round + Bering Sea</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">156</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap11" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + XI.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap11" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">ROUND + THE WORLD ON A MAN-OF-WAR (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>).<br /> + FROM THE HORN TO HALIFAX.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">The Dreaded Horn—The Land of + Fire—Basil Hall’s Phenomenon—A Missing Volcano—The South + American Station—Falkland Islands—A Free Port and Naval + Station—Penguins, Peat, and Kelp—Sea Trees—The West India + Station—Trinidad—Columbus’s First View of it—Fatal Gold—Charles + Kingsley’s Enthusiasm—The Port of Spain—A Happy-go-lucky + People—Negro Life—Letters from a Cottage Ornée—Tropical + Vegetation—Animal Life—Jamaica—Kingston Harbour—Sugar + Cultivation—The Queen of the Antilles—Its Paseo—Beauty of the + Archipelago—A Dutch Settlement in the Heart of a Volcano—Among + the Islands—The Souffrière—Historical Reminiscences—Bermuda: + Colony, Fortress, and Prison—Home of Ariel and Caliban—The + Whitest Place in the World—Bermuda Convicts—New York + Harbour—The City—First Impressions—Its Fine Position—Splendid + Harbour—Forest of Masts—The Ferry-boats, Hotels, and + Bars—Offenbach’s Impressions—Broadway, Fulton Market, and + Central Park—New York in Winter—Frozen Ships—The Great Brooklyn + Bridge—Halifax and its Beauties—Importance of the + Station—Bedford Basin—The Early Settlers—The Blue Noses—Adieu + to America</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">175</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap12" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + XII.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap12" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">ROUND + THE WORLD ON A MAN-OF-WAR (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>).<br /> + THE AFRICAN STATION.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Its Extent—Ascension—Turtle at a + Discount—Sierra Leone—An Unhealthy Station—The Cape of Good + Hope—Cape Town—Visit of the Sailor Prince—Grand + Festivities—Enthusiasm of the Natives—Loyal Demonstrations—An + African <span class="tei tei-q">“Derby”</span>—Grand Dock + Inaugurated—Elephant Hunting—The Parting Ball—The Life of a + Boer—Circular Farms—The Diamond Discoveries—A £12,000 Gem—A + Sailor First President of the Fields—Precarious Nature of the + Search—Natal—Inducements held out to Settlers—St. Helena and + Napoleon—Discourteous Treatment of a Fallen Foe—The Home of the + Caged Lion</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">202</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap13" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + XIII.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap13" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">THE + SERVICE.—OFFICERS’ LIFE ON BOARD.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Conditions of Life on Ship-board—A + Model Ward-room—An Admiral’s Cabin—Captains and Captains—The + Sailor and his Superior Officers—A Contrast—A Commander of the + Old School—Jack Larmour—Lord Cochrane’s Experiences—His Chest + curtailed—The Stinking Ship—The First Command—Shaving under + Difficulties—The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Speedy</span></span> and her Prizes—The + Doctor—On Board a Gun-boat—Cabin and Dispensary—Cockroaches and + Centipedes—Other Horrors—The Naval Chaplain—His Duties—Stories + of an Amateur—The Engineer—His Increasing Importance—Popularity + of the Navy—Nelson always a Model Commander—The Idol of his + Colleagues, Officers, and Men—Taking the Men into his + Confidence—The Action between the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span>—Captain Falknor’s + Speech to the Crew—An Obsolete Custom—Crossing the + Line—Neptune’s Visit to the Quarter-deck—The Navy of To-day—Its + Backbone—Progressive Increase in the Size of Vessels—Naval + Volunteers—A Noble Movement—Excellent Results—The Naval + Reserve</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">214</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap14" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + XIV.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap14" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">THE + REVERSE OF THE PICTURE—MUTINY.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Bligh’s Bread-fruit Expedition—Voyage + of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>—Otaheite—The Happy + Islanders—First Appearance of a Mutinous Spirit—The Cutter + stolen and recovered—The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> + sails with 1,000 Trees—The Mutiny—Bligh overpowered and + bound—Abandoned with Eighteen Others—Their Resources—Attacked + by Natives—A Boat Voyage of 3,618 Miles—Violent Gales—Miserable + Condition of the Boat’s Crew—Bread by the Ounce—Rum by the + Tea-spoonful—Noddies and Boobies—<span class="tei tei-q">“Who + shall have this?”</span>—Off the Barrier Reef—A Haven of + Rest—Oyster and Palm-top Stews—Another Thousand Miles of + Ocean—Arrival at Coupang—Hospitality of the Residents—Ghastly + Looks of the Party—Death of Five of the Number—The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pandora</span></span> dispatched to catch + the Mutineers—Fourteen in Irons—<span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pandora’s</span></span> Box—The + Wreck—Great Loss of Life—Sentences of the Court Martial—The + Last of the Mutineers—Pitcairn Island—A Model + Settlement—Another Example: The Greatest Mutiny of + History—40,000 Disaffected Men at One Point—Causes—Legitimate + Action of the Men at First—Apathy of Government—Serious + Organisation—The Spithead Fleet ordered to Sea—Refusal of the + Crews—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="pagevi">[pg + vi]</span><a name="Pgvi" id="Pgvi" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Concessions made, and the First Mutiny + quelled—Second Outbreak—Lord Howe’s Tact—The Great Mutiny of + the Nore—Richard Parker—A Vile Character but Man of Talent—Wins + the Men to his Side—Officers flogged and ducked—Gallant + Duncan’s Address—Accessions to the Mutineers—Parker practically + Lord High Admiral—His Extravagant Behaviour—Alarm in London—The + Movement dies out by Degrees—Parker’s Cause lost—His + Execution—Mutinies at Other Stations—Prompt Action of Lords St. + Vincent and Macartney</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">235</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap15" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + XV.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap15" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">THE + HISTORY OF SHIPS AND SHIPPING INTERESTS.</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">The First Attempts to Float—Hollowed + Logs and Rafts—The Ark and its Dimensions—Skin Floats and + Basket-boats—Maritime Commerce of Antiquity—Phœnician + Enterprise—Did they round the Cape?—The Ships of + Tyre—Carthage—Hanno’s Voyage to the West Coast of + Africa—Egyptian Galleys—The Great Ships of the + Ptolemies—Hiero’s Floating Palace—The Romans—Their Repugnance + to Seafaring Pursuits—Sea Battles with the + Carthaginians—Cicero’s Opinions on Commerce—Constantinople and + its Commerce—Venice—Britain—The First Invasion under Julius + Cæsar—Benefits accruing—The Danish Pirates—The London of the + Period—The Father of the British Navy—Alfred and his + Victories—Canute’s Fleet—The Norman Invasion—The + Crusades—Richard Cœur de Lion’s Fleet—The Cinque Ports and + their Privileges—Foundation of a Maritime Code—Letters of + Marque—Opening of the Coal Trade—Chaucer’s Description of the + Sailors of his Time—A Glorious Period—The Victories at + Harfleur—Henry V.’s Fleet of 1,500 Vessels—The Channel + Marauders—The King-Maker Pirate—Sir Andrew Wood’s + Victory—Action with Scotch Pirates—The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Great + Michael</span></span> and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Great + Harry</span></span>—Queen Elizabeth’s Astuteness—The Nation + never so well provided—<span class="tei tei-q">“The Most + Fortunate and Invincible Armada”</span>—Its Size and + Strength—Elizabeth’s Appeal to the Country—A Noble + Response—Effingham’s Appointment—The Armada’s First + Disaster—Refitted, and resails from Corunna—Chased in the + Rear—A Series of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Contretemps</span></span>—English + Volunteer Ships in Numbers—The Fire-ships at Calais—The Final + Action—Flight of the Armada—Fate of Shipwrecked Spanish in + Ireland—Total Loss to Spain—Rejoicings and Thanksgivings in + England</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">258</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap16" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">CHAPTER + XVI.</span></a></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><a href= + "#chap16" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center">THE + HISTORY OF SHIPS AND SHIPPING INTERESTS (<span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>).</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Noble Adventurers—The Earl of + Cumberland as a Pirate—Rich Prizes—Action with the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Madre de + Dios</span></span>—Capture of the Great Carrack—A Cargo worth + £150,000—Burning of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cinco Chagas</span></span>—But Fifteen + saved out of Eleven Hundred Souls—The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Scourge of + Malice</span></span>—Establishment of the Slave Trade—Sir John + Hawkins’ Ventures—High-handed Proceedings—The Spaniards forced + to purchase—A Fleet of Slavers—Hawkins sanctioned by + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good Queen Bess”</span>—Joins in a + Negro War—A Disastrous Voyage—Sir Francis Drake—His First + Loss—The Treasure at Nombre de Dios—Drake’s First Sight of the + Pacific—Tons of Silver captured—John Oxenham’s Voyage—The First + Englishman on the Pacific—His Disasters and Death—Drake’s + Voyage Round the World—Blood-letting at the Equator—Arrival at + Port Julian—Trouble with the Natives—Execution of a + Mutineer—Passage of the Straits of Magellan—Vessels separated + in a Gale—Loss of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Marigold</span></span>—Tragic Fate of + Eight Men—Drake driven to Cape Horn—Proceedings at + Valparaiso—Prizes taken—Capture of the Great Treasure + Ship—Drake’s Resolve to change his Course Home—Vessel refitted + at Nicaragua—Stay in the Bay of San Francisco—The Natives + worship the English—Grand Reception at Ternate—Drake’s Ship + nearly wrecked—Return to England—Honours accorded Drake—His + Character and Influence—Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s Disasters and + Death—Raleigh’s Virginia Settlements</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">291</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"><img src= + "images/illo_012.png" alt="Illustration" /></div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="pagevii">[pg vii]</span><a name="Pgvii" + id="Pgvii" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc3" id= + "toc3"></a><a name="pdf4" id="pdf4"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">LIST OF + ILLUSTRATIONS.</span></h1><a name="Pgviii" id="Pgviii" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <table summary="This is a table" cellspacing="0" class= + "tei tei-table" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <colgroup span="2"></colgroup> + + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">PAGE</span></span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbritcrme" class= + "tei tei-ref">British Crosses & Medals</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figexama_ha" class= + "tei tei-ref">Examining a <span class="tei tei-q">“Haul”</span> + on Board the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Frontispiece.</span></span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figvictatpo" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> at + Portsmouth</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">5</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figrockneca" class= + "tei tei-ref">Rocks near Cape St. Vincent</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">9</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figvictatcl" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> at Close Quarters + with the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">12</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsiegofgi" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Siege of Gibraltar</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">17</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figorigme" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Original <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">21</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figengabeth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Engagement between the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">25</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figperuirhu" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Peruvian Ironclad <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Huascar</span></span> attacked by two + Chilian Ironclads</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figperuirhu2" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Peruvian Ironclad <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Huascar</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figobjeofin" class= + "tei tei-ref">Objects of Interest brought Home by the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">32</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figchalinan" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> in Antarctic + Ice</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">33</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figaccumula" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Accumulator”</span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">35</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figchalatju" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> at Juan + Fernandez</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">36</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figchalmafa" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> made fast to St. + Paul’s Rocks (South Atlantic)</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#fignaturoon" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Naturalist’s Room on Board the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">37</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figdredimus" class= + "tei tei-ref">Dredging Implements used by the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">38</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figchictrai" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Chichester</span></span> + Training-ship</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">45</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figinstonbo" class= + "tei tei-ref">Instruction on Board a Man-of-war</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">49</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcaptinth" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> in the Bay of + Biscay</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">56</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figwrecofth" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Wreck of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Royal + George</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">61</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">T<a href="#figlossofth" class= + "tei tei-ref">he Loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 63</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figlossofth2" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Kent</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">64</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#fighms_vaat" class= + "tei tei-ref">H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> at Sea</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figvangassh" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> as she appeared at + Low Water</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">65</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figfalmharb" class= + "tei tei-ref">Falmouth Harbour</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">72</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figlossofth3" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Birkenhead</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">73</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figraftofth" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Raft of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">76</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figon__thra" class= + "tei tei-ref">On the Raft of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>—a Sail in + sight</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">81</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsectofa" class= + "tei tei-ref">Section of a First-class Man-of-war</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">84</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figwarrior" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">85</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figrockofgi" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Rock of Gibraltar from the Mainland</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 87</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figgibrthne" class= + "tei tei-ref">Gibraltar: the Neutral Ground</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">89</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figmoortoat" class= + "tei tei-ref">Moorish Tower at Gibraltar</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">93</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figmalta" class= + "tei tei-ref">Malta</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">96</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figdefeofma" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Defence of Malta by the Knights of St. John + against the Turks in 1565</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">100</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcataatci" class= + "tei tei-ref">Catacombs at Citta Vecchia, Malta</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">101</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figm___less" class= + "tei tei-ref">M. Lesseps</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">105</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbirdofsu" class= + "tei tei-ref">Bird’s-eye View of Suez Canal</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">109</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figmap_ofsu" class= + "tei tei-ref">Map of the Suez Canal</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">111</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figopenofth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Opening of the Suez Canal (Procession of + Ships)</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 113</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsuezcadr" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Suez Canal: Dredges at Work</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">113</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcatcpeon" class= + "tei tei-ref">Catching Pelicans on Lake Menzaleh</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">116</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figjiddfrth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Jiddah, from the Sea</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">117</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcyclatca" class= + "tei tei-ref">Cyclone at Calcutta</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">120</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figmacao" class= + "tei tei-ref">Macao</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">124</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figvessinth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Vessels in the Port of Shanghai</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">125</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figyokohama" class= + "tei tei-ref">Yokohama</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">128</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figfusimoun" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Fusiyama Mountain</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">129</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figtea_main" class= + "tei tei-ref">A Tea Mart in Japan</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">133</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figpetranth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Petropaulovski and the Avatcha Mountain</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">137</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figwhalatwo" class= + "tei tei-ref">Whalers at Work</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">140</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figour_pasm" class= + "tei tei-ref">Our <span class="tei tei-q">“Patent + Smoke-stack”</span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">141</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figviewinth" class= + "tei tei-ref">View in the Straits of Malacca</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">145</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figjunkina" class= + "tei tei-ref">Junks in a Chinese Harbour</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">148</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figislainth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Island in the Straits of Malacca</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 149</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figchinjuat" class= + "tei tei-ref">Chinese Junk at Singapore</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">149</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsinglose" class= + "tei tei-ref">Singapore, looking Seawards</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">152</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figlookdoon" class= + "tei tei-ref">Looking down on Singapore</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">153</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figtimbwhat" class= + "tei tei-ref">A Timber Wharf at San Francisco</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">156</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbay_ofsa" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Bay of San Francisco</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">160</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbritcasa" class= + "tei tei-ref">The British Camp: San Juan</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">165</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figportofva" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Port of Valparaiso</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">173</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcapehorn" class= + "tei tei-ref">Cape Horn</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">176</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figlandofco" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Landing of Columbus at Trinidad</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">177</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figviewinja" class= + "tei tei-ref">View in Jamaica</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">180</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figkinghaja" class= + "tei tei-ref">Kingston Harbour, Jamaica</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">181</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#fighavana" class= + "tei tei-ref">Havana</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">184</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcentatth" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Centaur</span></span> at the Diamond Rock, + Martinique</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 187</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbermfrgi" class= + "tei tei-ref">Bermuda, from Gibbs Hills</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">188</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#fignortrobe" class= + "tei tei-ref">The North Rock, Bermuda</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">189</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbermfldo" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Bermuda Floating Dock</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">192</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figvoyaofth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Voyage of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">193</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figmap_ofne" class= + "tei tei-ref">Map of New York Harbour</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">195</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbroobrid" class= + "tei tei-ref">Brooklyn Bridge</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">196</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figferrneyo" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ferry Boat, New York Harbour</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">197</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figislaofas" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Island of Ascension</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">200</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figtridacu" class= + "tei tei-ref">Tristan D’Acunha</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">201</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsierleon" class= + "tei tei-ref">Sierra Leone</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">204</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcapetown" class= + "tei tei-ref">Cape Town</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">205</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figgalapakn" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Galatea</span></span> passing Knysna + Heads</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">209</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsthelena" class= + "tei tei-ref">St. Helena</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">213</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figon__deof" class= + "tei tei-ref">On Deck a Man-of-war, Eighteenth Century</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 214</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbetwdeof" class= + "tei tei-ref">Between Decks of a Man-of-war, Eighteenth + Century</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">217</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#fignavaofan" class= + "tei tei-ref">Naval Officers and Seamen, Eighteenth + Century</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">221</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figengiofhm" class= + "tei tei-ref">Engine Room of H.M.S. <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">225</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figfighbeth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Fight between the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span> and the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">229</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figgreahaan" class= + "tei tei-ref">The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Great Harry</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Great + Eastern</span></span> in contrast</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">233</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcrewofhm" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Crew of H.M.S. <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> landing at + Otaheite</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">236</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figmutiseca" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Mutineers seizing Captain Bligh</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">237</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figbligcaad" class= + "tei tei-ref">Bligh cast adrift</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">240</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figmap_ofth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Map of the Islands of the Pacific</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">245</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#fighms_brat" class= + "tei tei-ref">H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Briton</span></span> at Pitcairn + Island</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">248</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figpitcisla" class= + "tei tei-ref">Pitcairn Island</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figmutiatpo" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Mutiny at Portsmouth</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 251</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figadmiduad" class= + "tei tei-ref">Admiral Duncan addressing his Crew</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">253</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figlordstvi" class= + "tei tei-ref">Lord St. Vincent</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">257</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figfleeofro" class= + "tei tei-ref">Fleet of Roman Galleys</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">261</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figapprofth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Approach of the Danish Fleet</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">265</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figshipofwi" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ships of William the Conqueror</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">268</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figcrusansa" class= + "tei tei-ref">Crusaders and Saracens</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">269</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figduelbefr" class= + "tei tei-ref">Duel between French and English Ships</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">272</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figreveofth" class= + "tei tei-ref">Reverse of the Seal of Sandwich</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">274</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsir_anwo" class= + "tei tei-ref">Sir Andrew Wood’s Victory</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">277</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figold_dedo" class= + "tei tei-ref">Old Deptford Dockyard</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">280</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figdefeofsi" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Defeat of Sir A. Barton</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 280</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figfirsshag" class= + "tei tei-ref">The First Shot against the Armada</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">285</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figfirsshag" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Fire-ships attacking the Armada</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">288</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figdrakfivi" class= + "tei tei-ref">Drake’s First View of the Pacific</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">To face page</span></span> 289</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figqueeelon" class= + "tei tei-ref">Queen Elizabeth on her way to St. Paul’s</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">289</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figearlofcu" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Earl of Cumberland and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Madre de + Dios</span></span></a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">293</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figon__thco" class= + "tei tei-ref">On the Coast of Cornwall</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">297</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsir_joha" class= + "tei tei-ref">Sir John Hawkins</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">300</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#fighawkatst" class= + "tei tei-ref">Hawkins at St. Juan de Ulloa</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">301</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figoxenemon" class= + "tei tei-ref">Oxenham embarking on the Pacific</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">304</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figsir_f_dr" class= + "tei tei-ref">Sir F. Drake</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">309</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figdrakarat" class= + "tei tei-ref">Drake’s Arrival at Ternate</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">312</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><a href="#figdeatofsi" class= + "tei tei-ref">The Death of Sir Humphrey Gilbert</a></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">317</td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"><img src= + "images/illo_014.png" alt="Illustration" /></div> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-body" style= + "margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page1">[pg 1]</span><a name="Pg001" id= + "Pg001" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"><img src= + "images/illo_015.jpg" alt="Illustration" /></div> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">THE SEA.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One can hardly gaze + upon the great ocean without feelings akin to awe and reverence. + Whether viewed from some promontory where the eye seeks in vain another + resting-place, or when sailing over the deep, one looks around on the + unbounded expanse of waters, the sea must always give rise to ideas of + infinite space and indefinable mystery hardly paralleled by anything of + the earth itself. Beneficent in its calmer aspect, when the silvery + moon lights up the ripples and the good ship scuds along before a + favouring breeze; terrible in its might, when its merciless breakers + dash upon some rock-girt coast, carrying the gallant bark to + destruction, or when, rising mountains high, the spars quiver and snap + before the tempest’s power, it is always grand, sublime, irresistible. + The great highway of commerce and source of boundless supplies, it is, + notwithstanding its terrors, infinitely more man’s friend than his + enemy. In how great a variety of aspects may it not be viewed!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poets have seen + in it a <span class="tei tei-q">“type of the Infinite,”</span> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page2">[pg 2]</span><a name="Pg002" id= + "Pg002" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and one of the greatest<a id= + "noteref_1" name="noteref_1" href="#note_1"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">1</span></span></a> has taken + us back to those early days of earth’s history when God said—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 7.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“ <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">‘Let there be + firmament</span></span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Amid the waters, and let it divide + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The waters from the waters.’ ... + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 7.00em"> + So He the world + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Built on circumfluous waters calm, in wide + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Crystalline + ocean.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Water,”</span> said the great Greek lyric poet,<a id= + "noteref_2" name="noteref_2" href="#note_2"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">2</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“is the chief of all.”</span> The ocean covers + nearly three-fourths of the surface of our globe. Earth is its mere + offspring. The continents and islands have been and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">still are + being</span></span> elaborated from its depths. All in all, it has not, + however, been treated fairly at the hands of the poets, too many of + whom could only see it in its sterner lights. Young speaks of it as + merely a</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Dreadful and + tumultuous home</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of dangers, at eternal war with man, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Wide opening and + loud roaring still for more,”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">ignoring the + blessings and benefits it has bestowed so freely, forgetting that man + is daily becoming more and more its master, and that his own country in + particular has most successfully conquered the seemingly unconquerable. + Byron, again, says:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Roll on, thou + dark and deep blue ocean—roll!</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Man marks the earth with ruin—his control + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Stops with the shore; upon the watery plain + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The wrecks are all + thy deeds.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And though this is + but the exaggerated and not strictly accurate language of poetry, we + may, with Pollok, fairly address the great sea as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“strongest of creation’s sons.”</span> The first + impressions produced on most animals—not excluding altogether man—by + the aspect of the ocean, are of terror in greater or lesser degree. + Livingstone tells us that he had intended to bring to England from + Africa a friendly native, a man courageous as the lion he had often + braved. He had never voyaged upon nor even beheld the sea, and on board + the ship which would have safely borne him to a friendly shore he + became delirious and insane. Though assured of safety and carefully + watched, he escaped one day, and blindly threw himself headlong into + the waves. The sea terrified him, and yet held and drew him, fascinated + as under a spell. <span class="tei tei-q">“Even at ebb-tide,”</span> + says Michelet,<a id="noteref_3" name="noteref_3" href= + "#note_3"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">3</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“when, placid and weary, the wave crawls softly + on the sand, the horse does not recover his courage. He trembles, and + frequently refuses to pass the languishing ripple. The dog barks and + recoils, and, according to his manner, insults the billows which he + fears.... We are told by a traveller that the dogs of Kamtschatka, + though accustomed to the spectacle, are not the less terrified and + irritated by it. In numerous troops, they howl through the protracted + night against the howling waves, and endeavour to outvie in fury the + Ocean of the North.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page3">[pg + 3]</span><a name="Pg003" id="Pg003" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The civilised man’s + fear is founded, it must be admitted, on a reasonable knowledge of the + ocean, so much his friend and yet so often his foe. Man is not + independent of his fellow-man in distant countries, nor is it desirable + that he should be. No land produces all the necessaries, and the + luxuries which have begun to be considered necessaries, sufficient for + itself. Transportation by land is often impracticable, or too costly, + and the ocean thus becomes the great highway of nations. Vessel after + vessel, fleet after fleet, arrive safely and speedily. But as there is + danger for man lurking everywhere on land, so also is there on the sea. + The world’s wreck-chart for one year must, as we shall see hereafter, + be something appalling. That for the British Empire alone in one year + has often exceeded 1,000 vessels, great and small! Averaging three + years, we find that there was an annual loss during that period of + 1,095 vessels and 1,952 lives.<a id="noteref_4" name="noteref_4" href= + "#note_4"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">4</span></span></a> Nor are the + ravages of ocean confined to the engulfment of vessels, from rotten + <span class="tei tei-q">“coffin-ships”</span> to splendid ironclads. + The coasts often bear witness of her fury.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The history of the + sea virtually comprises the history of adventure, conquest, and + commerce, in all times, and might almost be said to be that of the + world itself. We cannot think of it without remembering the great + voyagers and sea-captains, the brave naval commanders, the pirates, + rovers, and buccaneers of bygone days. Great sea-fights and notable + shipwrecks recur to our memory—the progress of naval supremacy, and the + means by which millions of people and countless millions of wealth have + been transferred from one part of the earth to another. We cannot help + thinking, too, of <span class="tei tei-q">“Poor Jack”</span> and life + before the mast, whether on the finest vessel of the Royal Navy, or in + the worst form of trading ship. We recall the famous ships themselves, + and their careers. We remember, too, the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“toilers of the sea”</span>—the fishermen, whalers, + pearl-divers, and coral-gatherers; the noble men of the lighthouse, + lifeboat, and coastguard services. The horrors of the sea—its storms, + hurricanes, whirlpools, waterspouts, impetuous and treacherous + currents—rise vividly before our mental vision. Then there are the + inhabitants of the sea to be considered—from the tiniest germ of life + to the great leviathan, or even the doubtful sea-serpent. And even the + lowest depths of ocean, with their mountains, valleys, plains, and + luxurious marine vegetation, are full of interest; while at the same + time we irresistibly think of the submerged treasure-ships of days gone + by, and the submarine cables of to-day. Such are among the subjects we + propose to lay before our readers. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The + Sea</span></span>, as one great topic, must comprise descriptions of + life on, around, and in the ocean—the perils, mysteries, phenomena, and + poetry of the great deep. The subject is too vast for superfluous + detail: it would require as many volumes as a grand encyclopædia to do + it justice; whilst a formal and chronological history would weary the + reader. At all events, the present writer purposes to occasionally + gossip and digress, and to arrange facts in groups, not always + following the strict sequence of events. The voyage of to-day may + recall that of long ago: the discovery made long ago may be traced, by + successive leaps, as it were, to its results in the present epoch. We + can hardly be wrong in believing that this grand subject has an + especial interest for the English reader everywhere; for the spirit of + enterprise, enthusiasm, and daring which has carried our flag to the + uttermost parts of the earth, and has made the proud words <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Britannia rules the waves”</span> no idle vaunt, is shared + by a very large <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page4">[pg + 4]</span><a name="Pg004" id="Pg004" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>proportion of her sons and daughters, at home and + abroad. Britain’s part in the exploration and settlement of the whole + world has been so pre-eminent that there can be no wonder if, among the + English-speaking races everywhere, a peculiar fascination attaches to + the sea and all concerning it. Countless thousands of books have been + devoted to the land, not a tithe of the number to the ocean. Yet the + subject is one of almost boundless interest, and has a special + importance at the present time, when so much intelligent attention and + humane effort is being put forth to ameliorate the condition of our + seafarers.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc5" id="toc5"></a><a name="pdf6" id="pdf6"></a><a name= + "chap01" id="chap01" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER I.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Men-of-War.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Our Wooden Walls—The</span> <span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Victory</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Siege + of Toulon—Battle of St. Vincent—Nelson’s Bridge—Trafalgar’s + glorious Day—The Day for such Battles gone—Iron</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">v.</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 90%">Wood—Lessons of the Crimean War—Moral Effect of + the Presence of our Fleets—Bombardment of Sebastopol—Red-hot Shot + and Gibraltar—The Ironclad Movement—The</span> <span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Experiences + with Ironclads—The</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">in Hampton Roads—A speedily decided + Action—The</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">sunk and</span> <span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Congress</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">burned—The first Monitor—Engagement + with the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Notes + on recent Actions—The</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Shah</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">and</span> <span class="tei tei-name" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Huascar</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—An + Ironclad tackled by a Merchantman.</span></p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"><img src= + "images/illo_018.png" alt="Illustration" /></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If the reader + should at any time find himself a visitor to the first naval port of + Great Britain—which he need not be told is Portsmouth—he will find, + lying placidly in the noble harbour, which is large enough to + accommodate a whole fleet, a vessel of modern-antique appearance, and + evidently very carefully preserved. Should he happen to be there on + October 21st, he would find the ship gaily decorated with wreaths of + evergreen and flags, her appearance attracting to her side an unusual + number of visitors in small boats from the shore. Nor will he be + surprised at this when he learns that it is none other than the + famous <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, that carried Nelson’s + flag on the sad but glorious day of Trafalgar, and went bravely + through so many a storm of war and weather. Very little of the + oft-shattered hulk of the original vessel remains, it is true—she has + been so often renewed and patched and painted; yet the lines and form + of the old three-decker remain to show us what the flag-ship of Hood, + and Jervis, and Nelson was in general appearance. She towers grandly + out of the water, making the few sailors and loiterers on deck look + like marionettes—mere miniature men; and as our wherry approaches the + entrance-port, we admire the really graceful lines of the planks, + diminishing in perspective. The triple battery of formidable guns, + peeping from under the stout old ports which overshadowed them, the + enormous cables and spare anchors, and the immensely thick masts, + heavy shrouds and rigging, which she had in old times, must have + given an impression of solidity in this good old <span class= + "tei tei-q">“heart of oak”</span> which is wanting even in + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page5">[pg 5]</span><a name="Pg005" id= + "Pg005" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the strongest-built iron vessel. + Many a brave tar has lost his life on her, but yet she is no + coffin-ship. On board, one notes the scrupulous order, the absolute + perfection of cleanliness and trimness; the large guns and carriages + alternating with the mess-tables of the crew. And we should not think + much of the man who could stand emotionless and unmoved over the + spots—still pointed out on the upper deck and cockpit below—where + Nelson fell and Nelson died, on that memorable 21st, off Trafalgar + Bay. He had embarked, only five weeks before, from the present + resting-place of his brave old ship, when enthusiastic crowds had + pressed forward to bless and take one last look at England’s + preserver. <span class="tei tei-q">“I had their hurrahs + before,”</span> said the poor shattered hero; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“now I have their hearts!”</span> And when, three months + later, his body was brought home, the sailors divided the leaden + coffin into fragments, as relics of <span class="tei tei-q">“Saint + Nelson,”</span> as his gunner had termed him.</p><a name= + "figvictatpo" id="figvictatpo" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_019.png" alt="THE “VICTORY” AT PORTSMOUTH" + title="THE “VICTORY” AT PORTSMOUTH." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“VICTORY”</span> AT PORTSMOUTH. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> + was one of the largest ships of war of her day and generation. She + was rated for 100 guns, but really carried 102, and was classed + first-rate with such ships as the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Royal + Sovereign</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Britannia</span></span>, both of 100, carrying + only two in excess of the <span class="tei tei-q">“brave old + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span>”</span>—made still more + famous by Turner’s great picture—and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dreadnought</span></span>, which <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page6">[pg 6]</span><a name="Pg006" id="Pg006" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>but a few years back was such a familiar + feature of the reach of the Thames in front of Greenwich. She was of + 2,164 tons burden, and, having been launched in 1765, is now a good + 112 years of age. Her complement was 841 men. From the first she + deserved her name, and seemed destined to be associated with little + else than success and triumph. Nelson frequently complains in his + journals of the unseaworthiness of many of his vessels; but this, his + last flag-ship, was a veritable <span class="tei tei-q">“heart of + oak,”</span> and endured all the tests that the warfare of the + elements or of man could bring against her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The good ship of + which we have spoken more particularly is now enjoying a well-earned + repose, after passing nearly unscathed through the very thick of + battles inscribed on the most brilliant page of our national history. + Her part was in reality a very prominent one; and a glance at a few + of the engagements at which she was present may serve to show us what + she and other ships like her were made of, and what they were able to + effect in naval warfare. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> had been built nearly + thirty years when, in 1793, she first came prominently to the front, + at the occupation and subsequent siege of Toulon, as the flag-ship of + Lord Hood, then in command of a large fleet destined for the + Mediterranean.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">France was at that + moment in a very revolutionary condition, but in Toulon there was a + strong feeling of loyalty for the Bourbons and monarchical + institutions. In the harbour a large French fleet was assembled—some + seventeen vessels of the line, besides many other smaller craft—while + several large ships of war were refitting and building; the whole + under the command of the Comte de Trogoff, an ardent Royalist. On the + appearance of the British fleet in the offing, two commissioners came + out to the flag-ship, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, to treat for the + conditional surrender of the port and shipping. The Government had + not miscalculated the disaffection existing, and the negotiations + being completely successful, 1,700 of our soldiers, sailors, and + marines were landed, and shortly afterwards, when a Spanish fleet + appeared, an English governor and a Spanish commandant were + appointed, while Louis XVII. was proclaimed king. But it is needless + to say that the French Republic strongly objected to all this, and + soon assembled a force numbering 45,000 men for the recapture of + Toulon. The English and their Royalist allies numbered under 13,000, + and it became evident that the city must be evacuated, although not + until it should be half destroyed. The important service of + destroying the ships and magazines had been mainly entrusted to + Captain Sir Sidney Smith, who performed his difficult task with + wonderful precision and order, and without the loss of one man. Shots + and shells were plunged into the very arsenal, and trains were laid + up to the magazines and storehouses; a fire-ship was towed into the + basin, and in a few hours gave out flames and shot, accompanied by + terrible explosions. The Spanish admiral had undertaken the + destruction of the shipping in the basin, and to scuttle two + powder-vessels, but his men, in their flurry, managed to ignite one + of them in place of sinking it, and the explosion which occurred can + be better imagined than described. The explosion shook the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Union</span></span> gunboat to pieces, killing + the commander and three of the crew; and a second boat was blown into + the air, but her crew were miraculously saved. Having completed the + destruction of the arsenal, Sir Sidney proceeded towards the basin in + front of the town, across which a boom had been laid, where he and + his men were received with such volleys of musketry that they turned + their attention in another direction. In the inner road were lying + two large 74-gun <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page7">[pg + 7]</span><a name="Pg007" id="Pg007" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>ships—the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Héros</span></span> + and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Thémistocle</span></span>—filled with French + prisoners. Although the latter were greatly superior to the attacking + force, they were so terrified that they agreed to be removed and + landed in a place of safety, after which the ships were destroyed by + fire. Having done all that man could do, they were preparing to + return, when the second powder-vessel, which should only have been + scuttled by the Spaniards, exploded. Wonderful to relate, although + the little <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Swallow</span></span>, Sir Sidney’s tender, and + three boats were in the midst of the falling timbers, and nearly + swamped by the waves produced, they escaped in safety. Nowadays + torpedoes would settle the business of blowing up vessels of the kind + in a much safer and surer manner. The evacuation was effected without + loss, nearly 15,000 Toulonese refugees—men, women, and children—being + taken on board for removal to England. Fifteen French ships of war + were taken off as prizes, while the magazines, storehouses, and + shipping were destroyed by fire. The total number of vessels taken or + burned by the British was eighteen of the line, nine frigates, and + eleven corvettes, and would have been much greater but for the + blundering or treachery of the Spaniards, and the pusillanimous + flight of the Neapolitans. Thus the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> + was the silent witness of an almost bloodless success, so far as our + forces were concerned, in spite of the noise and smoke and flame by + which it was accompanied. A little later, she was engaged in the + siege of Bastia, Corsica, which was taken by a naval force numbering + about one-fourth of their opponents; and again at Calvi, where Nelson + lost an eye and helped to gain the day. In the spring of 1795 she was + again in the Mediterranean, and for once was engaged in what has been + described as a <span class="tei tei-q">“miserable action,”</span> + although the action, or want thereof, was all on the part of a + vice-admiral who, as Nelson said, <span class="tei tei-q">“took + things too coolly.”</span> Twenty-three British line-of-battle ships, + whilst engaging, off the Hyères Isles, only seventeen French, with + the certainty of triumphant results, if not, indeed, of the complete + annihilation of the enemy, were signalled by Admiral Hotham to + discontinue the fight. The disgust of the commanders in general and + Nelson in particular can well be understood. The only prize taken, + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Alcide</span></span>, blew up, with the loss of + half her crew, as if in very disgust at having surrendered, and we + can well believe that even the inanimate timbers of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> + and her consorts groaned as they were drawn off from the scene of + action. The fight off the Hyères must be inscribed in black, but + happily the next to be recorded might well be written with letters of + gold in the annals of our country, although its glory was soon + afterwards partially eclipsed by others still greater.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Sir John + Jervis hoisted his flag on board the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> + it marked an epoch not merely in our career of conquest, but also in + the history of the navy as a navy. Jervis, though then over sixty + years of age, was hale and hearty, and if sometimes stern and severe + as a disciplinarian, should long be remembered as one who honestly + and constantly strove to raise the character of the service to its + highest condition of efficiency, and he was brave as a lion. As the + Spanish fleet loomed through the morning fog, off Cape St. Vincent, + it was found that Cordova’s force consisted of twenty-nine large + men-of-war, exclusive of a dozen 34-gun frigates, seventy transports, + and other vessels. Jervis was walking the quarter-deck as the + successive reports were brought to him. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“There are eighteen sail of the line, Sir John.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very well, sir.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“There are twenty sail, Sir John.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, sir.”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“There + are twenty-seven sail of the line, Sir John; nearly double our + own.”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“Enough, sir, no more of + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page8">[pg 8]</span><a name="Pg008" id= + "Pg008" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that, sir; if there are fifty I’ll + go through them.”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“That’s right, Sir + John,”</span> said Halliwell, his flag-captain, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and a jolly good licking we’ll give them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The grand fleet of + Spain included six ships of 112 guns each, and the flag-ship + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Santissima Trinidada</span></span>, a + four-decker, carrying 130. There were, besides, twenty-two vessels of + eighty and seventy-four guns. To this large force Jervis could only + oppose fifteen vessels of the line, only two of which carried 100 + guns, three of ninety-eight guns, one of ninety, and the remainder, + with one exception, seventy-four each. Owing to gross mismanagement + on the part of the Spaniards, their vessels were scattered about in + all directions, and six<a id="noteref_5" name="noteref_5" href= + "#note_5"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">5</span></span></a> of them + were separated wholly from the main body, neither could they rejoin + it. The English vessels advanced in two lines, compactly and + steadily, and as they neared the Spaniards, were signalled from the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> to tack in succession. + Nelson, on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span>, was in the rear of the + line, and he perceived that the Spaniards were bearing up before the + wind, either with the intention of trying to join their separated + ships, or perhaps to avoid an engagement altogether. By disobeying + the admiral’s signal, he managed to run clear athwart the bows of the + Spanish ships, and was soon engaged with the great <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Santissima + Trinidada</span></span>, four other of the larger vessels, and two + smaller ones. Trowbridge, in the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Culloden</span></span>, immediately came to the + support, and for nearly an hour the unequal contest continued, till + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Blenheim</span></span> passed between them and + the enemy, and gave them a little respite, pouring in her fire upon + the Spaniards. One of the Spanish seventy-fours struck, and Nelson + thought that the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Salvador</span></span>, of 112 guns, struck + also. <span class="tei tei-q">“Collingwood,”</span> wrote Nelson, + <span class="tei tei-q">“disdaining the parade of taking possession + of beaten enemies, most gallantly pushed up, with every sail set, to + save his old friend and messmate, who was, to appearance, in a + critical situation,”</span> for the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> + was being peppered by five vessels of the enemy’s fleet, and shortly + afterwards was rendered absolutely incapable—not a sail, shroud, or + rope left, with a topmast and the steering-wheel shot away. As Dr. + Bennett sings<a id="noteref_6" name="noteref_6" href= + "#note_6"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">6</span></span></a>—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Ringed round by + five three-deckers, she had fought through all the fight,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And now, a log upon the waves, she lay—a glorious sight— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + All crippled, but still full of fight, for still her broadsides + roared, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Still death and + wounds, fear and defeat, into the Don she poured.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Two of Nelson’s + antagonists were now nearly <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">hors de combat</span></span>, one of them, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">San + Nicolas</span></span>, in trying to escape from Collingwood’s fire, + having got foul of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">San Josef</span></span>. Nelson resolved in an + instant to board and capture <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">both</span></span>—an unparalleled feat, which, + however, was accomplished, although</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 8.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“To get at the + <span class="tei tei-name" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">San Josef</span></span>, it seemed beyond a + hope;</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Out then our admiral spoke, and well his words our blood could + stir— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">‘In, boarders, to their + seventy-four! We’ll make a bridge of her.’</span> ”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-q">“bridge”</span> was soon taken; but a steady fire of + musketry was poured upon them from the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">San + Josef</span></span>. Nelson directed his people to fire into the + stern, and sending for more boarders, led the way up the main-chains, + exclaiming, <span class="tei tei-q">“Westminster Abbey or + victory!”</span> In a few moments the officers and crew surrendered; + and on the quarter-deck of a Spanish first-rate he received the + swords of the vanquished, which he handed to William Fearney, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page9">[pg 9]</span><a name="Pg009" id= + "Pg009" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>one of his bargemen, who tucked + them, with the greatest <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sang-froid</span></span>, in a perfect sheaf + under his arm. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> came up at the moment, and + saluted the conquerors with hearty cheers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It will be hardly + necessary here to point out the altered circumstances of naval + warfare at the present day. A wooden vessel of the old type, with + large and numerous portholes, and affording other opportunities for + entering or climbing the sides, is a very different affair to the + modern smooth-walled iron vessel, on which a fly would hardly get a + foothold, with few openings or weak points, and where the + grappling-iron would be useless. Apart from this, with heavy guns + carrying with great accuracy, and the facilities afforded by steam, + we shall seldom hear, in the future, of a fight at close quarters; + skilful manœuvring, impossible with a sailing vessel, will doubtless + be more in vogue.</p><a name="figrockneca" id="figrockneca" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_023.png" alt="ROCKS NEAR CAPE ST. VINCENT." + title="ROCKS NEAR CAPE ST. VINCENT." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ROCKS NEAR CAPE ST. VINCENT. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meantime, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> had not been idle. In + conjunction with two of the fleet, she had succeeded in silencing the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Salvador + del Mundi</span></span>, a first-rate of 112 guns. When, after the + fight, Nelson went on board the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, Sir John Jervis took him + to his arms, and insisted that he should keep the sword taken from + the Spanish rear-admiral. When it was hinted, during some private + conversation, that Nelson’s move was unauthorised, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page10">[pg 10]</span><a name="Pg010" id="Pg010" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Jervis had to admit the fact, but promised + to forgive any such breach of orders, accompanied with the same + measure of success.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The battle had now + lasted from noon, and at five p.m. four Spanish line-of-battle + vessels had lowered their colours. Even the great <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Santissima + Trinidada</span></span> might then have become a prize but for the + return of the vessels which had been cut off from the fleet in the + morning, and which alone saved her. Her colours had been shot away, + and she had hoisted English colours in token of submission, when the + other ships came up, and Cordova reconsidered his step. Jervis did + not think that his fleet was quite equal to a fresh conflict; and the + Spaniards showed no desire to renew the fight. They had lost on the + four prizes, alone, 261 killed, and 342 wounded, and in all, + probably, nearly double the above. The British loss was seventy-three + killed, and 227 wounded.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of Trafalgar and + of Nelson, both day and man so intimately associated with our good + ship, what can yet be said or sung that has gone unsaid, unsung?—how + when he left Portsmouth the crowds pressed forward to obtain one last + look at their hero—England’s greatest hero—and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“knelt down before him, and blessed him as he + passed;”</span><a id="noteref_7" name="noteref_7" href= + "#note_7"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">7</span></span></a> that + beautiful prayer, indited in his cabin, <span class="tei tei-q">“May + the great God whom I worship grant to my country, and for the benefit + of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory, and may no + misconduct in any one tarnish it, and may humanity after victory be + the predominant feature of the British fleet,”</span> or the now + historical signal which flew from the mizen top-gallant mast of that + noble old ship, and which has become one of the grand mottoes of our + tongue, are facts as familiar to every reader as household words.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The part directly + played by the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> herself in the battle of + Trafalgar was second to none. From the very first she received a + raking fire from all sides, which must have been indeed severe, when + we find the words extorted from Nelson, <span class="tei tei-q">“This + is too warm work to last long,”</span> addressed to Captain Hardy. At + that moment fifty of his men were lying dead or wounded, while the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory’s</span></span> mizen-mast and wheel + were shot away, and her sails hanging in ribbons. To the terrible + cannonading of the enemy, Nelson had not yet returned a shot. He had + determined to be in the very thick of the fight, and was reserving + his fire. Now it was that Captain Hardy represented to Nelson the + impracticability of passing through the enemy’s line without running + on board one of their ships; he was coolly told to take his choice. + The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> was accordingly turned on + board the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span>, the commander of + which, Captain Lucas, in a resolute endeavour to block the passage, + himself ran his bowsprit into the figurehead of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bucentaure</span></span>, and the two vessels + became locked together. Not many minutes later, Captain Harvey, of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span>, seeing the position of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> with her two assailants, + fell on board the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span>, on the other side, so + that these four ships formed as compact a tier as though moored + together. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> fired her middle and lower + deck guns into the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span>, which returned the + fire from her main-deck, employing also musketry and brass pieces of + larger size with most destructive effects from the tops.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“<span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span> they called her—a + curse upon her name!</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">’Twas from her + tops the bullet that killed our hero <a name="corr010" id= + "corr010" class="tei tei-anchor" style= + "text-align: left"></a><span class="tei tei-corr" style= + "text-align: left">came.</span>”</span> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page11">[pg 11]</span><a name= + "Pg011" id="Pg011" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Within a few + minutes of Lord Nelson’s fall, several officers and about forty men + were either killed or wounded from this source. But a few minutes + afterwards the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span> fell on board the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span>, the French ship’s + bowsprit passing over the British ship. Now came one of the warmest + episodes of the fight. The crew of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span> lashed their vessel to + their assailants’ ship, and poured in a raking fire. But the French + captain, having discovered that—owing, perhaps, to the sympathy + exhibited for the dying hero on board the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, and her excessive losses + in men—her quarter-deck was quite deserted, now ordered an attempt at + boarding the latter. This cost our flag-ship the lives of Captain + Adair and eighteen men, but at the same moment the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span> opened fire on the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span> with such effect that + Captain Lucas and 200 men were themselves placed <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">hors de + combat</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the contest we + have been relating, the coolness of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory’s</span></span> men was signally + evinced. <span class="tei tei-q">“When the guns on the lower deck + were run out, their muzzles came in contact with the sides of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span>, and now was seen an + astounding spectacle. Knowing that there was danger of the French + ship taking fire, the fireman of each gun on board the British ship + stood ready with a bucketful of water to dash into the hole made by + the shot of his gun—thus beautifully illustrating Nelson’s prayer, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘that the British might be distinguished by + humanity in victory.’</span> Less considerate than her antagonist, + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span> threw hand-grenades + from her tops, which, falling on board herself, set fire to her, ... + and the flame communicated with the foresail of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span>, and caught some ropes + and canvas on the booms of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, + risking the destruction of all; but by immense exertions the fire was + subdued in the British ships, whose crews lent their assistance to + extinguish the flames on board the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span>, by throwing buckets + of water upon her chains and forecastle.”</span><a id="noteref_8" + name="noteref_8" href="#note_8"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">8</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Setting aside, for + the purpose of clearness, the episode of the taking of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Fougueux</span></span>, which got foul of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span> and speedily + surrendered, we find, five minutes later, the main and mizen masts of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Redoubtable</span></span> falling—the former in + such a way across the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span> that it formed a bridge, + over which the boarding-party passed and took quiet possession. + Captain Lucas had so stoutly defended his flag, that, out of a crew + of 643, only 123 were in a condition to continue the fight; 522 were + lying killed or wounded. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bucentaure</span></span> soon met her fate, + after being defended with nearly equal bravery. The French admiral, + Villeneuve, who was on board, said bitterly, just before + surrendering, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Le Bucentaure a rempli + sa tâche; la mienne n’est pas encore + achevée</span></span>.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Let the reader + remember that the above are but a few episodes of the most complete + and glorious victory ever obtained in naval warfare. Without the loss + of one single vessel to the conqueror, more than half the ships of + the enemy were captured or destroyed, while the remainder escaped + into harbour to rot in utter uselessness. Twenty-one vessels were + lost for ever to France and Spain. It is to be hoped and believed + that no such contest will ever again be needed; but should it be + needed, it will have to be fought by very different means. The + instance of four great ships locked together, dealing death and + destruction to each other, has never been paralleled. Imagine that + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page13">[pg 13]</span><a name="Pg013" + id="Pg013" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>seething, fighting, dying mass + of humanity, with all the horrible concomitants of deafening noise + and blinding smoke and flashing fire! It is not likely ever to occur + in modern warfare. The commanders of steam-vessels of all classes + will be more likely to fight at out-manœuvring and shelling each + other than to come to close quarters, which would generally mean + blowing up together. It would <a name="corr013" id="corr013" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">be</span> interesting + to consider how Nelson would have acted with, and opposed to, + steam-frigates and ironclads. He would, no doubt, have been as + courageous and far-seeing and rapid in action as ever, but hardly as + reckless, or even daring.</p><a name="figvictatcl" id="figvictatcl" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_026.jpg" alt= + "THE “VICTORY” AT CLOSE QUARTERS WITH THE “REDOUBTABLE”" title= + "THE “VICTORY” AT CLOSE QUARTERS WITH THE “REDOUBTABLE.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“VICTORY”</span> AT CLOSE QUARTERS WITH THE + <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“REDOUBTABLE.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“And still, + though seventy years, boys,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Have gone, who, without pride, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Names his name—tells his fame + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Who at Trafalgar + died?”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">May we always have + a Nelson in the hour of national need!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The day for such + battles as this is over; there may be others as gloriously fought, + but never again by the same means. Ships, armaments, and modes of + attack and defence are, and will be, increasingly different. Those + who have read Nelson’s private letters and journals will remember how + he gloried in the appreciation of his subordinate officers just + before Trafalgar’s happy and yet fatal day, when he had explained to + them his intention to attack the enemy with what was practically a + wedge-formed fleet. He was determined to break their line, and, + Nelson-like, he did. But that which he facetiously christened the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nelson touch”</span> would itself nowadays + be broken up in a few minutes and thrown into utter confusion by any + powerfully-armed vessel hovering about under steam. Or if the wedge + of wooden vessels were allowed to form, as they approached the apex, + a couple of ironclads would take them in hand coolly, one by one, and + send them to the bottom, while their guns might as well shoot peas at + the ironclads as the shot of former days.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Taking the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> as a fair type of the best + war-ships of her day (a day when there was not that painful + uncertainty with regard to naval construction and armament existing + now, in spite of our vaunted progress), we still know that in the + presence of a powerful steam-frigate with heavy guns, or an + 11,000-ton ironclad, she would be literally nowhere. She was one of + the last specimens, and a very perfect specimen, too, of the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">wooden</span></span> age. This is the age of + iron and steam. One of the largest vessels of her day, she is now + excelled by hundreds employed in ordinary commerce. The Royal Navy + to-day possesses frigates nearly three times her tonnage, while we + have ironclads of five times the same. The monster <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Great + Eastern</span></span>, which has proved a monstrous mistake, is + 22,500 tons.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But size is by no + means the only consideration in constructing vessels of war, and, + indeed, there are good reasons to believe that, in the end, vessels + of moderate dimensions will be preferred for most purposes of actual + warfare. Of the advantages of steam-power there can, of course, be + only one opinion; but as regards iron <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">versus</span></span> + oak, there are many points which may be urged in favour of either, + with a preponderance in favour of the former. A strong iron ship, + strange as it may appear, is not more than half the weight of a + wooden vessel of the same size and class. It will, to the unthinking, + seem absurd to say that an iron ship is more buoyant than one of oak, + but the fact is that the proportion of actual weight in iron and + wooden vessels of ordinary construction is about six to twenty. The + iron <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page14">[pg 14]</span><a name= + "Pg014" id="Pg014" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ship, therefore, stands + high out of the water, and to sink it to the same line will require a + greater weight on board. From this fact, and the actual <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">thinness</span></span> + of its walls, its carrying capacity and stowage are so much the + greater. This, which is a great point in vessels destined for + commerce, would be equally important in war. But these remarks do not + apply to the modern armoured vessel. We have ironclads with plates + eighteen inches and upwards in thickness. What is the consequence? + Their actual weight, with that of the necessary engines and monster + guns employed, is so great that a vast deal of room on board has to + be unemployed. Day by day we hear of fresh experiments in gunnery, + which keep pace with the increased strength of the vessels. The + invulnerable of to-day is the vulnerable of to-morrow, and there are + many leading authorities who believe in a return to a smaller and + weaker class of vessel—provided, however, with all the appliances for + great speed and offensive warfare <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">at a + distance</span></span>. Nelson’s preference for small, easily-worked + frigates over the great ships of the line is well known, and were he + alive to-day we can well believe that he would prefer a medium-sized + vessel of strong construction, to steam with great speed, and + carrying heavy, but, perhaps, not the heaviest guns, to one of those + modern unwieldy masses of iron, which have had, so far, a most + disastrous history. The former might, so to speak, act while the + latter was making up her mind. Even a Nelson might hesitate to risk a + vessel representing six or seven hundred thousand pounds of the + nation’s money, in anything short of an assured success. We have, + however, yet to learn the full value and power of our ironclad fleet. + Of its cost there is not a doubt. Some time ago our leading newspaper + estimated the expense of construction and maintenance of our existing + ironclads at £18,000,000. Mr. Reed states that they have cost the + country a million sterling per annum since the first organisation of + the fleet. Warfare will soon become a luxury only for the richest + nations, and, regarding it in this light, perhaps the very men who + are racking their powers of invention to discover terrible engines of + war are the greatest peacemakers, after all. They may succeed in + making it an impossibility.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hereafter, naval powers prepared with the necessary + fleet will be able to transport the base of operations to any point + on the enemy’s coast, turn the strongest positions, and baffle the + best-arranged combinations. Thanks to steam, the sea has become a + means of communication more certain and more simple than the land; + and fleets will be able to act the part of movable bases of + operations, rendering them very formidable to powers which, + possessing coasts, will not have any navy sufficiently powerful to + cause their being respected.”</span><a id="noteref_9" name= + "noteref_9" href="#note_9"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">9</span></span></a> So far as + navy to navy is concerned, this is undoubtedly true; yet there is + another side to the question. A fort is sometimes able to inflict far + greater damage upon its naval assailants than the latter can inflict + upon it. A single shot may send a ship to the bottom, whilst the fire + from the ship during action is more or less inaccurate. At + Sebastopol, a whole French fleet, firing at ranges of 1,600 to 1,800 + yards, failed to make any great impression on a fort close to the + water’s edge; while a wretched earthen battery, mounting only five + guns, inflicted terrible losses and injury on four powerful English + men-of-war, actually disabling two of them, without itself losing one + man or having a gun dismounted; while, as has been often calculated, + the cost of a single sloop of war with its equipment will construct a + fine fort which will last almost for <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page15">[pg 15]</span><a name="Pg015" id="Pg015" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>ever, while that of two or three line-of-battle + ships would raise a considerable fortress. Whilst the monster + ironclad with heavy guns would deal out death and destruction when + surrounded by an enemy’s fleet of lighter iron vessels or wooden ones + as strong as was the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, she would herself run + great risk in approaching closely-fortified harbours and coasts, + where a single shot from a gun heavy enough to pierce her armour + might sink her. Her safety would consist in firing at long ranges and + in steaming backwards and forwards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lessons of the + Crimean war, as regards the navy, were few, but of the gravest + importance, and they have led to results of which we cannot yet + determine the end. The war opened by a Russian attack on a Turkish + squadron at Sinope, November 20th, 1853.<a id="noteref_10" name= + "noteref_10" href="#note_10"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">10</span></span></a> That + determined the fact that a whole fleet might be annihilated in an + hour or so by the use of large shells. No more necessity for + grappling and close quarters; the iron age was full in view, and + wooden walls had outlived their usefulness, and must perish.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the lesson had + to be again impressed, and that upon a large English and French + fleet. Yet, in fairness to our navy, it must be remembered that the + Russians had spent every attention to rendering Sebastopol nearly + impregnable on the sea-side, while a distinguished writer,<a id= + "noteref_11" name="noteref_11" href="#note_11"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">11</span></span></a> who was + present throughout the siege, assures us that until the preceding + spring they had been quite indifferent in regard to the strength of + the fortifications on the land-side. And the presence of the allied + fleets was the undeniable cause of one Russian fleet being sunk in + the harbour of Sebastopol, while another dared not venture out, + season after season, from behind stone fortresses in the shallow + waters of Cronstadt.<a id="noteref_12" name="noteref_12" href= + "#note_12"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">12</span></span></a> A great + naval authority thinks that, while England was, at the time, almost + totally deficient in the class of vessels essential to attacking the + fleets and fortifications of Russia, the fact that the former never + dared <span class="tei tei-q">“to accept the challenge of any British + squadron, however small, is one the record of which we certainly may + read without shame.”</span> But of that period it would be more + pleasant to write exultingly than apologetically.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the Allies + had decided to commence the bombardment of Sebastopol, on October + 17th, 1854, it was understood that the fleet should co-operate, and + that the attack should be made by the line-of-battle ships in a + semicircle. They were ready at one p.m. to commence <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page16">[pg 16]</span><a name="Pg016" id="Pg016" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the bombardment. Lyons brought the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Agamemnon</span></span>, followed by half a + dozen other vessels, to within 700 yards of Fort Constantine, the + others staying at the safer distances of 1,800 to 2,200 yards. The + whole fleet opened with a tremendous roar of artillery, to which the + Russians replied almost as heavily. Fort Constantine was several + times silenced, and greatly damaged; but, on the other hand, the + Russians managed to kill forty-seven and wound 234 men in the English + fleet, and a slightly smaller number in the French. They had an + unpleasant knack of firing red-hot shot in profusion, and of hitting + the vessels even at the distance at which they lay. Several were set + on fire, and two for a time had to retire from the action. These were + practical shots at our wooden walls. This naval attack has been + characterised as <span class="tei tei-q">“even a greater failure than + that by land”</span>—meaning, of course, the first attack.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here we may for a + moment be allowed to digress and remind the reader of the important + part played by red-hot shot at that greatest of all great + sieges—Gibraltar. As each accession to the enemy’s force arrived, + General Elliott calmly built more furnaces and more grates for + heating his most effective means of defence. Just as one of their + wooden batteries was on the point of completion, he gave it what was + termed at the time a dose of <span class="tei tei-q">“cayenne + pepper;”</span> in other words, with red-hot shot and shells he set + it on fire. When the ordnance portable furnaces for heating shot + proved insufficient to supply the demands of the artillery, he + ordered large bonfires to be kindled, on which the cannon-balls were + thrown; and these supplies were termed by the soldiers <span class= + "tei tei-q">“hot potatoes”</span> for the enemy. But the great + triumph of red-hot shot was on that memorable 13th of September, + 1782, when forty-six sail of the line, and a countless fleet of gun + and mortar boats attacked the fortress. With all these appliances of + warfare, the great confidence of the enemy—or rather, combined + enemies—was in their floating batteries, planned by D’Arcon, an + eminent French engineer, and which had cost a good half million + sterling. They were supposed to be impervious to shells or red-hot + shot. After persistently firing at the fleet, Elliott started the + admiral’s ship and one of the batteries commanded by the Prince of + Nassau. This was but the commencement of the end. The unwieldy + leviathans could not be shifted from their moorings, and they lay + helpless and immovable, and yet dangerous to their neighbours; for + they were filled with the instruments of destruction. Early the next + morning eight of these vaunted batteries <span class= + "tei tei-q">“indicated the efficacy of the red-hot defence. The light + produced by the flames was nearly equal to noonday, and greatly + exposed the enemy to observation, enabling the artillery to be + pointed upon them with the utmost precision. The rock and + neighbouring objects are stated to have been highly illuminated by + the constant flashes of cannon and the flames of the burning ships, + forming a mingled scene of sublimity and terror.”</span><a id= + "noteref_13" name="noteref_13" href="#note_13"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">13</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“An indistinct clamour, with lamentable cries + and groans, arose from all quarters.”</span><a id="noteref_14" name= + "noteref_14" href="#note_14"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">14</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When 400 pieces of + artillery were playing on the rock at the same moment, Elliott + returned the compliment with a shower of red-hot balls, bombs, and + carcases, that filled the air, with little or no intermission. The + Count d’Artois had hastened from Paris to <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page18">[pg 18]</span><a name="Pg018" id="Pg018" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>witness a capitulation. He arrived in time to + see the total destruction of the floating batteries and a large part + of the combined fleet. Attempting a somewhat feeble joke, he wrote to + France:—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">La batterie la plus + effective était ma batterie de cuisine</span></span>.”</span> + Elliott’s cooking-apparatus and <span class="tei tei-q">“roasted + balls”</span> beat it all to nothing. Red-hot shot has been entirely + superseded in <span class="tei tei-q">“civilised”</span> warfare by + shells. It was usually handled much in the same way that ordinary + shot and shell is to-day. Each ball was carried by two men, having + between them a strong iron frame, with a ring in the middle to hold + it. There were two heavy wads, one dry and the other slightly damped, + between the powder and ball. At the siege of Gibraltar, however, + matters were managed in a much more rough-and-ready style. The shot + was heated at furnaces and wheeled off to the guns in wheelbarrows + lined with sand.</p><a name="figsiegofgi" id="figsiegofgi" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_031.jpg" alt="THE SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR" title= + "THE SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The partial + failure of the navy to co-operate successfully with the land-forces, + so far as bombardment was concerned, during the Crimean war, has had + much to do with the adoption of the costly ironclad floating + fortresses, armed with enormously powerful guns, of the present day. + The earliest form, indeed, was adopted during the above war, but not + used to any great extent or advantage. The late Emperor of the + French<a id="noteref_15" name="noteref_15" href= + "#note_15"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">15</span></span></a> saw that + the coming necessity or necessary evil would be some form of + strongly-armoured and protected floating battery that could cope with + fortresses ashore, and this was the germ of the ironclad movement. + The first batteries of this kind, used successfully at Kinburn, were + otherwise unseaworthy and unmanageable, and were little more than + heavily-plated and more or less covered barges.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The two earliest + European ironclads were <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">La Gloire</span></span> in France and the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span> in England—the latter + launched in 1860. Neither of these vessels presented any great + departure from the established types of build in large ships of war. + The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span> is an undeniably fine, + handsome-looking frigate, masted and rigged as usual, but she and her + sister-ship, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Black Prince</span></span>, are about the only + ironclads to which these remarks apply—every form and variety of + construction having been adopted since. As regarded size, she was + considerably larger than the largest frigate or ship of the line of + our navy, although greatly exceeded by many ironclads subsequently + built. She is 380 feet in length, and her displacement of more than + 9,100 tons was 3,000 tons greater than that of the largest of the + wooden men-of-war she was superseding. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span> + is still among the fastest of the iron-armoured fleet. Considered + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">as</span></span> an ironclad, however, she is a + weak example. Her armour, which protects only three-fifths of her + sides, is but four and a half inches thick, with eighteen inches of + (wood) backing, and five-eighths of an inch of what is technically + called <span class="tei tei-q">“skin-plating,”</span> for protection + inside. The remote possibility of a red-hot shot or shell falling + inside has to be considered. Her bow and stern, rudder-head and + steering-gear, would, of course, be the vulnerable points.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From this small + beginning—one armoured vessel—our ironclad fleet has grown with + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page19">[pg 19]</span><a name="Pg019" + id="Pg019" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the greatest rapidity, till it + now numbers over sixty of all denominations of vessels. The late + Emperor of the French gave a great impetus to the movement; and other + foreign nations speedily following in his wake, it clearly behoved + England to be able to cope with them on their own ground, should + occasion demand. Then there was the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“scare”</span> of invasion which took some hold of the + public mind, and was exaggerated by certain portions of the press, at + one period, till it assumed serious proportions. Leading journals + complained that by the time the Admiralty would have one or two + ironclads in commission, the French would have ten or twelve. Thus + urged, the Government of the day must be excused if they made some + doubtful experiments and costly failures.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But apart from the + lessons of the Crimea, and the activity and rivalry of foreign + powers, attention was seriously drawn to the ironclad question by the + events of the day. It was easy to guess and theorise concerning this + new feature in warfare, but early in 1862 practical proof was + afforded of its power. The naval engagement which took place in + Hampton Roads, near the outset of the great American civil war, was + the first time in which an ironclad ship was brought into collision + with wooden vessels, and also the first time in which two distinct + varieties of the species were brought into collision with each + other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Southerners + had, when the strife commenced, seized and partially burned the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span>, a steam-frigate + belonging to the United States navy, then lying at the Norfolk + Navy-yard. The hulk was regarded as nearly worthless,<a id= + "noteref_16" name="noteref_16" href="#note_16"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">16</span></span></a> until, + looking about for ways and means to annoy their opponents, they hit + on the idea of armouring her, in the best manner attainable at the + moment; and for awhile at least, this condemned wreck, resuscitated, + patched up, and covered with iron plates,<a id="noteref_17" name= + "noteref_17" href="#note_17"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">17</span></span></a> became + the terror of the enemy. She was provided with an iron prow or ram + capable of inflicting a severe blow under water. Her hull, cut down + to within three feet of the water-line, was covered by a bomb-proof, + sloping-roofed house, which extended over the screw and rudder. This + was built of oak and pine, covered with iron; the latter being four + and a half inches thick, and the former aggregating twenty inches in + thickness. While the hull was generally iron-plated, the bow and + stern were covered with steel. There were no masts—nothing seen above + but the <span class="tei tei-q">“smoke-stack”</span> (funnel), + pilot-house, and flagstaff. She carried eight powerful guns, most of + them eleven-inch. <span class="tei tei-q">“As she came ploughing + through the water,”</span> wrote one eyewitness of her movements, + <span class="tei tei-q">“she looked like a huge half-submerged + crocodile.”</span> The Southerners re-christened her the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Virginia</span></span>, but her older name has + clung to her. The smaller vessels with her contributed little to the + issue of the fight, but those opposed to her were of no + inconsiderable size. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page20">[pg 20]</span><a name="Pg020" id="Pg020" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minnesota</span></span>, and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Roanoake</span></span> were frigates carrying an + aggregate of over 150 guns and nearly 2,000 men. They, however, were + wooden vessels; and although, in two cases in particular, defended + with persistent heroism, had no chance against the ironclad, hastily + as she had been prepared. There is little doubt that the officers of + the two former vessels, in particular, knew something of the nature + of the <span class="tei tei-q">“forlorn hope”</span> in which they + were about to engage, when she hove in sight on that memorable 8th of + March, 1862. It is said that the sailors, however, derided her till + she was close upon them—so close that their laughter and remarks were + heard on board. <span class="tei tei-q">“That Southern + Bugaboo,”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“that old Secesh + curiosity,”</span> were among the milder titles applied to + her.</p><a name="figorigme" id="figorigme" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_035.png" alt="THE ORIGINAL “MERRIMAC.”" + title="THE ORIGINAL “MERRIMAC.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE ORIGINAL <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“MERRIMAC.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The engagement was + fought in the Hampton Roads, which is virtually an outlet of the + James River, Virginia. The latter, like the Thames, has considerable + breadth and many shallows near its mouth. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> left Norfolk Navy-yard + (which holds to the James River somewhat the position that Sheerness + does to the Thames) hurriedly on the morning of the 8th, and steamed + steadily towards the enemy’s fleet, accompanied by some smaller + vessels of war and a few tug-boats.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Meanwhile, the + shapeless iron mass</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + Came moving o’er the wave, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + As gloomy as a passing hearse, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">As silent as the + grave.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The morning was + still and calm as that of a Sabbath-day. That the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> was not expected was + evidenced by the boats at the booms, and the sailors’ clothes still + hanging in the rigging of the enemy’s vessels. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did they see the long, dark hull? Had they made it out? + Was it ignorance, apathy, or composure that made them so indifferent? + or were they provided with torpedoes, which could sink even the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> in a minute?”</span> were + questions mooted on the Southern side by those watching on board the + boats and from the shore.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As soon, however, + as she was plainly discerned, the crews of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span>, and other vessels were + beat to quarters, and preparations made for the fight. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The engagement,”</span> wrote the Confederate Secretary + of the Navy, <span class="tei tei-q">“commenced at half-past three + p.m., and at four p.m. Captain Buchanan had sunk the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span>, captured and burned + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span>, disabled and driven the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minnesota</span></span> ashore, and defeated the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">St. + Lawrence</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Roanoake</span></span>, which sought shelter + under the guns of Fortress Monroe. Two of the enemy’s small steamers + were blown up, and the two transport steamers were captured.”</span> + This, as will be seen, must, as regards time, be taken <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">cum grano + salis</span></span>, but in its main points is correct.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> commenced the action by + discharging a broadside at the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Congress</span></span>, + one shell from which killed or disabled a number of men at the guns, + and then kept on towards the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span>, which she approached + with full steam on, striking her on the port side near the bow, her + stem knocking two of the ports into one, and her ram striking the + vessel under the water-line. Almost instantaneously a large shell was + discharged from her forward gun, which raked the gun-deck of the + doomed ship, and killed ten men. Five minutes later the ship began to + sink by the head, a large hole having been made <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page21">[pg 21]</span><a name="Pg021" id="Pg021" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by the point of the ram, through which the + water rushed in. As the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> rounded and rapidly came + up again, she once more raked the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span>, killing or wounding + sixteen more men. Meantime the latter was endeavouring to defend + herself, and poured broadside after broadside into the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span>; but the balls, as one of + the survivors tells us, bounced <span class="tei tei-q">“upon her + mailed sides like india-rubber, apparently making not the least + impression except to cut off her flagstaff, and thus bring down the + Confederate colours. None of her crew ventured at that time on her + outside to replace them, and she fought thenceforward with only her + pennant flying.”</span><a id="noteref_18" name="noteref_18" href= + "#note_18"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">18</span></span></a> Shortly + after this, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> again attacked the + unfortunate ship, advancing with her greatest speed, her ram making + another hole below the water-line. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span> began to fill rapidly. + The scene on board is hardly to be described in words. It was one of + horrible desperation and fruitless heroism. The decks were slippery + with human gore; shreds of human flesh, and portions of the body, + arms, legs, and headless trunks were scattered everywhere. Below, the + cockpit was filled with wounded, whom it would be impossible to + succour, for the ship was sinking fast. Meantime the men stuck to + their posts, powder was still served out, and the firing kept up + steadily, several of the crew lingering so long in the after + shell-room, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page22">[pg + 22]</span><a name="Pg022" id="Pg022" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in + their eagerness to pass up shell, that they were drowned there. The + water had now reached the main gun-deck, and it became evident that + the contest was nearly over. Still the men lingered, anxious for one + last shot, when their guns were nearly under water.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Shall we give + them a broadside, my boys, as she goes?</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + Shall we send yet another to tell, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + In iron-tongued words, to Columbia’s foes, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">How bravely her + sons say <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: left">‘Farewell?’</span> ”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The word was + passed for each man to save himself. Even then, one man, an active + little fellow, named Matthew Tenney, whose courage had been + conspicuous during the action, determined to fire once more, the next + gun to his own being then under water, the vessel going down by the + head. He succeeded, but at the cost of his life, for immediately + afterwards, attempting to scramble out of the port-hole, the water + suddenly rushed in with such force that he was washed back and + drowned. Scores of poor fellows were unable to reach the upper deck, + and were carried down with the vessel. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span> sank in water up to the + cross-trees, and went down <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">with her flag still flying from the + peak</span></span>.<a id="noteref_19" name="noteref_19" href= + "#note_19"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">19</span></span></a> The + whole number lost was not less than 120 souls. Her top-masts, with + the pennant flying far above the water, long marked the locality of + one of the bravest and most desperate defences ever made</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“By men who knew + that all else was wrong</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">But to die when + a sailor ought.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span> being utterly + demolished, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> turned her attention to + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span>. The Southerners showed + their chivalric instincts at this juncture by not firing on the + boats, or on a small steamer, which were engaged in picking up the + survivors of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland’s</span></span> crew. The officers of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span>, seeing the fate of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span>, determined that the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> should not, at least, + sink their vessel. They therefore got all sail on the ship, and + attempted to run ashore. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> was soon close on them, + and delivered a broadside, which was terribly destructive, a shell + killing, at one of the guns, every man engaged except one. Backing, + and then returning several times, she delivered broadside after + broadside at less than 100 yards’ distance. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span> replied manfully and + obstinately, but with little effect. One shot is supposed to have + entered one of the ironclad’s port-holes, and dismounted a gun, as + there was no further firing from that port, and a few splinters of + iron were struck off her sloping mailed roof, but this was all. The + guns of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> appeared to have been + specially trained on the after-magazine of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span>, and shot after shot + entered that part of the ship. Thus, slowly drifting down with the + current, and again steaming up, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> continued for an hour to + fire into her opponent. Several times the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span> was on fire, but the + flames were kept under. At length the ship was on fire in so many + places, and the flames gathering with such force, that it was + hopeless and suicidal to keep up the defence any longer. <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page23">[pg 23]</span><a name="Pg023" id="Pg023" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The national flag was sadly and + sorrowfully hauled down, and a white flag hoisted at the peak. The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> did not for a few minutes + see this token of surrender, and continued to fire. At last, however, + it was discerned through the clouds of smoke, and the broadsides + ceased. A tug that had followed the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> out of Norfolk then came + alongside the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span>, and ordered the officers + on board. This they refused, hoping that, from the nearness of the + shore, they would be able to escape. Some of the men, to the number, + it is believed, of about forty, thought the tug was one of the + Northern (Federal) vessels, and rushed on board, and were, of course, + soon carried off as prisoners. By the time that all the able men were + off ashore and elsewhere, it was seven o’clock in the evening, and + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Congress</span></span> was a bright sheet of + flame fore and aft, her guns, which were loaded and trained, going + off as the fire reached them. A shell from one struck a sloop at some + distance, and blew her up. At midnight the fire reached her + magazines, containing five tons of gunpowder, and, with a terrific + explosion, her charred remains blew up. Thus had the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> sunk one and burned a + second of the largest of the vessels of the enemy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having settled the + fate of these two ships, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> had, about 5 o’clock in + the afternoon, started to tackle the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minnesota</span></span>. Here, as was afterwards + proved, the commander of the former had the intention of capturing + the latter as a prize, and had no wish to destroy her. He, therefore, + stood off about a mile distant, and with the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Yorktown</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jamestown</span></span>, threw shot and shell at + the frigate, doing it considerable damage, and killing six men. One + shell entered near her waist, passed through the chief engineer’s + room, knocking two rooms into one, and wounded several men; a shot + passed through the main-mast. At nightfall the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span>, satisfied with her + afternoon’s work of death and destruction, steamed in under Sewall’s + Point. <span class="tei tei-q">“The day,”</span> said the Baltimore + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">American</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“thus closed most dismally for our side, and with the + most gloomy apprehensions of what would occur the next day. The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minnesota</span></span> was at the mercy of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span>, and there appeared no + reason why the iron monster might not clear the Roads of our fleet, + destroy all the stores and warehouses on the beach, drive our troops + into the fortress, and command Hampton Roads against any number of + wooden vessels the Government might send there. Saturday was a + terribly dismal night at Fortress Monroe.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But about nine + o’clock that evening Ericsson’s battery, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span>,<a id="noteref_20" name= + "noteref_20" href="#note_20"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">20</span></span></a> arrived + in Hampton Roads, and hope revived in the breasts of the despondent + Northerners. She was not a very formidable-looking craft, for, lying + low on the water, with a plain structure amidships, a small + pilot-house forward, and a diminutive funnel aft, she might have been + taken for a raft. It was only on board that her real strength might + be discovered. She carried armour about five inches thick over a + large part of her, and had practically two hulls, the lower of which + had sides inclining at an angle of 51° from the vertical line. It was + considered that no shot could hurt this lower hull, on account of the + angle at which it must strike it. The revolving turret, an iron + cylinder, nine feet high, and twenty feet in diameter, eight or nine + inches thick everywhere, and about the portholes eleven inches, was + moved round by steam-power. When the two heavy Dahlgren guns were + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page24">[pg 24]</span><a name="Pg024" + id="Pg024" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>run in for loading, a kind of + pendulum port fell over the holes in the turret. The propeller, + rudder, and even anchor, were all hidden.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was a war of + surprises and sudden changes. It is doubtful if the Southerners knew + what to make of the strange-looking battery which steamed towards + them next morning, or whether they despised it. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span> + kept on approaching each other, the former waiting until she would + choose her distance, and the latter apparently not knowing what to + make of her queer-looking antagonist. The first shot from the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span> was fired when about one + hundred yards distant from the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span>, + and this distance was subsequently reduced to fifty yards; and at no + time during the furious cannonading that ensued were the vessels more + than two hundred yards apart. The scene was in plain view from + Fortress Monroe, and in the main facts all the spectators agree. At + first the fight was very furious, and the guns of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span> + were fired rapidly. The latter carried only two guns, to its + opponent’s eight, and received two or three shots for every one she + gave. Finding that she was much more formidable than she looked, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> attempted to run her + down; but her superior speed and quicker handling enabled her to + dodge and turn rapidly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Once the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> struck her near midships, + but only to prove that the battery could not be run down nor shot + down. She spun round like a top; and as she got her bearing again, + sent one of her formidable missiles into her huge + opponent.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The officers of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span> + at this time had gained such confidence in the impregnability of + their battery that they no longer fired at random nor hastily. The + fight then assumed its most interesting aspect. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span> + went round the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> repeatedly, probing her + sides, seeking for weak points, and reserving her fire with coolness, + until she had the right spot and the right range, and made her + experiments accordingly. In this way the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> received three shots.... + Neither of these three shots rebounded at all, but appeared to cut + their way clear through iron and wood into the ship.”</span><a id= + "noteref_21" name="noteref_21" href="#note_21"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">21</span></span></a> Soon + after receiving the third shot, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> made off at full speed, + and the contest was not renewed. Thus ended this particular episode + of the American war.</p><a name="figengabeth" id="figengabeth" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_041.jpg" alt= + "ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE “MERRIMAC” AND “MONITOR.”" title= + "ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE “MERRIMAC” AND “MONITOR.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“MERRIMAC”</span> AND <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“MONITOR.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lieutenant Worden + was in the pilot-house of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span> when the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> directed a whole + broadside at her, and was, besides being thrown down and stunned by + the concussion, temporarily blinded by the minute fragments of shells + and powder driven through the eye-holes—only an inch each in + diameter—made through the iron to enable them to keep a look-out. He + was carried away, but, on recovering consciousness, his first + thoughts reverted to the action. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have I + saved the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minnesota</span></span>?”</span> said he, + eagerly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes; and whipped the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span>!”</span> was the answer. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then,”</span> replied he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don’t care what becomes of me.”</span> The concussion + in the turret is described as something terrible; and several of the + men, though not otherwise hurt, were rendered insensible for the + time. Each side claimed that they had seriously damaged the other, + but there seems to have been no foundation for these assertions in + facts.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But although this, + the original <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span>, was efficient, if not + omnipotent, in the calm <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page026">[pg + 026]</span><a name="Pg026" id="Pg026" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>waters at the mouth of the James River, she was, + as might be expected with her flat, barge-like bottom, a bad + sea-boat, and was afterwards lost. Her ports had to be closed and + caulked, being only five feet above the water, and she was therefore + unable to work her guns at sea. Her constructor had neglected Sir + Walter Raleigh’s advice to Prince Henry touching the model of a ship, + <span class="tei tei-q">“that her ports be so laid, as that she may + carry out her guns all weathers.”</span> She plunged + heavily—completely submerging her pilot-house at times, the sea + washing over and into her turret. The heavy shocks and jars of the + armour, as it came down upon the waves, made her leaky, and she went + to the bottom in spite of pumps capable of throwing 2,000 gallons a + minute, which were in good order and working incessantly.</p><a name= + "figperuirhu" id="figperuirhu" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_039.jpg" alt= + "THE PERUVIAN IRONCLAD HUASCAR ATTACKED BY TWO CHILIAN IRONCLADS." + title= + "THE PERUVIAN IRONCLAD HUASCAR ATTACKED BY TWO CHILIAN IRONCLADS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE PERUVIAN IRONCLAD <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">HUASCAR</span></span> ATTACKED BY TWO + CHILIAN IRONCLADS. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Since the + conclusion of the American war, the ironclad question has assumed + serious aspects, and many facts could be cited to show that they have + not by any means always confirmed the first impressions of their + strength and invulnerability. Two recent cases will be fresh in the + memories of our readers. The first is the recent engagement off Peru + between the Peruvian ironclad turret-ship <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Huascar</span></span> + and the British unarmoured men-of-war <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Shah</span></span> + and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Amethyst</span></span>. With the political + aspect of the affair we have nothing, of course, to do, in our + present work. It was really a question between the guns quite as much + as between the vessels. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Huascar</span></span> is only a + moderately-strong armoured vessel, her plates being the same + thickness as those of the earliest English ironclad, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span>, and her armament is two + 300-pounders in her turret, and three shell-guns. On the other hand, + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Shah</span></span>, the principal one of the two + British vessels, is only a large iron vessel sheathed in wood, and + not armoured at all; but she carries, besides smaller guns, a + formidable armament in the shape of two 12-ton and sixteen 6½-ton + guns. An eyewitness of the engagement states<a id="noteref_22" name= + "noteref_22" href="#note_22"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">22</span></span></a> that, + after three hours’ firing, at a distance of from 400 to 3,000 yards, + the only damage inflicted by the opposing vessels was a hole in the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Huascar’s</span></span> side, made by a shell, + the bursting of which killed one man. <span class="tei tei-q">“One + 9-in. shot (from a 12-ton gun) also penetrated three inches into the + turret without effecting any material damage. There were nearly 100 + dents of various depths in the plates, but none of sufficient depth + to materially injure them. The upper works—boats, and everything + destructible by shell—were, of course, destroyed. Her colours were + also shot down.”</span> According to theory, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Shah’s</span></span> + two larger guns should have penetrated the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Huascar’s</span></span> sides when fired at + upwards of 3,000 yards’ distance. The facts are very different, + doubtless because the shots struck the armour obliquely, at any + angles but right ones. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Huascar</span></span> was admirably handled and + manœuvred, but her gunnery was so indifferent that none of the shots + even struck the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Shah</span></span>, except to cut away a couple + of ropes, and the latter kept up so hot a fire of shells that the + crew of the former were completely demoralised, and the officers had + to train and fire the guns. She eventually escaped to Iquique, under + cover of a pitchy-dark night. The same correspondent admits, however, + that the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Shah</span></span>, although a magnificent + vessel, is not fitted for the South American station, since Peru has + three ironclads, Chili two, and Brazil and the River Plate Republics + several, against which no ordinary English man-of-war could cope, + were the former properly handled.</p><a name="figperuirhu2" id= + "figperuirhu2" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_043.jpg" alt="THE PERUVIAN IRONCLAD HUASCAR" + title="THE PERUVIAN IRONCLAD HUASCAR." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE PERUVIAN IRONCLAD <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">HUASCAR</span></span>. + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page27">[pg 27]</span><a name= + "Pg027" id="Pg027" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The recent story + of the saucy Russian merchantman,<a id="noteref_23" name="noteref_23" + href="#note_23"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">23</span></span></a> which + not merely dared the Turkish ironclad, but fought her for five hours, + and inflicted quite as much damage as she received, will also be + remembered, although it may be taken just for what it is worth. One + Captain Baranoff, of the Imperial Russian Navy, had, in an article + published in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Golos</span></span>, of St. Petersburg, + recommended his Government to abandon ironclads, avoid naval battles, + and confine operations at sea to the letting loose of a number of + cruisers against the enemy’s merchantmen. Where a naval engagement + was inevitable, he <span class="tei tei-q">“preferred fighting with + small craft, making up by agility and speed what they lacked in + cuirass, and if the worst came to the worst, easily replaced by other + specimens of the same type.”</span> The article created much notice; + and at the beginning of the present war, the author was given to + understand by the Russian Admiralty that he should have an + opportunity of proving his theories by deeds. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Vesta</span></span>, + an ordinary iron steamer of light build, was selected; she had been + employed previously in no more warlike functions than the conveyance + of corn and tallow from Russia to foreign ports. She was equipped + immediately with a few 6-in. mortars, her decks being strengthened to + receive them, but no other changes were made. On the morning of the + 23rd of July, cruising in the Black Sea, Captain Baranoff encountered + the Turkish ironclad <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Assari Tefvik</span></span>, a formidable vessel + armoured with twelve inches of iron, and carrying 12-ton guns, and + nothing daunted by the disproportion in size and strength, + immediately engaged her. Both vessels were skilfully manœuvred, the + ironclad moving about with extraordinary alertness and speed. She was + only hit three times with large balls; the second went through her + deck, <span class="tei tei-q">“kindling a fire which was quickly + extinguished;”</span> the third was believed to have injured the + turret. Meantime, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vesta</span></span> was herself badly injured, a + grenade hitting her close to the powder-magazine, which would have + soon blown up but for the rapid measures taken by her commander. Her + rudder was struck and partially disabled, but still she was not sunk, + as she should have been, according to all theoretical considerations. + She eventually steamed back again to Sebastopol—after two other + vessels had come to the ironclad’s assistance—covered with glory, + having for five hours worried, and somewhat injured, a giant vessel + to which, in proportion, she was but a weak and miserable dwarf.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It will be obvious + that from neither of the above cases can any positive inferences be + safely drawn. In the former case, the weaker vessel had the stronger + guns, and so matters were partially balanced; in the second example, + the ironclad ought to have easily sunk the merchantman by means of + her heavy guns, even from a great distance—but she didn’t. The + ironclad question will engage our attention again, as it will, we + fear, that of the nation, for a very long time to come.</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page28">[pg 28]</span><a name="Pg028" + id="Pg028" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc7" id= + "toc7"></a><a name="pdf8" id="pdf8"></a><a name="chap02" id="chap02" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER II.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Men of + Peace.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Naval Life in Peace Times—A Grand Exploring + Voyage—The Cruise of the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Its + Work—Deep-sea Soundings—Five Miles Down—Apparatus Employed—Ocean + Treasures—A Gigantic Sea-monster—Tristan d’Acunha—A Discovery + Interesting to the Discovered—The Two Crusoes—The Inaccessible + Island—Solitary Life—The Sea-cart—Swimming Pigs—Rescued at Last—The + Real Crusoe Island to Let—Down South—The Land of + Desolation—Kerguelen—The Sealers’ Dreary Life—In the + Antarctic—Among the Icebergs.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No form of life + presents greater contrasts than that of the sailor. Storm and calm + alternate; to-day in the thick of the fight—battling man or the + elements—to-morrow we find him tranquilly pursuing some peaceful + scheme of discovery or exploration, or calmly cruising from one + station to another, protecting by moral influence alone the interests + of his country. His deeds may be none the less heroic because his + conquests are peaceful, and because Neptune rather than Mars is + challenged to cede his treasures. Anson, Cook, and Vancouver, Parry, + Franklin, M’Clintock, and M’Clure, among a host of others, stand + worthily by the side of our fighting sailors, because made of the + same stuff. Let us also, then, for a time, leave behind the smoke and + din, the glories and horrors of war, and cool our fevered + imaginations by descending, in spirit at least, to the depths of the + great sea. The records of the famous voyage of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span><a id="noteref_24" name= + "noteref_24" href="#note_24"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">24</span></span></a> will + afford a capital opportunity of contrasting the deeds of the men of + peace with those of men of war.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We may commence by + saying that no such voyage has in truth ever been undertaken + before.<a id="noteref_25" name="noteref_25" href= + "#note_25"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">25</span></span></a> Nearly + 70,000 miles of the earth’s watery surface were traversed, and the + Atlantic and Pacific crossed and recrossed several times. It was a + veritable <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">voyage en zigzag</span></span>. Apart from + ordinary soundings innumerable, 374 deep-sea soundings, when the + progress of the vessel had to be stopped, and which occupied an hour + or two apiece, were made, and at least two-thirds as many successful + dredgings and trawlings. The greatest depth of ocean reached was + 4,575 fathoms (27,450 feet), or <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">over five miles</span></span>. This was in the + Pacific, about 1,400 miles S.E. of Japan. We all know that this ocean + derives its name from its generally calmer weather and less + tempestuous seas; and the researches of the officers of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span>, and of the United + States vessel <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Tuscarora</span></span>, show that the bottom + slopes to its greatest depths very evenly and gradually, little + broken by submarine mountain ranges, except off volcanic islands and + coasts like those of the Hawaiian (Sandwich) Islands. Off the latter + there are mountains in the sea ranging to as high as 12,000 feet. The + general evenness of the bottom helps to account for the long, + sweeping waves of the Pacific, so distinguishable from the short, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page29">[pg 29]</span><a name="Pg029" + id="Pg029" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cut-up, and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“choppy”</span> waves of the Atlantic. In the Atlantic, + on the voyage of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> from Teneriffe to St. + Thomas, a pretty level bottom off the African coast gradually + deepened till it reached 3,125 fathoms (over three and a half miles), + at about one-third of the way across to the West Indies. If the Alps, + Mont Blanc and all, were submerged at this spot, there would still be + more than half a mile of water above them! Five hundred miles further + west there is a comparatively shallow part—two miles or so deep—which + afterwards deepens to three miles, and continues at the same depth + nearly as far as the West Indies.</p><a name="figexama_ha" id= + "figexama_ha" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_047.jpg" alt= + "EXAMINING A “HAUL” ON BOARD THE “CHALLENGER.”" title= + "EXAMINING A “HAUL” ON BOARD THE “CHALLENGER.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + EXAMINING A <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“HAUL”</span> ON BOARD THE <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“CHALLENGER.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A few words as to + the work laid out for the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span>, and how she did it. + She is a 2,000-ton corvette, of moderate steam-power, and was put + into commission, with a reduced complement of officers and men, + Captain (now Sir) George S. Nares, later the commander of the Arctic + expedition, having complete charge and control. Her work was to + include soundings, thermometric and magnetic observations, dredgings + and chemical examinations of sea-water, the surveying of unsurveyed + harbours and coasts, and the resurveying, where practicable, of + partially surveyed coasts. The (civil) scientific corps, under the + charge of Professor Wyville Thomson, comprised three naturalists, a + chemist and physicist, and a photographer. The naturalists had their + special rooms, the chemist his laboratory, the photographer his + <span class="tei tei-q">“dark-room,”</span> and the surveyors their + chart-room, to make room for which all the guns were removed except + two. On the upper deck was another analysing-room, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“devoted to mud, fish, birds, and vertebrates + generally;”</span> a donkey-engine for hauling in the sounding, + dredging, and other lines, and a broad bridge amidships, from which + the officer for the day gave the necessary orders for the performance + of the many duties connected with their scientific labours. Thousands + of fathoms of rope of all sizes, for dredging and sounding; tons of + sounding-weights, from half to a whole hundredweight apiece; dozens + of thermometers for deep-sea temperatures, and gallons of methylated + spirits for preserving the specimens obtained, were carried on + board.</p><a name="figaccumula" id="figaccumula" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_055.png" alt="THE “ACCUMULATOR.”" title= + "THE “ACCUMULATOR.”2626This is an apparatus consisting of a number of india-rubber bands suspended from the mast-head, during dredging operations, which indicates, by its expansion and contraction, how the dredge is passing over the inequalities of the bottom." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“ACCUMULATOR.”</span><a id="noteref_26" + name="noteref_26" href="#note_26"><span class="tei tei-noteref" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">26</span></span></a> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Steam-power is + always very essential to deep-sea sounding. No trustworthy results + can be obtained from a ship under sail; a perpendicular sounding is + the one thing required, and, of course, with steam the vessel can be + kept head to the wind, regulating her speed so that she remains + nearly stationary. The sounding apparatus used needs some little + description. A block was fixed to the main-yard, from which depended + the <span class="tei tei-q">“accumulator,”</span> consisting of + strong india-rubber bands, each three-fourths of an inch in diameter + and three feet long, which ran through circular discs of wood at + either end. These are capable of stretching seventeen feet, and their + object is to prevent sudden strain on the lead-line from the + inevitable jerks and motion of the vessel. The sounding-rod used for + great depths is, with its weights,<a id="noteref_27" name= + "noteref_27" href="#note_27"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">27</span></span></a> so + arranged that on touching bottom a spring releases a wire sling, and + the weights slip off and are left there. These rods were only + employed when the depths were considered to be over 1,500 fathoms; + for less depths a long, conical lead weight was used, with a + <span class="tei tei-q">“butterfly valve,”</span> or trap, at its + basis for securing specimens from the ocean bed. There are several + kinds of <span class="tei tei-q">“slip”</span> water-bottles for + securing samples of sea-water (and marine objects of small size + floating in it) at great depths. One of the most ingenious is a brass + tube, two and a half feet in length, fitted with easily-working + stop-cocks at each end, connected by means of a rod, on <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page30">[pg 30]</span><a name="Pg030" id="Pg030" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which is a movable float. As the bottle + descends the stop-cocks must remain open, but as it is hauled up + again the flat float receives the opposing pressure of the water + above it, and, acting by means of the connecting-rod, shuts both + cocks simultaneously, thus inclosing a specimen of the water at that + particular depth. Self-registering thermometers were employed, + sometimes attached at intervals of 100 fathoms to the sounding-line, + so as to test the temperatures at various depths. For dredging, bags + or nets from three to five feet in depth, and nine to fifteen inches + in width, attached to iron frames, were employed, whilst at the + bottom of the bags a number of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“swabs,”</span> similar to those used in cleaning decks, + were attached, so as to sweep along the bottom, and bring up small + specimens of animal life—coral, sponges, &c. These swabs were, + however, always termed <span class="tei tei-q">“hempen + tangles”</span>—so much does science dignify every object it touches! + The dredges were afterwards set aside for the ordinary beam-trawls + used in shallow water around our own coasts. Their open meshes + allowed the mud and sand to filter through easily, and their adoption + was a source of satisfaction to some of the officers who looked with + horror on the state of their usually immaculate decks, when the + dredges were emptied of their contents.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not so very long + ago, our knowledge of anything beneath the ocean’s surface was + extremely indefinite; for even of the coasts and shallows we knew + little, marine zoology and botany being the last, and not the + earliest, branches of natural history investigated by men of science. + It was asserted that the specific gravity of water at great depths + would cause the heaviest weights to remain suspended in mid-sea, and + that animal existence was impossible at the bottom. When, some + sixteen years ago, a few star-fish were brought up by a line from a + depth of 1,200 fathoms, it was seriously considered that they had + attached themselves at some midway point, and not at the bottom. In + 1868-9-70, the Royal Society borrowed from the Admiralty two of Her + Majesty’s vessels, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Lightning</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Porcupine</span></span>; and in one of the + latter’s trips, considerably to the south and west of Ireland, she + sounded to a depth of 2,400 fathoms,<a id="noteref_28" name= + "noteref_28" href="#note_28"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">28</span></span></a> and was + very successful in many dredging operations. As a result, it was then + suggested that a vessel should be specially fitted out for a more + important ocean voyage round the world, to occupy three or more + years, and the cruise of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> was then determined + upon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The story of that + cruise is utterly unsensational; it is one simply of calm and + unremitting scientific work, almost unaccompanied by peril. To some + the treasures acquired will seem valueless. Among the earliest gains, + obtained near Cape St. Vincent, with a common trawl, was a beautiful + specimen of the Euplectella, <span class="tei tei-q">“glass-rope + sponge,”</span> or <span class="tei tei-q">“Venus’s + flower-basket,”</span> alive. This object of beauty and interest, + sometimes seen in working naturalists’ and conchologists’ windows in + London, had always previously been obtained from the seas + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page31">[pg 31]</span><a name="Pg031" + id="Pg031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the Philippine Islands and + Japan, to which it was thought to be confined, and its discovery so + much nearer home was hailed with delight. It has a most graceful + form, consisting of a slightly curved conical tube, eight or ten + inches in height, contracted beneath to a blunt point. The walls are + of light tracery, resembling opaque spun glass, covered with a + lace-work of delicate pattern. The lower end is surrounded by an + upturned fringe of lustrous fibres, and the wider end is closed by a + lid of open network. These beautiful objects of nature make most + charming ornaments for a drawing-room, but have to be kept under a + glass case, as they are somewhat frail. In their native element they + lie buried in the mud. They were afterwards found to be <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the most characteristic inhabitants of the great depths + all over the world.”</span> Early in the voyage, no lack of living + things were brought up—strange-looking fish, with their eyes blown + nearly out of their heads by the expansion of the air in their + air-bladders, whilst entangled among the meshes were many star-fish + and delicate zoophytes, shining with a vivid phosphorescent light. A + rare specimen of the clustered sea-polyp, twelve gigantic polyps, + each with eight long fringed arms, terminating in a close cluster on + a stalk or stem three feet high, was obtained. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Two specimens of this fine species were brought from the + coast of Greenland early in the last century; somehow these were + lost, and for a century the animal was never seen.”</span> Two were + brought home by one of the Swedish Arctic expeditions, and these are + the only specimens ever obtained. One of the lions of the expedition + was not <span class="tei tei-q">“a rare sea-fowl,”</span> but a + transparent lobster, while a new crustacean, perfectly blind, which + feels its way with most beautifully delicate claws, was one of the + greatest curiosities obtained. Of these wonders, and of some + geological points determined, more anon. But they did not even sight + the sea-serpent, much less attempt to catch it. Jules Verne’s twenty + miles of inexhaustible pearl-meadows were evidently missed, nor did + they even catch a glimpse of his gigantic oyster, with the pearl as + big as a cocoa-nut, and worth 10,000,000 francs. They could not, with + Captain Nemo, dive to the bottom and land amid submarine forests, + where tigers and cobras have their counterparts in enormous sharks + and vicious cephalopods. Victor Hugo’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">“devil-fish”</span> did not attack a single sailor, nor + did, indeed, any formidable cuttle-fish take even a passing peep at + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span>, much less attempt to + stop its progress. Does the reader remember the story recited both by + Figuier and Moquin Tandon,<a id="noteref_29" name="noteref_29" href= + "#note_29"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">29</span></span></a> + concerning one of these gigantic sea-monsters, which should have a + strong basis of truth in it, as it was laid before the French + Académie des Sciences by a lieutenant of their navy and a French + consul?</p><a name="figobjeofin" id="figobjeofin" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_052.png" alt= + "OBJECTS OF INTEREST BROUGHT HOME BY THE “CHALLENGER.”" title= + "OBJECTS OF INTEREST BROUGHT HOME BY THE “CHALLENGER.” Fig. 1.—Shell of Globigerina (highly magnified). Fig. 2.—Ophioglypha bullata (six times the size in nature). Fig. 3.—Euplectella Suberea (popularly “Venus’s Flower-basket”). Fig. 4.—Deidamia leptodactyla (a Blind Lobster). (From “The Voyage of the Challenger,” by permission of Messrs. Macmillan & Co.)" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + OBJECTS OF INTEREST BROUGHT HOME BY THE <span class="tei tei-q" + style="text-align: center">“CHALLENGER.”</span><br /> + Fig. 1.—Shell of <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Globigerina</span></span> (highly + magnified). Fig. 2.—<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Ophioglypha + bullata</span></span> (six times the size in nature). + Fig. 3.—<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Euplectella + Suberea</span></span> (popularly <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“Venus’s Flower-basket”</span>). + Fig. 4.—<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Deidamia + leptodactyla</span></span> (a Blind Lobster).<br /> + (<span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">From</span> <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">“</span><span style="font-style: italic">The + Voyage of the Challenger,</span><span style= + "font-style: italic">”</span></span> <span style= + "font-style: italic">by permission of Messrs. Macmillan & + Co.</span></span>) + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The steam-corvette + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Alecton</span></span>, when between Teneriffe + and Madeira, fell in with a gigantic cuttle-fish, fifty feet long in + the body, without counting its eight formidable arms covered with + suckers. The head was of enormous size, out of all proportion to the + body, and had eyes as large as plates. The other extremity terminated + in two fleshy lobes or fins of great size. The estimated weight of + the whole creature was 4,000 lbs., and the flesh was soft, glutinous, + and of a reddish-brick colour. <span class="tei tei-q">“The + commandant, wishing, in the interests of science, to secure the + monster, actually engaged it in battle. Numerous shots were aimed at + it, but the balls traversed its flaccid and glutinous mass without + causing it any vital injury. But after one of these attacks, the + waves were <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page32">[pg + 32]</span><a name="Pg032" id="Pg032" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>observed to be covered with foam and blood, + and—singular thing—a strong odour of musk was inhaled by the + spectators.... The musket-shots not having produced the desired + results, harpoons were employed, but they took no hold on the soft, + impalpable flesh of the marine monster. When it escaped from the + harpoon, it dived under the ship and came up again at the other side. + They succeeded, at last, in getting the harpoon to bite, and in + passing a bowling-hitch round the posterior part of the animal. But + when they attempted to hoist it out of the water, the rope penetrated + deeply into the flesh, and separated it into two parts, the head, + with the arms and tentacles, dropping into the sea and making off, + while the fins and posterior parts were brought on board; they + weighed about forty pounds. The crew were eager to pursue, and would + have launched a boat, but the commander refused, fearing that the + animal might capsize it. The object was not, in his opinion, one in + which he could risk the lives of his crew.”</span> M. Moquin Tandon, + commenting on M. Berthelot’s recital, considers <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that this colossal mollusc was sick and exhausted at the + time by some recent struggle with some other monster of the deep, + which would account for its having quitted its native rocks in the + depths of the ocean. Otherwise it would have been more active in its + movements, or it would have <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page33">[pg + 33]</span><a name="Pg033" id="Pg033" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>obscured the waves with the inky liquid which + all the cephalopods have at command. Judging from its size, it would + carry at least a barrel of this black liquid.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> afterwards visited Juan + Fernandez, the real Robinson Crusoe island where Alexander Selkirk + passed his enforced residence of four years. Thanks to Defoe, he + lived to find himself so famous, that he could hardly have grudged + the time spent in his solitary sojourn with his dumb companions and + man Friday. Alas! the romance which enveloped Juan Fernandez has + somewhat dimmed. For a brief time it was a Chilian penal colony, and + after sundry vicissitudes, was a few years ago leased to a merchant, + who kept cattle to sell to whalers and passing ships, and also went + seal-hunting on a neighbouring islet. He was <span class= + "tei tei-q">“monarch of all he surveyed”</span>—lord of an island + over a dozen miles long and five or six broad, with cattle, and herds + of wild goats, and capital fishing all round—all for two hundred a + year! Fancy this, ye sportsmen, who pay as much or more for the + privileges of a barren moor! Yet the merchant was not satisfied with + his venture, and, at the time of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger’s</span></span> visit, was on the + point of abandoning it: by this time it is probably to let. Excepting + the cattle dotted about the foot of the hills and a civilised house + or two, the appearance of the island must be precisely the same now + as when the piratical buccaneers of olden time made it their + rendezvous and haunt wherefrom to dash out and harry the Spaniards; + the same to-day as when Alexander Selkirk lived in it as its + involuntary monarch; the same to-day as when Commodore Anson arrived + with his scurvy-stricken <span class="tei tei-q">“crazy ship, a great + scarcity of water, and a crew so universally diseased that there were + not above ten foremast-men in a watch capable of doing duty,”</span> + and recruited them with fresh meat, vegetables, and wild + fruits.</p><a name="figchalatju" id="figchalatju" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_056.jpg" alt= + "THE “CHALLENGER” AT JUAN FERNANDEZ." title= + "THE “CHALLENGER” AT JUAN FERNANDEZ." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“CHALLENGER”</span> AT JUAN FERNANDEZ. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The scenery,”</span> writes Lord George Campbell, + <span class="tei tei-q">“is grand: gloomy and wild enough on the + dull, stormy day on which we arrived, clouds driving past and + enveloping the highest ridge of the mountain, a dark-coloured sea + pelting against the steep cliffs and shores, and <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page34">[pg 34]</span><a name="Pg034" id="Pg034" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>clouds of sea-birds swaying in great + flocks to and fro over the water; but cheerful and beautiful on the + bright sunny morning which followed—so beautiful that I thought, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘This beats Tahiti!’</span> ”</span> The + anchorage of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> was in Cumberland Bay, + a deep-water inlet from which rises a semi-circle of high land, with + two bold headlands, <span class="tei tei-q">“sweeping brokenly up + thence to the highest ridge—a square-shaped, craggy, precipitous mass + of rock, with trees clinging to its sides to near the summit. The + spurs of these hills are covered with coarse grass or moss.... Down + the beds of the small ravines run burns, overgrown by dock-leaves of + enormous size, and the banks are clothed with a rich vegetation of + dark-leaved myrtle, bignonia, and winter-bark, tree-shrubs, with tall + grass, ferns, and flowering plants. And as you lie there, + humming-birds come darting and thrumming within reach of your stick, + flitting from flower to flower, which dot blue and white the foliage + of bignonias and myrtles. And on the steep grassy slopes above the + sea-cliffs herds of wild goats are seen quietly browsing—quietly, + that is, till they scent you, when they are off—as wild as + chamois.”</span> This is indeed a description of a rugged + paradise!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Near the ship they + found splendid, but laborious, cod-fishing; laborious on account of + sharks playing with the bait, and treating the stoutest lines as + though made of single gut; also on account of the forty-fathom depth + these cod-fish lived in. Cray-fish and conger-eels were hauled up in + lobster-pots by dozens, while round the ship’s sides flashed shoals + of cavalli, fish that are caught by a hook with a piece of worsted + tied roughly on, swished over the surface, giving splendid play with + a rod. <span class="tei tei-q">“And on shore, too, there was + something to be seen and done. There was Selkirk’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘look-out’</span> to clamber up the hill-side to—the spot + where tradition says he watched day after day for a passing sail, and + from whence he could look down on both sides of his island home, over + the wooded slopes, down to the cliff-fringed shore, on to the + deserted ocean’s expanse.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span>, in its cruise of over + three years, naturally visited many oft-described ports and + settlements with which we shall have nought to do. After a visit to + Kerguelen’s Land—<span class="tei tei-q">“the Land of + Desolation,”</span> as Captain Cook called it—in the Southern Indian + Ocean, for the purpose of selecting a spot for the erection of an + observatory, from whence the transit of Venus should be later + observed, they proceeded to Heard Island, the position of which + required determining with more accuracy. They anchored, in the + evening, in a bay of this most gloomy and utterly desolate place, + where they found half-a-dozen wretched sealers living in two + miserable huts near the beach, which were sunk into the ground for + warmth and protection against the fierce winds. Their work is to kill + and boil down sea-elephants. One of the men had been there for two + years, and was going to stay another. They are left on the island + every year by the schooners, which go sealing or whaling elsewhere. + Some forty men were on the island, unable to communicate with each + other by land, as the interior is entirely covered with glacier, like + Greenland. They have barrels of salt pork, beef, and a small store of + coals, and little else, and are wretchedly paid. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Books,”</span> says Lord Campbell, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“tell us that these sea-elephants grow to the length of + twenty-four feet; but the sealers did not confirm this at all. One of + us tried hard to make the Scotch mate say he had seen one eighteen + feet long; but <span class="tei tei-q">‘waull, he couldn’t + say.’</span> Sixteen feet? <span class="tei tei-q">‘Waull, he + couldn’t say.’</span> Fourteen feet? <span class="tei tei-q">‘Waull, + yes, yes—something more like that;’</span> but thirteen feet would + seem a fair average size.... One of our fellows bought a <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page35">[pg 35]</span><a name="Pg035" id="Pg035" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>clever little clay model of two men + killing a sea-elephant, giving for it—he being an extravagant man—one + pound and a bottle of rum. This pound was instantly offered to the + servants outside in exchange for another bottle.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Crossing the + Antarctic Circle, they were soon among the icebergs, keeping a sharp + look-out for Termination Land, which has been marked on charts as a + good stretch of coast seen by Wilkes, of the American expedition, + thirty years before. To make a long story short, Captain Nares, after + a careful search, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">un-discovered</span></span> this discovery, + finding no traces of the land. It was probably a long stretch of ice, + or possibly a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">mirage</span></span>, which phenomenon has + deceived many a sailor before. John Ross once thought that he had + discovered some grand mountains in the Arctic regions, which he named + after the then First Lord of the Admiralty, Croker. Next year Parry + sailed over the site of the supposed range; and the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Croker”</span> Mountains became a standing joke against + Ross.</p><a name="figchalinan" id="figchalinan" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_053.png" alt= + "“THE CHALLENGER” IN ANTARCTIC ICE" title= + "“THE CHALLENGER” IN ANTARCTIC ICE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“THE + CHALLENGER”</span> IN ANTARCTIC ICE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Icebergs of + enormous size were encountered; several of three <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">miles</span></span> in + length and two hundred feet or more in height were seen one day, all + close together. But bergs of this calibre were exceptional; they + were, however, very often over half a mile in length. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“There are few people now alive,”</span> says the author + we have recently quoted, <span class="tei tei-q">“who have seen such + superb Antarctic iceberg scenery as we have. We are steaming towards + the supposed position of land, only some thirty miles distant, over a + glass-like sea, unruffled by a breath of wind; past great masses of + ice, grouped so close together in some cases as to form an unbroken + wall of cliff several miles in length. Then, as we pass within a few + hundred yards, the chain breaks up into two or three separate bergs, + and one sees—and beautifully from the mast-head—the blue sea and + distant horizon between perpendicular walls of glistening alabaster + white, against which the long swell dashes, rearing up in great + blue-green heaps, falling back in a torrent of rainbow-flashing + spray, or goes roaring into the azure caverns, followed immediately + by a thundering <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">thud</span></span>, as the compressed air within + buffets it back again in a torrent of seething white foam.”</span> + Neither words adequately describe the beauty of many of the icebergs + seen. One had three high arched caverns penetrating far to its + interior; another had a large tunnel through which they could see the + horizon. The delicate colouring of these bergs is most lovely—sweeps + of azure blue and pale sea-green with dazzling white; glittering, + sparkling crystal merging into depths of indigo blue; stalactite + icicles hanging from the walls and roofs of cavernous openings. The + reader will imagine the beauty of the scene at sunrise and sunset, + when as many as eighty or ninety bergs were sometimes in sight. The + sea was intensely green from the presence of minute algæ, through + belts of which the vessel passed, while the sun, sinking in a golden + blaze, tipped and lighted up the ice and snow, making them sparkle as + with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page37">[pg 37]</span><a name= + "Pg037" id="Pg037" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>brightest gems. A large + number of tabular icebergs, with quantities of snow on their level + tops, were met. They amused themselves by firing a 9-pounder + Armstrong at one, which brought the ice down with a rattling crash, + the face of the berg cracking, splitting, and splashing down with a + roar, making the water below white with foam and powdered ice. These + icebergs were all stratified, at more or less regular distances, with + blue lines, which before they capsized or canted from displacement of + their centres of gravity, were always horizontal. During a gale, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> came into collision + with a berg, and lost her jibboom, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“dolphin-striker,”</span> and other head-gear. An iceberg + in a fog or gale of wind is not a desirable obstruction to meet at + sea.</p><a name="figchalmafa" id="figchalmafa" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_057.jpg" alt= + "THE CHALLENGER MADE FAST TO ST. PAUL’S ROCKS (SOUTH ATLANTIC)" + title= + "THE CHALLENGER MADE FAST TO ST. PAUL’S ROCKS (SOUTH ATLANTIC)." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">CHALLENGER</span></span> MADE FAST TO ST. + PAUL’S ROCKS (SOUTH ATLANTIC). + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The observations + made for deep-sea temperatures gave some remarkable results. Here, + among the icebergs, a band or stratum of water was found, at a depth + of eighty to 200 fathoms, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">colder</span></span> than the water either above + or below it. Take one day as an example: on the 19th of February the + surface temperature of the sea-water was 32°; at 100 fathoms it was + 29·2°; while at 300 fathoms it had risen to 33°. In the Atlantic, on + the eastern side about the tropics, the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">bottom</span></span> + temperature was found to be very uniform at 35·2°, while it might be + broiling hot on the surface. Further south, on the west side of the + Atlantic below the equator, the bottom was found to be very nearly + three degrees cooler. It is believed that the cold current enters the + Atlantic from the Antarctic, and does not rise to within 1,700 + fathoms of the surface. These, and many kindred points, belong more + properly to another section of this work, to be hereafter + discussed.</p><a name="fignaturoon" id="fignaturoon" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_059.png" alt= + "THE NATURALIST’S ROOM ON BOARD THE “CHALLENGER.”" title= + "THE NATURALIST’S ROOM ON BOARD THE “CHALLENGER.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE NATURALIST’S ROOM ON BOARD THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“CHALLENGER.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> had crossed, and + sounded, and dredged the broad Atlantic from Madeira to the West + Indies—finding their deepest water off the Virgin Islands; thence to + Halifax, Nova Scotia; recrossed it to the Azores, Canary, and Cape de + Verde Islands; recrossed it once more in a great zig-zag from the + African coast, through the equatorial regions to Bahia, Brazil; and + thence, if the expression may be used, by a great angular + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page38">[pg 38]</span><a name="Pg038" + id="Pg038" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sweep through the Southern + Ocean to Tristan d’Acunha <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">en route</span></span> to the Cape, where they + made an interesting discovery, one that, unlike their other findings, + was most interesting to the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">discovered</span></span> also. It was that of + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">two</span></span> modern Robinson Crusoes, who + had been living by themselves a couple of years on a desolate rocky + island, the name of which, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Inaccessible,”</span> rightly describes its character + and position in mid ocean. Juan Fernandez, the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">locale</span></span> of + Defoe’s immortal story, is nothing to it now-a-days, and is + constantly visited. On arrival at the island of Tristan d’Acunha, + itself a miserable settlement of about a dozen cottages, the people, + mostly from the Cape and St. Helena, some of them mulattoes, informed + the officers of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> that two Germans, + brothers, had some time before settled, for the purpose of catching + seals, on a small island about thirty miles off, and that, not having + been over there or seen any signs of them for a long time, they + feared that they had perished. It turned out afterwards that the + Tristan d’Acunha people had not taken any trouble in the matter, + looking on them as interlopers on their fishing-grounds. They had + promised to send them some animals—a bull, cow, and heifer—but, + although they had stock and fowls of all kinds, had left them to + their fate. But first as to this <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page39">[pg 39]</span><a name="Pg039" id="Pg039" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>little-known Tristan d’Acunha, of which Lord + George Campbell<a id="noteref_30" name="noteref_30" href= + "#note_30"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">30</span></span></a> + furnishes the following account:—<span class="tei tei-q">“It is a + circular-shaped island, some nine miles in diameter, a peak rising in + the centre 8,300 feet high—a fine sight, snow-covered as it is + two-thirds of the way down. In the time of Napoleon a guard of our + marines was sent there from the Cape; but the connection between + Nap’s being caged at St. Helena and a guard of marines occupying this + island is not very obvious, is it? Any way, that was the commencement + of a settlement which has continued with varying numbers to this day, + the marines having long ago been withdrawn, and now eighty-six + people—men, women, and children—live here.... A precipitous wall of + cliff, rising abruptly from the sea, encircles the island, excepting + where the settlement is, and there the cliff recedes and leaves a + long grass slope of considerable extent, covered with grey boulders. + The cottages, in number about a dozen, look very Scotch from the + ship, with their white walls, straw roofs, and stone dykes around + them. Sheep, cattle, pigs, geese, ducks, and fowls they have in + plenty, also potatoes and other vegetables, all of which they sell to + whalers, who give them flour or money in exchange. The appearance of + the place makes one shudder; it looks so thoroughly as though it were + always blowing there—which, indeed, it is, heavy storms continually + sweeping over, killing their cattle right and left before they have + time to drive them under shelter. They say that they have lost 100 + head of cattle lately by these storms, which kill the animals, + particularly the calves, from sheer fatigue.”</span> The men of the + place often go whaling or sealing cruises with the ships that touch + there.</p><a name="figdredimus" id="figdredimus" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_060.png" alt= + "DREDGING IMPLEMENTS USED BY THE “CHALLENGER.”" title= + "DREDGING IMPLEMENTS USED BY THE “CHALLENGER.” Fig. 1, Sounding machines. Fig. 2, Slip water-bottles. Fig. 3, Deep-sea thermometer. Fig. 4, The dredge. Fig. 5, Cup sounding lead." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + DREDGING IMPLEMENTS USED BY THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“CHALLENGER.”</span><br /> + Fig. 1, Sounding machines. Fig. 2, Slip water-bottles. + Fig. 3, Deep-sea thermometer. Fig. 4, The dredge. + Fig. 5, Cup sounding lead. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> steamed slowly over to + Inaccessible Island during the night, and anchored next morning off + its northern side, where rose a magnificent wall of black cliff, + splashed green with moss and ferns, rising sheer 1,300 feet above the + sea. Between two headlands a strip of stony beach, with a small hut + on it, could be seen. This was the residence of our two Crusoes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Their story, told + when the first exuberance of joy at the prospect of being taken off + the island had passed away, was as follows:—One of the brothers had + been cast away on Tristan d’Acunha some years before, in consequence + of the burning of his ship. There he and his companions of the crew + had been kindly treated by the settlers, and told that at one of the + neighbouring islands 1,700 seals had been captured in one season. + Telling this to a brother when he at last reached home in the + Fatherland, the two of them, fired with the ambition of acquiring + money quickly, determined to exile themselves for a while to the + islands. By taking passage on an outward-bound steamer from + Southampton, and later transferring themselves to a whaler, they + reached their destination in safety on the 27th of November, 1871. + They had purchased an old whale-boat—mast, sails, and oars + complete—and landed with a fair supply of flour, biscuit, coffee, + tea, sugar, salt, and tobacco, sufficient for present needs. They had + blankets and some covers, which were easily filled with bird’s + feathers—a German could hardly forget his national luxury, his + feather-bed. They had provided themselves with a wheelbarrow, sundry + tools, pot and kettles; a short Enfield rifle, and an old + fowling-piece, and a very limited supply <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page40">[pg 40]</span><a name="Pg040" id="Pg040" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>of powder, bullets, and shot. They had also + sensibly provided themselves with some seeds, so that, all in all, + they started life on the island under favourable circumstances.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The west side of + the island, on which they landed, consisted of a beach some three + miles in length, with a bank of earth, covered with the strong long + tussock grass, rising to the cliff, which it was just possible to + scale. The walls of rock by which the island is bounded afforded few + opportunities for reaching the comparatively level plateau at the + top. Without the aid of the grass it was impossible, and in one + place, which had to be climbed constantly, it took them an hour and a + half of hard labour, holding on with hands and feet, and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">even + teeth</span></span>, to reach the summit. Meantime, they had found on + the north side a suitable place for building their hut, near a + waterfall that fell from the side of the mountain, and close to a + wood, from which they could obtain all the firewood they required. + Their humble dwelling was partly constructed of spars from the vessel + that had brought them to the island, and was thatched with grass. + About this time (December) the seals were landing in the coast, it + being the pupping season, and they killed nineteen. In hunting them + their whale-boat, which was too heavy for two men to handle, was + seriously damaged in landing through the surf; but yet, with constant + bailing, could be kept afloat. A little later they cut it in halves, + and constructed from the best parts a smaller boat, which was + christened the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sea Cart</span></span>. During the summer rains + their house became so leaky that they pulled it down, and shifted + their quarters to another spot. At the beginning of April the tussock + grass, by which they had ascended the cliff, caught fire, and their + means of reaching game, in the shape of wild pigs and goats, was cut + off. Winter (about our summer-time, as in Australia, &c.) was + approaching, and it became imperative to think of laying in + provisions. By means of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sea Cart</span></span> they went round to the + west side, and succeeded in killing two goats and a pig, the latter + of which furnished a bucket of fat for frying potatoes. The wild + boars there were found to be almost uneatable; but the sows were good + eating. The goats’ flesh was said to be very delicate. An English + ship passed them far out at sea, and they lighted a fire to attract + attention, but in vain; while the surf was running too high, and + their <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cart</span></span> too shaky to attempt to reach + it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hitherto they had + experienced no greater hardships than they had expected, and were + prepared for. But in June [mid-winter] their boat was, during a + storm, washed off the beach, and broken up. This was to them a + terrible disaster; their old supplies were exhausted, and they were + practically cut off from not merely the world in general, but even + the rest of the island. They got weaker and weaker, and by August + were little better than two skeletons.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sea was too + tempestuous, and the distance too great for them to attempt to swim + round (as they afterwards did) to another part of the island. But + succour was at hand; they were saved by the penguins, a very clumsy + form of relief. The female birds came ashore in August to lay their + eggs in the nests already prepared by their lords and masters, the + male birds, who had landed some two or three weeks previously. Our + good Germans had divided their last potato, and were in a very weak + and despondent condition when the pleasant fact stared them in the + face that they might now fatten on eggs <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ad + libitum</span></span>. Their new diet soon put fresh heart and + courage in them, and when, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page41">[pg + 41]</span><a name="Pg041" id="Pg041" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>early + in September, a French bark sent a boat ashore, they determined still + to remain on the island. They arranged with the captain for the sale + of their seal-skins, and bartered a quantity of eggs for some biscuit + and a couple of pounds of tobacco. Late in October a schooner from + the Cape of Good Hope called at the island, and on leaving, promised + to return for them, as they had decided to quit the island, not + having had any success in obtaining peltries or anything else that is + valuable; but she did not re-appear, and in November their supplies + were again at starvation-point. Selecting a calm day, the two Crusoes + determined to swim round the headland to the eastward, taking with + them their rifles and blankets, and towing after them an empty + oil-barrel containing their clothes, powder, matches, and kettle. + This they repeated later on several occasions, and, climbing the + cliffs by the tussock grass, were able to kill or secure on the + plateau a few of the wild pigs. Sometimes one of them only would + mount, and after killing a pig would cut it up and lower the hams to + his brother below. They caught three little sucking-pigs, and towed + them alive through the waves, round the point of their landing-place, + where they arrived half drowned. They were put in an enclosure, and + fed on green stuff and penguin’s eggs—good feeding for a delicate + little porker. Attempting on another occasion to tow a couple in the + same way, the unfortunate pigs met a watery grave in the endeavour to + weather the point, and one of the brothers barely escaped, with some + few injuries, through a terrible surf which was beating on their part + of the coast. Part of their time was passed in a cave during the cold + weather. When the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> arrived their only + rifle had burst in two places, and was of little use, while their + musket was completely burst in all directions, and was being used as + a blow-pipe to freshen the fire when it got low. Their only knives + had been made by themselves from an old saw. Their library consisted + of eight books and an atlas, and these, affording their only literary + recreation for two years, they knew almost literally by heart. When + they first landed they had a dog and two pups, which they, doubtless, + hoped would prove something like companions. The dogs almost + immediately left, and made for the penguin rookeries, where they + killed and worried the birds by hundreds. One of them became mad, and + the brothers thought it best to shoot the three of them. Captain + Nares gave the two Crusoes a passage to the Cape, where one of them + obtained a good situation; the other returned to Germany, doubtless + thinking that about a couple of dozen seal-skins—all they + obtained—was hardly enough to reward them for their two years’ dreary + sojourn on Inaccessible Island.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"><img src= + "images/illo_063.png" alt="Illustration" /></div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page42">[pg 42]</span><a name="Pg042" + id="Pg042" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc9" id= + "toc9"></a><a name="chap03" id="chap03" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf10" id="pdf10"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">Chapter III.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">The Men of the + Sea.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The great Lexicographer on Sailors—The Dangers of + the Sea—How Boys become Sailors—Young Amyas Leigh—The Genuine Jack + Tar—Training-Ships</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">versus</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">the old + Guard-Ships—</span><span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Sea-goers and + Waisters</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—The + Training Undergone—Routine on Board—Never-ending Work—Ship like a + Lady’s Watch—Watches and</span> <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Bells</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Old + Grogram and Grog—The Sailor’s Sheet Anchor—Shadows in the Seaman’s + Life—The Naval Cat—Testimony and Opinion of a Medical Officer—An + Example—Boy Flogging in the Navy—</span><a name="corr042" id= + "corr042" class="tei tei-anchor" style= + "text-align: center"></a><span class="tei tei-corr" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Shakespeare</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 90%">and Herbert on Sailors and the Sea.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Dr. Johnson, whose + personal weight seems to have had something to do with that carried + by his opinion, considered going to sea a species of insanity.<a id= + "noteref_31" name="noteref_31" href="#note_31"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">31</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No man,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get + himself into a jail: for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the + chance of being drowned.”</span> The great lexicographer knew Fleet + Street better than he did the fleet, and his opinion, as expressed + above, was hardly even decently patriotic or sensible. Had all men + thought as he professed to do—probably for the pleasure of saying + something ponderously brilliant for the moment—we should have had no + naval or commercial superiority to-day—in short, no England.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The dangers of the + sea are serious enough, but need not be exaggerated. One writer<a id= + "noteref_32" name="noteref_32" href="#note_32"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">32</span></span></a> indeed, + in serio-comic vein, makes his sailors sing in a gale—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“When you and I, + Bill, on the deck</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Are comfortably lying, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + My eyes! what tiles and chimney-pots + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">About their + heads are flying!”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">leading us to + infer that the dangers of town-life are greater than those of the sea + in a moderate gale. We might remind the reader that Mark Twain has + conclusively shown, from statistics, that more people die in bed + comfortably at home than are killed by all the railroad, steamship, + or other accidents in the world, the inference being that going to + bed is a dangerous habit! But the fact is, that wherever there is + danger there will be brave men found to face it—even when it takes + the desperate form just indicated! So that there is nothing + surprising in the fact that in all times there have been men ready to + go to sea.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of those who have + succeeded, the larger proportion have been carried thither by the + spirit of adventure. It would be difficult to say whether it has been + more strongly developed through actual <span class= + "tei tei-q">“surroundings,”</span> as believed by one of England’s + most intelligent and friendly critics,<a id="noteref_33" name= + "noteref_33" href="#note_33"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">33</span></span></a> who + says, <span class="tei tei-q">“The ocean draws them just as a pond + attracts young ducks,”</span> or through the influence of literature + bringing the knowledge of wonderful voyages and discoveries within + the reach of all. The former are immensely strong influences. The boy + who lives by, and loves the sea, and notes daily the ships of all + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page43">[pg 43]</span><a name="Pg043" + id="Pg043" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>nations passing to and fro, or + who, maybe, dwells in some naval or commercial port, and sees + constantly great vessels arriving and departing, and hears the tales + of sailors bold, concerning new lands and curious things, is very apt + to become imbued with the spirit of adventure. How charmingly has + Charles Kingsley written on the latter point!<a id="noteref_34" name= + "noteref_34" href="#note_34"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">34</span></span></a> How + young Amyas Leigh, gentle born, and a mere stripling schoolboy, edged + his way under the elbows of the sailor men on Bideford Quay to listen + to Captain John Oxenham tell his stories of heaps—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“seventy foot long, ten foot broad, and twelve foot + high”</span>—of silver bars, and Spanish treasure, and far-off lands + and peoples, and easy victories over the coward Dons! How Oxenham, on + a recruiting bent, sang out, with good broad Devon accent, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who ’lists? who ’lists? who’ll make his + fortune?</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“ <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">‘Oh, who will join, jolly + mariners all?</span></span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And who will join, says he, O! + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + To fill his pockets with the good red goold, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">By sailing on the sea, + O!’</span> ”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And how young + Leigh, fired with enthusiasm, made answer, boldly, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I want to go to sea; I want to see the Indies. I want to + fight the Spaniards. Though I’m a gentleman’s son, I’d a deal liever + be a cabin-boy on board your ship.”</span> And how, although he did + not go with swaggering John, he lived to first round the world with + great Sir Francis Drake, and after fight against the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Invincible”</span> Armada. The story had long before, + and has many a time since, been enacted in various forms among all + conditions of men. To some, however, the sea has been a last refuge, + and many such have been converted into brave and hardy men, perforce + themselves; while many others, in the good old days of press-gangs, + appeared, as Marryat tells us, <span class="tei tei-q">“to fight as + hard not to be forced into the service as they did for the honour of + the country after they were fairly embarked in it.”</span> It may not + generally be known that the law which concerns impressing has never + been abolished, although there is no fear that it will ever again be + resorted to in these days of naval reserves, training-ships, and + naval volunteers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The altered + circumstances of the age, arising from the introduction of steam, and + the greatly increased inter-commercial relations of the whole world, + have made the Jack Tar pure and simple comparatively rare in these + days; not, we believe, so much from his disappearance off the scene + as by the numbers of differently employed men on board by whom he is + surrounded, and in a sense hidden. A few A.B.’s and ordinary seamen + are required on any steamship; but the whole tribe of mechanicians, + from the important rank of chief engineer downwards, from assistants + to stokers and coal-passers, need not know one rope from another. On + the other hand, the rapid increase of commerce has apparently outrun + the natural increase of qualified seamen, and many a good ship + nowadays, we are sorry to say, goes to sea with a very motley crew of + <span class="tei tei-q">“green”</span> hands, landlubbers, and + foreigners of all nationalities, including Lascars, Malays, and + Kanakas, from the Sandwich Islands. A <span class= + "tei tei-q">“confusion of tongues,”</span> not very desirable on + board a vessel, reigns supreme, and renders the position of the + officers by no means enviable. To obviate these difficulties, and + furnish a supply of good material both to <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page44">[pg 44]</span><a name="Pg044" id="Pg044" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the Royal Navy and Mercantile Marine, + training-ships have been organised, which have been, so far, highly + successful. Let these embryo defenders of their country’s interests + have the first place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course, at all + periods the boys, and others who entered to serve before the mast, + received some training, and picked up the rest if they were + reasonably clever. The brochure of <span class="tei tei-q">“an old + salt,”</span><a id="noteref_35" name="noteref_35" href= + "#note_35"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">35</span></span></a> which + has recently appeared, gives a fair account of his own treatment and + reception. Running away from London, as many another boy has done, + with a few coppers in his pocket, he tramped to Sheerness, taking by + the way a hearty supper of turnips with a family of sheep in a field. + Arrived at his destination, he found a handsome flag-ship, surrounded + by a number of large and small vessels. Selecting the very + smallest—as best adapted to his own size—he went on board, and asked + the first officer he met—one who wore but a single epaulet—whether + his ship was <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><a name="corr044" id="corr044" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">manned</span></span> <span style= + "font-style: italic">with boys</span></span>?”</span> He was + answered, <span class="tei tei-q">“No, I want men; and pray what may + you want?”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“I want to go to sea, sir, + please.”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“You had better go home to + your mother,”</span> was the answer. With the next + officer—<span class="tei tei-q">“a real captain, wearing grey hair, + and as straight as a line”</span>—he fared better, and was eventually + entered as a third-class boy, and sent on board a guard-ship. Here he + was rather fortunate in being taken in charge by a petty officer, who + had, as was often the case then, his wife living on board. The lady + ruled supreme in the mess. She served out the grog, too, and, to + prevent intoxication among the men, used to keep one finger inside + the measure! This enabled her to the better take care of her husband. + She is described as the best <span class="tei tei-q">“man”</span> in + the mess, and irresistibly reminds us of Mrs. Trotter in <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Peter Simple,”</span> who had such a horror of rum that + she could not be induced to take it except when the water was bad. + The water, however, always <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">was</span></span> bad! But the former lady took + good care of the new-comer, while, as we know, Mrs. Trotter fleeced + poor Peter out of three pounds sterling and twelve pairs of stockings + before he had been an hour on board. Mr. Mindry tells the usual + stories of the practical jokes he had to endure—about being sent to + the doctor’s mate for mustard, for which he received a peppering; of + the constant thrashings he received—in one case, with a number of + others, receiving two dozen for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">losing his dinner</span></span>. He was cook of + the mess for the time, and having mixed his dough, had taken it to + the galley-oven, from the door of which a sudden lurch of the ship + had ejected it on the main deck, <span class="tei tei-q">“the + contents making a very good representation of the White Sea.”</span> + The crime for which he and his companions suffered was for + endeavouring to scrape it up again! But the gradual steps by which he + was educated upwards, till he became a gunner of the first class, + prove that, all in all, he had cheerily taken the bull by the horns, + determined to rise as far and fast as he might in an honourable + profession. He was after a year or so transferred to a vessel fitting + for the West Indies, and soon got a taste of active life. This was in + 1837. Forty or fifty years before, the guard-ships were generally + little better than floating pandemoniums. They were used partly for + breaking in raw hands, and were also the intermediate stopping-places + for men waiting to join other ships. In a guard-ship of the period + described, a most heterogeneous mass of humanity <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page45">[pg 45]</span><a name="Pg045" id="Pg045" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was assembled. Human invention could not + scheme work for the whole, while skulking, impracticable in other + vessels of the Royal Navy, was deemed highly meritorious there. A + great body of men were thus very often assembled together, who + resolved themselves into hostile classes, separated as any two castes + of the Hindoos. A clever writer in <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Blackwood’s + Magazine</span></span>, more than fifty years ago, describes them + first as <span class="tei tei-q">“sea-goers,”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, + sailors separated from their vessels by illness, or temporary causes, + or ordered to other vessels, who looked on the guard-ship as a + floating hotel, and, having what they were pleased to call + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ships of + their own</span></span>, were the aristocrats of the occasion, who + would do no more work than they were obliged. The second, and by far + the most numerous class, were termed <span class= + "tei tei-q">“waisters,”</span> and were the simple, the unfortunate, + or the utterly abandoned, a body held on board in the utmost + contempt, and most of whom, in regard to clothing, were wretched in + the extreme. The <span class="tei tei-q">“waister”</span> had to do + everything on board that was menial—swabbing, sweeping, and drudging + generally. At night, in defiance of his hard and unceasing labour, he + too often became a bandit, prowling about seeking what he might + devour or appropriate. What a contrast to the clean orderly + training-ships of to-day! Some little information on this subject, + but imperfectly understood by the public, may perhaps be permitted + here.</p><a name="figchictrai" id="figchictrai" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_067.png" alt="THE “CHICHESTER” TRAINING-SHIP" + title="THE “CHICHESTER” TRAINING-SHIP." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“CHICHESTER”</span> TRAINING-SHIP. + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page46">[pg 46]</span><a name= + "Pg046" id="Pg046" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is not + generally known that our supply of seamen for the Royal Navy is + nowadays almost entirely derived from the training-ships—first + established about fourteen years ago. In a late blue-book it was + stated that during a period of five years only 107 men had been + entered from other sources, who had not previously served. + Training-ships, accommodating about 3,000, are stationed at + Devonport, Falmouth, Portsmouth, and Portland, where the lads remain + for about a year previous to being sent on sea-going ships. The age + of entry has varied at different periods; it is now fifteen to + sixteen and a half years. The recruiting statistics show whence a + large proportion come—from the men of Devon, who contribute, as they + did in the days of Drake and Hawkins, Gilbert and Raleigh, the + largest quota of men willing to make their <span class= + "tei tei-q">“heritage the sea.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Dr. Peter Comrie, + R.N., a gentleman who has made this matter a study, informs the + writer that on board these ships, as regards cleanliness, few + gentlemen’s sons are better attended to, while their education is not + neglected, as they have a good schoolmaster on all ships of any size. + He says that boys brought up in the service not merely make the best + seamen, but generally like the navy, and stick to it. The order, + cleanliness, and tidy ways obligatory on board a man-of-war, make, in + many cases, the ill-regulated fo’castle of most merchant ships very + distasteful to them. Their drilling is just sufficient to keep them + in healthy condition. No one can well imagine the difference wrought + in the appearance of the street arab, or the Irish peasant boy, by a + short residence on board one of these ships. He fills out, becomes + plump, loses his gaunt, haggard, hunted look; is natty in his + appearance, and assumes that jaunty, rolling gait that a person + gifted with what is called <span class="tei tei-q">“sea-legs”</span> + is supposed to exhibit. Still, <span class="tei tei-q">“we,”</span> + writes the doctor, <span class="tei tei-q">“have known Irish boys, + who had very rarely even perhaps seen animal food, when first put + upon the liberal dietary of the service, complain that they were + being starved, their stomachs having been so used to be distended + with large quantities of vegetables, that it took some time before + the organ accommodated itself to a more nutritious but less filling + dietary.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">You have only got + to watch the boy from the training-ship on leave to judge that the + navy has yet some popularity. Neatly dressed, clean and natty, + surrounded by his quondam playmates, he is <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the observed of all observers,”</span> and is gazed at + with admiring respect by the street arab from a respectful distance. + He has, perhaps, learned to <span class="tei tei-q">“spin a few + yarns,”</span> and give the approved hitch to his trousers, and, + while giving a favourable account of his life on board ship, with its + forecastle jollity and <span class="tei tei-q">“four bitter,”</span> + is the best recruiting-officer the service can have. The great point + to be attended to, in order to make him a sailor, is that + <span class="tei tei-q">“you must catch him young.”</span><a id= + "noteref_36" name="noteref_36" href="#note_36"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">36</span></span></a> That a + good number have been so caught is proved by the navy estimates, + which now provide for over 7,000 boys, 4,000 of the number in + sea-going ships.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page47">[pg + 47]</span><a name="Pg047" id="Pg047" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Governments, as + governments, may be paternal, but are rarely very benevolent, and the + above excellent institutions are only organised for the safety and + strength of the navy. There is another class of training-ships, which + owe their existence to benevolence, and deserve every + encouragement—those for rescuing our street waifs from the treadmill + and prison. The larger part of these do not enter the navy, but are + passed into the Merchant Marine, their training being very similar. + The Government simply <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">lends</span></span> the ship. Thus the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Chichester</span></span>, at Greenhithe, a + vessel which had been in 1868 a quarter of a century lying + useless—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">never</span></span> having seen service—was + turned over to a society, a mere shell or carcase, her masts, + rigging, and other fittings having to be provided by private + subscriptions. Her case irresistibly reminds the writer of a vessel, + imaginary only in name, described by James Hannay:<a id="noteref_37" + name="noteref_37" href="#note_37"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">37</span></span></a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“H.M.S. + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Patagonian</span></span> was built as a + three-decker, at a cost of £120,000, when it was discovered that she + could not sail. She was then cut down into a frigate, at a cost of + £50,000, when it was found out that she would not tack. She was next + built up into a two-decker, at a cost of another £50,000, and then it + was discovered she could be made useful, so the Admiralty kept her + unemployed for ten years!”</span> A good use was, however, found at + last for the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Chichester</span></span>, thanks to benevolent + people, the quality of whose mercy is twice blessed, for they both + help the wretched youngsters, and turn them into good boys for our + ships. Some of these street arabs previously have hardly been under a + roof at night for years together. Hear M. Esquiros:—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“To these little ones London is a desert, and, though + lost in the drifting sands of the crowd, they never fail to find + their way. The greater part of them contract a singular taste for + this hard and almost savage kind of life. They love the open sky, and + at night all they dread is the eye of the policeman; their young + minds become fertile in resources, and glory in their independence in + the <span class="tei tei-q">‘battle of life;’</span> but if no + helping hand is stretched out to arrest them in this fatal and + down-hill path, they surely gravitate to the treadmill and the + prison. How could it be otherwise?... The question is, what are these + lads good for?”</span> That problem, M. Esquiros, as you with others + predicted, has been solved satisfactorily. The poor lads form + excellent raw material for our ever-increasing sea-service.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The training of a + naval cadet—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, an embryo midshipman, or + <span class="tei tei-q">“midshipmite”</span> (as poor Peter Simple + was irreverently called—before, however, the days of naval cadets)—is + very similar in many respects to that of an embryo seaman, but + includes many other acquirements. After obtaining his nomination from + the Admiralty, and undergoing a simple preliminary examination at the + Royal Naval College in ordinary branches of knowledge, he is passed + to a training-ship, which to-day is the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Britannia</span></span> at Dartmouth. Here he is + taught all the ordinary acquirements in rigging, seamanship, and + gunnery; and, to fit him to be an officer, he is instructed in taking + observations for latitude and longitude, in geometry, trigonometry, + and algebra. He also goes through a course of drawing-lessons and + modern languages. He is occasionally sent off on a brig for a short + cruise, and after a year on the training-ship, during which he + undergoes a quarterly examination, he is passed to a sea-going ship. + His position on leaving depends entirely on his certificate—if he + obtains one of the First Class, he <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page48">[pg 48]</span><a name="Pg048" id="Pg048" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>is immediately rated midshipman; while if he + only obtains a Third Class certificate, he will have to serve twelve + months more on the sea-going ship, and pass another examination + before he can claim that rank.<a id="noteref_38" name="noteref_38" + href="#note_38"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">38</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The actual + experiences of intelligent sailors, or voyagers, written by + themselves, have, of course, a greater practical value than the + sea-stories of clever novelists, while the latter, as a class, + confine themselves very much to the quarter-deck. Dana’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Two Years Before the Mast”</span> is so well known that + few of our readers need to be told that it is the story of an + American student, who had undermined his health by over-application, + and who took a voyage, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">viâ</span></span> Cape Horn, to California in + order to recover it. But the old brig <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pilgrim</span></span>, bound to the northern + Pacific coast for a cargo of hides, was hardly a fair example, in + some respects, of an ordinary merchant-vessel, to say nothing of a + fine clipper or modern steam-ship. Dana’s experiences were of the + roughest type, and may be read by boys, anxious to go to sea, with + advantage, if taken in conjunction with those of others; many of them + are common to all grades of sea service. A little work by a + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sailor-boy,”</span><a id="noteref_39" name= + "noteref_39" href="#note_39"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">39</span></span></a> + published some years ago, gives a very fair idea of a seaman’s lot in + the Royal Navy, and the two stories in conjunction present a fair + average view of sea-life and its duties.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Passing over the + young sailor-boy’s admission to the training-ship—the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Guardho,”</span> as he terms it—we find his first days + on board devoted to the mysteries of knots and hitch-making, in + learning to lash hammocks, and in rowing, and in acquiring the arts + of <span class="tei tei-q">“feathering”</span> and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“tossing”</span> an oar. Incidentally he gives us some + information on the etiquette observed in boats passing with an + officer on board. <span class="tei tei-q">“For a lieutenant, the + coxswain only gets up and takes his cap off; for a captain, the + boat’s crew lay on their oars, and the coxswain takes his cap off; + and for an admiral the oars are tossed (<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, + raised perpendicularly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></span> thrown in the air!), and all + caps go off.”</span> Who would not be an admiral? While in this + <span class="tei tei-q">“instruction”</span> he received his sailor’s + clothes—a pair of blue cloth trousers, two pairs of white duck ditto, + two blue serge and two white frocks, two pairs of white <span class= + "tei tei-q">“jumpers,”</span> two caps, two pairs of stockings, a + knife, and a marking-type. As soon as he is <span class= + "tei tei-q">“made a sailor”</span> by these means, he was ordered to + the mast-head, and tells with glee how he was able to go up outside + by the futtock shrouds, and not through <span class= + "tei tei-q">“lubber’s hole.”</span> The reader doubtless knows that + the lubber’s hole is an open space between the head of the lower mast + and the edge of the top; it is so named from the supposition that a + <span class="tei tei-q">“land-lubber”</span> would prefer that route. + The French call it the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">trou du chat</span></span>—the hole through + which the cat would climb. Next he commenced cutlass-drill, followed + by rifle-drill, big-gun practice, instruction in splicing, and all + useful knots, and in using the compass and lead-line. He was + afterwards sent on a brig for a short sea cruise. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Having,”</span> says he, <span class="tei tei-q">“to run + aloft without shoes was a heavy trial to me, and my feet often were + so sore and blistered that I have sat down in the <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘tops’</span> and cried with the pain; yet up I had to + go, and furl and loose my sails; and up I did go, blisters and all. + Sometimes the pain was so bad I could not move smartly, and then the + unmerited rebuke from a thoughtless officer was as gall and wormwood + to me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Dana, in speaking + of the incessant work on board any vessel, says, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“A ship is like a lady’s <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page49">[pg 49]</span><a name="Pg049" id="Pg049" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>watch—always out of repair.”</span> When, for + example, in a calm, the sails hanging loosely, the hot sun pouring + down on deck, and no way on the vessel, which lies</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“As idle as a + painted ship</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Upon a painted + ocean,”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">there is always + sufficient work for the men, in <span class="tei tei-q">“setting + up”</span> the rigging, which constantly requires lightening and + repairing, in picking oakum for caulking, in brightening up the + metal-work, and in holystoning the deck. The holystone is a large + piece of porous stone,<a id="noteref_40" name="noteref_40" href= + "#note_40"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">40</span></span></a> which is + dragged in alternate ways by two sailors over the deck, sand being + used to increase its effect. It obtains its name from the fact that + Sunday morning is a very common time on many merchant-vessels for + cleaning up generally.</p><a name="figinstonbo" id="figinstonbo" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_071.png" alt= + "INSTRUCTION ON BOARD A MAN-OF-WAR" title= + "INSTRUCTION ON BOARD A MAN-OF-WAR." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + INSTRUCTION ON BOARD A MAN-OF-WAR. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The daily routine + of our young sailor on the experimental cruises gave him plenty of + employment. In his own words it was as follows:—Commencing at five + a.m.—<span class="tei tei-q">“Turn hands up; holystone or scrub upper + deck; coil down ropes. Half-past six—breakfast, half an <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page50">[pg 50]</span><a name="Pg050" id="Pg050" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hour; call the watch, watch below, clean + the upper deck; watch on deck, clean wood and brass-work; put the + upper decks to rights. Eight a.m.—hands to quarters; clean guns and + arms; division for inspection; prayers; make sail, reef topsails, + furl top-sails, top-gallant sails, royals; reef courses, down + top-gallant and royal yards. This continued till eight bells, twelve + o’clock, dinner one hour. <span class="tei tei-q">‘All hands again; + cutlass, rifle, and big-gun drill till four o’clock; clear up decks, + coil up ropes;’</span> and then our day’s work is done.”</span> Then + they would make little trips to sea, many of them to experience the + woes of sea-sickness for the first time.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the boys on + the clean and well-kept training-brig were better off in all respects + than poor Dana. When first ordered aloft, he tells us, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I had not got my <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘sea-legs’</span> on, was dreadfully sea-sick, with + hardly strength to hold on to anything, and it was <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘pitch-dark’</span> * * * How I got along I + cannot now remember. I <span class="tei tei-q">‘laid out’</span> on + the yards, and held on with all my strength. I could not have been of + much service; for I remember having been sick several times before I + left the top-sail yard. Soon all was snug aloft, and we were again + allowed to go below. This I did not consider much of a favour; for + the confusion of everything below, and that inexpressibly sickening + smell, caused by the shaking up of bilge-water in the hold, made the + steerage but an indifferent refuge to the cold, wet decks. I had + often read of the nautical experiences of others, but I felt as + though there could be none worse than mine; for, in addition to every + other evil, I could not but remember that this was only the first + night of a two years’ voyage. When we were all on deck, we were not + much better off, for we were continually ordered about by the + officer, who said that it was good for us to be in motion. Yet + anything was better than the horrible state of things below. I + remember very well going to the hatchway and putting my head down, + when I was oppressed by nausea, and felt like being relieved <a name= + "corr050" id="corr050" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">immediately.</span>”</span> We can fully recommend the + example of Dana, who, acting on the advice of the black cook on + board, munched away at a good half-pound of salt beef and hard + biscuit, which, washed down with cold water, soon, he says, made a + man of him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some little + explanation of the mode of dividing time on board ship may be here + found useful. A <span class="tei tei-q">“watch”</span> is a term both + for a division of the crew and of their time: a full watch is four + hours. At the expiration of each four hours, commencing from twelve + o’clock noon, the men below are called in these or similar + terms—<span class="tei tei-q">“All the starboard (or port) watch + ahoy! Eight bells!”</span> The watch from four p.m. to eight p.m. is + divided, on a well-regulated ship, into two <span class= + "tei tei-q">“dog-watches;”</span> the object of this is to make an + uneven number of periods—seven, instead of six, so that the men + change the order of their watches daily. Otherwise, it will be seen + that a man, who, on leaving port, stood in a particular watch—from + twelve noon to four p.m.—would stand in the same watch throughout the + voyage; and he who had two night-watches at first would always have + them. The periods of the <span class="tei tei-q">“dog-watches”</span> + are usually devoted to smoking and recreation for those off duty.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As the terms + involved must occur frequently in this work, it is necessary also to + explain for some readers the division of time itself by <span class= + "tei tei-q">“bells.”</span> The limit is <span class= + "tei tei-q">“eight bells,”</span> which are struck at twelve, four, + and eight o’clock a.m. or p.m. The ship’s bell is sounded each + half-hour. Half-past any of the above hours is <span class= + "tei tei-q">“one bell”</span> struck sharply by itself. At the hour, + two strokes are made sharply <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">following</span></span> each other. Expressing + the strokes by signs, half-past twelve would be | (representing one + stroke); one o’clock would be || (two strokes <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page51">[pg 51]</span><a name="Pg051" id="Pg051" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sharply struck, one after the other); + half-past one, || |; two o’clock, || ||; half-past two, || || |; + three o’clock, || || ||; half-past three, || || || |; and four + o’clock, || || || ||, or <span class="tei tei-q">“eight + bells.”</span> The process is then repeated in the next watch, and + the only disturbing element comes from the elements, which + occasionally, when the vessel rolls or pitches greatly, cause the + bell to strike without leave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Seamen before the + mast are divided into three classes—able, ordinary, and boys. In the + merchant service a <span class="tei tei-q">“green hand”</span> of + forty may be rated as a boy; a landsman must ship for boy’s wages on + the first voyage. Merchant seamen rate themselves—in other words, + they cause themselves to be entered on the ship’s books according to + their qualifications and experience. There are few instances of abuse + in this matter, and for good reason. Apart from the disgrace and + reduction of wages and rating which would follow, woe to the man who + sets himself up for an A.B. when he should enter as a boy; for the + rest of the crew consider it a fraud on themselves. The vessel would + be short-handed of a man of the class required, and their work would + be proportionately increased. No mercy would be shown to such an + impostor, and his life on board would be that of a dog, but anything + rather than that of a <span class="tei tei-q">“jolly + sea-dog.”</span><a id="noteref_41" name="noteref_41" href= + "#note_41"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">41</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There are lights + in the sailor’s chequered life. Seamen are, Shakespeare tells us, + <span class="tei tei-q">“but men”</span>—and, if we are to believe + Dibdin, grog is a decided element in their happier hours. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Grog”</span> is now a generic term; but it + was not always. One Admiral Vernon—who persisted in wearing a + grogram<a id="noteref_42" name="noteref_42" href= + "#note_42"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">42</span></span></a> tunic so + much that he was known among his subordinates as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Old Grog”</span>—earned immortality of a disagreeable + nature by watering the rum-ration of the navy to its present + standard. At 11.30 a.m., on all ships of the Royal Navy nowadays, + half a gill of watered rum—two parts of water to one of the stronger + drink—is served out to each of the crew, unless they have forfeited + it by some act of insubordination. The officers, including the petty + officers, draw half a gill of pure rum; the former put it into the + general mess, and many never taste it. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Six-water”</span> grog is a mild form of punishment. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Splicing the main-brace”</span> infers extra + grog served out for extraordinary service. Formerly, and, indeed, as + late as forty odd years ago, the daily ration was a full gill; but, + as sailors traded and bartered their drinks among themselves, it + would happen once in awhile that one would get too much <span class= + "tei tei-q">“on board.”</span> It has happened occasionally in + consequence that a seaman has tumbled overboard, or fallen from the + yards or rigging, and has met an inglorious death. Boys are not + allowed grog in the Royal Navy, and there is no absolute rule among + merchant-vessels. In the American navy there is a coin allowance in + lieu of rum, and every nation has its own peculiarities in this + matter. In the French navy, wine, very <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">ordinaire</span></span>, and a little brandy is + issued.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There are shadows, + too, in the sailor’s life—as a rule, he brings them on himself, but + by no means always. If sailors are <span class="tei tei-q">“but + men,”</span> officers rank in the same category, and occasionally act + like brutes. So much has been written on the subject of the naval + <span class="tei tei-q">“cat”</span>—a punishment once dealt out for + most trifling offences, and not abolished yet, that the writer has + some diffidence in approaching the subject. A volume might be + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page52">[pg 52]</span><a name="Pg052" + id="Pg052" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>written on the theme; let the + testimony of Dr. Stables,<a id="noteref_43" name="noteref_43" href= + "#note_43"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">43</span></span></a> a + surgeon of the Royal Navy, suffice. It shall be told in his own + words:—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“One item of duty there is, which occasionally devolves + on the medical officer, and for the most part goes greatly against + the feeling of the young surgeon; I refer to his compulsory + attendance at floggings. It is only fair to state that the majority + of captains and commanders use the cat as seldom as possible, and + that, too, only sparingly. In some ships, however, flogging is nearly + as frequent as prayers of a morning. Again, it is more common on + foreign stations than at home, and boys of the first or second class, + marines, and ordinary seamen, are for the most part the victims.... + We were at anchor in Simon’s Bay. All the minutiæ of the scene I + remember as though it were but yesterday. The morning was cool and + clear, the hills clad in lilac and green, sea-birds floating high in + air, and the waters of the bay reflecting the blue of the sky, and + the lofty mountain-sides forming a picture almost dream-like in its + quietude and serenity. The men were standing about in groups, dressed + in their whitest of pantaloons, bluest of smocks, and neatest of + black-silk neckerchiefs. By-and-by the culprit was led in by a file + of marines, and I went below with him to make the preliminary + examination, in order to report whether or not he might be fit for + the punishment.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He was as good a specimen of the British mariner as one + could wish to look upon—hardy, bold, and wiry. His crime had been + smuggling spirits on board.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Needn’t examine me, + doctor,’</span> said he; <span class="tei tei-q">‘I aint afeared of + their four dozen; they can’t hurt me, sir—leastways my back, you + know—my breast, though; hum—m!’</span> and he shook his head, rather + sadly I thought, as he bent down his eyes.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘What,’</span> said I, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘have you anything the matter with your + chest?’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Nay, doctor, nay; it’s my + feelings they’ll hurt. I’ve a little girl at home that loves me, and, + bless you, sir, I won’t look her in the face again + nohow.’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I felt his pulse. No lack of strength there, no + nervousness; the artery had the firm beat of health, the tendons felt + like rods of iron beneath the finger, and his biceps stood out hard + and round as the mainstay of an old seventy-four.... All hands had + already assembled—the men and boys on one side, and the officers, in + cocked hats and swords, on the other. A grating had been lashed + against the bulwark, and another placed on deck beside it. The + culprit’s shoulders and back were bared, and a strong belt fastened + around the lower part of the loins for protection; he was then firmly + tied by the hands to the upper, and by the feet to the lower grating; + a little basin of cold water was placed at his feet, and all was now + prepared. The sentence was read, and orders given to proceed with the + punishment. The cat is a terrible instrument of torture; I would not + use it on a bull unless in self-defence; the shaft is about a foot + and a half long, and covered with green or red baize, according to + taste; the thongs are nine, about twenty-eight inches in length, of + the thickness of a goose-quill, and with two knots tied on each. Men + describe the first blow as like a shower of molten lead.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Combing out the thongs with his five fingers before each + blow, firmly and determinedly was the first dozen delivered by the + bo’swain’s mate, and as unflinchingly + received.</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page53">[pg + 53]</span><a name="Pg053" id="Pg053" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then, <span class="tei tei-q">‘One dozen, sir, + please,’</span> he reported, saluting the commander.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Continue the + punishment,’</span> was the calm reply.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A new man, and a new cat. Another dozen reported; again + the same reply. Three dozen. The flesh, like burning steel, had + changed from red to purple, and blue, and white; and between the + third and fourth dozen, the suffering wretch, pale enough now, and in + all probability sick, begged a comrade to give him a mouthful of + water.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There was a tear in the eye of the hardy sailor who + obeyed him, whispering as he did so, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Keep + up, Bill; it’ll soon be over now.’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Five, six,’</span> the + corporal slowly counted; <span class="tei tei-q">‘seven, + eight.’</span> It is the last dozen, and how acute must be the + torture! <span class="tei tei-q">‘Nine, ten.’</span> The blood comes + now fast enough, and—yes, gentle reader, I <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">will</span></span> + spare your feelings. The man was cast loose at last, and put on the + sick-list; he had borne his punishment without a groan, and without + moving a muscle. A large pet monkey sat crunching nuts in the + rigging, and grinning all the time; I have no doubt <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">he</span></span> + enjoyed the spectacle immensely, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">for he was only an + ape</span></span>.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Dr. Stables gives + his opinion on the use of the cat in honest and outspoken terms. He + considers <span class="tei tei-q">“corporal punishment, as applied to + men, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cowardly</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">cruel</span></span>, + and debasing to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">human nature</span></span>; and as applied to + boys, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">brutal</span></span>, and sometimes even + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">fiendish</span></span>.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The writer has + statistics before him which prove that 456 cases of flogging boys + took place in 1875, and that only seven men were punished during that + year. There is every probability that the use of the naval cat will + ere long be abolished, and important as is good discipline on board + ship, there are many leading authorities who believe that it can be + maintained without it. The captain of a vessel is its king, reigning + in a little world of his own, and separated for weeks or months from + the possibility of reprimand. If he is a tyrannical man, he can make + his ship a floating hell for all on board. A system of fines for + small offences has been proposed, and the idea has this advantage, + that in case they prove on investigation to have been unjustly + imposed, the money can be returned. The disgrace of a flogging sticks + to a boy or man, and, besides, as a punishment is infinitely too + severe for most of the offences for which it is inflicted. It would + be a cruel punishment were the judge infallible, but with an erring + human being for an irresponsible judge, the matter is far worse. And + that good seamen are deterred from entering the Royal Navy, knowing + that the commission of a peccadillo or two may bring down the cat on + their unlucky shoulders, is a matter of fact.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We shall meet the + sailor on the sea many a time and again during the progress of this + work, and see how hardly he earns his scanty reward in the midst of + the awful dangers peculiar to the elements he dares. Shakespeare says + that he is—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“A man whom both + the waters and the wind,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + In that vast tennis-court, hath made the ball + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">For them to play + on”</span>— + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">that the men of + all others who have made England what she is, have not altogether a + bed of roses even on a well-conducted vessel, whilst they may lose + their lives at any moment by shipwreck and sudden death. George + Herbert says—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Praise the sea, + but keep on land.”</span> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page54">[pg 54]</span><a name= + "Pg054" id="Pg054" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And while the + present writer would be sorry to prevent any healthy, capable, + adventurous boy from entering a noble profession, he recommends him + to first study the literature of the sea to the best and fullest of + his ability. Our succeeding chapter will exhibit some of the special + perils which surround the sailor’s life, whilst it will exemplify to + some extent the qualities specially required and expected from + him.</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc11" id="toc11"></a> <a name="pdf12" id= + "pdf12"></a><a name="chap04" id="chap04" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IV.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Perils of the Sailor’s + Life.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The Loss of the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Captain</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Six + Hundred Souls swept into Eternity without a Warning—The Mansion and + the Cottage alike Sufferers—Causes of the Disaster—Horrors of the + Scene—Noble Captain Burgoyne—Narratives of Survivors—An almost + Incredible Feat—Loss of the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Royal + George</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—A great Disaster + caused by a Trifle—Nine Hundred Lost—A Child saved by a Sheep—The + Portholes Upright—An involuntary Bath of Tar—Rafts of Corpses—The + Vessel Blown up in 1839-40—The Loss of the</span> <span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Half + a Million sunk in Fifty Minutes—Admirable Discipline on Board—All + Saved—The Court Martial.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">England, and + indeed all Europe, long prior to 1870 had been busily constructing + ironclads, and the daily journals teemed with descriptions of new + forms and varieties of ships, armour, and armament, as well as of new + and enormous guns, which, rightly directed, might sink them to the + bottom. Among the more curious of the ironclads of that period, and + the construction of which had led to any quantity of discussion, + sometimes of a very angry kind, was the turret-ship—practically the + sea-going <span class="tei tei-q">“monitor”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span>, which Captain Cowper + Phipps Coles had at length been permitted to construct. Coles, who + was an enthusiast of great scientific attainments, as well as a + practical seaman, which too many of our experimentalists in this + direction have not been, had distinguished himself in the Crimea, and + had later made many improvements in rendering vessels shot-proof. His + revolving turrets are, however, the inventions with which his name + are more intimately connected, although he had much to do with the + general construction of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span>, and other ironclads of + the period.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> + was a large double-screw armour-plated vessel, of 4,272 tons. Her + armour in the most exposed parts was eight inches in thickness, + ranging elsewhere downwards from seven to as low as three inches. She + had two revolving turrets, the strongest and heaviest yet built, and + carried six powerful guns. Among the peculiarities of her + construction were, that she had only nine feet of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“free-board”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, that was the height of her + sides out of water. The forecastle and after-part of the vessel were + raised above this, and they were connected with a light + hurricane-deck. This, as we shall see, played an important part in + the sad disaster we have to relate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the morning of + the 8th of September, 1870, English readers, at their + breakfast-tables, in railway carriages, and everywhere, were startled + with the news that the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> had foundered, with all + hands, in the Bay of Biscay. Six hundred men had been swept into + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page55">[pg 55]</span><a name="Pg055" + id="Pg055" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>eternity without a moment’s + warning. She had been in company with the squadron the night before, + and, indeed, had been visited by the admiral, for purposes of + inspection, the previous afternoon. The early part of the evening had + been fine; later it had become what sailors call <span class= + "tei tei-q">“dirty weather;”</span> at midnight the wind rose fast, + and soon culminated in a furious gale. At 2.15 in the morning of the + 7th a heavy bank of clouds passed off, and the stars came out clear + and bright, the moon then setting; but no vessel could be discerned + where the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> had been last observed. At + daybreak the squadron was all in sight, but scattered. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Only ten ships instead of eleven could be + discerned, the</span> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-style: italic">‘</span><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span><span style= + "font-style: italic">’</span></span> <span style= + "font-style: italic">being the missing one.</span></span>”</span> + Later, it appeared that seventeen of the men and the gunner had + escaped, and landed at Corbucion, north of Cape Finisterre, on the + afternoon of the 7th. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">All the men who were saved belonged to the + starboard watch</span></span>; or, in other words, none escaped + except those on deck duty. Every man below, whether soundly sleeping + after his day’s work, or tossing sleeplessly in his berth, thinking + of home and friends and present peril, or watching the engines, or + feeding the furnaces, went down, without the faintest possibility of + escaping his doom.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Think of this + catastrophe, and what it involved! The families and friends of 600 + men plunged into mourning, and the scores on scores of wives and + children into poverty! In <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">one</span></span> street of Portsea, thirty + wives were made widows by the occurrence.<a id="noteref_44" name= + "noteref_44" href="#note_44"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">44</span></span></a> The + shock of the news killed one poor woman, then in weak health. Nor + were the sad effects confined to the cottages of the poor. The + noble-hearted captain of the vessel was a son of Field-Marshal + Burgoyne; Captain Coles, her inventor; a son of Mr. Childers, the + then First Lord of the Admiralty; the younger son of Lord Northbrook; + the third son of Lord Herbert of Lea; and Lord Lewis Gordon, brother + of the Marquis of Huntley, were among the victims of that terrible + morning. The intelligence arrived during the excitement caused by the + defeat and capitulation of Sedan, which, involving, as it did, the + deposition of the Emperor and the fate of France, was naturally the + great topic of discussion, but for the time it overshadowed even + those great events, for it was a national calamity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From the + statements of survivors we now know that the watch had been called a + few minutes past midnight; and as the men were going on deck to + muster, the ship gave a terrible lurch to starboard, soon, however, + righting herself on that occasion. Robert Hirst, a seaman, who + afterwards gave some valuable testimony, was on the forecastle. There + was a very strong wind, and the ship was then only carrying her three + top-sails, double reefs in each, and the foretop-mast stay-sail. The + yards were braced sharp up, and the ship had little way upon + her.<a id="noteref_45" name="noteref_45" href="#note_45"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">45</span></span></a> As the + watch was mustered, he heard Captain Burgoyne give the order, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let go the foretop-sail halyards!”</span> + followed by, <span class="tei tei-q">“Let go fore and maintop-sail + sheets!”</span> By the time the men got to the top-sail sheets the + ship was heeling over to starboard so much that others were being + washed off the deck, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page57">[pg + 57]</span><a name="Pg057" id="Pg057" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + ship lying down on her side, as she was gradually turning over and + trembling through her whole frame with every blow which the short, + jumping, vicious seas, now white with the squall, gave her.<a id= + "noteref_46" name="noteref_46" href="#note_46"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">46</span></span></a> The roar + of the steam from her boilers was terrific, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“outscreaming the noise of the storm,”</span> but not + drowning the shrieks of the poor engineers and stokers which were + heard by some of the survivors. The horrors of their situation can be + imagined. The sea, breaking down the funnel, would soon, no doubt, + extinguish the furnaces, but not until some of their contents had + been dashed into the engine-room, with oceans of scalding water; the + boilers themselves may, likely enough, have given way and burst also. + Mercifully, it was not for long. Hirst, with two other men, rushed to + the weather-forecastle netting and jumped overboard. It was hardly + more than a few moments before they found themselves washed on to the + bilge of the ship’s bottom, for in that brief space of time the ship + had turned completely over, and almost immediately went down. Hirst + and his companions went down with the ship, but the next feeling of + consciousness by the former was coming into contact with a floating + spar, to which he tied himself with his black silk handkerchief. He + was soon, however, washed from the spar, but got hold of the stern of + the second launch, which was covered with canvas, and floating as it + was stowed on board the ship. Other men were there, on the top of the + canvas covering. Immediately after, they fell in with the + steam-lifeboat pinnace, bottom-up, with Captain Burgoyne and several + men clinging to it. Four men, of whom Mr. May,<a id="noteref_47" + name="noteref_47" href="#note_47"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">47</span></span></a> the + gunner, was one, jumped from off the bottom of the steam-pinnace to + the launch. One account says that Captain Burgoyne incited them, by + calling out, <span class="tei tei-q">“Jump, men, jump!”</span> but + did not do it himself. The canvas was immediately cut away, and with + the oars free, they attempted to pull up to the steam-pinnace to + rescue the captain and others remaining there. This they found + impossible to accomplish. As soon as they endeavoured to get the + boat’s head up to the sea to row her to windward to where the + capsized boat was floating, their boat was swamped almost level to + her <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page58">[pg 58]</span><a name= + "Pg058" id="Pg058" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>thwarts, and two of the + men were washed clean out of her. The pump was set going, and the + boat bailed out with their caps, &c., as far as possible. They + then made a second attempt to row the boat against the sea, which was + as unsuccessful as before. Meantime, poor Burgoyne was still clinging + to the pinnace, in <span class="tei tei-q">“a storm of broken + waters.”</span> When the launch was swept towards him once, one of + the men on board offered to throw him an oar, which he declined, + saying, nobly, <span class="tei tei-q">“For God’s sake, men, keep + your oars: you will want them.”</span> This piece of self-abnegation + probably cost him his life, for he went down shortly after, following + <span class="tei tei-q">“the six hundred”</span> of his devoted crew + into <span class="tei tei-q">“the valley of death.”</span> The launch + was beaten hither and thither; and a quarter of an hour after the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> had capsized, sighted the + lights of one of their own ships, which was driven by in the gale, + its officers knowing nothing of the fate of these unfortunates, or + their still more hapless companions. Mr. May, the gunner, took charge + of the launch, and at daybreak they sighted Cape Finisterre, inside + which they landed after twelve hours’ hard work at the + oars.</p><a name="figcaptinth" id="figcaptinth" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_078.jpg" alt= + "THE “CAPTAIN” IN THE BAY OF BISCAY" title= + "THE “CAPTAIN” IN THE BAY OF BISCAY." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“CAPTAIN”</span> IN THE BAY OF BISCAY. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One man, when he + found the vessel capsizing, crawled over the weather-netting on the + port side, and performed an almost incredible feat. It is well told + in his own laconic style:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Felt ship heel + over, and felt she would not right. Made for weather-hammock netting. + She was then on her beam-ends. Got along her bottom by degrees, as + she kept turning over, until I was where her keel would have been if + she had one. The seas then washed me off. I saw a piece of wood about + twenty yards off, and swam to it.”</span> In other words, he got over + her side, and walked <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">up</span></span> to the bottom! While in the + water, two poor drowning wretches caught hold of him, and literally + tore off the legs of his trousers. He could not help them, and they + sank for the last time.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many and varied + were the explanations given of the causes of this disaster. There had + evidently been some uneasiness in regard to her stability in the + water at one time, but she had sailed so well on previous trips, in + the same stormy waters, that confidence had been restored in her. The + belief, afterwards, among many authorities, was that she ought not to + have carried sail at all.<a id="noteref_48" name="noteref_48" href= + "#note_48"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">48</span></span></a> This was + the primary cause of the disaster, no doubt; and then, in all + probability, when the force of the wind had heeled her over, a heavy + sea struck her and completely capsized her—the water on and over her + depressed side assisting by weighting her downwards. The side of the + hurricane-deck acted, when the vessel was heeled over, as one vast + sail, and, no doubt, had much to do with putting her on her + beam-ends. The general impression of the survivors appeared to be + that, with the ship heeling over, the pressure of a strong wind upon + the under part of the hurricane-deck had a greater effect or leverage + upon the hull, than the pressure of the wind on her top-sails. They + were also nearly unanimous in their opinion that when the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain’s</span></span> starboard side was well + down in the water, with the weight of water on the turret-deck, and + the pressure of the wind blowing from the port hand on the under + surface of the hurricane-deck, and thus pushing the ship right over, + she had no chance of righting herself again.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page59">[pg 59]</span><a name="Pg059" id="Pg059" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is to be + remarked that long after the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> had sunk, the admiral of + the squadron thought that he saw her, although it was very evident + afterwards that it must have been some other vessel. In his despatch + to the Admiralty,<a id="noteref_49" name="noteref_49" href= + "#note_49"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">49</span></span></a> which + very plainly indicated that he had some anxiety in regard to her + stability in bad weather, he described her appearance and behaviour + up till 1.30 a.m.—more than an hour after her final exit to the + depths below. In the days of superstitious belief, so common among + sailors, a thrilling story of her image haunting the spot would + surely have been built on this foundation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the old + fighting-days of the Royal Navy, when success followed success, and + prize after prize rewarded the daring and enterprise of its + commanders, they did not think very much of the loss of a vessel more + or less, but took the lesser evils with the greater goods. The + seamanship was wonderful, but it was very often utterly reckless. A + captain trained in the school of Nelson and Cochrane would stop at + nothing. The country, accustomed to great naval battles, enriched by + the spoils of the enemy—who furnished some of the finest vessels in + our fleet—was not much affected by the loss of a ship, and the + Admiralty was inclined to deal leniently with a spirited commander + who had met with an accident. But then an accident in those days did + not mean the loss of half a million pounds or so. The cost of a large + ironclad of to-day would have built a small wooden fleet of those + days.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The loss of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> irresistibly brings to + memory another great loss to the Royal Navy, which occurred nearly + ninety years before, and by which 900 lives were in a moment swept + into eternity. It proved too plainly that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“wooden walls”</span> might capsize as readily as the + <span class="tei tei-q">“crankiest”</span> ironclad. The reader will + immediately guess that we refer to the loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Royal + George</span></span>, which took place at Spithead, on the 28th of + August, 1782, in calm weather, but still under circumstances which, + to a very great extent, explain how the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span>—at the best, a vessel of + doubtful stability—capsized in the stormy waters of Biscay. The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Royal + George</span></span> was, at the time, the oldest first-rate in the + service, having been put into commission in 1755. She carried 108 + guns, and was considered a staunch ship, and a good sailer. Anson, + Boscawen, Rodney, Howe, and Hawke had all repeatedly commanded in + her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From what small + causes may great and lamentable disasters arise! <span class= + "tei tei-q">“During the washing of her decks, on the 28th, the + carpenter discovered that the pipe which admitted the water to + cleanse and sweeten the ship, and which was about three feet under + the water, was out of repair—that it was necessary to replace it with + a new one, and to heel her on one side for that purpose.”</span> The + guns on the port side of the ship were run out of the port-holes as + far as they would go, and those from the starboard side were drawn in + and secured amidships. This brought her porthole-sills on the lower + side nearly even <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page60">[pg + 60]</span><a name="Pg060" id="Pg060" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with + the water. <span class="tei tei-q">“At about 9 o’clock a.m., or + rather before,”</span> stated one of the <a name="corr060" id= + "corr060" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">survivors,</span><a id="noteref_50" name="noteref_50" + href="#note_50"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">50</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“we had just finished our breakfast, and the + last lighter, with rum on board, had come alongside; this vessel was + a sloop of about fifty tons, and belonged to three brothers, who used + her to carry things on board the men-of-war. She was lashed to the + larboard side of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Royal George</span></span>, and we were piped to + clear the lighter and get the rum out of her, and stow it in the + hold.... At first, no danger was apprehended from the ship being on + one side, although the water kept dashing in at the portholes at + every wave; and there being mice in the lower part of the ship, which + were disturbed by the water which dashed in, they were hunted in the + water by the men, and there had been a rare game going on.”</span> + Their play was soon to be rudely stopped. The carpenter, perceiving + that the ship was in great danger, went twice on the deck to ask the + lieutenant of the watch to order the ship to be righted; the first + time the latter barely answered him, and the second replied, + savagely, <span class="tei tei-q">“If you can manage the ship better + than I can, you had better take the command.”</span> In a very short + time, he began himself to see the danger, and ordered the drummer to + beat to right ship. It was too late—the ship was beginning to sink; a + sudden breeze springing upheeled her still more; the guns, shot, and + heavy articles generally, and a large part of the men on board, fell + irresistibly to the lower side; and the water, forcing itself in at + every port, weighed the vessel down still more. She fell on her + broadside, with her masts nearly flat on the water, and sank to the + bottom immediately. <span class="tei tei-q">“The officers, in their + confusion, made no signal of distress, nor, indeed, could any + assistance have availed if they had, after her lower-deck ports were + in the water, which forced itself in at every port with fearful + velocity.”</span> In going down, the main-yard of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Royal + George</span></span> caught the boom of the rum-lighter and sank her, + drowning some of those on board.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this terrible + moment there were nearly 1,200 persons<a id="noteref_51" name= + "noteref_51" href="#note_51"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">51</span></span></a> on + board. Deducting the larger proportion of the watch on deck, about + 230, who were mostly saved by running up the rigging, and afterwards + taken off by the boats sent for their rescue, and, perhaps, seventy + others who managed to scramble out of the ports, &c., the whole + of the remainder perished. Admiral Kempenfelt, whose flag-ship it + was, and who was then writing in his cabin, and had just before been + shaved by the barber, went down with her. The first-captain tried to + acquaint him that the ship was sinking, but the heeling over of the + ship had so jammed the doors of the cabin that they could not be + opened. One young man was saved, as the vessel filled, by the force + of the water rushing upwards, and sweeping him bodily before it + through a hatchway. In a few seconds, he found himself floating on + the surface of the sea, where he was, later, picked up by a boat. A + little child was almost miraculously preserved by a sheep, which swam + some time, and with which he had doubtless been playing on deck. He + held by the fleece till rescued by a gentleman in a wherry. His + father and mother were both drowned, and the poor little fellow did + not <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page61">[pg 61]</span><a name= + "Pg061" id="Pg061" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>even know their names; + all that he knew was that his own name was Jack. His preserver + provided for him.</p><a name="figwrecofth" id="figwrecofth" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_083.jpg" alt= + "THE WRECK OF THE “ROYAL GEORGE”" title= + "THE WRECK OF THE “ROYAL GEORGE.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE WRECK OF THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“ROYAL GEORGE.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the + survivors,<a id="noteref_52" name="noteref_52" href= + "#note_52"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">52</span></span></a> who got + through a porthole, looked back and saw the opening <span class= + "tei tei-q">“as full of heads as it could cram, all trying to get + out. I caught,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“hold of the + best bower-anchor, which was just above me, to prevent falling back + again into the porthole, and seizing hold of a woman who was trying + to get out of the same porthole, I dragged her out.”</span> The same + writer says that he saw <span class="tei tei-q">“all the heads drop + back again in at the porthole, for the ship had got so much on her + larboard side <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that the starboard portholes were as upright as + if the men had tried to get out of the top of a</span> <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page62">[pg 62]</span><a name="Pg062" id="Pg062" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic">chimney, + with nothing for their legs and feet to act + upon</span></span>.”</span> The sinking of the vessel drew him down + to the bottom, but he was enabled afterwards to rise to the surface + and swim to one of the great blocks of the ship which had floated + off. At the time the ship was sinking, an open barrel of tar stood on + deck. When he rose, it was floating on the water like fat, and he got + into the middle of it, coming out as black as a negro minstrel!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When this man had + got on the block he observed the admiral’s baker in the shrouds of + the mizentop-mast, which were above water not far off; and directly + after, the poor woman whom he had pulled out of the porthole came + rolling by. He called out to the baker to reach out his arm and catch + her, which was done. She hung, quite insensible, for some time by her + chin over one of the ratlines of the shrouds, but a surf soon washed + her off again. She was again rescued shortly after, and life was not + extinct; she recovered her senses when taken on board our old friend + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, then lying with other + large ships near the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Royal George</span></span>. The captain of the + latter was saved, but the poor carpenter, who did his best to save + the ship, was drowned.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a few days + after the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Royal George</span></span> sank, bodies would + come up, thirty or forty at a time. A corpse would rise <span class= + "tei tei-q">“so suddenly as to frighten any one.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">The watermen, there is no doubt, made a good thing of it; + they took from the bodies of the men their buckles, money, and + watches, and then made fast a rope to their heels and towed them to + land.”</span> The writer of the narrative from which this account is + mainly derived says that he <span class="tei tei-q">“saw them towed + into Portsmouth Harbour, in their mutilated condition, in the same + manner as rafts of floating timber, and promiscuously (for + particularity was scarcely possible) put into carts, which conveyed + them to their final sleeping-place, in an excavation prepared for + them in Kingstown churchyard, the burial-place belonging to the + parish of Portsea.”</span> Many bodies were washed ashore on the Isle + of Wight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Futile attempts + were made the following year to raise the wreck, but it was not till + 1839-40 that Colonel Pasley proposed, and successfully carried out, + the operations for its removal. Wrought-iron cylinders, some of the + larger of which contained over a ton each of gunpowder, were lowered + and fired by electricity, and the vessel was, by degrees, blown up. + Many of the guns, the capstans, and other valuable parts of the wreck + were recovered by the divers, and the timbers formed then, and since, + a perfect godsend to some of the inhabitants of Portsmouth, who + manufactured them into various forms of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“relics”</span> of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Royal + George</span></span>. It is said that the sale of these has been so + enormous that if they could be collected and stuck together they + would form several vessels of the size of the fine old first-rate, + large as she was! But something similar has been said of the + <span class="tei tei-q">“wood of the true cross,”</span> and, no + doubt, is more than equally libellous.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is said, by + those who descended to the wreck, that its appearance was most + beautiful, when seen from about a fathom above the deck. It was + covered with seaweeds, shells, starfish, and anemones, while from and + around its ports and openings the fish, large and small, swam and + played—darting, flashing, and sparkling in the clear green + water.</p><a name="fighms_vaat" id="fighms_vaat" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_089.jpg" alt="H.M.S. VANGUARD AT SEA" title= + "H.M.S. VANGUARD AT SEA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">VANGUARD</span></span> AT SEA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is probably + no reasonable being in or out of the navy who does not believe that + the ironclad is the war-vessel of the immediate future. But that a + woeful amount of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page63">[pg + 63]</span><a name="Pg063" id="Pg063" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>uncertainty, as thick as the fog in which the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> went down, envelops the + subject in many ways, is most certain. The circumstances connected + with that great disaster are still in the memory of the public, and + were simple and distinct enough. During the last week of August, + 1875, the reserve squadron of the Channel Fleet, comprising the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Achilles</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Hector</span></span>, + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span>, with Vice-Admiral Sir W. + Tarleton’s yacht <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Hawk</span></span>, had been stationed at + Kingstown. At half-past ten on the morning of the 1st of September + they got into line for the purpose of proceeding to Queenstown, Cork. + Off the Irish lightship, which floats at sea, six miles off + Kingstown, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Achilles</span></span> hoisted her ensign to say + farewell—her destination being Liverpool. The sea was moderate, but a + fog came on and increased in density every moment. Half an hour after + noon, the <span class="tei tei-q">“look-out”</span> could not + distinguish fifty yards ahead, and the officers on the bridge could + not see the bowsprit. The ships had been proceeding at the rate of + twelve or fourteen knots, but their speed had been reduced when the + fog came on, and they were running at not more than half the former + speed. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> watch reported a sail + ahead, and the helm was put hard aport to prevent running it down. + The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span> was then following close in the wake of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span>, and the action of the + latter simply brought them closer, and presented a broadside to the + former, which, unaware of any change, had continued her course. The + commander of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Iron Duke</span></span>, Captain Hickley, who + was on the bridge at the time, saw the spectre form of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> through the fog, and + ordered his engines to be reversed, but it was too late. The ram of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span> struck the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> below the armour-plates, + on the port side, abreast of the engine-room. The rent made was very + large—amounting, as the divers afterwards found, to four feet in + width—and the water poured into the hold in torrents. It might be + only a matter of minutes before she should go down.<a id="noteref_53" + name="noteref_53" href="#note_53"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">53</span></span></a></p><a name="figlossofth" + id="figlossofth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_085.jpg" alt="THE LOSS OF THE “VANGUARD”" + title="THE LOSS OF THE “VANGUARD.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE LOSS OF THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“VANGUARD.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vessel was + doomed; a very brief examination proved that: nothing remained but to + save the lives of those on board. Captain Dawkins gave the necessary + orders with a coolness which did not represent, doubtless, the + conflicting feelings within his breast. The officers ably seconded + him, and the crew behaved magnificently. One of the mechanics went + below in the engine-room to let off the steam, and so prevent an + explosion, at the imminent risk of his life. The water rose quickly + in the after-part, and rushed into the engine and boiler rooms, + eventually finding its way into the provision-room flat, through + imperfectly fastened (so-called) <span class= + "tei tei-q">“water-tight”</span> doors, and gradually over the whole + ship. There was no time to be lost. Captain Dawkins called out to his + men <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page65">[pg 65]</span><a name= + "Pg065" id="Pg065" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that if they preserved + order all would be saved. The men stood as at an inspection—not one + moved until ordered to do so. The boats of both ships were lowered. + While the launching was going on, the swell of the tide caused a + lifeboat to surge against the hull, and one of the crew had his + finger crushed. This was absolutely the only casualty. In twenty + minutes the whole of the men were transferred to the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span>, no single breach of discipline occurring beyond + the understandable request of a sailor once in awhile to be allowed + to make one effort to secure some keepsake or article of special + value to himself. But the order was stern: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Boys, come instantly.”</span> As <span class= + "tei tei-q">“four bells”</span> (2 p.m.) was striking, the last man + having been received on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Iron Duke</span></span>, the doomed vessel + whirled round two or three times, and then sank in deep water.<a id= + "noteref_54" name="noteref_54" href="#note_54"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">54</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is obvious, + then, that the discipline and courage of the service had not + deteriorated from that always expected in the good old days. Captain + Dawkins was the last man to leave his sinking ship, and his officers + one and all behaved in the same spirit. They endeavoured to quiet and + reassure the men—pointing out to them the fatal consequences of + confusion. Captain Dawkins may or may not have been rightly censured + for his seamanship; there can be no doubt that he performed his duty + nobly in these systematic efforts to save his crew. However much was + lost to the nation, no mother had to mourn the loss of her + sailor-boy; no wife had been made a widow, no child an orphan; five + hundred men had been saved to their country.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page66">[pg 66]</span><a name="Pg066" id="Pg066" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the + officers of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span>, in a letter to a friend, + graphically described the scene at and after the collision. After + having lunched, he entered the ward-room, where he encountered the + surgeon, Dr. Fisher, who was reading a newspaper. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“After remarking on the thickness of the fog, Fisher went + to look out of one of the ports, and immediately cried out, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘God help us! here is a ship right into + us!’</span> We rushed on deck, and at that moment the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span> struck us with fearful force, spars and blocks + falling about, and causing great danger to us on deck. The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span> then dropped astern, and was lost sight of in the + fog. The water came into the engine-room in tons, stopping the + engines, putting the fires out, and nearly drowning the engineers and + stokers.... The ship was now reported sinking fast, although all the + water-tight compartments had been closed. But in consequence of the + shock, some of the water-tight doors leaked fearfully, letting water + into the other parts of the ship. Minute-guns were being fired, and + the boats were got out.... At this moment the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span> appeared, lowering her boats and sending them as + fast as possible. The sight of her cheered us up, as we had been + frightened that she would not find us in the fog, in spite of the + guns. The scene on deck can only be realised by those who have + witnessed a similar calamity. The booming of the minute-guns, the + noise of the immense volume of steam rushing out of the + escape-funnel, and the orders of the captain, were strangely mingled, + while a voice from a boat reported how fast she was + sinking.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the vessel + went down, the deck of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Iron Duke</span></span> was crowded with men + watching the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">finale</span></span> of the catastrophe. When + she was about to sink, she heeled gradually over until the whole of + her enormous size to the keel was above water. Then she gradually + sank, righting herself as she went down, stern first, the water being + blown from hawse-holes in huge spouts by the force of the air rushing + out of the ship. She then disappeared from view. The men were much + saddened to see their home go down, carrying everything they + possessed. They had been paid that morning, and a large number of + them lost their little accumulated earnings. These were, of course, + afterwards allowed them by the Admiralty.</p><a name="figvangassh" + id="figvangassh" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_091.png" alt= + "THE “VANGUARD” AS SHE APPEARED AT LOW WATER" title= + "THE “VANGUARD” AS SHE APPEARED AT LOW WATER." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“VANGUARD”</span> AS SHE APPEARED AT LOW + WATER. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span> were two of a class of broadside ironclads, built + with a view to general and not special utility in warfare. Their + thickest armour was eight inches, a mere strip, 100 feet long by + three high, and much of the visible part of them was unarmoured + altogether, while below it varied from six inches to as low as + three-eighths of an inch. It was only the latter thickness where the + point of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Iron Duke’s</span></span> ram entered. Their + advocates boasted that they could pass through the Suez Canal, and go + anywhere.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every reader will + remember the stormy discussion which ensued, in which not merely the + ironclad question, but the court-martial which followed—and the + Admiralty decision which followed that—were severely handled. Nor + could there be much wonder at all this, for a vessel which had cost + the nation over a quarter of a million of pounds sterling, with + equipment and property on board which had cost as much more,<a id= + "noteref_55" name="noteref_55" href="#note_55"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">55</span></span></a> was lost + for ever. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page67">[pg 67]</span><a name= + "Pg067" id="Pg067" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>It was in vain that the + then First Lord of the Admiralty<a id="noteref_56" name="noteref_56" + href="#note_56"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">56</span></span></a> told us, + in somewhat flippant tones, that we ought to be rather satisfied than + otherwise with the occurrence. It was not altogether satisfactory to + learn from Mr. Reed, the principal designer of both ships, that + ironclads were in more danger in times of peace than in times of + war.<a id="noteref_57" name="noteref_57" href="#note_57"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">57</span></span></a> In the + former they were residences for several hundred sailors, and many of + the water-tight doors could not be kept closed without inconvenience; + in the latter they were fortresses, when the doors would be closed + for safety. The court-martial, constituted of leading naval + authorities and officers, imputed blame for the high rate of speed + sustained in a fog; the public naturally inquired why a high rate of + speed was necessary at all at the time, but their lordships declined + to consider this as in any way contributing to the disaster. The + Court expressed its opinion pretty strongly upon the conduct of the + officers of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Iron Duke</span></span>, which did the mischief, + and also indirectly blamed the admiral in command of the squadron, + but the Admiralty could find nothing wrong in either case, simply + visiting their wrath on the unfortunate lieutenant on deck at the + time. So, to make a long and very unpleasant story short, the loss of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> brought about a + considerable loss of faith in some of our legally constituted naval + authorities.<a id="noteref_58" name="noteref_58" href= + "#note_58"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">58</span></span></a></p><a name="figlossofth2" + id="figlossofth2" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_088.jpg" alt="THE LOSS OF THE “KENT”" title= + "THE LOSS OF THE “KENT.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE LOSS OF THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“KENT.”</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc13" id="toc13"></a> <a name="pdf14" id= + "pdf14"></a><a name="chap05" id="chap05" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER V.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Perils of the Sailor’s + Life</span></span> <span style="font-size: 120%">(</span><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">).</span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The Value of Discipline—The Loss of the</span> + <span class="tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Kent</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—Fire on Board—The Ship Waterlogged—Death in Two + Forms—A Sail in Sight—Transference of Six Hundred Passengers to a + small Brig—Splendid Discipline of the Soldiers—Imperturbable Coolness + of the Captain—Loss of the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Birkenhead</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Literally + Broken in Two—Noble Conduct of the Military—A contrary + Example—Wreck of the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Run + on a Sand-bank—Panic on Board—Raft constructed—Insubordination and + Selfishness—One Hundred and Fifty Souls Abandoned—Drunkenness and + Mutiny on the Raft—Riots and Murders—Reduced to Thirty Persons—The + stronger part Massacre the others—Fifteen Left—Rescued at + Last—Another Contrast—Wreck of the</span> <span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Alceste</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Admirable + Conduct of the Crew—The Ironclad Movement—The Battle of the + Guns.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is impossible + to read the account of any great disaster at sea, without being + strongly impressed with the enormous value of maintaining in the hour + of peril the same strict discipline which, under ordinary + circumstances, is the rule of a vessel. Few more striking + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page68">[pg 68]</span><a name="Pg068" + id="Pg068" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>examples of this are to be + found, than in the story of the loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Kent</span></span>, + which we are now about to relate. The disaster of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>, + which we shall record later, in which complete anarchy and disregard + of discipline, aggravated a hundredfold the horrors of the situation, + only teaches the same lesson from the opposite point of view. Though + the most independent people on the earth, all Englishmen worthy of + the name appreciate the value of proper subordination and obedience + to those who have rightful authority to command. This was almost the + only gratifying feature connected with the loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span>, and the safe and rapid + transference of the crew to the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span> was due to it. But the circumstances of the case + were as nought to some that have preceded it, where the difficulties + and risks were infinitely greater and the reward much less certain. + The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Kent</span></span> was a fine troop-ship, of + 1,530 tons, bound from England for Bengal and China. She had on board + 344 soldiers, forty-three women, and sixty-six children. The + officers, private passengers, and crew brought the total number on + board to 640. After leaving the Downs, on the 19th of February, 1825, + she encountered terrible weather, culminating in a gale on the 1st of + March, which obliged them almost to sail under bare poles. The + narrative<a id="noteref_59" name="noteref_59" href= + "#note_59"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">59</span></span></a> by Sir + Duncan MacGregor, one of the passengers, created an immense sensation + at its first appearance, and was translated into almost every + language of the civilised world. He states that the rolling of the + ship, which was vastly increased by a dead weight of some hundred + tons of shot and shells that formed a part of its lading, became so + great about half-past eleven or twelve o’clock at night, that the + main-chains were thrown by every lurch considerably under water; and + the best cleated articles of furniture in the cabin and the cuddy + were dashed about in all directions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a little + before this period that one of the officers of the ship, with the + well-meant intention of ascertaining that all was fast below, + descended with a lantern. He discovered one of the spirit-casks + adrift, and sent two or three sailors for some billets of wood to + secure it. While they were absent, he unfortunately dropped the lamp, + and letting go his hold of the cask in his eagerness to recover it, + the former suddenly stove, and the spirits communicating with the + light, the whole deck at that part was speedily in a blaze. The fire + spread rapidly, and all their efforts at extinguishing it were vain, + although bucket after bucket of water, wet sails and hammocks, were + immediately applied. The smoke began to ascend the hatchway, and + although every effort was made to keep the passengers in ignorance, + the terrible news soon spread that the ship was on fire. As long as + the devouring element appeared to be confined to the spot where the + fire originated, and which they were assured was surrounded on all + sides with water-casks, there was some hope that it might be subdued; + but soon the light-blue vapour that at first arose was succeeded by + volumes of thick, dingy smoke, which ascended through all the + hatchways and rolled over the ship. A thorough panic took possession + of most on board.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The deck was + covered with six hundred men, women, and children, many almost + frantic with excitement—wives seeking their husbands, children their + mothers; strong men appearing as though their reason was overthrown, + weak men maudlin and weeping; many good people on their knees in + earnest prayer. Some of the older and more stout-hearted soldiers and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page69">[pg 69]</span><a name="Pg069" + id="Pg069" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sailors sullenly took their + seats directly over the powder-magazine, expecting momentarily that + it would explode and put them out of their misery. A strong pitchy + smell suddenly wafted over the ship. <span class="tei tei-q">“The + flames have reached the cable-tier!”</span> exclaimed one; and it was + found to be too true. The fire had now extended so far, that there + was but one course to pursue: the lower decks must be swamped. + Captain Cobb, the commander of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Kent</span></span>, + was a man of action, and, with an ability and decision that seemed + only to increase with the imminence of the danger, ordered the lower + decks to be scuttled, the coverings of the hatches removed, and the + lower ports opened to the free admission of the waves. His + instructions were speedily obeyed, the soldiers aiding the crew. The + fury of the flames was, of course, checked; but several sick soldiers + and children, and one woman, unable to gain the upper deck, were + drowned, and others suffocated. As the risk of explosion somewhat + diminished, a new horror arose. The ship became water-logged, and + presented indications of settling down. Death in two forms stared + them in the face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sail had been + seen for many days, the vessel being somewhat out of the regular + course. But, although it seemed hopeless, a man was sent up to the + foretop to scan the horizon. How many anxious eyes were turned up to + him, how many anxious hearts beat at that moment, can well be + understood. The sailor threw his eyes rapidly over the waste of + howling waters, and instantly waved his hat, exclaiming, in a voice + hoarse with emotion, <span class="tei tei-q">“A sail on the lee + bow!”</span> Flags of distress were soon hoisted, minute-guns fired, + and an attempt made to bear down on the welcome stranger, which for + some time did not notice them. But at last it seemed probable, by her + slackening sail and altering her course, that the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Kent</span></span> + had been seen. Hope revived on board; but there were still three + painful problems to be solved. The vessel in the distance was but a + small brig: could she take over six hundred persons on board? Could + they be transferred during a terrible gale and heavy sea, likely + enough to swamp all the boats? Might not the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Kent</span></span> + either blow up or speedily founder, before even one soul were + saved?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vessel proved + to be the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cambria</span></span>, a brig bound to Vera + Cruz, with a number of miners on board. For fifteen minutes it had + been very doubtful to all on the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Kent</span></span> + whether their signals of distress—and the smoke issuing from the + hatchways formed no small item among them—were seen, or the + minute-guns heard. But at length it became obvious that the brig was + making for them, and preparations were made to clear and lower the + boats of the East Indiaman. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Although,”</span> says Sir Duncan MacGregor, + <span class="tei tei-q">“it was impossible, and would have been + improper, to repress the rising hopes that were pretty generally + diffused amongst us by the unexpected sight of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cambria</span></span>, yet I confess, that when + I reflected on the long period our ship had been already burning—on + the tremendous sea that was running—on the extreme smallness of the + brig, and the immense number of human beings to be saved—I could only + venture to hope that a few might be spared.”</span> When the military + officers were consulting together, as the brig was approaching, on + the requisite preparations for getting out the boats, and other + necessary courses of action, one of the officers asked Major + MacGregor in what order it was intended the officers should move off, + to which he replied, <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course, in funeral + order,”</span> which injunction was instantly confirmed by Colonel + Fearon, who said, <span class="tei tei-q">“Most undoubtedly—the + juniors first; but see that any man is cut down who presumes + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page70">[pg 70]</span><a name="Pg070" + id="Pg070" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to enter the boats before the + means of escape are presented to the women and children.”</span> To + prevent any rush of troops or sailors to the boats, the officers were + stationed near them with drawn swords. But, to do the soldiers and + seamen justice, it was little needed; the former particularly keeping + perfect order, and assisting to save the ladies and children and + private passengers generally. Some of the women and children were + placed in the first boat, which was immediately lowered into a sea so + tempestuous that there was great danger that it would be swamped, + while the lowering-tackle not being properly disengaged at the stern, + there was a great prospect for a few moments that its living freight + would be upset in the water. A sailor, however, succeeded in cutting + the ropes with an axe, and the first boat got off safely.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Cambria</span></span> + had been intentionally lain at some distance from the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Kent</span></span>, + lest she should be involved in her explosion, or exposed to the fire + from the guns, which, being all shotted, went off as the flames + reached them. The men had a considerable distance to row, and the + success of the first experiment was naturally looked upon as the + measure of their future hopes. The movements of this boat were + watched with intense anxiety by all on board. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The better to balance the boat in the raging sea through + which it had to pass, and to enable the seamen to ply their oars, the + women and children were stowed promiscuously under the seats, and + consequently exposed to the risk of being drowned by the continual + dashing of the spray over their heads, which so filled the boat + during the passage that before their arrival at the brig the poor + females were sitting up to their waists in water, and their children + kept with the greatest difficulty above it.”</span> Happily, at the + expiration of twenty minutes, the cutter was seen alongside their ark + of refuge. The next difficulty was to get the ladies and children on + board the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cambria</span></span>, for the sea was running + high, and there was danger of the boat being swamped or stove against + the side of the brig. The children were almost thrown on board, while + the women had to spring towards the many friendly arms extended from + the vessel, when the waves lifted the boat momentarily in the right + position. However, all were safely transferred to the brig without + serious mishap.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It became + impossible for the boats, after the first trip, to come alongside the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Kent</span></span>, and a plan was adopted for + lowering the women and children from the stern by tying them two and + two together. The heaving of the vessel, and the heavy sea raising + the boat one instant and dropping it the next, rendered this somewhat + perilous. Many of the poor women were plunged several times in the + water before they succeeded in landing safely in the boat, and many + young children died from the effects—<span class="tei tei-q">“the + same violent means which only reduced the parents to a state of + exhaustion or insensibility,”</span> having entirely quenched the + vital spark in their feeble frames. One fine fellow, a soldier, who + had neither wife nor child of his own, but who showed great + solicitude for the safety of others, insisted on having three + children lashed to him, with whom he plunged into the water to reach + the boat more quickly. He swam well, but could not get near the boat; + and when he was eventually drawn on board again, two of the children + were dead. One man fell down the hatchway into the flames; another + had his back broken, and was observed, quite doubled, falling + overboard; a third fell between the boat and brig, and his head was + literally crushed to pieces; others were lost in their attempts to + ascend the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page71">[pg + 71]</span><a name="Pg71" id="Pg71" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sides + of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cambria</span></span>; and others, again, were + drowned in their hurry to get on board the boats.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the + sailors, who had, with many others, taken his post over the magazine, + at last cried out, almost in ill-humour, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well! if she won’t blow up, I’ll see if I can’t get away + from her.”</span> He was saved—and must have felt quite disappointed. + One of the three boats, swamped or stove during the day, had on board + a number of men who had been robbing the cabins during the confusion + on board. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is suspected that one or two of + those who went down, must have sunk beneath the weight of their + spoils.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As there was so + much doubt as to how soon the vessel would explode or go down, while + the process of transference between the vessels occupied + three-quarters of an hour each trip, and other delays were caused by + timid passengers and ladies who were naturally loath to be separated + from their husbands, they determined on a quicker mode of placing + them in the boat. A rope was suspended from the end of the + spanker-boom, along the slippery top of which the passengers had + either to walk, crawl, or be carried. The reader need not be told + that this great boom or spar stretches out from the mizen-mast far + over the stern in a vessel the size of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Kent</span></span>. + On ordinary occasions, in quiet weather, it would be fifteen or + twenty feet above the water, but with the vessel pitching and tossing + during the continuous storm, it was raised often as much as forty + feet in the air. It will be seen that, under these circumstances, + with the boat at the stern now swept to some distance in the hollow + of a wave, and now raised high on its crest, the lowering of oneself + by the rope, to drop at the right moment, was a perilous operation. + It was a common thing for strong men to reach the boat in a state of + utter exhaustion, having been several times immersed in the waves and + half drowned. But there were many strong and willing hands among the + soldiers and sailors ready to help the weak and fearful ones, and the + transference went on with fair rapidity, though with every now and + again some sad casualty to record. The coolness and determination of + the officers, military and marine, the good order and subordination + of most of the troops, and the bravery of many in risking their lives + for others, seems at this time to have restored some little + confidence among the timid and shrinking on board. A little later, + and the declining rays and fiery glow on the waves indicated that the + sun was setting. One can well understand the feeling of many on board + as they witnessed its disappearance and the approach of darkness. + Were their lives also to set in outer gloom—the ocean to be that + night their grave?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Late at night + Major MacGregor went down to his cabin in search of a blanket to + shelter him from the increasing cold. <span class="tei tei-q">“The + scene of desolation that there presented itself was melancholy in the + extreme. The place which, only a few short hours before, had been the + scene of kindly intercourse and of social gaiety, was now entirely + deserted, save by a few miserable wretches who were either stretched + in irrecoverable intoxication on the floor, or prowling about, like + beasts of prey, in search of plunder. The sofas, drawers, and other + articles of furniture, the due arrangement of which had cost so much + thought and pains, were now broken into a thousand pieces, and + scattered in confusion around.... Some of the geese and other + poultry, escaped from their confinement, were cackling in the cuddy; + while a solitary pig, wandering from its sty in the forecastle, was + ranging at large in undisturbed possession of the Brussels + carpet.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page72">[pg + 72]</span><a name="Pg072" id="Pg072" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is highly to + the credit of the officers, more especially to those who had + deck-cabins, from which it would be easy to remove many portable + articles, and even trunks and boxes, that they entirely devoted their + time and energies to saving life. They left the ship simply with the + clothes they stood in, and were the last to leave it, except, of + course, where subordinate officers were detailed to look after + portions of the troops. Captain Cobb, in his resolution to be the + last to leave the ship, tried all he could to urge the few remaining + persons on board to drop on the ropes and save themselves. But + finding all his entreaties fruitless, and hearing the guns + successively explode in the hold, into which they had fallen, he at + length, after doing all in his power to save them, got himself into + the boat by <span class="tei tei-q">“laying hold of the topping-lift, + or rope that connects the driver-boom with the mizen-top, thereby + getting over the heads of the infatuated men who occupied the boom, + unable to go either backward or forward, and ultimately dropping + himself into the water.”</span> One of the boats persevered in + keeping its station under the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Kent’s</span></span> stern, until the flames + were bursting out of the cabin windows. The larger part of the poor + wretches left on board were saved: when the vessel exploded, they + sought shelter in the chains, where they stood till the masts fell + overboard, to which they then clung for some hours. Ultimately, they + were rescued by Captain Bibbey, of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Caroline</span></span>, a vessel bound from + Egypt to Liverpool, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page74">[pg + 74]</span><a name="Pg074" id="Pg074" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>who + happened to see the explosion at a great distance, and instantly made + all sail in the direction whence it proceeded, afterwards cruising + about for some time to pick up any survivors.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After the arrival + of the last boat at the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cambria</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the flames, which had spread along the upper deck and + poop, ascended with the rapidity of lightning to the masts and + rigging, forming one general conflagration, that illumined the + heavens to an immense distance, and was strongly reflected on several + objects on board the brig. The flags of distress, hoisted in the + morning, were seen for a considerable time waving amid the flames, + until the masts to which they were suspended successively fell, like + stately steeples, over the ship’s side.”</span> At last, about + half-past one o’clock in the morning, the devouring element having + communicated to the magazine, the explosion was seen, and the blazing + fragments of the once magnificent <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Kent</span></span> + were instantly hurled, like so many rockets, high into the air; + leaving, in the comparative darkness that succeeded, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the deathful scene of that disastrous day floating + before the mind like some feverish dream.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The scene on board + the brig beggared description. The captain, who bore the honoured + name of Cook, and his crew of eight, did all that was in their power + to alleviate the miseries of the six hundred persons added to their + number; while they carried sail, even to the extent of danger, in + order to make nine or ten knots to the nearest port. The Cornish + miners and Yorkshire smelters on board gave up their beds and clothes + and stores to the passengers; and it was extremely fortunate that the + brig was on her outward voyage, for, had she been returning, she + would not, in all probability, have had provisions enough to feed six + hundred persons for a single day. But at the best their condition was + miserable. In the cabin, intended for eight or ten, eighty were + packed, many nearly in a nude condition, and many of the poor women + not having space to lie down.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gale + increased; but still they crowded all sail—even at the risk of + carrying away the masts—and at length the welcome cry of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Land ahead!”</span> was reported from mouth to mouth. + They were off the Scilly lights, and speedily afterwards reached + Falmouth, where the inhabitants vied with each other in providing + clothing and food and money for all who needed them.</p><a name= + "figfalmharb" id="figfalmharb" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_098.png" alt="FALMOUTH HARBOUR" title= + "FALMOUTH HARBOUR." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + FALMOUTH HARBOUR. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The total loss + from the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Kent</span></span> was eighty-one souls; namely, + fifty-four soldiers, one woman, twenty children, one seaman, and five + boys of the crew. How much greater might it not have been but for the + imperturbable coolness, the commanding abilities, and the persevering + and prompt action of Captain Cobb, and the admirable discipline and + subordination of the troops!</p><a name="figlossofth3" id= + "figlossofth3" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_099.jpg" alt="THE LOSS OF THE “BIRKENHEAD”" + title="THE LOSS OF THE “BIRKENHEAD.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE LOSS OF THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“BIRKENHEAD.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another remarkable + instance of the same thing is to be found in the case of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Birkenhead</span></span>, where there were + desperate odds against any one surviving. The ship was a war-steamer, + conveying troops from St. Simon’s Bay to Algoa Bay, Cape Colony, and + had, with crew, a total complement of 638 souls on board. She struck + on a reef, when steaming at the rate of eight and a half knots, and + almost immediately became a total wreck. The rock penetrated her + bottom, just aft of the fore-mast, and the rush of water was so great + that most of the men on the lower troop-deck were drowned in their + hammocks. The commanding officer, Major Seton, called his subordinate + officers about him, and impressed upon them the necessity of + preserving order and perfect discipline among the men, and of + assisting the commander of the ship <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page75">[pg 75]</span><a name="Pg075" id="Pg075" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>in everything possible. Sixty soldiers were + immediately detailed for the pumps, in three reliefs; sixty more to + hold on the tackles of the paddle-box boats, and the remainder were + brought on the poop, so as to ease the fore-part of the ship, which + was rolling heavily. The commander of the ship ordered the horses to + be pitched out of the first-gangway, and the cutter to be got ready + for the women and children, who were safely put on board. Just after + they were out of the ship, the entire bow broke off at the fore-mast, + and the funnel went over the side, carrying away the starboard + paddle-box and boat. The other paddle-box boat capsized when being + lowered, and their largest boat, in the centre of the ship, could not + be got at, so encumbered was it. Five minutes later, the vessel + actually <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">broke in + two</span></span>,”</span> literally realising Falconer’s lines:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Ah, Heaven! + Behold, her crashing ribs divide!</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">She loosens, + parts, and spreads in ruin o’er the tide.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She parted just abaft the engine-room, and the stern + part immediately filled and went down. A few men jumped off just + before she did so; but the greater number remained to the last, and + so did every officer belonging to the troops.”</span> A number of the + soldiers were crushed to death when the funnel fell, and few of those + at the pumps could reach the deck before the vessel broke up. The + survivors clung, some to the rigging of the main-mast, part of which + was out of water, and others to floating pieces of wood. When the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Birkenhead</span></span> divided into two + pieces, the commander of the ship called out, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“All those who can swim, jump overboard and make for the + boats!”</span> Two of the military officers earnestly besought their + men not to do so, as, in that case, the boats with the women must be + swamped; and, to the honour of the soldiers, only three made the + attempt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The struggles of a + part of them to reach the shore, the weary tramp through a country + covered with thick thorny bushes, before they could reach any farm or + settlement; the sufferings of thirty or more poor fellows who were + clinging, in a state of utter exhaustion, cold, and wretchedness, to + the main-topmast and topsail-yard of the submerged vessel, before + they were rescued by a passing schooner, have often been told. The + conduct of the troops was perfect; and it is questionable whether + there is any other instance of such thorough discipline at a time of + almost utter hopelessness. The loss of life was enormous, only 192 + out of 638 being saved. Had there been any panic, or mutiny, not even + that small remnant would have escaped.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Turn we now to + another and a sadder case, where the opposite qualities were most + unhappily displayed, and the consequences of which were + proportionately terrible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the 17th of + June, 1816, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>, a fine French frigate, + sailed from Aix, with troops and colonists on board, destined for the + west coast of Africa. Several settlements which had previously + belonged to France, but which fell into the hands of the English + during the war, were, on the peace of 1815, restored to their + original owners; and it was to take re-possession that the French + Government dispatched the expedition, which consisted of two vessels, + one of which was the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>. Besides infantry and + artillery, officers and men, there was a governor, with priests, + schoolmasters, notaries, surgeons, apothecaries, mining and other + engineers, naturalists, practical agriculturists, bakers, workmen, + and thirty-eight women, the whole expedition numbering 365 persons, + exclusive of the ship’s officers and company. Of these the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span> took 240, making, with her + crew and passengers, a total of 400 on board.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page76">[pg 76]</span><a name="Pg076" id="Pg076" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="figraftofth" id="figraftofth" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_102.png" alt="THE RAFT OF THE “MEDUSA.”" + title="THE RAFT OF THE “MEDUSA.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE RAFT OF THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“MEDUSA.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After making Cape + Blanco, the expedition had been ordered to steer due westward to sea + for some sixty miles, in order to clear a well-known sand-bank, that + of Arguin. The captain, however, seems to have been an ill-advised, + foolhardy man, and he took a southward course. The vessel shortened + sail every two hours to sound, and every half-hour the lead was cast, + without slackening sail. For some little time the soundings indicated + deep water, but shortly after the course had been altered to S.S.E., + the colour of the water changed, seaweeds floated round the ship, and + fish were caught from its sides; all indications of shallowing. But + the captain heeded not these obvious signs, and the vessel suddenly + grounded on a bank. The weather being moderate, there was no reason + for alarm, and she would have been got off safely had the captain + been even an average sailor. For the time, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span> + stuck fast on the sand-bank, and as a large part of those on board + were landsmen, consternation and disorder reigned supreme, and + reproaches and curses were liberally bestowed on the captain. The + crew was set to work with anchors and cables to endeavour to work the + vessel off. During the day, the topmasts, yards, and booms were + unshipped and thrown overboard, which lightened her, but were not + sufficient to make her float. Meantime, a council was called, and the + governor of the colonies exhibited the plan of a raft, which was + considered large enough to carry two hundred persons, with all the + necessary stores and provisions. It was to be towed by the boats, + while their crews were to come to it at regular meal-times for their + rations. The whole party was to land in a body on the sandy shore of + the coast—known to be at no great distance—and proceed to the nearest + settlements. All this was, theoretically speaking, most admirable, + and had there been any leading spirit in <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page77">[pg 77]</span><a name="Pg077" id="Pg077" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>command, the plan would have been, as was + afterwards proved, quite practicable. The raft was immediately + constructed, principally from the spars removed from the vessel as + before mentioned.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Various efforts + were made to get the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span> off the sandbank, and at + one time she swung entirely, and turned her head to sea. She was, in + fact, almost afloat, and a tow-line applied in the usual way would + have taken her into deep water; but this familiar expedient was never + even proposed. Or, even had she been lightened by throwing overboard + a part of her stores temporarily—which could have been done without + serious harm to many articles—she might have been saved. + Half-measures were tried, and even these were not acted on with + perseverance. During the next night there was a strong gale and heavy + swell, and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span> heeled over with much + violence; the keel broke in two, the rudder was unshipped, and, still + holding to the stern-post by the chains, dashed against the vessel + and beat a hole into the captain’s cabin, through which the waves + entered. It was at this time that the first indications of that + unruly spirit which afterwards produced so many horrors appeared + among the soldiers, who assembled tumultuously on deck, and could + hardly be quieted. Next morning there were seven feet of water in the + hold, and the pumps could not be worked, so that it was resolved to + quit the vessel without delay. Some bags of biscuit were taken from + the bread-room, and some casks of wine got ready to put on the boats + and raft. But there was an utter want of management, and several of + the boats only received twenty-five pounds of biscuit and no wine, + while the raft had a quantity of wine and no biscuit. To avoid + confusion, a list had been made the evening before, assigning to each + his place. No one paid the slightest attention to it, and no one of + those in authority tried to enforce obedience to it. It was a case of + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sauve qui peut!</span></span>”</span> with a + vengeance: a disorderly and disgraceful scramble for the best places + and an utter and total disregard for the wants of others.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is, and always + has been, a point of honour for the officers to be among the very + last to leave (except, of course, where their presence might be + needed in the boats), and the captain to be the very last. Here, the + captain was among the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">first</span></span> to scramble over the side; + and his twelve-oared barge only took off twenty-eight persons, when + it would have easily carried many more. A large barge took the + colonial governor and his family, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and</span></span> the + governor’s trunks. His boat wanted for nothing, and would have + accommodated ten or more persons than it took. When several of the + unfortunate crew swam off and begged to be taken in, they were kept + off with drawn swords. The raft<a id="noteref_60" name="noteref_60" + href="#note_60"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">60</span></span></a> took the + larger part of the soldiers, and had in all on board one hundred and + fifty persons. The captain coolly proposed to desert some sixty of + the people still on board, and leave them to shift for themselves; + but an officer who threatened to shoot him was the means of making + him change his mind, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page78">[pg + 78]</span><a name="Pg078" id="Pg078" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and + over forty were taken off in the long-boat. Seventeen men, many of + whom were helplessly intoxicated, were, however, left to their + fate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the morning of + the 5th of July the signal was given to put to sea, and at first some + of the boats towed the raft, which had no one to command it but a + midshipman named Coudin, who, having a painful wound on his leg, was + utterly useless. The other officers consulted their own personal + safety only, and, with a few exceptions, this was the case with every + one else. When the lieutenant of the long-boat, fearing that he could + not keep the sea with eighty-eight men on board, and no oars, + entreated three of the other boats, one after the other, to relieve + him of a part of his living cargo, they refused utterly; and the + officer of the third, in his hurry to run away, loosed from the raft. + This was the signal for a general desertion. The word was passed from + one boat to another to leave them to their fate, and the captain had + not the manliness to protest. The purser of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>, + with a few others, opposed such a dastardly proceeding, but in vain; + and the raft, without means of propulsion, was abandoned. As it + proved afterwards, the boats, which all reached the land safely, + sighted the coast the same evening; and the raft could have been + towed to it in a day or two, or at all events sufficiently near for + the purpose. The people on it could not at first believe in this + treacherous desertion, and once and again buoyed themselves up with + the hope that the boats would return or send relief. The lieutenant + on the long-boat seems to have been one of the few officers + possessing any spark of humanity and manliness. He kept his own boat + near the raft for a time, in the hope that the others might be + induced to return, but at length had to yield to the clamour of some + eighty men on board with him, who insisted on his proceeding in + search of land.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The consternation + and despair of those on the raft beggars description. The water was, + even while the sea was calm, up to the knees of the larger part on + board, while the horrors of a slow death from starvation and thirst, + and the prospect of being washed off by the waves, should a storm + arise, stared them in the face. Several barrels of flour had been + placed on the raft at first, along with six barrels of wine and two + small casks of water. When only fifty persons had got on it, their + weight sunk it so low in the water that the flour was thrown into the + sea, and lost. When the raft quitted the ship, with a hundred and + fifty souls on her, she was a foot to a foot and a half under water, + and the only food on board was a twenty-five-pound bag of biscuit, in + a semi-pulpy condition, which just afforded them one meagre + ration.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some on board, to + keep up the courage of the remainder, promulgated the idea that the + boats had merely made sail for the island of Arguin, and that, having + landed their crews, they would return. This for the moment appeased + the indignation of the soldiers and others who had, with frantic + gesticulations, been wringing their hands and tearing their hair. + Night came on, and the wind freshened, the waves rolling over them, + and throwing many down with violence. The cries of the people were + mingled with the roar of the waves, whilst heavy seas constantly + lifted them off their legs and threatened to wash them away. Thus, + clinging desperately to the ropes, they struggled with death the + whole night through.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">About seven the + next morning, the sea was again calm, when they found that twelve or + more unfortunate men had, during the night, slipped between the + interstices of the raft <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page79">[pg + 79]</span><a name="Pg079" id="Pg079" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and + perished. The effects of starvation were beginning to tell upon + them:<a id="noteref_61" name="noteref_61" href= + "#note_61"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">61</span></span></a> all + their faculties were strangely impaired. Some fancied that they saw + lighted signals in the distance, and answered them by firing off + their pistols, or by setting fire to small heaps of gunpowder; others + thought they saw ships or land, when there was nothing in sight. The + next day strong symptoms of mutiny broke out, the officers being + utterly disregarded by the soldiers. The evening again brought bad + weather. <span class="tei tei-q">“The people were now dashed about by + the fury of the waves; there was no safety but in the centre of the + raft,”</span> where they packed themselves so close that many were + nearly suffocated. <span class="tei tei-q">“The soldiers and sailors, + now considering their destruction inevitable, resolved to drown the + sense of their situation by drinking till they should lose their + reason;”</span> nor could they be persuaded to forego their mad + scheme. They rushed upon a cask of wine which was near the centre, + and making a hole in it, drank so much, that the fumes soon mounted + to their heads, in the empty condition in which they were; and + <span class="tei tei-q">“they then resolved to rid themselves of + their officers, and afterwards to destroy the raft by cutting the + lashings which kept it together.”</span> One of them commenced + hacking away at the ropes with a boarding-hatchet. The civil and + military officers rushed on this ringleader, and though he made a + desperate resistance, soon dispatched him. The people on the raft + were now divided into two antagonistic parties—about twenty civil + officers and the better class of passengers on one side, and a + hundred or more soldiers and workmen on the other. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The mutineers,”</span> says the narrative, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“drew their swords, and were going to make a general + attack, when the fall of another of their number struck such a + seasonable terror into them that they retreated; but it was only to + make another attempt at cutting the ropes. One of them, pretending to + rest on the side-rail of the raft, began to work;”</span> when he was + discovered, and a few moments afterwards, with a soldier who + attempted to defend him, was sent to his last account. This was + followed by a general fight. An infantry captain was thrown into the + sea by the soldiers, but rescued by his friends. He was then seized a + second time, and the revolters attempted to put out his eyes. A + charge was made upon them, and many put to death. The wretches threw + overboard the only woman on the raft, together with her husband. They + were, however, saved, only to die miserably soon afterwards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A second repulse + brought many of the mutineers to their senses, and temporarily awed + the rest, some asking pardon on their knees. But at midnight the + revolt again broke out, the soldiers attacking the party in the + centre of the raft with the fury of madmen, even biting their + adversaries. They seized upon one of the lieutenants, mistaking him + for one of the ship’s officers who had deserted the raft, and he was + rescued and protected afterwards <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page80">[pg 80]</span><a name="Pg080" id="Pg080" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>with the greatest difficulty. They threw + overboard M. Coudin, an elderly man, who was covered with wounds + received in opposing them, and a young boy of the party, in whom he + took an interest. M. Coudin had the presence of mind both to support + the child and to take hold of the raft; and his friends kept off the + brutal soldiery with drawn swords, until they were lifted on board + again. The combat was so fierce, and the weather at night so bad, + that on the return of day it was found that over sixty had perished + off the raft. It is stated that the mutineers had thrown over the + remaining water and two casks of wine. The indications in the + narrative would not point to the latter conclusion, as the soldiers + and workmen were constantly intoxicated, and many, no doubt, were + washed off by the waves in that condition. A powerful temperance + tract might be written on the loss of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>. + On the morning of the fourth day after their departure from the + frigate, the dead bodies of twelve of the company, who had expired + during the night, were lying on the raft. This day a shoal of + flying-fish played round the raft, and a number of them got on + board,<a id="noteref_62" name="noteref_62" href= + "#note_62"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">62</span></span></a> and were + entangled in the spaces between the timbers. A small fire, lighted + with flint and steel and gunpowder, was made inside a barrel, and the + fish, half-cooked, was greedily devoured. They did not stop here; the + account briefly indicates that they ate parts of the flesh of their + dead companions. Horror followed horror: a massacre succeeded their + savage feast. Some Spaniards, Italians, and negroes among them, who + had hitherto taken no part with the mutineers, now formed a plot to + throw their superiors into the sea. A bag of money, which had been + collected as a common fund, and was hanging from a rude mast hastily + extemporised, probably tempted them. The officers’ party threw their + ringleader overboard, while another of the conspirators, finding his + villainy discovered, weighted himself with a heavy boarding-axe, and + rushing to the fore part of the raft, plunged headlong into the sea + and was drowned. A desperate combat ensued, and the fatal raft was + quickly piled with dead bodies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the fifth + morning, there were only thirty alive. The remnant suffered severely, + and one-third of the number were unable to stand up or move about. + The salt water and intense heat of the sun blistered their feet and + legs, and gave intense pain. In the course of the seventh day, two + soldiers were discovered stealing the wine, and they were immediately + pushed overboard. This day also, Leon, the poor little boy mentioned + before, died from sheer starvation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The story has been + so far nothing but a record of insubordination, murderous brutality, + and utter selfishness. But the worst has yet to come. Let the + survivors tell their own shameful and horrible story. There were now + but twenty-seven left, and <span class="tei tei-q">“of these twelve, + amongst them the woman, were so ill that there was no hope of their + surviving, even a few days; they were covered with wounds, and had + almost entirely lost their reason.... They might have lived long + enough to reduce our stock to a very low ebb; but there was no hope + that they could last more than a few days. To put them on short + allowance was only hastening their death; while giving them a full + ration, was uselessly diminishing <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page81">[pg 81]</span><a name="Pg081" id="Pg081" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>a quantity already too low. After an anxious + consultation, we came to the resolution of throwing them into the + sea, and thus terminating at once their sufferings. This was a + horrible and unjustifiable expedient, but who amongst us would have + the cruelty to put it into execution? Three sailors and a soldier + took it on themselves. We turned away our eyes from the shocking + sight, trusting that, in thus endeavouring to prolong our own lives, + we were shortening theirs but a few hours. This gave us the means of + subsistence for six additional days. After this dreadful sacrifice, + we cast our swords into the sea, reserving but one sabre for cutting + wood or cordage, as might be necessary.”</span> Was there ever such + an example of demoniacal hypocrisy, mingled with pretended + humanity!</p><a name="figon__thra" id="figon__thra" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_107.jpg" alt= + "ON THE RAFT OF THE “MEDUSA”—A SAIL IN SIGHT" title= + "ON THE RAFT OF THE “MEDUSA”—A SAIL IN SIGHT. (After the celebrated Painting by Géricault.)" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ON THE RAFT OF THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“MEDUSA”</span>—A SAIL IN SIGHT.<br /> + (<span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">After the celebrated Painting by + Géricault.</span></span>) + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One can hardly + interest himself in the fate of the remaining fifteen, who, if they + were not all human devils, must have carried to their dying days the + brand of Cain indelibly impressed on their memories. A few days + passed, and the indications of a close approach to land became + frequent. Meantime, they were suffering from the intense heat, and + from excessive thirst. One more example of petty selfishness was + afforded by an officer who <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page82">[pg + 82]</span><a name="Pg082" id="Pg082" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>had + found a lemon, which he resolved to keep entirely for himself, until + the ominous threats of the rest obliged him to share it. The wine, + which should have warmed their bodies and gladdened their hearts, + produced on their weakened frames the worst effects of intoxication. + Five of the number resolved, and were barely persuaded not to commit + suicide, so maddened were they by their potations. Perhaps the sight + of the sharks, which now came boldly up to the edges of the raft, had + something to do with sobering them, for they decided to live.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Three days now + passed in intolerable torments. They had become so careless of life, + that they bathed even in sight of the sharks; others were not afraid + to place themselves naked upon the fore part of the raft, which was + then entirely under water; and, though it was exceedingly dangerous, + it had the effect of taking away their thirst. They now attempted to + construct a boat of planks and spars. When completed, a sailor went + upon it, when it immediately upset, and the design of reaching land + by this means was abandoned. On the morning of the 17th of July, the + sun shone brightly and the sky was cloudless. Just as they were + receiving their ration of wine, one of the infantry officers + discerned the topmasts of a vessel near the horizon. Uniting their + efforts, they raised a man to the top of the mast, who waved + constantly a number of handkerchiefs tied together. After two hours + of painful suspense, the vessel, a brig, disappeared, and they once + more resigned themselves to despair. Deciding that they must leave + some record of their fate, they agreed to carve their names, with + some account of their disaster, on a plank, in the hope that it might + eventually reach their Government and families. But they were to be + saved: the brig reappeared, and bore down for them. She proved to be + a vessel which had been dispatched by the Governor of Senegal for the + purpose of rescuing any survivors; though, considering the raft had + now been seventeen days afloat, there was little expectation that any + of its hundred and fifty passengers still lived. The wounded and + blistered limbs, sunken eyes, and emaciated frames of the remnant + told its own tale on board. And yet, with due order and discipline, + presence of mind, and united helpfulness, the ship, with every soul + who had sailed on her, might have been saved; and a fearful story of + cruelty, murder, and cannibalism spared to us. The modern + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span> has been branded with a + name of infamy worse than that of the famous classical monster after + which she was named. The celebrated picture by Géricault in the + Louvre, at Paris, vividly depicts the horrors of the scene.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The wreck of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span> has very commonly been + compared and contrasted with that of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Alceste</span></span>, an English frigate, which + was wrecked the same year. Lord Amherst was returning from China in + this vessel, after fulfilling his mission to the Court of Pekin, + instituted at the instance of the East India Company, who had + complained to Government of the impediments thrown in the way of + their trade by the Chinese. His secretary and suite were with him; + and so there was some resemblance to the case of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>, + which had a colonial governor and his staff on board. The commander + of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Alceste</span></span> was Captain (afterwards + Sir) Murray Maxwell, a true gentleman and a bluff, hearty sailor. + Having touched at Manilla, they were passing through the Straits of + Gaspar, when the ship suddenly struck on a reef of sunken rocks, and + it became evident that she must inevitably and speedily break up. The + most perfect discipline prevailed; and the first efforts of the + captain were naturally directed to saving the ambassador and his + subordinates. The island of Palo Leat <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page83">[pg 83]</span><a name="Pg083" id="Pg083" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>was a few miles off; and, although its coast at + this part was a salt-marsh, with mangrove-trees growing out in the + water so thick and entangled that it almost prevented them landing, + every soul was got off safely. Good feeling and sensible councils + prevailed. At first there was no fresh water to be obtained. It + was</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Water, water + everywhere,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Yet not a drop + to drink.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a short time, + however, they dug a deep well, and soon reached plenty. Then the + Malays attacked and surrounded them; at first a few score, at last + six or seven hundred strong. Things looked black; but they erected a + stockade, made rude pikes by sticking their knives, dirks, and small + swords on the end of poles; and, although they had landed with just + seventy-five ball-cartridges, their stock soon grew to fifteen + hundred. How? Why, the sailors set to with a will, and made their + own, the balls being represented by their jacket-buttons and pieces + of the glass of broken bottles! Of loose powder they had, + fortunately, a sufficient quantity. The Malays set the wreck on fire. + The men waited till it had burned low, and then drove them off, and + went and secured such of the stores as could be now reached, or which + had floated off. The natives were gathering thick. Murray made his + sailors a speech in true hearty style, and their wild huzzas were + taken by the Malays for war-whoops: the latter soon <span class= + "tei tei-q">“weakened,”</span> as they say in America. From the + highest officer to the merest boy, all behaved like calm, resolute, + and sensible Britons, and every soul was saved. Lord Amherst, who had + gone on to Batavia, sent a vessel for them, on board which Maxwell + was the last to embark. At the time of the wreck their condition was + infinitely worse than that of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>; + but how completely different the sequel! The story is really a + pleasant one, displaying, as it does, the happy results of both good + discipline and mutual good feeling in the midst of danger. + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nil + desperandum</span></span> was evidently the motto of that crew; and + their philosophy was rewarded. The lessons of the past and present, + in regard to our great ships, have taught us that disaster is not + confined to ironclads, nor victory to wooden walls; neither is good + discipline dead, nor the race of true-hearted tars extinct. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Men of iron”</span> will soon be the worthy + successors of <span class="tei tei-q">“hearts of oak.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having glanced at + the causes which led to the ironclad movement, and noted certain + salient points in its history, let us now for a while discuss the + ironclad herself. It has been remarked, as a matter of reproach to + the administrators and builders of the British ironclad navy, that + the vessels composing it are not sufficiently uniform in design, + power, and speed. Mr. Reed, however, tells us that <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">la marine moderne + cuirassée</span></span> of France is still more distinguished by the + different types and forms of the vessels; and that ours by comparison + wears <span class="tei tei-q">“quite a tiresome appearance of + sameness;”</span> while, again, Russia has ironclads even more + diversified than those of France. The objection is, perhaps, hardly a + fair one, as the exigencies of the navy are many and varied. We might + have to fight a first-class power, or several first-class powers, + where all our strength would have to be put forth; some second-class + power might require chastising, where vessels of a secondary class + might suffice; while almost any vessel of the navy would be efficient + in the case of wars with native tribes, as, for example, the Maories + of New Zealand, or the Indians of the coasts of North-west America. + In a great naval conflict, provided the vessels of our fleet steamed + pretty evenly as regards speed, there would be an advantage in + variety; for it might rather puzzle and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page84">[pg 84]</span><a name="Pg084" id="Pg084" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>worry the enemy, who would not know what next + would appear, or what new form turn up. Mr. Reed puts the matter in a + nutshell; although it must be seen that, among first-class powers + with first-class fleets, the argument cuts both ways. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the old days,”</span> says he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“when actions had to be fought under sail, and when ships + of a class were in the main alike, the limits within which the arts, + the resources, and the audacities of the navy were restricted were + really very narrow; and yet how brilliant were its achievements! I + cannot but believe that, if the English ironclad fleet were now to be + engaged in a general action with an enemy’s fleet, the very variety + of our ships—those very improvements which have occasioned that + variety—would be at once the cause of the greatest possible + embarrassment to the enemy, and the means of the most vigorous and + diversified attack upon the hostile fleet. This is peculiarly true of + all those varieties which result from increase in handiness, in + bow-fire, in height of port, and so forth; and unless I have mis-read + our naval history, and misappreciate the character of our naval + officers of the present day, the nation will, in the day of trial, + obtain the full benefit of these advantages.”</span></p><a name= + "figsectofa" id="figsectofa" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_110.jpg" alt= + "SECTION OF A FIRST-CLASS MAN-OF-WAR" title= + "SECTION OF A FIRST-CLASS MAN-OF-WAR." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + SECTION OF A FIRST-CLASS MAN-OF-WAR. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It needs no + argument to convince the reader that the aim of a naval architect + should be to combine in the best manner available, strength and + lightness. The dimensions and outside form of the ship in great part + determine her displacement; and her capacity to carry weights depends + largely on the actual weight of her own hull; while the room within + partly depends on the thinness or thickness of her walls. Now, we + have seen that in wooden ships the hull weighs more than in iron + ships of equal size; and it will be apparent that what is gained in + the latter case can be applied to <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">carrying</span></span> + so much the more iron armour. Hence, distinguished authorities do not + believe in the wood-built ship <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">carrying</span></span> heavy armour, nearly so + much as in the ironclad, iron-<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">built</span></span> ship.<a id="noteref_63" + name="noteref_63" href="#note_63"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">63</span></span></a> The + durability <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page85">[pg + 85]</span><a name="Pg085" id="Pg085" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and + strength are greater. The authority of such a man as Mr. J. Scott + Russell, the eminent shipbuilder, will be conclusive. In a + pamphlet,<a id="noteref_64" name="noteref_64" href= + "#note_64"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">64</span></span></a> + published in 1862, he noted the following ten points: 1, That iron + steam ships-of-war may be built as strong as wooden ships of greater + weight, and stronger than wooden ships of equal weight. 2, That iron + ships of equal strength can go on less draught of water than wooden + ships. 3, That iron ships can carry much heavier weights than wooden + ships [hence they can carry heavier armour]. 4, That they are more + durable. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, That they are safer against the sea, against + fire, explosive shots, red-hot shots, molten metal; and 10, That they + can be made impregnable even against solid shot.</p><a name= + "figwarrior" id="figwarrior" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_111.jpg" alt="THE “WARRIOR”" title= + "THE “WARRIOR.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“WARRIOR.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The last point, + alas! is one which Mr. Scott Russell himself would hardly insist upon + to-day. When he wrote his pamphlet, five or six inches of armour, + with a wood backing, withstood anything that could be fired against + it. When the armour of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span>, our <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page86">[pg 86]</span><a name="Pg086" id="Pg086" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>first real ironclad, had to be tested, a + target, twenty feet by ten feet surface, composed of four and a half + inch iron and eighteen inches of teak backing—the exact counterpart + of a slice out of the ship’s side—was employed. The shot from + 68-pounders—the same as composed her original armament—fired at 200 + yards, only made small dents in the target and rebounded. + 200-pounders had no more effect; the shot flew off in ragged + splinters, the iron plates became almost red-hot under the tremendous + strokes, and rung like a huge gong; but that was all. Now we have + 6½-ton guns that would pierce her side at 500 yards; 12-ton guns that + would put a hole through her armour at over a mile, and 25-ton guns + that would probably penetrate the armour of any ironclad whatever. + Why, some of the ships themselves are now carrying 30-ton guns! It is + needless to go on and speak of monster 81 and 100-ton guns after + recording these facts. But their consideration explains why the + thickness of armour has kept on increasing, albeit it could not + possibly do so in an equal ratio.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mr. Reed tells us: + <span class="tei tei-q">“This strange contest between attack and + defence, however wasteful, however melancholy, must still go + on.”</span><a id="noteref_65" name="noteref_65" href= + "#note_65"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">65</span></span></a> Sir W. + G. Armstrong (inventor of the famous guns), on the other hand, says, + <span class="tei tei-q">“In my opinion, armour should be wholly + abandoned for the defence of the guns, and, except to a very limited + extent, I doubt the expediency of using it even for the security of + the ship. Where armour can be applied for <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">deflecting</span></span> projectiles, as at the + bow of a ship, it would afford great protection, without requiring to + be very heavy.”</span><a id="noteref_66" name="noteref_66" href= + "#note_66"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">66</span></span></a> Sir + William recommends very swift iron vessels, divided into numerous + compartments, with boilers and machinery below the water-line, and + only very partially protected by armour; considering that victory in + the contest as regards strength is entirely on the side of the + artillery. Sir Joseph Whitworth (also an inventor of great guns) + offered practically to make guns to penetrate <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">any</span></span> + thickness of armour. The bewildered Parliamentary committee says + mournfully in its report: <span class="tei tei-q">“A perfect ship of + war is a desideratum which has never yet been attained, and is now + farther than ever removed from our reach;”</span><a id="noteref_67" + name="noteref_67" href="#note_67"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">67</span></span></a> while + Mr. Reed<a id="noteref_68" name="noteref_68" href= + "#note_68"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">68</span></span></a> again + cuts the gordian knot by professing his belief that in the end, + <span class="tei tei-q">“guns will themselves be superseded as a + means of attack, and the ship itself, viewed as a steam + projectile—possessing all the force of the most powerful shot, + combined with the power of striking in various directions—will be + deemed the most formidable weapon of attack that man’s ingenuity has + devised.”</span> The contest between professed ship and gun makers + would be amusing but for the serious side—the immense expense, and + the important interests involved.</p><a name="figrockofgi" id= + "figrockofgi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_113.jpg" alt= + "THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR: FROM THE MAINLAND" title= + "THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR: FROM THE MAINLAND." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR: FROM THE MAINLAND. + </div> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page87">[pg 87]</span><a name= + "Pg087" id="Pg087" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc15" id="toc15"></a> <a name="pdf16" id= + "pdf16"></a><a name="chap06" id="chap06" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VI.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Round the World on a + Man-of-War.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The Mediterranean—White, blue, green, purple + Waters—Gibraltar—Its History—Its first Inhabitants the Monkeys—The + Moors—The Great Siege preceded by thirteen others—The Voyage of + Sigurd to the Holy Land—The Third Siege—Starvation—The Fourth + Siege—Red-hot balls used before ordinary Cannon-balls—The Great + Plague—Gibraltar finally in Christian hands—A Naval Action between + the Dutch and Spaniards—How England won the Rock—An Unrewarded + Hero—Spain’s attempts to regain It—The Great Siege—The Rock itself + and its Surroundings—The Straits—Ceuta, Gibraltar’s Rival—The + Saltness of the Mediterranean—</span><span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Going + aloft</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—On to + Malta.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this and + following chapters, we will ask the reader to accompany us in + imagination round the world, on board a ship of the Royal Navy, + visiting <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">en + route</span></span> the principal British naval stations and + possessions, and a few of those friendly foreign ports which, as on + the Pacific station, stand in lieu of them. We cannot do better than + commence with the Mediterranean, to which the young sailor will, in + all probability, be sent for a cruise after he has been thoroughly + <span class="tei tei-q">“broken in”</span> to the mysteries of life + on board ship, and where he has an opportunity of visiting many ports + of ancient renown and of great historical interest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The modern title + applied to the sea <span class="tei tei-q">“between the lands”</span> + is not that of the ancients, nor indeed that of some peoples now. The + Greeks had no special name for it. Herodotus calls it <span class= + "tei tei-q">“this sea;”</span> and Strabo the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sea within the columns,”</span> that is, within Calpe + and Abyla—the fabled pillars of Hercules—to-day represented by + Gibraltar and Ceuta. The Romans called it variously <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mare + Internum</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Mare Nostrum</span></span>, while the Arabians + termed it <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bahr Rüm</span></span>—the Roman Sea. The modern + Greeks call it <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Aspri Thalassa</span></span>—the White Sea; it + might as appropriately be called blue, that being its general colour, + or green, as in the Adriatic, or purple, as at its eastern end: but + they use it to distinguish it from the <span class="tei tei-q">“Sea + of Storms”</span>—the Black Sea. The Straits—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“the Gate of the Narrow Passage,”</span> as the Arabians + poetically describe it, or the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Gut</span></span>, as it is termed by our + prosaic sailors and pilots—is the narrow portal to a great inland sea + with an area of 800,000 miles, whose shores are as varied in + character as are the peoples who own them. The Mediterranean is + salter than the ocean, in spite of the great rivers which enter + it—the Rhone, Po, Ebro, and Nile—and the innumerable smaller streams + and torrents.<a id="noteref_69" name="noteref_69" href= + "#note_69"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">69</span></span></a> It has + other physical and special characteristics, to be hereafter + considered.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The political and + social events which have been mingled with its history are interwoven + with those of almost every people on the face of the globe. We shall + see how much our own has been shaped and involved. It was with the + memory of the glorious deeds of British seamen and soldiers that + Browning wrote, when sailing through the Straits:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Nobly, nobly, + Cape St. Vincent to the north-west died away;</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Sunset ran, one glorious blood-red, reeking into Cadiz Bay; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Bluish, ’mid the burning water, full in face Trafalgar lay; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + In the dimmest north-east distance dawned Gibraltar, grand and + gray; + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page88">[pg 88]</span><a name= + "Pg088" id="Pg088" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + ‘Here, and here, did England help me—how can I help England?’—say + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Whoso turns as I, this evening, turns to God to praise and pray, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">While Jove’s + planet rises yonder, silent over Africa.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And the poet is + almost literally correct in his description, for within sight, as we + enter the Straits of Gibraltar, are the localities of innumerable sea + and land fights dating from earliest days. That grand old Rock, what + has it not witnessed since the first timid mariner crept out of the + Mediterranean into the Atlantic—the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mare + Tenebrosum</span></span>,—the <span class="tei tei-q">“sea of + darkness”</span> of the ancients? Romans of old fought Carthaginian + galleys in its bay; the conquering Moors held it uninterruptedly for + six hundred years, and in all for over seven centuries; Spain owned + it close on two and a half centuries; and England has dared the world + to take it since 1704—one hundred and seventy-three years ago. Its + very armorial bearings, which we have adopted from those given by + Henry of Castile and Leon, are suggestive of its position and value: + a castle on a rock with a key pendant—the key to the Mediterranean. + The King of Spain still includes Calpe (Gibraltar) in his dominions; + and natives of the place, Ford tells us, in his <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Handbook to Spain,”</span> are entitled to the rights + and privileges of Spanish birth. It has, in days gone by, given great + offence to French writers, who spoke of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">l’ombrageuse + puissance</span></span> with displeasure. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sometimes,”</span> says Ford, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“there is too great a <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">luxe de + canons</span></span> in this fortress <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ornée</span></span>; + then the gardens destroy <span class="tei tei-q">‘wild + nature;’</span> in short, they abuse the red-jackets, guns, + nursery-maids, and even the monkeys.”</span> The present colony of + apes are the descendants of the aboriginal inhabitants of the Rock. + They have held it through all vicissitudes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Moorish + writers were ever enthusiastic over it. With them it was <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the Shining Mountain,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the Mountain of Victory.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Mountain of Taric”</span><a id="noteref_70" name= + "noteref_70" href="#note_70"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">70</span></span></a> + (Gibraltar), says a Granadian poet, <span class="tei tei-q">“is like + a beacon spreading its rays over the sea, and rising far above the + neighbouring mountains; one might fancy that its face almost reaches + the sky, and that its eyes are watching the stars in the celestial + track.”</span> An Arabian writer well describes its + position:—<span class="tei tei-q">“The waters surround Gibraltar on + almost every side, so as to make it look like a watch-tower in the + midst of the sea.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fame of the + last great siege, already briefly described in these pages,<a id= + "noteref_71" name="noteref_71" href="#note_71"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">71</span></span></a> has so + completely overshadowed the general history of the Rock that it will + surprise many to learn that it has undergone no less than fourteen + sieges. The Moors, after successfully invading Spain, first fortified + it in 711, and held uninterrupted possession until 1309, when + Ferdinand IV. besieged and took it. The Spaniards only held it + twenty-five years, when it reverted to the Moors, who kept it till + 1462. <span class="tei tei-q">“Thus the Moors held it in all about + seven centuries and a quarter, from the making a castle on the Rock + to the last sorrowful departure of the remnants of the nation. It has + been said that Gibraltar was the landing-place of the vigorous + Moorish race, and that it was the point of departure on which their + footsteps lingered last. In short, it was the European <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">tête de + pont</span></span>, of which Ceuta stands as the African fellow. By + these means myriads of Moslems passed into Spain, and with them much + for which the Spaniards are wrongfully unthankful. It is said that + when the Moors left their houses in Granada, which they <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page90">[pg 90]</span><a name="Pg090" id="Pg090" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>did with, so to speak, everything + standing, many families took with them the great wooden keys of their + mansions, so confident were they of returning home again, when the + keys should open the locks and the houses be joyful anew. It was not + to be as thus longed for; but many families in Barbary still keep the + keys of these long ago deserted and destroyed mansions.”</span><a id= + "noteref_72" name="noteref_72" href="#note_72"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">72</span></span></a> And now + we must mention an incident of its history, recorded in the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Norwegian Chronicles of the Kings,”</span> + concerning Sigurd the Crusader—the Pilgrim. After battling his way + from the North, with sixty <span class="tei tei-q">“long + ships,”</span> King Sigurd proceeded on his voyage to the Holy Land, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and came to Niörfa Sound (Gibraltar + Straits), and in the Sound he was met by a large viking force + (squadron of war-ships), and the King gave them battle; and this was + his fifth engagement with heathens since the time he came from + Norway. So says Halldor Skualldre:—</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“ <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">‘He moistened your dry + swords with blood,</span></span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + As through Niörfa Sound ye stood; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The screaming raven got a feast, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + As ye sailed onwards to the East.’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">Hence he went along Sarkland, or Saracen’s Land, + Mauritania, where he attacked a strong party, who had their fortress + in a cave, with a wall before it, in the face of a precipice: a place + which was difficult to come at, and where the holders, who are said + to have been freebooters, defied and ridiculed the Northmen, + spreading their valuables on the top of the wall in their sight. + Sigurd was equal to the occasion in craft as in force, for he had his + ships’ boats drawn up the hill, filled them with archers and + slingers, and lowered them before the mouth of the cavern, so that + they were able to keep back the defenders long enough to allow the + main body of the Northmen to ascend from the foot of the cliff and + break down the wall. This done, Sigurd caused large trees to be + brought to the mouth of the cave, and roasted the miserable wretches + within.”</span> Further fights, and he at last reached Jerusalem, + where he was honourably received by Baldwin, whom he assisted with + his ships at the siege of Sidon. Sigurd also visited Constantinople, + where the Emperor Alexius offered him his choice: either to receive + six skif-pound (or about a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">ton</span></span> of gold), or see the great + games of the hippodrome. The Northman wisely chose the latter, the + cost of which was said to be equal to the value of the gold offered. + Sigurd presented his ships to the Emperor, and their splendid prows + were hung up in the church of St. Peter, at + Constantinople.</p><a name="figgibrthne" id="figgibrthne" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_117.jpg" alt="GIBRALTAR: THE NEUTRAL GROUND" + title="GIBRALTAR: THE NEUTRAL GROUND." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + GIBRALTAR: THE NEUTRAL GROUND. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the year 1319, + Pedro, Infante of Castile, fought the Moors at Granada. The latter + were the victors, and their spoils were enormous, consisting in part + of forty-three hundredweights of gold, one hundred and forty + hundredweights of silver, with armour, arms, and horses in abundance. + Fifty thousand Castilians were slain, and among the captives were the + wife and children of the Infante. Gibraltar, then in the hands of + Spain, with Tarifa and eighteen castles of the district, were + offered, and refused for her ransom. The body of the Infante himself + was stripped of its skin, and stuffed and hung over the gate of + Granada.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The third siege + occurred in the reign of Mohammed IV., when the Spanish held the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page91">[pg 91]</span><a name="Pg091" + id="Pg091" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Rock. The governor at that + time, Vasco Perez de Meira, was an avaricious and dishonest man, who + embezzled the dues and other resources of the place and neglected his + charge. During the siege, a grain-ship fell on shore,<a id= + "noteref_73" name="noteref_73" href="#note_73"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">73</span></span></a> and its + cargo would have enabled him to hold out a long time. Instead of + feeding his soldiers, who were reduced to eating leather, he gave and + sold it to his prisoners, with the expectation of either getting + heavy ransoms for them, or, if he should have to surrender, of making + better terms for himself. It availed him nothing, for he had to + capitulate; and then, not daring to face his sovereign, Alfonso XI., + he had to flee to Africa, where he ended his days.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Alfonso besieged + it twice. The first time the Granadians induced him to abandon it, + promising a heavy ransom; the next time he commenced by reducing the + neighbouring town of Algeciras, which was defended with great energy. + When the Spaniards brought forward their wheeled towers of wood, + covered with raw hides, the Moors discharged cannon loaded with + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">red-hot</span></span> balls. This is noteworthy, + for cannon was not used by the English till three years after, at the + battle of Creçy, while it is the first recorded instance of + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">red-hot</span></span> shot being used at + all.<a id="noteref_74" name="noteref_74" href="#note_74"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">74</span></span></a> It is + further deserving of notice, that the very means employed at + Algeciras were afterwards so successfully used at the great siege. + After taking Algeciras, Alfonso blockaded Gibraltar, when the plague + broke out in his camp; he died from it, and the Rock remained + untaken. This was the epoch of one of those great pestilences which + ravaged Europe. Fifty thousand souls perished in London in 1348 from + its effects; Florence lost two-thirds of her population; in Saragossa + three hundred died daily. The sixth attack on the part of the King of + Fez was unsuccessful; as was that in 1436, when it was besieged by a + wealthy noble—one of the De Gusmans. His forces were allowed to land + in numbers on a narrow beach below the fortress, where they were soon + exposed to the rising of the tide and the missiles of the besieged. + De Gusman was drowned, and his body, picked up by the Moors, hung out + for twenty-six years from the battlements, as a warning to ambitious + nobles.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the eighth + siege, in 1462, Gibraltar passed finally into Christian hands. The + garrison was weak and the Spaniards gained an easy victory. When + Henry IV. learned of its capture, he rejoiced greatly, and took + immediate care to proclaim it a fief of the throne, adding to the + royal titles that of Lord of Gibraltar. The armorial distinctions + still borne by Gibraltar were first granted by him. The ninth siege, + on the part of a De Gusman, was successful, and it for a time passed + into the hands of a noble who had vast possessions and fisheries in + the neighbourhood. Strange to say, such were the troubles of Spain at + the time, that Henry the before-named, who was known as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the Weak,”</span> two years after confirmed the title to + the Rock to the son of the very man who had been constantly in arms + against him. But after the civil wars, and at the advent of Ferdinand + and Isabella, there was a decided change. Isabella, acting doubtless + under <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page92">[pg 92]</span><a name= + "Pg092" id="Pg092" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the advice of her + astute husband, whose entire policy was opposed to such + aggrandisement on the part of a subject, tried to induce the duke to + surrender it, offering in exchange the City of Utrera. Ayala<a id= + "noteref_75" name="noteref_75" href="#note_75"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">75</span></span></a> tells us + that he utterly refused. His great estates were protected by it, and + he made it a kind of central depôt for his profitable tunny + fisheries. He died in 1492, and the third duke applied to Isabella + for a renewal of his grant and privileges. She promised all, but + insisted that the Rock and fortress must revert to the Crown. But it + was not till nine years afterwards that Isabella succeeded in + compelling or inducing the Duke to surrender it formally. Dying in + 1504, the queen testified her wishes as follows:—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is my will and desire, insomuch as the city of + Gibraltar has been surrendered to the Royal Crown, and been inserted + among its titles, that it shall for ever so remain.”</span> Two years + after her death, Juan de Gusman tried to retake it, and blockaded it + for four months, at the end of which time he abandoned the siege, and + had to make reparation to those whose property had been injured. This + is the only bloodless one among the fourteen sieges.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In 1540 a dash was + made at the town, and even at a part of the fortress, by Corsairs. + They plundered the neighbourhood, burned a chapel and hermitage, and + dictated terms in the most high-handed way—that all the Turkish + prisoners should be released, and that their galleys should be + allowed to take water at the Gibraltar wells. They were afterwards + severely chastised by a Spanish fleet.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the wars + between the Dutch and Spaniards a naval action occurred, in the year + 1607, in the port of Gibraltar, which can hardly be omitted in its + history. The great Sully has described it graphically when speaking + of the efforts of the Dutch to secure the alliance of his master, + Henry IV. of France, in their wars against Philip of Spain. He says: + <span class="tei tei-q">“Alvares d’Avila, the Spanish admiral, was + ordered to cruise near the Straits of Gibraltar, to hinder the Dutch + from entering the Mediterranean, and to deprive them of the trade of + the Adriatic. The Dutch, to whom this was a most sensible + mortification, gave the command of ten or twelve vessels to one of + their ablest seamen, named Heemskerk, with the title of vice-admiral, + and ordered him to go and reconnoitre this fleet, and attack it. + D’Avila, though nearly twice as strong as his enemy, yet provided a + reinforcement of twenty-six great ships, some of which were of a + thousand tons burden, and augmented the number of his troops to three + thousand five hundred men. With this accession of strength he thought + himself so secure of victory that he brought a hundred and fifty + gentlemen along with him only to be witnesses of it. However, instead + of standing out to sea, as he ought to have done, he posted himself + under the town and castle of Gibraltar, that he might not be obliged + to fight but when he thought proper.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Heemskerk, who had taken none of these precautions, no + sooner perceived that his enemy seemed to fear him than he advanced + to attack him, and immediately began the most furious battle that was + ever fought in the memory of man. It lasted eight whole hours. The + Dutch vice-admiral, at the beginning, attacked the vessel in which + the Spanish admiral was, grappled with, and was ready to board her. A + cannon-ball, which wounded him in the thigh soon after the fight + began, left him only a hour’s life, during which, and till within + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page93">[pg 93]</span><a name="Pg093" + id="Pg093" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a moment of his death, he + continued to give orders as if he felt no pain. When he found himself + ready to expire, he delivered his sword to his lieutenant, obliging + him and all that were with him to bind themselves by an oath either + to conquer or die. The lieutenant caused the same oath to be taken by + the people of all the other vessels, when nothing was heard but a + general cry of <span class="tei tei-q">‘Victory or Death!’</span> At + length the Dutch were victorious; they lost only two vessels, and + about two hundred and fifty men; the Spaniards lost sixteen ships, + three were consumed by fire, and the others, among which was the + admiral’s ship, ran aground. D’Avila, with thirty-five captains, + fifty of his volunteers, and two thousand eight hundred soldiers, + lost their lives in the fight; a memorable action, which was not only + the source of tears and affliction to many widows and private + persons, but filled all Spain with horror.”</span><a id="noteref_76" + name="noteref_76" href="#note_76"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">76</span></span></a></p><a name="figmoortoat" + id="figmoortoat" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_121.png" alt="MOORISH TOWER AT GIBRALTAR" + title="MOORISH TOWER AT GIBRALTAR." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + MOORISH TOWER AT GIBRALTAR. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">England won + Gibraltar during the War of the Succession, when she was allied with + Austria and Holland against Spain and France. The war had dragged on + with varied results till 1704, when it was determined to attack Spain + at home with the aid of the Portuguese. The commanders of the allied + fleets and troops—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, the Landgrave George of + Hesse-Darmstadt, Sir George Rooke, Admiral Byng, Sir Cloudesley + Shovel, Admiral Leake, and the three <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page94">[pg 94]</span><a name="Pg094" id="Pg094" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Dutch admirals—determined to attack Gibraltar, + believed to be weak in forces and stores. On the 21st of July, 1704, + the fleet, which consisted of forty-five ships, six frigates, besides + fire and bomb-ships, came to an anchor off the Rock, and landed 5,000 + men, so as to at once cut off the supplies of the garrison. The + commanders of the allied forces sent, on the morning after their + arrival, a demand for the surrender of Gibraltar to the Archduke + Charles, whose claims as rightful King of Spain they were supporting. + The little garrison<a id="noteref_77" name="noteref_77" href= + "#note_77"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">77</span></span></a> answered + valiantly; and had their brave governor, the Marquis Diego de + Salinas, been properly backed, the fortress might have been Spain’s + to-day. The opening of the contest was signalised by the burning of a + French privateer, followed by a furious cannonading: the new and old + moles were speedily silenced, and large numbers of marines landed. + The contest was quite unequal, and the besieged soon offered to + capitulate with the honours of war, the right of retaining their + property, and six days’ provisions. The garrison had three days + allowed for its departure, and those, as well as the inhabitants of + the Rock, who chose, might remain, with full civil and religious + rights. Thus, in three days’ time the famous fortress fell into the + hands of the allies, and possession was taken in the name of Charles + III. Sir George Rooke, however, over-rode this, and pulled down the + standard of Charles, setting up in its stead that of England. A + garrison of 1,800 English seamen was landed. The English were, alone + of the parties then present, competent to hold it; and at the Peace + of Utrecht, 1711, it was formally ceded <span class= + "tei tei-q">“absolutely, with all manner of right for ever, without + exemption or impediment,”</span> to Great Britain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Spaniards + departed from the fortress they had valiantly defended, the majority + remaining at St. Roque. <span class="tei tei-q">“Like some of the + Moors whom they had dispossessed, their descendants are said to + preserve until this day the records and family documents which form + the bases of claims upon property on that Rock, which, for more than + a century and a half, has known other masters.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Rooke went + absolutely unrewarded. He was persistently ignored by the Government + of the day, and being a man of moderate fortune, consulted his own + dignity, and retired to his country seat. The same year, 1704, the + Spanish again attempted, with the aid of France, to take Gibraltar. + England had only three months to strengthen and repair the + fortifications, and the force brought against the Rock was by no + means contemptible, including as it did a fleet of two-and-twenty + French men-of-war. Succour arrived; Sir John Leake succeeded in + driving four of the enemy’s ships ashore. An attempt to escalade the + fortress was made, under the guidance of a native goat-herd. He, with + a company of men, succeeded in reaching the signal station, where a + hard fight occurred, and our troops killed or disabled 160 men, and + took the remnant prisoners. Two sallies were made from the Rock with + great effect, while an attempt made by the enemy to enter through a + narrow breach resulted in a sacrifice of 200 lives. A French fleet, + under Pointé, arrived; the English admiral captured three and + destroyed one of them—that of Pointé himself. To make a six months’ + story short, the assailants lost 10,000 men, and then had to raise + the siege. Although on several occasions our rulers have since the + Peace of Utrecht proposed to cede or exchange the fortress, the + spirit of the people would not permit it; and there can be + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page95">[pg 95]</span><a name="Pg095" + id="Pg095" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>no doubt whatever that our + right to Gibraltar is not merely that of possession—nine points of + the law—but cession wrung from a people unable to hold it. And that, + in war, is fair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Twenty years later + Spain again attempted to wring it from us. Mr. Stanhope, then our + representative at Madrid, was told by Queen Isabella: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Either relinquish Gibraltar or your trade with the + Indies.”</span> We still hold Gibraltar, and our trade with the + Indies is generally regarded as a tolerably good one. In December, + 1726, peace or war was made the alternative regarding the cession; + another bombardment followed. An officer<a id="noteref_78" name= + "noteref_78" href="#note_78"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">78</span></span></a> present + said that it was so severe that <span class="tei tei-q">“we seemed to + live in flames.”</span> Negotiations for peace followed at no great + distance of time, and the Spaniards suddenly drew off from the + attack. Various offers, never consummated, were made for an exchange. + Pitt proposed to cede it in exchange for Minorca, Spain to assist in + recovering it from the French. At another time, Oran, a third-class + port on the Mediterranean shores of Africa, was offered in exchange; + and Mr. Fitzherbert, our diplomatist, was told that the King of Spain + was <span class="tei tei-q">“determined never to put a period to the + present war”</span> if we did not agree to the terms; and again, that + Oran <span class="tei tei-q">“ought to be accepted with + gratitude.”</span> The tone of Spain altered very considerably a + short time afterwards, when the news arrived of the destruction of + the floating batteries, and the failure of the grand attack.<a id= + "noteref_79" name="noteref_79" href="#note_79"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">79</span></span></a> This was + at the last—the great siege of history. A few additional details may + be permitted before we pass to other subjects.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The actual siege + occupied three years and seven months, and for one year and nine + months the bombardment went on without cessation. The actual losses + on the part of the enemy can hardly be estimated; 1,473 were killed, + wounded, or missing on the floating batteries alone. But for brave + Curtis, who took a pinnace to the rescue of the poor wretches on the + batteries, then in flames, and the ammunition of which was exploding + every minute, more than 350 fresh victims must have gone to their + last account. His boat was engulfed amid the falling ruins; a large + piece of timber fell through its flooring, killing the coxswain and + wounding others. The sailors stuffed their jackets into the leak, and + succeeded in saving the lives of 357 of their late enemies. For many + days consecutively they had been peppering us at the rate of 6,500 + shots, and over 2,000 shells each twenty-four hours. With the + destruction of the floating batteries <span class="tei tei-q">“the + siege was virtually concluded. The contest was at an end, and the + united strength of two ambitious and powerful nations had been + humbled by a straitened garrison of 6,000 effective + men.”</span><a id="noteref_80" name="noteref_80" href= + "#note_80"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">80</span></span></a> Our + losses were comparatively small, though thrice the troops were on the + verge of famine. At the period of the great siege the Rock mounted + only 100 guns; now it has 1,000, many of them of great calibre. In + France, victory for the allies was regarded as such a foregone + conclusion that <span class="tei tei-q">“a drama, illustrative of the + destruction of Gibraltar by the floating batteries, was acted nightly + to applauding thousands!”</span><a id="noteref_81" name="noteref_81" + href="#note_81"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">81</span></span></a> The + siege has, we believe, been a favourite subject at the minor English + theatres many a time since; but it need not be stated that the views + taken of the result were widely different to those popular at that + time in Paris.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gibraltar has had + an eventful history even since the great siege. In 1804 a terrible + epidemic swept the Rock; 5,733 out of a population of 15,000 died in + a few weeks. The climate is warm and pleasant, but it is not + considered the most healthy of localities even <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page96">[pg 96]</span><a name="Pg096" id="Pg096" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>now. And on the 28th of October, 1805, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, in tow of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Neptune</span></span>, entered the bay, with the + body of Nelson on board. The fatal shot had done its work; only + eleven days before he had written to General Fox one of his happy, + pleasant letters.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Rock itself is + a compact limestone, a form of grey dense marble varied by beds of + red sandstone. It abounds in caves and fissures, and advantage has + been taken of these facts to bore galleries, the most celebrated of + which are St. Michael’s and Martin’s, the former 1,100 feet above the + sea. Tradition makes it a barren rock; but the botanists tell us + differently. There are 456 species of indigenous flowering plants, + besides many which have been introduced. The advantages of its + natural position have been everywhere utilised. It bristles with + batteries, many of which can hardly be seen. Captain Sayer tells us + that every spot where a gun could be brought to bear on an enemy has + one. <span class="tei tei-q">“Wandering,”</span> says he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“through the geranium-edged paths on the + hill-side, or clambering up the rugged cliffs to the eastward, one + stumbles unexpectedly upon a gun of the heaviest metal lodged in a + secluded nook, with its ammunition, round shot, canister, and case + piled around it, ready at any instant.... The shrubs and flowers that + grow on the cultivated places, and are preserved from injury with so + much solicitude, are often <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page97">[pg + 97]</span><a name="Pg097" id="Pg097" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>but + the masks of guns, which lie crouched beneath the leaves ready for + the port-fire.”</span> Everywhere, all stands ready for defence. War + and peace are strangely mingled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gibraltar has one + of the finest colonial libraries in the world, founded by the + celebrated Colonel Drinkwater, whose account of the great siege is + still the standard authority. The town possesses some advantages; but + as 15,000 souls out of a population of about double that number are + crowded into one square mile, it is not altogether a healthy + place—albeit much improved of late years. Rents are exorbitant; but + ordinary living and bad liquors are cheap. It is by no means the best + place in the world for <span class="tei tei-q">“Jack ashore,”</span> + for, as Shakespeare tells us, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sailors”</span> are <span class="tei tei-q">“but + men,”</span> and there be <span class="tei tei-q">“land rats and + water rats,”</span> who live on their weaknesses. The town has a very + mongrel population, of all shades of colour and character. Alas! the + monkeys, who were the first inhabitants of the Rock—tailless Barbary + apes—are now becoming scarce. Many a poor Jocko has fallen from the + enemy’s shot, killed in battles which he, at least, never + provoked.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The scenery of the + Straits, which we are now about to enter, is fresh and pleasant, and + as we commenced with an extract from one well-known poet, we may be + allowed to finish with that of another, which, if more hackneyed, is + still expressive and beautiful. Byron’s well-known lines will recur + to many of our readers:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Through Calpe’s + Straits survey the steepy shore;</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Europe and Afric on each other gaze! + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Lands of the dark-eyed maid and dusky Moor + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Alike beheld beneath pale Hecate’s blaze; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + How softly on the Spanish shore she plays, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Disclosing rock, and slope, and forest brown, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Distinct though + darkening with her waning phase.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the distance + gleams Mons Abyla—the Apes’ Hill of sailors—a term which could have + been, for a very long time, as appropriately given to Gibraltar. It + is the other sentinel of the Straits; while Ceuta, the strong + fortress built on its flanks, is held by Spain on Moorish soil, just + as we hold the Rock of Rocks on theirs. Its name is probably a + corruption of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Septem</span></span>—Seven—from the number of + hills on which it is built. It is to-day a military prison, there + usually being here two or three thousand convicts, while both + convicts and fortress are guarded by a strong garrison of 3,500 + soldiers. These in their turn were, only a few years ago, guarded by + the jealous Moors, who shot both guards and prisoners if they dared + to emerge in the neighbourhood. There is, besides, a town, as at + Gibraltar, with over 15,000 inhabitants, and at the present day + holiday excursions are commonly made across the Straits in strong + little steamers or other craft. The tide runs into the Straits from + the Atlantic at the rate of four or more knots per hour, and yet all + this water, with that of the innumerable streams and rivers which + fall into the Mediterranean, scarcely suffice to raise a perceptible + tide! What becomes of all this water? Is there a hole in the earth + through which it runs off? Hardly: evaporation is probably the true + secret of its disappearance: and that this is the reason is proved by + the greater saltness of the Mediterranean as compared with the + Atlantic.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In sailor’s + parlance, <span class="tei tei-q">“going aloft”</span> has a number + of meanings. He climbs the slippery shrouds to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“go aloft;”</span> and when at last, like poor Tom + Bowling, he lies a <span class="tei tei-q">“sheer hulk,”</span> + and—</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page98">[pg 98]</span><a name= + "Pg098" id="Pg098" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“His body’s + under hatches,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">His soul has + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">‘<span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">gone aloft</span></span>.’</span> ”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Going-aloft”</span> in the Mediterranean has a very + different meaning: it signifies passing upwards and eastwards from + the Straits of Gibraltar.<a id="noteref_82" name="noteref_82" href= + "#note_82"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">82</span></span></a> We are + now going aloft to Malta, a British possession hardly second to that + of the famed Rock itself.</p><a name="figmalta" id="figmalta" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_124.jpg" alt="MALTA" title="MALTA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + MALTA. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc17" id="toc17"></a> <a name="pdf18" id= + "pdf18"></a><a name="chap07" id="chap07" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VII.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Round the World on a + Man-of-War</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 120%">(</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">).</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">MALTA AND THE SUEZ CANAL.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Calypso’s Isle—A Convict Paradise—Malta, the</span> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Flower of the + World</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—The + Knights of St. John—Rise of the Order—The Crescent and the + Cross—The Siege of Rhodes—L’Isle Adam in London—The Great Siege of + Malta—Horrible Episodes—Malta in French and English Hands—St. + Paul’s Cave—The Catacombs—Modern Incidents—The Shipwreck of St. + Paul—Gales in the Mediterranean—Experiences of Nelson and + Collingwood—Squalls in the Bay of San Francisco—A Man + Overboard—Special Winds of the Mediterranean—The Suez Canal and M. + de Lesseps—His Diplomatic Career—Saïd Pacha as a Boy—As a + Viceroy—The Plan Settled—Financial Troubles—Construction of the + Canal—The Inauguration Fête—Suez—Passage of the Children of Israel + through the Red Sea.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Approaching Malta, + we must <span class="tei tei-q">“not in silence pass Calypso’s + Isle.”</span> Warburton describes it, in his delightful work on the + East<a id="noteref_83" name="noteref_83" href="#note_83"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">83</span></span></a>—a + classic on the Mediterranean—as a little paradise, with all the + beauties of a continent in miniature; little mountains with craggy + summits, little valleys with cascades and rivers, lawny meadows and + dark woods, trim gardens and tangled vineyards—all within a circuit + of five or six miles.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One or two + uninhabited little islands, <span class="tei tei-q">“that seem to + have strayed from the continent and lost their way,”</span> dot the + sea between the pleasant penal settlement and Gozo, which is also a + claimant for the doubtful honour of Calypso’s Isle. Narrow straits + separate it from the rock, the <span class="tei tei-q">“inhabited + quarry,”</span> called Malta, of which Valetta is the port. The + capital is a cross between a Spanish and an Eastern town; most of its + streets are flights of steps.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Although the + climate is delightful, it is extremely warm, and there is usually a + glare of heat about the place, owing to its rocky nature and limited + amount of tree-shade. <span class="tei tei-q">“All Malta,”</span> + writes Tallack,<a id="noteref_84" name="noteref_84" href= + "#note_84"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">84</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“seems to be light yellow—light yellow rocks, + light yellow fortifications, light yellow stone walls, light yellow + flat-topped houses, light yellow palaces, light yellow roads and + streets.”</span> Stones and stone walls are the chief and conspicuous + objects in a Maltese landscape; and for good reason, for the very + limited soil is propped up and kept in bounds by them on the hills. + With the scanty depth of earth the vegetation between the said stone + walls is wonderful. The green bushy carob and prickly cactus are + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page99">[pg 99]</span><a name="Pg099" + id="Pg099" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to be seen; but in the + immediate neighbourhood of Malta few trees, only an occasional and + solitary palm. Over all, the bright blue sky; around, the deep blue + sea. You must not say anything to a Maltese against it; with him it + is <span class="tei tei-q">“Flor del Mondo”</span>—the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Flower of the World.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poorest + natives live in capital stone houses, many of them with façades and + fronts which would be considered ornamental in an English town. The + terraced roofs make up to its cooped inhabitants the space lost by + building. There are five or six hundred promenadable roofs in the + city. Tallack says that the island generally is the abode of industry + and contentment. Expenses are high, except as regards the purchase of + fruits, including the famed <span class="tei tei-q">“blood,”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mandolin”</span> (sometimes called quite as + correctly <span class="tei tei-q">“Mandarin”</span>) oranges, and + Japan medlars, and Marsala wine from Sicily. The natives live simply, + as a rule, but the officers and foreign residents commonly do not; + and it is true here, as Ford says of the military gentlemen at + Gibraltar, that their faces often look somewhat redder than their + jackets in consequence. As in India, many unwisely adopt the high + living of their class, in a climate where a cool and temperate diet + is indispensable.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The four great + characteristics of Malta are soldiers, priests, goats, and bells—the + latter not being confined to the necks of the goats, but jangling at + all hours from the many church towers. The goats pervade everywhere; + there is scarcely any cow’s milk to be obtained in Malta. They may + often be seen with sheep, as in the patriarchal days of yore, + following their owners, in accordance with the pastoral allusions of + the Bible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What nature + commenced in Valetta, art has finished. It has a land-locked + harbour—really several, running into each other—surrounded by high + fortified walls, above which rise houses, and other fortifications + above them. There are galleries in the rock following the Gibraltar + precedent, and batteries bristling with guns; barracks, magazines, + large docks, foundry, lathe-rooms, and a bakery for the use of the + <span class="tei tei-q">“United”</span> Service.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To every visitor + the gorgeous church of San Giovanni, with its vaulted roof of gilded + arabesque, its crimson hangings, and carved pulpits, is a great + object of interest. Its floor resembles one grand escutcheon—a mosaic + of knightly tombs, recalling days when Malta was a harbour of saintly + refuge and princely hospitality for crusaders and pilgrims of the + cross. An inner chapel is guarded by massive silver rails, saved from + the French by the cunning of a priest, who, on their approach, + painted them wood-colour, and their real nature was never suspected. + But amid all the splendour of the venerable pile, its proudest + possession to-day is a bunch of old rusty keys—the keys of Rhodes, + the keys of the Knights of St. John. What history is not locked up + with those keys! There is hardly a country in Europe, Asia, or + Northern Africa, the history of which has not been more or less + entangled with that of these Knights of the Cross, who, driven by the + conquering Crescent from Jerusalem, took refuge successively in + Cyprus, Rhodes, Candia, Messina, and finally, Malta.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The island had an + important place in history and commerce long ere that period. The + Phœnicians held it 700 years; the Greeks a century and a half. The + Romans retained it for as long a period as the Phœnicians; and after + being ravaged by Goths and Vandals, it was for three and a half + centuries an appanage of the crown of Byzantium. Next came the Arabs, + who were succeeded by the Normans, and soon after it had become a + German possession, Charles V. presented it to the homeless + knights.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page101">[pg + 101]</span><a name="Pg101" id="Pg101" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the middle of + the eleventh century, some merchants of the then flourishing + commercial city of Amalfi obtained permission to erect three + hostelries or hospitals in the Holy City, for the relief of poor and + invalided pilgrims. On the taking of Jerusalem by the Crusaders, the + position and prospects of the hospitals of St. John became greatly + improved. The organisation became a recognised religious order, + vowing poverty, obedience, and chastity. <a name="corr101" id= + "corr101" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">Its</span> members were distinguished by a white cross + of four double points worn on a black robe, of the form commonly to + be met in the Maltese filigree jewellery of to-day, often to be noted + in our West End and other shops. Branch hospitals spread all over + Europe with the same admirable objects, and the order received + constant acquisitions of property. Under the guidance of Raymond du + Puy, military service was added to the other vows, and the monks + became the White Cross Knights.<a id="noteref_85" name="noteref_85" + href="#note_85"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">85</span></span></a> + Henceforth each seat of the order became a military garrison in + addition to a hospice, and each knight held himself in readiness to + aid with his arms his distressed brethren against the infidel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Slowly but surely + the Crescent overshadowed the Cross: the Holy City had to be + evacuated. The pious knights, after wandering first to Cyprus, + settled quietly in Rhodes, where for two centuries they maintained a + sturdy resistance against the Turks. At the first siege, in 1480, a + handful of the former resisted 70,000 of the latter. The bombardment + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page102">[pg 102]</span><a name="Pg102" + id="Pg102" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was so terrific that it is + stated to have been heard a hundred miles off, and for this + extraordinary defence, Peter d’Aubusson, Grand Master, was made a + cardinal by the Pope. At the second siege, L’Isle Adam, with 600 + Knights of St. John, and 4,500 troops, resisted and long repelled a + force of 200,000 infidels. But the odds were too great against him, + and after a brave but hopeless defence, which won admiration even + from the enemy, L’Isle Adam capitulated. After personal visits to the + Pope, and to the Courts of Madrid, Paris, and London, the then almost + valueless Rock of Malta was bestowed on the knights in 1530. Its + noble harbours, and deep and sheltered inlets were then as now, but + there was only one little town, called Burgo—Valetta as yet was + not.</p><a name="figdefeofma" id="figdefeofma" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_128.jpg" alt= + "THE DEFENCE OF MALTA BY THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN AGAINST THE TURKS IN 1565" + title= + "THE DEFENCE OF MALTA BY THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN AGAINST THE TURKS IN 1565." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE DEFENCE OF MALTA BY THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN AGAINST THE TURKS + IN 1565. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In London, L’Isle + Adam lodged at the provincial hostelry of the order, St. John’s + Clerkenwell, still a house of entertainment, though of a very + different kind. Henry VIII. received him with apparent cordiality, + and shortly afterwards confiscated all the English possessions of the + knights! This was but a trifle among their troubles, for in 1565 they + were again besieged in Malta. Their military knowledge, and + especially that of their leader, the great La Valette, had enabled + them to already strongly fortify the place. La Valette had 500 + knights and 9,000 soldiers, while the Turks had 30,000 fighting men, + conveyed thither in 200 galleys, and were afterwards reinforced by + the Algerine corsair, Drugot, and his men. A desperate resistance was + made: 2,000 Turks were killed in a single day. The latter took the + fortress of St. Elmo, with the loss of Drugot—just before the terror + of the Mediterranean—who was killed by a splinter of rock, knocked + off by a cannon-ball in its flight. The garrison was at length + reduced to sixty men, who attended their devotions in the chapel for + the last time. Many of these were fearfully wounded, but even then + the old spirit asserted itself, and they desired to be carried to the + ramparts in chairs to lay down their lives in obedience to the vows + of their order. Next day few of that devoted sixty were alive, a very + small number escaping by swimming. The attempts on the other forts, + St. Michael and St. Angelo, were foiled. Into the Eastern Harbour + (now the Grand), Mustapha ordered the dead bodies of the Christian + knights and soldiers to be cast. They were spread out on boards in + the form of a cross, and floated by the tide across to the besieged + with La Valette, where they were sorrowfully taken up and interred. + In exasperated retaliation, La Valette fired the heads of the Turkish + slain back at their former companions—a horrible episode of a fearful + struggle. St. Elmo alone cost the lives of 8,000 Turks, 150 Knights + of St. John, and 1,300 of their men. After many false promises of + assistance, and months of terrible suspense and suffering, an + auxiliary force arrived from Sicily, and the Turks retired. Out of + the 9,500 soldiers and knights who were originally with La Valette, + only 500 were alive at the termination of the great siege.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This memorable + defence was the last of the special exploits of the White Cross + Knights, and they rested on their laurels, the order becoming + wealthy, luxurious, and not a little demoralised. When the French + Revolution broke out in 1789, the confiscation of their property in + France naturally followed; for they had been helping Louis XVI. with + their revenues just previously. Nine years later, Napoleon managed, + by skilful intrigues, to obtain quiet possession of Malta. But he + could not keep it, for after two years of blockade it was won by + Great Britain, and she has held it ever since. At the Congress of + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page103">[pg 103]</span><a name="Pg103" + id="Pg103" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Vienna in 1814, our possession + was formally ratified. We hold it on as good a title as we do + Gibraltar, by rights acknowledged at the signing of the Peace + Treaty.<a id="noteref_86" name="noteref_86" href= + "#note_86"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">86</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The supposed scene + of St. Paul’s shipwreck is constantly visited, and although some have + doubted whether the Melita of St. Luke is not the island of the same + name in the Adriatic, tradition and probability point to Malta.<a id= + "noteref_87" name="noteref_87" href="#note_87"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">87</span></span></a> At St. + Paul’s Bay, there is a small chapel over the cave, with a statue of + the apostle in marble, with the viper in his hand. Colonel Shaw tells + us that the priest who shows the cave recommended him to take a piece + of the stone as a specific against shipwreck, saying, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take away as much as you please, you will not diminish + the cave.”</span> Some of the priests aver that there is a miraculous + renovation, and that it cannot diminish! and when they tell you that + under one of the Maltese churches the great apostle did <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">penance</span></span> + in a cell for three months, it looks still more as though they are + drawing on their imagination.</p><a name="figcataatci" id= + "figcataatci" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_129.png" alt= + "CATACOMBS AT CITTA VECCHIA, MALTA" title= + "CATACOMBS AT CITTA VECCHIA, MALTA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + CATACOMBS AT CITTA VECCHIA, MALTA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The great + catacombs at Citta Vecchia, Malta, were constructed by the natives as + places of refuge from the Turks. They consist of whole streets, with + houses and sleeping-places. They were later used for tombs. There are + other remains on the island of much greater antiquity, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hagiar + Chem</span></span> (the stones of veneration) date from Phœnician + days. These include a temple resembling Stonehenge, on a smaller + scale, where there are seven statuettes with a grotesque rotundity of + outline, the seven Phœnician <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cabiri</span></span> (deities; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“great and powerful ones”</span>). There are also seven + divisions to the temple, which is mentioned by Herodotus and other + ancient writers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To come back to + our own time. In 1808, the following remarkable event occurred at + Malta. One Froberg had raised a levy of Greeks for the British + Government, by telling the individual members that they should all be + corporals, generals, or what not. It was to be all officers, like + some other regiments of which we have heard. The men soon found out + the deceit, but drilled admirably until the brutality of the adjutant + caused them to mutiny. Malta was at the time thinly garrisoned, and + their particular fort had only one small detachment of troops and + thirty artillerymen. The mutineers made the officer of artillery + point his guns on the town. He, however, managed that the shots + should fall harmlessly. Another officer escaped up a chimney, and the + Greeks coming into the same house, nearly suffocated him by lighting + a large fire below. Troops arrived; the mutineers were secured, and a + court-martial condemned thirty, half of whom were to be hanged, and + the rest shot. Only five could be hanged at a time: the first five + were therefore suspended by the five who came next, and so on. Of the + men who <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page104">[pg 104]</span><a name= + "Pg104" id="Pg104" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>were to be shot one ran + away, and got over a parapet, where he was afterwards shot: another + is thought to have escaped.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Colonel Shaw tells + the story of a soldier of the Sicilian regiment who had frequently + deserted. He was condemned to be shot. A priest who visited him in + prison left behind him—purposely, there can be little doubt—his iron + crucifix. The soldier used it to scrape away the mortar, and moved + stone after stone, until he got into an adjoining cell, where he + found himself no better off, as it was locked. The same process was + repeated, until he at last reached a cell of which the door was open, + entered the passage and climbed a wall, beneath which a sentry was + posted. Fortunately for the prisoner, a regular Maltese shower was + pouring down, and the guard remained in his box. The fugitive next + reached a high gate, where it seemed he must be foiled. Not at all! + He went back, got his blanket, cut it into strips, made a rope, and + by its means climbed the gate, dropped into a fosse, from which he + reached and swam across the harbour. He lived concealed for some time + among the natives, but venturing one day into the town, was + recognised and captured. The governor considered that after all this + he deserved his life, and changed his sentence to transportation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before leaving + Malta, which, with its docks, navy-yard, and splendid harbours, + fortifications, batteries, and magazines, is such an important naval + and military station, we may briefly mention the revenue derived, and + expenditure incurred by the Government in connection with it, as both + are considerable. The revenue derived from imposts of the usual + nature, harbour dues, &c., is about £175,000. The military + expenditure is about £366,000, which includes the expenses connected + with the detachments of artillery, and the Royal Maltese Fencibles, a + native regiment of 600 to 700 men. The expenses of the Royal Navy + would, of course, be incurred somewhere, if not in Malta, and have + therefore nothing to do with the matter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Our next points of + destination are Alexandria and Suez, both intimately identified with + British interests. On our way we shall be passing through or near the + same waters as did St. Paul when in the custody of the centurion + Julius, <span class="tei tei-q">“one of Augustus’ band.”</span> It + was in <span class="tei tei-q">“a ship of Alexandria”</span> that he + was a passenger on that disastrous voyage. At Fair Havens, Crete (or + Candia), we know that the Apostle admonished them to stay, for + <span class="tei tei-q">“sailing was now dangerous,”</span> but his + advice was disregarded, and <span class="tei tei-q">“when the south + wind blew softly”</span> the master and owner of the vessel feared + nothing, but</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The flattering + wind that late with promis’d aid,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + From Candia’s Bay th’ unwilling ship betray’d, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">No longer fawns + beneath the fair disguise,”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“not long after, there arose against it a tempestuous + wind called Euroclydon,”</span> before which the ship drave under + bare poles. We know that she had to be undergirded; cables being + passed under her hull to keep her from parting; and lightened, by + throwing the freight overboard. For fourteen days the ship was driven + hither and thither, till at length she was wrecked off Melita. Sudden + gales, whirlwinds, and typhoons are not uncommon in the + Mediterranean; albeit soft winds and calm seas alternate with + them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the 22nd May, + 1798, Nelson, while in the Gulf of Genoa, was assailed by a + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page105">[pg 105]</span><a name="Pg105" + id="Pg105" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sudden storm, which carried + away all the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard’s</span></span> topmasts, washed one + man overboard, killed an unfortunate middy and a seaman on board, and + wounded others. This ship, which acted her name at the Nile only two + months afterwards, rolled and laboured so dreadfully, and was in such + distress, that Nelson himself declared, <span class="tei tei-q">“The + meanest frigate out of France would have been an unwelcome + guest!”</span> An officer relates that in the middle of the Gulf of + Lyons, Lord Collingwood’s vessel, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Ocean</span></span>, + a roomy 98-gun ship, was struck by a sea in the middle of a gale, + that threw her on her beam-ends, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page106">[pg 106]</span><a name="Pg106" id="Pg106" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>so much so that the men on the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Royal + Sovereign</span></span> called out, <span class="tei tei-q">“The + admiral’s gone down!”</span> She righted again, however, but was + terribly disabled. Lord Collingwood said afterwards that the heavy + guns were suspended almost <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">vertically</span></span>, and that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“he thought the topsides were actually parting from the + lower frame of the ship.”</span> Admiral Smyth, in his important + physical, hydrographical, and nautical work on the Mediterranean, + relates that in 1812, when on the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Rodney</span></span>, + a new 74-gun ship, she was so torn by the united violence of wind and + wave, that the admiral had to send her to England, although sadly in + need of ships. He adds, however, that noble as was her appearance on + the waters, <span class="tei tei-q">“she was one of that + hastily-built batch of men-of-war sarcastically termed the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Forty + Thieves</span></span>!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many are the + varieties of winds accompanied by special characteristics met in the + Mediterranean, and, indeed, sudden squalls are common enough in all + usually calm waters. The writer well remembers such an incident in + the beautiful Bay of San Francisco, California. He had, with friends, + started in the morning from the gay city of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Frisco”</span> on a deep-sea fishing excursion. The + vessel was what is technically known as a <span class= + "tei tei-q">“plunger,”</span> a strongly-built two-masted boat, with + deck and cabins, used in the bay and coast trade of the North + Pacific, or for fishing purposes. When the party, consisting of five + ladies, four gentlemen, the master and two men, started in the + morning, there was scarcely a breath of wind or a ripple on the + water, and oars as large as those used on a barge were employed to + propel the vessel.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The sea was + bright, and the bark rode well,”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">and at length the + desired haven, a sheltered nook, with fine cliffs, seaweed-covered + rocks, and deep, clear water, was reached, and a dozen strong lines, + with heavy sinkers, put out. The sea was bountiful: in a couple of + hours enough fish were caught to furnish a capital lunch for all. A + camp was formed on the beach, a large fire of driftwood lighted, and + sundry hampers unpacked, from which the necks of bottles had + protruded suspiciously. It was an <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">al fresco</span></span> + picnic by the seaside. The sky was blue, the weather was delightful, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and all went merry as a marriage + bell.”</span> Later, while some wandered to a distance and bathed and + swam, others clambered over the hills, among the flowers and waving + wild oats for which the country is celebrated. Then, as evening drew + on, preparations were made for a return to the city, and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“All aboard”</span> was the signal, for the wind was + freshening. All remained on deck, for there was an abundance of + overcoats and rugs, and shortly the passing schooners and yachts + could hear the strains of minstrelsy from a not altogether + incompetent choir, several of the ladies on board being musically + inclined. The sea gives rise to thoughts of the sea. The reader may + be sure that <span class="tei tei-q">“The Bay of Biscay,”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Larboard Watch,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Minute Gun,”</span> and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What are the Wild Waves saying?”</span> came among a + score of others. Meantime, the wind kept freshening, but all of the + number being well accustomed to the sea, heeded it not. Suddenly, in + the midst of one of the gayest songs, a squall struck the vessel, and + as she was carrying all sail, put her nearly on her beam-ends. So + violent was the shock, that most things movable on deck, including + the passengers, were thrown or slid to the lower side, many boxes and + baskets going overboard. These would have been trifles, but alas, + there is something sadder to relate. As one of the men was helping to + take in sail, a great sea dashed over the vessel and threw him + overboard, and for a few seconds only, his stalwart form was + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page107">[pg 107]</span><a name="Pg107" + id="Pg107" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>seen struggling in the waves. + Ropes were thrown to, or rather towards him, an empty barrel and a + coop pitched overboard, but it was hopeless—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“That cry is + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">‘Help!’</span> + where no help can come,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">For the White + Squall rides on the surging wave,”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">and he disappeared + in an <span class="tei tei-q">“ocean grave,”</span> amid the mingled + foam and driving spray. No more songs then; all gaiety was quenched, + and many a tear-drop clouded eyes so bright before. The vessel, under + one small sail only (the jib), drove on, and in half an hour broke + out of obscurity and mist, and was off the wharfs and lights of San + Francisco in calm water. The same distance had occupied over four + hours in the morning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the + Mediterranean every wind has its special name. There is the searching + north wind, the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Grippe</span></span> or <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mistral</span></span>, + said to be one of the scourges of gay Provence—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“La Cour de + Parlement, le Mistral et la Durance,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Sont les trois + fléaux de la Provence.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The north blast, a + sudden wind, is called <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Boras</span></span>, and hundreds of sailors + have practically prayed, with the song,</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Cease, rude + Boreas.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The north-east + biting wind is the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Gregale</span></span>, while the south-east, + often a violent wind, is the dreaded <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sirocco</span></span>, + bad either on sea or shore. The last which need be mentioned here, is + the stifling south-west wind, the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Siffante</span></span>. + But now we have reached the Suez Canal.</p><a name="figm___less" id= + "figm___less" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_133.png" alt="M. LESSEPS" title= + "M. LESSEPS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + M. LESSEPS. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This gigantic + work, so successfully completed by M. Lesseps, for ever solved the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">possibility</span></span> of a work which up to + that time had been so emphatically declared to be an impossibility. + In effect, he <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">is</span></span> a conqueror. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Impossible</span></span>,”</span> said the first + Napoleon, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">n’est pas + Français</span></span>,”</span> and the motto is a good one for any + man or any nation, although the author of the sentence found many + things impossible, including that of which we speak. M. de Lesseps + has done more for peace than ever the Disturber of Europe did with + war.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When M. de + Lesseps<a id="noteref_88" name="noteref_88" href= + "#note_88"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">88</span></span></a> + commenced with, not the Canal, but the grand conception thereof, he + had pursued twenty-nine years of first-class diplomatic service: it + would have been an honourable career for most people. He gave it up + from punctilios of honour; lost, at least possibly, the opportunity + of great political power. He was required to endorse that which he + could not possibly endorse. Lesseps had lost his chance, said many. + Let us see. The man who has conquered the usually unconquerable + English prejudice would certainly surmount most troubles! He has + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">only</span></span> carried out the ideas of + Sesostris, Alexander, Cæsar, Amrou, the Arabian conqueror, Napoleon + the Great, and Mehemet Ali. These are simply matters of history. But + history, in this case, has only repeated itself in the failures, not + in the successes. Lesseps has made the success; <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">they</span></span> were + the failures! Let us review history, amid which you may possibly find + many truths. The truth alone, as far as it may be reached, appears in + this work. The Peace Society ought to endorse Lesseps. As it stands, + the Peace party—well-intentioned people—ought to raise a statue to + the man who has made it almost impossible for England to be involved + in war, so far as the great East is concerned, for many a century to + come.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page108">[pg + 108]</span><a name="Pg108" id="Pg108" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After all, who is + the conqueror—he who kills, or he who saves, thousands?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To prove our + points, it will not be necessary to recite the full history of the + grandest engineering work of this century—a century replete with + proud engineering works. Here it can only be given in the barest + outline.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every intelligent + child on looking at the map would ask why the natural route to India + was not by the Isthmus of Suez, and why a canal was not made. His + schoolmaster answered, in days gone by, that there was a difference + in the levels of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. That question has + been answered successfully, and the difference has not ruined the + Canal. Others said that it was impossible to dig a canal through the + desert. It has been done! Lord Palmerston, the most serious opponent + in England that Lesseps had,<a id="noteref_89" name="noteref_89" + href="#note_89"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">89</span></span></a> thought + that France, our best ally to-day, would have too much influence in + Egypt. Events, thanks to Lord Beaconsfield’s astute policy, by + purchasing the Khedive’s interest, have given England the largest + share among the shareholders of all nations.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It would not be + interesting to follow all the troubles that Lesseps successfully + combated. The idea had more than once occurred to him, when in 1852 + he applied to Constantinople. The answer was that it in no way + concerned the Porte. Lesseps returned to his farm at Berry, and not + unlikely constructed miniature Suez Canals for irrigation, thought of + camels while he improved the breed of cattle, and built houses, but + not on the sand of the desert. Indeed, it was while on the roof of + one of his houses, then in course of construction, that the news came + to him of the then Pacha of Egypt’s death (Mehemet Ali). They had + once been on familiar terms. Mehemet Ali was a terribly severe man, + and seeing that his son Saïd Pacha, a son he loved, was growing fat, + he had sent him to climb the masts of ships for two hours a day, to + row, and walk round the walls of the city. Poor little fat boy! he + used to steal round to Lesseps’ rooms, and surreptitiously obtain + meals from the servants. Those surreptitious dinners did not greatly + hurt the interests of the Canal, as we shall see.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mehemet Ali had + been a moderate tyrant—to speak advisedly. His son-in-law, Defderdar, + known popularly as the <span class="tei tei-q">“Scourge of + God,”</span> was his acting vicegerent. The brute once had his groom + shod like a horse for having badly shod his charger. A woman of the + country one day came before him, complaining of a soldier who had + bought milk of her, and had refused to pay for it. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Art thou sure of it?”</span> asked the tyrant. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Take care! they shall tear open thy stomach + if no milk is found in that of the soldier.”</span> They opened the + stomach of the soldier. Milk was found in it. The poor woman was + saved. But, although his successor was not everything that could be + wished, he had a good heart, and was not <span class="tei tei-q">“the + terrible Turk.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In 1854, Lesseps + met Saïd Pacha in his tent on a plain between Alexandria and Lake + Mareotis, a swamp in the desert. His Highness was in good humour, and + understood Lesseps perfectly. A fine Arabian horse had been presented + to him by Saïd Pacha a few <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page110">[pg + 110]</span><a name="Pg110" id="Pg110" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>days + previously. After examining the plans and investigating the subject, + the ruler of Egypt said, <span class="tei tei-q">“I accept your plan. + We will talk about the means of its execution during the rest of the + journey. Consider the matter settled. You may rely on me.”</span> He + sent immediately for his generals, and made them sit down, repeating + the previous conversation, and inviting them to give their opinion of + the proposals of his <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">friend</span></span>. The impromptu counsellors + were better able to pronounce on equestrian evolutions than on a vast + enterprise. But Lesseps, a good horseman, had just before cleared a + wall with his charger, and they, seeing how he stood with the + Viceroy, gave their assent by raising their hands to their foreheads. + The dinner-tray then appeared, and with one accord all plunged their + spoons into the same bowl, which contained some first-class soup. + Lesseps considered it, very naturally, as the most important + negotiation he had ever made.</p><a name="figbirdofsu" id= + "figbirdofsu" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_137.jpg" alt="BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF SUEZ CANAL" + title="BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF SUEZ CANAL." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF SUEZ CANAL. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Results speak for + themselves. In 1854, there <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">was not a fly in that hideous + desert</span></span>. Water, sheep, fowls, and provisions of all + kinds had to be carried by the explorers. When at night they opened + the coops of fowls, and let the sheep run loose, they did it with + confidence. They were sure that next morning, in that desolate place, + the animals dare not desert the party. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“When,”</span> says Lesseps, <span class="tei tei-q">“we + struck our camp of a morning, if at the moment of departure a hen had + lurked behind, pecking at the foot of a tamarisk shrub, quickly she + would jump up on the back of a camel, to regain her cage.”</span> + That desert is now peopled. There are three important towns. Port + Saïd had not existed before: there is now what would be called a + <span class="tei tei-q">“city,”</span> in America, on a much smaller + basis of truth: it has 12,000 people. Suez, with 15,000 people, was + not much more than a village previously. Ismaïlia, half-way on the + route, has 5,000 or 6,000 of population. There are other towns or + villages.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A canal actually + effecting a junction between the two seas <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viâ</span></span> the + Nile was made in the period of the Egyptian dynasties. It doubtless + fulfilled its purpose for the passage of galleys and smaller vessels; + history hardly tells us when it was rendered useless. Napoleon the + First knew the importance of the undertaking, and appointed a + commission of engineers to report on it. M. Lepère presented him a + report on its feasibility, and Napoleon observed on it, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is a grand work; and though I cannot execute it now, + the day may come when the Turkish Government will glory in + accomplishing it.”</span> Other schemes, including those of eminent + Turkish engineers, had been proposed. It remained to be accomplished + in this century. The advantages gained by its construction can hardly + be enumerated here. Suffice it to say that a vessel going by the Cape + of Good Hope from London to Bombay travels nearly 6,000 miles over + the ocean; by the Suez Canal the distance is 3,100, barely more than + half the distance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To tell the + history of the financial troubles which obstructed the scheme would + be tedious to the reader. At last there was an International + Commission appointed, which cost the Viceroy of Egypt £12,000, and + yet no single member took a farthing for his services. The names are + sufficient to prove with what care it had been selected. On the part + of England, Messrs. Rendel and MacClean, both eminent engineers, + with, for a sufficiently good reason, Commander Hewet of the East + India Company’s service, who for twenty-seven years had been making + surveys in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. France gave two of her + greatest engineers, Messrs. Renaud and Liessou: Austria, one + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page111">[pg 111]</span><a name="Pg111" + id="Pg111" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the</span></span> + greatest practical engineers in the world, M. de Negrelli; Italy, M. + Paléocapa; Germany, the distinguished Privy Councillor Lentzé; + Holland, the Chevalier Conrad; Spain, M. de Montesino. They reported + entirely in favour of the route. A second International Congress + followed. The Viceroy behaved so magnificently to the scientific + gentlemen of all nations who composed the commission, that M. de + Lesseps thanked him publicly for having received them almost as + crowned heads. The Viceroy answered gracefully, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are they not the crowned heads of + science?”</span></p><a name="figmap_ofsu" id="figmap_ofsu" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_139.png" alt="MAP OF THE SUEZ CANAL" title= + "MAP OF THE SUEZ CANAL." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + MAP OF THE SUEZ CANAL. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last the + financial and political difficulties were overcome. In 1858, an + office was opened in Paris, into which money flowed freely. Lesseps + tells good-naturedly some little episodes which occurred. An old + bald-headed priest entered, doubtless a man who had been formerly a + soldier. <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! those English,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am glad to be able to be revenged on them + by taking shares in the Suez Canal.”</span> Another said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I wish to subscribe for <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Le Chemin de Fer de l’Ile de Suède’</span> ”</span> (The + Island of Sweden Railway!) It was remarked to him that the scheme did + not include a railway, and that Sweden is not an island. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“That’s all the same to me,”</span> he replied, + <span class="tei tei-q">“provided it be against the English, I + subscribe.”</span> Lord Palmerston, whose shade must feel uneasy in + the neighbourhood of the Canal, could not have been more prejudiced. + At Grenoble, a whole regiment of engineers—naturally men of + intelligence and technical knowledge, clubbed together for shares. + The matter was not settled by even <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page112">[pg 112]</span><a name="Pg112" id="Pg112" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the free inflow of money. The Viceroy had been + so much annoyed by the opposition shown to the scheme, that it took a + good deal of tact on the part of its promoter to make things run + smoothly. For the first four years, Lesseps, in making the necessary + international and financial arrangements, travelled 30,000 miles per + annum.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length the + scheme emerged from fog to fact. The Viceroy had promised 20,000 + Egyptian labourers, but in 1861 he begged to be let out of his + engagement. He had to pay handsomely for the privilege. Although the + men were paid higher than they had ever been before, their labour was + cheap: it cost double or treble the amount to employ foreigners.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Canal, in its + course of a shade over 100 miles, passes through several salt + marshes, <span class="tei tei-q">“Les Petits Bassins des Lacs + Amers,”</span> in one of which a deposit of salt was found, seven + miles long by five miles wide. It also passes through an extensive + piece of water, Lake Menzaleh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At Lake Menzaleh + the banks are very slightly above the level of the Canal, and from + the deck of a big steamer there is an unbounded view over a wide + expanse of lake and morass studded with islets, and at times gay and + brilliant with innumerable flocks of rosy pelicans, scarlet + flamingoes, and snow-white spoonbills, geese, ducks, and other birds. + The pelicans may be caught bodily from a boat, so clumsy are they in + the water, without the expenditure of powder and shot. Indeed, the + sportsman might do worse than visit the Canal, where, it is almost + needless to state, the shooting is open to all. A traveller, who has + recently passed through the Canal <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">en route</span></span> + to India, writes that there are alligators also to be seen. The whole + of the channel through Lake Menzaleh was almost entirely excavated + with dredges. When it was necessary to remove some surface soil + before there was water enough for the dredges to float, it was done + by the natives of Lake Menzaleh, a hardy and peculiar race, quite at + home in digging canals or building embankments. The following account + shows their mode of proceeding:—<span class="tei tei-q">“They place + themselves in files across the channel. The men in the middle of the + file have their feet and the lower part of their legs in the water. + These men lean forward and take in their arms large clods of earth, + which they have previously dug up below the water with a species of + pickaxe called a fass, somewhat resembling a short, big hoe. The + clods are passed from man to man to the bank, where other men stand + with their backs turned, and their arms crossed behind them, so as to + make a sort of primitive hod. As soon as each of these has had enough + clods piled on his back, he walks off, bent almost double, to the + further side of the bank, and there opening his arms, lets his load + fall through to the ground. It is unnecessary to add that this + original <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">métier</span></span> requires the absence of all + clothing.”</span><a id="noteref_90" name="noteref_90" href= + "#note_90"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">90</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Into the channel + thus dug the dredges were floated. One of the machines employed + deserves special mention. The <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">long couloir</span></span> (duct) was an iron + spout 230 feet long, five and a half wide, and two deep, by means of + which a dredger working in the centre of the channel could discharge + its contents beyond the bank, assisted by the water which was pumped + into it. The work done by these long-spouted dredges has amounted to + as much as 120,000 cubic yards a-piece of soil in a month. By all + kinds of ingenious appliances invented for the special needs of the + occasion, as much as 2,763,000 cubic yards of <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page113">[pg 113]</span><a name="Pg113" id="Pg113" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>excavation were accomplished in a month. + M. de Lesseps tells us that <span class="tei tei-q">“were it placed + in the Place Vendôme, it would fill the whole square, and rise five + times higher than the surrounding houses.”</span> It would cover the + entire length and breadth of the Champs Elysées, and reach to the top + of the trees on either side.</p><a name="figsuezcadr" id= + "figsuezcadr" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_143.jpg" alt= + "THE SUEZ CANAL: DREDGES AT WORK" title= + "THE SUEZ CANAL: DREDGES AT WORK." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE SUEZ CANAL: DREDGES AT WORK. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Port Saïd, which + owes its very existence to the Canal, is to-day a port of + considerable importance, where some of the finest steamships in the + world stop. All the through <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page114">[pg + 114]</span><a name="Pg114" id="Pg114" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>steamers between Europe and the East—our own + grand <span class="tei tei-q">“P. & O.”</span> (Peninsular and + Oriental) line, the splendid French <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Messageries,”</span> the Austrian Lloyd’s, and dozens of + excellent lines, all make a stay here of eight or ten hours. This is + long enough for most travellers, as, sooth to say, the very land on + which it is built had to be <span class="tei tei-q">“made,”</span> in + other words, it was a tract of swampy desert. It has respectable + streets and squares, docks, quays, churches, mosques, and hotels. The + outer port is formed by two enormous breakwaters, one of which runs + straight out to sea for a distance of 2,726 yards. They have + lighthouses upon them, using electricity as a means of illumination. + Messrs. Borel and Lavalley were the principal contractors for the + work. The ingenious machinery used cost nearly <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">two and a half million + pounds</span></span> (actually £2,400,000), and the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">monthly</span></span> + consumption of coal cost the Company £40,000.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The distance from + Port Saïd to Suez is 100 miles. The width of the Canal, where the + banks are low, is about 328 feet, and in deep cuttings 190 feet. The + deep channel is marked with buoys. The mole at the Port Saïd + (Mediterranean) end of the Canal stretches out into the sea for over + half a mile, near the Damietta branch of the Nile. This helps to form + an artificial harbour, and checks the mud deposits which might + otherwise choke the entrance. It cost as much as half a million. In + the Canal there are recesses—shall we call them sidings, as on a + railway?—where vessels can enter and allow others to pass.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The scenery, we + must confess, is generally monotonous. At Ismaïlia, however, a town + has arisen where there are charming gardens. We are told that + <span class="tei tei-q">“it seems only necessary to pour the waters + of the Nile on the desert to produce a soil which will grow anything + to perfection.”</span> Here the Viceroy built a temporary palace, and + M. de Lesseps himself has a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">châlet</span></span>. At Suez itself the scenery + is charming. From the height, on which is placed another of the + Khedive’s residences, there is a magnificent panorama in view. In the + foreground is the town, harbour, roadstead, and mouth of the Canal. + To the right are the mountain heights—Gebel Attákah—which hem in the + Red Sea. To the left are the rosy peaks of Mount Sinai, so familiar + to all Biblical students as the spot where the great Jewish Law was + given by God to Moses; and between the two, the deep, deep blue of + the Gulf. Near Suez are the so-called <span class="tei tei-q">“Wells + of Moses,”</span> natural springs of rather brackish water, + surrounded by tamarisks and date-palms, which help to form an oasis—a + pic-nic ground—in the desert. Dean Stanley has termed the spot + <span class="tei tei-q">“the Richmond of Suez.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before leaving the + Canal on our outward voyage, it will not be out of place to note the + inauguration <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">fête</span></span>, which must have been to M. + de Lesseps the proudest day of a useful life. Two weeks before that + event, the engineers were for the moment baffled by a temporary + obstruction—a mass of solid rock in the channel. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go,”</span> said the unconquerable projector, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and get powder at Cairo—powder in + quantities; and then, if we can’t blow up the rock, we’ll blow up + ourselves.”</span> That rock was very soon in fragments! The spirit + and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">bonhomie</span></span> of Lesseps made + everything easy, and the greatest difficulties surmountable. + <span class="tei tei-q">“From the beginning of the work,”</span> says + he, <span class="tei tei-q">“there was not a tent-keeper who did not + consider himself an agent of civilisation.”</span> This, no doubt, + was the great secret of his grand success.</p><a name="figopenofth" + id="figopenofth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_141.jpg" alt= + "OPENING OF THE SUEZ CANAL—PROCESSION OF SHIPS" title= + "OPENING OF THE SUEZ CANAL—PROCESSION OF SHIPS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + OPENING OF THE SUEZ CANAL—PROCESSION OF SHIPS. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The great day + arrived. On the 16th of November, 1868, there were 160 vessels + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page115">[pg 115]</span><a name="Pg115" + id="Pg115" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ready to pass the Canal. At the + last moment that evening it was announced that an Egyptian frigate + had run on one of the banks of the Canal, and was hopelessly stuck + there, obstructing the passage. She could not be towed off, and the + united efforts of several hundred men on the bank could not at first + move her. The Viceroy even proposed to blow her up. It was only five + minutes before arriving at the site of the accident that an Egyptian + admiral signalled to Lesseps from a little steam-launch that the + Canal was free. A procession of 130 vessels was formed, the steam + yacht <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">L’Aigle</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">en avant</span></span>, + carrying on board the Empress of the French, the Emperor of Austria, + and the Viceroy. This noble-hearted Empress, who has been so long + exiled in a country she has learned to love, told Lesseps at Ismaïlia + that during the whole journey she had felt <span class= + "tei tei-q">“as though a circle of fire were round her head,”</span> + fearing that some disaster might mar the day’s proceedings. Her + pent-up feelings gave way at last; and when success was assured, she + retired to her cabin, where sobs were heard by her devoted + friends—sobs which did great honour to her true and patriotic + heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Viceroy on + that occasion entertained 6,000 foreigners, a large proportion of + whom were of the most distinguished kind. Men of all nationalities + came to honour an enlightened ruler, and witness the opening of a + grand engineering work, which had been carried through so many + opposing difficulties; to applaud the man of cool head and active + brain, who had a few years before been by many jeered at, snubbed, + and thwarted. To suitably entertain the vast assemblage, the Viceroy + had engaged 500 cooks and 1,000 servants, bringing many of them from + Marseilles, Trieste, Genoa, and Leghorn.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Although the + waters of the Canal are usually placid—almost sleepily calm—they are + occasionally lashed up into waves by sudden storms. One such, which + did some damage, occurred on December 9th, 1877.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, before + leaving the subject, it will be right to mention a few facts of + importance. The tonnage of vessels passing the Canal quadrupled in + five years. As many as thirty-three vessels have been passing in one + day at the same time, although this was exceptional. In 1874, the + relative proportions, as regards the nationalities of tonnage, if the + expression may be permitted, were as follows:—</p> + + <table summary="This is a table" cellspacing="0" class= + "tei tei-table" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <colgroup span="3"></colgroup> + + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">English</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">222,000</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">tons.</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">French</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">103,000</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Dutch</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">84,000</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Austrian</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">63,000</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Italian</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">50,000</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Spanish</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">39,000</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">German</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">28,000</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Various</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">65,000</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The present + tonnage passing the Canal is much greater. All the world knows how + and why England acquired her present interest in the Canal, but all + the world does not appreciate its value to the full extent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suez has special + claims to the attention of the Biblical student, for near + it—according to some, eighteen miles south of it—the children of + Israel passed through the Red Sea; 2,000,000 men, women, and + children, with flocks of cattle went dryshod through the <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page116">[pg 116]</span><a name="Pg116" id="Pg116" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>dividing walls of water. Holy Writ informs + us that <span class="tei tei-q">“the Lord caused the sea to go back + by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and + the waters were divided.”</span><a id="noteref_91" name="noteref_91" + href="#note_91"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">91</span></span></a> The + effect of wind, in both raising large masses of water and in driving + them back, is well known, while there are narrow parts of the Red Sea + which have been forded. In the morning <span class="tei tei-q">“the + Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, + even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.”</span> We + know the sequel. The waters returned, and covered the Egyptian hosts; + <span class="tei tei-q">“there remained not so much as one of + them.”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“Then sang Moses and the + children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will + sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and + his rider hath he thrown in the sea. * * *</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the + sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom + as a stone.”</span></p><a name="figcatcpeon" id="figcatcpeon" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_146.png" alt= + "CATCHING PELICANS ON LAKE MENZALEH" title= + "CATCHING PELICANS ON LAKE MENZALEH." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + CATCHING PELICANS ON LAKE MENZALEH. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page117">[pg 117]</span><a name="Pg117" + id="Pg117" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc19" id= + "toc19"></a> <a name="pdf20" id="pdf20"></a><a name="chap08" id= + "chap08" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VIII.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Round the World on a + Man-of-War</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 120%">(</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">).</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">THE INDIA AND CHINA STATIONS.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The Red Sea and its Name—Its Ports—On to the India + Station—Bombay: Island, City, Presidency—Calcutta—Ceylon, a + Paradise—The China Station—Hong Kong—Macao—Canton—Capture of + Commissioner Yeh—The Sea of Soup—Shanghai—</span><span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Jack</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">Ashore + there—Luxuries in Market—</span><a name="corr117" id="corr117" + class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: center"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Drawbacks:</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 90%">Earthquakes, and Sand Showers—Chinese Explanations + of Earthquakes—The Roving Life of the Sailor—Compensating + Advantages—Japan and its People—The Englishmen of the + Pacific—Yokohama—Peculiarities of the Japanese—Off to the + North.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Red Sea + separates Arabia from Egypt, Nubia, and Abyssinia. Its name is either + derived from the animalculæ which sometimes cover parts of its + surface, or, more probably, from the red and purple coral which + abound in its waters. The Hebrew name signifies <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the Weedy Sea,”</span> because the corals have often + plant-like forms. There are reefs of coral in the Red Sea which + utterly prevent approach to certain parts of the coasts. Many of the + islands which border it are of volcanic origin. On the Zeigar Islands + there was an alarming eruption in 1846. England owns one of the most + important of the islands, that of Perim, in the Straits of + Bab-el-Mandeb. It is a barren, black rock, but possesses a fine + harbour, and commands one entrance of the Red Sea. It was occupied by + Great Britain in 1799, abandoned in 1801, and re-occupied on the 11th + of February, 1857. Its fortifications possess guns of sufficient + calibre and power to command the Straits.</p><a name="figjiddfrth" + id="figjiddfrth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_147.png" alt="JIDDAH, FROM THE SEA" title= + "JIDDAH, FROM THE SEA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + JIDDAH, FROM THE SEA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The entire circuit + of the Red Sea is walled by grand mountain ranges. Some of its ports + and harbours are most important places. There is Mocha, so dear to + the coffee-drinker; Jiddah, the port for the holy city of Mecca, + whither innumerable pilgrims repair; Hodeida, and Locheia. It was in + Jiddah that, in 1858, the Moslem population rose against the + Christians, and killed forty-five, including the English and French + consuls. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page118">[pg + 118]</span><a name="Pg118" id="Pg118" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>On + the African side, besides Suez, there are the ports of Cosseir, + Suakim, and Massuah. The Red Sea is deep for a partially inland sea; + there is a recorded instance of soundings to 1,000 + fathoms—considerably over a mile—and no bottom found.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After leaving the + Red Sea, where shall we proceed? We have the choice of the India, + China, or Australia Stations. Actually, to do the voyage + systematically, Bombay would be the next point.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Bombay, in general + terms, is three things: a city of three-quarters of a million souls; + a presidency of 12,000,000 inhabitants; or an island—the island of + Mambai, according to the natives, or Buon Bahia, the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“good haven,”</span> if we take the Portuguese version. + The city is built on the island, which is not less than eight miles + long by three broad, but the presidency extends to the mainland.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In 1509, the + Portuguese visited it, and in 1530 it became theirs. In 1661, it was + blindly ceded to our Charles II., as simply a part of the dowry of + his bride, the Infanta Catherine. Seven years after Charles the + Dissolute had obtained what is now the most valuable colonial + possession of Great Britain, he ceded it to the Honourable East India + Company—though, of course, for a handsome consideration.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Bombay has many + advantages for the sailor. It is always accessible during the + terrible south-west monsoons, and possesses an anchoring ground of + fifty miles, sheltered by islands and a magnificent series of + breakwaters, at the south end of which is a grand lighthouse. Its + docks and dockyards cover fifty acres; ship-building is carried on + extensively; and there is an immense trade in cotton, coffee, opium, + spices, gums, ivory, and shawls. Of its 700,000 inhabitants, 50,000 + are Parsees—Persians—descendants of the original Fire-worshippers. A + large proportion of them are merchants. It may not be generally known + to our readers that the late Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy—who left wealth + untold, although all his days he had been a humane and charitable + man, and who established in Bombay alone two fine hospitals—was a + Parsee.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calcutta, in 1700, + was but a collection of petty villages, surrounding the factories or + posts of the East India Company, and which were presented to that + corporation by the Emperor of Delhi. They were fortified, and + received the name of Fort William, in honour of the reigning king. It + subsequently received the title of Calcutta, that being the name of + one of the aforesaid villages. Seven years after that date, Calcutta + was attacked suddenly by Surajah Dowlah, Nawab of Bengal. Abandoned + by many who should have defended it, 146 English fell into the + enemy’s hands, who put them into that confined and loathsome cell of + which we have all read, the <span class="tei tei-q">“Black Hole of + Calcutta.”</span> Next morning but twenty-three of the number were + found alive. Lord Clive, eight months later, succeeded in recapturing + Calcutta, and after the subsequently famous battle of Plassey, the + possessions of the East India Company greatly extended. To-day + Calcutta has a <span class="tei tei-q">“Strand”</span> longer than + that of London, and the batteries of Fort William, which, with their + outworks, cover an area half a mile in diameter, and have cost + £2,000,000, form the strongest fortress in India.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Across the + continent by railway, and we land easily in Calcutta. It has, with + its suburbs, a larger population than Bombay, but can never rival it + as a port, because it is a hundred miles up the Hooghly River, and + navigation is risky, although ships of 2,000 <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page119">[pg 119]</span><a name="Pg119" id="Pg119" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>tons can reach it. It derives its name from Kali + Ghatta, the ghaut or landing-place of the goddess Kali. Terrible + cyclones have often devastated it; that in 1867 destroyed 30,000 + native houses, and a very large amount of human life.</p><a name= + "figcyclatca" id="figcyclatca" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_150.jpg" alt="CYCLONE AT CALCUTTA" title= + "CYCLONE AT CALCUTTA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + CYCLONE AT CALCUTTA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailor’s route + would, however, take him, if bound to China or Australia, round the + island of Ceylon, in which there are two harbours, Point de Galle, + used as a stopping-place, a kind of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“junction”</span> for the great steamship lines, of which + the splendid Peninsular and Oriental (the <span class="tei tei-q">“P. + & <a name="corr119" id="corr119" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">O.</span>”</span>) + Company, is the principal. Point de Galle is the most convenient + point, but it does not possess a first-class harbour. At Trincomalee, + however, there is a magnificent harbour.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ceylon is one of + the most interesting islands in the world. It is the Serendib of the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Arabian Nights,”</span> rich in glorious + scenery, equable climate, tropical vegetation, unknown quantities of + gems and pearls, and many minerals. The sapphire, ruby, topaz, + garnet, and amethyst abound. A sapphire was found in 1853 worth + £4,000. Its coffee plantations are a source of great wealth. Palms, + flowering shrubs, tree ferns, rhododendrons, as big as timber trees, + clothe the island in perennial verdure. The elephant, wild boar, + leopard, bear, buffalo, humped ox, deer, palm-cat and civet are + common, but there are few dangerous or venomous animals. The + Singhalese population, really Hindoo colonists, are effeminate and + cowardly. The Kandyans, Ceylonese Highlanders, who dwell in the + mountains, are a more creditable race, sturdy and manly. Then there + are the Malabars, early Portuguese and Dutch settlers, with a + sprinkling of all nationalities.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There, too, are + the outcast Veddahs, the real wild men of the woods. With them there + is no God—no worship. The Rock Veddahs live in the jungle, follow the + chase, sleep in caves or in the woods, eat lizards, and consider + roast monkey a prime dish. The Village Veddahs are a shade more + civilised.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One reads + constantly in the daily journals of the India, China, or Australian + Stations, and the reader may think that they are very intelligible + titles. He may be surprised to learn that the East India Station not + merely includes the ports of India and Ceylon, but the whole Indian + Ocean, as far south as Madagascar, and the east coast of Africa, + including Zanzibar and Mozambique, where there are dockyards. The + China Station includes Japan, Borneo, Sumatra, the Philippine + Islands, and the coast of Kamchatka and Eastern Siberia to Bering + Sea. The Australian Station includes New Zealand and New Guinea. The + leading stations in China are Hong Kong, Canton, and Shanghai. + Vessels bound to the port of Canton have to enter the delta of the + Pearl River, the area of which is largely occupied with isles and + sandbanks. There are some thirty forts on the banks. When the ship + has passed the mouth of this embouchure, which forms, in general + terms, a kind of triangle, the sides of which are 100 miles each in + length, you can proceed either to the island of Hong Kong, an English + colony, or to the old Portuguese settlement of Macao.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The name Hong Kong + is a corruption of Hiang Kiang,<a id="noteref_92" name="noteref_92" + href="#note_92"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">92</span></span></a> which is + by interpretation <span class="tei tei-q">“Scented Stream.”</span> + Properly, the designation belongs to a small stream on the southern + side of the island, where ships’ boats have long been in the habit of + obtaining fine pure <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page120">[pg + 120]</span><a name="Pg120" id="Pg120" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>water; but now the name is given by foreigners + to the whole island. The island is about nine miles in length, and + has a very rugged and barren surface, consisting of rocky ranges of + hills and mountains, intersected by ravines, through which streams of + the purest water flow unceasingly. Victoria, Hong Kong, is the + capital of the colony, and the seat of government. It extends for + more than three miles east and west, part of the central grounds + being occupied by military barracks and hospitals, commissariat + buildings, colonial churches, post-office, and harbour-master’s + depôt, all of which are overlooked by the Government-house itself, + high up on the hill. Close to the sea-beach are the commercial + houses, clubs, exchange, and market-places.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the + shelter, security, and convenience offered by the harbour that + induced our <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page121">[pg + 121]</span><a name="Pg121" id="Pg121" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Government to select it for a British + settlement; it has one of the noblest roadsteads in the world. Before + the cession to England in 1841, the native population on the island + did not exceed 2,000; now there are 70,000 or 80,000.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Macao (pronounced + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Macow</span></span>) is forty miles to the + westward of Hong Kong, and an agreeable place as regards its scenery + and surroundings, but deficient as regards its harbour accommodation. + Dr. Milne, himself a missionary resident for fourteen years in China, + says, writing in 1859: <span class="tei tei-q">“To some of the + present generation of English residents in China, there can be + anything but associations of a comfortable kind connected with Macao, + recollecting as they must the unfriendly policy which the Portuguese + on the spot pursued some sixteen or seventeen years since, and the + bitterly hostile bearing which the Chinese of the settlement were + encouraged to assume towards the <span class="tei tei-q">‘red-haired + English.’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Macao is a + peninsula, eight miles in circuit, stretching out from a large + island. The connecting piece of land is a narrow isthmus, which in + native topography is called <span class="tei tei-q">“the stalk of a + water-lily.”</span> In 1840 a low wall stretched across this isthmus, + the foundation stones of which had been laid about three hundred + years ago, with the acknowledged object of limiting the movements of + foreigners. This was the notorious <span class= + "tei tei-q">“barrier,”</span> which, during the Chinese war of + 1840-1, was used to annoy the English. As large numbers of the + peasantry had to pass the <span class="tei tei-q">“barrier + gates”</span> with provisions for the mixed population at Macao, it + was a frequent manœuvre with the Chinese authorities to stop the + market supplies by closing the gate, and setting over it a guard of + half-starved and ravenous soldiery.</p><a name="figmacao" id= + "figmacao" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_154.jpg" alt="MACAO" title="MACAO." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + MACAO. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Leaving Macao for + Canton, the ship passes the celebrated <span class="tei tei-q">“Bogue + Forts,”</span> threads her course through a network of islets and + mud-banks, and at last drops anchor twelve miles from the city off + the island of Whampoa, where the numerous and grotesque junks, + <span class="tei tei-q">“egg boats,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sampans,”</span> &c., indicate a near approach to an + important place. The name Canton is a European corruption of + Kwang-tung, the <span class="tei tei-q">“Broad East.”</span> Among + the Chinese it is sometimes described poetically as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the city of the genii,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the city of grain,”</span> and the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“city of rams.”</span> The origin of these terms is thus + shown in a native legend. After the foundation of the city, which + dates back 2,000 years, five genii, clothed in garments of five + different colours, and riding on five rams of different colours, met + on the site of Canton. Each of the rams bore in its mouth a stalk of + grain having five ears, and presented them to the tenants of the + soil, to whom they spake in these words:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“May famine and + death never visit you!”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Upon this the rams + were immediately petrified into stone images. There is a <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Temple of the Five Rams”</span> close to one of the + gates of Canton.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The river scene at + Canton is most interesting. It is a floating town of huts built on + rafts and on piles, with boats of every conceivable size, shape and + use, lashed together. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is,”</span> says + Dr. Milne, <span class="tei tei-q">“an <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">aquarium</span></span> + of human occupants.”</span> Canton has probably a population of over + a million. The entire circuit of city and suburbs cannot be far from + ten miles.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Canton was + bombarded in 1857-8 by an allied English and French force. Ten days + were given to the stubborn Chinese minister, Yeh, to accede to the + terms dictated by the Allies, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page122">[pg 122]</span><a name="Pg122" id="Pg122" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and every means was taken to inform the native + population of the real <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">casus belli</span></span>, and to advise them to + remove from the scene of danger. Consul Parkes and Captain Hall were + engaged among other colporteurs in the rather dangerous labour of + distributing tracts and bills. In one of their rapid descents, + Captain Hall caught a mandarin in his chair, not far from the city + gate, and pasted him up in it with bills, then starting off the + bearers to carry this new advertising van into the city! The Chinese + crowd, always alive to a practical joke, roared with laughter. When + the truce expired, more than 400 guns and mortars opened fire upon + the city, great pains being taken only to injure the city walls, + official Chinese residences, and hill forts. Then a force of 3,000 + men was landed, and the city was between two fires. The hill-forts + were soon taken, and an expedition planned and executed, chiefly to + capture the native officials of high rank. Mr. Consul Parkes, with a + party, burst into a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">yamun</span></span>, an official residence, and + in a few seconds Commissioner Yeh was in the hands of the English. An + ambitious <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">aide-de-camp</span></span> of Yeh’s staff + protested strongly that the captive was the wrong man, loudly + stammering out, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Me</span></span> Yeh! + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Me</span></span> Yeh!”</span> But this attempted + deceit was of no avail; the prize was safely bagged, and shortly + afterwards the terms of peace were arranged. The loss of life in the + assault was not over 140 British and 30 French.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Shanghai is a port + which has grown up almost entirely since 1844, the date of its first + occupation by foreigners for purposes of commerce. Then there were + only forty-four foreign merchant ships, twenty-three foreign + residents and families, one consular flag, and two Protestant + missionaries. Twelve years later, there were, for six months’ + returns, 249 British ships, fifty-seven American, eleven Hamburg, + eleven Dutch, nine Swedish, seven Danish, six Spanish, and seven + Portuguese, besides those of other nationalities. The returns for the + whole year embraced 434 ships of all countries; tea exports, + 76,711,659 pounds; silk, 55,537 bales.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Shanghai + (<span class="tei tei-q">“the Upper Sea”</span>) has been written + variously Canhay, Changhay, Xanghay, Zonghae, Shanhae, Shanghay, and + so forth. Its proper pronunciation is as if the final syllable were + <span class="tei tei-q">“high,”</span> not <span class= + "tei tei-q">“hay.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sailing towards the north of China,”</span> says Milne, + <span class="tei tei-q">“keeping perhaps fifty or sixty miles off the + coast, as the ship enters the thirtieth parallel, a stranger is + startled some fine morning by coming on what looks like a + shoal—perhaps a sand-bank, a reef—he knows not what. It is an expanse + of coloured water, stretching out as far as the eye can reach, east, + north, and west, and entirely distinct from the deep-blue sea which + hitherto the vessel had been ploughing. Of course, he finds that it + is the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Yellow Sea;’</span> a sea so yellow, + turbid, and thick, certainly, that you might think all the pease-soup + in creation, and a great deal more, had been emptied into one monster + cistern.”</span> The name is therefore appropriate, as are the + designations of several others:</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The Yellow Sea, + the Sea that’s Red,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The White, the + Black, the one that’s Dead.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Between the + thirtieth degree of north latitude, where the group of the Choosan + Islands commences, and the thirty-seventh degree, this sea of soup, + this reservoir of tawny liquid, ranges, fed by three great rivers, + the Tseen-Tang, the Yangtsze-Kiang, and the Hwang-Ho, the greatest of + which is the second, and which contributes the larger part + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page123">[pg 123]</span><a name="Pg123" + id="Pg123" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the muddy solution held in + its waters. Forty-five miles from the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">embouchure</span></span> of the Yangtsze-Kiang, + you reach the Woosung anchorage, and a few miles further the city of + Shanghai, where the tributary you have been following divides into + the Woosung and Whampoa branches, at the fork of which the land ceded + to the British is situated. Here there is a splendid British + consulate, churches, mansions, and foreign mercantile houses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old city was + built over three centuries ago, and is encircled, as indeed are + nearly all large Chinese cities and towns, by a wall twenty-four feet + high and fifteen broad; it is nearly four miles in circumference. + Shanghai was at one time greatly exposed to the depredations of + freebooters and pirates, and partly in consequence of this the wall + is plentifully provided with loop-holes, arrow-towers, and military + observatories. The six great gates of the city of Shanghai have + grandiloquent titles, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">à la Chinoise</span></span>. The north gate is + the <span class="tei tei-q">“calm-sea gate;”</span> the great east + gate is that for <span class="tei tei-q">“paying obeisance to the + honourable ones;”</span> the little east one is <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the precious girdle gate;”</span> the great south is the + gate for <span class="tei tei-q">“riding the dragon,”</span> while + another is termed <span class="tei tei-q">“the pattern + Phœnix.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="corr123" + id="corr123" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">Its</span> oldest name is Hoo. In early days the + following curious mode of catching fish was adopted. Rows of bamboo + stakes, joined by cords, were driven into the mud of the stream, + among which, at ebb tide, the fish became entangled, and were easily + caught. This mode of fishing was called <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">hoo</span></span>, and + as at one time Shanghai was famous for its fishing stakes, it gained + the name of the <span class="tei tei-q">“Hoo city.”</span> The tides + rise very rapidly in the river, and sometimes give rise to alarming + inundations. Lady Wortley’s description of the waters of the + Mississippi apply to the river-water of Shanghai; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“it looks marvellously like an enormous running stream of + apothecary’s stuff, a very strong decoction of mahogany-coloured + bark, with a slight dash of port wine to deepen its hue; it is a + mulatto-complexioned river, there is no doubt of that, and wears the + deep-tanned livery of the burnished sun.”</span> Within and without + the walls, the city is cut up by ditches and moats, which, some years + ago, instead of being sources of benefit and health to the + inhabitants, as they were originally intended to be, were really open + sewers, breathing out effluvia and pestilence. In some respects, + however, Shanghai is now better ordered as regards municipal + arrangements.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fruits of the + earth are abundant at Shanghai, and <span class="tei tei-q">“Jack + ashore”</span> may revel in delicious peaches, figs, persimmons, + cherries, plums, oranges, citrons, and pomegranates, while there is a + plentiful supply of fish, flesh, and fowl. Grains of all kinds, rice, + and cotton are cultivated extensively; the latter gives employment at + the loom for thousands. On the other hand there are drawbacks in the + shape of clouds of musquitoes, flying-beetles, heavy rains, monsoons, + and earthquakes. The prognostics of the latter are a highly electric + state of the atmosphere, long drought, excessive heat, and what can + only be described as a stagnation of all nature. Dr. Milne, reciting + his experiences, says: <span class="tei tei-q">“At the critical + moment of the commotion, the earth began to rock, the beams and walls + cracked like the timbers of a ship under sail, and a nausea came over + one, a sea-sickness really horrible. At times, for a second or two + previous to the vibration, there was heard a subterraneous growl, a + noise as of a mighty rushing wind whirling about under + ground.”</span> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page124">[pg + 124]</span><a name="Pg124" id="Pg124" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The + natives were terror-struck, more especially if the quake happened at + night, and there would burst a mass of confused sounds, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Kew ming! Kew ming!”</span> (<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Save your lives! save your lives!”</span>) Dogs added + their yells to the medley, amid the striking of gongs and tomtoms. + Next day there would be exhaustless gossip concerning upheaval and + sinking of land, flames issuing from the hill-sides, and ashes cast + about the country. The Chinese ideas on the subject are various. Some + thought the earth had become too hot, and that it had to relieve + itself by a shake, or that it was changing its place for another part + of the universe. Others said that the Supreme One, to bring + transgressors to their senses, thought to alarm them by a quivering + of the earth. The notion most common among the lower classes is, that + there are six huge sea-monsters, great fish, which support the earth, + and that if any one of these move, the earth must be agitated. + Superstition is rife in ascribing these earth-shakings chiefly to the + remissness of the priesthood. In almost every temple there is a + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">muh-yu</span></span>—an image of a scaly wooden + fish, suspended near the altar, and among the duties of the priests, + it is rigidly prescribed that they keep up an everlasting tapping on + it. If they become lax in their duties, the fish wriggle and shake + the earth to bring the drowsy priests to a sense of their + duty.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page125">[pg + 125]</span><a name="Pg125" id="Pg125" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A singular + meteorological phenomenon often occurs at Shanghai—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">a fall of + dust</span></span>, fine, light and impalpable, sometimes black, + ordinarily yellow. The sun or moon will scarcely be visible through + this sand shower. The deposit of this exquisite powder is sometimes + to the extent of a quarter of an inch, after a fall of a day or two; + it will penetrate the closest venetian blinds; it overspreads every + article of furniture in the house; finds its way into the innermost + chambers and recesses. In walking about, one’s clothes are covered + with dust—the face gets grimy, the mouth and throat parched; the + teeth grate; the eyes, ears, and nostrils become itchy and irritable. + The fall sometimes extends as far as Ningpo in the interior—also some + 200 miles out at sea. Some think that it is blown all the way from + the steppes of Mongolia, after having been wafted by typhoons into + the upper regions of the air: others think that it comes across the + seas from the Japanese volcanoes, which are constantly subject to + eruptions.</p><a name="figvessinth" id="figvessinth" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_155.png" alt= + "VESSELS IN THE PORT OF SHANGHAI" title= + "VESSELS IN THE PORT OF SHANGHAI." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + VESSELS IN THE PORT OF SHANGHAI. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The population of + Shanghai, rapidly increasing, is probably about 400,000 to 450,000 + souls. It swarms with professional beggars. Among the many creditable + things cited by Milne regarding the Chinese, is the number of native + charitable institutions in Canton, Ningpo, and Shanghai, including + Foundling Hospitals, the (Shanghai) <span class="tei tei-q">“Asylum + for Outcast <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page126">[pg + 126]</span><a name="Pg126" id="Pg126" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Children, retreats for poor and destitute + widows, shelters for the maimed and blind, medical dispensaries, + leper hospitals, vaccine establishments, almshouses, free burial + societies,”</span> and so forth. So much for the heartless + Chinese.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailor + certainly has this compensation for his hard life, that he sees the + world, and visits strange countries and peoples by the dozen, + privileges for which many a man tied at home by the inevitable force + of circumstances would give up a great deal. What an oracle is he on + his return, amid his own family circle or friends! How the youngsters + in particular hang on his every word, look up at his bronzed and + honest face, and wish that they could be sailors,—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Strange + countries for to see.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">How many + curiosities has he not to show—from the inevitable parrot, chattering + in a foreign tongue, or swearing roundly in English vernacular, to + the little ugly idol brought from India, but possibly manufactured in + Birmingham!<a id="noteref_93" name="noteref_93" href= + "#note_93"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">93</span></span></a> If from + China, he will probably have brought home some curious caddy, + fearfully and wonderfully inlaid with dragons and impossible + landscapes; an ivory pagoda, or, perhaps, one of those + wonderfully-carved balls, with twenty or so more inside it, all + separate and distinct, each succeeding one getting smaller and + smaller. He may have with him a native oil-painting; if a portrait, + stolid and hard; but if of a ship, true to the last rope, and exact + in every particular. In San Francisco, where there are 14,000 or more + Chinese, may be seen native paintings of vessels which could hardly + be excelled by a European artist, and the cost of which for large + sizes, say 3½ by 2½ feet, was only about fifteen dollars (£3). What + with fans, handkerchiefs, Chinese ladies’ shoes for feet about three + inches in length, lanterns, chopsticks, pipes, rice-paper drawings, + books, neat and quaint little porcelain articles for presents at + home, it will be odd if Jack, who has been mindful of the + <span class="tei tei-q">“old folks at home,”</span> and the young + folks too, and the <span class="tei tei-q">“girl he left behind + him,”</span> does not become a very popular man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And then his yarns + of Chinese life! How on his first landing at a port, the natives in + proffering their services hastened to assure him in <span class= + "tei tei-q">“pigeon English”</span> (<span class= + "tei tei-q">“pigeon”</span> is a native corruption of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“business,”</span> as a mixed jargon had and has to be + used in trading with the lower classes) that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Me all same Englische man; me belly good man;”</span> or + <span class="tei tei-q">“You wantee washy? me washy you?”</span> + which is simply an offer to do your laundry work;<a id="noteref_94" + name="noteref_94" href="#note_94"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">94</span></span></a> or + <span class="tei tei-q">“You wantee glub (grub); me sabee (know) one + shop all same Englische belly good.”</span> Or, perhaps, he has met a + Chinaman accompanying a coffin home, and yet looking quite happy and + jovial. Not knowing that it is a common custom to present coffins to + relatives during lifetime, he inquires, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who’s dead, John?”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“No + man hab die,”</span> replies the Celestial, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“no man hab die. Me makee my olo fader cumsha. Him likee + too muchee, countoo my number one popa, s’pose he die, can + catchee,”</span> which freely translated is—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“No <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page127">[pg + 127]</span><a name="Pg127" id="Pg127" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>one + is dead. It is a present from me to my aged father, with which he + will be much pleased. I esteem my father greatly, and it will be at + his service when he dies.”</span> How one of the common names for a + foreigner, especially an Englishman, is <span class="tei tei-q">“I + say,”</span> which derived its use simply from the Chinese hearing + our sailors and soldiers frequently ejaculate the words when + conversing, as for example, <span class="tei tei-q">“I say, Bill, + there’s a queer-looking pigtail!”</span> The Chinese took it for a + generic name, and would use it among themselves in the most curious + way, as for example, <span class="tei tei-q">“A red-coated + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">I + say</span></span> sent me to buy a fowl;”</span> or <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did you see a tall <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I say</span></span> here a while ago?”</span> + The application is, however, not more curious than the title of + <span class="tei tei-q">“John”</span> bestowed on the Chinaman by + most foreigners as a generic distinction. Less flattering epithets + used to be freely bestowed on us, especially in the interior, such as + <span class="tei tei-q">“foreign devil,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“red-haired devil,”</span> &c. The phrase Hungmaou, + <span class="tei tei-q">“red-haired,”</span> is applied to foreigners + of all classes, and arose when the Dutch first opened up trade with + China. A Chinese work, alluding to their arrival, says, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Their raiment was red, and their hair too. They had + bluish eyes, deeply sunken in their head, and our people were quite + frightened by their strange aspect.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Jack will have to + tell how many strange anomalies met his gaze. For example, in + launching their junks and vessels, they are sent into the water + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sideways</span></span>. The horseman mounts on + the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">right</span></span> side. The scholar, reciting + his lesson, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">turns his back</span></span> on his master. And + if Jack, or, at all events one of his superior officers, goes to a + party, he should not wear light pumps, but as thick solid shoes as he + can get; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">white lead</span></span> is used for + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">blacking</span></span>. On visits of ceremony, + you should keep your hat <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">on</span></span>; and when you advance to your + host, you should close your fists and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">shake hands with + yourself</span></span>. Dinners commence with sweets and fruits, and + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">end</span></span> with fish and soup. White is + the funereal colour. You may see adults gravely flying kites, while + the youngsters look on; shuttlecocks are battledored by the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">heel</span></span>. Books begin at the end; the + paging is at the bottom, and in reading, you proceed from right to + left. The surname precedes the Christian name. The fond mother holds + her babe to her nose to smell it—as she would a rose—instead of + kissing it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What yarns he will + have to tell of pigtails! How the Chinese sailor lashes it round his + cap at sea; how the crusty pedagogue, with no other rod of + correction, will, on the spur of the moment, lash the refractory + scholar with it; and how, for fun, a wag will tie two or three of his + companions’ tails together, and start them off in different + directions! But he will also know from his own or others’ experiences + that the foreigner must not attempt practical jokes upon John + Chinaman’s tail. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Noli me + tangere</span></span>,”</span> says Dr. Milne, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“is the order of the tail, as well as of the + thistle.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now that most of + the restrictions surrounding foreigners in Japan have been removed, + and that enlightened people—the Englishmen of the Pacific in + enterprise and progress—have taken their proper place among the + nations of the earth, visits to Japan are commonly made by even + ordinary tourists making the circuit of the globe, and we shall have + to touch there again in another <span class="tei tei-q">“voyage round + the world”</span> shortly to follow. The English sailors of the Royal + Navy often have an opportunity of visiting the charming islands which + constitute Japan. Its English name is a corruption of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Tih-punquo</span></span>—Chinese for + <span class="tei tei-q">“Kingdom of the Source of the Sun.”</span> + Marco Polo was the first to bring <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page129">[pg 129]</span><a name="Pg129" id="Pg129" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>to Europe intelligence of the bright isles, + whose Japanese name, Nipon or Niphon, means literally <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sun-source.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the way to + Yokohama, the great port of Japan, the voyager will encounter the + monsoons, the north-east version of which brings deliciously cool air + from October to March, while the south-west monsoon brings hot and + weary weather. On the way Nagasaki, on the island of Kiusiu, will + almost certainly be visited, which has a harbour with a very narrow + entrance, with hills running down to the water’s edge, beautifully + covered with luxuriant grass and low trees. The Japanese have planted + batteries on either side, which would probably prevent any vessel + short of a strong ironclad from getting in or out of the harbour. The + city has a population at least of 150,000. There are a number of + Chinese restricted to one quarter, surrounded by a high wall, in + which is a heavy gate, that is securely locked every night. Their + dwellings are usually mean and filthy, and compare very unfavourably + with the neat, clean, matted dwellings of the Japanese. The latter + despise the former; indeed, you can scarcely insult a native more + than to compare him with his brother of Nankin. The Japanese term + them the Nankin Sans.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The island of + Niphon, on which Yokohama is situated, is about one hundred and + seventy miles long by seventy broad, while Yesso is somewhat longer + and narrower. Japan really became known to Europe through Fernando + Mendez Pinto, a <a name="corr129" id="corr129" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Portuguese</span> who + was shipwrecked there in 1549. Seven years later the famous Jesuit, + Francis Xavier, introduced the Catholic faith, which for a long time + made great progress. But a fatal mistake was made in 1580, when an + embassy was sent to the Pope with presents and <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page130">[pg 130]</span><a name="Pg130" id="Pg130" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>vows of allegiance. The reigning + Tycoon<a id="noteref_95" name="noteref_95" href= + "#note_95"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">95</span></span></a> had his + eyes opened by this act, and saw that to profess obedience to any + spiritual lord was to weaken his own power immeasurably. The priests + of the old religions, too, complained bitterly of the loss of their + flocks, and the Tycoon determined to crush out the Christian faith. + Thousands upon thousands of converts were put to death, and the very + last of them are said to have been hurled from the rock of Papenberg, + at Nagasaki, into the sea. In 1600, William Adams, an English sailor + on a Dutch ship, arrived in the harbour of Bungo, and speedily became + a favourite with the Tycoon, who, through him, gave the English + permission to establish a trading <span class= + "tei tei-q">“factory”</span> on the island of Firando. This was later + on abandoned, but the Dutch East India Company continued the trade on + the same island, under very severe restrictions. The fire-arms and + powder on their ships were taken from them immediately on arrival, + and only returned when the ships were ready for sea + again.</p><a name="figyokohama" id="figyokohama" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_158.jpg" alt="YOKOHAMA" title="YOKOHAMA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + YOKOHAMA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yokohama, the + principal port, stands on a flat piece of ground, at the wide end of + a valley, which runs narrowing up for several miles in the country. + The site was reclaimed from a mere swamp by the energy of the + Government; and there is now a fine sea-wall facing the sea, with two + piers running out into it, on each of which there is a custom-house. + The average Japanese in the streets is clothed in a long thin cotton + robe, open in front and gathered at the waist by a cloth girdle. This + constitutes the whole of his dress, save a scanty cloth tied tightly + round the loins, cotton socks and wooden clogs. The elder women look + hideous, but some of their ugliness is self-inflicted, as it is the + fashion, when a woman becomes a wife, to draw out the hair of her + eyebrows and varnish her teeth black! Their teeth are white, and they + still have their eyebrows, but are too much prone to the use of chalk + and vermilion on their cheeks. Every one is familiar with the + Japanese stature—under the general average—for there are now a large + number of the natives resident in London.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Jack will soon + find out that the Japanese <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cuisine</span></span> is most varied. Tea and + sacki, or rice beer, are the only liquors used, except, of course, by + travelled, Europeanised, or Americanised Japanese. They sit on the + floor, squatting on their heels in a manner which tires Europeans + very rapidly, although they look as comfortable as possible. The + floor serves them for chair, table, bed, and writing-desk. At meals + there is a small stand, about nine inches high, by seven inches + square, placed before each individual, and on this is deposited a + small bowl, and a variety of little dishes. Chopsticks are used to + convey the food to their mouths. Their most common dishes are fish + boiled with onions, and a kind of small bean, dressed with oil; fowls + stewed and cooked in all ways; boiled rice. Oil, mushrooms, carrots, + and various bulbous roots, are greatly used in making up their + dishes. In the way of a bed in summer, they merely lie down on the + mats, and put a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">wooden</span></span> pillow under their heads; + but in winter indulge in warm quilts, and have brass pans of charcoal + at the feet. They are very cleanly, baths being used constantly, and + the public bath-houses being open to the street. Strangely enough, + however, although so particular in bodily cleanliness, they never + wash their clothes, but wear them till they almost drop to + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page131">[pg 131]</span><a name="Pg131" + id="Pg131" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>pieces. A gentleman who arrived + there in 1859, had to send his clothes to Shanghai to be washed—a + journey of 1,600 miles! Since the great influx of foreigners, + however, plenty of Niphons have turned laundrymen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Their tea-gardens, + like those of the Chinese, are often large and extremely ornamental, + and at them one obtains a cup of genuine tea made before your eyes + for one-third of a halfpenny.<a id="noteref_96" name="noteref_96" + href="#note_96"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">96</span></span></a></p><a name="figfusimoun" + id="figfusimoun" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_159.png" alt="THE FUSIYAMA MOUNTAIN" title= + "THE FUSIYAMA MOUNTAIN." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE FUSIYAMA MOUNTAIN. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The great + attraction, in a landscape point of view, outside Yokohama, is the + grand Fusiyama Mountain, an extinct volcano, the great object of + reverence and pride in the Japanese heart, and which in native + drawings and carvings is incessantly represented. A giant, 14,000 + feet high, it towers grandly to the clouds, snow-capped and streaked. + It is deemed a holy and worthy deed to climb to its summit, and to + pray in the numerous temples that adorn its sides. Thousands of + pilgrims visit it annually. And now let us make a northward + voyage.</p><a name="figtea_main" id="figtea_main" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_163.jpg" alt="A TEA MART IN JAPAN" title= + "A TEA MART IN JAPAN." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + A TEA MART IN JAPAN. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc21" id="toc21"></a> <a name="pdf22" id= + "pdf22"></a><a name="chap09" id="chap09" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IX.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Round the World on a + Man-of-War</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 120%">(</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">).</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">NORTHWARD AND SOUTHWARD—THE AUSTRALIAN + STATION.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The Port of Peter and Paul—Wonderful Colouring of + Kamchatka Hills—Grand Volcanoes—The Fight at Petropaulovski—A + Contrast—An International Pic-nic—A Double Wedding—Bering’s + Voyages—Kamchatka worthy of Further Exploration—Plover Bay—Tchuktchi + Natives—Whaling—A Terrible Gale—A Novel</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%"> + “</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Smoke-stack</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—Southward again—The Liverpool of the + East—Singapore, a Paradise—New Harbour—Wharves and + Shipping—Cruelties of the Coolie Trade—Junks and Prahus—The + Kling-gharry Drivers—The Durian and its Devotees—Australia—Its + Discovery—Botany Bay and the Convicts—The First Gold—Port + Jackson—Beauty of Sydney—Port Philip and Melbourne.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many English + men-of-war have visited the interesting peninsula of Kamchatka, all + included in the China station. How well the writer remembers the + first time he visited Petropaulovski, the port of Peter and Paul! + Entering first one of the noblest bays in the whole world—glorious + Avatcha Bay—and steaming a short distance, the entrance to a capital + harbour disclosed itself. In half an hour the vessel was inside a + landlocked harbour, with a sand-spit protecting it from all fear of + gales or sudden squalls. Behind was a highly-coloured little town, + red roofs, yellow walls, and a church with burnished turrets. The + hills around were autumnly frost-coloured; but not all the ideas the + expression will convey to an artist could conjure up the reality. + Indian yellow merging through tints of gamboge, yellow, and brown + ochre to sombre brown; madder lake, brown madder, Indian red to Roman + sepia; greys, bright and dull greens indefinable, and utterly + indescribable, formed a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">mélange</span></span> of colour which defied + description whether by brush or pen. It was delightful; but it was + puzzling. King Frost had completed at night that which autumn had + done by day. Then behind rose the grand mountain of Koriatski, one of + a series of great volcanoes. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page132">[pg 132]</span><a name="Pg132" id="Pg132" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>It seemed a few miles off; it was, although the + wonderful clearness of the atmosphere belied the fact, some thirty + miles distant. An impregnable fortress of rock, streaked and capped + with snow, it defies time and man. Its smoke was constantly observed; + its pure snows only hid the boiling, bubbling lava beneath.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With the exception + of a few decent houses, the residences of the civil governor, captain + of the port, and other officials, and a few foreign merchants, the + town makes no great show. The poorer dwellings are very rough, and, + indeed, are almost exclusively log cabins. A very picturesque and + noticeable building is the old Greek church, which has painted red + and green roofs, and a belfry full of bells, large and small, + detached from the building, and only a foot or two raised above the + ground. It is to be noted that the town, as it existed in Captain + Clerke’s time, was built on the sand-spit. It was once a military + post, but the Cossack soldiers have been removed to the Amoor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There are two + monuments of interest in Petropaulovski; one in honour of Bering, the + second to the memory of La Perouse. The former is a plain cast-iron + column, railed in, while the latter is a most nondescript + construction of sheet iron, and is of octagonal form. Neither of + these navigators is buried in the town. Poor Bering’s remains lie on + the island where he miserably perished, and which now bears his name; + while of the fate of La Perouse, and his unfortunate companions, + little is known.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In 1855, + Petropaulovski was visited by the allied fleets, during the period of + our war with Russia. They found an empty town, for the Russian + Government had given up all idea of defending it. The combined fleet + captured one miserable whaler, razed the batteries, and destroyed + some of the government buildings. There were good and sufficient + reasons why they should have done nothing. The poor little town of + Saints Peter and Paul was beneath notice, as victory there could + never be glorious. But a stronger reason existed in the fact, + recorded in a dozen voyages, that from the days of Cook and Clerke to + our own, it had always been famous for the unlimited hospitality and + assistance shown to explorers and voyagers, without regard to + nationality. All is <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></span> fair in war. Possibly, + however, reason might be found for the havoc done, in the events of + the previous year.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In August, 1854, + the inhabitants of Petropaulovski had covered themselves with glory, + much to their own surprise. On the 28th of the month, six English and + French vessels—the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">President</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Virago</span></span>, + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pique</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">La + Fort</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">l’Eurydice</span></span>, and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">l’Obligado</span></span>—entered Avatcha Bay. + Admiral Price reconnoitred the harbour and town, and placed the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Virago</span></span> in position at 2,000 yards. + The Russians had two vessels, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Aurora</span></span> + and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dwina</span></span>, to defend the harbour, and + a strong chain was placed across its narrow entrance. The town was + defended by seven batteries and earthworks, mounting fifty guns.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not + difficult to silence the batteries, and they were accordingly + silenced. The townspeople, with their limited knowledge of the + English—those English they had always so hospitably received, and who + were now doing their best to kill them—thought their hour was come, + and that, if not immediately executed, they would have to languish + exiles in a foreign land, far from their beautiful Kamchatka. The + town was, and is, defended almost as much by nature as by art. High + hills shut it in so completely, and the harbour entrance can be so + easily defended, that there is really only one vulnerable point, in + its rear, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page134">[pg + 134]</span><a name="Pg134" id="Pg134" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>where a small valley opens out into a plot of + land bordering the bay. Here it was thought desirable to land a body + of men.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Accordingly, 700 + marines and sailors were put ashore. The men looked forward to an + easy victory, and hurriedly, in detached and straggling style, + pressed forward to secure it. Alas! they had reckoned without their + host—they were rushing heedlessly into the jaws of death. A number of + bushes and small trees existed, and still exist, on the hill-sides + surrounding this spot, and behind them were posted Cossack + sharp-shooters, who fired into our men, and, either from skill or + accident, picked off nearly every officer. The men, not seeing their + enemy, and having lost their leaders, became panic-struck, and fell + back in disorder. A retreat was sounded, but the men struggling in + the bushes and underbrush (and, in truth, most of them being sailors, + were out of their element on land) became much scattered, and it was + generally believed that many were killed by the random shots of their + companions. A number fled up a hill at the rear of the town; their + foes pursued and pressed upon them, and many were killed by falling + over the steep cliff in which the hill terminates.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The inhabitants, + astonished at their own prowess, and knowing that they could not hold + the town against a more vigorous attack, were preparing to vacate it, + when the fleet weighed anchor and set sail, and no more was seen of + them that year! The sudden death of our admiral is always attributed + to the events of that attack, as he was known not to have been killed + by a ball from the enemy.<a id="noteref_97" name="noteref_97" href= + "#note_97"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">97</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The writer has + walked over the main battle-field, and saw cannon-balls unearthed + when some men were digging gravel, which had laid there since the + events of 1854. The last time he passed over it, in 1866, was when + proceeding with some Russian and American friends to what might be + termed an <span class="tei tei-q">“international”</span> pic-nic, for + there were present European and Asiatic Russians, full and half-breed + natives, Americans, including genuine <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yankee”</span> New Englanders, New Yorkers, Southerners, + and Californians, Englishmen, Frenchmen, Germans, and one Italian. + Chatting in a babel of tongues, the party climbed a path on the + hill-side, leading to a beautiful grassy opening, overlooking the + glorious bay below, which extended in all directions a dozen or + fifteen miles, and on one side farther than the eye could reach. + Several grand snow-covered volcanoes towered above, thirty to fifty + miles off; one, of most beautiful outline, that of Vilutchinski, was + on the opposite shore of Avatcha Bay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sky was bright + and blue, and the water without a ripple; wild flowers were abundant, + the air was fragrant with them, and, but for the mosquitoes (which + are <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></span> confined to hot countries, but + flourish in the short summer of semi-Arctic climes), it might have + been considered an earthly edition of paradise! But even these pests + could not worry the company much, for not merely were nearly all the + men smokers, but most of the ladies also! Here the writer may remark, + parenthetically, that many of the Russian ladies smoke cigarettes, + and none object to gentlemen smoking at table or elsewhere. At the + many dinners and suppers offered by the hospitable residents, it was + customary to draw a few whiffs between the courses; and when the + cloth was removed, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page135">[pg + 135]</span><a name="Pg135" id="Pg135" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + ladies, instead of retiring to another room, sat in company with the + gentlemen, the larger proportion joining in the social weed. After + the enjoyment of a liberal <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">al fresco</span></span> dinner, songs were in + order, and it would be easier to say what were not sung than to give + the list of those, in all languages, which were. Then after the songs + came some games, one of them a Russian version of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“hunt the slipper,”</span> and another <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">very</span></span> like + <span class="tei tei-q">“kiss in the ring.”</span> The writer + particularly remembers the latter, for he had on that occasion the + honour of kissing the Pope’s wife! This needs explanation, although + the Pope was his friend. In the Greek Church the priest is + <span class="tei tei-q">“allowed to marry,”</span> and his title, in + the Russian language, is <span class="tei tei-q">“Pope.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And the + recollection of that particular <span class="tei tei-q">“Pope”</span> + recalls a well-remembered ceremony—that of a <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">double</span></span> + wedding in the old church. During the ceremony it is customary to + crown the bride and bridegroom. In this case two considerate male + friends held the crowns for three-quarters of an hour over the + brides’ heads, so as not to spoil the artistic arrangement of their + hair and head-gear. It seems also to be the custom, when, as in the + present case, the couples were in the humbler walks of life, to ask + some wealthy individual to act as master of the ceremonies, who, if + he accepts, has to stand all the expenses. In this case M. + Phillipeus, a merchant who has many times crossed the frozen steppes + of Siberia in search of valuable furs, was the victim, and he + accepted the responsibility of entertaining all Petropaulovski, the + officers of the splendid Russian corvette, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Variag</span></span>, + and those of the Telegraph Expedition, with cheerfulness and + alacrity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The coast-line of + Kamchatka is extremely grand, and far behind it are magnificent + volcanic peaks. The promontory which terminates in the two capes, + Kamchatka and Stolbevoy, has the appearance of two islands detached + from the mainland, the intervening country being low. This, a + circumstance to be constantly observed on all coasts, was, perhaps, + specially noticeable on this. The island of St. Lawrence, in Bering + Sea, was a very prominent example. It is undeniable that the apparent + gradual rise of a coast, seen from the sea as you approach it, + affords a far better proof of the rotundity of the earth than the + illustrations usually employed, that of a ship, which you are + supposed to see by instalments, from the main-royal sail (if not from + the <span class="tei tei-q">“sky-scraper”</span> or <span class= + "tei tei-q">“moon-raker”</span>) to the hull. The fact is, that the + royal and top-gallant sails of a vessel on the utmost verge of the + horizon may be, in certain lights, barely distinguishable, while the + dark outline of an irregular and rock-bound coast can be seen by any + one. First, maybe, appears a mountain peak towering in solitary + grandeur above the coast-line, and often far behind it, then the high + lands and hills, then the cliffs and low lands, and, lastly, the + flats and beaches.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was from the + Kamchatka River, which enters Bering Sea near the cape of the same + name, that Vitus Bering sailed on his first voyage. That navigator + was a persevering and plucky Dane, who had been drawn into the + service of Russia through the fame of Peter the Great, and his first + expedition was directly planned by that sagacious monarch, although + he did not live to carry it out. Müller, the historian of Bering’s + career, says: <span class="tei tei-q">“The Empress Catherine, as she + endeavoured in all points to execute most precisely the plans of her + deceased husband, in a manner began her reign with an order for the + expedition to Kamchatka.”</span> Bering had associated with him two + active subordinates, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page136">[pg + 136]</span><a name="Pg136" id="Pg136" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Spanberg and Tschirikoff. They left St. + Petersburg on February 5th, 1725, proceeding to the Ochotsk Sea, + <span class="tei tei-hi"><a name="corr136" id="corr136" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">viâ</span></span></span> Siberia. It is a + tolerable proof of the difficulties of travel in those days, that it + took them <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">two years</span></span> to transport their + outfit thither. They crossed to Kamchatka, where, on the 4th of + April, 1728, Müller tells us, <span class="tei tei-q">“a boat was put + upon the stocks, like the packet-boats used in the Baltic, and on the + 10th of July was launched, and named the boat <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Gabriel</span></span>.”</span> A few days later, + and she was creeping along the coast of Kamchatka and Eastern + Siberia. Bering on this first voyage discovered St. Lawrence Island, + and reached as far north as 67° 18′, where, finding the land trend to + the westward, he came to the conclusion that he had reached the + eastern extremity of Asia, and that Asia and America were distinct + continents. On the first point he was not, as a matter of detail, + quite correct; but the second, the important object of his mission, + settled for ever the vexed question.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A second voyage + was rather unsuccessful. His third expedition left Petropaulovski on + the 4th of July, 1741. His little fleet became dispersed in a storm, + and Bering pursued his discoveries alone. These were not unimportant, + for he reached the grand chain of the rock-girt Aleutian Islands, and + others nearer the mainland of America. At length the scurvy broke out + in virulent form among his crew, and he attempted to return to + Kamchatka. The sickness increased so much that the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“two sailors who used to be at the rudder were obliged to + be led in by two others who could hardly walk, and when one could sit + and steer no longer, one in little better condition supplied his + place. Many sails they durst not hoist, because there was nobody to + lower them in case of need.”</span> At length land appeared, and they + cast anchor. A storm arose, and the ship was driven on the rocks; + they cast their second anchor, and the cable snapped before it took + ground. A great sea pitched the vessel bodily over the rocks, behind + which they happily found quieter water. The island was barren, devoid + of trees, and with little driftwood. They had to roof over gulches or + ravines, to form places of refuge. On the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“8th of November a beginning was made to land the sick; + but some died as soon as they were brought from between decks in the + open air, others during the time they were on the deck, some in the + boat, and many more as soon as they were brought on shore.”</span> On + the following day the commander, Bering, himself prostrated with + disease, was brought ashore, and moved about on a hand-barrow. He + died a month after, in one of the little ravines, or ditches, which + had been covered with a roof, and when he expired was almost covered + with the sand which fell from its sides, and which he desired his men + not to remove, as it gave him some little warmth. Before his remains + could be finally interred they had literally to be disinterred.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vessel, + unguarded, was utterly wrecked, and their provisions lost. They + subsisted mainly that fearful winter on the carcases of dead whales, + which were driven ashore. In the spring the pitiful remnant of a once + hardy crew managed to construct a small vessel from the wreck of + their old ship, and at length succeeded in reaching Kamchatka. They + then learned that Tschirikoff, Bering’s associate, had preceded them, + but with the loss of thirty-one of his crew from the same fell + disease which had so reduced their numbers. Bering’s name has ever + since been attached to the island where he died.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is no doubt + that Kamchatka would repay a detailed exploration, which it + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page137">[pg 137]</span><a name="Pg137" + id="Pg137" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>has never yet received. It is a + partially settled country. The Kamchatdales are a good-humoured, + harmless, and semi-civilised race, and the Russian officials and + settlers at the few little towns would gladly welcome the traveller. + The dogs used for sledging in winter are noble animals, infinitely + stronger than those of Alaska or even Greenland. The attractions for + the Alpine climber cannot be overstated. The peninsula contains a + chain of volcanic peaks, attaining, it is stated, in the Klutchevskoi + Mountain a height of 16,000 feet. In the country immediately behind + Petropaulovski are the three peaks, Koriatski, Avatcha, and + Koseldskai; the first is about 12,000 feet in height, and is a + conspicuous landmark for the port. A comparatively level country, + covered with rank grass and underbrush, and intersected by streams, + stretches very nearly to their base.</p><a name="figpetranth" id= + "figpetranth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_167.png" alt= + "PETROPAULOVSKI AND THE AVATCHA MOUNTAIN" title= + "PETROPAULOVSKI AND THE AVATCHA MOUNTAIN." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + PETROPAULOVSKI AND THE AVATCHA MOUNTAIN. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, before + leaving the Asiatic coast, let us, as many English naval vessels have + done, pay a flying visit to a still more northern harbour, that of + Plover Bay, which forms the very apex of the China Station. Sailing, + or steaming, through Bering Sea, it is satisfactory to know that so + shallow is it that a vessel can anchor in almost <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page138">[pg 138]</span><a name="Pg138" id="Pg138" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>any part of it, though hundreds of miles + from land.<a id="noteref_98" name="noteref_98" href= + "#note_98"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">98</span></span></a> Plover + Bay does <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></span> derive its name from the + whaling which is often pursued in its waters, although an ingenious + Dutchman, of the service in which the writer was engaged at the + periods of his visits, persisted in calling it <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Blubber”</span> Bay; its name is due to the visit of + H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Plover</span></span> in 1848-9, when engaged in + the search for Sir John Franklin. The bay is a most secure haven, + sheltered at the ocean end by a long spit, and walled in on three + sides by rugged mountains and bare cliffs, the former composed of an + infinite number of fragments of rock, split up by the action of + frost. Besides many coloured lichens and mosses, there is hardly a + sign of vegetation, except at one patch of country near a small inner + harbour, where domesticated reindeer graze. On the spit before + mentioned is a village of Tchuktchi natives; their tents are composed + of hide, walrus, seal, or reindeer, with here and there a piece of + old sail-cloth, obtained from the whalers, the whole patchwork + covering a framework formed of the large bones of whales and walrus. + The remains of underground houses are seen, but the people who used + them have passed away. The present race makes no use of such houses. + Their canoes are of skin, covering sometimes a wooden and sometimes a + bone frame. On either side of one of these craft, which is identical + with the Greenland <span class="tei tei-q">“oomiak,”</span> or + women’s boat, it is usual to have a sealskin blown out tight, and the + ends fastened to the gunwale; these serve as floats to steady the + canoe. They often carry sail, and proceed safely far out to sea, even + crossing Bering Straits to the American side. The natives are a hardy + race; the writer has seen one of them carry the awkward burden of a + carpenter’s chest, weighing two hundred pounds, without apparent + exertion. One of their principal men was of considerable service to + the expedition and to a party of telegraph constructors, who were + left there in a wooden house made in San Francisco, and erected in a + few days in this barren spot. This native, by name Naukum, was taken + down into the engine-room of the telegraph steamer—<span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">G. S. + Wright</span></span>. He looked round carefully and thoughtfully, and + then, shaking his head, said, solemnly, <span class="tei tei-q">“Too + muchee wheel; makee man too muchee think!”</span> His curiosity on + board was unappeasable. <span class="tei tei-q">“What’s that + fellow?”</span> was his query with regard to anything, from the + donkey-engine to the hencoops. Colonel Bulkley gave him a suit of + mock uniform, gorgeous with buttons. One of the men remarked to him, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, Naukum, you’ll be a king soon!”</span> + But this magnificent prospect did not seem, judging from the way he + received it, to be much to his taste. This man had been sometimes + entrusted with as much as five barrels of villainous whisky for + trading purposes, and he had always accounted satisfactorily to the + trader for its use. The whisky sold to the natives is of the most + horrible kind, scarcely superior to <span class="tei tei-q">“coal + oil”</span> or paraffine. They appeared to understand the telegraph + scheme in a general way. One explaining it, said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“S’pose lope fixy, well; one Melican man Plower Bay, make + talky all same San Flancisco Melican.”</span> Perhaps quite as lucid + an explanation as you could get from an agricultural labourer or a + street arab at home.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Colonel Bulkley, + at his second visit to Plover Bay, caused a small house of planks + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page139">[pg 139]</span><a name="Pg139" + id="Pg139" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to be constructed for Naukum, + and made him many presents. A draughtsman attached to the party made + a sketch, <span class="tei tei-q">“A Dream of the Future,”</span> + which was a lively representation of the future prospects of Naukum + and his family. The room was picturesque with paddles, skins, + brand-new Henry rifles, preserved meat tins, &c.; and + civilisation was triumphant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Although Plover + Bay is almost in sight of the Arctic Ocean, very little snow remained + on the barren country round it, except on the distant mountains, or + in deep ravines, where it has lain for ages. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“That there snow,”</span> said one of the sailors, + pointing to such a spot, <span class="tei tei-q">“is three hundred + years old if it’s a day. Why, don’t you see the wrinkles all over the + face of it?”</span> Wrinkles and ridges are common enough in snow; + but the idea of associating age with them was original.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The whalers are + often very successful in and outside Plover Bay in securing their + prey. Each boat is known by its own private mark—a cross, red + stripes, or what not—on its sail, so that at a distance they can be + distinguished from their respective vessels. When the whale is + harpooned, often a long and dangerous job, and is floating dead in + the water, a small flag is planted in it. After the monster is towed + alongside the vessel, it is cut up into large rectangular chunks, and + it is a curious and not altogether pleasant sight to witness the deck + of a whaling ship covered with blubber. This can be either barreled, + or the oil <span class="tei tei-q">“tryed out”</span> on the spot. If + the latter, the blubber is cut into <span class= + "tei tei-q">“mincemeat,”</span> and chopping knives, and even mincing + machines, are employed. The oil is boiled out on board, and the + vessel when seen at a distance looks as if on fire. On these + occasions the sailors have a feast of dough-nuts, which are cooked in + boiling whale-oil, fritters of whale brain, and other dishes. The + writer has tasted whale in various shapes, but although it is + eatable, it is by no means luxurious food.</p><a name="figwhalatwo" + id="figwhalatwo" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_170.jpg" alt="WHALERS AT WORK" title= + "WHALERS AT WORK." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + WHALERS AT WORK. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was in these + waters of Bering Sea and the Arctic that the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Shenandoah</span></span> played such havoc + during the American war. In 1865 she burned <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">thirty</span></span> + American whalers, taking off the officers and crews, and sending them + down to San Francisco. The captain of an English whaler, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert + Tawns</span></span>, of Sydney, had warned and saved some American + vessels, and was in consequence threatened by the pirate captain. The + writer was an eye-witness of the results of this wanton destruction + of private property. The coasts were strewed with the remains of the + burned vessels, while the natives had boats, spars, &c., in + numbers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Plover Bay has + an interest attaching to it of far more importance than anything to + be said about whaling or Arctic expeditions. It is more than probable + that from or near that bay the wandering Tunguse, or Tchuktchi, + crossed Bering Straits, and peopled America. The latter, in canoes + holding fifteen or twenty persons, do it now; why not in the + <span class="tei tei-q">“long ago?”</span> The writer has, in common + with many who have visited Alaska (formerly Russian-America, before + the country was purchased by the United States), remarked the almost + Chinese or Japanese cast of features possessed by the coast natives + of that country. Their Asiatic origin could not be doubted, and, on + the other hand, Aleuts—natives of the Aleutian Islands, which stretch + out in a grand chain from Alaska—who had shipped as sailors on the + Russo-American Telegraph Expedition, and a Tchuktchi <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page140">[pg 140]</span><a name="Pg140" id="Pg140" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>boy brought down to be educated, were + constantly taken for Japanese or Chinamen in San Francisco, where + there are 40,000 of the former people. Junks have on two occasions + been driven across the Pacific Ocean, and have landed their + crews.<a id="noteref_99" name="noteref_99" href= + "#note_99"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">99</span></span></a> These + facts occurred in 1832-3; the first on the coast near Cape Flattery, + North-west America, and the second in the harbour of Oahu, Sandwich + (Hawaiian) Islands. In the former case all the crew but two men and a + boy were killed by the natives. In the latter case, however, the + Sandwich Islanders treated the nine Japanese, forming the crew of the + junk, with kindness, and, when they saw the strangers so much + resembling them in many respects, said, <span class="tei tei-q">“It + is plain, now, we come from Asia.”</span> How easily, then, could we + account for the peopling of any island or coast in the Pacific. + Whether, therefore, stress of weather obliged some unfortunate + Chinamen or Japanese to people America, or whether they, or, at all + events, some Northern Asiatics, took the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“short sea route,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viâ</span></span> + Bering Straits, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page141">[pg + 141]</span><a name="Pg141" id="Pg141" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>there is a very strong probability in favour of + the New World having been peopled from not merely the Old World, but + the Oldest World—Asia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Pacific Ocean + generally bears itself in a manner which justifies its title. The + long sweeps of its waves are far more pleasant to the sailor than the + <span class="tei tei-q">“choppy”</span> waves of the Atlantic. But + the Pacific is by no means always so, as the writer very well knows. + He will not soon forget November, 1865, nor will those of his + companions who still survive.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Leaving + Petropaulovski on November 1st, a fortnight of what sailors term + <span class="tei tei-q">“dirty weather”</span> culminated in a gale + from the south-east. It was no <span class="tei tei-q">“capful of + wind,”</span> but a veritable tempest, which broke over the devoted + ship. At its outset, the wind was so powerful that it blew the + main-boom from the ropes which held it, and it swung round with great + violence <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page142">[pg + 142]</span><a name="Pg142" id="Pg142" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>against the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“smoke-stack”</span> (funnel) of the steamer, knocking it + overboard. The guys, or chains by which it had been held upright, + were snapped, and it went to the bottom. Here was a dilemma; the + engines were rendered nearly useless, and a few hours later were made + absolutely powerless, for the rudder became disabled, and the + steering-wheel was utterly unavailable. During this period a very + curious circumstance happened; the sea driving faster than the + vessel—itself a log lying in the trough of the waves, which rose in + mountains on all sides—acted on the screw in such a manner that in + its turn it worked the engines at a greater rate than they had ever + attained by steam! After much trouble the couplings were + disconnected, but for several hours the jarring of the machinery + revolving at lightning speed threatened to make a breach in the + stern.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No one on board + will soon forget the night of that great gale. The vessel, scarcely + larger than a <span class="tei tei-q">“penny”</span> steamer, and + having <span class="tei tei-q">“guards,”</span> or bulwarks, little + higher than the rail of those boats, was engulfed in the tempestuous + waters. It seemed literally to be driving under the water. Waves + broke over it every few minutes; a rope had to be stretched along the + deck for the sailors to hold on by, while the brave commander, + Captain Marston, was literally <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">tied</span></span> to the aft bulwark, where, + half frozen and half drowned, he remained at his post during an + entire night. The steamer had the <span class="tei tei-q">“house on + deck,”</span> so common in American vessels. It was divided into + state-rooms, very comfortably fitted, but had doors and windows of + the lightest character. At the commencement of the gale, these were + literally battered to pieces by the waves dashing over the vessel; it + was a matter of doubt whether the whole house might not be carried + off bodily. The officers of the expedition took refuge in the small + cabin aft, which had been previously the general ward-room of the + vessel, where the meals were served. A great sea broke over its + skylight, smashing the glass to atoms, putting out the lamps and + stove, and filling momentarily the cabin with about three feet of + water. A landsman would have thought his last hour had come. But the + hull of the vessel was sound; the pumps were in good order, and + worked steadily by a <span class="tei tei-q">“donkey”</span> engine + in the engine-room, and the water soon disappeared. The men coiled + themselves up that night amid a pile of ropes and sails, boxes, and + miscellaneous matters lying on the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“counter”</span> of the vessel, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, + that part of the stern lying immediately over the rudder. Next + morning, in place of the capital breakfasts all had been + enjoying—fish and game from Kamchatka, tinned fruits and meats from + California, hot rolls and cakes—the steward and cook could only, with + great difficulty, provide some rather shaky coffee and the regular + <span class="tei tei-q">“hard bread”</span> (biscuit) of the + ship.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The storm + increased in violence; it was unsafe to venture on deck. The writer’s + room-mate, M. Laborne, a genial and cultivated man of the world, who + spoke seven languages fluently, sat down, and wrote a last letter to + his mother, enclosing it afterwards in a bottle. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It will never reach her,”</span> said poor Laborne, with + tears dimming his eyes; <span class="tei tei-q">“but it is all I can + do.”</span> Each tried to comfort the other, and prepare for the + worst. <span class="tei tei-q">“If we are to die, let us die like + men,”</span> said Adjutant Wright. <span class="tei tei-q">“Come down + in the engine-room,”</span> another said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and if we’ve got to die, let’s die decently.”</span> The + chief engineer lighted a fire on the iron floor below the boilers, + and it was the only part of the vessel which was at all comfortable. + Noble-hearted <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page143">[pg + 143]</span><a name="Pg143" id="Pg143" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Colonel Bulkley spent his time in cheering the + men, and reminding them that the sea has been proved to be an + infinitely safer place than the land. No single one on board really + expected to survive. Meantime, the gale was expending its rage by + tearing every sail to ribbons. Rags and streamers fluttered from the + yards; there was not a single piece of canvas intact. The cabins held + a wreck of trunks, furniture, and crockery.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In one of the + cabins several boxes of soap, in bars, had been stored. When the gale + commenced to abate, some one ventured into the house on deck, when it + was discovered that it was full of soapsuds, which swashed backwards + and forwards through the series of rooms. The water had washed and + rewashed the bars of soap till they were not thicker than sticks of + sealing-wax.</p><a name="figour_pasm" id="figour_pasm" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_171.jpg" alt="OUR “PATENT SMOKE-STACK”" + title="OUR “PATENT SMOKE-STACK.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + OUR <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“PATENT + SMOKE-STACK.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last, after a + week of this horrible weather, morning broke with a sight of the sun, + and moderate wind. There were spare sails on board, and the rudder + could be repaired; but what could be done about the funnel? The + engineer’s ingenuity came out conspicuously. He had one of the usual + water-tanks brought on deck, and the two ends knocked out. Then, + setting it up over the boiler, he with pieces of sheet-iron raised + this square erection till it was about nine feet high, and it gave a + sufficient draught to the furnaces. <span class="tei tei-q">“Covert’s + Patent Smoke-Stack”</span> created a sensation on the safe arrival of + the vessel in San Francisco, and was inspected by hundreds of + visitors. The little steamer had ploughed through 10,000 miles of + water that season. She was immediately taken to one of the wharfs, + and entirely remodelled. The sides were slightly raised, and a + ward-room and aft-cabin, handsomely fitted in yacht-fashion, took the + place of the house on deck. It was roofed or decked at top in such a + manner that the heaviest seas could wash over the vessel without + doing the slightest injury, and she afterwards made two voyages, + going over a distance of 20,000 miles. Poor old <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Wright</span></span>! + She went to the bottom at last, with all her crew and passengers, + some years later, off Cape Flattery, at the entrance of the Straits + of Fuca, and scarcely a vestige of her was ever found.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, retracing + our steps <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">en route</span></span> for the Australian + station, let us call at one of the most important of England’s + settlements, which has been termed the Liverpool of the East. + Singapore consists of an island twenty-five miles long and fifteen or + so broad, lying off the south extremity of Malacca, and having a city + of the same name on its southern side. The surface is very level, the + highest elevation being only 520 feet. In 1818, Sir Stamford Raffles + found it an island covered with virgin forests and dense jungles, + with a miserable population on its creeks and rivers of fishermen and + pirates. It has now a population of about 100,000, of which Chinese + number more than half. In 1819 the British flag was hoisted over the + new settlement; but it took five years on the part of Mr. Crawford, + the diplomatic representative of Great Britain, to negotiate terms + with its then owner, the Sultan of Johore, whereby for a heavy yearly + payment it was, with all the islands within ten miles of the coast, + given up with absolute possession to the Honourable East India + Company. Since that period, its history has been one of unexampled + prosperity. It is a free port, the revenue being raised entirely from + imports on opium and spirits. Its prosperity as a commercial port is + due to the fact that it is an entrepôt for the whole trade of the + Malayan Archipelago, the Eastern Archipelago, Cochin China, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page144">[pg 144]</span><a name="Pg144" + id="Pg144" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Siam, and Java. Twelve years + ago it exported over sixty-six million rupees’ worth of gambier, tin, + pepper, nutmegs, coffee, tortoise-shell, rare woods, sago, tapioca, + camphor, gutta-percha, and rattans. It is vastly greater now. + Exclusive of innumerable native craft, 1,697 square-rigged vessels + entered the port in 1864-5. It has two splendid harbours, one a + sheltered roadstead near the town, with safe anchorage; the other, a + land-locked harbour, three miles from the town, capable of admitting + vessels of the largest draught. Splendid wharfs have been erected by + the many steam-ship companies and merchants, and there are + fortifications which command the harbour and roads.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A great deal has been written about the natural beauties + of Ceylon and Java,”</span> says Mr. Cameron,<a id="noteref_100" + name="noteref_100" href="#note_100"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">100</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“and some theologians, determined to give the + first scene in the Mosaic narrative a local habitation, have fixed + the paradise of unfallen man on one or other of those noble islands. + Nor has their enthusiasm carried them to any ridiculous extreme; for + the beauty of some parts of Java and Ceylon might well accord with + the description given us, or rather which we are accustomed to infer, + of that land from which man was driven on his first great + sin.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have seen both Ceylon and Java, and admired in no + grudging measure their many charms; but for calm placid loveliness, I + should place Singapore high above them both. It is a loveliness, too, + that at once strikes the eye, from whatever point we view the island, + which combines all the advantages of an always beautiful and often + imposing coast-line, with an endless succession of hill and dale + stretching inland. The entire circumference of the island is one + panorama, where the magnificent tropical forest, with its undergrowth + of jungle, runs down at one place to the very water’s edge, dipping + its large leaves in the glassy sea, and at another is abruptly broken + by a brown rocky cliff, or a late landslip, over which the jungle has + not yet had time to extend itself. Here and there, too, are scattered + little green islands, set like gems on the bosom of the hushed + waters, between which the excursionist, the trader, or the pirate, is + wont to steer his course. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Eternal summer + gilds these shores;’</span> no sooner has the blossom of one tree + passed away, than that of another takes its place and sheds perfume + all around. As for the foliage, that never seems to die. Perfumed + isles are in many people’s minds merely fabled dreams, but they are + easy of realisation here. There is scarcely a part of the island, + except those few places where the original forest and jungle have + been cleared away, from which at night-time, on the first breathings + of the land winds, may not be felt those lovely forest perfumes, even + at the distance of more than a mile from shore. These land winds—or, + more properly, land airs, for they can scarcely be said to blow, but + only to breathe—usually commence at ten o’clock at night, and + continue within an hour or two of sunrise. They are welcomed by + all—by the sailor because they speed him on either course, and by the + wearied resident because of their delicious coolness.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another + writer<a id="noteref_101" name="noteref_101" href= + "#note_101"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">101</span></span></a> speaks + with the same enthusiasm of the well-kept country roads, and + approaches to the houses of residents, where one may travel for miles + through unbroken avenues of fruit-trees, or beneath an over-arching + canopy of evergreen palms. The long and well-kept approaches to the + European dwellings never fail to win the praise of <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page145">[pg 145]</span><a name="Pg145" id="Pg145" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>strangers. <span class="tei tei-q">“In + them may be discovered the same lavish profusion of overhanging + foliage which we see around us on every side; besides that, there are + often hedges of wild heliotrope, cropped as square as if built up of + stone, and forming compact barriers of green leaves, which yet + blossom with gold and purple flowers.”</span> Behind these, broad + bananas nod their bending leaves, while a choice flower-garden, a + close-shaven lawn, and a croquet-ground, are not uncommonly the + surroundings of the residence. If it is early morning, there is an + unspeakable charm about the spot. The air is cool, even bracing; and + beneath the shade of forest trees, the rich blossom of orchids are + seen depending from the boughs, while songless birds twitter among + the foliage, or beneath shrubs which the convolvulus has decked with + a hundred variegated flowers. Here and there the slender stem of the + aloe, rising from an armoury of spiked leaves, lifts its cone of + white bells on high, or the deep orange pine-apple peeps out from a + green belt of fleshy foliage, and breathes its bright fragrance + around. The house will invariably have a spacious verandah, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page146">[pg 146]</span><a name="Pg146" + id="Pg146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>underneath which flowers in + China vases, and easy chairs of all kinds, are placed. If perfect + peace can steal through the senses into the soul—if it can be + distilled like some subtle ether from all that is beautiful in + nature—surely in such an island as this we shall find that supreme + happiness which we all know to be unattainable <a name="corr146" id= + "corr146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">elsewhere.</span> Alas! even in this bright spot, + unalloyed bliss cannot be expected. The temperature is very high, + showing an average in the shade, all the year round, of between 85° + and 95° Fahr. Prickly heat, and many other disorders, are caused by + it on the European constitution.</p><a name="figviewinth" id= + "figviewinth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_175.png" alt="VIEW IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA" + title="VIEW IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + VIEW IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old Strait of + Singhapura, that lies between the island of Singapore and the + mainland of Johore, is a narrow tortuous passage, for many centuries + the only thoroughfare for ships passing to the eastward of Malacca. + Not many years ago, where charming bungalows, the residences of the + merchants, are built among the ever verdant foliage, it was but the + home of hordes of piratical marauders, who carried on their + depredations with a high hand, sometimes adventuring on distant + voyages in fleets of forty or fifty prahus. Indeed, it is stated, in + the old Malay annals, that for nearly two hundred years the entire + population of Singapore and the surrounding islands and coasts of + Johore subsisted on fishing and pirating; the former only being + resorted to when the prevailing monsoon was too strong to admit of + the successful prosecution of the latter. Single cases of piracy + sometimes occur now; but it has been nearly stopped. Of the + numberless vessels and boats which give life to the waters of the old + strait, nearly all have honest work to do—fishing, timber carrying, + or otherwise trading. <span class="tei tei-q">“A very extraordinary + flotilla,”</span> says Mr. Cameron, <span class="tei tei-q">“of a + rather nondescript character may be often seen in this part of the + strait at certain seasons of the year. These are huge rafts of + unsawn, newly-cut timber; they are generally 500 or 600 feet long, + and sixty or seventy broad, the logs being skilfully laid together, + and carefully bound by strong rattan-rope, each raft often containing + 2,000 logs. They have always one or two attap-houses built upon them, + and carry crews of twenty or twenty-five men, the married men taking + their wives and children with them. The timber composing them is + generally cut many miles away, in some creek or river on the + mainland.”</span> They sometimes have sails. They will irresistibly + remind the traveller of those picturesque rafts on the Rhine, on + which there are cabins, with the smoke curling from their + stove-pipes, and women, children, and dogs, the men with long sweeps + keeping the valuable floating freight in the current. Many a German, + now in England or America, made his first trip through the Fatherland + to its coast on a Rhine raft.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailor + generally makes his first acquaintance with the island of Singapore + by entering through New Harbour, and the scenery is said to be almost + unsurpassed by anything in the world. The steamer enters between the + large island and a cluster of islets, standing high out of the water + with rocky banks, and covered to their summits by rich green jungle, + with here and there a few forest trees towering above it high in the + air. Under the vessel’s keel, too, as she passes slowly over the + shoaler patches of the entrance, may be seen beautiful beds of coral, + which, in their variegated colours and fantastic shapes, vie with the + scenery above. The Peninsular and Oriental Steamers’ wharfs are + situated at the head of a small bay, with the island of Pulo Brani in + front. They have a frontage of 1,200 feet, and coal sheds built of + brick, and tile-roofed; they often <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page147">[pg 147]</span><a name="Pg147" id="Pg147" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>contain 20,000 tons of coal. Including some + premises in Singapore itself, some £70,000 or £80,000 have been + expended on their station—a tolerable proof of the commercial + importance of the place. Two other companies have extensive wharfs + also. The passengers land here, and drive up to the city, a distance + of some three miles. Those who remain on board, and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Jack”</span> is likely to be of the number, for the + first few days after arrival, find entertainment in the feats of + swarms of small Malay boys, who immediately surround the vessel in + toy boats just big enough to float them, and induce the passengers to + throw small coins into the water, for which they dive to the bottom, + and generally succeed in recovering. Almost all the ships visiting + Singapore have their bottoms examined, and some have had as many as + twenty or thirty sheets of copper put on by Malay divers. One man + will put on as many as two sheets in an hour, going down a dozen or + more times. There are now extensive docks at and around New + Harbour.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On rounding the + eastern exit of New Harbour, the shipping and harbour of Singapore at + once burst on the view, with the white walls of the houses, and the + dark verdure of the shrubbery of the town nearly hidden by the + network of spars and rigging that intervenes. The splendid boats of + the French Messageries, and our own Peninsular and Oriental lines, + the opium steamers of the great firm of Messrs. Jardine, of China, + and Messrs. Cama, of Bombay; and the beautifully-modelled American or + English clippers, which have taken the place of the box-shaped, + heavy-rigged East Indiamen of days of yore, with men-of-war of all + nations, help to make a noble sight. This is only part of the scene, + for <a name="corr147" id="corr147" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">interspersed</span> + are huge Chinese junks of all sizes, ranging up to 600 or 700 tons + measurement. The sampans, or two-oared Chinese boats, used to convey + passengers ashore, are identical in shape. All have alike the square + bow and the broad flat stern, and from the largest to the smallest, + on what in a British vessel would be called her <span class= + "tei tei-q">“head-boards,”</span> all have two eyes embossed and + painted, glaring out over the water. John Chinaman’s explanation of + this custom is, that if <span class="tei tei-q">“no got eyes, no can + see.”</span> During the south-west monsoon they are in Singapore by + scores, and of all colours, red, green, black, or yellow; these are + said to be the badge of the particular province to which they belong. + Ornamental painting and carving is confined principally to the high + stern, which generally bears some fantastic figuring, conspicuous in + which can invariably be traced the outlines of a spread eagle, not + unlike that on an American dollar. Did <span class= + "tei tei-q">“spread-eagleism”</span> as well as population first + reach America from China?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is difficult,”</span> says Mr. Cameron, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“while looking at these junks, to imagine how they can + manage in a seaway; and yet at times they must encounter the heaviest + weather along the Chinese coast in the northern latitudes. It is true + that when they encounter a gale they generally run before it; but yet + in a typhoon this would be of little avail to ease a ship. There is + no doubt they must possess some good qualities, and, probably, speed, + with a fair wind in a smooth sea, is one of them. Not many years ago + a boat-builder in Singapore bought one of the common sampans used by + the coolie boatmen, which are exactly the same shape as the junks, + and rigged her like an English cutter, giving her a false keel, and + shifting weather-board, and, strange to say, won with her every race + that he tried.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Passing the junks + at night, a strange spectacle may be observed. Amid the beating + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page148">[pg 148]</span><a name="Pg148" + id="Pg148" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of gongs, jangling of bells, + and discordant shouts, the nightly religious ceremonies of the + sailors are performed. Lanterns are swinging, torches flaring, and + gilt paper burning, while quantities of food are scattered in the sea + as an offering of their worship. Many of those junks, could they but + speak, might reveal a story, gentle reader—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“A tale unfold, + whose lightest word</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Would harrow up + thy soul.”</span> + </div> + </div><a name="figjunkina" id="figjunkina" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_178.png" alt="JUNKS IN A CHINESE HARBOUR" + title="JUNKS IN A CHINESE HARBOUR." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + JUNKS IN A CHINESE HARBOUR. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The chief trade of + not a few has been, and still is, the traffic of human freight; and + it is, unfortunately, only too lucrative. Large numbers of junks + leave China for the islands annually packed with men, picked up, + impressed, or lured on board, and kept there till the gambier and + pepper planters purchase them, and hurry them off to the interior. It + is not so much that they usually have to complain of cruelty, or even + an unreasonably long term of servitude; their real danger is in the + overcrowding of the vessels that bring them. The men cost nothing, + except a meagre allowance of rice, and the more the shipper can crowd + into his vessel the greater must be his profit. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It would,”</span> says the writer just quoted, + <span class="tei tei-q">“be a better speculation for the trader whose + junk could only carry properly 300 men, to take on board 600 men, and + lose 250 on the way down, than it would be for him to start with his + legitimate number, and land them all safely; for in the first case, + he would bring 350 men to market, and in the other only 300. That + this process of reasoning is actually put in practice by the Chinese, + there was not long ago ample and very mournful evidence to prove. Two + of these junks had arrived in the harbour of Singapore, and had + remained unnoticed for about a week, during which the owners had + bargained for the engagement of most of their cargo. At this time two + dead bodies <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page149">[pg + 149]</span><a name="Pg149" id="Pg149" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>were + found floating in the harbour; an inquest was held, and it then + transpired that one of these two junks on the way down from China had + lost 250 men out of 600, and the other 200 out of + 400.”</span></p><a name="figislainth" id="figislainth" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_179.jpg" alt= + "ISLANDS IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA" title= + "ISLANDS IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ISLANDS IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Malay prahus + are the craft of the inhabitants of the straits, and are something + like the Chinese junks, though never so large as the largest of the + latter, rarely exceeding fifty or sixty tons burden. They have one + mast, a tripod made of three bamboos, two or three feet apart at the + deck, and tapering up to a point at the top. Across two of the + bamboos smaller pieces of the same wood are lashed, making the mast + thus act as a shroud or ladder also. They carry a large lug-sail of + coarse grass-cloth, having a yard both at top and bottom. The curious + part of them is the top hamper about the stem. With the deck three + feet out of the water forward, the top of the housing is fifteen or + more feet high. They are steered with two rudders, one on either + quarter. In addition to the ships and native craft, are hundreds of + small boats of all descriptions constantly moving about with fruits, + provisions, birds, monkeys, shells, and corals for sale. The sailor + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page150">[pg 150]</span><a name="Pg150" + id="Pg150" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>has a splendid chance of + securing, on merely nominal terms, the inevitable parrot, a funny + little Jocko, or some lovely corals, of all hues, green, purple, + pink, mauve, blue, and in shape often resembling flowers and + shrubbery. A whole boat-load of the latter may be obtained for a + dollar and a half or a couple of dollars.</p><a name="figchinjuat" + id="figchinjuat" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_181.jpg" alt="CHINESE JUNK AT SINGAPORE" + title="CHINESE JUNK AT SINGAPORE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + CHINESE JUNK AT SINGAPORE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Singapore has a + frontage of three miles, and has fine Government buildings, + court-house, town-hall, clubs, institutes, masonic lodge, theatre, + and the grandest English cathedral in Asia—that of St. Andrew’s. In + Commercial Square, the business centre of Singapore, all + nationalities seem to be represented. Here, too, are the Kling + gharry-drivers, having active little ponies and neat conveyances. + Jack ashore will be pestered with their applications. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“These Klings,”</span> says Mr. Thomson, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“seldom, if ever, resort to blows; but their language + leaves nothing for the most vindictive spirit to desire. Once, at one + of the landing-places, I observed a British tar come ashore for a + holiday. He was forthwith beset by a group of Kling gharry-drivers, + and, finding that the strongest of British words were as nothing when + pitted against the Kling vocabulary, and that no half-dozen of them + would stand up like men against his huge iron fists, he seized the + nearest man, and hurled him into the sea. It was the most harmless + way of disposing of his enemy, who swam to a boat, and it left Jack + in undisturbed and immediate possession of the field.”</span> The + naval officer will find excellent deer-hunting and wild-hog shooting + to be had near the city, and tiger-hunting at a distance. Tigers, + indeed, were formerly terribly destructive of native life on the + island; it was said that a man <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">per diem</span></span> was sacrificed. Now, + cases are more rare. For good living, Singapore can hardly be beaten; + fruit in particular is abundant and cheap. Pine-apples, cocoa-nuts, + bananas of thirty varieties, mangoes, custard-apples, and oranges, + with many commoner fruits, abound. Then there is the mangosteen, the + delicious <span class="tei tei-q">“apple of the East,”</span> thought + by many to surpass any fruit in the world, and the durian, a fruit as + big as a boy’s head, with seeds as big as walnuts enclosed in a + pulpy, fruity custard. The taste for this fruit is an acquired one, + and is impossible to describe, while the smell is most disgusting. So + great is the longing for it, when once the taste <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">is</span></span> + acquired, that the highest prices are freely offered for it, + particularly by some of the rich natives. A former King of Ava spent + enormous sums over it, and could hardly then satisfy his rapacious + appetite. A succeeding monarch kept a special steamer at Rangoon, and + when the supplies came into the city it was loaded up, and dispatched + at once to the capital—500 miles up a river. The smell of the durian + is so unpleasant that the fruit is never seen on the tables of the + merchants or planters; it is eaten slily in corners, and out of + doors.</p><a name="figsinglose" id="figsinglose" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_184.png" alt="SINGAPORE, LOOKING SEAWARDS" + title="SINGAPORE, LOOKING SEAWARDS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + SINGAPORE, LOOKING SEAWARDS. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And Jack ashore + will find many other novelties in eating. Roast monkey is obtainable, + although not eaten as much as formerly by the Malays. In the streets + of Singapore a meal of three or four courses can be obtained for + three halfpence from travelling <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">restaurateurs</span></span>, always Chinamen, + who carry their little charcoal stoves and soup-pots with them. The + authority principally quoted says that, contrary to received opinion, + they are very clean and particular in their culinary arrangements. + One must not, however, too closely examine the nature of the viands. + And now let us proceed to the Australian Station, which includes New + Guinea, Australia proper, and New Zealand.</p><a name="figlookdoon" + id="figlookdoon" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_185.png" alt="LOOKING DOWN ON SINGAPORE" + title="LOOKING DOWN ON SINGAPORE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + LOOKING DOWN ON SINGAPORE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This is a most + important colony of Great Britain, although by no means its most + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page151">[pg 151]</span><a name="Pg151" + id="Pg151" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>important possession, a country + as English as England itself, tempered only by a slight colonial + flavour. Here Jack will find himself at home, whether in the fine + streets of Melbourne, or the older and more pleasant city of Sydney, + with its beautiful surroundings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the + seventeenth century was in its early youth, that vast ocean which + stretches from Asia to the Antarctic was scarcely known by + navigators. The coasts of Eastern Africa, of India, and the + archipelago of islands to the eastward, were partially explored; but + while there was a very strong belief that a land existed in the + southern hemisphere, it was an inspiration only based on + probabilities. The pilots and map-makers put down, as well as they + were able, the discoveries already made; <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">must</span></span> + there not be <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">some</span></span> great island or continent to + balance all that waste of water which they were forced to place on + the southern hemisphere? Terra Australis, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the Southern Land,”</span> was therefore in a sense + discovered before its discovery, just as the late Sir Roderick + Murchison predicted gold there before Hargreaves found it.<a id= + "noteref_102" name="noteref_102" href="#note_102"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">102</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the year 1606, + Pedro Fernando de Quiros started from Peru on a voyage of discovery + to the westward. He found some important islands, to which he gave + the name <span class="tei tei-q">“Australia del Espiritu + Santo,”</span> and which are now believed to have been part of the + New Hebrides group. The vessel of his second in command became + separated in consequence of a storm, and by this Luis vas Torres in + consequence reached New Guinea and Australia proper, besides what is + now known as Torres Straits, which channel separates them. The same + year a Dutch vessel coasted about the Gulf of Carpentaria, and it is + to the persistent efforts of the navigators of Holland that the + Australian coasts became well explored. From 1616, at intervals, till + 1644, they instigated many voyages, the leading ones of which were + the two made by Tasman, in the second of which he circumnavigated + Australia. <span class="tei tei-q">“New Holland”</span> was the title + long applied to the western part of Australia—sometimes, indeed, to + the whole country.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The voyages of the + Dutch had not that glamour of romance which so often attaches to + those of the Spanish and English. They did not meet natives laden + with evidences of the natural wealth of their country, and adorned by + barbaric ornaments. On the contrary, the coasts of Australia did not + appear prepossessing, while the natives were wretched and squalid. + Could they have known of its after-destiny, England might not hold it + to-day. When Dampier, sent out by William III. more than fifty years + afterwards, re-discovered the west coast of Australia, he had little + to record more than the number of sharks on the coast, his + astonishment at the kangaroos jumping about on shore, and his disgust + for the few natives he met, whom he described as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the most unpleasant-looking and worst-featured of any + people”</span> he had ever encountered.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nearly seventy + years elapsed before any other noteworthy discovery was made in + regard to Australia. In Captain Cook’s first voyage, in 1768, he + explored and partially surveyed the eastern part of its coasts, and + discovered the inlet, to which a considerable notoriety afterwards + clung, which he termed Botany Bay, on account of the luxuriant + vegetation <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page152">[pg + 152]</span><a name="Pg152" id="Pg152" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + its shores. Rounding the western side, he proceeded northwards to + Torres Straits, near which, on a small island off the mainland, he + took possession of the whole country, in the name of his sovereign, + George III., christening it <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">New South Wales</span></span>. It is still + called <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Possession</span></span> Island. Captain Cook + gave so favourable an account of Botany Bay on his return, that it + was determined at once to form a colony, in which convict labour + should be systematically employed. Accordingly, a fleet of eleven + vessels, under Captain Phillip, left Portsmouth on the 13th of May, + 1787, and after a tedious voyage, reached Botany Bay the following + January.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Captain Phillip + found the bay was not a safe anchorage, and in other respects was + unsuitable. A few miles to the northward he discovered an inlet, now + named Port Jackson—from the name of the seaman who discovered it—and + which had been overlooked by Cook. The fleet was immediately removed + thither, the convicts landed, and the British flag raised on the + banks of Sydney Cove. Of the thousand individuals who formed this + first nucleus of a grand colony, more than three-fourths were + convicted offenders. For some time they were partially dependent on + England for supplies. It had been arranged that they should not, at + first, be left without sufficient provisions. The first ship sent out + after the colonists had been landed for this purpose was struck by an + iceberg in the neighbourhood of the Cape of Good Hope, and might not + have been saved at all, but for the seamanship of the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“gallant, good Riou,”</span> who afterwards lost his life + at the battle of Copenhagen. He managed to keep her afloat, and she + was at length towed into Table Bay, and a portion of her stores + saved. Meantime, the colonists were living <span class= + "tei tei-q">“in the constant belief that they should one day perish + of hunger.”</span> Governor Phillip set a noble example by putting + himself on the same rations as the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page153">[pg 153]</span><a name="Pg153" id="Pg153" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>meanest convict; and when on state occasions he + was obliged to invite the officers of the colony to dine with him at + the Government House, he used to intimate to the guests that + <span class="tei tei-q">“they must bring their bread along with + them.”</span> At last, in June, 1790, some stores arrived; and in the + following year a second fleet of vessels came out from England, one + ship of the Royal Navy and ten transports; 1,763 convicts had left + England on board the latter, of whom nearly 200 died on the voyage, + and many more on arrival. The number of free settlers was then, and + long afterwards, naturally very small; they did not like to be so + intimately and inevitably associated with convicted criminals. In + 1810 the total population of Australia was about 10,000. In 1836 it + had risen to 77,000, two-fifths of whom were convicts in actual + bondage, while of the remainder, a large proportion had at one time + been in the same condition. Governor King, one of the earlier + officials of the colony, complained that <span class="tei tei-q">“he + could not make farmers out of pickpockets;”</span> and Governor + Macquarie later said that <span class="tei tei-q">“there were only + two classes of individuals in New South Wales—those who had been + convicted, and those who ought to have been.”</span> Under these + discouraging circumstances, coupled with all kinds of other + difficulties, the colony made slow headway. Droughts and inundations, + famine or scarcity, and hostility on the part of the natives, helped + seriously to retard its progress. About the period of Sir Thomas + Brisbane’s administration, there was an influx of a better class of + colonists, owing to the inauguration of free emigration. In 1841, + transportation to New South Wales ceased. Ten years later the + discovery of gold by Mr. E. H. Hargreaves (on the 12th of February, + 1851) caused the first great <span class="tei tei-q">“rush”</span> to + the colony, which influx has since continued, partly for better + reasons than gold-finding—the grand chances offered for + stock-raising, agricultural, horticultural, and vinicultural + pursuits.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page154">[pg + 154]</span><a name="Pg154" id="Pg154" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To the north and + south of Sydney, the coast is a nearly unbroken range of iron-bound + cliffs. But as a vessel approaches the shore, a narrow entrance, + between the two <span class="tei tei-q">“Heads”</span> of Port + Jackson, as they are called, discloses itself. It is nowhere greater + than a mile in width, and really does not appear so much, on account + of the height of the cliffs. On entering the harbour a fine sea-lake + appears in view, usually blue and calm, and in one of its charming + inlets is situated the city of Sydney. <span class="tei tei-q">“There + is not,”</span> writes Professor Hughes, <span class="tei tei-q">“a + more thoroughly English town on the face of the globe—not even in + England itself—than this southern emporium of the commerce of + nations. Sydney is entirely wanting in the novel and exotic aspect + which belongs to foreign capitals. The emigrant lands there, and + hears his own mother tongue spoken on every side; he looks around + upon the busy life of its crowded streets, and he gazes on scenes + exactly similar to those daily observable in the highways of London, + Liverpool, Birmingham, or Manchester.... <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Were it not,’</span> says Colonel Mundy, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘for an occasional orange-tree in full bloom, or fruit in + the background of some of the older cottages, or a flock of little + green parrots whistling as they alight for a moment on a house-top, + one might fancy himself in Brighton or + Plymouth.’</span> ”</span><a id="noteref_103" name="noteref_103" + href="#note_103"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">103</span></span></a> Gay + equipages crowd its streets, which are lined with handsome shops; the + city abounds in fine public buildings. In the outskirts of the city + are flour-mills of all kinds, worked by horse, water, wind, and + steam; great distilleries and breweries, soap and candle works, + tanneries, and woollen-mills, at the latter of which they turn out an + excellent tweed cloth. Ship-building is carried on extensively around + Port Jackson. Although now overshadowed by the commercial superiority + of Melbourne, it has the preeminence as a port. In fact, Melbourne is + not a sea-port at all, as we shall see. Vessels of large burdens can + lie alongside the wharves of Sydney, and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Jack,”</span> in the Royal Navy at least, is more likely + to stop there for awhile, than ever to see Melbourne. He will find it + a cheap place in most respects, for everywhere in New South Wales + meat is excessively low-priced; they used formerly to throw it away, + after taking off the hides and boiling out the fat, but are wiser + now, and send it in tins all over the world. Such fruits as the + peach, nectarine, apricot, plum, fig, grape, cherry, and orange are + as plentiful as blackberries. The orangeries and orchards of New + South Wales are among its sights; and in the neighbourhood of Sydney + and round Port Jackson there are beautiful groves of orange-trees, + which extend in some places down to the water’s edge. Individual + settlers have groves which yield as many as thirty thousand dozen + oranges per annum. One may there literally <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sit under his own vine and fig-tree.”</span> If a + peach-stone is thrown down in almost any part of Australia where + there is a little moisture, a tree will spring up, which in a few + years will yield handsomely. A well-known botanist used formerly to + carry with him, during extensive travels, a small bag of peach-stones + to plant in suitable places, and many a wandering settler has blessed + him since. Pigs were formerly often fed on peaches, as was done in + California, a country much resembling Southern Australia; it is only + of late years they have been utilised in both places by drying or + otherwise preserving. A basket-load may be obtained in the Sydney + markets during the season for a few pence. The summer heat of Sydney + is about that of Naples, while its winter corresponds with that of + Sicily.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page155">[pg + 155]</span><a name="Pg155" id="Pg155" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But are there no + drawbacks to all this happy state of things? Well, yes; about the + worst is a hot blast which sometimes blows from the interior, known + popularly in Sydney as a <span class= + "tei tei-q">“brick-fielder”</span> or <span class= + "tei tei-q">“southerly buster.”</span> It is much like that already + described, and neither the most closely-fastened doors nor windows + will keep out the fearful dust-storm. <span class="tei tei-q">“Its + effect,”</span> says Professor Hughes, <span class="tei tei-q">“is + particularly destructive of every sense of comfort; the dried and + dust-besprinkled skin acquiring for the time some resemblance to + parchment, and the hair feeling more like hay than any softer + material.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Should Jack or his + superior officers land during the heat of autumn, he may have the + opportunity of passing a novel Christmas—very completely un-English. + The gayest and brightest flowers will be in bloom, and the musquitoes + out in full force. <span class="tei tei-q">“Sitting,”</span> says a + writer, <span class="tei tei-q">“in a thorough draught, clad in a + holland blouse, you may see men and boys dragging from the + neighbouring bush piles of green stuff (oak-branches in full leaf and + acorn, and a handsome shrub with a pink flower and pale green + leaf—the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Christmas’</span> of <a name= + "corr155" id="corr155" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">Australia)</span> for the decoration of churches and + dwellings, and stopping every fifty yards to wipe their perspiring + brows.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before leaving + Sydney, the grand park, called <span class="tei tei-q">“The + Domain,”</span> which stretches down to the blue water in the + picturesque indentations around Port Jackson, must be mentioned. It + contains several hundred acres, tastefully laid out in drives, and + with public walks cut through the indigenous or planted shrubberies, + and amidst the richest woodland scenery, or winding at the edge of + the rocky bluffs or by the margin of the glittering waters. Adjoining + this lovely spot is one of the finest botanic gardens in the world, + considered by all Sydney to be a veritable Eden.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Port Phillip, like + Port Jackson, is entered by a narrow passage, and immediately inside + is a magnificent basin, thirty miles across in almost any direction. + It is so securely sheltered that it affords an admirable anchorage + for shipping. Otherwise, Melbourne, now a grand city with a + population of about 300,000, would have had little chance of + attaining its great commercial superiority over any city of + Australia. Melbourne is situated about eight miles up the Yarra-Yarra + (<span class="tei tei-q">“flowing-flowing”</span>) river, which flows + into the head of Port Phillip. That poetically-named, but really + lazy, muddy stream is only navigable for vessels of very small + draught. But Melbourne has a fine country to back it. Many of the old + and rich mining-districts were round Port Phillip, or on and about + streams flowing into it. Wheat, maize, potatoes, vegetables and + fruits in general, are greatly cultivated; and the colony of Victoria + is pre-eminent for sheep-farming and cattle-runs, and the industries + connected with wool, hides, tallow, and, of late, meat, which they + bring forth. Melbourne itself lies rather low, and its original site, + now entirely filled in, was swampy. Hence came occasional + epidemics—dysentery, influenza, and so forth.</p><a name= + "figtimbwhat" id="figtimbwhat" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page156">[pg 156]</span><a name="Pg156" + id="Pg156" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_188.png" alt= + "A TIMBER WHARF AT SAN FRANCISCO" title= + "A TIMBER WHARF AT SAN FRANCISCO." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + A TIMBER WHARF AT SAN FRANCISCO. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc23" id="toc23"></a> <a name="pdf24" id= + "pdf24"></a><a name="chap10" id="chap10" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER X.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Round the World on a + Man-of-War</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 120%">(</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">).</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">THE PACIFIC STATION.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Across the Pacific—Approach to the Golden Gate—The + Bay of San Francisco—The City—First Dinner Ashore—Cheap Luxury—San + Francisco by Night—The Land of Gold, Grain, and Grapes—Incidents of + the Early Days—Expensive Papers—A Lucky Sailor—Chances for English + Girls—The Baby at the Play—A capital Port for Seamen—Hospitality of + Californians—Victoria, Vancouver Island—The Naval Station at + Esquimalt—A Delightful Place—Advice to Intending Emigrants—British + Columbian Indians—Their fine Canoes—Experiences of the Writer—The + Island on Fire—The Chinook Jargon—Indian</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%"> + “</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Pigeon-English</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—North + to Alaska—The Purchase of Russian America by the United + States—Results—Life at Sitka—Grand Volcanoes of the Aleutian + Islands—The Great Yukon River—American Trading Posts round Bering + Sea.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A common course + for a vessel crossing the Pacific would be from Australia or New + Zealand to San Francisco, California. The mail-steamers follow this + route, touching at the Fiji and Hawaiian groups of islands; and the + sailor in the Royal Navy is as likely to find this route the orders + of his commander as any other. If the writer, in describing the + country he knows better than any other, be found somewhat + enthusiastic and gushing, he will at least give reasons for his + warmth. On this subject, above all others, he writes <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page157">[pg 157]</span><a name="Pg157" id="Pg157" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">con amore</span></span>. He spent over twelve + years on the Pacific coasts of America, and out of that time about + seven in the Golden State, California.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It has been said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“See Naples, and die!”</span> The reader is + recommended to see the glorious Bay of San Francisco before he makes + up his mind that there is nought else worthy of note, because he has + sailed on the blue waters of the most beautiful of the Mediterranean + bays. How well does the writer remember his first sight of the Golden + Gate, as the entrance to San Francisco Bay is poetically named! The + good steamer on which he had spent some seventy-five days—which had + passed over nearly the entire Atlantic, weathered the Horn, and then, + with the favouring <span class="tei tei-q">“trade-winds,”</span> had + sailed and steamed up the Pacific with one grand sweep to California, + out of sight of land the whole time—was sadly in want of coals when + she arrived off that coast, which a dense fog entirely hid from view. + The engines were kept going slowly by means of any stray wood on + board; valuable spars were sacrificed, and it was even proposed to + strip the woodwork out of the steerage, which contained about two + hundred men, women, and children. Guns and rockets were fired, but at + first with no result, and the prospect was not cheering. But at last + the welcome little pilot-boat loomed through the fog, and was soon + alongside, and a healthy, jovial-looking pilot came aboard. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You can all have a good dinner to-night + ashore,”</span> said that excellent seaman to the passengers, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and the sea shan’t rob you of it.”</span> + The fog lifted as the vessel slowly steamed onwards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On approaching the + entrance to the bay, on the right cliffs and rocks are seen, with a + splendid beach, where carriages and buggies are constantly passing + and repassing. On the top of a rocky bluff, the Seal Rock or + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cliff”</span> House, a popular hotel; below + it, in the sea, a couple or so of rocky islets covered with + sea-lions, which are protected by a law of the State. To the left, + outside some miles, the Farralone Islands, with a capital lighthouse + perched on the top of one of them. Entering the Golden Gate, and + looking to the right again, the Fort Point Barracks and the outskirts + of the city; to the left the many-coloured headlands and cliffs, on + whose summits the wild oats are pale and golden in the bright + sunlight. Before one, several islands—Alcatraz, bristling with guns, + and covered with fortifications; Goat Island, presumably so called + because on it there are no goats. Beyond, fifty miles of green water, + and a forest of shipping; and a city, the history of which has no + parallel on earth. Hills behind, with streets as steep as those of + Malta; high land, with spires, and towers, and fine edifices + innumerable; and great wharves, and slips, and docks in front of all; + with steamships and steam ferry-boats constantly arriving and + departing. And now the vessel anchors in the stream, and if not + caring to haggle over the half-dollar—a large sum in English + ears—which the boatman demands from each passenger who wishes to go + ashore, the traveller finds himself in a strange land, and amid a + people of whom he will learn to form the very highest estimate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That first dinner, + after the eternal bean-coffee, boiled tea, tinned meats, dried + vegetables, and <span class="tei tei-q">“salt horse”</span> of one’s + ship, in a neat <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">restaurant</span></span>, where it seems + everything on earth can be obtained, will surprise most visitors. An + irreproachable <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">potage</span></span>: broiled salmon (the fish + is a drug, almost, on the Pacific coasts); turtle steaks, oyster + plant, artichokes, and green corn; a California quail <span class= + "tei tei-q">“on toast;”</span> grand muscatel grapes, green figs, and + a cooling slice of melon; Roquefort cheese, or a very good imitation + of it; black coffee, and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page158">[pg + 158]</span><a name="Pg158" id="Pg158" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>cigars; native wine on the table; California + cognac on demand; service excellent—napkins, hot plates, flowers on + the table; price moderate for the luxuries obtained, and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">no waiter’s + fees</span></span>. The visitor will mentally forgive the boatman of + the morning. Has he arrived in the Promised Land, in the Paradise of + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">bon + vivants</span></span>? It seems so. In the evening, he may take a + stroll up Montgomery Street, and a good seat at a creditably + performed opera may be obtained. Nobody knows better than the sailor + and the traveller the splendid luxury of such moments, after a two or + three months’ monotonous voyage. And, in good sooth, he generally + abandons himself to it. He has earned it, and who shall say him nay? + The same evening may be, he will go to a 300-roomed hotel—they have + now one of 750 rooms—where, for three dollars (12s. 6d.), he can sup, + sleep, breakfast, and dine sumptuously. He will be answered twenty + questions for nothing by a civil clerk in the office of the hotel, + read the papers for nothing in the reading-room, have a bath—for + nothing—and find that it is not the thing to give fees to the + waiters. It is a new revelation to many who have stopped before in + dozens of first-class English and Continental houses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Seen,”</span> says Mr. W. F. Rae,<a id="noteref_104" + name="noteref_104" href="#note_104"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">104</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“as I saw it for the first time, the + appearance of San Francisco is enchanting. Built on a hill-slope, up + which many streets run to the top, and illumined as many of these + streets were with innumerable gas-lamps, the effect was that of a + huge dome ablaze with lamps arranged in lines and circles. Those who + have stood in Princes Street at night, and gazed upon the Old Town + and Castle of Edinburgh, can form a very correct notion of the + fairy-like spectacle. Expecting to find San Francisco a city of + wonders, I was not disappointed when it seemed to my eyes a city of + magic—such a city as Aladdin might have ordered the genii to create + in order to astonish and dazzle the spectator. I was warned by those + whom personal experience of the city had taught to distinguish + glitter from substance, not to expect that the reality of the morrow + would fulfil the promise of the evening. Some of the parts which now + appeared the most fascinating were said to be the least attractive + when viewed by day. Still, the panorama was deprived of none of its + glories by these whispers of well-meant warning.”</span> The present + writer has crossed the Bay in the ferry and other boats a hundred + times, and on a fine night—and they have about nine months of fine + nights in California—he never missed the opportunity of going forward + towards the bows of the boat when it approached San Francisco. As Mr. + Rae writes, <span class="tei tei-q">“The full-orbed stars twinkling + overhead are almost rivalled by the myriads of gas-lights + illuminating the land.”</span> Less than thirty years ago this city + of 300,000 souls was but a mission-village, and the few inhabitants + of California were mostly demoralised Mexicans, lazy half-breeds, and + wretched Indians, who could almost live without work, and, as a rule, + did so. Wild cattle roamed at will, and meat was to be had for the + asking. The only ships which arrived were like the brig <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pilgrim</span></span>, described by Dana in + <span class="tei tei-q">“Two Years before the Mast,”</span> bound to + California for hides and tallow. Now, the tonnage of the shipping of + all nations which enters the port of San Francisco is enormous. The + discovery made by Marshall, in 1847, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">first</span></span> + brought about the revolution. <span class="tei tei-q">“Such is the + power of gold.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Now</span></span>, California depends far + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page159">[pg 159]</span><a name="Pg159" + id="Pg159" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>more on her corn, and wool, and + hides, her wine, her grapes, oranges, and other fruits, and on + innumerable industries. Reader, you have eaten bread made from + California wheat—it fetches a high price in Liverpool on account of + its fine quality; you may have been clothed in California wool, and + your boots made of her leather; more than likely you have drunk + California wine, of which large quantities are shipped to Hamburgh, + where they are watered and doctored for the rest of Europe, and + exported under French and German names; your head may have been + shampooed with California borax; and your watch-chain was probably, + and some of your coin assuredly, made from the gold of the Golden + State.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This is not a book + on <span class="tei tei-q">“The Land,”</span> but two or three + stories of Californian life in the early days may, however, be + forgiven. The first is of a man who had just landed from a ship, and + who offered a somewhat seedy-looking customer, lounging on the wharf, + a dollar to carry his portmanteau. He got the reply, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I’ll give you an ounce of gold to see you carry it + yourself.”</span> The new arrival thought he had come to a splendid + country, and shouldered his burden like a man, when the other, a + successful gold-finder, not merely gave him his ounce—little less + than £4 sterling—but treated him to a bottle of champagne, which cost + another ounce. The writer can well believe the story, for he paid two + and a half dollars—nearly half a guinea—for an <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Illustrated London + News</span></span>, and two dollars for a copy of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Punch</span></span>, in + the Cariboo mines, in 1863; while a friend—now retired on a + competency in England—started a little weekly newspaper, the size of + a sheet of foolscap, selling it for one dollar (4s. 2d.) per copy. He + was fortunately not merely a competent writer, but a practical + printer. He composed his articles on paper first, and then in type; + worked the press, delivered them to his subscribers, collected + advertisements and payments, and no doubt would have made his own + paper—if rags had not been too costly!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A sailor + purchased, about the year 1849, in an auction-room, while out on a + <span class="tei tei-q">“spree,”</span> the lots of land on which the + Plaza, one of the most important business squares of San Francisco, + now stands. He went off again, and after several years cruising about + the world, returned to find himself a millionaire. The City Hall + stands on that property; it is surrounded by offices, shops, and + hotels, and very prettily planted with shrubs, grass-plots, and + flowers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a period + when females were so scarce in California that the miners and + farm-hands, ay, and farmers and proprietors too—a large number of + these were old sailors—would travel any distance merely to see + one.<a id="noteref_105" name="noteref_105" href= + "#note_105"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">105</span></span></a> At this + present time any decent English housemaid receives twenty dollars + (£4) per month, and is <span class="tei tei-q">“found,”</span> while + a superior servant, a first-class cook, or competent housekeeper, + gets anything from thirty dollars upwards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Theatres at San + Francisco were once rude buildings of boards and canvas, and the + stalls were benches. A story is told that at a performance at such a + house quite a commotion was caused by the piercing squall of a + healthy baby—brought in by a mother who, perhaps, had not had any + amusement for a year or two, and most assuredly had no servant with + whom to leave it at home—which was heard above the music. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Here, you <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page160">[pg 160]</span><a name="Pg160" id="Pg160" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>fiddlers,”</span> roared out a stalwart man in a + red shirt and <span class="tei tei-q">“gum”</span> boots, just down + from the mines, <span class="tei tei-q">“stop that tune; I haven’t + heard a baby cry for several years; it does me good to hear + it.”</span> The <span class="tei tei-q">“one touch of nature”</span> + made that rough audience akin, and all rose to their feet, cheering + the baby, and insisting that the orchestra must stop, and stop it did + until the child was quieted. Then a collection was made—not of + coppers and small silver, but of ounces and dollars—to present the + child with something handsome as a souvenir of its + success.</p><a name="figbay_ofsa" id="figbay_ofsa" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_192.png" alt="THE BAY OF SAN FRANCISCO" + title="THE BAY OF SAN FRANCISCO." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE BAY OF SAN FRANCISCO. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">San Francisco, as + the most important commercial emporium and port of the whole Pacific, + has a particular interest to the <span class="tei tei-q">“man of the + sea.”</span> It has societies, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“homes,”</span> and bethels for his benefit, and a fine + marine hospital. At the Merchants’ Exchange he will find the latest + shipping-news and quotations, while many public institutions are open + to him, as to all others. Above all, he will find one of the most + conscientious and kind, as well as influential, of British Consuls + there—and how often the sailor abroad may need his interference, only + the sailor and merchant knows—who is also one of the oldest in H.B.M. + consular service. No matter his sect, it is represented; San + Francisco is full of churches and chapels. If he needs instruction + and literary entertainment, he will get it at the splendid Mercantile + Library, or admirably-conducted Mechanics’ Institute. There is a + capital <span class="tei tei-q">“Art Association,”</span> with + hundreds of members. He will find journalism of a new type: + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page161">[pg 161]</span><a name="Pg161" + id="Pg161" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-q">“live,”</span> vigorous, generous, and semi-occasionally + vicious. The papers of San Francisco will, however, compare + favourably with those of any other American city, short of New York + and Boston. The sailor will find the city as advanced in all matters + pertaining to modern civilisation, whether good or bad, as any he has + ever visited. The naval officer will find admirable clubs, and if of + the Royal Navy will most assuredly be put on the books of one or more + of them for the period of his stay. He will find, too, that San + Francisco hospitality is unbounded, that balls and parties are + nowhere better carried out, and that the rising generation of + California girls are extremely good-looking, and that the men are + stalwart, fine-looking fellows, very unlike the typical bony Yankee, + who, by-the-by, is getting very scarce even in his own part of the + country, the New England States.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If Jack has been + to China, he will recognise the truth of the fact that parts of San + Francisco are Chinese as Hong Kong itself. There are Joss-houses, + with a big, stolid-looking idol sitting in state, the temple gay with + tinsel and china, metal-work and paint, smelling faintly of incense, + and strongly of burnt paper. There are Chinese <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">restaurants</span></span> by the dozen, from the + high-class dining-rooms, with balconies, flowers, small banners and + inscriptions, down to the itinerant <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">restaurateur</span></span> with his + charcoal-stove and soup-pot. Then there are Chinese theatres, + smelling strongly of opium and tobacco, where the orchestra sits at + the back of the stage, which is curtainless and devoid of scenery. + The dresses of the performers are gorgeous in the extreme. When any + new arrangement of properties, &c., is required on the stage, the + changes are made before your eyes; as, for example, placing a table + to represent a raised balcony, or piling up some boxes to form a + castle, and so forth. Their dramas are often almost interminable, for + they take the reign of an emperor, for example, and play it through, + night after night, from his birth to his death. In details they are + very literal, and hold <span class="tei tei-q">“the mirror up to + nature”</span> fully. If the said emperor had special vices, they are + displayed on the stage. The music is, to European ears, fearful and + wonderful—a mixture of discordant sounds, resembling those of + ungreased cart-wheels and railway-whistles, mingled with the rolling + of drums and striking of gongs. Some of the streets are lined with + Chinese shops, ranging from those of the merchants in tea, silks, + porcelain, and lacquered ware—a dignified and polite class of men, + who are often highly educated, and speak English extremely well—to + those of the cigar-makers, barbers, shoemakers, and + laundry-<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">men</span></span>. Half the laundry-work in San + Francisco is performed by John Chinaman. There is one Chinese hotel + or caravanserai, which looks as though it might at a stretch + accommodate two hundred people, in which 1,200 men are packed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The historian of + the future will watch with interest the advancing or receding waves + of population as they move over the surface of the globe, now surging + in great waves of resistless force, now peacefully subsiding, leaving + hardly a trace behind. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s steamers + have brought from China to San Francisco as many as 1,200 + Chinamen—and, very occasionally, of course, more than that number—on + a single trip. The lowest estimate of the number of Chinese in + California is 70,000, while they are spread all over the Pacific + states and territories, and, indeed, in lesser numbers, all over the + American continent. One finds them in New England factories, New York + laundries, and Southern plantations. Their reception in San Francisco + used to be with brickbats and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page162">[pg 162]</span><a name="Pg162" id="Pg162" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>other missiles, and hooting and jeering, on the + part of the lower classes of the community. This is not the place to + enter into a discussion on the political side of the question. + Suffice it to say that they were and still are a necessity in + California, where the expense of reaching the country has kept out + <span class="tei tei-q">“white”</span> labour to an extent so + considerable, that it still rules higher than in almost any part of + the world. The respectable middle classes would hardly afford + servants at all were it not for the Chinese. All the better classes + support their claims to full legal and social rights. The Chinamen + who come to San Francisco are not coolies, and a large number of them + pay their own passages over. When brought over by merchants, or one + of the six great Chinese companies, their passage-money is advanced, + and they, of course, pay interest for the accommodation. On arrival + in California, if they do not immediately go to work, they proceed to + the <span class="tei tei-q">“Company-house”</span> of their + particular province, where, in a kind of caravanserai, rough + accommodations for sleeping and cooking are afforded. Hardly a better + system of organisation could be adopted than that of the companies, + who know exactly where each man in their debt is to be found, if he + is hundreds of miles from San Francisco. Were it possible to adopt + the same system in regard to emigrants from this country, thousands + would be glad to avail themselves of the opportunity of proceeding to + the Golden State.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One little + anecdote, and the Chinese must be left to their fate. It happened in + 1869. Two Chinese merchants had been invited by one of the heads of a + leading steamship company to visit the theatre, where they had taken + a box. The merchants, men of high standing among their countrymen, + accepted. Their appearance in front of it was the signal for an + outburst of ruffianism on the part of the gallery; it was the + <span class="tei tei-q">“gods”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">versus</span></span> + the celestials, and for a time the former had it all their own way. + In vain Lawrence Barrett, the actor, came forward on the stage to try + and appease them. He is supposed to have said that any well-conducted + person had a right to his seat in the house. An excited gentleman in + the dress-circle reiterated the same ideas, and was rewarded by a + torrent of hisses and caterwauling. The Chinamen, alarmed that it + might result in violence to them, would have retired, but a dozen + gentlemen from the dress-circle and orchestra seats requested them to + stay, promising them protection, and the merchants remained. They + could see that all the better and more respectable part of the house + wished them to remain. After twenty or more minutes of interruption, + the gallery was nearly cleared by the police, and the performance + allowed to proceed. And yet the very class who are so opposed to the + Caucasian complain that he does not spend his money in the country + where he makes it, but hoards it up for China. The story explains the + actual position of the Chinaman in America to-day. The upper and + middle classes, ay, and the honest mechanics who require their + assistance, support their claims; the lowest scum of the population + persecute, injure, and not unfrequently murder them. Many a poor John + Chinaman has, as they say in America, been <span class= + "tei tei-q">“found missing.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailor ashore + in San Francisco may likely enough have an opportunity of feeling the + tremor of an earthquake. As a rule, they have been exceedingly + slight, but that of the 21st October, 1868, was a serious affair. + Towers and steeples swayed to and fro: tall houses trembled, + badly-built wooden houses became disjointed; walls fell. Many + buildings, for some time afterwards, showed the effects in cracked + walls and plastering, dislocated <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page163">[pg 163]</span><a name="Pg163" id="Pg163" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>doors and window-frames. A writer in the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Overland + Monthly</span></span>, soon after the event, put the matter forcibly + when recalling the great earthquake of Lisbon. He said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Over the parts of the city where ships anchored twenty + years ago, they may anchor again,”</span> for the worst effects were + confined to the <span class="tei tei-q">“made”</span> + ground—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, land reclaimed from the Bay. + Dwellings on the rocky hills were scarcely injured at all, reminding + us of the relative fates of the man <span class="tei tei-q">“who + built his house upon a rock”</span> and of him who placed it on the + sand. Four persons only were killed on that occasion, all of them + from the fall of badly-constructed walls, loose parapets, &c. The + alarm in the city was great; excited people rushing wildly through + the streets, and frightened horses running through the crowds.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">California + possesses other ports of importance, but as regards English naval + interests in the Pacific, Esquimalt, Vancouver Island, B.C., which + has a fine land-locked harbour of deep water, dock, and naval + hospital, deserves the notice of the reader. It is often the + rendezvous for seven or eight of H.M.’s vessels, from the admiral’s + flag-ship to the tiniest steam gun-boat. Victoria, the capital, is + three miles off, and has a pretty little harbour itself, not, + however, adapted for large vessels. Formerly the colonies of + Vancouver Island and British Columbia, the mainland, were separate + and distinct colonies; they are now identified under the latter name. + Their value never warranted the full paraphernalia of a double + colonial government—two governors, colonial secretaries, treasurers, + attorney-generals, &c., &c.; for these countries, charming + and interesting to the tourist and artist, will only attract + population slowly. The resources of British Columbia in gold, timber, + coal, fisheries, &c., are considerable; but the long winters on + the mainland, and the small quantity of open land, are great + drawbacks. Approaching Vancouver Island from the sea, the + <span class="tei tei-q">“inside channel”</span> is entered through + the grand opening to the Straits of Fuca, which Cook missed and + Vancouver discovered. To the eastward are the rocks and light of Cape + Flattery, while the rather low termination of Vancouver Island, thick + with timber, is seen to the westward. The scene in the Straits is + often lively with steamers and shipping, great men-of-war, sometimes + of foreign nationalities; coast packet-boats proceeding not merely to + Vancouver Island, but to the ports of Washington Territory, on the + American side; timber (called <span class="tei tei-q">“lumber”</span> + always on that side of the world) vessels; colliers proceeding to + Nanaimo or Bellingham Bay to the coal-mines; coasting and trading + schooners; and Indian canoes, some of them big enough to accommodate + sixty or more persons, and carrying a good amount of sail. The + Straits have many beauties; and as, approaching the entrance of + Esquimalt Harbour, the Olympian range of mountains, snow-covered and + rugged, loom in the distance, the scene is grandly beautiful; while + in the channel, rocky islets and islands, covered with pine and + arbutus, abound. Outside the Straits two lighthouses are placed, to + warn the unwary voyager by night. Often those lighthouses may be + noted apparently upside down! Mirage is common enough in the Straits + of Fuca.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Victoria, in 1862, + had at least 12,000 or 15,000 people, mostly drawn thither by the + fame of the Cariboo mines, on the mainland of British Columbia. Not + twenty per cent. ever reached those mines. When ships arrived in the + autumn, it was utterly useless to attempt the long journey of about + 600 miles, partly by steamer, but two-thirds of which must be + accomplished on foot or horseback, or often mule-back, over + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page164">[pg 164]</span><a name="Pg164" + id="Pg164" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>rugged mountain-paths, through + swamps and forests. Consequently, a large number had to spend the + winter in idleness; and in the spring, in many cases, their resources + were exhausted. Many became tired of the colony; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“roughing it”</span> was not always the pleasant kind of + thing they had imagined, and so they went down to California, or left + for home. Others were stuck fast in the colony, and many suffered + severe privations; although, so long as they could manage to live on + salmon alone, they could obtain plenty from the Indians, who hawked + it about the streets for a shilling or two shillings apiece—the + latter for a very large fish. The son of a baronet at one time might + be seen breaking stones for a living in Victoria; and unless men had + a very distinct calling, profession, or trade, they had to live on + their means or have a very rough time of it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These remarks are + not made to deter adventurous spirits from going abroad; but we would + advise them to <span class="tei tei-q">“look well before they + leap.”</span> But how utterly unfitted for mining-work were the + larger part of the young men who had travelled so far, only to be + disappointed. There was no doubt of the gold being there: two hundred + ounces of the precious metal have been <span class= + "tei tei-q">“washed out”</span> in an eight hours’ <span class= + "tei tei-q">“shift”</span> (a <span class="tei tei-q">“shift”</span> + is the same as a <span class="tei tei-q">“watch”</span> on board + ship); and this was kept up for many days in succession, the miners + working day and night. But that mine had been three years in process + of development, and only one of the original proprietors was among + the lucky number of shareholders. A day or so before the first gold + had been found—<span class="tei tei-q">“struck”</span> is the + technical expression—his credit was exhausted, and he had begged + vainly for flour, &c., to enable him to live and work. The + ordinary price of a very ordinary meal was <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">two + dollars</span></span>; and it will be seen that, unless employed, or + simply travelling for pleasure, it was a ruinous place to stop in. + Fancy, then, the condition of perhaps as many as 4,000 unemployed + men, out of a total of 7,000 men, on the various creeks, a good half + of whom were of the middle and upper classes at home. But for one + happy fact, that beef—which, as the miners said, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">packed + itself</span></span> into the mines (in other words, the cattle were + driven in from a distance of hundreds of miles)—was reasonably cheap, + hundreds of them must have starved. Everything—from flour, tea, + sugar, bacon, and beans, to metal implements and machinery—had to be + packed there on the backs of mules, and cost from fifty cents and + upwards per pound for the mere cost of transportation. Tea was ten + shillings a pound, flour and sugar a dollar a pound, and so on. Those + who fancy that gold-mining, and especially deep gravel-mining, as in + Cariboo, is play-work, may be told that it is perhaps the hardest, as + it is certainly the most risky and uncertain, work in the world; and + that it requires machinery, expensive tools, &c., which, in + places like Cariboo, cost enormous sums to supply. If labour was to + be employed—good practical miners, carpenters, &c. (much of the + machinery was of wood)—received, at that period, ten to sixteen + dollars per day. This digression may be pardoned, as the sea is so + intimately bound up with questions of emigration. Apart from this, + from personal observation, the writer knows that quite a proportion + of miners have been sailors, and, in many cases, deserted their + ships. In the <span class="tei tei-q">“early days”</span> of + Australia, California, and British Columbia, this was eminently the + case.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A large proportion + of the sailors in the Royal Navy have, or will at some period, pass + some time on the Pacific station, in which case, they will inevitably + go to Vancouver <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page165">[pg + 165]</span><a name="Pg165" id="Pg165" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Island, where there is much to interest + them.<a id="noteref_106" name="noteref_106" href= + "#note_106"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">106</span></span></a> They + will find Victoria a very pretty little town, with Government house, + cathedral, churches and chapels, a mechanics’ institute, a theatre, + good hotels and restaurants—the latter generally in French hands. He + will find a curious mixture of English and American manners and + customs, and a very curious mixture of coinage—shillings being the + same as quarter-dollars, while crowns are only the value of dollars + (5s., against 4s. 2d.). Some years ago the island system was + different from that of the mainland; on the latter, florins were + equal to half-dollars (which they are, nearly), while on the island + they were 37½ cents only (1s. 7½d.). The Hudson’s Bay Company, which + has trading-posts throughout British Columbia, took advantage of the + fact to give change for American money, on their steamers, in English + florins, obtaining them on the island. They thus made nearly + twenty-five per cent. in their transaction, besides getting paid the + passenger’s fare. Yet the traveller, strange to say, did not lose by + this, for, on landing at New Westminster, he found that what was + rated at a little over eighteenpence on Vancouver Island, had + suddenly, after travelling only seventy miles or so, increased in + value to upwards of two shillings!</p><a name="figbritcasa" id= + "figbritcasa" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_197.png" alt="THE BRITISH CAMP: SAN JUAN" + title="THE BRITISH CAMP: SAN JUAN." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE BRITISH CAMP: SAN JUAN. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Outside Victoria + there are many pleasant drives and walks: to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Arm,”</span> where, amid a charming landscape, + interspersed with pines and natural fir woods, wild flowers, and + mossy rocks, there is a pretty little rapid, or fall; to Saanich, + where the settlers’ homesteads have a semi-civilised appearance, half + of the houses being of squared logs, but <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page166">[pg 166]</span><a name="Pg166" id="Pg166" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>comfortable withal inside, and where a rude + plenty reigns; or to Beacon Hill, where there is an excellent + race-course and drive, which commands fine views up and down the + Straits. In sight is San Juan Island, over which England and America + once squabbled, while the two garrisons which occupied it fraternised + cordially, and outvied with each other in hospitality. The + island—rocky, and covered with forest and underbrush, with a farm or + two, made by clearing away the big trees, with not a little + difficulty, and burning and partially uprooting the stumps—does not + look a worthy subject for international differences. But the fact is, + that it commands the Straits to some extent. However, all that is + over now, and it is England’s property by diplomatic arrangement. + There are other islands, nearly as large, in the archipelago which + stretches northward up the Gulf of Georgia, which have not a single + human inhabitant, and have never been visited, except by some stray + Indians, miners, or traders who have gone ashore to cook a meal or + camp for the night.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Any one who has + travelled by small canoes on the sea must remember those happy + camping-times, when, often wet, and always hungry and tired, the + little party cautiously selected some sheltered nook or specially + good beach, and then paddled with a will ashore. No lack of + drift-wood or small trees on that coast, and no lord of the manor to + interfere with one taking it. A glorious fire is soon raised, and the + cooking preparations commenced. Sometimes it is only the stereotyped + tea—frying-pan bread (something like the Australian <span class= + "tei tei-q">“damper,”</span> only baked before the fire), or + <span class="tei tei-q">“slapjacks”</span> (<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, + flour-and-water pancakes), fried bacon, and boiled Chili beans; but + ofttimes it can be varied by excellent fish, game, bear-meat, + venison, or moose-meat, purchased from some passing Indians, or + killed by themselves. It is absurd to suppose that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“roughing it”</span> need mean hardship and + semi-starvation all the time. Not a bit of it! On the northern coasts + now being described, one may often live magnificently, and most + travellers learn instinctively to cook, and make the most of things. + Nothing is finer in camp than a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">roast</span></span> fish—say a salmon—split and + gutted, and stuck on a stick before the fire, not over it. A few + dozen turns, and you have a dish worthy of a prince. Or a composition + stew—say of deer and bear-meat and beaver’s tail, well seasoned, and + with such vegetables as you may obtain there; potatoes from some + seaside farm—and there are such on that coast, where the settler is + as brown as his Indian wife—or compressed vegetables, often taken on + exploring expeditions. Or, again, venison dipped in a thick batter + and thrown into a pan of boiling-hot fat, making a kind of meat + fritter, with not a drop of its juices wasted. Some of these + explorers and miners are veritable <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">chefs</span></span>. + They can make good light bread in the woods from plain flour, water, + and salt, and ask no oven but a frying-pan. They will make beans, of + a kind only given to horses at home, into a delicious dish, by + boiling them soft—a long job, generally done at the night camp—and + then frying them with bread-crumbs and pieces of bacon in the + morning, till they are brown and crisp.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was at one of + these camps, on an island in the Gulf of Georgia, that a camp fire + spread to some grass and underbrush, mounted with lightning rapidity + a steep slope, and in a few minutes the forest at the top was ablaze. + The whole island was soon in flames! For hours afterwards the flames + and smoke could be seen. No harm was done; for it is extremely + unlikely that island will be inhabited for the next five hundred + years. But <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page167">[pg + 167]</span><a name="Pg167" id="Pg167" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>forest fires in partially inhabited districts + are more serious, or when near trails or roads. In the long summer of + Vancouver Island, where rain, as in California, is almost unknown, + these fires, once started, may burn for weeks—ay, months.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Indians of + this part of the coast, of dozens of petty tribes, all speaking + different languages, or, at all events, varied dialects, are not + usually prepossessing in appearance, but the male half-breeds are + often fine-looking fellows, and the girls pretty. The sailor will be + interested in their cedar canoes, which on Vancouver Island are + beautifully modelled. A first-class clipper has not more graceful + lines. They are always cut from one log, and are finely and smoothly + finished, being usually painted black outside, and finished with red + ornamental work within. They are very light and buoyant, and will + carry great weights; but one must be careful to avoid rocks on the + coast, or <span class="tei tei-q">“snags”</span> in the rivers, for + any sudden concussion will split them all to pieces. When on the + Vancouver Island Exploring Expedition, a party of men found + themselves suddenly deposited in a swift-running stream, from the + canoe having almost parted in half, after touching on a sunken rock + or log. All got to shore safely, and it took about half a day of + patching and caulking to make her sufficiently river-worthy (why not + say <span class="tei tei-q">“river-worthy”</span> as well as + <span class="tei tei-q">“sea-worthy?”</span>) to enable them to reach + camp. The writer, in 1864, came down from the extreme end of Bute + Inlet—an arm of the sea on the mainland of British Columbia—across + the Gulf of Georgia (twenty miles of open sea), coasting southwards + to Victoria, V.I., the total voyage being 180 miles, in an open cedar + canoe, only large enough for four or five people. The trip occupied + five days. But while there is some risk in such an undertaking, there + is little in a voyage in the great Haidah canoes of Queen Charlotte’s + Island (north of Vancouver Island). These canoes are often eighty + feet long, but are still always made from a single log, the splendid + pines of that coast<a id="noteref_107" name="noteref_107" href= + "#note_107"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">107</span></span></a> + affording ample opportunity. They have masts, and carry as much sail + as a schooner, while they can be propelled by, say, forty or fifty + paddles, half on either side, wielded by as many pairs of brawny + arms. The savage Haidahs are a powerful race, of whom not much is + known. They, however, often come to Victoria, or the American ports + on Puget Sound, for purposes of trading.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How,”</span> it might be asked, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“does the trade communicate with so many varieties of + natives, all speaking different tongues?”</span> The answer is that + there is a jargon, a kind of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“pigeon-English,”</span> which is acquired, more or less, + by almost all residents on the coast for purposes of intercourse with + their Indian servants or others. This is the Chinook jargon, a + mixture of Indian, English, and French—the latter coming from the + French Canadian <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">voyageurs</span></span>, often to be found in + the employ of the Hudson’s Bay Company, as they were formerly in the + defunct North-West Company. Some of the words used have curious + origins. Thus, an Englishman is a <span class= + "tei tei-q">“King-George-man,”</span> because the first explorers, + Cook, Vancouver, and others, arrived there during the Georgian era. + An American is a <span class="tei tei-q">“Boston-man,”</span> because + the first ships from the United States which visited that coast + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page168">[pg 168]</span><a name="Pg168" + id="Pg168" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hailed from Boston. This lingo + has no grammar, and a very few hundred words satisfies all its + requirements. Young ladies, daughters of Hudson’s Bay Company’s + employés in Victoria, rattle it off as though it were their + mother-tongue. <span class="tei tei-q">“Ikte mika tikkee?”</span> + (<span class="tei tei-q">“What do you want?”</span>) is probably the + first query to an Indian who arrives, and has something to sell. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nika tikkee tabac et la biscuit”</span> + (<span class="tei tei-q">“I want some tobacco and biscuit”</span>). + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cleush; mika potlatch salmon?”</span> + (<span class="tei tei-q">“Good; will you give me a salmon?”</span>). + <span class="tei tei-q">“Naāāāwitka, Se-ām”</span> (<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, sir”</span>); and for a small piece of black + cake-tobacco and two or three biscuits (sailors’ <span class= + "tei tei-q">“hard bread”</span> or <span class="tei tei-q">“hard + tack”</span>) he will exchange a thirty-pound or so salmon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Chinook + jargon, in skilful hands, is susceptible of much. But it is not + adapted for sentiment or poetry, although a naval officer, once + stationed on the Pacific side, did evolve an effusion, which the + sailor is almost sure to hear there. It needed, however, a fair + amount of English to make it read pleasantly. Old residents and + visitors will recognise some of its stanzas:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Oh! be not + quass of nika;</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Thy seahoose turn on me; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + For thou must but hyas cumtux, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + That I hyas tikkee thee! + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Nika potlatch hyu ictas; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Nika makook sappalell + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of persicees and la biscuit, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">I will give thee + all thy fill!”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">which, addressed + to a <span class="tei tei-q">“sweet Klootchman,”</span> a + <span class="tei tei-q">“forest maiden,”</span> means, that loving + her so much, all that he had was hers. Much greater absurdities have + been put in plain English.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A bishop of + British Columbia was, however, hardly so successful; not being + himself a student of Chinook, the entire vocabulary of which would + have taken him rather less time to learn than the barest elements of + Latin, he engaged an interpreter, through whom to address the + Indians. The latter was perfectly competent to say all that + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">can</span></span> be said in Chinook, but was + rather nonplussed when his lordship commenced his address by + <span class="tei tei-q">“Children of the forest!”</span> He scratched + his head and looked at the bishop, who, however, was determined, and + commenced once more, <span class="tei tei-q">“Children of the + forest!”</span> The interpreter knew that it must make nonsense, but + he was cornered, and had to do it. And this is what he said: + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tenass man copa stick!”</span>—literally, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Little men among the stumps”</span> (or + trunks of trees). The writer will not comment upon the subject here, + more than to say that Chinook is <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></span> + adapted for the translation of Milton or Shakespeare; while the + simplest story or parable of the Scriptures must be unintelligible, + or worse, when attempted in that jargon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The only other + settlement on Vancouver Island which has any direct interest to the + Royal Navy, is Nanaimo, the coal-mines of which yield a large amount + of the fuel used by the steamships when in that neighbourhood and + about all that is used on the island; a quantity is also shipped to + San Francisco. The mines are worked by English companies, and are so + near the coast that, by means of a few tramways and locomotives, the + coal is conveyed to the wharves, where it can be at once put on + board. It is a pleasant <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page169">[pg + 169]</span><a name="Pg169" id="Pg169" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>little place, and many an English miner would be + glad to be as well off as the men settled there, who earn more money + than at home, own their cottages and plots of land, obtain most of + their supplies cheaper than in England, and have a beautiful gulf + before them, in summer, at least, as calm as a lake, on which boating + and canoeing is all the rage in the evenings or on holidays.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Pacific + Station is an extensive one, for it commences at the most + northernmost parts of Bering Sea, and extends below Cape Horn. It + embraces the Alaskan coast. Many English men-of-war have visited + these latitudes, principally, however, in the cause of science and + discovery.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the old days, + when the colony of Russian America was little better than are many + parts of Siberia—convict settlements—the few Government officials and + officers of the Russian Fur Company were, it may well be believed, + only too ready to welcome any change in the monotony of their + existence, and a new arrival, in the shape of a ship from some + foreign port, was a day to be remembered, and of which to make much. + The true Russians are naturally hospitably and sociably inclined, and + such times were the occasion for balls, dinners, and parties to any + extent. The writer well remembers his first visit to Sitka, which, + although the capital of Alaska, is situated on an island off the + mainland. On approaching the small and partially land-locked harbour, + a mountain of no inconsiderable height, wooded to the top, appeared + in view, and below it a little town of highly-coloured roofs, in the + middle of which rose a picturesque rock, surmounted by a + semi-fortified castle, which, in the distance at least, looked most + imposing. Near this, but separated by a stockade, was the village of + the Kalosh Indians, a powerful tribe, who had at times, as the + members of the expedition learned, given a considerable amount of + trouble to the Russians—in 1804 they murdered nearly the whole of the + Russian garrison—while beyond on every side were rocky shores and + wooded heights. An old hulk or two, lying on the beach below the old + castle, itself principally built of wood, the residence of the + Governor of Russian America, then Prince Maksutoff, which had been + roofed in and were used for magazines of stores, and some rather + shaky pile-wharfs, made up the town.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Soon was + experienced the warmth of a Russian welcome, and for a week + afterwards a succession of gaieties followed, which were so very gay + that they would have killed most men, unless they had been fortified + with a long sea-trip just before. Every Russian seemed to wish the + party to consider all that he had at their service; the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">samovar</span></span> + boiled up everywhere as they approached; the little lunch-table of + anchovies, and pickles, rye-bread, butter, cheese, and so forth, with + the everlasting <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">vodka</span></span>, was everywhere ready, and + except duty called, no one was obliged to go off at night to the + three vessels comprising the expedition to which the writer was + attached, for the best bed in the house was always at his service. + There was only one bar-room in the whole town, and there only a kind + of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">lager-bier</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">vodka</span></span> + were to be obtained. When the country was, for a consideration of + 7,250,000 dollars, transferred to the United States, there was a + <span class="tei tei-q">“rush”</span> from Victoria and San + Francisco. Keen Hebrew traders, knowing that furs up country bore a + merely nominal price, and that Sitka was the great <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">entrepôt</span></span> + for their collection—a million dollars’ worth being frequently + gathered there at a time—thought they would be able to buy them for + next to nothing still. Parcels of land in the town, which had not at + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page170">[pg 170]</span><a name="Pg170" + id="Pg170" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the utmost a greater value than + a few hundred dollars, now ran up to fabulous prices; 10,000 dollars + was asked for a log house! Hotels, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“saloons”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, bar-rooms <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">à + l’Américaine</span></span>—German lager-bier cellars, and barbers’ + shops sprang up like mushrooms; a newspaper-office was opened, and + everything reminded one of the sudden growth of mining-towns in the + early days of California. Alas! everything else went up in + proportion, excepting salmon, which must be a drug on that coast for + many centuries to come;<a id="noteref_108" name="noteref_108" href= + "#note_108"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">108</span></span></a> + provisions greatly rose in price, and the competition for furs was so + great that they became nearly as dear as in San Francisco. The + consequence may be imagined; there was an exodus, and the following + January the whole city could have been bought for a song. The Russian + officials, of course, left it shortly after the transfer, and most of + the others as speedily as they could. The <span class= + "tei tei-q">“capital”</span> has never recovered from the shock; for, + although organised fur-companies are scattered over the country, in + one instance the United States Government leasing the sole right—that + of fur-sealing, on the Aleutian Islands—to a firm which has a Russian + prince as a partner, Sitka is not the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">entrepôt</span></span> + it was; everything in furs is brought to San Francisco before being + consigned to all quarters of the globe. The value of Alaska to the + United States is at present very small, but so little is known about + it that one can hardly form an estimate concerning its future. It + possesses minerals, but these will always be worked with difficulty, + on account of the climate. Its grand salmon-fisheries are, however, a + tangible property; the cod in Bering Sea is as plentiful as it ever + was on the Newfoundland banks; and there are innumerable forests of + trees, easily accessible, reaching down to the coast—of pines, firs, + and cedars, of size sufficient for the tallest masts and largest + spars, so that Alaska has a direct interest for the ship-builder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By its + acquisition, the United States not merely extended its seaboard for, + say, 1,500 miles north, but it obtained Mount St. Elias, by far the + largest peak of the North American continent, and one of the loftiest + mountains of the globe. <span class="tei tei-q">“Upon Mont + Blanc,”</span> says an American writer,<a id="noteref_109" name= + "noteref_109" href="#note_109"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">109</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“pile the loftiest summit in the British + Islands, and they would not reach the altitude of Mount St. Elias. If + a man could reach its summit, he would be two miles nearer the stars + than any other American could be, east of the Mississippi.... As a + single peak it ranks among the half-dozen loftiest on the globe. Some + of the Himalaya summits reach, indeed, a couple of miles nearer Orion + and the Pleiades, but they rise from an elevated plateau sloping + gradually upwards for hundreds of miles. As an isolated peak, St. + Elias may look down upon Mont Blanc and Teneriffe, and claim + brotherhood with Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.”</span> It acquired also + one of the four great rivers of the globe, of which the writer had + the pleasure of being one of the earliest explorers. The Yukon, which + renders the waters of Bering Sea fresh or semi-fresh for a dozen + miles beyond its many mouths, is a sister-river to the Amazon, + Mississippi, and, perhaps, the Plata; it has affluents to which the + Rhine or Rhône are but brooks.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Kalosh Indians + of Sitka live in semi-civilised wooden barns or houses, with + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page171">[pg 171]</span><a name="Pg171" + id="Pg171" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>invariably a round hole for a + door, through which one creeps. They are particularly ingenious in + carving; and Jack has many an opportunity of obtaining grotesque + figures, cut from wood or slate-stone, for a cast-off garment or a + half-dollar. One brought home represents the Russian soldier of the + period, prior to the American annexation, and is scarcely a burlesque + of his stolid face, gigantic moustache, close fitting coat with very + tight sleeves, and loose, baggy trousers. Masks may be seen cut from + some white stone, which would not do dishonour to a European + sculptor. But now, leaving Sitka, let us make a rapid trip to the + extreme northern end of the Pacific Station.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Men-of-war + proceeding north of Sitka—which, except for purposes of science or + war, is not likely to be the case, although the Pacific Station + extends to the northernmost parts of Alaska—would voyage into Bering + Sea through Ounimak Pass, one of the best passages between the rocky + and rugged Aleutian Islands. In the pass the scenery is superb, grand + volcanic peaks rising in all directions. While there, many years ago, + the writer well remembers going on deck one morning, when mists and + low clouds hung over the then placid waters, and seeing what appeared + to be a magnificent mountain peak, snowy and scarped, right overhead + the vessel, and having a wreath of white cloud surrounding it, while + a lower and greyer bank of mist hid its base. It seemed baseless, and + as though rising from nothing; while the bright sunlight above all, + and which did not reach the vessel, lit up the eternal snows in + brilliant contrasts of light and shadow. This was the grand peak of + Sheshaldinski, which rises nearly 9,000 feet above the sea level.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Aleutian + Islands are thinly inhabited, and the Aleuts—a harmless, strong, + half-Esquimaux kind of people—often leave them. They make very good + sailors. The few Russian settlements, among the principal of which + was Kodiak, were simply trading posts and fur-sealing establishments. + Since the purchase of Alaska, the United States Government has leased + them to a large mercantile firm, which makes profits from the + sealing. North of the islands, after steaming over a considerable + waste of waters, the only settlements on the coast of the whole + country are Michaelovski and Unalachleet, both trading posts; while + south of the former are the many mouths of one of the grandest rivers + in the world, the Yukon, almost a rival to the Amazon and + Mississippi. That section of the country lying round the great river + is tolerably rich in fur-bearing animals, including sable, mink, + black and silver-grey fox, beaver, and bear. The moose and deer + abound; while fish, more especially salmon, is very abundant. Salmon, + thirty or more pounds in weight, caught in the Yukon, has often been + purchased for a half-ounce of tobacco or four or five common + sewing-needles. The coasts of Northern Alaska are rugged and + uninviting, and not remarkable for the grand scenery common in the + southern division.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Leaving the north, + and passing the leading station already described on Vancouver + Island, the sailor has the whole Pacific coasts of both Americas, + clear to Cape Horn, before him as part of the Pacific Station. There + is Mexico, with its port of Acapulco; New Granada, with the important + sea-port town of Panama; Callao, Peru; and Valparaiso, in Chili: at + any of which H.B.M. vessels are commonly to be found. Panama is, + indeed, a very important central point, as officers of the Royal + Navy, ordered to join vessels elsewhere, usually leave their own at + Panama, cross the isthmus, and take steamer to England, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viâ</span></span> St. + Thomas’s, or by way of New York, thence crossing to Liverpool. The + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page172">[pg 172]</span><a name="Pg172" + id="Pg172" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>railroad—which, during its + construction, is said to have cost the life of a Chinaman for every + sleeper laid down, so fatal was the fever of the isthmus—has the + dearest fares of any in the world. The distance from Panama across to + Aspinwall (Colon) is about forty miles, and the fare is £5! An + immense amount of travel crosses the isthmus; and it is only matter + of time for a canal to be cut through some portion of it, or the + isthmus of Darien adjoining. Steamers of the largest kind are + arriving daily at Panama from San Francisco, Mexico, and all parts of + South America; while, on the Atlantic side, they come from + Southampton, Liverpool, New York and other American ports.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Southward, with + favouring breezes and usually calm seas, one soon arrives at Callao—a + place which may yet become a great city, but which, like everything + else in Peru, has been retarded by interminable dissensions in regard + to government and politics, and by the ignorance and bigotry of the + masses. Peru had an advantage over Chili in wealth and importance at + one time; but, while the latter country is to-day one of the most + satisfactory and stable republics in the world, one never knows what + is going to happen next in Peru. Hence distrust in commerce; and + hence the sailor will not find a tithe of the shipping in Callao + Roads that he will at the wharfs of Valparaiso. Lima, the capital, is + situated behind Callao, at a distance of about six miles. When seen + from the deck of a vessel in the roadstead, the city has a most + imposing appearance, with its innumerable domes and spires rising + from so elevated a situation, and wearing a strange and rather + Moorish air. On nearing the city, everything speaks eloquently of + past splendour and present wretchedness; public walks and elegant + ornamental stone seats choked with rank weeds, and all in ruins. You + enter Lima through a triumphal arch, tawdry and tumbling to pieces; + you find that the churches, which looked so imposing in the distance, + are principally stucco and tinsel. Lima has a novelty in one of its + theatres. It is built in a long oval, the stage occupying nearly the + whole of one long side, all the boxes being thus comparatively near + it. The pit audience is men, and the galleries, women; and all help + to fill the house, between the acts, with tobacco smoke from their + cigarettes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailor, who + has been much among Spanish people or those of Spanish origin, will + find the Chilians the finest race in South America. Valparaiso + Harbour is always full of shipping, its wharfs piled with goods; + while the railroad and old road to the capital, Santiago, bears + evidence of the material prosperity of the country. The country roads + are crowded with convoys of pack-mules, while the ships are loading + up with wheat, wines, and minerals, the produce of the country. + Travelling is free everywhere. Libraries, schools, literary, + scientific, and artistic societies abound; the best newspapers + published in South America are issued there. Santiago, the city of + marble palaces—where even horses are kept in marble stalls—is one of + the most delightful places in the world. The lofty Andes tower to the + skies in the distance, forming a grand background, and a fruitful, + cultivated, and peaceful country surrounds it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valparaiso—the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Vale of Paradise”</span>—was probably named + by the early Spanish adventurers in this glowing style because any + coast whatever is delightful to the mariner who has been long at sea. + Otherwise, the title would seem to be of an exaggerated nature. The + bay is of a semi-circular form, surrounded by steep hills, rising to + the height of near 2,000 feet, sparingly covered with stunted shrubs + and thinly-strewed grass. The town is <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page174">[pg 174]</span><a name="Pg174" id="Pg174" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>built along a narrow strip of land, between the + cliffs and the sea; and, as this space is limited in extent, the + buildings have straggled up the sides and bottoms of the numerous + ravines which intersect the hills. A suburb—the Almendral, or Almond + Grove—much larger than the town proper, spreads over a low sandy + plain, about half a mile broad, bordering the bay. In the summer + months—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, November to March—the + anchorage is safe and pleasant; but in the wintry months, notably + June and July, gales are prevalent from the north, in which direction + it is open to the sea.</p><a name="figportofva" id="figportofva" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_205.jpg" alt="THE PORT OF VALPARAISO" title= + "THE PORT OF VALPARAISO." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE PORT OF VALPARAISO. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Captain Basil + Hall, R.N., gave some interesting accounts of life in Chili in his + published Journal,<a id="noteref_110" name="noteref_110" href= + "#note_110"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">110</span></span></a> and + they are substantially true at the present day. He reached Valparaiso + at Christmas, which corresponds in climate to our midsummer. Crowds + thronged the streets to enjoy the cool air in the moonlight; groups + of merry dancers were seen at every turn; singers were bawling out + old Spanish romances to the tinkle of the guitar; wild-looking + horsemen pranced about in all directions, stopping to talk with their + friends, but never dismounting; and harmless bull-fights, in which + the bulls were only teased, not killed, served to make the people + laugh. The whole town was <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">en carnival</span></span>. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the course of the first evening of these + festivities,”</span> says Captain Hall, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“while I was rambling about the streets with one of the + officers of the ship, our attention was attracted, by the sound of + music, to a crowded pulperia, or drinking-house. We accordingly + entered, and the people immediately made way and gave us seats at the + upper end of the apartment. We had not sat long before we were + startled by the loud clatter of horses’ feet, and in the next + instant, a mounted peasant dashed into the company, followed by + another horseman, who, as soon as he reached the centre of the room, + adroitly wheeled his horse round, and the two strangers remained side + by side, with their horses’ heads in opposite directions. Neither the + people of the house, nor the guests, nor the musicians, appeared in + the least surprised by this visit; the lady who was playing the harp + merely stopped for a moment to remove the end of the instrument a few + inches further from the horses’ feet, and the music and conversation + went on as before. The visitors called for a glass of spirits, and + having chatted with their friends around them for two minutes, + stooped their heads to avoid the cross-piece of the doorway, and + putting spurs to their horses’ sides, shot into the streets as + rapidly as they had entered; the whole being done without + discomposing the company in the smallest degree.”</span> The same + writer speaks of the common people as generally very temperate, while + their frankness and hospitality charmed him. Brick-makers, + day-labourers, and washerwomen invited him and friends into their + homes, and their first anxiety was that the sailors might + <span class="tei tei-q">“feel themselves in their own house;”</span> + then some offering of milk, bread, or spirits. However wretched the + cottage or poor the fare, the deficiency was never made more apparent + by apologies; with untaught politeness, the best they had was placed + before them, graced with a hearty welcome. Their houses are of + adobes, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, sun-dried bricks, thatched + in with broad palm-leaves, the ends of which, by overhanging the + walls, afford shade from the scorching sun and shelter from the rain. + Their mud floors have a portion raised seven or eight inches above + the level of the rest, and covered with matting, which forms the + couch for the invariable <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">siesta</span></span>. In the cottages Hall saw + young women grinding baked corn in <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page175">[pg 175]</span><a name="Pg175" id="Pg175" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>almost Scriptural mills of two stones each. From + the coarse flour obtained, the poor people make a drink called + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">ulpa</span></span>. In the better class of + houses he was offered Paraguay tea, or mattee, an infusion of a South + American herb. The natives drink it almost boiling hot. It is drawn + up into the mouth through a silver pipe: however numerous the + company, all use the same tube, and to decline on this account is + thought the height of rudeness. The people of Chili, generally, are + polite to a degree; and Jack ashore will have no cause to complain, + provided he is as polished as are they. He generally contrives, + however, to make himself popular, while his little escapades of + wildness are looked upon in the light of long pent-up nature bursting + forth.</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc25" id="toc25"></a> <a name="pdf26" id= + "pdf26"></a><a name="chap11" id="chap11" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XI.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Round the World on a + Man-of-War</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 120%">(</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">).</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">FROM THE HORN TO HALIFAX.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The dreaded Horn—The Land of Fire—Basil Hall’s + Phenomenon—A Missing Volcano—The South American Station—Falkland + Islands—A Free Port and Naval Station—Penguins, Peat, and Kelp—Sea + Trees—The West India Station—Trinidad—Columbus’s First View of + it—Fatal Gold—Charles Kingsley’s Enthusiasm—The Port of Spain—A + Happy-go-lucky People—Negro Life—Letters from a Cottage + Ornée—Tropical Vegetation—Animal Life—Jamaica—Kingston Harbour—Sugar + Cultivation—The Queen of the Antilles—Its Paseo—Beauty of the + Archipelago—A Dutch Settlement in the Heart of a Volcano—Among the + Islands—The Souffrière—Historical Reminiscences—</span><a name= + "corr175" id="corr175" class="tei tei-anchor" style= + "text-align: center"></a><span class="tei tei-corr" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Bermuda:</span></span> <span style="font-size: 90%"> + Colony, Fortress, and Prison—Home of Ariel and Caliban—The Whitest + Place in the World—Bermuda Convicts—New York Harbour—The City—First + Impressions—Its fine Position—Splendid Harbour—Forest of Masts—The + Ferry-boats, Hotels, and Bars—Offenbach’s Impressions—Broadway, + Fulton Market, and Central Park—New York in Winter—Frozen Ships—The + great Brooklyn Bridge—Halifax and its Beauties—Importance of the + Station—Bedford Basin—The Early Settlers—The Blue Noses—Adieu to + America.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the + exigencies of the service require us to tear ourselves away from gay + and pleasant Valparaiso, and voyage in spirit round the Horn to the + South-East American Station, which includes the whole coast, from + Terra del Fuego to Brazil and Guiana. Friendly ports, Rio and + Montevideo, are open to the Royal Navy as stations for necessary + repairs or supplies; but the only strictly British port on the whole + station is that at the dreary Falkland Islands, to be shortly + described.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every schoolboy + knows that Cape Horn is even more dreaded than the other <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Cape of Storms,”</span> otherwise known as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Cape,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">par excellence</span></span>. In these days, the + introduction of steam has reduced much of the danger and horrors of + the passage round, though on occasions they are sufficiently serious. + In fact, now that there is a regular tug-boat service in the Straits + of Magellan, there is really no occasion to go round it at all. In + 1862 the writer rounded it, in a steamer of good power, when the + water was as still as a mill-pond, and the Horn itself—a barren, + black, craggy, precipitous rock, towering above the utter desolation + and bleakest solitudes of that forsaken spot—was plainly in + sight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Captain Basil + Hall, and his officers and crew, in 1820, when rounding Cape Horn + observed a remarkable phenomenon, which may account for the title of + the <span class="tei tei-q">“Land of Fire”</span> bestowed upon it by + Magellan. A brilliant light suddenly appeared in the north-western + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page176">[pg 176]</span><a name="Pg176" + id="Pg176" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>quarter. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“At first of a bright red, it became fainter and fainter, + till it disappeared altogether. After the lapse of four or five + minutes, its brilliancy was suddenly restored, and it seemed as if a + column of burning materials had been projected into the air. This + bright appearance lasted from ten to twenty seconds, fading by + degrees as the column became lower, till at length only a dull red + mass was distinguishable for about a minute, after which it again + vanished.”</span> The sailors thought it a revolving light, others + that it must be a forest on fire. All who examined it carefully + through a telescope agreed in considering it a volcano, like + Stromboli, emitting alternately jets of flame and red-hot stones. The + light was visible till morning; and although during the night it + appeared to be not more than eight or ten miles off, no land was to + be seen. The present writer would suggest the probability of its + having been an electrical phenomenon.</p><a name="figcapehorn" id= + "figcapehorn" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_208.png" alt="CAPE HORN" title= + "CAPE HORN." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + CAPE HORN. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The naval station + at the Falklands is at Port Stanley, on the eastern island, where + there is a splendid land-locked harbour, with a narrow entrance. The + little port is, and has been, a haven of refuge for many a + storm-beaten mariner: not merely from the fury of the elements, but + also because supplies of fresh meat can be obtained there, and, + indeed, everything else. Wild cattle, of old Spanish stock, roam at + will over many parts of the two islands. When the writer was there, + in 1862, beef was retailed at fourpence per pound, and Port Stanley + being a free port, everything was very cheap. How many boxes of + cigars, pounds of tobacco, cases of hollands, and demijohns of rum + were, in consequence, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page177">[pg + 177]</span><a name="Pg177" id="Pg177" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>taken on board by his 300 fellow-passengers + would be a serious calculation. The little town has not much to + recommend it: It has, of course, a Government House and a church, and + barracks for the marines stationed there. It is, moreover, the + head-quarters of the Falkland Islands Company, a corporation much + like the Hudson’s Bay Company, trading in furs and hides, and stores + for ships and native trade. The three great characteristics of Port + Stanley are the penguins, which abound, and are to be seen waddling + in troops in its immediate vicinity, and stumbling over the stones if + pursued; the kelp, which is so thick and strong in the water at the + edge of the bay in places, that a strong boat’s crew can hardly get + <span class="tei tei-q">“way”</span> enough on to reach the shore; + and the peat-bogs, which would remind an Irishman of his beloved + Erin. Peat is the principal fuel of the place; and what glorious + fires it makes! At least, so thought a good many of the passengers + who took the opportunity of living on shore during the fortnight of + the vessel’s stay. For about three shillings and sixpence a day one + could obtain a good bed, meals of beef-steaks and joints and fresh + vegetables—very welcome after the everlasting salt junk and preserved + vegetables of the ship—with the addition of hot rum and water, nearly + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ad + libitum</span></span>. Then the privilege of stretching one’s legs is + something, after five or six weeks’ confinement. There is duck and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page178">[pg 178]</span><a name="Pg178" + id="Pg178" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>loon-shooting to be had, or an + excursion to the lighthouse, a few miles from the town, where the + writer found children, of several years of age, who had never even + beheld the glories of Port Stanley, and yet were happy; and near + which he saw on the beach <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sea-trees</span></span>—for <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sea-weed”</span> would be a misnomer, the trunks being + several feet in circumference—slippery, glutinous, marine vegetation, + uprooted from the depths of ocean. Some of them would create a + sensation in an aquarium.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The harbour of + Port Stanley is usually safe enough, but, in the extraordinary gales + which often rage outside, does not always afford safe anchorage. The + steamship on which the writer was a passenger lay far out in the bay, + but the force of a sudden gale made her drag her anchors, and but for + the steam, which was immediately got up, she would have gone ashore. + A sailing-vessel must have been wrecked in the same position. Of + course, the power of the engines was set against the wind, and she + was saved. Passengers ashore could not get off for two days, and + those on board could not go ashore. No boat could have lived, even in + the bay, during a large part of the time.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The West Indian + Station demands our attention next. Unfortunately, it must not take + the space it deserves, for it would occupy that required for ten + books of the size of this—ay, twenty—to do it the barest justice. + Why? Read Charles Kingsley’s admirable work, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“At Last”</span>—one, alas! of the last tasks of a + well-spent life—and one will see England’s interest in those islands, + and must think also of those earlier days, when Columbus, Drake, and + Raleigh sailed among the waters which divide them—days of + geographical discovery worth speaking of, of grand triumphs over foes + worth fighting, and of gain amounting to something.</p><a name= + "figlandofco" id="figlandofco" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_209.png" alt= + "THE LANDING OF COLUMBUS AT TRINIDAD" title= + "THE LANDING OF COLUMBUS AT TRINIDAD." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE LANDING OF COLUMBUS AT TRINIDAD. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the 31st July, + 1499, Columbus, on his third voyage, sighted the three hills which + make the south-eastern end of Trinidad. He had determined to name the + first land he should sight after the Holy Trinity, and so he did. The + triple peaks probably reminded him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Washington Irving + tells us, in his <span class="tei tei-q">“Life of Columbus,”</span> + that he was astonished at the verdure and fertility of the country, + having expected that it would be parched, dry, and sterile as he + approached the equator; whereas, he beheld beautiful groves of + palm-trees, and luxuriant forests sweeping down to the sea-side, with + gurgling brooks and clear, deep streams beneath the shade. The + softness and purity of the climate, and the beauty of the country, + seemed, after his long sea voyage, to rival the beautiful province of + Valencia itself. Columbus found the people a race of Indians fairer + than any he had seen before, <span class="tei tei-q">“of good + stature, and of very graceful bearing.”</span> They carried square + bucklers, and had bows and arrows, with which they made feeble + attempts to drive off the Spaniards who landed at Punta Arenal, near + Icacque, and who, finding no streams, sank holes in the sand, and so + filled their casks with fresh water—as is done by sailors now-a-days + in many parts of the world. <span class="tei tei-q">“And + there,”</span> says Kingsley, <span class="tei tei-q">“that source of + endless misery to these harmless creatures, a certain Cacique—so goes + the tale—took off Columbus’s cap of crimson velvet, and replaced it + with a circle of gold which he wore.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Alas for them! + that fatal present of gold brought down on them enemies far more + ruthless than the Caribs of the northern islands, who had a habit of + coming down in their canoes and carrying off the gentle Arrawaks, to + eat them at their leisure—after the fashion <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page179">[pg 179]</span><a name="Pg179" id="Pg179" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which Defoe, always accurate, has immortalised + in <span class="tei tei-q">“Robinson Crusoe.”</span> Crusoe’s island + has been thought by many to be meant for Tobago; Man Friday having + been stolen in Trinidad.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No scenery can be + more picturesque than that afforded by the entrance to Port of Spain, + the chief town in the colony of Trinidad, itself an island lying + outside the delta of the great Orinoco River. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“On the mainland,”</span> wrote Anthony Trollope,<a id= + "noteref_111" name="noteref_111" href="#note_111"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">111</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“that is, the land of the main island, the + coast is precipitous, but clothed to the very top with the thickest + and most magnificent foliage. With an opera-glass, one can distinctly + see the trees coming forth from the sides of the rocks, as though no + soil were necessary for them, and not even a shelf of stone needed + for their support. And these are not shrubs, but forest trees, with + grand spreading branches, huge trunks, and brilliant-coloured + foliage. The small island on the other side is almost equally wooded, + but is less precipitous.”</span> There, and on the main island + itself, are nooks and open glades where one would not be badly off + with straw hats and muslin, pigeon-pies and champagne. One narrow + shady valley, into which a creek of the sea ran, made Trollope think + that it must have been intended for <span class="tei tei-q">“the less + noisy joys of some Paul of Trinidad with his Creole Virginia.”</span> + The same writer, after describing the Savannah, which includes a park + and race-course, speaks of the Government House, then under repairs. + The governor was living in a cottage, hard by. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Were I that great man,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I should be tempted to wish that my great house might + always be under repair, for I never saw a more perfect specimen of a + pretty spacious cottage, opening, as a cottage should do, on all + sides and in every direction.... And then the necessary freedom from + boredom, etiquette, and governors’ grandeur, so hated by governors + themselves, which must necessarily be brought about by such a + residence! I could almost wish to be a governor myself, if I might be + allowed to live in such a cottage.”</span> The buildings of Port of + Spain are almost invariably surrounded by handsome flowering trees. A + later writer tells us that the governors since have stuck to the + cottage, and the gardens of the older building have been given to the + city as a public pleasure-ground. Kingsley speaks of it as a + paradise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Jack ashore, who, + after a long and perhaps stormy voyage, would look upon any land as a + haven of delight, will certainly think that he has at last reached + the <span class="tei tei-q">“happy land.”</span> It is not merely the + climate, the beauty, or the productions of the country; nor the West + Indian politeness and hospitality—both proverbial; but the fact that + nobody seems to do, or wants to do, anything, and yet lives ten times + as well as the poorer classes of England. There are 8,000 or more + human beings in Port of Spain alone, who <span class= + "tei tei-q">“toil not, neither do they spin,”</span> and have no + other visible means of subsistence except eating something or + other—mostly fruit—all the live-long day, who are happy, very happy. + The truth is, that though they will, and frequently do, eat more than + a European, they can almost do without food, and can live, like the + Lazzaroni, on warmth and light. <span class="tei tei-q">“The best + substitute for a dinner is a sleep under a south wall in the blazing + sun; and there are plenty of south walls in Port of Spain.”</span> + Has not a poor man, under these circumstances, the same right to be + idle as a rich one? Every one there looks strong, healthy, and + well-fed. The author <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page180">[pg + 180]</span><a name="Pg180" id="Pg180" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + <span class="tei tei-q">“Westward Ho!”</span> was not likely to be + deceived, and says: <span class="tei tei-q">“One meets few or none of + those figures and faces—small, scrofulous, squinny, and haggard—which + disgrace the civilisation of a British city. Nowhere in Port of Spain + will you see such human beings as in certain streets of London, + Liverpool, and Glasgow. Every one plainly can live and thrive if they + choose; and very pleasant it is to know that.”</span> And wonderfully + well does that mixed and happy-go-lucky population assimilate. + Trinidad belongs to Great Britain; but there are more negroes, + half-breeds, Hindoos, and Chinese there than Britons by ten times + ten; and the language of the island is mainly French, not English or + Spanish. Under cool porticoes and through tall doorways are seen dark + shops, built on Spanish models, and filled with everything under the + sun. On the doorsteps sit negresses, in flashy Manchester + <span class="tei tei-q">“prints”</span> and stiff turbans, + <span class="tei tei-q">“all aiding in the general work of doing + nothing,”</span> or offering for sale fruits, <a name="corr181" id= + "corr181" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">sweetmeats</span>, or chunks of sugar-cane. These + women, as well as the men, invariably carry everything on their + heads, whether it be a half-barrow load of yams, a few ounces of + sugar, or a beer-bottle.</p><a name="figviewinja" id="figviewinja" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_212.jpg" alt="VIEW IN JAMAICA" title= + "VIEW IN JAMAICA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + VIEW IN JAMAICA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the regrets + of an enthusiastic writer must ever be that he cannot visit all the + lovely and interesting spots which he may so easily describe. The + present one, enamoured <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page182">[pg + 182]</span><a name="Pg182" id="Pg182" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with + San Francisco, which he <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">has</span></span> visited, and Singapore and + Sydney, which as yet he hasn’t, would, if such writers as Charles + Kingsley and Anthony Trollope are to be credited, add Trinidad to the + list. Read the former’s <span class="tei tei-q">“Letter from a West + Indian Cottage Ornée,”</span> or the latter’s description of a ride + through the cool woods and sea-shore roads, to be convinced that + Trinidad is one of the most charming islands in the whole world. + Bamboos keep the cottage gravel path up, and as tubes, carry the + trickling, cool water to the cottage bath; you hear a rattling as of + boards or stiff paper outside your window: it is the clashing + together of a fan-palm, with leaf-stalks ten feet long and fans more + feet wide. The orange, the pine-apple, and the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“flower fence”</span> (<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Poinziana</span></span>); the cocoa-palm, the + tall Guinea grass, and the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“groo-groos”</span> (a kind of palm: <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Acrocomia + sclerocarpa</span></span>); the silk-cotton tree, the tamarind, and + the Rosa del monte bushes—twenty feet high, and covered with crimson + roses; tea shrubs, myrtles, and clove-trees intermingle with + vegetation common elsewhere. Thus much for a mere chance view.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The seaman ashore + will note many of these beauties; but his superior officers will see + more. The <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cottage ornée</span></span>, to which they will + be invited, with its lawn and flowering shrubs, tiny specimens of + which we admire in hot-houses at home; the grass as green as that of + England, and winding away in the cool shade of strange evergreens; + the yellow cocoa-nut palms on the nearest spur of hill throwing back + the tender blue of the distant mountains; groups of palms, with + perhaps <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Erythrinas umbrosa</span></span> (<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bois + immortelles</span></span>, they call them in Trinidad), with + vermilion flowers—trees of red coral, sixty feet high—interspersed; a + glimpse beyond of the bright and sleeping sea, and the islands of the + Bocas <span class="tei tei-q">“floating in the shining + waters,”</span> and behind a luxuriously furnished cottage, where + hospitality is not a mere name, but a very sound fact; what on earth + can man want more?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Kingsley, in + presence of the rich and luscious beauty, the vastness and repose, to + be found in Trinidad, sees an understandable excuse for the tendency + to somewhat grandiose language which tempts perpetually those who try + to describe the tropics, and know well that they can only fail. He + says: <span class="tei tei-q">“In presence of such forms and such + colouring as this, one becomes painfully sensible of the poverty of + words, and the futility, therefore, of all word-painting; of the + inability, too, of the senses to discern and define objects of such + vast variety; of our æsthetic barbarism, in fact, which has no choice + of epithets, save such as <span class="tei tei-q">‘great,’</span> and + <span class="tei tei-q">‘vast,’</span> and <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘gigantic;’</span> between such as <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘beautiful,’</span> and <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘lovely,’</span> and <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘exquisite,’</span> and so forth: which are, after all, + intellectually only one stage higher than the half-brute <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Wah! wah!’</span> with which the savage grunts his + astonishment—call it not admiration; epithets which are not, perhaps, + intellectually as high as the <span class="tei tei-q">‘God is + great!’</span> of the Mussulman, who is wise enough not to attempt + any analysis, either of Nature or of his feelings about her, and wise + enough, also ... in presence of the unknown, to take refuge in + God.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Monkeys of many + kinds, jaguars, toucans, wild cats; wonderful ant-eaters, racoons, + and lizards; and strange birds, butterflies, wasps, and spiders + abound, but none of those animals which resent the presence of man. + Happy land!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the gun has + fired. H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sea</span></span> is getting all steam up. The + privilege of leave cannot last for ever: it is <span class= + "tei tei-q">“All aboard!”</span> Whither bound? In the archipelago of + the West Indies there are so many points of interest, and so many + ports which the sailor of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page183">[pg + 183]</span><a name="Pg183" id="Pg183" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + Royal Navy is sure to visit. There are important docks at Antigua, + Jamaica, and Bermuda; while the whole station—known professionally as + the <span class="tei tei-q">“North American and West + Indian”</span>—reaches from the north of South America to beyond + Newfoundland, Kingston, and Jamaica, where England maintains a + flag-ship and a commodore, a dockyard, and a naval + hospital.</p><a name="figkinghaja" id="figkinghaja" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_213.jpg" alt="KINGSTON HARBOUR, JAMAICA" + title="KINGSTON HARBOUR, JAMAICA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + KINGSTON HARBOUR, JAMAICA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Kingston Harbour + is a grand lagoon, nearly shut in by a long sand-spit, or rather + bank, called <span class="tei tei-q">“The Palisades,”</span> at the + point of which is Port Royal, which, about ninety years ago, was + nearly destroyed by an earthquake. Mr. Trollope says that it is on + record that hardy <span class="tei tei-q">“subs”</span> and hardier + <span class="tei tei-q">“mids”</span> have ridden along the + Palisades, and have not died from sunstroke in the effort. But the + chances were much against them. The ordinary ingress and egress, as + to all parts of the island’s coasts, is by water. Our naval + establishment is at Port Royal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Jamaica has picked + up a good deal in these later days, but is not the thriving country + it was before the abolition of slavery. Kingston is described as a + formal city, with streets at right angles, and with generally ugly + buildings. The fact is, that hardly any Europeans or even well-to-do + Creoles live in the town, and, in consequence, there are long + streets, which might almost belong to a city of the dead, where + hardly a soul is to be seen: at all events, in the evenings. All the + wealthier people—and there are a large number—have country + seats—<span class="tei tei-q">“pens,”</span> as they call them, + though often so charmingly situated, and so beautifully surrounded, + that the term does not seem very appropriate. The sailor’s + pocket-money will go a long way in Kingston, if he confines himself + to native productions; but woe unto him if he will insist on imported + articles! All through the island the white people are very English in + their longings, and affect to despise the native luxuries. Thus, they + will give you ox-tail soup when real turtle would be infinitely + cheaper. <span class="tei tei-q">“When yams, avocado pears, the + mountain cabbage, plantains, and twenty other delicious vegetables + may be had for the gathering, people will insist on eating bad + English potatoes; and the desire for English pickles is quite a + passion.”</span> All the servants are negroes or mulattoes, who are + greatly averse to ridicule or patronage; while, if one orders them as + is usual in England, they leave you to wait on yourself. Mr. Trollope + discovered this. He ordered a lad in one of the hotels to fill his + bath, calling him <span class="tei tei-q">“old fellow.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who you call fellor?”</span> asked the + youth; <span class="tei tei-q">“you speak to a gen’lman gen’lmanly, + and den he fill de bath.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sugar-cane—and + by consequence, sugar and rum—coffee, and of late tobacco, are the + staple productions of Jamaica. There is one district where the + traveller may see an unbroken plain of 4,000 acres under canes. The + road over Mount Diabolo is very fine, and the view back to Kingston + very grand. Jack ashore will find that the people all ride, but that + the horses always walk. There are respectable mountains to be + ascended in Jamaica: Blue Mountain Peak towers to the height of 8,000 + feet. The highest inhabited house on the island, the property of a + coffee-planter, is a kind of half-way house of entertainment; and + although Mr. Trollope—who provided himself with a white companion, + who, in his turn, provided five negroes, beef, bread, water, brandy, + and what seemed to him about ten gallons of rum—gives a doleful + description of the clouds and mists and fogs which surrounded the + Peak, others may be more fortunate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The most important + of the West Indian Islands, Cuba—<span class="tei tei-q">“Queen of + the Antilles”</span>—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page184">[pg + 184]</span><a name="Pg184" id="Pg184" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>does + not, as we all know, belong to England, but is the most splendid + appanage of the Spanish crown. Havana, the capital, has a grand + harbour, large, commodious, and safe, with a fine quay, at which the + vessels of all nations lie. The sailor will note one peculiarity: + instead of laying alongside, the ships are fastened <span class= + "tei tei-q">“end on”</span>—usually the bow being at the quay. The + harbour is very picturesque, and the entrance to it is defended by + two forts, which were taken once by England—in Albemarle’s time—and + now could be knocked to pieces in a few minutes by any nation which + was ready with the requisite amount of gunpowder.</p><a name= + "fighavana" id="fighavana" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_216.png" alt="HAVANA" title="HAVANA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + HAVANA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Havana is a very + gay city, and has some special attractions for the sailor—among + others being its good cigars and cheap Spanish wine and fruits. Its + greatest glory is the Paseo—its Hyde Park, Bois de Boulogne, Corso, + Cascine, Alamèda—where the Cuban belles and beaux delight to + promenade and ride. There will you see them, in bright-coloured, + picturesque attire—sadly Europeanised and Americanised of late, + though—seated in the volante, a kind of hanging cabriolet, between + two large wheels, drawn by one or two horses, on one of which the + negro servant, with enormous leggings, white breeches, red jacket, + and gold lace, and broad-brimmed straw hat, rides. The volante is + itself bright with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page185">[pg + 185]</span><a name="Pg185" id="Pg185" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>polished metal, and the whole turn-out has an + air of barbaric splendour. These carriages are never kept in a + coach-house, but are usually placed in the halls, and often even in + the dining-room, as a child’s perambulator might with us. Havana has + an ugly cathedral and a magnificent opera-house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Slave labour is + common, and many of the sugar and tobacco planters are very wealthy. + Properties of many hundred acres under cultivation are common. Mr. + Trollope found the negroes well-fed, sleek, and fat as brewers’ + horses, while no sign of ill-usage came before him. In crop times + they sometimes work sixteen hours a day, and Sunday is not then a day + of rest for them. There are many Chinese coolies, also, on the + island.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Kingsley, speaking + of the islands in general, says that he <span class="tei tei-q">“was + altogether unprepared for their beauty and grandeur.”</span> Day + after day, the steamer took him past a shifting diorama of scenery, + which he likened to Vesuvius and Naples, repeated again and again, + with every possible variation of the same type of delicate + loveliness. Under a cloudless sky, and over the blue waters, banks of + light cloud turned to violet and then to green, and then disclosed + grand mountains, with the surf beating white around the base of tall + cliffs and isolated rocks, and the pretty country houses of settlers + embowered in foliage, and gay little villages, and busy towns. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It was easy,”</span> says that charming + writer, <span class="tei tei-q">“in presence of such scenery, to + conceive the exultation which possessed the souls of the first + discoverers of the West Indies. What wonder if they seemed to + themselves to have burst into fairy-land—to be at the gates of the + earthly Paradise? With such a climate, such a soil, such vegetation, + such fruits, what luxury must not have seemed possible to the + dwellers along those shores? What riches, too, of gold and jewels, + might not be hidden among those forest-shrouded glens and peaks? And + beyond, and beyond again, ever new islands, new continents, perhaps, + and inexhaustible wealth of yet undiscovered worlds.”</span><a id= + "noteref_112" name="noteref_112" href="#note_112"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">112</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The resemblance to + Mediterranean, or, more especially, Neapolitan, scenery is very + marked. <span class="tei tei-q">“Like causes have produced like + effects; and each island is little but the peak of a volcano, down + whose shoulders lava and ash have slidden toward the sea.”</span> + Many carry several cones. One of them, a little island named Saba, + has a most remarkable settlement <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">half-way up a + volcano</span></span>. Saba rises sheer out of the sea 1,500 or more + feet, and, from a little landing-place, a stair runs up 800 feet into + the very bosom of the mountain, where in a hollow live some 1,200 + honest Dutchmen and 800 negroes. The latter were, till of late years, + nominally the slaves of the former; but it is said that, in reality, + it was just the other way. The blacks went off when and whither they + pleased, earned money on other islands, and expected their masters to + keep them when they were out of work. The good Dutch live peaceably + aloft in their volcano, grow garden crops, and sell them to vessels + or to surrounding islands. They build the best boats in the West + Indies up in their crater, and lower them down the cliff to the sea! + They are excellent sailors and good Christians. Long may their + volcano remain quiescent!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the steamer + stops at some little port, or even single settlement, the negro boats + come alongside with luscious fruit and vegetables—bananas and green + oranges; the sweet sop, a fruit which looks like a strawberry, and is + as big as an orange; the custard-<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page186">[pg 186]</span><a name="Pg186" id="Pg186" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>apples—the pulp of which, those who have read + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tom Cringle’s Log”</span> will remember, is + fancied to have an unpleasant resemblance to brains; the avocado, or + alligator-pears, otherwise called <span class= + "tei tei-q">“midshipman’s butter,”</span> which are eaten with pepper + and salt; scarlet capsicums, green and orange cocoa-nuts, roots of + yam, and cush-cush, help to make up baskets as varied in colour as + the gaudy gowns and turbans of the women. Neither must the junks of + sugar-cane be omitted, which the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“coloured”</span> gentlemen and ladies delight to gnaw, + walking, sitting, and standing; increasing thereby the size of their + lips, and breaking out, often enough, their upper front teeth. Rude + health is in their faces; their cheeks literally shine with + fatness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But in this happy + archipelago there are drawbacks: in the Guadaloupe earthquake of + 1843, 5,000 persons lost their lives in the one town of Point-à-Pitre + alone. The Souffrière volcano, 5,000 feet high, rears many a peak to + the skies, and shows an ugly and uncertain humour, smoking and + flaming. The writer so often quoted gives a wonderfully beautiful + description of this mountain and its surroundings. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“As the sun rose, level lights of golden green streamed + round the peak, right and left, over the downs; but only for a while. + As the sky-clouds vanished in his blazing rays, earth-clouds rolled + up from the valleys behind, wreathed and weltered about the great + black teeth of the crater, and then sinking among them and below + them, shrouded the whole cone in purple darkness for the day; while + in the foreground blazed in the sunshine broad slopes of cane-field; + below them again the town (the port of Basse Terre), with handsome + houses, and old-fashioned churches and convents, dating possibly from + the seventeenth century, embowered in mangoes, tamarinds, and + palmistes; and along the beach, a market beneath a row of trees, with + canoes drawn up to be unladen, and gay dresses of every hue. The surf + whispered softly on the beach. The cheerful murmur of voices came off + the shore, and above it, the tinkling of some little bell, calling + good folks to early mass. A cheery, brilliant picture as man could + wish to see, but marred by two ugly elements. A mile away on the low + northern cliff, marked with many a cross, was the lonely cholera + cemetery, a remembrance of the fearful pestilence which, a few years + since, swept away thousands of the people: and above frowned that + black giant, now asleep: but for how long?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The richness of + the verdure which clothes these islands to their highest peaks seems + a mere coat of green fur, and yet is often gigantic forest trees. The + eye wanders over the green abysses, and strains over the wealth of + depths and heights, compared with which fine English parks are mere + shrubberies. There is every conceivable green, or rather of hues, + ranging from pale yellow through all greens into cobalt; and + <span class="tei tei-q">“as the wind stirs the leaves, and sweeps the + lights and shadows over hill and glen, all is ever-changing, + iridescent, like a peacock’s tail; till the whole island, from peak + to shore, seems some glorious jewel—an emerald, with tints of + sapphire and topaz, hanging between blue sea and white surf below, + and blue sky and white cloud above.”</span> And yet, over all this + beauty, dark shadows hang—the shadow of war and the shadow of + slavery. These seas have been oft reddened with the blood of gallant + sailors, and every other gully holds the skeleton of an + Englishman.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here it was that + Rodney broke De Grasse’s line, took and destroyed seven French ships + of war, and scattered the rest: saving Jamaica, and, in sooth, the + whole West <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page187">[pg + 187]</span><a name="Pg187" id="Pg187" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Indies, and bringing about the honourable peace + of 1783. Yon lovely roadstead of Dominica: there Rodney caught up + with the French just before, and would have beaten them so much the + earlier but for his vessels being becalmed. In that deep bay at + Martinique, now lined with gay houses, was for many years the + Cul-de-sac Royal, the rendezvous and stronghold of the French fleet. + That isolated rock hard by, much the shape and double the size of the + great Pyramids, is Sir Samuel Hood’s famous Diamond Rock,<a id= + "noteref_113" name="noteref_113" href="#note_113"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">113</span></span></a> to + which that brave old navigator literally tied with a hawser or two + his ship, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Centaur</span></span>, and turned the rock into + a fortress from whence to sweep the seas. The rock was for several + months rated on the books of the Admiralty as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“His Majesty’s Ship, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Diamond + Rock</span></span>.”</span> She had at last to surrender, for want of + powder, to an overwhelming force—two seventy-fours and fourteen + smaller ships of war—but did not give in till seventy poor Frenchmen + were lying killed or wounded, and three of their gun-boats destroyed, + her own loss being only two men killed and one wounded. Brave old + sloop of war! And, once more, those glens and forests of St. Lucia + remind us of Sir John Moore and Sir Ralph Abercrombie, who fought, + not merely the French, but the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Brigands”</span>—negroes liberated by the Revolution of + 1792.</p><a name="figcentatth" id="figcentatth" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_219.jpg" alt= + "THE CENTAUR AT THE DIAMOND ROCK, MARTINIQUE" title= + "THE CENTAUR AT THE DIAMOND ROCK, MARTINIQUE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">CENTAUR</span></span> AT THE DIAMOND ROCK, + MARTINIQUE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the good ship + must proceed; and as British naval interests are under consideration, + let her bows be turned to Bermuda—a colony, a fortress and a prison, + and where England owns an extensive floating dock, dock-yards, and + workshops.<a id="noteref_114" name="noteref_114" href= + "#note_114"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">114</span></span></a> + Trollope says that its geological formation is mysterious. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It seems to be made of soft white stone, + composed mostly of little shells—so soft, indeed, that you might cut + Bermuda up with a hand-saw. And people are cutting up Bermuda with + hand-saws. One little island, that on which the convicts are + established, has been altogether so cut up already. When I visited + it, two fat convicts were working away slowly at the last + fragment.”</span> Bermuda is the crater of an extinct volcano, and is + surrounded by little islets, of which there is one for every day of + the year in a space of twenty by three miles. These are surrounded + again by reefs and rocks, and navigation is risky.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Were the Bermudas + the scene of Ariel’s tricks? They were first discovered, in 1522, by + Bermudez, a Spaniard; and Shakespeare seems to have heard of them, + for he speaks of the</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Still vexed + Bermoothes.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Trollope says that + there is more of the breed of Caliban in the islands than of Ariel. + Though Caliban did not relish working for his master more than the + Bermudian of to-day, there was an amount of energy about him entirely + wanting in the existing islanders.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There are two + towns, St. George and Hamilton, on different islands. The former is + the head-quarters of the military, and the second that of the + governor. It is the summer head-quarters of the admiral of the + station. The islands are, in general, wonderfully fertile, and will, + with any ordinary cultivation, give two crops of many <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page188">[pg 188]</span><a name="Pg188" id="Pg188" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>vegetables in the year. It has the + advantages of the tropics, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">plus</span></span> those of more temperate + climes. For tomatoes, onions, beet-root, sweet potatoes, early + potatoes, as well as all kinds of fruits, from oranges, lemons, and + bananas to small berries, it is not surpassed by any place in the + world; while arrowroot is one of its specialities. It is the early + market-garden for New York. Ship-building is carried on, as the + islands abound in a stunted cedar, good for the purpose, when it can + be found large enough. The working population are almost all negroes, + and are lazy to a degree. But the whites are not much better; and the + climate is found to produce great lassitude.</p><a name="figbermfrgi" + id="figbermfrgi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_222.png" alt="BERMUDA, FROM GIBBS HILL" + title="BERMUDA, FROM GIBBS HILL." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + BERMUDA, FROM GIBBS HILL. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is the sea + round the Bermudas, more than the islands themselves, perhaps, that + give its beauty. Everywhere the water is wonderfully clear and + transparent, while the land is broken up into narrow inlets and + headlands, and bays and promontories, nooks and corners, running here + and there in capricious and ever-varying forms. The oleander, with + their bright blossoms, are so abundant, almost to the water’s edge, + that the Bermudas might be called the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oleander Isles.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Bermuda + convict, in Trollope’s time, seemed to be rather better off than most + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page189">[pg 189]</span><a name="Pg189" + id="Pg189" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>English labourers. He had a + pound of meat—good meat, <a name="corr189" id="corr189" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">too,</span> while the + Bermudians were tugging at their teeth with tough morsels; he had a + pound and three-quarters of bread—more than he wanted; a pound of + vegetables; tea and sugar; a glass of grog per diem; tobacco-money + allowed, and eight hours’ labour. He was infinitely better off than + most sailors of the merchant service.</p><a name="fignortrobe" id= + "fignortrobe" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_223.jpg" alt="THE NORTH ROCK, BERMUDA" title= + "THE NORTH ROCK, BERMUDA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE NORTH ROCK, BERMUDA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">St. George, the + military station of the colony, commands the only entrance among the + islands suitable for the passage of large vessels, the narrow and + intricate channel which leads to its land-locked haven being defended + by strong batteries. The lagoons, and passages, and sea canals + between the little islands make communication by water as necessary + as in Venice. Every one keeps a boat or cedar canoe. He will often do + his business on one island and have his residence on a second. Mark + Twain has a wonderful facility for description; and his latest + articles, <span class="tei tei-q">“Random Notes of an Idle + Excursion,”</span> contain a picturesque account of the Bermudas, and + more particularly of Hamilton, the leading port. He says that he + found it a wonderfully white town, white as marble—snow—flour. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It was,”</span> says he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“a town compacted together upon the sides <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page190">[pg 190]</span><a name="Pg190" id="Pg190" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and tops of a cluster of small hills. Its + outlying borders fringed off and thinned away among the cedar + forests, and there was no woody distance of curving coast or leafy + islet sleeping on the dimpled, painted sea but was flecked with + shining white points—half-concealed houses peeping out of the + foliage. * * * There was an ample pier of heavy masonry; + upon this, under shelter, were some thousands of barrels, containing + that product which has carried the fame of Bermuda to many lands—the + potato. With here and there an onion. That last sentence is + facetious, for they grow at least two onions in Bermuda to one + potato. The onion is the pride and the joy of Bermuda. It is her + jewel, her gem of gems. In her conversation, her pulpit, her + literature, it is her most frequent and eloquent figure. In Bermudian + metaphor it stands for perfection—perfection absolute.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Bermudian, weeping over the departed, exhausts + praise when he says, <span class="tei tei-q">‘He was an + onion!’</span> The Bermudian, extolling the living hero, bankrupts + applause when he says, <span class="tei tei-q">‘He is an + onion!’</span> The Bermudian, setting his son upon the stage of life + to dare and do for himself, climaxes all counsel, supplication, + admonition, comprehends all ambition, when he says, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Be an onion!’</span> ”</span> When the steamer arrives + at the pier, the first question asked is not concerning great war or + political news, but concerns only the price of onions. All the + writers agree that for tomatoes, onions, and vegetables generally, + the Bermudas are unequalled; they have been called, as noted before, + the market-gardens of New York.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Jack who is + fortunate enough to be on the West India and North American Stations + must be congratulated. <span class="tei tei-q">“The country + roads,”</span> says the clever writer above quoted, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“curve and wind hither and thither in the delightfulest + way, unfolding pretty surprises at every turn; billowy masses of + oleander that seem to float out from behind distant projections, like + the pink cloud-banks of sunset; sudden plunges among cottages and + gardens, life and activity, followed by as sudden plunges into the + sombre twilight and stillness of the woods; glittering visions of + white fortresses and beacon towers pictured against the sky on remote + hill-tops; glimpses of shining green sea caught for a moment through + opening headlands, then lost again; more woods and solitude; and + by-and-by another turn lays bare, without warning, the full sweep of + the inland ocean, enriched with its bars of soft colour, and graced + with its wandering sails.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take any road you please, you may depend upon it you + will not stay in it half a mile. Your road is everything that a road + ought to be; it is bordered with trees, and with strange plants and + flowers; it is shady and pleasant, or sunny and still pleasant; it + carries you by the prettiest and peacefulest and most home-like of + homes, and through stretches of forest that lie in a deep hush + sometimes, and sometimes are alive with the music of birds; it curves + always, which is a continual promise, whereas straight roads reveal + everything at a glance and kill interest. * * * There is + enough of variety. Sometimes you are in the level open, with marshes, + thick grown with flag-lances that are ten feet high, on the one hand, + and potato and onion orchards on the other; next you are on a + hill-top, with the ocean and the islands spread around you; presently + the road winds through a deep cut, shut in by perpendicular walls + thirty or forty feet high, marked with the oddest and abruptest + stratum lines, suggestive of sudden and eccentric old upheavals, and + garnished with, here and there, a clinging adventurous flower, and + here and there <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page191">[pg + 191]</span><a name="Pg191" id="Pg191" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a + dangling vine; and by-and-by, your way is along the sea edge, and you + may look down a fathom or two through the transparent water and watch + the diamond-like flash and play of the light upon the rocks and sands + on the bottom until you are tired of it—if you are so constituted as + to be able to get tired of it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But as there are + spots in the sun, and the brightest lights throw the deepest shadows + everywhere; so on the Bermuda coasts there are, in its rare storms, + dangers of no small kind among its numerous reefs and rocks. The + North Rock, in particular, is the monument which marks the grave of + many a poor sailor in by-gone days. At the present time, however, + tug-boats, and the use of steam generally, have reduced the perils of + navigation among the hundreds of islands which constitute the Bermuda + group to a minimum.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The recent + successful trip of Cleopatra’s Needle in a vessel of unique + construction will recall that of the Bermuda floating-dock, which it + will be remembered was towed across the Atlantic and placed in its + present position.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Bermuda being, + from a naval point of view, the most important port on the North + American and West Indian Stations, it had long been felt to be an + absolute necessity that a dock capable of holding the largest vessels + of war should be built in some part of the island. After many futile + attempts to accomplish this object, owing to the porous nature of the + rock of which the island is formed, it was determined that Messrs. + Campbell, Johnstone & Co., of North Woolwich, should construct a + floating-dock according to their patented inventions: those built by + them for Carthagena, Saigon, and Callao having been completely + successful. The dimensions of the dock for Bermuda, which was + afterwards named after that island, are as follows:—</p> + + <table summary="This is a table" cellspacing="0" class= + "tei tei-table" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <colgroup span="3"></colgroup> + + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Length over all</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">381</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">feet.</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Length between caissons</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">330</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Breadth over all</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">124</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Breadth between sides</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">84</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">Depth inside</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">53</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">„ 5 in.</td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She is divided + into eight longitudinal water-tight compartments, and these again + into sets of compartments, called respectively load on and balance + chambers. Several small compartments were also made for the reception + of the pumps, the machinery for moving capstans, and cranes, all of + which were worked by steam. She is powerful and large enough to lift + an ironclad having a displacement of 10,400 tons, and could almost + dock the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Great Eastern</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The building of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span> was begun in August, 1866; + she was launched in September, 1868, and finally completed in May, + 1869. For the purposes of navigation two light wooden bridges were + thrown across her, on the foremost of which stood her compass, and on + the after the steering apparatus. She was also supplied with three + lighthouses and several semaphores for signalling to the men-of-war + which had her in tow, either by night or day. In shape she is + something like a round-bottomed canal boat with the ends cut off. + From an interesting account of her voyage from Sheerness to Bermuda + by <span class="tei tei-q">“One of those on Board,”</span> we gather + the following information respecting her trip. Her crew numbered + eighty-two hands, under a Staff-Commander, R.N.; there were also on + board an assistant naval surgeon, an Admiralty commissioner, and the + writer <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page192">[pg 192]</span><a name= + "Pg192" id="Pg192" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the book from which + these particulars are taken. The first rendezvous of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span> + was to be at the Nore.</p><a name="figbermfldo" id="figbermfldo" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_226.png" alt="THE BERMUDA FLOATING DOCK" + title="THE BERMUDA FLOATING DOCK." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE BERMUDA FLOATING DOCK. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the afternoon + of the 23rd of June, 1869, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span> + was towed to the Nore by four ordinary Thames tugs, accompanied by + H.M.SS. <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span>, + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Buzzard</span></span>, and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Wildfire</span></span>. On arriving at the Nore + off the lightship she found the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Northumberland</span></span> waiting for her. + The tugs cast off, and a hawser was passed to the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Northumberland</span></span>, which took her in + tow as far as Knob Channel, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span> bringing up astern. The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Agincourt</span></span> was now picked up, and + passing a hawser on board the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Northumberland</span></span>, took the lead in + the maritime tandem. A hawser was now passed to the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span> from the stern of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span>, so that by towing that + vessel she might be kept from swaying from side to side. The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span> steamed on the quarter of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Northumberland</span></span>, and the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Buzzard</span></span> acted as a kind of + floating outrider to clear the way. The North Foreland was passed the + same evening, at a speed of four knots an hour. Everything went well + until the 25th, when she lost sight of land off the Start Point late + in the afternoon of that day. On the 28th she was half-way across the + Bay of Biscay, when, encountering a slight sea and a freshening wind, + she showed her first tendency to roll, an accomplishment in which she + was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page193">[pg 193]</span><a name= + "Pg193" id="Pg193" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>afterwards beaten by + all her companions, although the prognostications about her talents + in this direction had been of the most lugubrious description. It + must be understood that the bottom of her hold, so to speak, was only + some ten feet under the surface of the water, and that her hollow + sides towered some sixty feet above it. On the top of each gunwale + were wooden houses for the officers, with gardens in front and + behind, in which mignonette, sweet peas, and other English garden + flowers, grew and flourished, until they encountered the parching + heat of the tropics. The crew was quartered in the sides of the + vessel; and the top of the gunwales, or quarter-decks, as they might + be called, communicated with the lower decks by means of a ladder + fifty-three feet long.</p><a name="figvoyaofth" id="figvoyaofth" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_227.png" alt="VOYAGE OF THE “BERMUDA”" title= + "VOYAGE OF THE “BERMUDA.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + VOYAGE OF THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“BERMUDA.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To return, + however, to the voyage. Her next rendezvous was at Porto Santo, a + small island on the east coast of the island of Madeira. On July 4th, + about six o’clock in the morning, land was signalled. This proved to + be the island of Porto Santo; and she brought up about two miles off + the principal town early in the afternoon, having made the voyage + from Sheerness in exactly eleven days. Here the squadron was joined + by the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Black + Prince</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Lapwing</span></span> (gunboat), the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Helicon</span></span> leaving them for Lisbon. + Towards nightfall they started once more in the following order, + passing to the south of Bermuda. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Black + Prince</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span> led the team, towing the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span>, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span> being towed by her in + turn, to prevent yawing, and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Lapwing</span></span> + following close on the heels of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span>. All went well until the + 8th, when the breeze freshened, the dock rolling as much as ten + degrees. Towards eight o’clock in the evening a mighty crash was + heard, and the whole squadron was brought up by signal from the + lighthouses. On examination it was found that the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span> + had carried away one of the chains of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page194">[pg 194]</span><a name="Pg194" id="Pg194" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>her immense rudder, which was swaying to and fro + in a most dangerous manner. The officers and men, however, went to + work with a will, and by one o’clock the next morning all was made + snug again, and the squadron proceeded on its voyage. During this + portion of the trip, a line of communication was established between + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span> and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span>, and almost daily presents + of fresh meat and vegetables were sent by the officers of the + ironclad to their unknown comrades on board the dock. On the 9th, the + day following the disaster to the rudder, they fell in with the + north-east trade winds, which formed the subject of great rejoicing. + Signals were made to make all sail, and reduce the quantity of coal + burned in the boilers of the four steam vessels. The next day, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Lapwing</span></span>, being shorter of coal + than the others, she was ordered to take the place of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span>, the latter ship now + taking the lead by towing the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Black Prince</span></span>. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Lapwing</span></span>, however, proved not to be + sufficiently powerful for this service. A heavy sea springing up, the + dock began to yaw and behave so friskily that the squadron once more + brought to, and the old order of things was resumed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the 25th the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Lapwing</span></span> was sent on ahead to + Bermuda to inform the authorities of the close advent of the dock. It + was now arranged that as the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span> drew less water than any + of the other ships, she should have the honour of piloting the dock + through the Narrows—a narrow, tortuous, and shallow channel, forming + the only practicable entrance for large ships to the harbour of + Bermuda. On the morning of the 28th, Bermuda lighthouse was sighted, + and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Spitfire</span></span> was shortly afterwards + picked up, having been sent by the Bermudan authorities to pilot the + squadron as far as the entrance of the Narrows. She also brought the + intelligence that it had been arranged that the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Viper</span></span> + and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vixen</span></span> had been ordered to pilot + the dock into harbour. As they neared Bermuda, the squadron were met + by the naval officer in charge of the station, who, after having had + interviews with the captains of the squadron and of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span>, rescinded the order + respecting the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vixen</span></span> and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Viper</span></span>, + and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span> was once more deputed to + tow the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span> through the Narrows. Just + off the mouth of this dangerous inlet, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span> + being in tow of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span> only, the dock became + uncontrollable, and would have done her best to carry Her Majesty’s + ship to Halifax had not the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span> come to her aid, after the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Spitfire</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Lapwing</span></span> + had tried ineffectually to be of assistance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By this time, + however, the water in the Narrows had become too low for the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span>; the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bermuda</span></span> + had, therefore, to wait until high water next morning in order to + complete the last, and, as it proved, the most perilous part of her + journey. After the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span> and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span> had towed the dock + through the entrance of the inlet, the first-named ship cast off. The + dock once more became unmanageable through a sudden gust of wind + striking her on the quarter. Had the gust lasted for only a few + seconds longer, the dock would have stranded—perhaps for ever. She + righted, however, and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Terrible</span></span> steaming hard ahead, she + passed the most dangerous point of the inlet, and at last rode + securely in smooth water, within a few cables’ length of her future + berth, after a singularly successful voyage of thirty-six days.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It says much for + the naval and engineering skill of all concerned in the transport of + this unwieldy mass of iron, weighing 8,000 tons, over nearly 4,000 + miles of ocean, without the loss of a single life, or, indeed, a + solitary accident that can be called serious. The <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page195">[pg 195]</span><a name="Pg195" id="Pg195" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>conception, execution, and success of the + project are wholly unparalleled in the history of naval + engineering.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Leaving Bermuda, + whither away? To the real capital of America, New York. It is true + that English men-of-war, and, for the matter of that, vessels of the + American navy, comparatively seldom visit that port, which otherwise + is crowded by the shipping of all nations. There are reasons for + this. New York has not to-day a dock worthy of the name; magnificent + steamships and palatial ferry-boats all lie alongside wharfs, or + enter <span class="tei tei-q">“slips,”</span> which are semi-enclosed + wharfs. Brooklyn and Jersey City have, however, docks.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Who that has + visited New York will ever forget his first impressions? The grand + Hudson, or the great East River, itself a strait: the glorious bay, + or the crowded island, alike call for and deserve enthusiastic + admiration. If one arrives on a sunny day, maybe not a zephyr + agitates the surface of the noble Hudson, or even the bay itself: the + latter landlocked, save where lost in the broad Atlantic; the former + skirted by the great Babylon of America and the wooded banks of + Hoboken. Round the lofty western hills, a fleet of small craft—with + rakish hulls and snowy sails—steal quietly and softly, while + steamboats, that look like floating islands, almost pass them with + lightning speed. Around is the shipping of every clime; enormous + ferry-boats radiating in all directions; forests of masts along the + wharfs bearing the flags of all nations. And where so much is + strange, there is one consoling fact: you feel yourself at home. You + are among brothers, speaking the same language, obeying the same + laws, professing the same religion.</p><a name="figmap_ofne" id= + "figmap_ofne" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_229.png" alt="MAP OF NEW YORK HARBOUR" title= + "MAP OF NEW YORK HARBOUR." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + MAP OF NEW YORK HARBOUR. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">New York city and + port of entry, New York county, State of New York, lies at the head + of New York Bay, so that there is a good deal of New York about it. + It is the commercial emporium of the United States, and if it ever + has a rival, it will be on the other side of the continent, somewhere + not far from San Francisco. Its area is, practically, the bulk of + Manhattan or New York Island, say thirteen miles long by two wide. + Its separation from the mainland is caused by the Harlem River, which + connects the Hudson and East Rivers, and is itself spanned by a + bridge and the Croton aqueduct. New York really possesses every + advantage required to build a grand emporium. It extends between two + rivers, each navigable for the largest vessels, while its harbour + would contain the united or disunited navies, as the case may be, of + all nations. The Hudson River, in particular, is for some distance up + a mile or more in width, while the East River averages over + two-fifths of a mile. The population of New York, with its suburban + appendages, including the cities of Brooklyn and Jersey City, is not + less than that of Paris.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The harbour is + surrounded with small settlements, connected by charmingly-situated + villas and country residences. It is toward its northern end that the + masts, commencing with a few stragglers, gradually thicken to a + forest. In it are three fortified islands. By the strait called the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Narrows,”</span> seven miles from the lower + part of the city, and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page196">[pg + 196]</span><a name="Pg196" id="Pg196" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which is, for the space of a mile, about one + mile wide, it communicates with the outer harbour, or bay proper, + which extends thence to Sandy Hook Light, forty miles from the city, + and opens directly into the ocean, forming one of the best roadsteads + on the whole Atlantic coasts of America. The approach to the city, as + above indicated, is very fine, the shores of the bay being wooded + down to the water’s edge, and thickly studded with villages, farms, + and country seats. The view of the city itself is not so + prepossessing; like all large cities, it is almost impossible to find + a point from which to grasp the grandeur in its entirety, and the + ground on which it is built is nowhere elevated. Therefore there is + very little to strike the eye specially. Many a petty town makes a + greater show in this respect.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Those ferry-boats! + The idea in the minds of most Englishmen is associated with boats + that may pass over from one or two to a dozen or so people, possibly + a single horse, or a donkey-cart. There you find steamers a couple of + hundred or more feet long, with, on either side of the engines, + twenty or more feet space. On the true deck there is accommodation + for carriages, carts, and horses by the score; above, a spacious + saloon for passengers. They have powerful engines, and will easily + beat the average steamship. On arrival at the dock, they run into a + kind of slip, or basin, with piles around stuck in the soft bottom, + which yield should she strike them, and entirely do away with any + fear of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page197">[pg 197]</span><a name= + "Pg197" id="Pg197" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>concussion. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I may here add,”</span> notes an intelligent + writer,<a id="noteref_115" name="noteref_115" href= + "#note_115"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">115</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“that during my whole travels in the States, + I found nothing more perfect in construction and arrangement than the + ferries and their boats, the charges for which are most moderate, + varying according to distances, and ranging from one halfpenny + upwards.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailor ashore + in New York—and how many, many thousands visit it every year!—will + find much to note. The public buildings of the great city are not + remarkable; but the one great street, Broadway, which is about eight + miles long, and almost straight, is a very special feature. Unceasing + throngs of busy men and women, loungers and idlers, vehicles of all + kinds, street cars, omnibuses, and carriages—there are no cabs hardly + in New York—pass and re-pass from early morn to dewy eve, while the + shops, always called <span class="tei tei-q">“stores,”</span> rival + those of the Boulevards or Regent Street. Some of the older streets + were, no doubt, as Washington Irving tells us, laid out after the old + cow-paths, as they are as narrow and tortuous as those of any + European city. The crowded state of Broadway at certain points rivals + Cheapside. The writer saw in 1867 a light bridge, which spanned the + street, and was intended for the use of ladies and timid pedestrians. + When, in 1869, he re-passed through the city it had disappeared, and + on inquiry he learnt the reason. Unprincipled roughs had stationed + themselves at either end, and levied black-mail toll on old ladies + and unsophisticated country-people.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page198">[pg 198]</span><a name="Pg198" id="Pg198" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So extreme is the + difference between the intense heat of summer and the equally intense + cold of winter in New York, that the residents regularly get thin in + the former and stout in the latter. And what a sight are the two + rivers at that time! Huge masses of ice, crashing among themselves, + and making navigation perilous and sometimes impossible, descending + the stream at a rapid rate; docks and slips frozen in; the riggings + and shrouds of great ships covered with icicles, and the decks ready + for immediate use as skating-rinks. The writer crossed in the + ferry-boat from Jersey City to New York, in January, 1875, and + acquired a sincere respect for the pilot, who wriggled and zig-zagged + his vessel through masses of ice, against which a sharp collision + would not have been a joke. When, on the following morning, he left + for Liverpool, the steamship herself was a good model for a + twelfth-night cake ornament, and had quite enough to do to get out + from the wharf. Five days after, in mid-Atlantic, he was sitting on + deck in the open air, reading a book, so much milder at such times is + it on the open ocean.</p><a name="figbroobrid" id="figbroobrid" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_230.png" alt="BROOKLYN BRIDGE" title= + "BROOKLYN BRIDGE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + BROOKLYN BRIDGE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But our leave is + over, and although it would be pleasant to travel in imaginative + company up the beautiful Hudson, and visit one of the wonders of the + world—Niagara, to-day a mere holiday excursion from New York—we must + away, merely briefly noting before we go another of the wonders of + the world, a triumph of engineering skill: the great Brooklyn bridge, + which connects that city with New York. Its span is about + three-quarters of a mile; large ships can pass under it, while + vehicles and pedestrians cross in mid-air over their mast tops, + between two great cities, making them one. Brooklyn is a great place + for the residences of well-to-do New Yorkers, and the view from its + <span class="tei tei-q">“Heights”</span>—an elevation covered with + villas and mansions—is grand and extensive. Apart from this, Brooklyn + is a considerable city, with numerous churches and chapels, public + buildings, and places of amusement.</p><a name="figferrneyo" id= + "figferrneyo" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_231.png" alt="FERRY-BOAT, NEW YORK HARBOUR" + title="FERRY-BOAT, NEW YORK HARBOUR." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + FERRY-BOAT, NEW YORK HARBOUR. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Halifax is the + northernmost depôt of the whole West India and North American + Station, and is often a great rendezvous of the Royal Navy. It is + situated on a peninsula on the south-east coast of Nova Scotia, of + which it is the capital. Its situation is very picturesque. The town + stands on the declivity of a hill about 250 feet high, rising from + one of the finest harbours in the world. The city front is lined with + handsome wharfs, while merchants’ houses, dwellings, and public + edifices arrange themselves on tiers, stretching along and up the + sides of the hill. It has fine wide streets; the principal one, which + runs round the edge of the harbour, is capitally paved. The harbour + opposite the town, where ships usually anchor, is rather more than a + mile wide, and after narrowing to a quarter of a mile above the upper + end of the town, expands into Bedford Basin, a completely land-locked + sheet of water. This grand sea-lake has an area of ten square miles, + and is capable of containing any number of navies. Halifax possesses + another advantage not common to every harbour of North America: it is + accessible at all seasons, and navigation is rarely impeded by ice. + There are two fine lighthouses at Halifax; that on an island off + Sambro Head is 210 feet high. The port possesses many large ships of + its own, generally employed in the South Sea whale and seal fishery. + It is a very prosperous fishing town in other respects.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The town of + Halifax was founded in 1749. The settlers, to the number of 3,500, + largely composed of naval and military men, whose expenses out had + been paid by the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page199">[pg + 199]</span><a name="Pg199" id="Pg199" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>British Government to assist in the formation of + the station, soon cleared the ground from stumps, &c., and having + erected a wooden government house and suitable warehouses for stores + and provisions, the town was laid out so as to form a number of + straight and handsome streets. Planks, doors, window-frames, and + other portions of houses, were imported from the New England + settlements, and the more laborious portion of the work, which the + settlers executed themselves, was performed with great dispatch. At + the approach of winter they found themselves comfortably settled, + having completed a number of houses and huts, and covered others in a + manner which served to protect them from the rigour of the weather, + there very severe. There were now assembled at Halifax about 5,000 + people, whose labours were suddenly suspended by the intensity of the + frost, and there was in consequence considerable enforced idleness. + Haliburton<a id="noteref_116" name="noteref_116" href= + "#note_116"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">116</span></span></a> + mentions the difficulty that the governor had to employ the settlers + by sending them out on various expeditions, in palisading the town, + and in other public works.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In addition to + £40,000 granted by the British Government for the embarkation and + other expenses of the first settlers, Parliament continued to make + annual grants for the same purpose, which, in 1755, amounted to the + considerable sum of £416,000.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The town of + Halifax was no sooner built than the French colonists began to be + alarmed, and although they did not think proper to make an open + avowal of their jealousy and disgust, they employed their emissaries + clandestinely in exciting the Indians to harass the inhabitants with + hostilities, in such a manner as should effectually hinder them from + extending their plantations, or perhaps, indeed, induce them to + abandon the settlement. The Indian chiefs, however, for some time + took a different view of the matter, waited upon the governor, and + acknowledged themselves subjects of the crown of England. The French + court thereupon renewed its intrigues with the Indians, and so far + succeeded that for several years the town was frequently attacked in + the night, and the English could not stir into the adjoining woods + without the danger of being shot, scalped, or taken prisoners.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Among the early + laws of Nova Scotia was one by which it was enacted that no debts + contracted in England, or in any of the colonies prior to the + settlement of Halifax, or to the arrival of the debtor, should be + recoverable by law in any court in the province. As an asylum for + insolvent debtors, it is natural to suppose that Halifax attracted + thither the guilty as well as the unfortunate; and we may form some + idea of the state of public morals at that period from an order of + Governor Cornwallis, which, after reciting that the dead were usually + attended to the grave by neither relatives or friends, twelve + citizens should in future be summoned to attend the funeral of each + deceased person.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Nova Scotians + are popularly known by Canadians and Americans as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Blue Noses,”</span> doubtless from the colour of their + nasal appendages in bitter cold weather. It has been already + mentioned that Halifax is now a thriving city; but there must have + been a period when the people were not particularly enterprising, or + else that most veracious individual, <span class="tei tei-q">“Sam + Slick,”</span> greatly belied them. Judge Haliburton, in his immortal + <span class="tei tei-q">“Clockmaker,”</span> introduces the following + conversation with Mr. Slick:—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘You appear,’</span> said I to + Mr. Slick, <span class="tei tei-q">‘to have travelled over the whole + of this province, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page200">[pg + 200]</span><a name="Pg200" id="Pg200" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and + to have observed the country and the people with much attention; + pray, what is your opinion of the present state and future prospects + of Halifax?’</span> <span class="tei tei-q">‘If you will tell + me,’</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">‘when the folks there + will wake up, then I can answer you; but they are fast asleep. As to + the province, it’s a splendid province, and calculated to go ahead; + it will grow as fast as a Virginny gall—and they grow so amazing + fast, if you put one of your arms round one of their necks to kiss + them, by the time you’ve done they’ve growed up into women. It’s a + pretty province, I tell you, good above and better below: surface + covered with pastures, meadows, woods, and a nation sight of water + privileges; and under the ground full of mines. It puts me in mind of + the soup at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Tree</span></span>mont house—good enough at top, + but dip down and you have the riches—the coal, the iron ore, the + gypsum, and what not. As for Halifax, it’s well enough in itself, + though no great shakes neither; a few sizeable houses, with a proper + sight of small ones, like half-a-dozen old hens with their broods of + young chickens: but the people, the strange critters, they are all + asleep. They walk in their sleep, and talk in their sleep, and what + they say one day they forget the next; they say they were + dreaming.’</span> ”</span> This was first published in England in + 1838; all accounts now speak of Halifax as a well-built, paved, and + cleanly city, and of its inhabitants as enterprising.</p><a name= + "figislaofas" id="figislaofas" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_234.png" alt="THE ISLAND OF ASCENSION" title= + "THE ISLAND OF ASCENSION." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE ISLAND OF ASCENSION. + </div> + </div><a name="figtridacu" id="figtridacu" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_235.jpg" alt="TRISTAN D’ACUNHA" title= + "TRISTAN D’ACUNHA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + TRISTAN D’ACUNHA. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page202">[pg 202]</span><a name="Pg202" + id="Pg202" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc27" id= + "toc27"></a> <a name="pdf28" id="pdf28"></a><a name="chap12" id= + "chap12" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XII.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Round the World on a + Man-of-War</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 120%">(</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">).</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">THE AFRICAN STATION.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Its Extent—Ascension—Turtle at a Discount—Sierra + Leone—An Unhealthy Station—The Cape of Good Hope—Cape Town—Visit of + the Sailor Prince—Grand Festivities—Enthusiasm of the Natives—Loyal + Demonstrations—An African</span> <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Derby</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Grand + Dock Inaugurated—Elephant Hunting—The Parting Ball—The Life of a + Boer—Circular Farms—The Diamond Discoveries—A £12,000 Gem—A Sailor + First President of the Fields—Precarious Nature of the + Search—Natal—Inducements held out to Settlers—St. Helena and + Napoleon—Discourteous Treatment of a Fallen Foe—The Home of the + Caged Lion.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now we are off + to the last of the British naval stations under consideration—that of + the African coast. It is called, in naval phraseology, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The West Coast of Africa and Cape of Good Hope + Station,”</span> and embraces not merely all that the words imply, + but a part of the east coast, including the important colony of + Natal. Commencing at latitude 20° N. above the Cape Verd Islands, it + includes the islands of Ascension, St. Helena, Tristan d’Acunha, and + others already described.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ascension, which + is a British station, with dockyard, and fort garrisoned by artillery + and marines, is a barren island, about eight miles long by six broad. + Its fort is in lat. 70° 26′ N.: long., 140° 24′ W. It is of volcanic + formation, and one of its hills rises to the considerable elevation + of 2,870 feet. Until the imprisonment of Napoleon at St. Helena, it + was utterly uninhabited. At that period it was garrisoned with a + small British force; and so good use was made of their time that it + has been partly cultivated and very greatly improved. Irrigation was + found, as elsewhere, to work wonders, and as there are magnificent + springs, this was rendered easy. Vast numbers of turtle are taken on + its shores; and, in consequence, the soldiers prefer the soup of pea, + and affect to despise turtle steaks worth half a guinea apiece in + London, and fit to rejoice the heart of an alderman! The writer saw + the same thing in Vancouver Island, where at the boarding-house of a + very large steam saw-mill, the hands struck against the salmon, so + abundant on those coasts. They insisted upon not having it more than + twice a week for dinner, and that it should be replaced by salt pork. + The climate of Ascension is remarkably healthy. The object in + occupying it is very similar to the reason for holding the Falkland + Islands—to serve as a depôt for stores, coal, and for watering ships + cruising in the South Atlantic.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sierra Leone is, + perhaps, of all places in the world, the last to which the sailor + would wish to go, albeit its unhealthiness has been, as is the case + with Panama, grossly exaggerated. Thus we were told that when a + clergyman with some little influence was pestering the Prime Minister + for the time being for promotion, the latter would appoint him to the + Bishopric of Sierra Leone, knowing well that in a year or so the said + bishopric would be vacant and ready for another + gentleman!</p><a name="figsierleon" id="figsierleon" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_238.png" alt="SIERRA LEONE" title= + "SIERRA LEONE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + SIERRA LEONE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sierra Leone is a + British colony, and the capital is Free Town, situated on a peninsula + lying between the broad estuary of the Sherboro and the Sierra Leone + rivers, connected with the mainland by an isthmus not more than one + mile and a half broad. The colony <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page203">[pg 203]</span><a name="Pg203" id="Pg203" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>also includes a number of islands, among which + are many good harbours. Its history has one interesting point. When, + in 1787, it became a British colony, a company was formed, which + included a scheme for making it a home for free negroes, and to prove + that colonial produce could be raised profitably without resorting to + slave labour. Its prosperity was seriously affected during the French + Revolution by the depredations of French cruisers, and in 1808 the + company ceded all its rights to the Crown. Its population includes + negroes from 200 different African tribes, many of them liberated + from slavery and slave-ships, a subject which will be treated + hereafter in this work.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the great + industries of Sierra Leone is the manufacture of cocoa-nut oil. The + factories are extensive affairs. It is a very beautiful country, on + the whole, and when acclimatised, Europeans find that they can live + splendidly on the products of the country. The fisheries, both sea + and river, are wonderfully productive, and employ about 1,500 + natives. Boat-building is carried on to some extent, the splendid + forests yielding timber so large that canoes capable of holding a + hundred men have been made from a single log, like those already + mentioned in connection with the north-west coast of America. Many of + the West Indian products have been introduced; sugar, coffee, indigo, + ginger, cotton, and rice thrive well, as do Indian corn, the yam, + plantain, pumpkins, banana, cocoa, baobab, pine-apple, orange, lime, + guava, papaw, pomegranate, orange, and lime. Poultry is particularly + abundant. It therefore might claim attention as a fruitful and + productive country but for the malaria of its swampy rivers and low + lands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, leaving + Sierra Leone, our good ship makes for the Cape of Good Hope, passing, + mostly far out at sea, down that coast along which the Portuguese + mariners crept so cautiously yet so surely till Diaz and Da Gama + reached South Africa, while the latter showed them the way to the + fabled Cathaia, the Orient—India, China, and the Spice Islands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the year 1486 + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Cape”</span> of capes <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">par + excellence</span></span>, which rarely nowadays bears its full title, + was discovered by Bartholomew de Diaz, a commander in the service of + John II. of Portugal. He did not proceed to the eastward of it, and + it was reserved for the great Vasco da Gama—afterwards the first + Viceroy of India—an incident in whose career forms, by-the-by, the + plot of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">L’Africaine</span></span>, Meyerbeer’s grand + opera, to double it. It was called at first Cabo + Tormentoso—<span class="tei tei-q">“the Cape of Storms”</span>—but by + royal desire was changed to that of <span class="tei tei-q">“Buon + Esperanza”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Good Hope”</span>—the + title it still bears. Cape Colony was acquired by Great Britain in + 1620, although for a long time it was practically in the hands of the + Dutch, a colony having been planted by their East India Company. The + Dutch held it in this way till 1795, when the territory was once more + taken by our country. It was returned to the Dutch at the Peace of + Amiens, only to be snatched from them again in 1806, and finally + confirmed to Britain at the general peace of 1815.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The population, + including the Boers, or farmers of Dutch descent, Hottentots, + Kaffirs, and Malays, is not probably over 600,000, while the original + territory is about 700 miles long by 400 wide, having an area of not + far from 200,000 square miles. The capital of the colony is Cape + Town, lying at the foot, as every schoolboy knows, of the celebrated + Table Mountain.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page204">[pg + 204]</span><a name="Pg204" id="Pg204" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A recent writer, + Mr. Boyle,<a id="noteref_117" name="noteref_117" href= + "#note_117"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">117</span></span></a> speaks + cautiously of Cape Town and its people. There are respectable, but + not very noticeable, public buildings. <span class="tei tei-q">“Some + old Dutch houses there are, distinguishable chiefly by a superlative + flatness and an extra allowance of windows. The population is about + 30,000 souls, white, black, and mixed. I should incline to think more + than half fall into the third category. They seem to be hospitable + and good-natured in all classes.... There is complaint of slowness, + indecision, and general <span class="tei tei-q">‘want of go’</span> + about the place. Dutch blood is said to be still too apparent in + business, in local government, and in society. I suppose there is + sound basis for these accusations, since trade is migrating so + rapidly towards the rival mart of Port Elizabeth.... But ten years + ago the entire export of wool passed through Cape Town. Last year, as + I find in the official returns, 28,000,000 lbs. were shipped at the + eastern port out of the whole 37,000,000 lbs. produced in the colony. + The gas-lamps, put up by a sort of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">coup + d’état</span></span> in the municipality, were not lighted until last + year, owing to the opposition of the Dutch town councillors. They + urged that decent people didn’t want to be out at night, and the + ill-disposed didn’t deserve illumination. Such facts seem to show + that the city is not quite up to the mark in all + respects.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page205">[pg + 205]</span><a name="Pg205" id="Pg205" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Simon’s Bay, near + Table Bay, where Cape Town is situated, is a great rendezvous for the + navy; there are docks and soldiers there, and a small town. The bay + abounds in fish. The Rev. John Milner, chaplain of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Galatea</span></span>, says that during the + visit of Prince Alfred, <span class="tei tei-q">“large shoals of fish + (a sort of coarse mackerel) were seen all over the bay; numbers came + alongside, and several of them were harpooned with grains by some of + the youngsters from the accommodation-ladder. Later in the day a seal + rose, and continued fishing and rising in the most leisurely manner. + At one time it was within easy rifle distance, and might have been + shot from the ship.”</span><a id="noteref_118" name="noteref_118" + href="#note_118"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">118</span></span></a> Fish + and meat are so plentiful in the colony that living is excessively + cheap.</p><a name="figcapetown" id="figcapetown" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_239.png" alt="CAPE TOWN" title= + "CAPE TOWN." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + CAPE TOWN. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The visit of his + Royal Highness the Sailor Prince, in 1867, will long be remembered in + the colony. That, and the recent diamond discoveries, prove that the + people cannot be accused of sloth and want of enterprise. On arrival + at Simon’s Bay, the first vessels made out were the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Racoon</span></span>, + on which Prince Alfred had served his time as lieutenant, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Petrel</span></span>, just returned from landing + poor Livingstone at the Zambesi, and the receiving-ship <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Seringapatam</span></span>. Soon followed + official visits, dinner, ball, and fireworks from the ships. When the + Prince was to proceed to Cape Town, all the ships fired a royal + salute, and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page206">[pg + 206]</span><a name="Pg206" id="Pg206" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + fort also, as he landed at the jetty, where he was received by a + guard of honour of the 99th Regiment. A short distance from the + landing-place, at the entrance to the main street, was a pretty arch, + decorated with flowering shrubs, and the leaves of the silver-tree. + On his way to this his Royal Highness was met by a deputation from + the inhabitants of Simon’s Town and of the Malay population. + <span class="tei tei-q">“This was a very interesting sight; the chief + men, dressed in Oriental costumes, with bright-coloured robes and + turbans, stood in front, and two of them held short wands decorated + with paper flowers of various colours. The Duke shook hands with + them, and then they touched him with their wands. They seemed very + much pleased, and looked at him in an earnest and affectionate + manner. Several of the Malays stood round with drawn swords, + apparently acting as a guard of honour. The crowd round formed a very + motley group of people of all colours—negroes, brown Asiatics, + Hottentots, and men, women, and children of every hue. The policemen + had enough to do to keep them back as they pressed up close round the + Duke.”</span> After loyal addresses had been received, and responded + to, the Prince and suite drove off for Cape Town, the ride to which + is graphically described by the chaplain and artist of the + expedition. <span class="tei tei-q">“The morning was very lovely. + Looking to seaward was the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Hanglip, and the + high, broken shores of Hottentot Holland, seen over the clear blue + water of the bay. The horses, carriages, escort with their drawn + swords, all dashing at a rattling pace along the sands in the bright + sunshine, and the long lines of small breakers on the beach, was one + of the most exhilarating sights imaginable. In places the cavalcade + emerged from the sands up on to where the road skirts a rocky shore, + and where at this season of the year beautiful arum lilies and other + bright flowers were growing in the greatest profusion. About four + miles from Simon’s Bay, we passed a small cove, called Fish-hook Bay, + where a few families of Malay fishermen reside. A whale they had + killed in the bay the evening before lay anchored ready for + <span class="tei tei-q">‘cutting in.’</span> A small flag, called by + whalers a <span class="tei tei-q">‘whiff,’</span> was sticking up in + it. We could see from the road that it was one of the usual southern + <span class="tei tei-q">‘right’</span> whales which occasionally come + into Simon’s Bay, and are captured there. After crossing the last of + the sands, we reached Kalk Bay, a collection of small houses where + the people from Cape Town come to stay in the summer. As we + proceeded, fresh carriages of private individuals and horsemen + continued to join on behind, and it was necessary to keep a bright + look-out to prevent them rushing in between the two carriages + containing the Duke and Governor, with their suites. Various small + unpretending arches (every poor man having put up one on his own + account), with flags and flowers, spanned the road in different + places between Simon’s Town and Farmer Peck’s, a small inn about nine + miles from the anchorage, which used formerly to have the following + eccentric sign-board:—</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ‘THE GENTLE SHEPHERD OF SALISBURY PLAIN. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 4.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ‘FARMER PECKS. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + ‘Multum in Parvo! Pro bono publico! + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Entertainment for man or beast, all of a row, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Lekher kost, as much as you please; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Excellent beds, without any fleas. + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page207">[pg 207]</span><a name= + "Pg207" id="Pg207" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Nos patriam fugimus! now we are here, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Vivamus! let us live by selling beer. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + On donne à boire et à manger ici; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Come in and try it, whoever you be.’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">This house was decorated with evergreens, and over the + door was a stuffed South African leopard springing on an antelope. A + little further on, after discussing lunch at a half-way house, a + goodly number of volunteer cavalry, in blue-and-white uniforms, + appeared to escort the Sailor Prince into Cape Town. The road passes + through pleasant country; but the thick red dust which rose as the + cavalcade proceeded was overwhelming. It was a South African version + of the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Derby’</span> on a hot summer’s day. + At various places parties of school-children, arrayed along the + road-side, sung the National Anthem in little piping voices, the + singing being generally conducted by mild-looking men in black gloves + and spectacles. At one place stood an old Malay, playing <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘God Save the Queen’</span> on a cracked clarionet, who, + quite absorbed as he was in his music, and apparently unconscious of + all around him, looked exceedingly comic. There was everywhere a + great scrambling crowd of Malays and black boys, running and tumbling + over each other, shouting and laughing; women with children tied on + their backs, old men, and girls dressed in every conceivable kind of + ragged rig and picturesque colour, with head-gear of a wonderful + nature, huge Malay hats, almost parasols in size, and resembling the + thatch of an English corn-rick; crowns of old black hats; turbans of + all proportions and colours, swelled the procession as it swept + along. When the cavalry-trumpet sounded <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘trot,’</span> the cloud of dust increased tenfold. + Everybody, apparently, who could muster a horse was mounted, so that + ahead and on every side the carriage in which we were following the + Duke was hemmed in and surrounded, and everything became mixed up in + one thick cloud of red dust, in which helmets, swords, hats, + puggeries, turbans, and horses almost disappeared. The crowd hurraed + louder than ever, pigs squealed, dogs howled, riders tumbled off; the + excitement was irresistible. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Oh! this is + fun; stand up—never mind dignity. Whoo-whoop!’</span> and we were + rushed into the cloud of dust, to escape being utterly swamped and + left astern of the Duke, standing up in the carriage, and holding on + in front, to catch what glimpses we could of what was going on.... + Some of the arches were very beautiful; they were all decorated with + flowering shrubs, flowers (particularly the arum lily) and leaves of + the silver-tree. In one the words <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Welcome + Back</span></span><a id="noteref_119" name="noteref_119" href= + "#note_119"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">119</span></span></a> were + formed with oranges. One of the most curious had on its top a large + steamship, with <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Galatea</span></span> inscribed upon it, and a + funnel out of which real smoke was made to issue as the Duke passed + under. Six little boys dressed as sailors formed the crew, and stood + up singing <span class="tei tei-q">‘Rule Britannia.’</span> ”</span> + And so they arrived in Cape Town, to have <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">levées</span></span>, + receptions, entertainments, and balls by the dozen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While at the Cape + the Duke of Edinburgh laid the foundation of a grand graving-dock, an + adjunct to the Table Bay Harbour Works, a most valuable and important + addition to the resources of the Royal Navy, enabling the largest + ironclad to be repaired at that distant point. The dock is four + hundred feet long, and ninety feet wide. For more than forty years + previously frequent but unsuccessful efforts had been made to provide + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page208">[pg 208]</span><a name="Pg208" + id="Pg208" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a harbour of refuge in Table + Bay; now, in addition to this splendid dock, it has a fine + breakwater.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Officers of the + Royal Navy may occasionally get the opportunity afforded the Prince, + of attending an elephant hunt. From the neighbourhood of the Cape + itself the biggest of beasts has long retired; but three hundred + miles up the coast, at Featherbed Bay, where there is a settlement, + it is still possible to enjoy some sport.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To leave the port + or town of Knysna—where, by-the-by, the Duke was entertained at a + great feed of South African oysters—was found to be difficult and + perilous. The entrance to the harbour is very fine; a high cliff + comes down sheer to the sea on one side, while on the other there is + an angular bluff, with a cave through it. As the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Petrel</span></span> + steamed out, a large group of the ladies of the district waved their + handkerchiefs, and the elephant-hunters cheered. It was now evident, + from the appearance of the bar, that the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Petrel</span></span> + had not come out a moment too soon. A heavy sea of rollers extended + nearly the whole way across the mouth of the harbour, and broke into + a long thundering crest of foam, leaving only one small space on the + western side clear of actual surf. For this opening the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Petrel</span></span> + steered; but even there the swell was so great that the vessel reared + and pitched fearfully, and touched the bottom as she dipped astern + into the deep trough of the sea. The slightest accident to the + rudder, and nothing short of a miracle could have saved them from + going on to the rocks, where a tremendous surf was breaking. + Providentially, she got out safely, and soon the party was + transferred to the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Racoon</span></span>, which returned to Simon’s + Bay.</p><a name="figgalapakn" id="figgalapakn" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_243.png" alt= + "THE “GALATEA” PASSING KNYSNA HEADS." title= + "THE “GALATEA” PASSING KNYSNA HEADS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“GALATEA”</span> PASSING KNYSNA HEADS. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On his return from + the elephant hunt, the Prince gave a parting ball. A capital + ballroom, 135 feet long by 44 wide, was improvised out of an open + boat-house by a party of blue-jackets, who, by means of ships’ + lanterns, flags, arms arranged as ornaments, and beautiful ferns and + flowers, effected a transformation as wonderful as anything recorded + in the <span class="tei tei-q">“Arabian Nights,”</span> the crowning + feature of the decorations being the head of one of the elephants + from the Knysna, surmounting an arch of evergreens. Most of the + visitors had to come all the way from Cape Town, and during the + afternoon were to be seen flocking along the sands in vehicles of + every description, many being conveyed to Simon’s Town a part of the + distance in a navy steam-tender or the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Galatea’s</span></span> steam-launch. The ball + was, of course, a grand success.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This not being a + history of Cape Colony, but rather of what the sailor will find at or + near its ports and harbours, the writer is relieved from any + necessity of treating on past or present troubles with the Boers or + the natives. Of course, everything was tinted <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">couleur de + rose</span></span> at the Prince’s visit, albeit at that very time + the colony was in a bad way, with over speculation among the + commercial classes, a cattle plague, disease among sheep, and a + grape-disease. Mr. Frederick Boyle, whose recent work on the + Diamond-fields has been already quoted, and who had to leave a + steamer short of coal at Saldanha Bay, seventy or eighty miles from + Cape Town, and proceed by a rather expensive route, presents a + picture far from gratifying of some of the districts through which he + passed. At Saldanha Bay agriculture gave such poor returns that it + did not even pay to export produce to the Cape. The settlers + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">exist</span></span>, but can hardly be said to + live. They have plenty of cattle and sheep, sufficient maize and + corn, but little money. Mr. Boyle describes the homestead of a Boer + substantially as follows:—</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page209">[pg 209]</span><a name="Pg209" id="Pg209" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Reaching the home + of a farmer named Vasson, he found himself in the midst of a scene + quite patriarchal. All the plain before the house was white with + sheep and lambs, drinking at the <span class="tei tei-q">“dam”</span> + or in long troughs. The dam is an indispensable institution in a + country where springs are scarce, and where a river is a prodigy. It + is the new settler’s first work, even before erecting his house, to + find a hollow space, and dam it up, so as to make a reservoir. He + then proceeds to make the best sun-dried bricks he can, and to erect + his cottage, usually of two, and rarely more than three, rooms. Not + unfrequently, there is a garden, hardly worthy of the name, where a + few potatoes and onions are raised. The farmers, more especially the + Dutch, are <span class="tei tei-q">“the heaviest and largest in the + world.”</span> At an early age their drowsy habits and copious + feeding run them into flesh. <span class="tei tei-q">“Three times a + day the family gorges itself upon lumps of mutton, fried in the + tallowy fat of the sheep’s tail, or else—their only change of + diet—upon the tasteless <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">fricadel</span></span>—kneaded balls of meat and + onions, likewise swimming in grease. Very few vegetables they have, + and those are rarely used. Brown bread they make, but scarcely touch + it. Fancy existing from birth to death upon mutton scraps, half + boiled, half fried, in tallow! So doth the Boer. It is not eating, + but devouring, with him. And fancy the existence! always alone with + one’s father, mother, brothers, and sisters; of whom not one can do + more than write his name, scarce one can read, not one has heard of + any event in history, nor dreamed of such <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page210">[pg 210]</span><a name="Pg210" id="Pg210" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>existing things as art or science, or poetry, or + aught that pertains to civilisation.”</span> An unpleasant picture, + truly, and one to which there are many exceptions. It was doubtful + whether Mr. Vasson could read. His farm was several thousand acres. + The ancient law of Cape Colony gave the settler 3,000 <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">morgen</span></span>—something more than 6,000 + acres. He was not obliged to take so much, but, whatever the size of + his farm might be, it must be <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">circular</span></span> in shape; and as the + circumference of a property could only touch the adjoining grants it + follows that there were immense corners or tracts of land left waste + between. Clever and ambitious farmers, in these later days, have been + silently absorbing said corners into their estates, greatly + increasing their size.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Cape cannot be + recommended to the notice of poor emigrants, but to capitalists it + offers splendid inducements. Mr. Irons, in his work on the Cape and + Natal settlements,<a id="noteref_120" name="noteref_120" href= + "#note_120"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">120</span></span></a> cites + several actual cases, showing the profits on capital invested in + sheep-farming. In one case £1,250 realised, in about three years, + £2,860, which includes the sale of the wool. A second statement gives + the profits on an outlay of £2,225, after seven years. It amounts to + over £8,000. Rents in the towns are low; beef and mutton do not + exceed fourpence per pound, while bread, made largely from imported + flour, is a shilling and upwards per four-pound loaf.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So many sailors + have made for the Diamond-fields, since their discovery, from the + Cape, Port Elizabeth, or Natal, and so many more will do the same, as + any new deposit is found, that it will not be out of place here to + give the facts concerning them. In 1871, when Mr. Boyle visited them, + the ride up cost from £12 to £16, with additional expenses for meals, + &c. Of course, a majority of the 50,000 men who have been + congregated at times at the various fields could not and did not + afford this; but it is a tramp of 750 miles from Cape Town, or 450 + from Port Elizabeth or Natal. From the Cape, a railway, for about + sixty miles, eases some of the distance. On the journey up, which + reads very like Western experiences in America, two of three mules + were twenty-six hours and a half in harness, and covered 110 miles! + South Africa requires a society for the prevention of cruelty to + animals, one would think. Mr. Boyle also saw another way by which the + colonist may become rapidly wealthy—in ostrich-farming. Broods, + purchased for £5 to £9, in three years gain their full plumages, and + yield in feathers £4 to £6 per annum. They become quite tame, are not + delicate to rear, and are easily managed. And they also met the down + coaches from the fields, on one of which a young fellow—almost a + boy—had no less than 235 carats with him. At last they reached Pniel + (<span class="tei tei-q">“a camp”</span>), a place which once held + 5,000 workers and delvers, and in November, 1872, was reduced to a + few hundred, like the deserted diggings in California and Australia. + It had, however, yielded largely for a time.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The words, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Here be diamonds,”</span> are to be found + inscribed on an old mission-map of a part of the Colony, of the date + of 1750, or thereabouts. In 1867, a trader up country, near Hope + Town, saw the children of a Boer playing with some pebbles, picked up + along the banks of the Orange River. An ostrich-hunter named O’Reilly + was present, and the pair of them were struck with the appearance of + one of the stones, and they tried it on glass, scratching the sash + all over. A bargain was soon struck: O’Reilly was to take it to Cape + Town; and there Sir P. E. Wodehouse soon gave him £500 for it. Then + came an <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page211">[pg 211]</span><a name= + "Pg211" id="Pg211" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>excitement, of course. + In 1869, a Hottentot shepherd, named Swartzboy, brought to a country + store a gem of 83½ carats. The shopman, in his master’s absence, did + not like to risk the £200 worth of goods demanded. Swartzboy passed + on to the farm of one Niekirk, where he asked, and eventually got, + £400. Niekirk sold it for £12,000 the same day! Now, of course, the + excitement became a fevered frenzy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Supreme among the + camps around Pniel reigned Mr. President Parker, a sailor who, + leaving the sea, had turned trader. Mr. Parker, with his counsellors, + were absolute in power, and, all in all, administered justice very + fairly. Ducking in the river was the mildest punishment; the naval + <span class="tei tei-q">“cat”</span> came next; while dragging + through the river was the third grade; last of all came the + <span class="tei tei-q">“spread eagle,”</span> in which the culprit + was extended flat, hands and feet staked down, and so exposed to the + angry sun.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a short time, + the yield from the various fields was not under £300,000 per month, + and claims were sold at hundreds and thousands of pounds apiece. Then + came a time of depression, when the dealers would not buy, or only at + terribly low prices. Meantime, although meat was always cheap, + everything else was very high. A cabbage, for example, often fetched + 10s., a water-melon 15s., and onions and green figs a shilling + apiece. Forage for horses was half-a-crown a bundle of four pounds. + To-day they are little higher on the Fields than in other parts of + the Colony.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That a number of + diggers have made snug little piles, ranging from two or three to + eight, ten, or more thousand pounds, is undeniable, but they were + very exceptional cases, after all. The dealers in diamonds, though, + often turned over immense sums very rapidly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, before + taking our leave of the African station, let us pay a flying visit to + Natal, which colony has been steadily rising of late years, and which + offers many advantages to the visitor and settler. The climate, in + spite of the hot sirocco which sometimes blows over it, and the + severe thunderstorms, is, all in all, superior to most of the African + climates, inasmuch as the rainfall is as nearly as possible that of + London, and it falls at the period when most wanted—at the time of + greatest warmth and most active vegetation. The productions of Natal + are even more varied than those of the Cape, while arrowroot, sugar, + cotton, and Indian corn are staple articles. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The</span></span> great + industries are cattle and sheep-rearing, and, as in all parts of + South Africa, meat is excessively cheap, retailing at threepence or + fourpence a pound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Natal was + discovered by Vasco da Gama, and received from him the name of Terra + Natalis—<span class="tei tei-q">“Land of the Nativity”</span>—because + of his arriving on Christmas Day. Until 1823 it was little known or + visited. A settlement was then formed by a party of Englishmen, who + were joined by a number of dissatisfied Dutchmen from the Cape. In + 1838 the British Government took possession. There was a squabble, + the colonists being somewhat defiant for a while, and some little + fighting ensued. It was proposed by the settlers to proclaim the + Republic of Natalia, but on the appearance of a strong British force, + they subsided quietly, and Natal was placed under the control of the + Governor of the Cape. In 1856, it was erected into a separate + colony.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To moderate + capitalists it offers many advantages. Land is granted on the easiest + terms, usually four shillings per acre; and free grants are given, in + proportion to a settler’s capital: £500 capital receives a land order + for 200 acres. An arrowroot plantation and <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page212">[pg 212]</span><a name="Pg212" id="Pg212" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>factory can be started for £500 or £600, and a + coffee plantation for something over £1,000. Sugar-planting, &c., + is much more expensive, and would require for plant, &c., £5,000, + or more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, on the + way home from the African station, the good ship will pass close to, + if indeed it does not touch at, the Island of St. Helena, a common + place of refreshment for vessels sailing to the northward. Vessels + coming southward rarely do so; sailing ships can hardly make the + island. It lies some 1,200 miles from the African coasts, in + mid-ocean. St. Helena has much the appearance, seen from a distance, + of the summit of some great submarine mountain, its rugged and + perpendicular cliffs rising from the shore to altitudes from 300 to + 1,500 feet. In a few scattered places there are deep, precipitous + ravines, opening to the sea, whose embouchures form difficult but + still possible landing-places for the fishermen. In one of the + largest of these, towards the north-west, the capital and port of the + island, James Town, is situated. It is the residence of the + authorities. The anchorage is good and sufficiently deep, and the + port is well protected from the winds. The town is entered by an + arched gateway, within which is a spacious parade, lined with + official residences, and faced by a handsome church. The town is in + no way remarkable, but has well-supplied shops. The leading + inhabitants prefer to live outside it on the higher and cooler + plateaux of the island, where many of them have very fine country + houses, foremost of which is a villa named Plantation House, + belonging to the governor, surrounded by pleasant grounds, handsome + trees and shrubs. In the garden grounds tropical and ordinary fruits + and vegetables flourish; the mango, banana, tamarind, and sugar-cane; + the orange, citron, grape, fig, and olive, equally with the common + fruits of England. The yam and all the European vegetables abound; + three crops of potatoes have been often raised from the same ground + in one year. The hills are covered with the cabbage tree, and the + log-wood and gum-wood trees. Cattle and sheep are scarce, but goats + browse in immense herds on the hills. No beasts of prey are to be + met, but there are plenty of unpleasant and poisonous insects. Game + and fish are abundant, and turtles are often found. All in all, it is + not a bad place for Jack after a long voyage, although not considered + healthy. It has a military governor, and there are barracks.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The interior is a + plateau, divided by low mountains, the former averaging 1,500 feet + above the sea. The island is undoubtedly of volcanic origin. It was + discovered on the 22nd May (St. Helena’s Day), by Juan de Nova, a + Portuguese. The Dutch first held it, and it was wrested from them + first by England in 1673, Charles II. soon afterwards granting it to + the East India Company, who, with the exception of the period of + Napoleon’s imprisonment, held the proprietorship to 1834, when it + became an appanage of the Crown.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fame of the + little island rests on its having been the prison of the great + disturber of Europe. Every reader knows the circumstances which + preceded that event. He had gone to Rochefort with the object of + embarking for America, but finding the whole coast so blockaded as to + render that scheme impracticable, surrendered himself to Captain + Maitland, commander of the English man-of-war <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellerophon</span></span>, who immediately set + sail for Torbay. No notice whatever was taken of his letter—an + uncourteous proceeding, to say the least of it, towards a fallen + foe—and on the 7th of August he was removed <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page213">[pg 213]</span><a name="Pg213" id="Pg213" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>to the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Northumberland</span></span>, the flag-ship of + Sir George Cockburn, which immediately set sail for St. Helena.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On arrival the + imperial captive was at first lodged in a sort of inn. The following + day the ex-emperor and suite rode out to visit Longwood, the seat + selected for his residence, and when returning noted a small villa + with a pavilion attached to it, about two miles from the town, the + residence of Mr. Balcombe, an inhabitant of the island. The spot + attracted the emperor’s notice, and the admiral, who had accompanied + him, thought it would be better for him to remain there than to go + back to the town, where the sentinels at the doors and the gaping + crowds in a manner confined him to his chamber. The place pleased the + emperor, for the position was quiet, and commanded a fine view. The + pavilion was a kind of summer-house on a pointed eminence, about + fifty paces from the house, where the family were accustomed to + resort in fine weather, and this was the retreat hired for the + temporary abode of the emperor. It contained only one room on the + ground-floor, without curtains or shutters, and scarcely possessed a + seat; and when Napoleon retired to rest, one of the windows had to be + barricaded, so draughty was it, in order to exclude the night air, to + which he had become particularly sensitive. What a contrast to the + gay palaces of France!</p><a name="figsthelena" id="figsthelena" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_247.png" alt="ST. HELENA" title= + "ST. HELENA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ST. HELENA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In December the + emperor removed to Longwood, riding thither on a small Cape + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page214">[pg 214]</span><a name="Pg214" + id="Pg214" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>horse, and in his uniform of a + chasseur of the guards. The road was lined with spectators, and he + was received at the entrance to Longwood by a guard under arms, who + rendered the prescribed honour to their illustrious captive. The + place, which had been a farm of the East India Company, is situated + on one of the highest parts of the island, and the difference between + its temperature and that of the valley below is very great. It is + surrounded by a level height of some extent, and is near the eastern + coast. It is stated that continual and frequently violent winds blow + regularly from the same quarter. The sun was rarely seen, and there + were heavy rainfalls. The water, conveyed to Longwood in pipes, was + found to be so unwholesome as to require boiling before it was fit + for use. The surroundings were barren rocks, gloomy deep valleys, and + desolate gullies, the only redeeming feature being a glimpse of the + ocean on one hand. All this after La Belle France!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longwood as a + residence had not much to boast of. The building was rambling and + inconveniently arranged; it had been built up by degrees, as the + wants of its former inmates had increased. One or two of the suite + slept in lofts, reached by ladders and trap-doors. The windows and + beds were curtainless, and the furniture mean and scanty. + Inhospitable and in bad taste, ye in power at the time! In front of + the place, and separated by a tolerably deep ravine, the 53rd + Regiment was encamped in detached bodies on the neighbouring heights. + Here the caged lion spent the last five weary years of his life till + called away by the God of Battles.</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc29" id="toc29"></a> <a name="pdf30" id= + "pdf30"></a><a name="chap13" id="chap13" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIII.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">The Service.—Officers’ + Life on Board.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Conditions of Life on Ship-board—A Model + Ward-room—An Admiral’s Cabin—Captains and Captains—The Sailor and his + Superior Officers—A Contrast—A Commander of the Old School—Jack + Larmour—Lord Cochrane’s Experiences—His Chest Curtailed—The Stinking + Ship—The First Command—Shaving under Difficulties—The</span> + <span class="tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Speedy</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">and her Prizes—The Doctor—On Board a + Gun-boat—Cabin and Dispensary—Cockroaches and Centipedes—Other + horrors—The Naval Chaplain—His Duties—Stories of an Amateur—The + Engineer—His Increasing Importance—Popularity of the Navy—Nelson + always a Model Commander—The Idol of his Colleagues, Officers, and + Men—Taking the Men into his Confidence—The Action between + the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">and</span> <span class="tei tei-name" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Captain + Falknor’s Speech to the Crew—An Obsolete Custom—Crossing the + Line—Neptune’s Visit to the Quarter-deck—The Navy of To-day—Its + Backbone—Progressive Increase in the Size of Vessels—Naval + Volunteers—A Noble Movement—Excellent Results—The Naval + Reserve.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the previous + pages we have given some account of the various stations visited by + the Royal Navy of Great Britain. Let us next take a glance at the + ships themselves—the quarter-deck, the captain’s cabin, and the + ward-room. In a word, let us see how the officers of a ship live, + move, and have their being on board.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Their condition + depends very much on their ship, their captain, and themselves. The + first point may be dismissed briefly, as the general improvement in + all descriptions of vessels, including their interior arrangements, + is too marked to need mentioning. The ward-room of a modern + man-of-war is often as well furnished as any other + dining-room—handsomely carpeted, the sides adorned with pictures, + with comfortable chairs and lounges, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page215">[pg 215]</span><a name="Pg215" id="Pg215" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and excellent appointments at table. In the + ward-room of a Russian corvette visited by the writer, he found a + saloon large enough for a ball, with piano, and gorgeous side-board, + set out as in the houses of most of the northern nations of Europe, + with sundry bottles and incitives to emptying them, in the shape of + salt anchovies and salmon, caviare and cheese. In a British flag-ship + he found the admiral’s cabin, while in port at least, a perfect + little bijou of a drawing-room, with harmonium and piano, vases of + flowers, portfolios of drawings, an elaborate stove, and all else + that could conduce to comfort and luxury. Outside of this was a more + plainly-furnished cabin, used as a dining-room. Of course much of + this disappears at sea. The china and glass are securely packed, and + all of the smaller loose articles stowed away; the piano covered up + in canvas and securely <span class="tei tei-q">“tied up”</span> to + the side; likely enough the carpet removed, and a rough canvas + substituted. Still, all is ship-shape and neat as a new pin. The few + <span class="tei tei-q">“old tubs”</span> of vessels still in the + service are rarely employed beyond trifling harbour duties, or are + kept for emergencies on foreign stations. They will soon disappear, + to be replaced by smart and handy little gun-boats or other craft, + where, if the accommodations are limited, at least the very most is + made of the room at command. How different all this is to many of the + vessels of the last century and commencement of this, described by + our nautical novelists as little better than colliers, pest ships, + and tubs, smelling of pitch, paint, bilge-water, tar, and rum! + Readers will remember Marryat’s captain, who, with his wife, was so + inordinately fond of pork that he turned his ship into a floating + pig-sty. At his dinner there appeared mock-turtle soup (of pig’s + head); boiled pork and pease pudding; roast spare rib; sausages and + pettitoes; and, last of all, sucking-pig. He will doubtless remember + how he was eventually frightened off the ship, then about to proceed + to the West Indies, by the doctor telling him that with his habit of + living he would not give much for his life on that station. But + although Marryat’s characters were true to the life of his time, you + would go far to find a similar example to-day. Captains still have + their idiosyncrasies, but not of such a marked nature. There may be + indolent captains, like he who was nicknamed <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Sloth;”</span> or, less likely, prying captains, + like he in <span class="tei tei-q">“Peter Simple,”</span> who made + himself so unpopular that he lost all the good sailors on board, and + had to put up with a <span class="tei tei-q">“scratch crew;”</span> + or (a comparatively harmless variety) captains who amuse their + officers with the most outrageous yarns, but who are in all else the + souls of honour. Who can help laughing over that Captain Kearney, who + tells the tale of the Atta of Roses ship? He relates how she had a + puncheon of the precious essence on board; it could be smelt three + miles off at sea, and the odour was so strong on board that the men + fainted when they ventured near the hold. The timbers of the ship + became so impregnated with the smell that they could never make any + use of her afterwards, till they broke her up and sold her to the + shopkeepers of Brighton and Tunbridge-wells, who turned her into + scented boxes and fancy articles, and then into money. The absolutely + vulgar captain is a thing of the past, for the possibilities of + entering <span class="tei tei-q">“by the hawse-hole,”</span> the + technical expression applied to the man who was occasionally in the + old times promoted from the fo’castle to the quarter-deck, are very + rare indeed nowadays. Still, there are gentlemen—and there are + gentlemen. The perfect example is a <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">rara avis</span></span> + everywhere.</p><a name="figon__deof" id="figon__deof" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_249.jpg" alt= + "ON DECK OF A MAN-OF-WAR, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY" title= + "ON DECK OF A MAN-OF-WAR, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ON DECK OF A MAN-OF-WAR, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page216">[pg 216]</span><a name= + "Pg216" id="Pg216" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The true reason + why a captain may make his officers and men constitute an agreeable + happy family, or a perfect pandemonium of discontent and misery, + consists in the abuse of his absolute power. That power is + necessarily bestowed on him; there must be a head; without good + discipline, no vessel can be properly handled, or the emergencies of + seamanship and warfare met. But as he can in minor matters have it + all his own way, and even in many more important ones can determine + absolutely, without the fear of anything or anybody short of a + court-martial, he may, and often does, become a martinet, if not a + very tyrant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The subordinate + officer’s life may be rendered a burden by a cantankerous and + exacting captain. Every trifling omission may be magnified into a + grave offence. Some captains seem to go on the principle of the + Irishman who asked, <span class="tei tei-q">“Who’ll tread on my coat + tails?”</span> or of the other, <span class="tei tei-q">“Did you blow + your nose at me, sir?”</span> And again, that which in the captain is + no offence is a very serious one on the part of the officer or + seaman. He may exhaust the vocabulary of abuse and bad language, but + not a retort may be made. In the Royal Navy of to-day, though by no + means in the merchant service, this is, however, nearly obsolete. + However tyrannically disposed, the language of commanders and + officers is nearly sure to be free from disgraceful epithets, + blasphemies, and scurrilous abuse, cursing and swearing. Officers + should be, and generally are, gentlemen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A commanding + lieutenant of the old school—a type of officer not to be found in the + Royal Navy nowadays—is well described by Admiral Cochrane.<a id= + "noteref_121" name="noteref_121" href="#note_121"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">121</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My kind uncle,”</span> writes he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“the Hon. John Cochrane, accompanied me on + board the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Iliad</span></span> for the purpose of + introducing me to my future superior officer, Lieutenant Larmour, or, + as he was more familiarly known in the service, Jack Larmour—a + specimen of the old British seaman, little calculated to inspire + exalted ideas of the gentility of the naval profession, though + presenting at a glance a personification of its efficiency. Jack was, + in fact, one of a not very numerous class, whom, for their superior + seamanship, the Admiralty was glad to promote from the forecastle to + the quarter-deck, in order that they might mould into ship-shape the + questionable materials supplied by parliamentary influence, even then + paramount in the navy to a degree which might otherwise have led to + disaster. Lucky was the commander who could secure such an officer + for his quarter-deck.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“On my introduction, Jack was dressed in the garb of a + seaman, with marlinspike slung round his neck, and a lump of grease + in his hand, and was busily employed in setting up the rigging. His + reception of me was anything but gracious. Indeed, a tall fellow, + over six feet high, the nephew of his captain, and a lord to boot, + were not very promising recommendations for a midshipman. It is not + impossible he might have learned from my uncle something about a + military commission of several years’ standing; and this, coupled + with my age and stature, might easily have impressed him with the + idea that he had caught a scapegrace with whom the family did not + know what to do, and that he was hence to be saddled with a + <span class="tei tei-q">‘hard bargain.’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“After a little constrained civility on the part of the + first lieutenant, who was evidently not very well pleased with the + interruption to his avocation, he ordered me to <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page218">[pg 218]</span><a name="Pg218" id="Pg218" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">‘get my traps + below.’</span> Scarcely was the order complied with, and myself + introduced to the midshipman’s berth, than I overheard Jack grumbling + at the magnitude of my equipments. <span class="tei tei-q">‘This Lord + Cochrane’s chest? Does Lord Cochrane think he is going to bring a + cabin aboard? Get it up on the main-deck!’</span></span></p><a name= + "figbetwdeof" id="figbetwdeof" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_253.jpg" alt= + "BETWEEN DECKS OF A MAN-OF-WAR, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY" title= + "BETWEEN DECKS OF A MAN-OF-WAR, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + BETWEEN DECKS OF A MAN-OF-WAR, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This order being promptly obeyed, amidst a running fire + of similar objurgations, the key of the chest was sent for, and + shortly afterwards the sound of sawing became audible. It was now + high time to follow my property, which, to my astonishment, had been + turned out on the deck—Jack superintending the sawing off one end of + the chest just beyond the keyhole, and accompanying the operation by + sundry uncomplimentary observations on midshipmen in general, and on + myself in particular.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The metamorphosis being completed to the lieutenant’s + satisfaction—though not at all to mine, for my neat chest had become + an unshapely piece of lumber—he pointed out the <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘lubberliness of shore-going people in not making + keyholes where they could most easily be got at,’</span> viz., at the + end of a chest instead of the middle!”</span> Lord Cochrane took it + easily, and acknowledges warmly the service Jack Larmour rendered him + in teaching him his profession.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Later, Lord + Cochrane, when promoted to a lieutenancy, was dining with Admiral + Vandepat, and being seated near him, was asked what dish was before + him. <span class="tei tei-q">“Mentioning its nature,”</span> says he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I asked whether he would permit me to help + him. The uncourteous reply was—that whenever he wished for anything + he was in the habit of asking for it. Not knowing what to make of a + rebuff of this nature, it was met with an inquiry if he would allow + me the honour of taking wine with him. <span class="tei tei-q">‘I + never take wine with any man, my lord,’</span> was the unexpected + reply, from which it struck me that my lot was cast among Goths, if + no worse.”</span> Subsequently he found that this apparently gruff + old admiral assumed some of this roughness purposely, and that he was + one of the kindest commanders living.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In 1798, when with + the Mediterranean fleet, ludicrous examples, both of the not very + occasional corruption of the period, and the rigid etiquette required + by one’s superior officer, occurred to Lord Cochrane, and got him + into trouble. The first officer, Lieutenant Beaver, was one who + carried the latter almost to the verge of despotism. He looked after + all that was visible to the eye of the admiral, but permitted + <span class="tei tei-q">“an honest penny to be turned + elsewhere.”</span> At Tetuan they had purchased and killed bullocks + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">on board + the flagship</span></span>, for the use of the whole squadron. The + reason for this was that the hides, being valuable, could be stowed + away in her hold or empty beef-casks, as especial perquisites to + certain persons on board. The fleshy fragments on the hides soon + decomposed, and rendered the hold of the vessel so intolerable that + she acquired the name of the <span class="tei tei-q">“Stinking Scotch + ship.”</span> Lord Cochrane, as junior lieutenant, had much to do + with these arrangements, and his unfavourable remarks on these + raw-hide speculations did not render those interested very friendly + towards him. One day, when at Tetuan, he was allowed to go wild-fowl + shooting ashore, and became covered with mud. On arriving rather late + at the ship, he thought it more respectful to don a clean uniform + before reporting himself on the quarter-deck. He had scarcely made + the change, when the first lieutenant came into the ward-room, and + harshly demanded of Lord Cochrane the reason for not having reported + himself. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page219">[pg + 219]</span><a name="Pg219" id="Pg219" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>His + reply was, that as the lieutenant had seen him come up by the side he + must be aware that he was not in a fit condition to appear on the + quarter-deck. The lieutenant replied so offensively before the + ward-room officers, that he was respectfully reminded by Cochrane of + a rule he had himself laid down, that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Matters connected with the service were not there to be + spoken of.”</span> Another retort was followed by the sensible enough + reply, <span class="tei tei-q">“Lieutenant Beaver, we will, if you + please, talk of this in another place.”</span> Cochrane was + immediately reported to the captain by Beaver, as having challenged + him: the lieutenant actually demanded a court-martial! And the + court-martial was held, the decision being that Cochrane should be + admonished to be <span class="tei tei-q">“more careful in + future.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lord Cochrane was + soon after given a command. The vessel to which he was appointed was, + even eighty years ago, a mere burlesque of a ship-of-war. She was + about the size of an average coasting brig, her burden being 158 + <a name="corr219" id="corr219" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">tons.</span> She was + crowded rather than manned, with a crew of eighty-four men and six + officers. Her armament consisted of fourteen <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">4-pounders</span></span>! a species of gun + little larger than a blunderbuss, and formerly known in the service + as <span class="tei tei-q">“minion,”</span> an appellation quite + appropriate. The cabin had not so much as room for a chair, the floor + being entirely occupied by a small table surrounded with lockers, + answering the double purpose of store-chests and seats. The + difficulty was to get seated, the ceiling being only five feet high, + so that the object could only be accomplished by rolling on the + lockers: a movement sometimes attended with unpleasant failure. + Cochrane’s only practicable way of shaving consisted in removing the + skylight, and putting his head through to make a toilet-table of the + quarter-deck!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On this little + vessel—the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Speedy</span></span>—Cochrane took a number of + prizes, and having on one occasion manned a couple of them with half + his crew and sent them away, was forced to tackle the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Gamo</span></span>, a + Spanish frigate of thirty-two heavy guns and 319 men. The exploit has + hardly been excelled in the history of heroic deeds. The commander’s + orders were not to fire a single gun till they were close to the + frigate, and he ran the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Speedy</span></span> under her lee, so that her + yards were locked among the latter’s rigging. The shots from the + Spanish guns passed over the little vessel, only injuring the + rigging, while the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Speedy’s</span></span> mere pop-guns could be + elevated, and helped to blow up the main-deck of the enemy’s ship. + The Spaniards speedily found out the disadvantage under which they + were fighting, and gave the orders to board the little English + vessel; but it was avoided twice by sheering off sufficiently, then + giving them a volley of musketry and a broadside before they could + recover themselves. After the lapse of an hour, the loss to the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Speedy</span></span> was only four men killed + and two wounded, but her rigging was so cut up and the sails so + riddled that Cochrane told his men they must either take the frigate + or be taken themselves, in which case the Spaniards would give no + quarter. The doctor, Mr. Guthrie, bravely volunteered to take the + helm, and leaving him for the time both commander and crew of the + ship, Cochrane and his men were soon on the enemy’s deck, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Speedy</span></span> being put close alongside + with admirable skill. A portion of the crew had been ordered to + blacken their faces and board by the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Gamo’s</span></span> + head. The greater portion of the Spanish crew were prepared to repel + boarders in that direction, but stood for a few moments as it were + transfixed to the deck by the apparition of so many + diabolical-looking figures emerging from the white smoke of the bow + guns, while the other men rushed on them from behind <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page220">[pg 220]</span><a name="Pg220" id="Pg220" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>before they could recover from their + surprise at the unexpected phenomenon. Observing the Spanish colours + still flying, Lord Cochrane ordered one of his men to haul them down, + and the crew, without pausing to consider by whose orders they had + been struck, and naturally believing it to be the act of their own + officers, gave in. The total English loss was three men killed, and + one officer and seventeen men wounded. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Gamo’s</span></span> + loss was the captain, boatswain, and thirteen seamen killed, with + forty-one wounded. It became a puzzle what to do with 263 unhurt + prisoners, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Speedy</span></span> having only forty-two sound + men left. Promptness was necessary; so, driving the prisoners into + the hold, with their own guns pointed down the hatchway, and leaving + thirty men on the prize, Cochrane shaped the vessel’s course to Port + Mahon, which was reached safely. Some Barcelona gun-boats, spectators + of the action, did not venture to rescue the frigate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The doctor on + board a man-of-war has, perhaps, on the whole, better opportunities + and, in times of peace, more leisure than the other officers for + noting any circumstances of interest that may occur. Dr. Stables, in + his interesting little work,<a id="noteref_122" name="noteref_122" + href="#note_122"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">122</span></span></a> + describes his cabin on board a small gun-boat as a miserable little + box, such as at home he would have kept rabbits or guinea-pigs in, + but certainly not pigeons. He says that it might do for a + commodore—Commodore Nutt. It was ventilated by a small scuttle, seven + inches in diameter, which could only be raised in harbour, and + beneath which, when he first went to sea, he was obliged to put a + leather hat-box to catch the water; unfortunately, the bottom rotted + out, and he was at the mercy of the waves. This cabin was alive with + scorpions, cockroaches, and other <span class="tei tei-q">“crawling + ferlies,”</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“That e’en to + name would be unlawfu’.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His dispensary was + off the steerage, and sister-cabin to the pantry. To it he gained + access by a species of crab-walking, squeezing himself past a large + brass pump, edging in sideways. The sick would come one by one to the + dispensary, and there he saw and treated each case as it arrived, + dressing wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores. There was no sick + berth attendant, but the lieutenant told off <span class= + "tei tei-q">“a little cabin-boy”</span> for his use. He was not a + model cabin-boy, like the youngster you see in the theatres. He + certainly managed at times to wash out the dispensary, in the + intervals of catching cockroaches and making poultices, but in doing + the first he broke half the bottles, and making the latter either let + them burn or put salt into them. Finally, he smashed so much of the + doctor’s apparatus that he was kicked out. In both dispensary and + what Dr. Stables calls his <span class="tei tei-q">“burrow,”</span> + it was difficult to prevent anything from going to utter destruction. + The best portions of his uniform got eaten by cockroaches or moulded + by damp, while his instruments required cleaning every morning, and + even this did not keep the rust at bay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And then, those + terrible cockroaches! To find, when you awake, a couple, each two + inches in length, meandering over your face, or even in bed with + you!—to find one in a state of decay in the mustard-pot!—to have to + remove their droppings and eggs from the edge of your plate previous + to eating your soup! and so on, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">ad nauseam</span></span>. But on small vessels + stationed in the tropics—as described by the doctor—there were, and + doubtless sometimes are now, other unpleasantnesses. For instance, + you are looking for a book, and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page221">[pg 221]</span><a name="Pg221" id="Pg221" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>put your hand on a full-grown scaly scorpion. + Nice sensation! the animal twining round your finger, or running up + your sleeve! <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dénoûment</span></span>: cracking him under + foot—joy at escaping a sting!</p><a name="fignavaofan" id= + "fignavaofan" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_257.jpg" alt= + "NAVAL OFFICERS AND SEAMEN, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY" title= + "NAVAL OFFICERS AND SEAMEN, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + NAVAL OFFICERS AND SEAMEN, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are enjoying your dinner, but have been for some + time sensible of a strange, titillating feeling about the region of + your ankle; you look down at last, to find a centipede on your sock, + with his fifty hind legs—you thank God not his fore-fifty!—abutting + on your shin. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Tableaux</span></span>: green-to-red light from + the eyes of the many-legged—horror of yourself as you wait till he + thinks proper to <span class="tei tei-q">‘move on.’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To awake in the morning, and find a large, + healthy-looking tarantula squatting on your pillow, within ten inches + of your nose, with his basilisk eyes fixed on yours, and apparently + saying: <span class="tei tei-q">‘You’re awake, are you? I’ve been + sitting here all the morning, watching you.’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You think, if you move, he’ll bite you somewhere—and if + he <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">does</span></span> bite you, you’ll go mad, and + dance <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ad + libitum</span></span>—so you twist your mouth in the opposite + direction, and ejaculate—<span class="tei tei-q">‘Steward!’</span> + But the steward does not come; in fact, he is forward, seeing after + breakfast. Meanwhile, the gentleman on the pillow is moving his + horizontal mandibles in a most threatening manner; and just as he + moves for your nose, you tumble <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page222">[pg 222]</span><a name="Pg222" id="Pg222" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>out of your bed with a shriek, and, if a very + nervous person, probably run on deck in your shirt!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The doctor’s last + description of an accumulation of these horrors is fearful to even + think about. The bulkheads all around your berth are black with cock + and hen-roaches, a few of which are nipping your toe, and running off + with little bits of the skin of your leg; while a troop of ants are + carrying a dead one over your pillow; musquitoes and flies attacking + you everywhere; rats running in and rats running out; your lamp just + flickering and dying away into darkness, with the delicious certainty + that an indefinite number of earwigs and scorpions, besides two + centipedes and a tarantula, are hiding themselves somewhere in your + cabin! All this is possible; still Dr. Stables describes life on + other vessels under more favourable auspices.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The important + addition of a chaplain to the establishment on board our ships of war + seems, from the following letter of George, Duke of Buckingham, to + have been first adopted in the year 1626:—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-text" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-body" style= + "margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-salute" style="text-align: center"> + “<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The + Duke of Buckingham to the University of + Cambridge.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“After my hearty commendations. His Majesty having + given order for preachers to goe in every of his ships to sea, + choyce hath been made of one Mr. Daniel Ambrose, Master of Arts + and Fellow of your College, to be one. Accordingly, upon + signification to me to come hither, I thought good to intimate + unto you, that His Majesty is so careful of such scholars as are + willing to put themselves forward in so good actions, as that he + will expect—and I doubt not but that you will accordingly take + order—that the said Mr. Ambrose shall suffer noe detriment in his + place with you, by this his employment; but that you will rather + take care that he shall have all immunities and emoluments with + advantage, which have been formerly, or may be, granted to any + upon the like service. Wherein, not doubting of your affectionate + care, I rest,</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-signed" style="text-align: right"> + “Your very loving friend,<br /> + “<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: right"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">G. + Buckingham</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-dateline" style="text-align: left"> + <span style="font-style: italic">“York House, July 29th, + 1626.”</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sailors, in spite + of their outbursts of recklessness, have frequently, from the very + nature of their perilous calling, an amount of seriousness underlying + their character, which makes them particularly amenable to religious + influences. The chaplain on a large modern ironclad or frigate has as + many men in his charge, as regards spiritual matters, as the vicar of + a country town or large village, whilst he has many more + opportunities of reaching them directly. Many of our naval chaplains + are noble fellows; and to them come the sailors in any distress of + mind, for the soothing advice so readily given. He may not dare to + interfere with the powers that be when they are in danger of + punishment, except in very rare cases; but he can point them out + their path of duty, and how to walk in it, making them better sailors + and happier men. He can lend them an occasional book, or write for + them an occasional letter home; induce them to refrain from + dissipation when on liberty; cheer them in the hour of greatest + peril, while on the watery deep, and give them an occasional reproof, + but in kindness, not in anger. To his brother officers he has even + better opportunities of doing good than to the men. On the smaller + classes of vessels—gun-boats and the like—the captain has to perform + chaplain’s duties, by reading prayers on the Sabbath. This is the + case also on well-regulated steamships or passenger sailing-vessels + of the merchant service. The fine steamers of such lines as the + Cunard, or White Star, of the Royal Mail Company, or of the P. and + O., have, of course, frequently, some clergyman, minister, or + missionary on board, who is willing to celebrate divine + service.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page223">[pg + 223]</span><a name="Pg223" id="Pg223" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A Committee of the + Lower House of Convocation has recently collected an immense amount + of statistics regarding the provision made by private ship-owners for + the spiritual welfare of their men, and the result as regards England + is not at all satisfactory. In point of fact, it is rarely made at + all. The committee seeks to encourage the growth of religion among + sailors by providing suitable and comfortable church accommodation at + all ports, and urges owners to instruct their captains as to + conducting divine service on Sundays, and to furnish Bibles, + prayer-books, and instructive works of secular literature. Too much + must not, however, be expected from Jack. The hardships and perils + through which he passes excuse much of his exuberance ashore. It is + his holiday-time; and, so long as he is only gay, and not abandoned, + the most rigid must admit that he has earned the right to recreation. + A distinguished French naval officer used to say that the sailor + fortunately had no memory. <span class="tei tei-q">“Happy for + him,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“that he is thus + oblivious. Did he remember all the gales and tempests, the cold, the + drenching rain, the misery, the privations, the peril to life and + limb which he has endured, he would never, when he sets foot on + shore, go to sea again. But he has no memory. The clouds roll away, + the sea is calm, the sun shines, the boat bears him to land; the wine + flows; the music strikes up; pretty girls smile: he forgets all the + past, and lives only in the present.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While the chaplain + may, and no doubt generally does, earn the respect and esteem of the + men, woe to any example of the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Chadband”</span> order who shall be found on board. This + is, in the Royal Navy, almost impossible; but it sometimes happens + that, on passenger ships, some sanctimonious and fanatical individual + or other has had a very rough time of it. He is regarded as a kind of + Jonah. In a recent number of that best of American magazines, the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Atlantic + Monthly</span></span>, the woes and trials of one poor Joseph + Primrose, a well-meaning minister who went out to America in 1742, + are amusingly recounted. There were, aboard the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Polly</span></span>, + the vessel in which he took passage, several of the crew who viewed + their religious exercises askance. <span class="tei tei-q">“These + men,”</span> says he, <span class="tei tei-q">“had been foremost in a + general indignation uprising that had ensued upon the stoppage of + their daily allowance of rum; which step had been taken on my earnest + recommendation. For this injurious drink we had substituted a + harmless and refreshing beverage concocted of molasses, vinegar, and + water, from a choice receipt I had come upon in a medical book aboard + the vessel. The sailors, to a man, refused to touch it, egged on by + these contumacious fellows, and more especially by one Springer, a + daring villain, who reviled me with bitter execrations. In fine, the + captain was obliged, for our own safety, to restore the cherished + dram; and I had the mortification to find myself, from that time + forth, an object of dislike and suspicion to these men, who were kept + within decent bounds only by respect for their master. I became + convinced, on reflection, that I had gone the wrong way about this + unfortunate piece of business; having, in fact, made a very serious + error in the beginning, gentle argument and good example being more + apt to bring about the desired end than compulsory measures, these + dulling the understanding by rousing the temper, especially among + persons of the meaner sort. All my efforts—and they were not few—to + place myself on a friendly footing with these men were of no avail: + they had conceived the notion that I was their enemy, and met all my + advances with obstinate coldness. As Captain Hewlett exacted the + daily attendance at prayers of every soul on board, these + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page224">[pg 224]</span><a name="Pg224" + id="Pg224" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>knaves were compelled to be on + hand with their fellows; but they rarely failed to conduct themselves + with such indecent levity as made me rue their presence, playing + covertly at cat’s-cradle, jack-straws, and what not; besides grinning + familiarly in my face, whenever they could contrive to catch my + eye.”</span> This unseemly behaviour was as nothing to what followed + ashore. While addressing a large assemblage, he noted the advent of a + number of unmannerly fellows, who, with a great deal of clatter, + elbowed their way to the front. <span class="tei tei-q">“The moment I + clapped eyes upon them,”</span> says poor Primrose, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I knew them for the sailors who had so persecuted me + aboard the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Polly</span></span>, and my heart sank at the + bare sight of them.”</span> They sung, or rather bawled, ribald words + to the music of the hymns; and one of them, when rebuked by some + gentleman present, whipped out his cutlass, and a general row ensued, + which broke up the assembly. A little later, Primrose induced a + tavern-keeper to allow him to preach on his premises. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“A West Indian vessel coming into port about the middle + of April, and a horde of roystering sailors gathering in the common + room of the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Sailor’s Rest’</span> to drink, + I announced a discourse on the subject of <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘gin-guzzling,’</span> choosing one that I had delivered + aboard the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Polly</span></span>, and which seemed to fit the + occasion to a nicety. No sooner had the landlord seen the notice to + this effect that I had attached to his door-cheek, than he sends for + me to repair to the tavern without loss of time; and on my + appearance, in great haste, comes blustering up to me in a most + offensive manner, demanding whether I purposed the ruin of his trade, + by putting forth of such a mischievous paper; adding, with astounding + audacity, that he should certainly lose all the custom I had been the + means of fetching to his house, did I persist in my intent. Mark the + cunning of the knave! He had encouraged my labours for none other + purpose than the bringing of fresh grist to his mill; and here was I, + blindly leading precious souls to destruction, the poor dupe of a + specious villain—a wretch without bowels! My agony of mind on being + thus suddenly enlightened was of such a desperate sort, that, + gnashing my teeth, I leapt upon the miscreant, and, bearing him to + the ground with an awful crash, beat him about the head and shoulders + with the stout cane I carried; and with such good will, that I + presently found myself lying in the town gaol, covered with the blood + of my enemy, and every bone in my body aching from the unaccustomed + exercise.... Truly was I as forlorn and friendless a creature as the + world ever saw. My clothing had been rent beyond repair in the + shameful struggle, and, yet worse, one of my shoes was gone—how and + where I knew not; and although I promised the gaoler’s little lad a + penny in the event of his finding it, nothing was ever heard of it + from that day to this. One thought alone cheered me in the dark abyss + into which I was fallen. I had administered wholesome and righteous + correction in proper season: hip and thigh had I hewed my enemy; and, + to reflect upon that, was as a healing balm to my sore bones.”</span> + Mr. Primrose was at length released, and returned to England.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another officer of + the Royal Navy—the engineer—deserves particular notice, for his + position is becoming daily of more and more importance. It is not + merely the care and working of the engines which propel the vessel in + which he is concerned; the chief and his subordinates have charge of + various hydraulic arrangements often used now-a-days on large + vessels, in connection with the steering apparatus; of electrical and + gas-producing apparatus; the mechanical arrangements of turrets and + gun-carriages; pumping machinery; <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page225">[pg 225]</span><a name="Pg225" id="Pg225" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the management of steam-launches and torpedoes. + Take the great ironclad <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Thunderer</span></span> (that on which the + terrible boiler explosion occurred) as an example: she has + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">twenty-six</span></span> engines for various + purposes, apart from the engines used to propel the vessel, which + have an actual power of 6,000 horses. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Téméraire</span></span> has <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">thirty-four</span></span> engines distinct from + those required for propulsion. A competent authority says that, + <span class="tei tei-q">“with the exception of the paymaster’s and + surgeon’s stores, he is responsible for everything in and outside the + ship (meaning the hull, apart from the navigator’s duties), to say + nothing of his duties while under weigh.”</span> And yet engineers of + the navy do not yet either derive the status or emoluments fairly due + to them, considering the great and increasing responsibilities thrown + upon them of late years. Sir Walter Scott makes Rob Roy express + <span class="tei tei-q">“his contempt of weavers and spinners, and + sic-like mechanical persons, and their pursuits;”</span> and in the + naval service some such feeling still lingers.</p><a name= + "figengiofhm" id="figengiofhm" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_261.png" alt= + "ENGINE-ROOM OF H.M.S. “WARRIOR.”" title= + "ENGINE-ROOM OF H.M.S. “WARRIOR.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ENGINE-ROOM OF H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“WARRIOR.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The first serious + introduction of steam-vessels into the Royal Navy occurred about the + year 1829, the Navy List of that year showing seven, of which three + only were commissioned, and these for home ports. No mention is made + of engineers; they were simply taken over from the contractor with + the vessel, and held no rank whatever. In 1837 an Admiralty Circular + conferred warrants on engineers, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">who were to rank + immediately below</span> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page226">[pg + 226]</span><a name="Pg226" id="Pg226" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span style= + "font-style: italic">carpenters</span></span>; they were to be + assisted by boys, trained by themselves. Three years later, the + standard was raised, and they were divided into three classes; in + 1842 a slight increase of pay was given, and they were advanced to + the magnificent rank of <span class="tei tei-q">“after captains’ + clerks,”</span> and were given a uniform, with buttons having a + steam-engine embossed upon them. In 1847 the Government found that + the increasing demands of the merchant and passenger service took all + the best men (the engineers’ pay, to-day, is better on first-class + steamship lines than in the Navy), and they were forced to do + something. The higher grades were formed into chief engineers, and + they were raised to the rank of commissioned officers, taking their + place after masters. The first great revolution in regard to the use + of steam in the Royal Navy took place in 1849, by means of the + screw-propeller. In that year Dupuy Delorme constructed the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Napoleon</span></span>, a screw-vessel carrying + 100 guns, and with engines of 600 horse-power, and England had to + follow. Then came the Russian War, the construction of ironclad + batteries, and finally, the ironclad movement, which commenced in + England in 1858, by the construction of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Warrior</span></span> + and similar vessels.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It becomes a + particularly serious question, at the present time, whether the + system, as regards the rank and pay of engineers, does not deter the + most competent men from entering the Royal Navy. Many very serious + explosions and accidents have occurred on board ironclads, which + would seem to indicate that our great commercial steamship lines are + far better engineered. The Admiralty has organised a system for + training students at the dockyard factories, followed up by a course + of study at the Naval College, Greenwich; and it is to be hoped that + these efforts will lead to greater efficiency in the service. A naval + engineer of the present day needs to be a man of liberal education, + and of considerable scientific knowledge, both theoretical and + practical, and he should then receive on board that recognition which + his talents would command ashore. At present, a chief engineer, R.N., + ranks with a commander, and other engineers with lieutenants. It is + probable that, at some date in the not very distant future, higher + ranks will be thrown open to the engineer, as his importance on board + is steadily increasing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The seamen of all + nations, it has, in effect, been said, resemble each the other more + than do the nations to which they belong. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“As,”</span> says a well-known writer, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the sea receives and amalgamates the waters of all the + rivers which pour into it, so it tends to amalgamate the men who make + its waves their home.... The seaman from the United States is said to + carry to the forecastle a large stock of <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘equality and the rights of man,’</span> and to be + unpleasantly distinguished by the inbred disrespect for authority + which cleaves, perhaps inseparably, to a democrat who believes that + he has whipped mankind, and that it is his mission, at due intervals, + to whip them again. But, on board, he, too, tones down to the colour + of blue water, and is more a seaman than anything else.”</span> The + French sailor is painted, by Landelle, as the embodiment of the same + frolicsome lightheartedness, carelessness of the future, abandonment + to impulse, and devotion to his captain, comrades, and ship, with + which we are familiar in the English sailor, on the stage. But + although depicted as much more polished than, it is to be feared, the + average sailor could be in truth, he finishes by saying: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Il est toujours prêt à céder le haut du pavé + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">à tout + autre qu’à un soldat</span></span>.”</span> It would seem, then, that + the French sailor revenges the treatment of society on the soldiers + of his country. Is there not a similar <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page227">[pg 227]</span><a name="Pg227" id="Pg227" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>feeling existing, perhaps to a more limited + extent, between the sailors and soldiers of our own country? It + hardly, however, extends to the officers of the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“United Service.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another trait of + the British sailor’s character: Jack will forgive much to the officer + who is ever ready, brave, and daring, who is a true seaman in times + of peace, and a sailor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">militant</span></span> in times of war. Lord + Nelson, the most heroic seaman the world ever saw, it is pleasant to + remember, was equally the idol of his colleagues, of his subordinate + officers, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">and of his men</span></span> for these very + reasons. After he had explained to his captains his proposed plan of + attack, just prior to the commencement of the battle of Trafalgar, he + took the men of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span> into his confidence. He + walked over all the decks, speaking kindly to the different classes + of seamen, and encouraging them, with his usual affability, praising + the manner in which they had barricaded certain parts of the ship. + <span class="tei tei-q">“All was perfect, death-like silence, till + just before the action began. Three cheers were given his lordship as + he ascended the quarter-deck ladder. He had been particular in + recommending cool, steady firing, in preference to a hurrying fire, + without aim or precision; and the event justified his lordship’s + advice, as the masts of his opponents came tumbling down on their + decks and over their sides.”</span><a id="noteref_123" name= + "noteref_123" href="#note_123"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">123</span></span></a> After + the fatal bullet had done its work, and Nelson was conveyed below, + the surgeon came and probed the wound. The ball was extracted; but + the dying hero told the medical man how sure he was that his wound + was fatal, and begged, when he had dressed it, that he would attend + to the other poor fellows, equal sufferers with himself. A + boatswain’s mate on board the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Brilliant</span></span> frigate, shortly + afterwards, when first acquainted of the death of Nelson, paid a + tribute of affection and honest feeling, which shows how clearly he + had gained the hearts of all. The boatswain’s mate, then doing duty + as boatswain, was ordered to pipe all hands to quarters; he did not + respond, and the lieutenant on duty went to inquire the cause. The + man had been celebrated for his promptness, as well as bravery, but + he was found utterly unnerved, and sobbing like a child. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can’t do it,”</span> said he—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“poor dear fellow, that I have been in many a hard day + with!—and to lose him now! I wouldn’t have cared so much for my old + father, mother, brothers, or sisters; but to think of parting with + poor Nelson!”</span> and he broke down utterly. The officer, + honouring his feelings, let him go below. Who does not remember how, + when the body of Nelson lay in state at Greenwich, a deputation of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory’s</span></span> crew paid their last + loving respects, tearful and silent, and could scarcely be removed + from the scene? or how, when the two Union-Jacks and St. George’s + ensign were being lowered into the grave at St. Paul’s—the colours + shattered as was the body of the dead hero—the brave fellows who had + borne them each tore off a part of the largest flag, to remind them + ever after of England’s greatest victory and England’s greatest loss? + Many an otherwise noble and brave officer has utterly failed in + endearing himself to his men; and there can be no doubt of the value + of being thoroughly <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">en rapport</span></span> with them—the more as + it in no way need relax discipline. It is an implied compliment to a + crew from their commander, to be taken, at the proper time, into his + confidence. The following anecdote will show how much an action was + decided by this, and with how little loss of life.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page228">[pg 228]</span><a name="Pg228" id="Pg228" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span>, of 74 guns and 558 men, + with a most valuable freight on merchants’ account, and commanded by + the celebrated Captain R. Faulkner, and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Brilliant</span></span>, a 36-gun frigate, + Captain Loggie, sailed from the Tagus in August, 1761. When off Vigo, + three sail were discovered approaching the land, and the strangers + continued their approach, till they found out the character of the + English vessels, and then crowded on all sail, in flight. Upon this, + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Brilliant</span></span> pursued, coming up with + them next morning, to find that they would have to engage one ship of + 74 guns, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span>, with 700 men, and two + frigates of 36 guns each, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Malicieuse</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Ermine</span></span>. + After exchanging a few broadsides, the French vessels shot ahead; + when Captain Loggie, seeing that he could not expect to take either + of the smaller vessels, determined to manœuvre, and lead them such a + wild-goose chase, that the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span> should have to engage the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span> alone. During the whole + engagement, he withstood the united attacks of both the frigates, + each of them with equal force to his own, and at last obliged them to + sheer off, greatly damaged. Meanwhile, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span> + had approached each other very fast. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span>, when within + musket-shot, fired her first broadside, and there was much impatience + on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span> to return it; but they + were restrained by Faulkner, who called out to them to hold hard, and + not to fire till they saw the whites of the Frenchmen’s eyes, adding, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Take my word for it, they will never stand + the singeing of their whiskers!”</span> His speech to the sailors + just before the action is a model of sailor-like advice. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Gentlemen, I have been bred a seaman from my youth, and, + consequently, am no orator; but I promise to carry you all near + enough, and then you may speak for yourselves. Nevertheless, I think + it necessary to acquaint you with the plan I propose to pursue, in + taking this ship, that you may be the better prepared.... I propose + to lead you close on the enemy’s larboard quarter, when we will + discharge <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">two</span></span> broadsides, and then back + astern, and range upon the other quarter, and so tell your guns as + you pass. I recommend you at all times to point chiefly at the + quarters, with your guns slanting fore and aft; this is the principal + part of a ship. If you kill the officers, break the rudder, and snap + the braces, she is yours, of course; but, for this reason, I desire + you may only fire one round of shot and grape above, and two rounds, + shot only, below. Take care and send them home with exactness. This + is a rich ship; they will render you, in return, their weight in + gold.”</span> This programme was very nearly carried out; almost + every shot took effect. The French still kept up a very brisk fire, + and in a moment the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona’s</span></span> shrouds and rigging were + almost all cut to pieces, and in nine minutes her mizen-mast fell + over the stern. Undaunted, Faulkner managed to wear his ship round; + the officers and men flew to their respective opposite guns, and + carried on, from the larboard side, a fire even more terrible than + they had hitherto kept up from the starboard guns. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was impossible for mortal beings to withstand a + battery so incessantly repeated, and so fatally directed, and, in + about twenty minutes from the first shot, the French colours were + hauled down, and orders were immediately given in the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span> + to cease firing, the enemy having struck. The men had left their + quarters, and all the officers were on the quarter-deck, + congratulating one another on their victory, when, unexpectedly, a + round of shot came from the lower tier of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span>. It is impossible to + describe the rage that animated the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona’s</span></span> crew on this occasion. + Without waiting for orders, they flew again to their guns, and in a + moment <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page229">[pg 229]</span><a name= + "Pg229" id="Pg229" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>poured in what they + familiarly termed two <span class="tei tei-q">‘comfortable + broadsides’</span> upon the enemy, who now called out loudly for + quarter, and firing at length ceased on both sides.”</span> The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Courageux</span></span> was a mere wreck, having + nothing but her foremast and bowsprit standing, several of her ports + knocked into one, and her deck rent in a hundred places. She lost 240 + killed, and 110 wounded men were put ashore at Lisbon. On board the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bellona</span></span> only <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">six</span></span> men + were killed outright, and about twenty-eight wounded; the loss of her + mizen was her only serious disaster.</p><a name="figfighbeth" id= + "figfighbeth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_265.png" alt= + "FIGHT BETWEEN THE “COURAGEUX” AND THE “BELLONA”" title= + "FIGHT BETWEEN THE “COURAGEUX” AND THE “BELLONA.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + FIGHT BETWEEN THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“COURAGEUX”</span> AND THE <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“BELLONA.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One more + possibility in the officer’s existence, although now nearly obsolete. + The ceremonies formerly attendant on <span class= + "tei tei-q">“crossing the line”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, + passing over the equator—so often described, have, of late years, + been more honoured in the breach than in the observance. On merchant + vessels they had become a nuisance, as the sailors often made them an + opportunity for levying black mail on timid and nervous passengers. + In the Royal Navy, they afforded the one chance for <span class= + "tei tei-q">“getting even”</span> with unpopular officers; and very + roughly was it sometimes accomplished. They are for this reason + introduced in this chapter, as the officers had a direct interest in + them. With trifling exceptions, the programme was as follows. The men + stripped to the waist, wearing only <span class= + "tei tei-q">“duck”</span> unmentionables, prepared, immediately after + breakfast, for the saturnalia of the day—a day when the ship was + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">en + carnival</span></span>, and discipline relaxed. Early in the day, a + man at the masthead, peering through a telescope, would announce a + boat on the weather-bow, and soon after, a voice from the jibboom was + heard hailing the ship, announcing that Neptune wished to come on + board. The ship was accordingly hove-to, when a sailor, in + fashionable coat, knee-breeches, and powdered hair, came aft, and + announced to the commander that he was <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">gentleman’s + gentleman</span></span> to the god of the sea, who desired an + interview. This accorded, the procession of Neptune from the + forecastle at once commenced. The triumphal car was a gun-carriage, + drawn by half-a-dozen half-naked and grotesquely-painted sailors, + their heads covered by wigs of sea-weed. Neptune was always masked, + as were many of his <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page230">[pg + 230]</span><a name="Pg230" id="Pg230" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>satellites, in order that the officers should + not know who enacted the leading <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">rôles</span></span>. + The god wore a crown, and held out a trident, on which a dolphin, + supposed to have been impaled that morning, was stuck. He had a + flowing wig and beard of oakum, and was, in all points, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“made-up”</span> for Neptune himself. His suite included + a secretary of state, his head stuck all over with long quills; a + surgeon, with lancet, pill-box, and medicines; his barber, with a + razor cut from an iron hoop, and with an assistant, who carried a tub + for a shaving-box. Mrs. Neptune was represented by the ugliest man on + board, who, with sea-weed hair and a huge night-cap, carried a + baby—one of the boys of the ship—in long clothes; the latter played + with a marline-spike, given it to assist in cutting its teeth. The + nurse followed, with a bucketful of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">burgoo</span></span> + (thick oatmeal porridge or pudding), and fed the baby incessantly + with the cook’s iron ladle. Sea-nymphs, selected from the clumsiest + and fattest of the crew, helped to swell the retinue. As soon as the + procession halted before the captain, behind whom the steward waited, + carrying a tray with a bottle of wine and glasses, Neptune and + Amphitrite paid submission to the former, as representative of Great + Britain, and the god presented him the dolphin. After the interview, + in which Neptune not unfrequently poked fun and thrust home-truths at + the officers, the captain offered the god and goddess a bumper of + wine, and then the rougher part of the ceremony commenced. Neptune + would address his court somewhat as follows: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hark ye, my Tritons, you’re here to shave and duck and + bleed all as needs it; but you’ve got to be gentle, or we’ll get no + more fees. The first of ye as disobeys me, I’ll tie to a ten-ton gun, + and sink him ten thousand fathoms below, where he shall drink nothing + but salt-water and feed on seaweed for the next hundred + years.”</span> The cow-pen was usually employed for the ducking-bath; + it was lined with double canvas, and boarded up, so as to hold + several butts of water. Marryat, in the first naval novel he wrote, + says: <span class="tei tei-q">“Many of the officers purchased + exemption from shaving and physic by a bottle of rum; but none could + escape the sprinkling of salt water, which fell about in great + profusion; even the captain received his share.... It was easy to + perceive, on this occasion, who were favourites with the ship’s + company, by the degree of severity with which they were treated. The + tyro was seated on the side of the cow-pen: he was asked the place of + his nativity, and the moment he opened his mouth the shaving-brush of + the barber—which was a very large paint-brush—was crammed in, with + all the filthy lather, with which they covered his face and chin; + this was roughly scraped off with the great razor. The doctor felt + his pulse, and prescribed a pill, which was forced into his cheek; + and the smelling-bottle, the cork of which was armed with sharp + points of pins, was so forcibly applied to his nose as to bring + blood. After this, he was thrown backward into the bath, and allowed + to scramble out the best way he could.”</span> The first-lieutenant, + the reader may remember, dodged out of the way for some time, but at + last was surrounded, and plied so effectually with buckets of salt + water, that he fled down a hatchway. The buckets were pitched after + him, <span class="tei tei-q">“and he fell, like the Roman virgin, + covered with the shields of the soldiers.”</span> Very unpopular men + or officers were made to swallow half a pint of salt water. Those + good old times!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pleasant is it to + read of life on board a modern first-class man-of-war. Where there + are, perhaps, thirty officers in the ward-room, it would be hard + indeed if one cannot <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page231">[pg + 231]</span><a name="Pg231" id="Pg231" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>find + a kindred spirit, while on such a vessel the band will discourse + sweet music while you dine, and soothe you over the walnuts and wine, + after the toils of the day, with selections from the best operas, + waltzes, and quadrilles. Then comes the coffee, and the post-prandial + cigar in the smoking-room. At sea, luncheon is dispensed with, and + the regular hour is half-past two; but in port both lunch and dinner + are provided, and the officers on leave ashore can return to either. + Say that you have extended your ramble in the country, you will have + established an appetite by half-past five, the hour when the + officers’ boat puts off from shore, wharf, or pier. Perhaps the most + pleasant evening is the guests’ night, one of which is arranged for + every week, when the officer can, by notifying the mess caterer, + invite a friend or two. The mess caterer is the officer selected to + superintend the victualling department, as the wine caterer does the + liquid refreshments. It is by no means an enviable position, for it + is the Englishman’s conceded right to growl, and sailors are equal to + the occasion. Dr. Stables remarks on the unfairness of this + under-the-table stabbing, when most probably the caterer is doing his + best to please. But on a well-regulated ship, where the officers are + harmonious, and either not extravagant or with private means, the + dinner-hour is the most agreeable time in the day. After the cloth + has been removed, and the president, with a due preliminary tap on + the table to attract attention, has given the only toast of the + evening—<span class="tei tei-q">“The Queen”</span>—the bandmaster, + who has been peering in at the door for some minutes, starts the + National Anthem at the right time, and the rest of the evening is + devoted to pleasant intercourse, or visits ashore to the places of + amusement or houses of hospitable residents.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before leaving, + for the nonce, the Royal Navy, its officers and men, a few facts may + be permitted, particularly interesting at the present time. The navy, + as now constituted, has for its main backbone fifty-four ironclads. + There are of all classes of vessels no less than 462, but more than a + fourth of these are merely hulks, doing harbour service, &c., + while quite a proportion of the remainder—varying according to the + exigencies of the times—are out of commission. There are + seventy-eight steam gun-boats and five fine Indian troop-ships. These + numbers are drawn from the official Navy List of latest date.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is said that + since the ironclad movement commenced, not less than £300,000,000 has + been disbursed (in about twenty years) by the different countries of + the world. Even Japan, Peru, Venezuela, Chili, the Argentine + Confederation, possess many of this class of vessel, of more or less + power. The British fleet, under the command of Vice-Admiral Hornby, + in the Mediterranean, &c., though numerically not counting twenty + per cent. of the fleets in the days of Nelson and Collingwood, when + <span class="tei tei-q">“a hundred sail of the line”</span> + frequently assembled, has cost infinitely more. A cool half million + is not an exceptional cost for an ironclad, while one of the latest + of our turret-ships, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Inflexible</span></span>, has cost the nation + three-quarters of a million sterling at the least. She is to carry + four eighty-ton guns. A recent correspondent of a daily journal + states that next to Great Britain, <span class="tei tei-q">“the + ironclad fleet of the Sultan ranks foremost among the navies of the + world.”</span> Be that as it may, there can be little doubt that if + Russia had succeeded in acquiring it, it would, with her own fleet, + have constituted a very powerful rival.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The progressive + augmentation in the size of naval vessels has been rapid in Great + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page232">[pg 232]</span><a name="Pg232" + id="Pg232" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Britain. When Henry VIII. + constructed his <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Henry Grace de Dieu</span></span>, of 1,000 + tons,<a id="noteref_124" name="noteref_124" href= + "#note_124"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">124</span></span></a> it was, + indeed, a great giant among pigmies, for a vessel of two or three + hundred tons was then considered large. At the death of Elizabeth she + left forty-two ships, of 17,000 tons in all, and 8,346 men; fifteen + of her vessels being 600 tons and upwards. From this period the + tonnages of the navy steadily increased. The first really scientific + architect, Mr. Phineas Pett, remodelled the navy to good purpose in + the reigns of James I. and Charles I. Previous to this time the + vessels with their lofty poops and forecastles had greatly resembled + Chinese junks. He launched the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Sovereign of the + Seas</span></span>, a vessel 232 feet in length, and of a number of + tons exactly corresponding to the date, 1637, when she left the + slips. Cromwell found a navy of fourteen two-deckers, and left one of + 150 vessels, of which one-third were line-of-battle ships. He was the + first to lay naval estimates before Parliament, and obtained £400,000 + per annum for the service. James II. left 108 ships of the line, and + sixty-five other vessels of 102,000 tons, with 42,000 men. William + III. brought it to 272 ships, of 159,020 tons. George II. left, in + 1760, 412 ships, of 321,104 tons. Twenty-two years later the navy had + reached 617 vessels, and in 1813 we had the enormous number of 1,000 + vessels, of which 256 were of the line, measuring 900,000 tons, + carrying 146,000 seamen and marines, and costing £18,000,000 per + annum to maintain. But since the peace of 1815, the number of vessels + has greatly diminished, while an entirely new era of naval + construction has been inaugurated. In the seventeenth century a + vessel of 1,500 tons was considered of enormous size. At the end of + the eighteenth, 2,500 was the outside limit, whilst there are now + many vessels of 4,000 tons, and the navy possesses frigates of 6,000 + and upwards. Several of our enormous ironclads have a tonnage of over + 11,000 tons, while the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Great Eastern</span></span>—of course a + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">very</span></span> exceptional case—has a + tonnage of 22,500.</p><a name="figgreahaan" id="figgreahaan" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_269.png" alt= + "THE “GREAT HARRY” AND “GREAT EASTERN” IN CONTRAST" title= + "THE “GREAT HARRY” AND “GREAT EASTERN” IN CONTRAST." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“GREAT + HARRY”</span> AND <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“GREAT EASTERN”</span> IN CONTRAST. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whilst we have + efficient military volunteers enough to form a grand army, our naval + volunteers do not number more than the contingents for a couple of + large vessels. There are scarcely more than a thousand of the latter, + and only three stations. London, Liverpool, and Brighton divide the + honour between them of possessing corps. The writer believes that he + will be doing a service to many young men—who in their turn may do + good service for their country—in briefly detailing the conditions + and expenses of joining. In a very short period of time the members + have become wonderfully efficient, and the sailor-like appearance of + the men is well illustrated by the fact, that at a recent reception + at the Mansion House a number of them were taken for men-of-war’s + men, and so described in several daily journals. Their prowess is + illustrated by the prizes distributed by Lady Ashley, at the + inspection of the 1st London Corps, in the West India Docks, on + February 9th last. Badges were won by the gunner making the best + practice with the heavy gun at sea, and by the marksman making the + greatest number of points with the rifle. The <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lord Ashley challenge prize,”</span> for the best gun’s + crew at sea, was won by fourteen men of No. 2 battery, who fired + forty-two rounds at 1,300 yards in thirty-seven minutes, scoring 411 + points out of a possible 504 points. The official report + says:—<span class="tei tei-q">“that further <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page233">[pg 233]</span><a name="Pg233" id="Pg233" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>comment on the men or their instructor is + superfluous.”</span> The list included rifle, battery, and boating + prizes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Royal Navy + Artillery Volunteers are raised under an Act passed in 1873, and are + directly subject to the authority of the Admiralty. They may be + assembled for actual employment, their duties then consisting of + coast or harbour service. They are not required to go aloft, or to + attend to the engine fires, but in regard to berthing and messing + must conform to the arrangements usual with seamen. The force is + formed into brigades, each brigade consisting of four or more + batteries, of from sixty to eighty men. Each brigade has a + lieutenant-commander, and each battery a sub-lieutenant, chief petty + officer, first and second-class petty officers, buglers, &c., + while the staff includes a lieutenant-instructor, first-class petty + officer instructor, surgeon, bugle-major, and armourer. Those + desiring to join a corps should communicate with the Secretary of the + Admiralty. The annual subscription to the 1st London Corps is one + guinea, while each member has to provide himself with two white + frocks, one blue serge frock, one pair of blue trousers, one blue + cloth cap, &c., black handkerchief, flannel, knife, lanyard, and + monkey-jacket, costing in the neighbourhood of six pounds. When on a + cruise, in gunboat, the volunteer requires in addition serge trousers + and jumpers, flannel shirt, towels, and brush and comb, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page234">[pg 234]</span><a name="Pg234" id="Pg234" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>canvas bags, &c. The officers’ + uniforms are the same as those of the Royal Navy, with the exception + of silver, for the most part, taking the place of gold. It is more + expensive to join the naval than the military volunteers, and the + class composing the corps are generally well-to-do young men, a large + number of them employed in shipping offices, and mercantile pursuits + connected with the sea.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The drills consist + of practice with great guns, rifle, pistol, and cutlass exercises. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Efficient”</span> volunteers are entitled to + a badge, while men returned five times as efficient may wear one + star, and those returned ten times two stars, above said badge. Every + volunteer must attend at least two drills a month, until he has + obtained the standard of an <span class= + "tei tei-q">“efficient.”</span> When on actual service, the Royal + Naval Artillery Volunteers will receive the same pay, allowances, and + victuals as those of relative rank in the navy, and when embarked on + any of Her Majesty’s ships for more than forty-eight hours, in + practice, will either be victualled or receive a money compensation. + The cruises in gun-boats, &c., usually last ten days, and the + vessel visits many of the Channel ports, &c., more especially off + points where gun practice is practicable. A volunteer wounded, either + on drill or in actual service, is entitled to the same compensation + as any seaman in the navy would be under similar circumstances, and + if killed his widow (if any) to the same gratuities out of the + Greenwich Hospital Funds as would a Royal Navy seaman’s widow. + Members who are able to take advantage of the cruise in gun-boats + must have attended drill regularly for three months previously. It + must be remembered that each man costs the Government from £8 to £10 + for the first year, in the expenses incurred in great gun and other + practice; and it is therefore made a point of honour to those joining + that they will devote sufficient time to their drills to make + themselves thoroughly efficient.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The London Naval + Artillery Volunteers have a fine vessel, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">President</span></span>, now in the West India + Docks, on which to exercise, while to accustom them to living on + board ship, the old <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Rainbow</span></span>, off Temple Pier, is open + to them, under certain conditions, as a place of residence. A number + avail themselves of this: sleep on board in hammocks, and contribute + their quota of the mess expenses. The writer is the last to decry + other manly exercises, such as cricket, foot-ball, racing, or + pedestrianism, but naval volunteering has the advantage of not merely + comprising a series of manly exercises, but in being directly + practical and specially health-giving.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And to prevent the + need of impressment, the Government did well in establishing the + Royal Naval Reserve. The latest estimates provided £140,000 for the + year; the number, which at present is about 20,000 men, is not to + exceed 30,000. The service is divided into two classes: the first + class consisting of seamen of the merchant service, and the second, + fishermen on the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland. Both divisions + are practical sailors, and the value of their services in a time of + war would be inestimable. They are required to drill twenty-eight + days in each year, for which they receive about £6 per annum, and + sundry allowances for travelling, &c. The former class can be + drilled at our stations abroad, so that a merchant seaman is not + necessarily tied to England, or to mere coasting trade.</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page235">[pg 235]</span><a name="Pg235" + id="Pg235" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc31" id= + "toc31"></a> <a name="pdf32" id="pdf32"></a><a name="chap14" id= + "chap14" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIV.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">The Reverse of the + Picture—Mutiny.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Bligh’s Bread-fruit Expedition—Voyage of the</span> + <span class="tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Otaheite—The + Happy Islanders—First Appearance of a Mutinous Spirit—The Cutter + Stolen and Recovered—The</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">sails with 1,000 Trees—The + Mutiny—Bligh Overpowered and Bound—Abandoned with Eighteen + Others—Their Resources—Attacked by Natives—A Boat Voyage of 3,618 + miles—Violent Gales—Miserable Condition of the Boat’s Crew—Bread by + the Ounce—Rum by the Tea-spoonful—Noddies and + Boobies—</span><span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Who shall + have this?</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Off + the Barrier Reef—A Haven of Rest—Oyster and Palm-top Stews—Another + Thousand Miles of Ocean—Arrival at Coupang—Hospitality of the + Residents—Ghastly Looks of the Party—Death of Five of the + Number—The</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Pandora</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">Dispatched to Catch the + Mutineers—Fourteen in Irons—</span><span class="tei tei-name" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Pandora’s</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">Box—The + Wreck—Great Loss of Life—Sentences of the Court Martial—The Last of + the Mutineers—Pitcairn Island—A Model Settlement—Another Example: + The greatest Mutiny of History—40,000 Disaffected Men at one + point—Causes—Legitimate Action of the Men at First—Apathy of + Government—Serious Organisation—The Spithead Fleet Ordered to + Sea—Refusal of the Crews—Concessions Made, and the First Mutiny + Quelled—Second Outbreak—Lord Howe’s Tact—The Great Mutiny of the + Nore—Richard Parker—A Vile Character but Man of Talent—Wins the Men + to his Side—Officers Flogged and Ducked—Gallant Duncan’s + Address—Accessions to the Mutineers—Parker practically Lord High + Admiral—His Extravagant Behaviour—Alarm in London—The Movement Dies + out by Degrees—Parker’s Cause Lost—His Execution—Mutinies at Other + Stations—Prompt Action of Lords St. Vincent and + Macartney.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Royal Navy has + ever been the glory of our country, but there are spots even on the + bright sun. The service has been presented hitherto almost entirely + under its best aspects. Example after example of heroic bravery, + unmurmuring endurance, and splendid discipline, have been cited. Nor + can we err in painting it <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">couleur de rose</span></span>, for its gallant + exploits have won it undying fame. But in the service at one + time—thank God those times are hardly possible now—mutiny and + desertion on a large scale were eventualities to be considered and + dreaded; they were at least remote possibilities. In a few instances + they became terrible facts. In the merchant service we still hear of + painful examples: every reader will remember the case of the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Lennie</span></span> mutineers, who murdered the + captain and mates in the Bay of Biscay, with the object of selling + the ship in Greece, and were defeated by the brave steward, who + steered for the coast of France, and was eventually successful in + communicating with the French authorities. The example about to be + related is a matter of historical fact, from which the naval service + in particular may still draw most important lessons.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the year 1787, + being seventeen years after Captain Cook’s memorable first voyage, a + number of merchants and planters resident in London memorialised his + Majesty George III., that the introduction of the bread-fruit tree + from the southern Pacific Islands would be of great benefit to the + West Indies, and the king complied with their request. A small + vessel, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>, was prepared, the + arrangements for disposing the plants being made by Sir Joseph Banks, + long the distinguished President of the Royal Society, and one of the + most eminent men of science of the day. Banks had been with Cook + among these very islands; indeed, it is stated that in his zeal for + acquiring knowledge, he had undergone the process of tattooing + himself. The ship was put under the command of Lieutenant Bligh, with + officers and crew numbering in all forty-four souls, to whom were + added a practical botanist and assistant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> + sailed from Spithead on December 23rd, 1787 and soon encountered very + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page236">[pg 236]</span><a name="Pg236" + id="Pg236" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>severe weather, which obliged + them to refit at Teneriffe. Terrible gales were experienced near Cape + Horn, <span class="tei tei-q">“storms of wind, with hail and sleet, + which made it necessary to keep a constant fire night and day, and + one of the watch always attended to dry the people’s wet clothes. + This stormy weather continued for nine days; the ship required + pumping every hour; the decks became so leaky that the commander was + obliged to allot the great cabin to those who had wet berths to hang + their hammocks in.”</span><a id="noteref_125" name="noteref_125" + href="#note_125"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">125</span></span></a> It was + at last determined, after vainly struggling for thirty days to make + headway, to bear away for the Cape of Good Hope. The helm was + accordingly put a-weather, to the great joy and satisfaction of all + on <a name="corr236" id="corr236" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">board</span>.</p><a name="figcrewofhm" id= + "figcrewofhm" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_272.jpg" alt= + "THE CREW OF H.M.S. “BOUNTY” LANDING AT OTAHEITE" title= + "THE CREW OF H.M.S. “BOUNTY” LANDING AT OTAHEITE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE CREW OF H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“BOUNTY”</span> LANDING AT OTAHEITE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They arrived at + the Cape late in May, and stopped there for thirty-eight days, + refitting, replenishing provisions, and refreshing the worn-out crew. + On October 26th they anchored in Matavai Bay, Otaheite, and the + natives immediately came out to the ship in great numbers. Tinah, the + chief of the district, on hearing of the arrival of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>, + sent a small pig and a young plantain tree, as a token of friendship, + and the ship was liberally supplied with provisions. Handsome + presents were made to Tinah, and he was told that they had been sent + to him, on account of the kindness of the people to Captain Cook + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page238">[pg 238]</span><a name="Pg238" + id="Pg238" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>during his visit. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Will you not, Tinah,”</span> said Bligh, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“send something to King George in return?”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> he replied, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will send him anything I have,”</span> and then + enumerated the different articles in his power, among which he + mentioned the bread-fruit. This was exactly what Bligh wished, and he + was told that the bread-fruit trees were what King George would + greatly like, and the chief promised that a large number should be + placed on board.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The importance of + the bread-fruit to these people cannot be over-stated. That old + navigator, Dampier, had well described it a hundred years before. + <span class="tei tei-q">“The bread-fruit, as we call it, grows on a + large tree, as big and high as our largest apple-trees; it hath a + spreading head, full of branches and dark leaves. The fruit grows on + the boughs like apples; it is as big as a penny loaf when wheat is at + five shillings the bushel; it is of a round shape, and hath a thick, + tough rind; when the fruit is ripe, it is yellow and soft, and the + taste is sweet and pleasant. The natives of Guam use it for bread. + They gather it, when full grown, while it is green and hard; then + they bake it in an oven, which scorcheth the rind and makes it black, + but they scrape off the outside black crust, and there remains a + tender, thin crust; and the inside is soft, tender, and + white.”</span> The fruit lasts in season eight months. During Lord + Anson’s two months’ stay at Tinian, no ship’s bread was consumed, the + officers and men all preferring the bread-fruit. Byron speaks of + these South Sea Islands, where labour is the merest play work, the + earth affording nearly spontaneously all that the natives need, + as</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The happy + shores without a law,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + * * * * * * * + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Where all partake the earth without dispute, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And bread itself is gathered as a fruit; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Where none contest the fields, the woods, the streams, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The gold-less + age, where gold disturbs no dreams.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Otaheitans of + those days were a most harmless, amiable, and unsophisticated people. + One day the gudgeon of the cutter’s rudder was missing, and was + believed to have been stolen. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + thought,”</span> says Bligh, <span class="tei tei-q">“it would have a + good effect to punish the boat-keeper in their presence, and + accordingly I ordered him a dozen lashes. All who attended the + punishment interceded very earnestly to get it mitigated; the women + showed great sympathy.”</span> The intercourse between the crew and + natives was very pleasant. The Otaheitans showed the most perfect + ease of manner, with <span class="tei tei-q">“a candour and sincerity + about them that is quite refreshing.”</span> When they offered + refreshments, for instance, if they were not accepted, they did not + press them; they had not the least idea of that ceremonious kind of + refusal which expects a second invitation. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Having one day,”</span> says Bligh, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“exposed myself too much in the sun, I was taken ill, on + which all the powerful people, both men and women, collected round + me, offering their assistance.”</span> On an occasion when the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> had nearly gone ashore in a + tremendous gale of wind, and on another when she did go aground, + after all was right again, these kind-hearted people came in crowds + to congratulate the captain on her escape; many of them shed tears + while the danger seemed imminent. In the evenings, the whole beach + was like a parade, crowded <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page239">[pg + 239]</span><a name="Pg239" id="Pg239" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with + several hundred men, women, and children, all good-humoured, and + affectionate to one another; their sports and games were continued + till near dark, when they peaceably returned to their homes. They + were particularly cleanly, bathing every morning, and often twice a + day.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is sad to turn + from this pleasant picture to find the spirit of desertion and mutiny + appearing among the crew. There can be no doubt that the allurements + of the island, its charming climate and abundant productions, the + friendliness of the natives, and ease of living, were the main + causes. Bligh made one fatal mistake in his long stay of over five + months, during which the crew had all opportunities of leave ashore. + Every man of them had his <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">tayo</span></span>, or friend. From the moment + he set his foot ashore he found himself in the midst of ease and + indolence, all living in a state of luxury, without submitting to + anything approaching real labour. Such enticements were too much for + a common sailor, for must he not contrast the islander’s happy lot + with his own hardships on board?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One morning the + small cutter was missing, with three of the crew. They had taken with + them eight stands of arms and ammunition. The master was dispatched + with one of the chiefs in their pursuit, but before they had got any + great distance, they met the boat with five of the natives, who were + bringing her back to the ship. <span class="tei tei-q">“For this + service they were handsomely rewarded. The chiefs promised to use + every possible means to detect and bring back the deserters, which, + in a few days, some of the islanders had so far accomplished as to + seize and bind them, but let them loose again on a promise that they + would return to their ship, which they did not exactly fulfil, but + gave themselves up soon after, on a search being made for + them.”</span> A few days after this it was found that the cable by + which the ship rode had been cut, close to the water’s edge, so that + it held by only a strand. Bligh considered this the act of one of his + own people, who wished the ship to go ashore, so that they might + remain at Otaheite. It may, however, have chafed in the natural + course of affairs.</p><a name="figmutiseca" id="figmutiseca" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_273.jpg" alt= + "THE MUTINEERS SEIZING CAPTAIN BLIGH" title= + "THE MUTINEERS SEIZING CAPTAIN BLIGH." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE MUTINEERS SEIZING CAPTAIN BLIGH. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>, having taken on board over + a thousand of the bread-fruit plants, besides other shrubs and + fruits, set sail, falling in soon after with many canoes, whose + owners and passengers sold them hogs, fowls, and yams, in quantities. + Some of the sailing canoes would carry ninety persons. Bligh was + congratulating himself on his ship being in good condition, his + plants in perfect order, and all his men and officers in good health. + On leaving deck on the evening of April 27th he had given directions + as to the course and watches. Just before sunrise on the 28th, while + he was yet asleep, Mr. Christian, officer of the watch, with three of + the men, came into his cabin, and seizing him, tied his hands behind + his back, threatening him with instant death if he spoke or made the + least noise. <span class="tei tei-q">“I called, however,”</span> says + Bligh, <span class="tei tei-q">“as loud as I could, in hopes of + assistance; but they had already secured the officers who were not of + their party, by placing sentinels at their doors. There were three + men at my cabin-door besides the four within; Christian had only a + cutlass in his hand, the others had muskets and bayonets. I was + hauled out of bed, and forced on deck in my shirt, suffering great + pain from the tightness with which they had tied my hands.”</span> + The master and master’s mate, the gunner, and the gardener, were + confined below, and the forecastle hatch was guarded by sentinels. + The boatswain was ordered to hoist the launch out, with a threat that + he had <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page240">[pg 240]</span><a name= + "Pg240" id="Pg240" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>better do it instantly, + and two of the midshipmen and others were ordered into it. Bligh was + simply told, <span class="tei tei-q">“Hold your tongue, sir, or you + are dead this instant!”</span> when he remonstrated. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I continued,”</span> says he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“my endeavours to turn the tide of affairs, when + Christian changed the cutlass which he had in his hand for a bayonet + that was brought to him, and holding me with a strong grip by the + cord that tied my hands, he threatened, with many oaths, to kill me + immediately, if I would not be quiet; the villains round me had their + pieces cocked and bayonets fixed.”</span> The boatswain and seamen + who were to be turned adrift with Bligh were allowed to collect + twine, canvas, lines, sails, cordage, and an eight-and-twenty gallon + cask of water; the clerk secured one hundred and fifty pounds of + bread, with a small quantity of rum and wine, also a quadrant and + compass, but he was forbidden to touch the maps, observations, or any + of the surveys or drawings. He did, however, secure the journals and + captain’s commission. The mutineers having forced those of the seamen + whom they meant to get rid of into the boat, Christian directed a + dram to be served to each of his own crew. Isaac Martin, one of the + guard over Bligh, had an inclination to serve him, and fed him with + some fruit, his lips being quite parched. This kindness was observed, + and Martin was ordered away. The same man, with three others, desired + to go with the captain, but this was refused. They begged him to + remember that they had no hand in the transaction. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I asked <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page241">[pg + 241]</span><a name="Pg241" id="Pg241" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>for + arms,”</span> says Bligh, <span class="tei tei-q">“but they laughed + at me, and said I was well acquainted with the people among whom I + was going, and therefore did not want them; four cutlasses, however, + were thrown into the boat after we were veered + astern.</span></p><a name="figbligcaad" id="figbligcaad" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_276.png" alt="BLIGH CAST ADRIFT" title= + "BLIGH CAST ADRIFT." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + BLIGH CAST ADRIFT. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The officers and men being in the boat, they only waited + for me, of which the master-at-arms informed Christian, who then + said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Come, Captain Bligh, your officers and + men are now in the boat, and you must go with them; if you attempt to + make the least resistance, you will instantly be put to + death;’</span> and without further ceremony, with a tribe of armed + ruffians about me, I was forced over the side, when they untied my + hands.”</span> A few pieces of pork were thrown to them, and after + undergoing a great deal of ridicule, and having been kept for some + time to make sport for these unfeeling wretches, they were at length + cast adrift in the open sea. Bligh heard shouts of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Huzza for Otaheite!”</span> among the mutineers for some + considerable time after they had parted from the vessel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the boat, well + weighted down to the water’s edge, were nineteen persons, including + the commander, master, acting-surgeon, botanist, gunner, boatswain, + carpenter, and two midshipmen. On the ship were twenty-five persons, + mostly able seamen, but three midshipmen were among the number, two + of whom had no choice in the matter, being detained against their + will.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lieutenant Bligh, + although a good seaman, was a tyrannical man, and had made himself + especially odious on board by reason of his severity, and especially + in regard to the issuing of provisions. He had had many disputes with + Christian in particular, when his language was of the coarsest order. + Still, the desire to remain among the Otaheitans, or, at all events, + among these enticing islands, seems to have been the main cause of + the mutiny.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was shown + afterwards that Christian had only the night before determined to + make his escape on a kind of small raft; that he had informed four of + his companions, and that they had supplied him with part of a roast + pig, some nails, beads, and other trading articles, and that he + abandoned the idea because, when he came on deck to his watch at four + a.m., he found an opportunity which he had not expected. He saw Mr. + Hayward, the mate of his watch, fall asleep, and the other midshipmen + did not put in an appearance at all. He suddenly conceived the idea + of the plot, which he disclosed to seven of the men, three of whom + had <span class="tei tei-q">“tasted the cat,”</span> and were + unfavourable to Bligh. They went to the armourer, and secured the + keys of his chest, under the pretence of wanting a musket to fire at + a shark, then alongside. Christian then proceeded to secure + Lieutenant Bligh, the master, gunner, and botanist. He stated that he + had been much annoyed at the frequent abusive and insulting language + of his commanding officer. Waking out of a short half-hour’s + disturbed sleep, to take the command of the deck—finding the mates of + the watch asleep—the opportunity tempting, and the ship completely in + his power, with a momentary impulse he darted down the fore-hatchway, + got possession of the arm-chest, and made the hazardous experiment of + arming such of the men as he deemed he could trust. It is said that + he intended to send away his captain in a small, wretched boat, + worm-eaten and decayed, but the remonstrances of a few of the + better-hearted induced him to substitute the cutter.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page242">[pg 242]</span><a name="Pg242" id="Pg242" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now to follow + the fortunes of Lieutenant Bligh and his companions. Their first + consideration was to examine their resources. There were sixteen + pieces of pork, weighing two pounds each, the bread and water as + before mentioned, six quarts of rum, and six bottles of wine. Being + near the island of Tofoa, they resolved to seek a supply of + bread-fruit and water, so as to preserve their other stock, and they + did obtain a small quantity of the former, but little water. The + natives seeing their defenceless condition meditated their + destruction, and speedily crowded the beach, knocking stones + together, the preparatory signal for an attack. With some difficulty + the seamen succeeded in getting their things together, and got all + the men, except John Norton, one of the quartermasters, into the + boat, the surf running high. The poor man was literally stoned to + death within their sight. They pushed out to sea in all haste, and + were followed by volleys of big stones, some of the canoes pursuing + them. Their only expedient left to gain time was to throw overboard + some of their clothing, which, fortunately, induced the natives to + stop and pick them up. Night coming on, the canoes returned to the + shore.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The nearest place + where they could expect relief was Timor, a distance of full 1,200 + leagues, and the men agreed to be put on an allowance, which on + calculation was found not to exceed <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">one ounce</span></span> + of bread per diem, and a gill of water. Recommending them, therefore, + in the most solemn manner, not to depart from their promises, + <span class="tei tei-q">“we bore away,”</span> says Bligh, + <span class="tei tei-q">“across a sea where the navigation is but + little known, in a small boat, twenty-three feet long from stem to + stern, deeply laden with eighteen men.... It was about eight at night + on the 2nd of May when we bore away under a reefed lug-foresail; and + having divided the people into watches, and got the boat into a + little order, we returned thanks to God for our miraculous + preservation, and in full confidence of His gracious support, I found + my mind more at ease than it had been for some time past.”</span> + Next morning the sun rose fiery and red, a sure indication of a gale, + and by eight o’clock it blew a violent storm, the waves running so + high that their sail was <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">becalmed</span></span> when between the seas. + They lightened the boat by throwing overboard all superfluous + articles, and removing the tools, put the bread, on which their very + existence depended, in the chest. Miserably wet and cold as were all, + Bligh administered a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">tea-spoonful</span></span> of rum to each at + dinner time. The sea still rose, and the fatigue of baling became + very great. Next morning at daylight the men’s limbs were benumbed, + and another spoonful of spirit was administered. Whatever might be + said of Bligh’s previous conduct, there is no doubt that at this + juncture he exerted himself wonderfully and very judiciously to save + the lives of all. Their dinner this day consisted of five small + cocoa-nuts. On the night of the 4th the gale abated, and they + examined the bread, much of which was found to be damaged and rotten, + but it was still preserved for use. On the 6th they hooked a fish, + <span class="tei tei-q">“but,”</span> says the commander, + <span class="tei tei-q">“we were miserably disappointed by its being + lost in trying to get it into the boat.”</span> They were terribly + cramped for want of room on board, although Bligh did for the best by + putting them watch and watch, so that half of them at a time could + lie at the bottom of the boat. On the 7th they passed close to some + rocky isles, from which two large sailing canoes came out and pursued + hotly, but gave over the chase in the afternoon. This day heavy rain + fell, when everybody set to work to catch some, with such success + that they not merely quenched their thirst, but increased + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page243">[pg 243]</span><a name="Pg243" + id="Pg243" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>their stock to thirty-five + gallons. As a corresponding disadvantage they got wet through. On the + 8th the allowance issued was an ounce and a half of pork, a + tea-spoonful of rum, half a pint of cocoa-nut milk, and an ounce of + bread. Bligh constructed a pair of scales of two cocoa-nut shells, + using pistol-balls for weights. The next nine days brought bad + weather, and much rain, the sea breaking over the boat so much that + two men were kept constantly baling, and it was necessary to keep the + boat before the waves to prevent her filling. When day broke it + showed a miserable set of beings, full of wants, aches, and pains, + and nothing to relieve them. They found some comfort by wringing + their clothes in sea-water, by which means they found a certain + limited amount of warmth. But though all were shivering with cold and + wet, the commander was obliged to tell them that the rum ration—one + tea-spoonful—must for the present be discontinued, as it was running + low.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“During the whole of the afternoon of the 21st,”</span> + says Bligh, <span class="tei tei-q">“we were so covered with rain and + salt water that we could scarcely see. We suffered extreme cold, and + every one dreaded the approach of night. Sleep, though we longed for + it, afforded no comfort; for my own part, I almost lived without it. + * * * The misery we suffered this night exceeded the + preceding. The sea flew over us with great force, and kept us baling + with horror and anxiety. At dawn of day I found every one in a most + distressed condition, and I began to fear that another such night + would put an end to the lives of several, who seemed no longer able + to support their sufferings. I served an allowance of two + tea-spoonfuls of rum; after drinking which, and having wrung our + clothes, and taken our breakfast of bread and water, we became a + little refreshed.”</span> On the 24th, for the first time in fifteen + days, they experienced the warmth of the sun, and dried their now + threadbare garments.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the 25th, at + mid-day, some noddies flew so near the boat that one was caught by + hand. This bird, about the size of a small pigeon, was divided into + eighteen portions, and allotted by the method known as <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-style: italic">“</span><span style="font-style: italic">Who + shall have this?</span><span style= + "font-style: italic">”</span></span></span> in which one person, who + turns his back to the caterer, is asked the question, as each piece + is indicated. This system gives every one the chance of securing the + best share. Bligh used to speak of the amusement it gave the poor + half-starved people when the beak and claws fell to his lot. That and + the following day two boobies, which are about as large as ducks, + were also caught. The sun came out so powerfully that several of the + people were seized with faintness. But the capture of two more + boobies revived their spirits, and as from the birds, and other + signs, Mr. Bligh had no doubt they were near land, the feelings of + all became more animated. On the morning of the 28th the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“barrier reef”</span> of what was then known as the + eastern coast of New Holland, now Australia, appeared, with the surf + and breakers outside, and smooth water within. The difficulty was to + find a passage; but at last a fine opening was discovered, and + through this the boat passed rapidly with a strong stream, and came + immediately into smooth water. Their past hardships seemed all at + once forgotten. The coast appeared, and in the evening they landed on + the sandy point of an island, where they soon found that the rocks + were covered with oysters, and that plenty of fresh water was + attainable. By help of a small sun-glass a fire was made, and soon a + stew of oysters, pork, and bread was concocted, which gladdened their + hearts, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page244">[pg 244]</span><a name= + "Pg244" id="Pg244" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>each receiving a full + pint. The 29th of May being the anniversary of the restoration of + Charles II., the spot was not inappropriately named Restoration + Island.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Bligh soon noted + the alteration for the better in the looks of his men, which proved + the value of oysters, stewed, as they sometimes were, with fresh + green palm-tops. Strange to say, that the mutinous spirit, which had + been satisfactorily absent before, broke out in one or two of the + men, and Bligh had, in one instance, to seize a cutlass and order the + man to defend himself. The threatened outbreak ended quietly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But although the + worst of their voyage was over, their troubles in other ways were + serious. While among the islands off the coast of Australia several + of them were seriously affected with weakness, dizziness, and violent + pains in their bowels. Infinitesimal quantities of wine were + administered, to their great benefit. A party was sent out on one of + the islands to catch birds, and they returned with a dozen noddies; + these and a few clams were all they obtained. On the 3rd of June they + left Cape York, and once more launched their little boat on the open + ocean. On the 5th a booby was caught by the hand, the blood of which + was divided among three of the men who were weakest, and the bird + kept for next day’s dinner. The following day the sea ran high, and + kept breaking over the boat. Mr. Ledward, the surgeon, and Lebogue, + an old hardy sailor, appeared to be breaking up fast, and no other + assistance could be given them than a tea-spoonful or two of wine. On + the morning of the 10th there was a visible alteration for the worse + in many of the people. Their countenances were ghastly and hollow, + their limbs swollen, and all extremely debilitated; some seeming to + have lost their reason. But next day Bligh was able to announce that + they had passed the meridian of Timor, and the following morning land + was sighted with expressions of universal joy and satisfaction. + Forty-one days had they been on the ocean in their miserable boat, + and by the log they had run 3,618 nautical miles. On the 14th they + arrived at Coupang Bay, where they were received with all kinds of + hospitality. The party on landing presented the appearance of + spectres: their bodies skin and bones, and covered with sores; their + clothing in rags. But the strain had been too much for several of + them. The botanist died at Coupang, three of the men at Batavia, and + one on the passage home. The doctor was left behind and not + afterwards heard of. Bligh arrived in England on March 14th, and + received much sympathy. He was immediately promoted, and afterwards + successfully carried the bread-fruit tree to the West Indies. + Meantime the Government naturally proposed to bring the mutineers to + trial, whatever it might cost.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pandora</span></span>, a frigate of twenty-four + guns, and one hundred and sixty men, was selected for the service, + and was placed under the command of Captain Edward Edwards, with + orders to proceed to Otaheite, and if necessary the other islands. + The voyage was destined to end in shipwreck and disaster, but the + captain succeeded in securing a part of the mutineers, of whom ten + were brought to England, and four drowned on the wreck.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Pandora</span></span> + reached Matavia Bay on the 23rd of March, 1791. The armourer and two + of the midshipmen, Mr. Heywood and Mr. Stewart, came off immediately, + and showed their willingness to afford information. Four others soon + after appeared, and from them the captain learned that the rest of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty’s</span></span> people had built a + schooner, and sailed <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page245">[pg + 245]</span><a name="Pg245" id="Pg245" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + day before for another part of the island. They were pursued, and the + schooner secured, but the mutineers had fled to the mountains. A day + or two elapsed, when they ventured down, and when within hearing were + ordered to lay down their arms, which they did, and were put in + irons. Captain Edwards put them into a round-house, built on the + after part of the quarter-deck, in order to isolate them from the + crew. According to the statement of one of the prisoners, the + midshipmen were kept ironed by the legs, separate from the men, in a + kind of round-house, aptly termed <span class="tei tei-q">“Pandora’s + Box,”</span> which was entered by a scuttle in the roof, about + eighteen inches square. <span class="tei tei-q">“The prisoners’ wives + visited the ship daily, and brought their children, who were + permitted to be carried to their unhappy fathers. To see the poor + captives in irons,”</span> says the only narrative published of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pandora’s</span></span> visit, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“weeping over their tender offspring, was too moving a + scene for any feeling heart. Their wives brought them ample supplies + of every delicacy that the country afforded while we lay there, and + behaved with the greatest fidelity and affection to + them.”</span><a id="noteref_126" name="noteref_126" href= + "#note_126"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">126</span></span></a> + Stewart, the midshipman, had espoused the daughter of an old chief, + and they had lived together in the greatest harmony; a beautiful + little girl had been the fruit of the union. When Stewart was + confined in irons, Peggy, for so her husband had named her, flew with + her infant in a canoe to the arms of her husband. The interview was + so painful that Stewart begged she might not be admitted on board + again. Forbidden to see him, she sank into the greatest dejection, + and seemed to have lost all relish for food and existence; she pined + away and died two months afterwards.<a id="noteref_127" name= + "noteref_127" href="#note_127"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">127</span></span></a></p><a name="figmap_ofth" + id="figmap_ofth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_281.png" alt= + "MAP OF THE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC" title= + "MAP OF THE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + MAP OF THE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All the mutineers + that were left on the island having been secured, the ship proceeded + to other islands in search of those who had gone away in the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>. It must be mentioned, + however, that two of the men had perished by violent deaths. They had + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page246">[pg 246]</span><a name="Pg246" + id="Pg246" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>made friends with a chief, and + one of them, Churchill, was his <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">tayo</span></span>, or sworn friend. The chief + died suddenly without issue, and Churchill, according to the custom + of the country, succeeded to his property and dignity. The other, + Thomson, murdered Churchill, probably to acquire his possessions, and + was in his turn stoned to death by the natives. Captain Edwards + learned that after Bligh had been set adrift, Christian had thrown + overboard the greater part of the bread-fruit plants, and divided the + property of those they had abandoned. They at first went to an island + named Toobouai, where they intended to form a settlement, but the + opposition of the natives, and their own quarrels, determined them to + revisit Otaheite. There the leading natives were very curious to know + what had become of Bligh and the rest, and the mutineers invented a + story to the effect that they had unexpectedly fallen in with Captain + Cook at an island he had just discovered, and that Lieutenant Bligh + was stopping with him, and had appointed Mr. Christian commander of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>; and, further, he was now + come for additional supplies for them. This story imposed upon the + simple-minded natives, and in the course of a very few days the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> received on board + thirty-eight goats, 312 hogs, eight dozen fowls, a bull and a cow, + and large quantities of fruit. They also took with them a number of + natives, male and female, intending to form a settlement at Toobouai. + Skirmishes with the natives, generally brought on by their own + violent conduct or robberies, and eternal bickerings among + themselves, delayed the progress of their fort, and it was + subsequently abandoned, sixteen of the men electing to stop at + Otaheite, and the remaining nine leaving finally in the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>, + Christian having been heard frequently to say that his object was to + find some uninhabited island, in which there was no harbour, that he + would run the ship ashore, and make use of her materials to form a + settlement. This was all that Captain Edwards could learn, and after + a fruitless search of three months he abandoned further inquiry, and + proceeded on his homeward voyage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Off the east coast + of New Holland, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pandora</span></span> ran on a reef, and was + speedily a wreck. In an hour and a half after she struck, there were + eight and a half feet of water in her hold, and in spite of + continuous pumping and baling, it became evident that she was a + doomed vessel. With all the efforts made to save the crew, thirty-one + of the ship’s company and four mutineers were lost with the vessel. + Very little notice, indeed, seems to have been taken of the latter by + the captain, who was afterwards accused of considerable inhumanity. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Before the final catastrophe,”</span> says + the surgeon of the vessel, <span class="tei tei-q">“three of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty’s</span></span> people, Coleman, Norman, + and M’Intosh, were now let out of irons, and sent to work at the + pumps. The others offered their assistance, and begged to be allowed + a chance of saving their lives; instead of which, two additional + sentinels were placed over them, with orders to shoot any who should + attempt to get rid of their fetters. Seeing no prospect of escape, + they betook themselves to prayer, and prepared to meet their fate, + every one expecting that the ship would soon go to pieces, her rudder + and part of the stern-post being already beaten away.”</span> When + the ship was actually sinking, it is stated that no notice was taken + of the prisoners, although Captain Edwards was entreated by young + Heywood, the midshipman, to have mercy on them, when he passed over + their prison to make his own escape, the ship then lying on her + broadside with the larboard bow completely under water. Fortunately, + the master-at-arms, either by accident, or <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page247">[pg 247]</span><a name="Pg247" id="Pg247" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>probably design, when slipping from the roof of + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pandora’s Box”</span> into the sea, let the + keys unlocking the hand-cuffs and irons fall through the scuttle, and + thus enabled them to commence their own liberation, in which they + were assisted by one brave seaman, William Moulter, who said he would + set them free or go to the bottom with them. He wrenched away, with + great difficulty, the bars of the prison. Immediately after the ship + went down, leaving nothing visible but the top-mast cross-trees.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">More than half an + hour elapsed before the survivors were all picked up by the boats. + Amongst the drowned were Mr. Stewart, the midshipman, and three + others of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty’s</span></span> people, the whole of whom + perished with the manacles on their hands. Thirty-one of the ship’s + company were lost. The four boat-loads which escaped had scarcely any + provisions on board, the allowance being two wine-glasses of water to + each man, and a very small quantity of bread, calculated for sixteen + days. Their voyage of 1,000 miles on the open ocean, and the + sufferings endured, were similar to those experienced by Bligh’s + party, but not so severe. After staying at Coupang for about three + weeks, they left on a Dutch East Indiaman, which conveyed them to + Samarang, and subsequently Batavia, whence they proceeded to + Europe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After an + exhaustive court-martial had been held on the ten prisoners brought + home by Captain Edwards, three of the seamen were condemned and + executed; Mr. Heywood, the midshipman, the boatswain’s-mate, and the + steward were sentenced to death, but afterwards pardoned; four others + were tried and acquitted. It will be remembered that four others were + drowned at the wreck.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Twenty years had + rolled away, and the mutiny of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> + was almost forgotten, when Captain Folger, of the American ship + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Topaz</span></span>, reported to Sir Sydney + Smith, at Valparaiso, that he had discovered the last of the + survivors on Pitcairn Island. This fact was transmitted to the + Admiralty, and received on May 14th, 1809, but the troublous times + prevented any immediate investigation. In 1814, H.M.S. <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Briton</span></span>, + commanded by Sir Thomas Staines, and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Tagus</span></span>, + Captain Pipon, were cruising in the Pacific, when they fell in with + the little known island of Pitcairn. He discovered not merely that it + was inhabited, but afterwards, to his great astonishment, that every + individual on the island spoke very good English. The little village + was composed of neat huts, embowered in luxuriant plantations. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Presently they observed a few natives coming + down a steep descent with their canoes on their shoulders, and in a + few minutes perceived one of these little vessels dashing through a + heavy surf, and paddling off towards the ships; but their + astonishment was extreme when, on coming alongside, they were hailed + in the English language with <span class="tei tei-q">‘Won’t you heave + us a rope now?’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The first young man that sprang with extraordinary + alacrity up the side and stood before them on the deck, said, in + reply to the question, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Who are you?’</span> + that his name was Thursday October Christian, son of the late + Fletcher Christian, by an Otaheitan mother; that he was the first + born on the island, and that he was so called because he was brought + into the world on a Thursday in October. Singularly strange as all + this was to Sir Thomas Staines and Captain Pipon, this youth soon + satisfied them that he was none other than the person he represented + himself to be, and that he was fully acquainted with the whole + history of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>; and, in short, the island + before them was the retreat <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page248">[pg + 248]</span><a name="Pg248" id="Pg248" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + the mutineers of that ship. Young Christian was, at this time, about + twenty-four years of age, a fine tall youth, full six feet high, with + dark, almost black hair, and a countenance open and extremely + interesting. As he wore no clothes, except a piece of cloth round his + loins, and a straw hat, ornamented with black cock’s feathers, his + fine figure, and well-shaped muscular limbs, were displayed to great + advantage, and attracted general admiration. * * * He told + them that he was married to a woman much older than himself, one of + those that had accompanied his father from Otaheite. His companion + was a fine, handsome youth of seventeen or eighteen years of age, of + the name of George Young, the son of Young, the midshipman.”</span> + In the cabin, when invited to refreshments, one of them astonished + the captains by asking the blessing with much appearance of devotion, + <span class="tei tei-q">“For what we are going to receive, the Lord + make us truly thankful.”</span> The only surviving Englishman of the + crew was John Adams, and when the captains landed through the surf, + with no worse result than a good wetting, the old man came down to + meet them. Both he and his aged wife were at first considerably + alarmed at seeing the king’s uniform, but was reassured when he was + told that they had no intention of disturbing him. Adams said that he + had no great share in the mutiny, that he was sick at the time, and + was afterwards compelled to take a musket. He even <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page249">[pg 249]</span><a name="Pg249" id="Pg249" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>expressed his willingness to go to + England, but this was strongly opposed by his daughter. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“All the women burst into tears, and the young men stood + motionless and absorbed in grief; but on their being assured that he + should on no account be molested, it is impossible,”</span> says + Pipon, <span class="tei tei-q">“to describe the universal joy that + these poor people manifested.”</span></p><a name="fighms_brat" id= + "fighms_brat" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_284.png" alt= + "H.M.S. “BRITON,” AT PITCAIRN ISLAND" title= + "H.M.S. “BRITON,” AT PITCAIRN ISLAND." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“BRITON,”</span> AT PITCAIRN ISLAND. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Christian had + arrived at the island, he found no good anchorage, so he ran the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> into a small creek against + the cliff, in order to get out of her such articles as might be of + use. Having stripped her, he set fire to the hull, so that afterwards + she should not be seen by passing vessels, and his retreat + discovered. It is pretty clear that the misguided young man was never + happy after the rash and mutinous step he had taken, and he became + sullen, morose, and tyrannical to his companions. He was at length + shot by an Otaheitan, and in a short time only two of the mutineers + were left alive.</p><a name="figpitcisla" id="figpitcisla" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_285.jpg" alt="PITCAIRN ISLAND" title= + "PITCAIRN ISLAND." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + PITCAIRN ISLAND. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The colony at this + time comprised forty-six persons, mostly grown-up young people, all + of prepossessing appearance. John Adams had made up for any share he + may have had in the revolt, by instructing them in religious and + moral principles. The girls were modest and bashful, with bright + eyes, beautifully white teeth, and every indication of health. They + carried baskets of fruit over such roads and down such precipices as + were scarcely passable by any creatures except goats, and over which + we could scarcely scramble with the help of our hands. When Captain + Beechey, in his well-known voyage of discovery on the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Blossom</span></span>, called there in 1825, he + found Adams, then in his sixty-fifth year, dressed in a sailor’s + shirt and trousers, and with all a sailor’s manners, doffing his hat + and smoothing down his bald forehead whenever he was addressed by the + officers of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Blossom</span></span>. Many circumstances + connected with the subsequent history of the happy little colony + cannot be detailed here. Suffice it to say that it still thrives, and + is one of the most model settlements of the whole world, although + descended from a stock so bad. Of the nine who landed on Pitcairn’s + Island only two died a natural death. Of the original officers and + crew of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span> more than half perished in + various untimely ways, the whole burden of guilt resting on Christian + and his fellow-conspirators.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The mutiny just + described sinks into insignificance before that which is about to be + recounted, the greatest mutiny of English history—that of the Nore. + At that one point no less than 40,000 men were concerned, while the + disaffection spread to many other stations, some of them far abroad. + There can be little doubt that prior to 1797, the year of the event, + our sailors had laboured under many grievances, while the navy was + full of <span class="tei tei-q">“pressed”</span> men, a portion of + whom were sure to retain a thorough dislike to the service, although + so many fought and died bravely for their country. Some of the + grievances which the navy suffered were probably the result of + careless and negligent legislation, rather than of deliberate + injustice, but they were none the less galling on that account. The + pay of the sailor had remained unchanged from the reign of Charles + II., although the prices of the necessaries and common luxuries of + life had greatly risen. His pension had also remained at a stationary + rate; that of the soldier had been augmented. On the score of + provisions he was worse off than an ordinary pauper. He was in the + hands of the purser, whose usual title at that time indicates his + unpopularity: he was termed <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nipcheese.”</span> The provisions served were of the + worst quality; fourteen instead of sixteen ounces went <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page250">[pg 250]</span><a name="Pg250" id="Pg250" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to the navy pound. The purser of those + days was taken from an inferior class of men, and often obtained his + position by influence, rather than merit. He generally retired on a + competency after a life of deliberate dishonesty towards the + defenders of his country, who, had they received everything to which + they were entitled, would not have been too well treated, and, as it + was, were cheated and robbed, without scruple and without limit. The + reader will recall the many naval novels, in which poor Jack’s daily + allowance of grog was curtailed by the purveyor’s thumb being put in + the pannikin: this was the least of the evils he suffered. In those + war times the discipline of the service was specially rigid and + severe, and most of this was doubtless necessary. Men were not + readily obtained in sufficient numbers; consequently, when in + harbour, leave ashore was very constantly refused, for fear of + desertions. These and a variety of other grievances, real or fancied, + nearly upset the equilibrium of our entire navy. It is not too much + to say that not merely England’s naval supremacy was for a time in + the greatest jeopardy through the disaffection of the men, but that + our national existence, almost—and most certainly our existence as a + first-class power—was alarmingly threatened, the cause being nothing + more nor less than a very general spirit of mutiny. To do the sailors + justice, they sought at first to obtain fair play by all legitimate + means in their power. It must be noted, also, that a large number of + our best officers knew that there was very general discontent. + Furthermore, it was well known on shore that numerous secret + societies opposed to monarchy, and incited by the example of the + French Revolution, had been established. Here, again, the Government + had made a fatal mistake. Members of these societies had been + convicted in numbers, and sent to sea as a punishment. These men + almost naturally became ringleaders and partakers in the mutiny, + which would, however, have occurred sooner or later, under any + circumstances. In the case of the mutiny at Spithead, about to be + recounted, the sailors exhibited an organisation and an amount of + information which might have been expected from <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sea-lawyers”</span> rather than ordinary Jack Tars; + while in the more serious rebellion of the Nore, the co-operation of + other agents was established beyond doubt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The first step + taken by the men was perfectly legitimate, and had it been met in a + proper spirit by the authorities, this history need never have been + penned. At the end of February, 1797, the crews of four + line-of-battle ships at Spithead addressed separate petitions to Lord + Howe, Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet, asking his kind + interposition with the Admiralty, to obtain from them a relief of + their grievances, so that they might at length be put on a similar + footing to the army and militia, in respect both of their pay and of + the provision they might be enabled to make for their wives and + families. Lord Howe, being then in bad health, communicated the + subject of their petitions to Lord Bridport and Sir Peter Parker, the + port admiral, who, with a want of foresight and disregard of their + country’s interest which cannot be excused, returned answer that + <span class="tei tei-q">“the petitions were the work of some + evil-disposed person or persons,”</span> and took no trouble to + investigate the allegations contained in them. Lord Howe, therefore, + did nothing; and the seamen, finding their applications for redress + not only disregarded, but treated with contempt, determined to compel + the authorities to give them that relief which they had before + submissively asked.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In about six weeks + they organised their plans with such secrecy that it was not till + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page251">[pg 251]</span><a name="Pg251" + id="Pg251" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>everything was arranged on a + working basis that the first admiral, Lord Bridport, gained any + knowledge of the conspiracy going on around him. He communicated his + suspicions to the Lords of the Admiralty; and they, thinking a little + active service would prove the best cure for what they simply + regarded as a momentary agitation, sent down orders for the Channel + Fleet to put to sea. The orders arrived at Portsmouth on April 15th, + and in obedience to them Lord Bridport signalled to the fleet to make + the necessary preparations. As might almost have been expected, it + was the signal, likewise, for the outbreak of the mutiny. Not a + sailor bestirred himself; not a rope was bent; but, as if by common + consent, the crews of every vessel in the squadron manned the yards + and rigging, and gave three cheers. They then proceeded to take the + command of each ship from the officers, and appointed delegates from + each vessel to conduct negotiations with the authorities of the + Admiralty. No violence nor force was used. The first-lieutenant of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">London</span></span>, ordered by Admiral + Colpoys, one of the best-hated officers of the service, shot one of + the mutineers, but his death was not avenged. They again forwarded + their petition to the Admiralty, and its closing sentences showed + their temperance, and argued strongly in favour of their cause. They + desired <span class="tei tei-q">“to convince the nation at large that + they knew where to cease to ask, as well as where to begin; and that + they asked nothing but what was moderate, and might be granted + without detriment to the nation or injury to the service.”</span> The + Admiralty authorities, seeing that with the great power in their + hands they had acted peaceably, only abstaining from work, yielded + all the concessions asked; and a full pardon was granted in the + king’s name to the fleet in general, and to the ringleaders in + particular. In a word, the mutiny ended for the time + being.</p><a name="figmutiatpo" id="figmutiatpo" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_289.jpg" alt="THE MUTINY AT PORTSMOUTH" + title="THE MUTINY AT PORTSMOUTH." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE MUTINY AT PORTSMOUTH. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was resumed on + May 7th. As Parliament had delayed in passing the appropriations for + the increase of pay and pensions, the crews rose <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">en masse</span></span> + and disarmed all their officers, although still abstaining from + actual violence. Lord Howe, always a popular officer with the men, + and their especial idol after his great victory of June 1st, 1794, + was sent down by the Cabinet with full power to ratify all the + concessions which had been made, and to do his best to convince the + men that the Government had no desire of evading them. He completely + mollified the men, and even succeeded in exacting an expression of + regret and contrition for their outbreak. He assured them that their + every grievance should be considered, and a free pardon, as before, + given to all concerned. The men again returned to duty. The fleet at + Plymouth, which had followed that of Portsmouth into the mutiny, did + the same; and thus, in a month from the first outbreak, as far as + these two great fleets were concerned, all disaffection, + dissatisfaction, and discontent had passed away, through the tact and + judicious behaviour of Lord Howe. There can be no doubt that the + tyranny of many of the officers had a vast deal to do with the + outbreak. In the list of officers whom the men considered obnoxious, + and that Lord Howe agreed should be removed, there were over one + hundred in one fleet of sixteen ships.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Strange to say, + the very same week in which the men of the Portsmouth fleet returned + to their duty, acknowledging all their grievances to be removed, the + fleet at the Nore arose in a violent state of mutiny, displaying very + different attributes to those shown by the former. Forty thousand + men, who had fought many a battle for king and country, and in + steadfast reliance upon whose bravery the people rested every night + in tranquillity, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page252">[pg + 252]</span><a name="Pg252" id="Pg252" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>confident in their patriotism and loyalty, + became irritated by ungrateful neglect on the one part, and by + seditious advisers on the other, and turned the guns which they had + so often fired in defence of the English flag against their own + countrymen and their own homes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Richard Parker, + the chief ringleader at the Nore, was a thoroughly bad man in every + respect, and one utterly unworthy the title of a British sailor, of + which, indeed, he had been more than once formally deprived. He was + the son of an Exeter tradesman in a fair way of business, had + received a good education, and was possessed of decided abilities. He + was a remarkably bold and resolute man, or he would never have + acquired the hold he had for a time over so many brave sailors. He + was unmistakably</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The leader of + the band he had undone,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Who, born for better things, had madly set + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">His life upon a + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cast</span></span>,”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">and until + overtaken by justice, he ruled with absolute sway.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Parker had, eleven + years previously, entered the navy as a midshipman on board the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Culloden</span></span>, from which vessel he had + been discharged for gross misconduct. A little later, he obtained, + however, a similar appointment on the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Leander</span></span> + frigate, and was again dismissed. We next find him passing through + several ships in rotation, from which he was invariably dismissed, no + captain allowing him to remain when his true character disclosed + itself. It did not usually take long. At length he became mate of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Resistance</span></span>, on which vessel, + shortly after joining, he was brought to a court-martial and + <span class="tei tei-q">“broke”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, his + commission taken away—and declared incapable of serving again as an + officer. After serving a short time as a common sailor on board the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Hebe</span></span>, he was either invalided or + discharged, for we find him residing in Scotland; and as he could no + more keep out of trouble ashore than he could afloat, he was soon in + Edinburgh gaol for debt. But men were wanted for the navy, and he was + eventually sent up to the fleet as one of the quota of men required + from Perth district. He received the parochial bounty of £30 allowed + to each man. He joined the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sandwich</span></span>, the flag-ship of Admiral + Buckner, Commander-in-Chief at the Nore. The best authorities believe + him to have been employed as an emissary of the revolutionists, as, + although he had only just been discharged from gaol, he had abundance + of money. His good address and general abilities, combined with the + liberality and conviviality he displayed, speedily obtained him an + influence among his messmates, which he used to the worst purpose. He + had scarcely joined the fleet when, aided by disaffected parties + ashore, he began his machinations, and speedily seduced the majority + of the seamen from their duty. In some respects the men followed the + example of those at Portsmouth, selecting delegates and forwarding + petitions, but in other respects their conduct was disgracefully + different. When mastery of the officers had been effected, Parker + became, in effect, Lord High Admiral, and committed any number of + excesses, even firing on those ships which had not followed the + movement. Officers were flogged, and on board the flag-ship, the + vessel on which Parker remained, many were half-drowned, as the + following account, derived from an unimpeachable source,<a id= + "noteref_128" name="noteref_128" href="#note_128"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">128</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page254">[pg 254]</span><a name="Pg254" + id="Pg254" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>will show. Their hammocks were + fastened to their backs, with an 18-pounder bar-shot as a weight; + their hands were tied together, likewise their feet. They were then + made fast to a tackle suspended from a yard-arm, and hauled up almost + to the block; at the word of command they were dropped suddenly in + the sea, where they were allowed to remain a minute. They were again + hoisted up, and the process repeated, until about every sign of life + had fled. The unfortunate victims were then hoisted up by the heels; + this was considerately done to get rid of the water from their + stomachs. They were then put to bed in their wet + hammocks.</p><a name="figadmiduad" id="figadmiduad" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_293.jpg" alt= + "ADMIRAL DUNCAN ADDRESSING HIS CREW" title= + "ADMIRAL DUNCAN ADDRESSING HIS CREW." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ADMIRAL DUNCAN ADDRESSING HIS CREW. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On June 6th the + mutinous fleet was joined by the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Agamemnon</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Leopard</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Ardent</span></span>, + and <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Iris</span></span> men-of-war, and the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Ranger</span></span> sloop, which vessels basely + deserted from a squadron under Admiral Duncan, sent to blockade the + Texel. Shortly after, a number of vessels of the line arrived at the + mouth of the Thames, and still further augmented the ranks of the + mutineers. By this means eleven vessels were added to the list. + Duncan, gallant old salt as he was, when he found himself deserted by + the greater part of his fleet, called his own ship’s crew (the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Venerable</span></span>, 74) together, and + addressed them in the following speech:—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lads,—I once more call you together with a sorrowful + heart, from what I have lately seen of the dissatisfaction of the + fleets: I call it dissatisfaction, for the crews have no grievances. + To be deserted by my fleet, in the face of an enemy, is a disgrace + which, I believe, never before happened to a British admiral, nor + could I have supposed it possible. My greatest comfort under God is, + that I have been supported by the officers, seamen, and marines of + this ship; for which, with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I + request you to accept my sincere thanks. I flatter myself much good + may result from your example, by bringing these deluded people to a + sense of their duty, which they owe, not only to their king and + country, but to themselves.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The British Navy has ever been the support of that + liberty which has been handed down to us by our ancestors, and which + I think we shall maintain to the latest posterity; and that can only + be done by unanimity and obedience. This ship’s company, and others + who have distinguished themselves by their loyalty and good order, + deserve to be, and doubtless will be, the favourites of a grateful + country. They will also have, from their inward feelings, a comfort + which will be lasting, and not like the bloating and false confidence + of those who have swerved from their duty.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It has often been my pride with you to look into the + Texel, and see a foe which dreaded coming out to meet us; my pride is + now humbled indeed! my feelings are not easily expressed! Our cup has + overflowed and made us wanton. The all-wise Providence has given us + this check as a warning, and I hope we shall improve by it. On Him + then let us trust, where our only security may be found. I find there + are many good men amongst us; for my own part, I have had full + confidence of all in this ship, and once more beg to express my + approbation of your conduct.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“May God, who has thus far conducted you, continue so to + do; and may the British Navy, the glory and support of our country, + be restored to its wonted splendour, and be not only the bulwark of + Britain, but the terror of the world.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But this can only be effected by a strict adherence to + our duty and obedience; and let us pray that the Almighty God may + keep us in the right way of thinking.</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page255">[pg 255]</span><a name="Pg255" id="Pg255" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“God bless you all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At an address so + unassuming and patriotic, the whole ship’s crew were dissolved in + tears, and one and all declared, with every expression of warmth they + could use, their determination to stay by the admiral in life or + death. Their example was followed by all the other ships left in the + squadron, and the brave and excellent old admiral, notwithstanding + the defection of so many of his ships, repaired to his station, off + the coast of Holland, to watch the movements of the Dutch fleet. Here + he employed a device to hide the sparseness of his fleet by employing + one of his frigates, comparatively close in shore, to make signals + constantly to himself and to the other vessels in the offing, many of + them imaginary, and give the enemy the impression that a large + squadron was outside. He had resolved, however, not to refuse battle, + if the Dutch fleet should have the courage to come out and offer + it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But to return to + the mutineers. The accession of the new vessels so elated Parker that + he gave way to the wildest fits of extravagance. He talked of taking + the whole fleet to sea, and selling it to our enemies. He tried to + stop the navigation of the Thames, declaring that he would force his + way up to London, and bombard the city if the Government did not + accede to his terms. The alarm at these proceedings became general in + the metropolis, and the funds fell lower than ever known before or + since in the financial history of our country. An order was given to + take up the buoys marking the channel of the Thames, while the forts + were heavily armed and garrisoned, so that should Parker attempt his + vainglorious threat, the fleet might be destroyed. The Government now + acted with more promptness and decision than they had previously + displayed. Lord Spencer, Lord Arden, and Admiral Young hastened to + Sheerness, and held a board, at which Parker and the other delegates + attended, but the conduct of the mutineers was so audacious that + these Lords of the Admiralty returned to town without the slightest + success. The principal article of conflict on the part of the + seamen’s delegates was the unequal distribution of prize-money, for + the omission of which matter in the recent demands, they greatly + upbraided their fellow-seamen at Portsmouth. Bills were immediately + passed in Parliament inflicting the heaviest penalties on those who + aided or encouraged the mutineers in any way, or even held + intercourse with them, which speedily had the effect of damping their + ardour, and by the end of the first week in June the fire which + Parker had fanned into a serious conflagration, began to die out. The + fleets at Portsmouth and Plymouth disowned all fellowship with them, + and the example of one or two ships, such as the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Clyde</span></span>, + which from the first had resisted Parker’s influence, commenced to be + of effect. The ringleader himself, seeing that his influence was + waning, and knowing the perilous position in which he had placed + himself, tried to re-open negotiations with the Admiralty, but his + demands were too ridiculous to be considered; whereupon he hung Mr. + Pitt and Mr. Dundas in effigy at the yard-arm of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sandwich</span></span>. It is a curious fact, + showing that the crews were simply egged on by the ringleaders, and + that there was plenty of loyalty at bottom, that on June 4th, the + king’s birthday, the whole fleet insisted on firing a royal salute, + displaying the colours as usual, and hauling down the red flag during + the ceremony. Mr. Parker, however, insisted that it should fly on the + flag-ship.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page256">[pg + 256]</span><a name="Pg256" id="Pg256" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On June 10th two + of the ships, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Leopard</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Repulse</span></span>, hauled down the flag of + mutiny, and sailed into the Thames; their example was soon followed + by others. Parker and his cause were lost.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the evening of + June 14th this miserable affair was at an end. The crew of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sandwich</span></span>, Parker’s own ship, + brought that vessel under the guns of the fort at Sheerness, and + handed him as a prisoner to the authorities. Sixteen days afterwards + he was hanged. His wife presented a petition to the queen in favour + of her wretched husband, and is stated to have offered a thousand + guineas if his life could be spared. But he, of all men who were ever + hanged, deserved his fate, for he had placed the very kingdom itself + in peril. Other executions took place, but very few, considering the + heinousness of the crime committed. Still, the Government knew that + the men had been in the larger proportion of cases more sinned + against than sinning; and when later, Duncan’s victory over the Dutch + fleet provided an occasion, an amnesty was published, and many who + had been confined in prison, some of them under sentence of death, + were released. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">En passant</span></span>, it may be remarked + that three marines were shot at Plymouth on July 6th of the same + year, for endeavouring to excite a mutiny in the corps, while another + was sentenced to receive a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">thousand</span></span> lashes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The mutinous + spirit evinced at Portsmouth, Plymouth, and the Nore spread, even to + foreign stations. Had it not been for Duncan’s manly and sensible + appeal to his crew, where there were some disaffected spirits, our + naval supremacy might have been seriously compromised as regards the + Dutch. On board the Mediterranean Fleet, then lying off the coast of + Portugal, the mutineers had for a time their own way. The admiral + commanding, Lord St. Vincent, was, however, hardly the man to be + daunted by any number of evil-disposed fellows. He had only just + before added to his laurels by another victory over the enemies of + his country. The ringleaders on board the flagship <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">St. + George</span></span> were immediately seized, brought to trial, and + hanged the next day, although it was Sunday, a most unusual time for + an execution. Still further to increase the force of the example, he + departed from the usual custom of drawing men from different ships to + assist at the execution, and ordered that none but the crew of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">St. + George</span></span> itself should touch a rope. The brave old + admiral, by his energy and promptitude, soon quieted every symptom of + disaffection.</p><a name="figlordstvi" id="figlordstvi" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_297.png" alt="LORD ST. VINCENT" title= + "LORD ST. VINCENT." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + LORD ST. VINCENT. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The last of the + mutinies broke out at the Cape of Good Hope, on October 9th of the + same year, when a band of mutineers seized the flagship of Admiral + Pringle, and appointed delegates in the same way as their shipmates + at home, showing plainly how extended was the discontent in the + service, and how complete was the organisation of the insurgents. + Lord Macartney, who commanded at the Cape, was, however, master of + the occasion. Of the admiral the less said the better, as he showed + the white feather, and was completely non-plussed. Macartney manned + the batteries with all the troops available, and ordered red-hot shot + to be prepared. He then informed the fleet that if the red flag was + not at once withdrawn, and a white one hoisted, he would open fire + and blow up every ship the crew of which held out. The admiral at the + same time informed the delegates that all the concessions they + required had already been granted to the fleets at home, and of + course to them. In a quarter of an hour the red flag was hauled down, + and a free pardon <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page257">[pg + 257]</span><a name="Pg257" id="Pg257" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>extended to the bulk of the offenders. The + ringleaders were, however, hanged, and a few others flogged. The + mutinous spirit never re-asserted itself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Since that time, + thank God! no British fleet has mutinied; and as at the present day + the sailors of the Royal Navy are better fed, paid, and cared for + than they ever were before, there is no fear of any recurrence of + disaffection. One need only look at the Jack Tar of the service, and + compare him with the appearance of almost any sailor of any merchant + marine, to be convinced that his grievances to-day are of the + lightest order. The wrongs experienced by sailors in a part of the + merchant service have been recently remedied in part; but it is + satisfactory to be able to add that there is every probability of + their condition being greatly improved in the future. On this point, + however, we shall have more to say in a later chapter.</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page258">[pg 258]</span><a name="Pg258" + id="Pg258" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc33" id= + "toc33"></a> <a name="pdf34" id="pdf34"></a><a name="chap15" id= + "chap15" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XV.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">The History of Ships and + Shipping Interests.</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The First Attempts to Float—Hollowed Logs and + Rafts—The Ark and its Dimensions—Skin Floats and + Basket-boats—Maritime Commerce of Antiquity—Phœnician Enterprise—Did + they Round the Cape?—The Ships of Tyre—Carthage—Hanno’s Voyage to the + West Coast of Africa—Egyptian Galleys—The Great Ships of the + Ptolemies—Hiero’s Floating Palace—The Romans—Their Repugnance to + Seafaring Pursuits—Sea Battles with the Carthaginians—Cicero’s + Opinions on Commerce—Constantinople and its + Commerce—Venice—Britain—The First Invasion under Julius + Cæsar—Benefits Accruing—The Danish Pirates—The London of the + Period—The Father of the British Navy—Alfred and his + Victories—Canute’s Fleet—The Norman Invasion—The Crusades—Richard + Cœur de Lion’s Fleet—The Cinque Ports and their Privileges—Foundation + of a Maritime Code—Letters of Marque—Opening of the Coal + Trade—Chaucer’s Description of the Sailors of his Time—A Glorious + Period—The Victories at Harfleur—Henry V.’s Fleet of 1,500 + Vessels—The Channel Marauders—The King-Maker Pirate—Sir Andrew Wood’s + Victory—Action with Scotch Pirates—The</span> <span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Great Michael</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">and the</span> <span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Great + Harry</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Queen Elizabeth’s + Astuteness—The Nation never so well Provided—</span><span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The Most + Fortunate and Invincible Armada</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Its + Size and Strength—Elizabeth’s Appeal to the Country—A Noble + Response—Effingham’s Appointment—The Armada’s First + Disaster—Refitted, and Resails from Corunna—Chased in the Rear—A + Series of</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"> + <span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Contretemps</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—English + Volunteer Ships in Numbers—The Fire-ships at Calais—The Final + Action—Flight of the Armada—Fate of Shipwrecked Spanish in + Ireland—Total Loss to Spain—Rejoicings and Thanksgivings in + England.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It will not now be + out of place to take a rapid survey of the progress of naval + architecture, from log and coracle to wooden walls and ironclads, + noting rapidly the progressive steps which led to the present + epoch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is only from + the Scriptures, and from fragmentary allusions in the writings of + profane historians and poets, that we can derive any knowledge of the + vessels employed by the ancients. Doubtless our first parents noticed + branches of trees or fragments of wood floating upon the surface of + that <span class="tei tei-q">“river”</span> which <span class= + "tei tei-q">“went out of Eden to water the garden;”</span> and from + this to the use of logs singly, or combined in rafts, or hollowed + into canoes, would be an easy transition. The first boat was probably + a mere toy model; and, likely enough, great was the surprise when it + was discovered that its sides, though thin, would support a + considerable weight in the water. The first specimen of naval + architecture of which we have any description is unquestionably the + ark, built by Noah. If the cubit be taken as eighteen inches, she was + 450 feet long, 75 in breadth, and 45 in depth, whilst her tonnage, + according to the present system of admeasurement, would be about + 15,000 tons. It is more than probable that this huge vessel was, + after all, little more than a raft, or barge, with a stupenduous + house reared over it, for it was constructed merely for the purpose + of floating, and needed no means of propulsion. She may have been, + comparatively speaking, slightly built in her lofty upper works, her + carrying capacity being thereby largely increased. Soon after the + Flood, if not, indeed, before it, other means of flotation must have + suggested themselves, such as the inflated skins of animals; these + may be seen on the ancient monuments of Assyria, discovered by + Layard, where there are many representations of people crossing + rivers by this means. Next came wicker-work baskets of rushes or + reeds, smeared with mud or pitch, similar to the ark in which Moses + was found. Mr. Layard found such boats in use on the Tigris; they + were constructed of twisted reeds made water-tight by bitumen, and + were often large enough for four or five persons. Pliny says, in his + time, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Even now</span></span> in British waters, + vessels of vine-twigs sewn round with leather are used.”</span> The + words in italics might be used were Pliny writing to-day. Basket-work + coracles, covered with leather or prepared flannel, are still found + in a few parts <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page259">[pg + 259]</span><a name="Pg259" id="Pg259" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + Wales, where they are used for fording streams, or for fishing. + Wooden canoes or boats, whether hollowed from one log or constructed + of many parts, came next. The paintings and sculptures of Upper and + Lower Egypt show regularly formed boats, made of sawn planks of + timber, carrying a number of rowers, and having sails. The Egyptians + were averse to seafaring pursuits, having extensive overland commerce + with their neighbours.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Phœnicians + were, past all cavil, the most distinguished navigators of the + ancient world, their capital, Tyre, being for centuries the centre of + commerce, the <span class="tei tei-q">“mart of nations.”</span> + Strange to say, this country, whose inhabitants were the rulers of + the sea in those times, was a mere strip of land, whose average + breadth never exceeded twelve miles, while its length was only 225 + miles from Aradus in the north to Joppa in the south. Forced by the + unproductiveness of the territory, and blessed with one or two + excellent harbours, and an abundant supply of wood from the mountains + of Lebanon, the Phœnicians soon possessed a numerous fleet, which not + only monopolised the trade of the Mediterranean, but navigated + Solomon’s fleets to the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, establishing + colonies wherever they went. Herodotus states that a Phœnician fleet, + which was fitted out by Necho, King of Egypt, even circumnavigated + Africa, and gives details which seem to place it within the category + of the very greatest voyages. Starting from the Red Sea, they are + stated to have passed Ophir, generally supposed to mean part of the + east coast of Africa, to have rounded the continent, and, entering + the Mediterranean by the Pillars of Hercules, our old friends the + Rocks of Gibraltar and Ceuta, to have reached Egypt in the third year + of their voyage. Solomon, too, dispatched a fleet of ships from the + Red Sea to fetch gold from Ophir. Diodorus gives at great length an + account of the fleet said to be built by this people for the great + Queen Semiramis, with which she invaded India. Semiramis was long + believed by many to be a mythical personage; but Sir Henry + Rawlinson’s interpretations of the Assyrian inscriptions have placed + the existence of this queen beyond all doubt. In the Assyrian hall of + the British Museum are two statues of the god Nebo, each of which + bears a cuneiform inscription saying that they were made for Queen + Semiramis by a sculptor of Nineveh. The commerce of Phœnicia must + have been at its height when Nebuchadnezzar made his attack on Tyre. + Ezekiel gives a description of her power about the year <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 75%">B.C.</span></span> 588, + when ruin was hovering around her. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tyre,”</span> says the prophet, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“was a merchant of the people for many isles.”</span> He + states that her ship-boards were made of fir-trees of Senir; her + masts of cedars from Lebanon; her oars of the oaks of Bashan; and the + benches of her galleys of ivory, brought out of the isles of + Chittim.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To the Tyrians + also is due the colonisation of other countries, which, following the + example of the mother-country, soon rivalled her in wealth and + enterprise. The principal of these was Carthage, which in its turn + founded colonies of her own, one of the first of which was Gades + (Cadiz). From that port Hanno made his celebrated voyage to the west + coast of Africa, starting with sixty ships or galleys, of fifty oars + each. He is said to have founded six trading-posts or colonies. About + the same time Hamilco went on a voyage of discovery to the + north-western shores of Europe, where, according to a poem of Festus + Avienus,<a id="noteref_129" name="noteref_129" href= + "#note_129"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">129</span></span></a> he + formed settlements in Britain and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page260">[pg 260]</span><a name="Pg260" id="Pg260" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Ireland, and found tin and lead, and people who + used boats of skin or leather. Aristotle tells us that the + Carthaginians were the first to increase the size of their galleys + from three to four banks of oars.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Under the dynasty + of the Ptolemies the maritime commerce of Egypt rapidly improved. The + first of these kings caused the erection of the celebrated Pharos or + lighthouse at Alexandria, in the upper storey of which were windows + looking seaward, and inside which fires were lighted by night to + guide mariners to the harbour. Upon its front was inscribed, + <span class="tei tei-q">“King Ptolemy to God the Saviour, for the + benefit of sailors.”</span> His successor, Ptolemy Philadelphus, + attempted to cut a canal a hundred cubits in width between Arsinoe, + on the Red Sea, not far from Suez, to the eastern branch of the Nile. + Enormous vessels were constructed at this time and during the + succeeding reigns. Ptolemy, the son of Lagos, is said to have owned + five hundred galleys and two thousand smaller vessels. Lucian speaks + of a vessel that he saw in Egypt that was one hundred and twenty + cubits long. Another, constructed by Ptolemy Philopator, is described + by Calixenus, an Alexandrian historian, as two hundred and eighty + cubits, say 420 feet, in length. She is said to have had four + rudders, two heads, and two sterns, and to have been manned by 4,000 + sailors (meaning principally oarsmen) and 3,000 fighting-men. + Calixenus also describes another built during the dynasty of the + Ptolemies, called the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Thalamegus</span></span>, or <span class= + "tei tei-q">“carrier of the bed-chamber.”</span> This leviathan was + 300 feet in length, and fitted up with every conceivable kind of + luxury and magnificence—with colonnades, marble staircases, and + gardens; from all which it is easy to infer that she was not intended + for sea-going purposes, but was probably an immense barge, forming a + kind of summer palace, moored on the Nile. Plutarch in speaking of + her says that she was a mere matter of curiosity, for she differed + very little from an immovable building, and was calculated mainly for + show, as she could not be put in motion without great difficulty and + danger.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the most + prodigious vessel on the records of the ancients was built by order + of Hiero, the second Tyrant of Syracuse, under the superintendence of + Archimedes, about 230 years before Christ, the description of which + would fill a small volume. Athenæus has left a description of this + vast floating fabric. There was, he states, as much timber employed + in her as would have served for the construction of fifty galleys. It + had all the varieties of apartments and conveniences necessary to a + palace—such as banqueting-rooms, baths, a library, a temple of Venus, + gardens, fish-ponds, mills, and a spacious gymnasium. The inlaying of + the floors of the middle apartment represented in various colours the + stories of Homer’s <span class="tei tei-q">“Iliad;”</span> there were + everywhere the most beautiful paintings, and every embellishment and + ornament that art could furnish were bestowed on the ceilings, + windows, and every part. The inside of the temple was inlaid with + cypress-wood, the statues were of ivory, and the floor was studded + with precious stones. This vessel had twenty benches of oars, and was + encompassed by an iron rampart or battery; it had also eight towers + with walls and bulwarks, which were furnished with machines of war, + one of which was capable of throwing a stone of 300 pounds weight, or + a dart of twelve cubits long, to the distance of half a mile. To + launch her, Archimedes invented a screw of great power. She had four + wooden and eight iron anchors; her mainmast, <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page261">[pg 261]</span><a name="Pg261" id="Pg261" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>composed of a single tree, was procured after + much trouble from distant inland mountains. Hiero finding that he had + no harbours in Sicily capable of containing her, and learning that + there was famine in Egypt, sent her loaded with corn to Alexandria. + She bore an inscription of which the following is part:—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hiero, the son of Hierocles, the Dorian, who wields the + sceptre of Sicily, sends this vessel bearing in her the fruits of the + earth. Do thou, O Neptune, preserve in safety this ship over the blue + waves.”</span></p><a name="figfleeofro" id="figfleeofro" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_301.jpg" alt="FLEET OF ROMAN GALLEYS" title= + "FLEET OF ROMAN GALLEYS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + FLEET OF ROMAN GALLEYS. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Among the Grecian + states Corinth stood high in naval matters. Her people were expert + ship-builders, and claimed the invention of the trireme, or galley + with three tiers of oars. Athens, with its three ports, also carried + on for a long period a large trade with Egypt, Palestine, and the + countries bordering the Black Sea. The Romans had little inclination + at first for seamanship, but were forced into it by their rivals of + Carthage. It was as late as <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">B.C.</span></span> 261 before they determined to + build a war-fleet, and had not a Carthaginian galley, grounded on the + coast of Italy, been seized by them, they would not have understood + the proper construction of one. Previously they had nothing much + above large boats rudely built of planks. The noble Romans affected + to despise commerce at this period, and trusted to the Greek and + other traders to supply their wants. Quintus Claudius introduced a + law, which passed, that no senator or father of one should + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page262">[pg 262]</span><a name="Pg262" + id="Pg262" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>own a vessel of a greater + capacity than just sufficient to carry the produce of their own lands + to market. Hear the enlightened Cicero on the subject of commerce. He + observes that, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trade is mean if it has + only a small profit for its object</span></span>; but it is otherwise + if it has large dealings, bringing many sorts of merchandise from + foreign parts, and distributing them to the public without deceit; + and if after a reasonable profit such merchants are contented with + the riches they have acquired, and purchasing land with them retire + into the country, and apply themselves to agriculture, I cannot + perceive wherein is the dishonour of that function.”</span> Mariners + were not esteemed by the Romans until after the great battle of + Actium, which threw the monopoly of the lucrative Indian trade into + their hands. Claudius, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">A.D.</span></span> 41, deepened the Tiber, and built + the port of Ostia; and about fifty years later Trajan constructed the + ports of Civita Vecchia and Ancona, where commerce flourished. The + Roman fleets were often a source of trouble to them. Carausius, who + was really a Dutch soldier of fortune, about the year 280, seized + upon the fleet he commanded, and crossed from Gessoriacum (Boulogne) + to Britain, where he proclaimed himself emperor. He held the reins of + government for seven years, and was at length murdered by his + lieutenant. He was really the first to create a British manned fleet. + In the reign of Diocletian, the Veneti, on the coast of Gaul, threw + off the Roman yoke, and claimed tribute from all who appeared in + their seas. The same emperor founded Constantinople, erected later, + under Constantine, into the seat of government. This city seemed to + be destined by nature as a great commercial centre; caravans placed + it in direct communication with the East, and it was really the + entrepôt of the world till its capture by the Venetians, in 1204. + That independent republic had been then in a flourishing condition + for over two hundred years, and for more than as many after, its + people were the greatest traders of the world. It was at Venice in + 1202 that some of the leading pilgrims assembled to negotiate for a + fleet to be used in the fourth crusade. The crusaders agreed to pay + the Venetians before sailing eighty-four thousand marks of silver, + and to share with them all the booty taken by land or sea. The + republic undertook to supply flat-bottomed vessels enough to convey + four thousand five hundred knights, and twenty thousand soldiers, + provisions for nine months, and a fleet of galleys.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surrounded by the silver streak,”</span> our hardy + forefathers often crossed to Ireland and France, prior to the first + invasion of Britain by Julius Cæsar, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 75%">B.C.</span></span> 55, when + he sailed from Boulogne with eighty vessels and 8,000 men, and with + eighteen transports to carry 800 horses for the cavalry. In the + second invasion he employed a fleet of 600 boats and twenty-five + war-galleys, having with him five legions of infantry and 2,000 + cavalry, a formidable army for the poor islanders to contend against. + But their intercourse with the Romans speedily brought about + commercial relations of importance. The pearl fisheries were then + most profitable, while the <span class="tei tei-q">“native”</span> + oyster was greatly esteemed by the Roman epicures, of whom Juvenal + speaks in his fourth satire. He says they</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Could at one + bite the oyster’s taste decide,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And say if at Circean rocks, or in + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The Lucrine Lake, or on the coast of Richborough, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">In Britain they + were bred.”</span> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page263">[pg 263]</span><a name= + "Pg263" id="Pg263" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">British oysters + were exported to Rome, as American oysters are now-a-days to England. + Martial also mentions another trade in one of his epigrams, that of + basket-making—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Work of + barbaric art, a basket, I</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + From painted Britain came; but the Roman city + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Now calls the + painted Briton’s art their own.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The smaller + description of boats, other than galleys, employed by the Romans for + transporting their troops and supplies, were the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kiulæ</span></span>, + called by the Saxons <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">ceol</span></span> or <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ciol</span></span>, + which name has come down to us in the form of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keel</span></span>, and + is still applied to a description of barge used in the north of + England. Thus</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Weel may the + keel row,”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">says the song, and + on the <span class="tei tei-q">“coaly Tyne,”</span> a small barge + carrying twenty-one tons four hundredweight is said to carry a + <span class="tei tei-q">“keel”</span> of coals. The Romans must also + have possessed large transport vessels, for within seventy or eighty + years after they had gained a secure footing in this country, they + received a reinforcement of 5,000 men in seventeen ships, or about + 300 men, besides stores, to each vessel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Bede places the + final departure of the Romans from Britain in <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 75%">A.D.</span></span> 409, or + just before the siege of Rome by Attila. Our ancestors were now + rather worse off than before, for they were left a prey to the + Vikings—those bold, hardy, unscrupulous Scandinavian seamen of the + north, who began to make piratical visits for the sake of plunder to + the coasts of Scotland and England. They found their way to the + Mediterranean, and were known and feared in every port from Iceland + to Constantinople. Their galleys were propelled mainly by means of + oars, but they had also small square sails to get help from a stern + wind, and as they often sailed straight across the stormy northern + seas, it is probable that they had made considerable progress in the + rigging and handling of their ships. A plank-built boat was + discovered a few years since in Denmark, which the antiquaries assign + to the fifth century. It is a row-boat, measuring seventy-seven feet + from stem to stern, and proportionately broad in the middle. The + construction shows that there was an abundance of material and + skilled labour. It is alike at bow and stern, and the thirty rowlocks + are reversible, so as to permit the boat to be navigated with either + end forward. The vessel is built of heavy planks overlapping each + other from the gunwale to the keel, and cut thick at the point of + juncture, so that they may be mortised into the cross-beams and + gunwale, instead of being merely nailed. Very similar boats, light, + swift, and strong, are still used in the Shetlands and Norway.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Little is known of + the state of England from the departure of the Romans to the eighth + century. The doubtful and traditionary landing of Hengist and Horsa + with 1,500 men, <span class="tei tei-q">“in three long ships,”</span> + is hardly worth discussing here. The Venerable Bede, who wrote about + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">A.D.</span></span> 750, speaks of London as + <span class="tei tei-q">“the mart of many nations, resorting to it by + sea and land;”</span> and he continues that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“King Ethelbert built the church of St. Paul in the city + of London, where he and his successors should have their episcopal + see.”</span> But the history of this period generally is in a + hopeless fog. Still we know that London was now a thriving port. + Cæsar, in his <span class="tei tei-q">“Commentaries”</span> + distinctly states that his reason <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page264">[pg 264]</span><a name="Pg264" id="Pg264" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>for attempting the conquest of England was on + account of the vast supplies which his Gaulish enemies received from + us, in the way of trade. The exports were principally cattle, hides, + corn, dogs, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">slaves</span></span>, the latter an important + item. Strabo observes that <span class="tei tei-q">“our internal + parts at that time were on a level with the African slave + coasts.”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“Britons never shall be + slaves”</span> could not therefore have been said in those days. + London, long prior to the invasion of England by the Romans, was an + existing city, and vessels paid dues at Billingsgate long before the + establishment of any custom-house. Pennant tells us, in his famous + work on London, <span class="tei tei-q">“As early as 979, all the + reign of Ethelred, a small vessel was to pay <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ad + Bilynggesgate</span></span> one halfpenny as a toll; a greater, + bearing sails, one penny; a keel or hulk (<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ceol vel + hulcus</span></span>), fourpence; a ship laden with wood, one piece + for toll; and a boat with fish, one halfpenny; or a larger, one + penny. We had even now trade with France for its wines, for mention + is made of ships from Rouen, who came here and landed them, and freed + them from toll—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">i.e.</span></span>, paid their duties. What they + amounted to I cannot learn.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Danes, having + once a foot-hold, were never thoroughly expelled till the Norman + conquest, and as a maritime race excelled all the nations of the + north of Europe. They had two principal classes of vessels, the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Drakers</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Holkers</span></span>, + the former named from carrying a dragon on the bows, and bearing the + Danish flag of the raven. The holker was at first a small boat, + hollowed out of the trunk of a tree, but the word <span class= + "tei tei-q">“hulk,”</span> evidently derived from it, was used + afterwards for vessels of larger dimensions. They had also another + vessel called a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Snekkar</span></span> (serpent), strangely so + named, for it was rather a short, stumpy kind of boat, not unlike the + Dutch galliots of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Their + piratical expeditions soon increased, and Wales and the island of + Anglesey were frequently pillaged by them, while in Ireland they + possessed the ports of Dublin, Waterford, and Cork, a Danish king + reigning in the two first cities. But a king was to arise who would + change all this—Alfred the Great and Good, the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Father of the British Navy.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the accession + of Alfred the Great to the throne, he found England so over-run by + the Danes, that he had, as every school-boy knows, to conceal himself + with a few faithful followers in the forests. In his retirement he + busied himself in devising schemes for ridding his country of the + pirate marauders; and without much deliberation he saw that he must + first have a maritime force of his own, and meet the enemies of + England on the sea, which they considered their own especial element. + He set himself busily to study the models of the Danish ships, and, + aided by his hardy followers, stirred up a spirit of maritime + ambition, which had not existed to any great extent before. At the + end of four years of unremitting labour in the prosecution of his + schemes, he possessed the nucleus of a fleet in six galleys, which + were double the length of any possessed by his adversaries, and which + carried sixty oars, and possessed ample space for the fighting men on + board. With this fleet he put to sea, taking the command in person, + and routed a marauding expedition of the Danes, then about to make a + descent on the coast. The force was larger than his own; but he + succeeded in capturing one and in driving off the rest. In the course + of the next year or two he captured or sunk eighteen of the enemy’s + galleys, and they found at last that they could not have it all their + own way on the sea. About this <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page265">[pg 265]</span><a name="Pg265" id="Pg265" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>time the cares of government occupied + necessarily much of his time: his astute policy was to win over a + number of the more friendly Danes to his cause, by giving them grants + of land, and obliging them in return to assist in driving off + aggressors. He was nearly the first native of England who made any + efforts to extend the study of geography. According to the Saxon + chronicler, Florence of Worcester, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 75%">A.D.</span></span> 897, he + consulted Ohther, a learned Norwegian, and other authorities, from + whom he obtained much information respecting the northern seas. + Ohther had not only coasted along the shores of Norway, but had + rounded the North Cape—it was a feat in those days, gentle reader, + but now Cook’s tourists do it—and had reached the bay in which + Archangel is situated. The ancient geographer gave Alfred vivid + descriptions of the gigantic whales, and of the innumerable seals he + had observed, not forgetting the terrible mäelstrom, the dangers of + which he did not under-rate, and which it was generally believed in + those days was caused by a horribly vicious old sea-dragon, who + sucked the vessels under. He compared the natives to the Scythians of + old, and was rather severe on them, as they brewed no ale, the poor + drinking honey-mead in its stead, and the rich a liquor distilled + from goats’ milk. Alfred not merely sent vessels to the north on + voyages of discovery, but opened communication with the + Mediterranean, his galleys penetrating to the extreme east of the + Levant, whereby he was enabled to carry on a direct trade with India. + William of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page266">[pg + 266]</span><a name="Pg266" id="Pg266" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Malmesbury mentions the silks, shawls, incense, + spices, and aromatic gums which Alfred received from the Malabar + coast in return for presents sent to the Nestorian Christians. Alfred + constantly and steadily encouraged the science of navigation, and + certainly earned the right of the proud title he has borne since of + <span class="tei tei-q">“Father of the British + Navy.”</span></p><a name="figapprofth" id="figapprofth" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_305.png" alt="APPROACH OF THE DANISH FLEET" + title="APPROACH OF THE DANISH FLEET." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + APPROACH OF THE DANISH FLEET. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Time passes and we + come to Canute. On his accession to the throne as the son of a Danish + conqueror, he practically put an end to the incursions and attacks of + the northern pirates. The influence of his name was so great that he + found it unnecessary to maintain more than forty ships at sea, and + the number was subsequently reduced. So far from entertaining any + fear of revolt from the English, or of any raid on his shores, he + made frequent voyages to the Continent as well as to the north. He + once proceeded as far as Rome, where he met the Emperor Conrad. II., + from whom he obtained for all his subjects, whether merchants or + pilgrims, complete exemption from the heavy tolls usually exacted on + their former visits to that city. Canute was a cosmopolitan. By his + conquest of Norway, not merely did he represent the English whom he + had subjugated, and who had become attached to him, but the Danes, + their constant and inveterate foes and rivals. He thus united under + one sovereignty the principal maritime nations of the north.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And still the + writer exerts the privilege conceded to all who wield the pen, of + passing quickly over the pages of history. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The stories,”</span> says a writer<a id="noteref_130" + name="noteref_130" href="#note_130"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">130</span></span></a> who + made maritime subjects a peculiar study, <span class="tei tei-q">“as + to the number of vessels under the order of the Conqueror on his + memorable expedition are very conflicting. Some writers have asserted + that the total number amounted to no less than 3,000, of which six or + seven hundred were of a superior order, the remainder consisting of + boats temporarily built, and of the most fragile description. Others + place the whole fleet at not more than 800 vessels of all sizes, and + this number is more likely to be nearest the truth. There are now no + means of ascertaining their size, but their form may be conjectured + from the representation of these vessels on the rolls of the famous + Bayeux tapestry. It is said that when William meditated his descent + on England he ordered <span class="tei tei-q">‘large ships’</span> to + be constructed for that purpose at his seaports, collecting, wherever + these could be found, smaller vessels or boats, to accompany them. + But even the largest must have been of little value, as the whole + fleet were by his orders burned and destroyed, as soon as he landed + with his army, so as to cut off all retreat, and to save the expense + of their maintenance.”</span> This would indicate that the sailors + had to fight ashore, and may possibly have been intended to spur on + his army to victory. Freeman states, in his <span class= + "tei tei-q">“History of the Norman Conquest,”</span> that he finds + the largest number of ships in the Conqueror’s expedition, as + compiled from the most reliable authorities, was 3,000, but some + accounts put it as low as 693. Most of the ships were presents from + the prelates or great barons. William FitzOsborn gave 60, the Count + de Mortaine, 120; the Bishop of Bayeux, 100; and the finest of all, + that in which William himself embarked, was presented to him by his + own duchess, Matilda, and named the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Mora</span></span>. + Norman writers of the time state that the vessels were not much to + boast of, as they were all collected between the beginning of January + and the end of August, 1066. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page267">[pg 267]</span><a name="Pg267" id="Pg267" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Lindsay, who thoroughly investigated the + subject, says that <span class="tei tei-q">“The Norman merchant + vessels or transports were in length about three times their breadth, + and were sometimes propelled by oars, but generally by sails; their + galleys appear to have been of two sorts—the larger, occasionally + called galleons, carrying in some instances sixty men, well armed + with iron armour, besides their oars. The smaller galleys, which are + not specially described, doubtless resembled ships’ launches in size, + but of a form enabling them to be propelled at a considerable rate of + speed.”</span> Boats covered with leather were even employed on the + perilous Channel voyage.</p><a name="figshipofwi" id="figshipofwi" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_308.png" alt="SHIPS OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR" + title= + "SHIPS OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR. (From the Bayeux Tapestry.)" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + SHIPS OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR. (<span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">From the + Bayeux Tapestry.</span></span>) + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Conqueror soon + added to the security of the country by the establishment of the + Cinque Ports, which, as their title denotes, were at first five, but + were afterwards increased in number so as to include the following + seaports:—Dover, Sandwich, Hythe, and Romsey, in Kent; and Rye, + Winchelsea, Hastings, and Seaford, in Sussex. On their first + establishment they were to provide fifty-two ships, with twenty-four + men on each, for fifteen days each year, in case of emergency. In + return they had many privileges, a part of which are enjoyed by them + to-day. Their freemen were styled barons; each of the ports returned + two members of Parliament. An officer was appointed over them, who + was <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports,”</span> + and also Constable of Dover Castle.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For more than a hundred years after the + Conquest,”</span> says the writer just quoted, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“England’s ships had rarely ventured beyond the Bay of + Biscay on the one hand, and the entrance to the Baltic on the other; + and there is no special record of long voyages by English ships until + the time of the Crusades; which, whatever they might have done for + the cause of the Cross, undoubtedly gave the first impetus to the + shipping of the country. The number of rich and powerful princes and + nobles who embarked their fortunes in these extraordinary expeditions + offered the chance of lucrative employment to any nation which could + supply the requisite amount of tonnage, and English shipowners very + naturally made great exertions to reap a share of the gains.”</span> + One of the first English noblemen who fitted out an expedition to the + Holy Land was the Earl of Essex; and twelve years afterwards, Richard + Cœur de Lion, on ascending the throne, made vast levies on the people + for the same object, joining Philip II. and other princes for the + purpose of raising the Cross above the Crescent. Towards the close of + 1189 two fleets had been collected, one at Dover, to convey Richard + and his followers (among whom were the Archbishop of Canterbury, the + Bishop of Salisbury, and the Lord Chief Justice of England) across + the Channel, and a second and still larger fleet at Dartmouth, + composed of numbers of vessels from Aquitaine, Brittany, Normandy, + and Poitou, for the conveyance of the great bulk of the Crusaders, to + join Richard at Marseilles, whither he had gone overland with the + French king and his other allies. The Dartmouth fleet, under the + command of Richard de Camville and Robert de Sabloil, set sail about + the end of April, 1190. It had a disastrous voyage, but at length + reached Lisbon, where the Crusaders behaved so badly, and committed + so many outrages, that 700 were locked up. After some delay, they + sailed up the Mediterranean, reaching Marseilles, where they had to + stop some time to repair their unseaworthy ships, and then followed + the king to the Straits of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page268">[pg + 268]</span><a name="Pg268" id="Pg268" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Messina, where the fleets combined. It was not + till seven months later that the fleet got under weigh for the Holy + Land. It numbered 100 ships of larger kind, and fourteen smaller + vessels called <span class="tei tei-q">“busses.”</span> Each of the + former carried, besides her crew of fifteen sailors, forty soldiers, + forty horses, and provisions for a twelvemonth. Vinisauf, who makes + the fleet much larger, mentions that it proceeded in the following + order:—three large ships formed the van; the second line consisted of + thirteen vessels, the lines expanding to the seventh, which consisted + of sixty vessels, and immediately preceded the king and his ships. On + their way they fell in with a very large ship belonging to the + Saracens, manned by 1,500 men, and after a desperate engagement took + her. Richard ordered that all but 200 of those not killed in the + action should be thrown overboard, and thus 1,300 infidels were + sacrificed at one blow. Off Etna, Sicily, they experienced a terrific + gale, and the crew got <span class="tei tei-q">“sea-sick and + frightened;”</span> and off the island of Cyprus they were assailed + by another storm, in which three ships were lost, and the + Vice-Chancellor of England was drowned, his body being washed ashore + with the Great Seal of England hanging round his neck. Richard did + not return to England till after the capture of Acre, and the truce + with Saladin; he landed at Sandwich, as nearly as may be, four years + from the date of his start. As this is neither a history of England, + nor of the Crusades, excepting only as either are connected with the + sea, we must pass on to a subject of some importance, which was the + direct result of experience gained at this period.</p><a name= + "figcrusansa" id="figcrusansa" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_309.jpg" alt="CRUSADERS AND SARACENS" title= + "CRUSADERS AND SARACENS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + CRUSADERS AND SARACENS. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The foundation of + a maritime code, by an ordinance of Richard Cœur de Lion, a most + important step in the history of merchant shipping, was due to the + knowledge acquired by English pilgrims, traders, and seamen at the + time of the Crusades. The first code was founded on a similar set of + rules then existing in France, known as the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rôles + d’Oleron</span></span>, and some of the articles show how loose had + been the conditions of the sailor’s life previously. The first + article gave a master power to pledge the tackle of a ship, if in + want of provisions for the crew, but forbad the sale of the hull + without the owner’s permission. The captain’s position, as lord + paramount on board, was defined; no one, not even part-owners or + super-cargoes, must interfere; he was expected to understand + thoroughly the art of navigation. The second article declared that if + a vessel was held in port through failure of wind or stress of + weather, the ship’s company should be guided <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page270">[pg 270]</span><a name="Pg270" id="Pg270" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>as to the best course to adopt by the opinion of + the majority. Two succeeding articles related to wrecks and salvage. + The fifth article provided that no sailor in port should leave the + vessel without the master’s consent; if he did so, and any harm + resulted to the ship or cargo, he should be punished with a year’s + imprisonment, on bread and water. He might also be flogged. If he + deserted altogether and was retaken, he might be branded on the face + with a red-hot iron, although allowance was made for such as ran away + from their ships through ill-usage. Sailors could also be compensated + for unjust discharge without cause. Succeeding clauses refer to the + moral conduct of the sailor, forbidding drunkenness, fighting, + &c. Article 12 provided that if any mariner should give the lie + to another at a table where there was wine and bread, he should be + fined four <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">deniers</span></span>; and the master himself + offending in the same way should be liable to a double fine. If any + sailor should impudently contradict the mate, he might be fined eight + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">deniers</span></span>; and if the master struck + him with his fist or open hand he was required to bear the stroke, + but if struck more than once he was entitled to defend himself. If + the sailor committed the first assault he was to be fined 100 + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sous</span></span>, or else his hand was to be + chopped off. The master was required by another rule not to give his + crew cause for mutiny, nor call them names, nor wrong them, nor + <span class="tei tei-q">“keep anything from them that is theirs, but + to use them well, and pay them honestly what is their due.”</span> + Another clause provided that the sailor might always have the option + of going on shares or wages, and the master was to put the matter + fairly before them. The 17th clause related to food. The hardy + sailors of Brittany were to have only one meal a day from the + kitchen, while the lucky ones of Normandy were to have two. When the + ship arrived at a wine country the master was bound to provide the + crew with wine. Sailors were elsewhere forbidden to take <span class= + "tei tei-q">“royal”</span> fish, such as the sturgeon, salmon, + turbot, and sea-barbel, or to take on their own account fish which + yield oil. These are a part only of the clauses; many others + referring to matters connected with rigging, masts, anchorages, + pilotage, and other technical points. In bad pilotage the navigator + who brought mishap on the ship was liable to lose his head. The + general tenor of the first code is excellent, and the rules were laid + down with an evident spirit of fairness alike to the owner and + sailor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The subject of + <span class="tei tei-q">“Letters of Marque”</span> might occupy an + entire volume, and will recur again in these pages; They were in + reality nothing more than privileges granted for purposes of + retaliation-legalised piracy. They were first issued by Edward I., + and the very first related to an outrage committed by Portuguese on + an English subject. A merchant of Bayonne, at the time a port + belonging to England, in Gascony, had shipped a cargo of fruit from + Malaga, which, on its voyage along the coast of Portugal, was seized + and carried into Lisbon by an armed cruiser belonging to that + country, then at peace with England. The King of Portugal, who had + received one-tenth part of the cargo, declined to restore the ship or + lading, whereupon the owner and his heirs received a licence, to + remain in force five years, to seize the property of the Portuguese, + and especially that of the inhabitants of Lisbon, to the extent of + the loss sustained, the expenses of recovery being allowed. How far + the merchant of Bayonne recouped himself, history sayeth not.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A little later a + most important mercantile trade came into existence—that in coal. + From archæological remains and discoveries it is certain that the + Romans excavated coal <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page271">[pg + 271]</span><a name="Pg271" id="Pg271" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>during their reign on this island; but it was + not till the reign of Edward III. that the first opening of the great + Newcastle coal-fields took place, although as early as 1253 there was + a lane at the back of Newgate called <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sea-coal Lane.”</span> As in many other instances, even + in our own days, the value of the discovery seems to have been more + appreciated by foreigners than by the people of this country, and for + a considerable time after it had been found, the combustion of coal + was considered to be so unhealthy that a royal edict forbad its use + in the city of London, while the queen resided there, in case it + might prove <span class="tei tei-q">“pernicious to her + health.”</span> At the same time, while England laid her veto on the + use of that very article which has since made her, or helped to make + her, the most famous commercial nation of the world, France sent her + ships laden with corn to Newcastle, carrying back coal in return, her + merchants being the first to supply this new great article of + commerce to foreign countries. In the reign of Henry V. the trade had + become of such importance that a special Act was passed providing for + the admeasurement of ships and barges employed in the coal trade.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">King John stoutly + claimed for England the sovereignty of the sea—he was not always so + firm and decided—and decreed that all foreign ships, the masters of + which should refuse to strike their colours to the British flag, + should be seized and deemed good and lawful prizes. This monarch is + stated to have fitted out no less than 500 ships, under the Earl of + Salisbury, in the year 1213, against a fleet of ships three times + that number, organised by Philip of France, for the invasion of + England. After a stubborn battle, the English were successful, taking + 300 sail, and driving more than 100 ashore, Philip being under the + necessity of destroying the remainder to prevent them falling into + the hands of their enemies. Some notion may be gained of the kinds of + ships of which these fleets were composed, by the account that is + narrated of an action fought in the following reign with the French, + who, with eighty <span class="tei tei-q">“stout ships,”</span> + threatened the coast of Kent. This fleet being discovered by Hubert + de Burgh, governor of Dover Castle, he put to sea with half the + number of English vessels, and having got to the windward of the + enemy, and run down many of the smaller ships, he closed with the + rest, and threw on board them a quantity of quick-lime—a novel + expedient in warfare—which so blinded the crews that their vessels + were either captured or sunk. The dominion of the sea was bravely + maintained by our Edwards and Henrys in many glorious sea-fights. The + temper of the times is strongly exemplified by the following + circumstance. In the reign of Edward I. an English sailor was killed + in a Norman port, in consequence of which war was declared by England + against France, and the two nations agreed to decide the dispute on a + certain day, with the whole of their respective naval forces. The + spot of battle was to be the middle of the Channel, marked out by + anchoring there an empty ship. This strange duel of nations actually + took place, for the two fleets met on April 14th, 1293, when the + English obtained the victory, and carried off in triumph 250 vessels + from the enemy. In an action off the harbour of Sluys with the French + fleet, Edward III. is said to have slain 30,000 of the enemy, and to + have taken 200 large ships, <span class="tei tei-q">“in one of which + only, there were 400 dead bodies.”</span> The same monarch, at the + siege of Calais, is stated to have blockaded that port with 730 sail, + having on board 14,956 mariners. The size of the vessels employed + must have been rapidly enlarging.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page272">[pg 272]</span><a name="Pg272" id="Pg272" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="figduelbefr" id="figduelbefr" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_312.png" alt= + "DUEL BETWEEN FRENCH AND ENGLISH SHIPS" title= + "DUEL BETWEEN FRENCH AND ENGLISH SHIPS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + DUEL BETWEEN FRENCH AND ENGLISH SHIPS. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Chaucer gives us a + graphic description of the British sailor of the fourteenth century + in his Prologue to the <span class="tei tei-q">“Canterbury + Tales,”</span> It runs as follows:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“A schipman was + ther, wonyng fer by Weste:</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + For ought I woot, he was of Dertemouthe, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + He rood upon a rouncy, as he couthe, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + In a goun of faldying to the kne. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + A dagger hangyng on a laas hadde he + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Aboute his nekke under his arm adoun. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The hoote somer had maad his hew al broun; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And certainly he was a good felawe. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Ful many a draught of wyn had he drawe + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + From Burdeux-ward, whil that the chapman sleep. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of nyce conscience took he no keep. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + If that he foughte, and hadde the heigher hand, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + By water he sent hem hoom to every land. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + But of his craft to rikne wel the tydes, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + His stremes and his dangers him bisides, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + His herbergh and his mane his lode menage, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Ther was non such from Hulle to Cartage. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Hardy he was, and wys to undertake; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + With many a tempest hadde his berd ben schake. + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page273">[pg 273]</span><a name= + "Pg273" id="Pg273" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + He knew well alle the havens, as thei were, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + From Scotland to the Cape of Fynestere, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And every cryk in Bretayne and in Spayne, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">His barge + y-cleped was the <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Magdelayne</span></span>.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the reign of + Henry V., the most glorious period up to that time of the British + Navy, the French lost nearly all their navy to us at various times; + among other victories, Henry Page, Admiral of the Cinque Ports, + captured 120 merchantmen forming the Rochelle fleet, and all richly + laden. Towards the close of this reign, about the year 1416, England + formally claimed the dominion of the sea, and a Parliamentary + document recorded the fact. <span class="tei tei-q">“It was never + absolute,”</span> says Sir Walter Raleigh, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“until the time of Henry VIII.”</span> That great voyager + and statesman adds that, <span class="tei tei-q">“Whoever commands + the sea, commands the trade of the world; whosoever commands the + trade, commands the riches of the world, and consequently the world + itself.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A curious poem is + included in the first volume of Hakluyt’s famous collection of + voyages, bearing reference to the navy of Henry. It is entitled, + <span class="tei tei-q">“The English Policie, exhorting all England + to keep the Sea,”</span> &c. It was written apparently about the + year 1435. It is a long poem, and the following is an extract + merely:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“And if I should + conclude all by the King,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Henrie the Fift, what was his purposing, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Whan at Hampton he made the great <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">dromons</span></span>, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Which passed other great ships of the Commons; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Trinitie</span></span>, the <span class= + "tei tei-name" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Grace de Dieu</span></span>, the + <span class="tei tei-name" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Holy Ghost</span></span>, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And other moe, which as nowe be lost. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + What hope ye was the king’s great intente + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of thoo shippes, and what in mind be meant: + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + It is not ellis, but that <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: left"><span style="font-style: italic">he cast to + bee</span></span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Lord round about environ of the see. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And if he had to this time lived here, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + He had been Prince named withouten pere: + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + His great ships should have been put in preefes, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Unto the ende that he ment of in chiefes. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + For doubt it not but that he would have bee + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Lord and Master about the rand see: + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And kept it sure, to stoppe our ennemies hence, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And wonne us good, and wisely brought it thence, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + That our passage should be without danger, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">And his license + on see to move and sterre.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the king had + determined, in 1415, to land an army in France, he hired ships from + Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, his own naval means not being + sufficient for the transport; among his other preparations, + <span class="tei tei-q">“requisite for so high an enterprise,”</span> + boats covered with leather, for the passage of rivers, are mentioned. + His fleet consisted of 1,000 sail, and it left Southampton on Sunday, + the 11th of August, of the above-mentioned year. When the ships had + passed the Isle of Wight, <span class="tei tei-q">“swans were seen + swimming in the midst of the fleet, which was hailed as a happy + auspice.”</span> Henry anchored on the following Tuesday at the mouth + of the Seine, about three miles from Harfleur. A council <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page274">[pg 274]</span><a name="Pg274" id="Pg274" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the captains was summoned, and an order + issued that no one, under pain of death, should land before the king, + but that all should be in readiness to go ashore the next morning. + This was done, and the bulk of the army, stated to have comprised + 24,000 archers, and 6,000 men of arms, was landed in small vessels, + boats, and skiffs, taking up a position on the hill nearest to + Harfleur. The moment Henry landed he fell on his knees and implored + the Divine aid and protection to lead him on to victory, then + conferring knighthood on many of his followers. At the entrance of + the port a chain had been stretched between two large, well-armed + towers, while it was farther protected by stakes and trunks of trees + to prevent the vessels from approaching. During the siege, which + lasted thirty-six days, the fleet blockaded the port, and at its + conclusion Henry, flushed with a victory, which is said to have cost + the English only 1,600 and the enemy 10,000 lives, determined to + march his army through France to Calais. It was on this march that he + won the glorious battle of Agincourt. On the 16th of November he + embarked for Dover, reaching that port the same day. Here a + magnificent ovation awaited him. The burgesses rushed into the sea + and bore him ashore on their shoulders; the whole population was + intoxicated with delight. One chronicler states that the passage + across had been extremely boisterous, and that the French noblemen + suffered so much from sea-sickness that they considered the trip + worse than the very battles themselves in which they had been taken + prisoners! When Henry arrived near London, a great concourse of + people met him at Blackheath, and he, <span class="tei tei-q">“as one + remembering from whom all victories are sent,”</span> would not allow + his helmet to be carried before him, whereon the people might have + seen the blows and dents that he had received; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“neither would he suffer any ditties to be made and sung + by minstrels of his glorious victory, for that he would have the + praise and thanks altogether given to God.”</span></p><a name= + "figreveofth" id="figreveofth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_314.png" alt= + "REVERSE OF THE SEAL OF SANDWICH" title= + "REVERSE OF THE SEAL OF SANDWICH." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + REVERSE OF THE SEAL OF SANDWICH. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next year the + French attempted to retake Harfleur. Henry sent a fleet of 400 sail + to the rescue, under his brother John, Duke of Bedford, the upshot + being that almost the whole French fleet, to the number of 500 ships, + hulks, carracks, and small vessels were taken or sunk. The English + vessels remained becalmed in the roadstead for three weeks + afterwards. Southey, who has collated all the best authorities in his + admirable naval work,<a id="noteref_131" name="noteref_131" href= + "#note_131"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">131</span></span></a> + says:—<span class="tei tei-q">“The bodies which had been thrown + overboard in the action, or sunk in the enemies’ ships, rose and + floated about them in great numbers; and the English may have deemed + it a relief from the contemplation of that ghastly sight, to be kept + upon the alert by some galleys, which taking advantage of the calm, + ventured as near them as they dare by day and night, and endeavoured + to burn the ships with wildfire.”</span> He adds that the first + mention of wildfire he had found is by Hardyng, one of the earliest + of our poets, in the following passage referring to this event:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“With oars many + about us did they wind,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + With wildfire oft assayled us day and night, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">To brenne our + ships in that they could or might.”</span> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page275">[pg 275]</span><a name= + "Pg275" id="Pg275" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next year we read + of Henry preparing to again attack France. The enemy had increased + their naval force by hiring a number of Genoese and other Italian + vessels. The king sent a preliminary force against them under his + kinsman, the Earl of Huntingdon, who, near the mouth of the Seine, + succeeded in sinking three and capturing three of the great Genoese + carracks, taking the Admiral Jacques, the Bastard of Bourbon, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and as much money as would have been half a + year’s pay for the whole fleet.”</span> These prizes were brought to + Southampton, <span class="tei tei-q">“from whence the king shortly + set forth with a fleet of 1,500 ships, the sails of his own vessel + being of purple silk, richly embroidered with gold.”</span> The + remainder of Henry’s brief reign—for he died the same year—is but the + history of a series of successes over his enemies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It must never be + forgotten that the navies of our early history were not permanently + organised, but drawn from all sources. A noble, a city or port, + voluntarily or otherwise, contributed according to the exigencies of + the occasion. As we shall see, it is to Henry VIII. that we owe the + establishment of a Royal Navy as a permanent institution. In 1546 + King Henry’s vessels are classified according to their <span class= + "tei tei-q">“quality,”</span> thus: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“ships,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“galleases,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“pynaces,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“roe-barges.”</span> A list bearing date in 1612 exhibits + the classes as follows:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Shipps + royal,”</span> measuring downwards from 1,200 to 800 tons; + <span class="tei tei-q">“middling shipps,”</span> from 800 to 600 + tons; <span class="tei tei-q">“small shipps,”</span> 350 tons; and + pinnaces, from 200 to 80 tons. According to the old definition, a + ship was defined to be a <span class="tei tei-q">“large hollow + building, made to pass over the seas with sails,”</span> without + reference to size or quality. Before the days of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Great + Harry</span></span>, few, if any, English ships had more than one + mast or one sail; that ship had three masts, and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Henri Grace de + Dieu</span></span>, which supplanted her, four. The galleas was + probably a long, low, and sharp-built vessel, propelled by oars as + well as by sails; the latter probably not fixed to the mast or any + standing yard, but hoisted from the deck when required to be used, as + in the lugger or felucca of modern days. The pinnace was a smaller + description of galleas, while the row-barge is sufficiently explained + by its title.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The history of the + period following the reign of Henry V. has much to do with shipping + interests of all kinds. The constant wars and turbulent times gave + great opportunity for piracy in the Channel and on the high seas. + Thus we read of Hannequin Leeuw, an outlaw from Ghent, who had so + prospered in piratical enterprises that he got together a squadron of + eight or ten vessels, well armed and stored. He not only infested the + coast of Flanders, and Holland, and the English Channel, but scoured + the coasts of Spain as far as Gibraltar, making impartial war on any + or all nations, and styling himself the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Friend of God, and the enemy of all mankind.”</span> + This pirate escaped the vengeance of man, but at length was punished + by the elements: the greater part of his people perished in a storm, + and Hannequin Leeuw disappeared from the scene. Shortly afterwards we + find the Hollanders and Zeelanders uniting their forces against the + Easterling pirates, then infesting the seas, and taking twenty of + their ships. <span class="tei tei-q">“This action,”</span> says + Southey, <span class="tei tei-q">“was more important in its + consequences than in itself; it made the two provinces sensible, for + the first time, of their maritime strength, and gave a new impulse to + that spirit of maritime adventure which they had recently begun to + manifest.”</span> Previously a voyage to Spain had been regarded as + so perilous, that <span class="tei tei-q">“whoever undertook it + settled his <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page276">[pg + 276]</span><a name="Pg276" id="Pg276" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>worldly and his spiritual affairs as if + preparing for death, before he set forth,”</span> while now they + opened up a brisk trade with that country and Portugal. Till now they + had been compelled to bear the insults and injuries of the + Easterlings without combined attempt at defence; now they retaliated, + captured one of their admirals on the coast of Norway, and hoisted a + besom at the mast-head in token that they had swept the seas clean + from their pirate enemies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, in turn, + some of them became pirates themselves, more particularly Hendrick + van Borselen, Lord of Veere, who assembled all the outlaws he could + gather, and committed such depredations, that he was enabled to add + greatly to his possessions in Walcheren, by the purchase of + confiscated estates. He received others as grants from his own duke, + who feared him, and thought it prudent at any cost to retain, at + least in nominal obedience, one who might render himself so obnoxious + an enemy. <span class="tei tei-q">“This did not prevent the + admiral—for he held that rank under the duke—from infesting the coast + of Flanders, carrying off cattle from Cadsant, and selling them + publicly in Zeeland. His excuse was that the terrible character of + his men compelled him to act as he did; and the duke admitted the + exculpation, being fain to overlook outrages which he could neither + prevent nor punish.”</span> A statute of the reign of Henry VI. sets + forth the robberies committed upon the poor merchants of this realm, + not merely on the sea, but even in the rivers and ports of Britain, + and how not merely they lost their goods, but their persons also were + taken and imprisoned. Nor was this all, for <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the king’s poor subjects dwelling nigh the sea-coasts + were taken out of their own houses, with their chattels and children, + and carried by the enemies where it pleased them.”</span> In + consequence, the Commons begged that an armament might be provided + and maintained on the sea, which was conceded, and for a time piracy + on English subjects was partially quashed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meantime, we had + pirates of our own. Warwick, the king-maker, was unscrupulous in all + points, and cared nothing for the lawfulness of the captures which he + could make on the high seas. For example, when he left England for + the purpose of securing Calais (then belonging to England) and the + fleet for the House of York, he having fourteen well-appointed + vessels, fell in with a fleet of Spaniards and Genoese. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“There was a very sore and long continued battle fought + betwixt them,”</span> lasting almost two days. The English lost a + hundred men; one account speaks of the Spanish and Genoese loss at + 1,000 men killed, and another of six-and-twenty vessels sunk or put + to flight. It is certain that three of the largest vessels were taken + into Calais, laden with wine, oil, iron, wax, cloth of gold, and + other riches, in all amounting in value to no less than £10,000. The + earl was a favourite with the sailors, probably for the license he + gave them; when the Duke of Somerset was appointed by the king’s + party to the command of Calais, from which he was effectually shut + out by Warwick, they carried off some of his ships and deserted with + them to the latter. Not long after, when reinforcements were lying at + Sandwich waiting to cross the Channel to Somerset’s aid, March and + Warwick borrowed £18,000 from merchants, and dispatched John Dynham + on a piratical expedition. He landed at Sandwich, surprised the town, + took Lord Rivers and his son in their beds, robbed houses, took the + principal ships of the king’s navy, and carried them off, well + furnished as they were with ordnance and artillery. For a time + Warwick carried all before him, but not a few <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page277">[pg 277]</span><a name="Pg277" id="Pg277" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of his actions were most unmitigated + specimens of piracy, on nations little concerned with the Houses of + York and Lancaster, their quarrels or wars.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But as this is not + intended to be even a sketch of the history of England, let us pass + to the commencement of the reign of Henry VII., when the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“great minishment and decay of the navy, and the idleness + of the mariners,”</span> were represented to his first Parliament, + and led to certain enactments in regard to the use of foreign + bottoms. The wines of Southern France were forbidden to be imported + hither in any but English, Irish, or Welsh ships, manned by English, + Irish, or Welsh sailors. This Act was repeated in the fourth year of + Henry’s reign, and made to include other articles, while it was then + forbidden to freight an alien ship from or to England with + <span class="tei tei-q">“any manner of merchandise,”</span> if + sufficient freight were to be had in English vessels, on pain of + forfeiture, one-half to the king, the other to the seizers. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Henry,”</span> says Lord Bacon, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“being a king that loved wealth, and treasure, he could + not endure to have trade sick, nor any obstruction to continue in the + gate-vein which disperseth that blood.”</span> How well he loved + riches is proved by the fact that when a speedy and not altogether + creditable peace was established between England and France, and the + indemnity had been paid by the latter, the money went into the king’s + private coffers; those who had impoverished themselves in his + service, or had contributed to the general outfit by the forced + <span class="tei tei-q">“<a name="corr277" id="corr277" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">benevolence,</span>”</span> were left out in the cold. + From Calais Henry <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page278">[pg + 278]</span><a name="Pg278" id="Pg278" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>wrote letters to the Lord Mayor and aldermen + (<span class="tei tei-q">“which was a courtesy,”</span> says Lord + Bacon, <span class="tei tei-q">“that he sometimes used), half + bragging what great sums he had obtained for the peace, as knowing + well that it was ever good news in London that the king’s coffers + were full; better news it would have been if their benevolence had + been but a loan.”</span></p><a name="figsir_anwo" id="figsir_anwo" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_317.png" alt="SIR ANDREW WOOD’S VICTORY" + title="SIR ANDREW WOOD’S VICTORY." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + SIR ANDREW WOOD’S VICTORY. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Scotch historians + tell us that Sir Andrew Wood, of Largo, Scotland, had with his two + vessels, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Flower</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Yellow + Carvel</span></span>, captured five chosen vessels of the royal navy, + which had infested the Firth of Forth, and had taken many prizes from + the Scotch previously, during this reign. Henry VII. was greatly + mortified by this defeat, and offered to put any means at the + disposal of the officer who would undertake this service, and great + rewards if Wood were brought to him alive or dead. All hesitated, + such was the renown of Wood, and his strength in men and artillery, + and maritime and military skill. At length, Sir Stephen Bull, a man + of distinguished prowess, offered himself, and three ships were + placed under his command, with which he sailed for the Forth, and + anchored behind the Isle of May, waiting Wood’s return from a foreign + voyage. Some fishermen were captured and detained, in order that they + should point out Sir Andrew’s ships when they arrived. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was early in the morning when the action began; the + Scots, by their skilful manœuvring, obtained the weather-gage, and + the battle continued in sight of innumerable spectators who thronged + the coast, till darkness suspended it. It was renewed at day-break; + the ships grappled; and both parties were so intent upon the + struggle, that the tide carried them into the mouth of the Tay, into + such shoal water that the English, seeing no means of extricating + themselves, surrendered. Sir Andrew brought his prizes to Dundee; the + wounded were carefully attended there; and James, with royal + magnanimity is said to have sent both prisoners and ships to Henry, + praising the courage which they had displayed, and saying that the + contest was for honour, not for booty.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Few naval + incidents occurred under the reign of Henry VII., but it belongs, + nevertheless, to the most important age of maritime discovery. Henry + had really assented to the propositions of Columbus after Portugal + had refused them; had not the latter’s brother, Bartholomew, been + captured by pirates on his way to England, and detained as a slave at + the oar, the Spaniards would not have had the honour of discovering + the New World. This, and the grand discoveries of Cabot (directly + encouraged by Henry), who reached Newfoundland and Florida; the + various expeditions down the African coast instituted by Dom John; + the discovery of the Cape and new route to India by Diaz and Vasco de + Gama; the discovery of the Pacific by Balboa, and Cape Horn and the + Straits by Magellan, will be detailed in another section of this + work. They belong to this and immediately succeeding reigns, and mark + the grandest epoch in the history of geographical discovery.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The use of fire-arms,”</span> says Southey, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“without which the conquests of the Spaniards in the New + World must have been impossible, changed the character of naval war + sooner than it did the system of naval tactics, though they were + employed earlier by land than by sea.”</span> It is doubtful when + cannon was first employed at sea; one authority<a id="noteref_132" + name="noteref_132" href="#note_132"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">132</span></span></a> says + that it was by the Venetians against the Genoese, before 1330. Their + use necessitated <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page279">[pg + 279]</span><a name="Pg279" id="Pg279" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>very + material alterations in the structure of war-ships. The first + port-holes are believed to have been contrived by a ship-builder at + Brest, named Descharges, and their introduction took place in 1499. + They were <span class="tei tei-q">“circular holes, cut through the + sides of the vessel, and so small as scarcely to admit of the guns + being traversed in the smallest degree, or fired otherwise than + straightforward.”</span> Hitherto there had been no distinctions + between the vessels used in commerce and in the king’s service; the + former being constantly employed for the latter; but now we find the + addition of another tier, and a general enlargement of the + war-vessels. Still, when any emergency required, merchant vessels, + not merely English, but Genoese, Venetian, and from the Hanse Towns, + were constantly hired for warfare. So during peace the king’s ships + were sometimes employed in trade, or freighted to merchants. Henry + was very desirous of increasing and maintaining commercial relations + with other countries. In the commission to one of his ambassadors, he + says, <span class="tei tei-q">“The earth being the common mother of + all mankind, what can be more pleasant or more humane than to + communicate a portion of all her productions to all her children by + commerce?”</span> Many special commercial treaties were made by him, + and one concluded with the Archduke Philip after a dispute with him, + which had put a stop to the trade with the Low Countries, was called + the great commercial treaty (<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">intercursus magnus</span></span>). <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was framed with the greatest care to render the + intercourse between the two countries permanent, and profitable to + both.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The first incident + in the naval history of the next reign, that of Henry VIII., grew out + of an event which had occurred long before. A Portuguese squadron + had, in the year 1476, seized a Scottish ship, laden with a rich + cargo, and commanded by John Barton. Letters of marque were granted + him, which he had not, apparently, used to any great advantage, for + they were renewed to his three sons thirty years afterwards. The + Bartons were not content with repaying themselves for their loss, but + found the Portuguese captures so profitable that they became + confirmed pirates, <span class="tei tei-q">“and when they felt their + own strength, they seem, with little scruple, to have considered + ships of any nation as their fair prize.”</span> Complaints were + lodged before Henry, but were almost ignored, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“till the Earl of Surrey, then Treasurer and Marshal of + England, declared at the council board, that while he had an estate + that could furnish out a ship, or a son that was capable of + commanding one, the narrow seas should not be so infested.”</span> + Two ships, commanded by his two sons, Sir Thomas and Sir Edward + Howard, were made ready, with the king’s knowledge and consent. The + two brothers put to sea, but were separated by stress of weather; the + same happened to the two pirate ships—the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Lion</span></span>, + under Sir Andrew Barton’s own command, and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Jenny + Perwin</span></span>, or <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bark of Scotland</span></span>. The strength of + one of them is thus described in an old ballad, by a merchant, one of + Sir Andrew’s victims, who is supposed to relate his tale to Sir + Thomas Howard:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“He is brass + within, and steel without,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + With beams on his top-castle strong; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And thirty pieces of ordnance + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + He carries on each side along; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And he hath a pinnace dearly dight, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + St. Andrew’s Cross it is his guide; + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page280">[pg 280]</span><a name= + "Pg280" id="Pg280" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + His pinnace beareth nine score men, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + And fifteen cannons on each side. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + * * * * * + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Were ye twenty ships, and he but one, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + I swear by Kirk, and bower and hall, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + He would overcome them every one + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">If once his + beams they do down fall.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But it was not so + to be. Sir Thomas Howard, as he lay in the Downs, descried the former + making for Scotland, and immediately gave chase, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and there was a sore battle. The Englishmen were fierce, + and the Scots defended themselves manfully, and ever Andrew blew his + whistle to encourage his men. Yet, for all that, Lord Howard and his + men, by clean force, entered the main deck. There the English entered + on all sides, and the Scots fought sore on the hatches; but, in + conclusion, Andrew was taken, being so sore wounded that he died + there, and then the remnant of the Scots were taken, with their + ship.”</span> Meantime Sir Edward Howard had encountered the other + piratical ship, and though the Scots defended themselves like + <span class="tei tei-q">“hardy and well-stomached men,”</span> + succeeded in boarding it. The prizes were taken to Blackwall, and the + prisoners, 150 in number, being all left alive, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“so bloody had the action been,”</span> were tried at + Whitehall, before the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page281">[pg + 281]</span><a name="Pg281" id="Pg281" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Bishop of Winchester and a council. The bishop + reminded them that <span class="tei tei-q">“though there was peace + between England and Scotland, they, contrary to that, as thieves and + pirates, had robbed the king’s subjects within his streams, wherefore + they had deserved to die by the law, and to be hanged at the + low-water mark. Then, said the Scots, <span class="tei tei-q">‘We + acknowledge our offence, and ask mercy, and not the law,’</span> and + a priest, who was also a prisoner, said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘My + lord, we appeal from the king’s justice to his mercy.’</span> Then + the bishop asked if he were authorised by them to say thus, and they + all cried, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Yea, yea!’</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Well, then,’</span> said the bishop, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘you shall find the king’s mercy above his justice; for, + where you were dead by the law, yet by his mercy he will revive you. + You shall depart out of this realm within twenty days, on pain of + death if ye be found after the twentieth day; and pray for the + king.’</span> ”</span> James subsequently required restitution from + Henry, who answered <span class="tei tei-q">“with brotherly + salutation”</span> that <span class="tei tei-q">“it became not a + prince to charge his confederate with breach of peace for doing + justice upon a pirate and thief.”</span> But there is no doubt that + it was regarded as a national affair in Scotland, and helped to + precipitate the war which speedily ensued.</p><a name="figdefeofsi" + id="figdefeofsi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_321.jpg" alt= + "THE DEFEAT OF SIR ANDREW BARTON" title= + "THE DEFEAT OF SIR ANDREW BARTON." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE DEFEAT OF SIR ANDREW BARTON. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some of the edicts + of the period seem strange enough to modern ears. The Scotch + Parliament had passed an Act forbidding any ship freighted with + staple goods to put to sea during the three winter months, under a + penalty of five pounds. In 1493, a generation after the Act was + passed, another provided that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">all</span></span> burghs and towns should + provide ships and busses, the least to be of twenty tons, fitted + according to the means of the said places, provided with mariners, + nets, and all necessary gear for taking <span class= + "tei tei-q">“great fish and small.”</span> The officers in every + burgh were to make all the <span class="tei tei-q">“stark idle + men”</span> within their bounds go on board these vessels, and serve + them there for their wages, or, in case of refusal, banish them from + their burgh. This was done with the idea of training a maritime + force, but seems to have produced little effect. James IV. built a + ship, however, which was, according to Scottish writers, larger and + more powerfully armed than any then built in England or France. She + was called the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Great Michael</span></span>, and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“was of so great stature that she wasted all the oak + forests of Fife, Falkland only excepted.”</span> Southey reminds us + that the Scots, like the Irish of the time, were constantly in feud + with each other, and consequently destroyed their forests, to prevent + the danger of ambuscades, and also to cut off the means of escape. + Timber for this ship was brought from Norway, and though all the + shipwrights in Scotland and many others from foreign countries were + busily employed upon her, she took a year and a day to complete. The + vessel is described as twelve score feet in length, and thirty-six in + breadth of beam, within the walls, which were ten feet each thick, so + that no cannon-ball could go through them. She had 300 mariners on + board, six score gunners, and 1,000 men-of-war, including officers, + <span class="tei tei-q">“captains, skippers, and + quarter-masters.”</span> Sir Andrew Wood and Robert Barton were two + of the chief officers. <span class="tei tei-q">“This great ship + cumbered Scotland to get her to sea. From the time that she was + afloat, and her masts and sails complete, with anchors offering + thereto, she was counted to the king to be thirty thousand pounds + expense, by her artillery, which was very costly.”</span> The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Great + Michael</span></span> never did enough to have a single exploit + recorded, nor was she unfortunate enough to meet a tragic ending.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In 1511 war was + declared against France, and Henry caused many new ships to be + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page282">[pg 282]</span><a name="Pg282" + id="Pg282" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>made, repairing and rigging the + old. After an action on the coast of Brittany, where both claimed the + advantage, and where two of the largest vessels—the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cordelier</span></span>, with 900 Frenchmen, and + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Regent</span></span>, with 700 Englishmen, were + burned—nearly all on board perishing, Henry advised <span class= + "tei tei-q">“a great ship to be made, such as was never before seen + in <a name="corr282" id="corr282" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">England,</span>”</span> and which was named the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Henri + Grace de Dieu</span></span>, or popularly the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Great + Harry</span></span>.<a id="noteref_133" name="noteref_133" href= + "#note_133"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">133</span></span></a> There + are many ancient representations of this vessel, which is said to + have cost £11,000, and to have taken 400 men four whole days to work + from Erith, where she was built, to Barking Creek. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The masts,”</span> says a well-known authority, + <span class="tei tei-q">“were five in number,”</span> but he goes on + clearly to show that the fifth was simply the bowsprit; they were in + one piece, as had been the usual mode in all previous times, although + soon to be altered by the introduction of several joints or + top-masts, which could be lowered in time of need. The rigging was + simple to the last degree, but there was a considerable amount of + ornamentation on the hull, and small flags were disposed almost at + random on different parts of the deck and gunwale, and one at the + head of each mast. The standard of England was hoisted on the + principal mast; enormous pendants, or streamers, were added, though + ornaments which must have been often inconvenient. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Great + Harry</span></span> was of 1,000 tons, and in—so far as the writer + can discover—the only skirmish she was concerned in the Channel, for + it could not be dignified by the name of an engagement, carried 700 + men. She was burned at Woolwich, at the opening of Mary’s reign, + through the carelessness of the sailors.</p><a name="figold_dedo" id= + "figold_dedo" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_320.png" alt="OLD DEPTFORD DOCKYARD" title= + "OLD DEPTFORD DOCKYARD." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + OLD DEPTFORD DOCKYARD. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the reign of + Henry VIII. a navy office was first formed, and regular arsenals were + established at Portsmouth, Woolwich, and Deptford. The change in + maritime warfare consequent on the use of gunpowder rendered ships of + a new construction necessary, and more was done for the improvement + of the navy in this reign than in any former one. Italian + shipwrights, then the most expert, were engaged, and at the + conclusion of Henry’s reign the Royal Navy consisted of seventy-one + vessels, thirty of which were ships of respectable burden, + aggregating 10,550 tons. Five years later, it had dwindled to less + than one-half. Six years after Henry’s death, England lost Calais, a + fort and town which had cost Edward III., in the height of his power, + an obstinate siege of eleven months. But on Elizabeth’s accession to + the throne, the star of England was once more in the ascendant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Elizabeth + commenced her reign by providing in all points for war, that she + <span class="tei tei-q">“might the more quietly enjoy peace.”</span> + Arms and weapons were imported from Germany, at considerable cost, + but in such quantities that the land had never before been so amply + stored with <span class="tei tei-q">“all kinds of convenient armour + and weapons.”</span> And she, also, was the first to cause the + manufacture of gunpowder in England, that she <span class= + "tei tei-q">“might not both pray and pay for it too to her + neighbours.”</span> She allowed the free exportation of herrings and + all other sea-fish in English bottoms, and a partial exemption from + impressment was granted to all fishermen; while to encourage their + work, Wednesday and Saturday were made <span class= + "tei tei-q">“fish-days;”</span> this, it was stated, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“was meant politicly, not for any superstition to be + maintained in the choice of meats.”</span> The navy became her great + care, so much that <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page283">[pg + 283]</span><a name="Pg283" id="Pg283" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“foreigners named her + the restorer of the glory of shipping, and the Queen of the North + Sea.”</span> She raised the pay of sailors. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The wealthier inhabitants of the sea-coast,”</span> says + Camden, <span class="tei tei-q">“in imitation of their princess, + built ships of war, striving who should exceed, insomuch that the + Queen’s Navy, joined with her subjects’ shipping, was, in short time, + so puissant that it was able to bring forth 20,000 fighting men for + sea service.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The greatest and + most glorious event of her reign was, without cavil, the defeat of + the Spanish Armada, at one time deemed and called <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Invincible.”</span> With the political complications + which preceded the invasion, we have nought to do: it was largely a + religious war, inasmuch as Popish machinations were at the bottom of + all. When the contest became inevitable, the Spanish Government threw + off dissimulation, and showed <span class="tei tei-q">“a disdainful + disregard of secrecy as to its intentions, or rather a proud + manifestation of them, which,”</span> says Southey, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“if they had been successful, might have been called + magnanimous.”</span> Philip had determined on putting forth his + might, and accounts which were ostentatiously published in advance + termed it <span class="tei tei-q">“The most fortunate and invincible + Armada.”</span> The fleet consisted of 130 ships and twenty caravels, + having on board nearly 20,000 soldiers, 8,450 marines, 2,088 + galley-slaves, with 2,630 great pieces of brass artillery. The names + of all the saints appeared in the nomenclature of the ships, + <span class="tei tei-q">“while,”</span> says Southey, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“holier appellations, which ought never to be thus + applied, were strangely associated with the Great Griffin and the Sea + Dog, the Cat and the White Falcon.”</span> Every noble house in Spain + was represented, and there were 180 friars and Jesuits, with Cardinal + Allen at their head, a prelate who had not long before published at + Antwerp a gross libel on Elizabeth, calling her <span class= + "tei tei-q">“heretic, rebel, and usurper, an incestuous bastard, the + bane of Christendom, and firebrand of all mischief.”</span> These + priests were to bring England back to the true Church the moment they + landed. The galleons being above sixty in number were, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“exceeding great, fair, and strong, and built high above + the water, like castles, easy to be fought withal, but not so easy to + board as the English and the Netherland ships; their upper decks were + musket-proof, and beneath they were four or five feet thick, so that + no bullet could pass them. Their masts were bound about with oakum, + or pieces of fazeled ropes, and armed against all shot. The galleases + were goodly great vessels, furnished with chambers, chapels, towers, + pulpits, and such-like; they rowed like galleys, with exceeding great + oars, each having 300 slaves, and were able to do much harm with + their great ordnance.”</span> Most severe discipline was to be + preserved; blasphemy and oaths were to be punished rigidly; gaming, + as provocative of these, and quarrelling, were forbidden; no one + might wear a dagger; religious exercises, including the use of a + special litany, in which all archangels, angels, and saints, were + invoked to assist with their prayers against the English heretics and + enemies of the faith, were enjoined. <span class="tei tei-q">“No + man,”</span> says Southey, <span class="tei tei-q">“ever set forth + upon a bad cause with better will, nor under a stronger delusion of + perverted faith.”</span> The gunners were instructed to have half + butts filled with water and vinegar, wet clothes, old sails, &c., + ready to extinguish fire, and what seems strange now-a-days, in + addition to the regular artillery, every ship was to carry two + boats’-loads of large stones, to throw on the enemy’s decks, + forecastles, &c., during an encounter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meantime Elizabeth + and her ministers were fully aware of the danger, and the appeals + made to the Lords, and through the lord-lieutenants of counties were + answered <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page284">[pg + 284]</span><a name="Pg284" id="Pg284" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>nobly. The first to present himself before the + queen was a Roman Catholic peer, the Viscount Montague, who brought + 200 horsemen led by his own sons, and professed the resolution that + <span class="tei tei-q">“though he was very sickly, and in age, to + live and die in defence of the queen and of his country, against all + invaders, whether it were Pope, king, or potentate + whatsoever.”</span> The city of London, when 5,000 men and fifteen + ships were required, prayed the queen to accept twice the number. + <span class="tei tei-q">“In a very short time all her whole realm, + and every corner, were furnished with armed men, on horseback and on + foot; and those continually trained, exercised, and put into bands in + warlike manner, as in no age ever was before in this realm. There was + no sparing of money to provide horse, armour, weapons, powder, and + all necessaries.”</span> Thousands volunteered their services + personally without wages; others money for armour and weapons, and + wages for soldiers. The country was never in better condition for + defence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some urged the + queen to place no reliance on maritime defence, but to receive the + enemy only on shore. Elizabeth thought otherwise, and determined that + the enemy should reap no more advantage on the sea than on land. She + gave the command of the whole fleet to Charles Lord Howard of + Effingham; Drake being vice-admiral, and Hawkins and Frobisher—all + grand names in naval history—being in the western division. Lord + Henry Seymour was to lie off the coast of Flanders with forty ships, + Dutch and English, and prevent the Prince of Parma from forming a + junction with the Armada. The whole number of ships collected for the + defence of the country was 191, and the number of seamen 17,472. + There was one ship in the fleet (the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Triumph</span></span>) of 1,100 tons, one of + 1,000, one of 900, and two of 800 tons each, but the larger part of + the vessels were very small, and the aggregate tonnage amounted to + only about half that of the Armada. For the land defence over 100,000 + men were called out, regimented, and armed, but only half of them + were trained. This was exclusive of the Border and Yorkshire + forces.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Armada left + the Tagus in the latter end of May, 1588, for Corunna, there to + embark the remainder of the forces and stores. On the 30th of the + same month, the Lord Admiral and Sir Francis Drake sailed from + Plymouth. A serious storm was encountered, which dismasted some and + dispersed others of the enemy’s fleet, and occasioned the loss of + four Portuguese galleys. One David Gwynne, a Welshman, who had been a + galley-slave for eleven years, took the opportunity this storm + afforded, and regained his liberty. He made himself master of one + galley, captured a second, and was joined by a third, in which the + wretched slaves were encouraged to rise by his example, and + successfully carried the three into a French port. After this + disastrous commencement, the Armada put back to Corunna, and was + pursued thither by Effingham; but as he approached the coast of + Spain, the wind changed, and as he was afraid the enemy might effect + the passage to the Channel unperceived, he returned to its entrance, + whence the ships were withdrawn, some to the coast of Ireland, and + the larger part to Plymouth, where the men were allowed to come + ashore, and the officers made merry with revels, dancing, and + bowling. The enemy was so long in making an appearance, that even + Elizabeth was persuaded the invasion would not occur that year; and + with this idea, Secretary Walsingham wrote to the admiral to send + back four of his largest ships. <span class="tei tei-q">“Happily for + England, and most honourably for himself, the Lord Effingham, though + he had relaxed his vigilance, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page285">[pg 285]</span><a name="Pg285" id="Pg285" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>saw how perilous it was to act as if all were + safe. He humbly entreated that nothing might be lightly credited in + so weighty a matter, and that he might retain these ships, though it + should be at his own cost. This was no empty show of disinterested + zeal; for if the services of those ships had not been called for, + there can be little doubt, that in the rigid parsimony of Elizabeth’s + government, he would have been called upon to pay the + costs.”</span></p><a name="figfirsshag" id="figfirsshag" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_327.jpg" alt= + "THE FIRST SHOT AGAINST THE ARMADA" title= + "THE FIRST SHOT AGAINST THE ARMADA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE FIRST SHOT AGAINST THE ARMADA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Armada, now + completely refitted, sailed from Corunna on July 12th, and when off + the Lizard were sighted by a pirate, one Thomas Fleming, who hastened + to Plymouth with the news, and not merely obtained pardon for his + offences, but was awarded a pension for life. At that time the wind + <span class="tei tei-q">“blew stiffly into the harbour,”</span> but + all hands were got on board, and the ships were warped out, the Lord + Admiral encouraging the men, and hauling <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page286">[pg 286]</span><a name="Pg286" id="Pg286" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>at the ropes himself. By the following day + thirty of the smaller vessels were out, and next day the Armada was + descried <span class="tei tei-q">“with lofty turrets like castles, in + front like a half-moon; the wings thereof speading out about the + length of seven miles, sailing very slowly though with full sails; + the wind,”</span> says Camden, <span class="tei tei-q">“being as it + were weary with wafting them, and the ocean groaning under their + weight.”</span> The Spaniards gave up the idea of attacking Plymouth, + and the English let them pass, that they might chase them in the + rear. Next day the Lord Admiral sent the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Defiance</span></span> pinnace forward, and + opened the attack by discharging her ordnance, and later his own + ship, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Ark Royal</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“thundered thick and furiously”</span> into the Spanish + vice-admiral’s ship, and soon after, Drake, Hawkins, and Frobisher, + gave the Admiral Recalde a very thorough peppering. That officer’s + ship was rendered nearly unserviceable, and he was obliged to crowd + on sail to catch up with the others, who showed little disposition + for fighting. After a smart action in which he had injured the enemy + much, and suffered little hurt himself, Effingham gave over, because + forty of his ships had not yet come up from Plymouth. During the + night the Spaniards lost one of their ships, which was set on fire, + it was believed, by a Flemish gunner, whose wife and self had been + ill-treated by the officer of the troops on board. The fire was + quenched, after all her upper works had been consumed; but when the + Spaniards left the hulk, they abandoned fifty of their countrymen, + <span class="tei tei-q">“miserably hurt.”</span> This night was + remarkable for a series of disasters and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">contretemps</span></span>. A galleon, under the + command of one Valdez, ran foul of another ship, broke her foremast, + and was left behind. Effingham, supposing that the men had been taken + out, without tarrying to take possession of the prize, passed on with + two other vessels, that he might not lose sight of the enemy. + <span class="tei tei-q">“He thought that he was following Drake’s + ship, which ought to have carried the lanthorn that night; it proved + to be a Spanish light, and in the morning he found himself in the + midst of the enemy’s fleet;”</span> but he managed to get away + unobserved, or at all events unpursued. Drake, meantime, was + mistakably following in the dark and stormy night a phantom enemy, in + the shape of five Easterling vessels. Meantime, the English fleet not + seeing the expected light on Drake’s ship, lay-to during the night. + Drake, next morning, had the good fortune to fall in with Valdez, + who, after a brief parley, surrendered, and the prize was sent into + Plymouth. Drake and his men divided 55,000 golden ducats among them, + as part of the spoil on board. The hulk of the galleon was taken to + Weymouth, and although burned almost to the water’s edge, the + gunpowder in the hold remained intact and had not taken fire. The + next day there was considerable manœuvring and skirmishing, but with + no very memorable loss on either side. A great Venetian ship and some + smaller ones were taken from the enemy, while on our side Captain + Cook died with honour in the midst of the Spanish ships, in a little + vessel of his own. Both sides were wary; Effingham did not think good + to grapple with them, because they had an army in the fleet, while he + had none; our army awaited their landing. The Spaniards meant as much + as possible to avoid fighting, and hold on till they could effect a + junction with the Prince of Parma. Next morning there was little + wind, and only the four great galleases were engaged, these having + the advantage on account of their oars, while the English were + becalmed; the latter, however, did considerable execution with + chain-shot, cutting asunder their tacklings and cordage. But they + were now constrained to send ashore for gunpowder, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page287">[pg 287]</span><a name="Pg287" id="Pg287" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with which they were either badly + supplied, or had expended too freely. Off the Isle of Wight, the + English battered the Spanish admiral with their great ordnance, and + shot away his mainmast; but other ships came to his assistance, beat + them off, and set upon the English admiral, who only escaped by + favour of a breeze which sprung up at the right moment. Camden + relates how the English shot away the lantern from one of the Spanish + ships, and the beak-head from a second, and that Frobisher escaped by + the skin of his teeth from a situation of great danger. Still this + was little more than skirmishing. <span class="tei tei-q">“The + Spaniards say that from that time they gave over what they call the + pursuit of their enemy; and they dispatched a fresh messenger to the + Prince of Parma, urging him to effect his junction with them as soon + as possible, and withal to send them some great shot, for they had + expended theirs with more prodigality than effect.”</span> On the + other hand the English determined to wait till they could attack the + enemy in the Straits of Dover, where they expected to be joined by + the squadrons under Lord Seymour and Sir William Winter. Meantime + Effingham’s forces were being considerably increased by volunteers; + <span class="tei tei-q">“For the gentlemen of England hired ships + from all parts at their own charge, and with one accord came flocking + thither as to a set field.”</span> Among the volunteers were Sir + Walter Raleigh, the Earls of Oxford, Northumberland, and Cumberland. + On the evening of the 27th the Spaniards came to anchor off Calais, + and the English ships, now 140 in number, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“all of them ships fit for fight, good sailors, nimble + and tight for tacking about which way they would, anchored within + cannon-shot.”</span> A squadron of about thirty ships belonging to + the States, acting in conjunction with the Admiral of Zeeland and his + squadron, effectually blockaded Dunkirk, and the poor Prince of + Parma, with his pressed men constantly deserting, his flat-bottomed + boats leaky, and his provisions not ready, could do nothing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Spanish ships + were almost invulnerable to the shot and ordnance of the day, and + <span class="tei tei-q">“their height was such that our bravest + seamen were against any attempt at boarding them.”</span> These facts + were well understood by Elizabeth’s ministers, and the Lord Admiral + was instructed to convert eight of his worst vessels into fire-ships. + The orders arrived so <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">à propos</span></span> of the occasion, and were + so swiftly executed, that within thirty hours after the enemy had + cast anchor off Calais, the ships were unloaded and dismantled, + filled with combustibles and all their ordnance charged, and their + sides being smeared with pitch, rosin, and wildfire, were sent, in + the dead of the night, with wind and tide, against the Spanish fleet. + When the Spaniards saw the whole sea glittering and shining with the + reflection of the flames, the guns exploding as the fire reached + them, and a heavy canopy of dense smoke overhead obscuring the + heavens, they remembered those terrible fire-ships which had been + used so effectively in the Scheldt, and the cry resounded through the + fleet, <span class="tei tei-q">“The fire of Antwerp!”</span> Some of + the Spanish captains let their hawsers slip, some cut their cables, + and in terror and confusion put to sea; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“happiest they who could first be gone, though few or + none could tell which course to take.”</span> In the midst of all + this fearful excitement one of the largest of the galleases, + commanded by D. Hugo de Moncada, ran foul of another ship, lost her + rudder, floated about at the mercy of the tide, and at length ran + upon Calais sands. Here she was assailed by the English small craft, + who battered her with their guns, but dared not attempt boarding till + the admiral sent <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page288">[pg + 288]</span><a name="Pg288" id="Pg288" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a + hundred men in his boats, under Sir Amias Preston. The Spaniards + fought bravely, but at length Moncada was shot through the head, and + the galleas was carried by boarding. Most of the Spanish soldiers, + 400 in number, jumped overboard and were drowned; the 300 + galley-slaves were freed from their fetters. The vessel had 50,000 + ducats on board, <span class="tei tei-q">“a booty,”</span> says + Speed, <span class="tei tei-q">“well fitting the English soldiers’ + affections.”</span> The English were about to set the galleas on + fire, but the governor of Calais prevented this by firing upon the + captors, and the ship became his prize.</p><a name="figfireatth" id= + "figfireatth" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_330.jpg" alt= + "THE FIRE-SHIPS ATTACKING THE ARMADA" title= + "THE FIRE-SHIPS ATTACKING THE ARMADA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE FIRE-SHIPS ATTACKING THE ARMADA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Duke of Medina + Sidonia, admiral of the Spanish Armada, had ordered the whole fleet + to weigh anchor and stand out to sea when he perceived the + approaching fire-ships; his vessels were to return to their former + stations when the danger should be over. When he fired a signal for + the others to follow his example, few of them heard it, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“because they were scattered all about, and driven by + fear, some of them in the wide sea, and driven among the shoals of + Flanders.”</span> When they had once more congregated, they ranged + themselves in order off Gravelines, where the final action was + fought. Drake and Fenner were the first to assail them, followed by + many brave captains, and lastly the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page289">[pg 289]</span><a name="Pg289" id="Pg289" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>admiral came up with Lord Thomas Howard and Lord + Sheffield. There were scarcely two or three and twenty among their + ships which matched ninety of the Spanish vessels in size, but the + smaller vessels were more easily handled and manœuvred. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wherefore,”</span> says Hakluyt, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“using their prerogative of nimble steerage, whereby they + could turn and wield themselves with the wind which way they listed, + they came oftentimes very near upon the Spaniards, and charged them + so sore, that now and then they were but a pike’s length asunder; and + so continually giving them one broadside after another, they + discharged all their shot, both great and small, upon them, spending + a whole day, from morning till night, in that violent kind of + conflict.”</span> During this action many of the Spanish vessels were + pierced through and through between wind and water; one was sunk, and + it was learnt that one of her officers, having proposed to strike, + was put to death by another; the brother of the slain man instantly + avenged his death, and then the ship went down. Others are believed + to have sunk, and many were terribly shattered. One, which leaked so + fast that fifty men were employed at the pumps, tried to run aground + on the Flemish coast, where her captain had to strike to a Dutch + commander. Our ships at last desisted from the contest, from sheer + want of ammunition; and the Armada made an effort to reach the + Straits. Here a great engagement was expected, but the fighting was + over, and that which the hand of man barely commenced the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page290">[pg 290]</span><a name="Pg290" + id="Pg290" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hand of God completed. The + Spaniards <span class="tei tei-q">“were now experimentally convinced + that the English excelled them in naval strength. Several of their + largest ships had been lost, others were greatly damaged; there was + no port to which they could repair; and to force their way through + the victorious English fleet, then in sight, and amounting to 140 + sail, was plainly and confessedly impossible.”</span> They resolved + upon returning to Spain by a northern route, and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“having gotten more sea room for their huge-bodied bulks, + spread their mainsails, and made away as fast as wind and water would + give them leave.”</span> Effingham, leaving Seymour to blockade the + Prince of Parma’s force, followed what our chroniclers now termed the + Vincible Armada, and pursued them to Scotland, where they did not + attempt to land, but made for Norway, <span class="tei tei-q">“where + the English,”</span> says Drake, <span class="tei tei-q">“thought it + best to leave them to those boisterous and uncouth northern + seas.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meantime, it was + still expected ashore that the Prince of Parma might effect a + landing, and it was at this time that Elizabeth, who declared her + intention to be present wherever the battle might be fought, rode + through the soldiers’ ranks at Tilbury, and made her now historical + speech. <span class="tei tei-q">“Incredible it is,”</span> says + Camden, <span class="tei tei-q">“how much she encouraged the hearts + of her captains and soldiers by her presence and her words.”</span> + When a false report was brought that the prince had landed, the news + was immediately published throughout the camp, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and assuredly,”</span> says Southey, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“if the enemy had set foot upon our shores they would + have sped no better than they had done at sea, such was the spirit of + the nation.”</span> Some time elapsed before the fate of the Armada + was known. It was affirmed on the Continent that the greater part of + the English fleet had been taken, and a large proportion sunk, the + poor remainder having been driven into the Thames <span class= + "tei tei-q">“all rent and torn.”</span> It was believed at Rome that + Elizabeth was taken and England conquered! Meantime, the wretched + Armada was being blown hither and thither by contending winds. The + mules and horses had to be thrown overboard lest the water should + fail. When they had reached a northern latitude, some 200 miles from + the Scottish isles, the duke ordered them each to take the best + course they could for Spain, and he himself with some five-and-twenty + of his best provided ships reached it in safety. The others made for + Cape Clear, hoping to water there, but a terrible storm arose, in + which it is believed more than thirty of the vessels perished off the + coast of Ireland. About 200 of the poor Spaniards were driven from + their hiding-places and beheaded, through the inhumanity of Sir + William Fitzwilliam. <span class="tei tei-q">“Terrified at this, the + other Spaniards, sick and starved as they were, committed themselves + to the sea in their shattered vessels, and very many of them were + swallowed up by the waves.”</span> Two of their ships were wrecked on + the coasts of Norway. Some few got into the English seas; two were + taken by cruisers off Rochelle. About 700 men were cast ashore in + Scotland, were humanely treated, and subsequently sent, by request of + the Prince of Parma, to the Netherlands. Of the whole Armada only + fifty-three vessels returned to Spain; eighty-one were lost. The + enormous number of 14,000 men, of whom only 2,000 were prisoners, + were missing. By far the larger proportion were lost by + shipwreck.</p><a name="figqueeelon" id="figqueeelon" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_333.png" alt= + "QUEEN ELIZABETH ON HER WAY TO ST. PAUL’S" title= + "QUEEN ELIZABETH ON HER WAY TO ST. PAUL’S." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + QUEEN ELIZABETH ON HER WAY TO ST. PAUL’S. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Philip’s behaviour,”</span> says Southey, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“when the whole of this great calamity was known, should + always be recorded to his honour. He received it as a dispensation of + Providence, and gave, and commanded to be given, throughout Spain, + thanks to God and the saints <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page291">[pg 291]</span><a name="Pg291" id="Pg291" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>that it was no greater.”</span> In England, a + solemn thanksgiving was celebrated at St. Paul’s, where the Spanish + ensigns which had been taken were displayed, and the same flags were + shown on London Bridge the following day, it being Southwark Fair. + Many of the arms and instruments of torture taken are still to be + seen in the Tower. Another great thanksgiving-day was celebrated on + the anniversary of the queen’s accession, and one of great solemnity, + two days later, throughout the realm. On the Sunday following, the + queen went <span class="tei tei-q">“as in public, but Christian + triumph,”</span> to St. Paul’s, in a chariot <span class= + "tei tei-q">“made in the form of a throne with four pillars,”</span> + and drawn by four white horses; alighting from which at the west + door, she knelt and <span class="tei tei-q">“audibly praised God, + acknowledging Him her only Defender, who had thus delivered the land + from the rage of the enemy.”</span> Her Privy Council, the nobility, + the French ambassador, the judges, and the heralds, accompanied her. + The streets were hung with blue cloth and flags, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the several companies, in their liveries, being drawn up + both sides of the way, with their banners in becoming and gallant + order.”</span> Thus ended this most serious attempt at the invasion + of England.</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc35" id="toc35"></a> <a name="pdf36" id= + "pdf36"></a><a name="chap16" id="chap16" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVI.</span></h2> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">The History of Ships and + Shipping Interests</span></span> <span style= + "font-size: 120%">(</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">).</span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-argument" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">Noble Adventurers—The Earl of Cumberland as a + Pirate—Rich Prizes—Action with the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Madre de + Dios</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Capture of the + Great Carrack—A Cargo worth £150,000—Burning of the</span> + <span class="tei tei-name" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Cinco + Chagas</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—But Fifteen saved + out of Eleven Hundred Souls—The</span> <span class="tei tei-name" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Scourge of + Malice</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Establishment of + the Slave Trade—Sir John Hawkins’ Ventures—High-handed + Proceedings—The Spaniards forced to Purchase—A Fleet of + Slavers—Hawkins sanctioned by</span> <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Good Queen + Bess</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—Joins in a Negro War—A Disastrous Voyage—Sir + Francis Drake—His First Loss—The Treasure at Nombre de Dios—Drake’s + First Sight of the Pacific—Tons of Silver Captured—John Oxenham’s + Voyage—The First Englishman on the Pacific—His Disasters and + Death—Drake’s Voyage Round the World—Blood-letting at the + Equator—Arrival at Port Julian—Trouble with the Natives—Execution + of a Mutineer—Passage of the Straits of Magellan—Vessels separated + in a Gale—Loss of the</span> <span class="tei tei-name" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Marigold</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Tragic + Fate of Eight Men—Drake Driven to Cape Horn—Proceedings at + Valparaiso—Prizes taken—Capture of the great Treasure Ship—Drake’s + Resolve to change his Course Home—Vessel refitted at Nicaragua—Stay + in the Bay of San Francisco—The Natives worship the English—Grand + Reception at Ternate—Drake’s Ship nearly wrecked—Return to + England—Honours accorded Drake—His Character and Influence—Sir + Humphrey Gilbert’s Disasters and Death—Raleigh’s Virginia + Settlements.</span></p> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The spirit of + adventure, fostered by the grand discoveries which were constantly + being made, the rich returns derived from trading expeditions, and + from the pillage of our enemies, was at its zenith in the reign of + Queen Elizabeth. Nor was it confined to mere soldiers of fortune, for + we find distinguished noblemen of ample fortunes taking to the seas + as though their daily bread depended thereupon. Among these naval + adventurers <span class="tei tei-q">“there was no one,”</span> says + Southey, <span class="tei tei-q">“who took to the seas so much in the + spirit of a northern sea king as the Earl of Cumberland.”</span> He + had borne his part in the defeat of the Armada, while still a young + man, and the queen was so well satisfied with him, that she gave him + a commission to go the same year to the Spanish coast as general, + lending him the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Golden Lion</span></span>, one of the ships + royal, he victualling and furnishing it at his own expense. After + some fighting he took a prize, but soon after had to cut away his + mainmast in a storm, and return to England. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“His spirit remaining, nevertheless, higher than the + winds, and more resolutely by storms compact and united in + itself,”</span> we find him <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page292">[pg + 292]</span><a name="Pg292" id="Pg292" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>shortly afterwards again on the high seas with + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Victory</span></span>, one of the queen’s ships, + and three smaller vessels. The earl was not very scrupulous as + regards prize-taking, and captured two French ships, which belonged + to the party of the League. A little later he fell in with eleven + ships from Hamburg and the Baltic, and fired on them till the + captains came on board and showed their passports; these were + respected, but not so the property of a Lisbon Jew, which they + confessed to have on their ships, and which was valued at £4,500. Off + the Azores, he hoisted Spanish colours, and succeeded in robbing some + Spanish vessels. The homeward-bound Portuguese fleet from the East + Indies narrowly escaped him; when near Tercera some English prisoners + stole out in a small boat, having no other yard for their mainsail + than two pipe-staves, and informed him that the Portuguese ships had + left the island a week before. This induced him to return to Fayal, + and the terror inspired by the English name in those days is + indicated by the fact that the town of about 500 houses was found to + be completely empty; the inhabitants had abandoned it. He set a guard + over the churches and monasteries, and then calmly waited till a + ransom of 2,000 ducats was brought him. He helped himself to + fifty-eight pieces of iron ordnance, and the Governor of Graciosa, to + keep on good terms with the earl, sent him sixty butts of wine. While + there a Weymouth privateer came in with a Spanish prize worth + £16,000. Next we find the earl at St. Mary’s, where he captured a + Brazilian sugar ship. In bringing out their prize they were detained + on the harbour bar, exposed to the enemy. Eighty of Cumberland’s men + were killed, and he himself was wounded; <span class="tei tei-q">“his + head also was broken with stones, so that the blood covered his + face,”</span> and both his face and legs were burnt with fire-balls. + The prize, however, was secured and forwarded to England.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cumberland himself + held on his course to Spain, and soon fell in with a ship of 400 + tons, from Mexico, laden with hides, cochineal, sugar, and silver, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and the captain had with him a venture to + the amount of 25,000 ducats,”</span> which was taken. They now + resolved to return home, but <span class="tei tei-q">“sea fortunes + are variable, having two inconstant parents, air and water,”</span> + and as one of the adventurers<a id="noteref_134" name="noteref_134" + href="#note_134"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">134</span></span></a> + concisely put it, <span class="tei tei-q">“these summer services and + ships of sugar proved not so sweet and pleasant as the winter was + afterwards sharp and painful.”</span> Lister, the earl’s captain, was + sent in the Mexican prize for England, and was wrecked off Cornwall, + everything being lost in her, and all the crew, save five or six men. + On the earl’s ship, contrary winds and gales delayed them so greatly + that their water failed; they were reduced to three spoonfuls of + vinegar apiece at each meal; this state of affairs lasting fourteen + days, except what water they could collect from rain and hail-storms. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet was that rain so intermingled with the + spray of the foaming sea, in that extreme storm, that it could not be + healthful: yea, some in their extremity of thirst drank themselves to + death with their cans of salt water in their hands.”</span> Some ten + or twelve perished on each of as many consecutive nights, and the + storm was at one time so violent that the ship was almost torn to + pieces; <span class="tei tei-q">“his lordship’s cabin, the + dining-room, and the half deck became all one,”</span> and he was + obliged to seek a lodging in the hold. The earl, however, constantly + encouraged the men, and the small stock of provisions was distributed + with the greatest <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page293">[pg + 293]</span><a name="Pg293" id="Pg293" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>equality; so at last they reached a haven on the + west coast of Ireland, where their sufferings ended. On this voyage + they had taken thirteen prizes. The Mexican prize which had been + wrecked would have added £100,000 to the profits of the venture, but + even with this great deduction, the earl had been doubly repaid for + his outlay.</p><a name="figearlofcu" id="figearlofcu" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_337.png" alt= + "THE EARL OF CUMBERLAND AND THE “MADRE DE DIOS”" title= + "THE EARL OF CUMBERLAND AND THE “MADRE DE DIOS.”" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE EARL OF CUMBERLAND AND THE <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center">“MADRE DE DIOS.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The earl’s third + expedition was a failure, but the fourth resulted in the capture of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Madre + de Dios</span></span>, one of the largest carracks belonging to the + Portuguese crown. In this, however, some of Raleigh’s and Hawkins’ + ships had a share. Captain Thomson, who came up with her first, + <span class="tei tei-q">“again and again delivered his peals as fast + as he could fire and fall astern to load again, thus hindering her + way, though somewhat to his own cost, till the others could come + <a name="corr293" id="corr293" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">up.</span>”</span> + Several others worried the carrack, until the earl’s ships came up + about eleven at night. Captain Norton had no intention of boarding + the enemy till daylight, if there had not been a cry from one of the + ships royal, then in danger, <span class="tei tei-q">“An you be men, + save the queen’s ship!”</span> Upon this the carrack was boarded on + both sides. A desperate struggle ensued, and it took an hour and a + half before the attacking parties succeeded in getting possession of + the high forecastle, <span class="tei tei-q">“so brave a booty making + the men fight like dragons.”</span> The ship won, the boarders turned + to pillage, and while searching about with candles, managed to set + fire to a cabin containing some hundreds of cartridges, very nearly + blowing up the ship. The hotness of the action was evidenced by the + number of dead and dying who strewed the carrack’s decks, + <span class="tei tei-q">“especially,”</span> says the chronicler, + <span class="tei tei-q">“about the helm; for the greatness of the + steerage requiring the labour of twelve or fourteen men at once, and + some of our ships beating her in at the stern with their ordnance, + oftentimes with one shot slew four or five labouring on either side + of the helm; whose room being still furnished with fresh supplies, + and our artillery still playing upon them with continual volleys, it + could not be but that much blood should be shed in that + place.”</span> For the times, the prisoners were treated with great + humanity, and surgeons were sent on board to dress their wounds. The + captain, Don Fernando de Mendoza, was <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page294">[pg 294]</span><a name="Pg294" id="Pg294" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“a gentleman of noble + birth, well stricken in years, well spoken, of comely personage, of + good stature, but of hard fortune. Twice he had been taken prisoner + by the Moors and ransomed by the king; and he had been wrecked on the + coast of Sofala, in a carrack which he commanded, and having escaped + the sea danger, fell into the hands of infidels ashore, who kept him + under long and grievous servitude.”</span> The prisoners were allowed + to carry off their own valuables, put on board one of Cumberland’s + ships, and sent to their own country. Unfortunately for them, they + again fell in with other English cruisers, who robbed them without + mercy, taking from them 900 diamonds and other valuable things. About + 800 negroes on board were landed on the island of Corvo. Her cargo + consisted of jewels, spices, drugs, silks, calicoes, carpets, + canopies, ivory, porcelain, and innumerable curiosities; it was + estimated to amount to £150,000 in value, and there was considerable + haggling over its division, and no little embezzlement; the queen had + a large share of it, and Cumberland netted £36,000. The carrack + created great astonishment at Dartmouth by her dimensions, which for + those days were enormous. She was of about 1,600 tons burden, and 165 + feet long; she was of <span class="tei tei-q">“seven several stories, + one main orlop, three close decks, one forecastle (of great height) + and a spar deck of two floors apiece.”</span> Her mainmast was 125 + feet in height, and her main-yard 105 feet long. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Being so huge and unwieldly a ship,”</span> says + Purchas, <span class="tei tei-q">“she was never removed from + Dartmouth, but there laid up her bones.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In 1594 the earl + set forth on his eighth voyage, with three ships, a caravel, and a + pinnace, furnished at his own expense, with the help of some + adventurers. Early in the voyage they descried a great Indian ship, + whose burden they estimated at 2,000 tons. Her name was the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Cinco + Chagas</span></span> (the Five Wounds), and her fate was as tragical + as her name. She had on board a number of persons who had been + shipwrecked in three vessels, which, like herself, had been returning + from the Indies. When she left Mozambique for Europe, she had on + board 1,400 persons, an enormous number for those days; on the voyage + she had encountered terrible gales, and after putting in at Loanda + for water and supplies, and shipping many slaves, a fatal pestilence + known by the name of the <span class="tei tei-q">“mal de + Loanda,”</span> carried off about half the crew. The captain wished + to avoid the Azores, but a mutiny had arisen among the soldiers on + board, and he was forced to stand by them, and by this means came + into contact with the Earl of Cumberland’s squadron off Fayal. The + Portuguese had pledged themselves to the ship at all hazards, and to + perish with her in the sea, or in the flames, rather than yield so + rich a prize to the heretics. Cumberland’s ships, after harassing the + carrack on all sides, ranged up against her; twice was she boarded, + and twice were the assailants driven out. A third time the privateers + boarded her, one of them bearing a white flag; he was the first of + the party killed, and when a second hoisted another flag at the poop + it was immediately thrown overboard. The English suffered + considerably, more especially among the officers. Cumberland’s + vice-admiral, Antony, was killed; Downton, the rear-admiral, crippled + for life; and Cave, who commanded the earl’s ship, mortally wounded. + The privateers seem, in the heat of action, almost to have forgotten + the valuable cargo on board, and to have aimed only at destroying + her. <span class="tei tei-q">“After many bickerings,”</span> says the + chronicler, <span class="tei tei-q">“fireworks flew about + interchangeably; at last the vice-admiral, with a culverin shot at + hand, fired the carrack in her stern, and the rear-admiral + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page295">[pg 295]</span><a name="Pg295" + id="Pg295" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>her forecastle, + * * * * then flying and maintaining their fires so + well with their small shot that many which came to quench them were + slain.”</span> The fire made rapid headway, and P. Frey Antonio, a + Franciscan, was seen with a crucifix in his hand, encouraging the + poor sailors to commit themselves to the waves and to God’s mercy, + rather than perish in the flames. A large number threw themselves + overboard, clinging to such things as were cast into the sea. It is + said that the English boats, with one honourable exception, made no + efforts to save any of them; it is even stated that they butchered + many in the water. According to the English account there were more + than 1,100 on board the carrack, when she left Loanda, of whom only + fifteen were saved! Two ladies of high rank, mother and daughter—the + latter of whom was going home to Spain to take possession of some + entailed property—when they saw there was no help to be expected from + the privateers, fastened themselves together with a cord, and + committed themselves to the waves; their bodies were afterwards cast + ashore on Fayal, still united, though in the bonds of death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The earl + afterwards built the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Scourge of Malice</span></span>, a ship of 800 + tons, and the largest yet constructed by an English subject, and in + 1597 obtained letters patent authorising him to levy sea and land + forces. Without royal assistance, he gathered eighteen sail. This + expedition, although it worried and impoverished the Spaniards, was + not particularly profitable to the earl. He took Puerto Rico, and + then abandoned it, and did not, as he expected, intercept either the + outward-bound East Indiamen, who, indeed, were too frightened to + venture out of the Tagus that year, or the homeward-bound Mexican + fleet. This was Cumberland’s last expedition, and no other subject + ever undertook so many at his own cost.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Elizabethan + age was otherwise so glorious that it is painful to have to record + the establishment of the slave-trade—a serious blot on the reign—one + which no Englishman of to-day would defend, but which was then looked + upon as perfectly legitimate. John Hawkins (afterwards Sir John) was + born at Plymouth, and his father had long been a well-esteemed + sea-captain, the first Englishman, it is believed, who ever traded to + the Brazils. The young man had gained much renown by trips to Spain, + Portugal, and the Canaries, and having <span class="tei tei-q">“grown + in love and favour”</span> with the Canarians, by good and upright + dealing, began to think of more extended enterprises. Learning that + <span class="tei tei-q">“negroes were very good merchandise in + Hispaniola, and that store of them might easily be had upon the coast + of Guinea,”</span> he communicated with several London ship-owners, + who liked his schemes, and provided him in large part with the + necessary outfit. Three small vessels were provided—the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Solomon</span></span>, of 120 tons, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Swallow</span></span>, of 100, and the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jonas</span></span>, of forty. Hawkins left + England in October, 1562, and proceeding to Sierra Leone, + <span class="tei tei-q">“got into his possession, partly by the sword + and partly by other means, to the number of 300 negroes at the least, + besides other merchandise which that country yieldeth.”</span> At the + port of Isabella, Puerto de Plata, and Monte Christo, he made sale of + the slaves to the Spaniards, trusting them <span class= + "tei tei-q">“no farther than by his own strength he was able to + master them.”</span> He received in exchange, pearls, ginger, sugar, + and hides enough, not merely to freight his own vessels, but two + other hulks, and thus <span class="tei tei-q">“with prosperous + success, and much gain to himself and the aforesaid adventurers, he + came home, and arrived in September, 1563.”</span></p><a name= + "figsir_joha" id="figsir_joha" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_344.png" alt="SIR JOHN HAWKINS" title= + "SIR JOHN HAWKINS." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + SIR JOHN HAWKINS. + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page296">[pg 296]</span><a name= + "Pg296" id="Pg296" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The second + expedition was on a larger scale, and included a queen’s ship of 700 + tons. Hawkins arriving off the Rio Grande, could not enter it for + want of a pilot, but he proceeded to Sambula, one of the islands near + its mouth, where he <span class="tei tei-q">“went every day on shore + to take the inhabitants, with burning and spoiling their + towns,”</span> and got a number of slaves. Flushed with easy success, + Hawkins was persuaded by some Portuguese to attack a negro town + called Bymeba, where he was informed there was much gold. Forty of + his men were landed, and they dispersing, to secure what booty they + could for themselves, became an easy prey to the negroes, who killed + seven, including one of the captains, and wounded twenty-seven. After + a visit to Sierra Leone, which he left quickly on account of the + illness and death of some of his men, he proceeded to the West + Indies, where he carried matters with a high hand at the small + Spanish settlements, at which very generally the poor inhabitants had + been forbidden to trade with him by the viceroy, then stationed at + St. Domingo. To this he replied at Borburata, that he was in need of + refreshment and money also, <span class="tei tei-q">“without which he + could not depart. Their princes were in amity one with another; the + English had free traffic in Spain and Flanders; and he knew no reason + why they should not have the like in the King of Spain’s dominions. + Upon this the Spaniards said they would send to their governor, who + was three-score leagues off; ten days must elapse before his + determination could arrive; meantime he might bring his ships into + the harbour, and they would supply him with any victuals he might + require.”</span> The ships sailed in and were supplied, but Hawkins, + <span class="tei tei-q">“advising himself that to remain there ten + days idle, spending victuals and men’s wages, and perhaps, in the + end, receive no good answer from the governor, it were mere + folly,”</span> requested licence to sell certain lean and sick + negroes, for whom he had little or no food, but who would recover + with proper treatment ashore. This request, he said, he was forced to + make, as he had not otherwise wherewith to pay for necessaries + supplied to him. He received a licence to sell thirty slaves, but now + few showed a disposition to buy, and where they did, came to haggle + and cheapen. Hawkins made a feint to go, when the Spaniards bought + some of his poorer negroes, <span class="tei tei-q">“but when the + purchasers paid the duty and required the customary receipt, the + officer refused to give it, and instead of carrying the money to the + king’s account, distributed it to the poor <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘for the love of God.’</span> ”</span> The purchasers + feared that they might have to pay the duty a second time, and the + trade was suspended till the governor arrived, on the fourteenth day. + To him Hawkins told a long-winded story, concluding by saying that, + <span class="tei tei-q">“it would be taken well at the governor’s + hand if he granted a licence in this case, seeing that there was a + great amity between their princes, and that the thing pertained to + our queen’s highness.”</span> The petition was taken under + consideration in council, and at last granted. The licence of thirty + ducats demanded for each slave sold did not, however, meet Hawkins’ + views, and he therefore landed 100 men well armed, and marched toward + the town. The poor townspeople sent out messengers to know his + demands, and he requested that the duty should be 7½ per cent., and + mildly threatened that if they would not accede to this <span class= + "tei tei-q">“he would displease them.”</span> Everything was + conceded, and Hawkins obtained the prices he wanted. Fancy a modern + merchant standing with an armed guard, pistol in hand, over his + customers, insisting that he would sell what he liked and at his own + price!</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page297">[pg + 297]</span><a name="Pg297" id="Pg297" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But all this is + nothing to what happened at Rio de la Hacha. There he spoke of his + quiet traffic (!) at Borburata, and requested permission to trade + there in the same manner. He was told that the viceroy had forbidden + it, whereupon he threatened them that he must either have the licence + or they <span class="tei tei-q">“stand to their own defence.”</span> + The licence was granted, but they offered half the prices which he + had obtained at Borburata, whereupon he told them, insultingly, that + <span class="tei tei-q">“seeing they had sent him this to his supper, + he would in the morning bring them as good a breakfast.”</span><a id= + "noteref_135" name="noteref_135" href="#note_135"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">135</span></span></a> + Accordingly, early next day he fired off a culverin, and prepared to + land with 100 men, <span class="tei tei-q">“having light ordnance in + his great boat, and in the other boats double bases in their + noses.”</span> The townsmen marched out in battle array, but when the + guns were fired fell flat on their faces, and soon dispersed. Still, + about thirty horsemen made a show of resistance, their white leather + targets in one hand and their javelins in the other, but as soon as + Hawkins marched towards them they sent a flag of truce, and the + treasurer, <span class="tei tei-q">“in a cautious interview with this + ugly merchant,”</span> granted all he asked, and the trade proceeded. + They parted with a show of friendship, and saluted each other with + their guns, the townspeople <span class="tei tei-q">“glad to be sped + of such traders.”</span></p><a name="figon__thco" id="figon__thco" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_341.png" alt="ON THE COAST OF CORNWALL" + title="ON THE COAST OF CORNWALL." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ON THE COAST OF CORNWALL. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the return + voyage, contrary winds prevailed, <span class="tei tei-q">“till + victuals scanted, so that they were in despair of ever reaching home, + had not God provided for them better than their deserving.”</span> + They arrived at Padstow, in Cornwall, <span class="tei tei-q">“with + the loss,”</span> says the narrative printed in Hakluyt’s collection, + <span class="tei tei-q">“of twenty persons in all the voyage, and + with great profit to the venturers, as also to the whole realm, in + bringing home both gold, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page298">[pg + 298]</span><a name="Pg298" id="Pg298" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>silver, pearls, and other jewels in great store. + His name, therefore, be praised for evermore. Amen!”</span> They did + not consider that they had been engaged in a most iniquitous traffic, + nor was it, indeed, the opinion of the times. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hawkins,”</span> says Southey, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“then, is not individually to be condemned, if he looked + upon dealing in negroes to be as lawful as any other trade, and + thought that force or artifice might be employed for taking them with + as little compunction as in hunting, fishing, or fowling.”</span> He + had a coat of arms and crest bestowed upon him and his posterity. + Among other devices it bore <span class="tei tei-q">“a demi-Moor, in + his proper colour, bound and captive, with annulets on his + arms,”</span> &c.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On his next + expedition for slaving purposes he had six vessels. Herrera<a id= + "noteref_136" name="noteref_136" href="#note_136"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">136</span></span></a> says + that two Portuguese had offered to conduct this fleet to a place + where they might load their vessels with gold and other riches, and + that the queen had been so taken with the idea that she had supplied + Hawkins with two ships, he and his brother fitting out four others + and a pinnace. The force on board amounted to 1,500 soldiers and + sailors, who were to receive a third of the profits. When the + expedition was ready, the Portuguese deserted from Plymouth, and went + to France, but as the cost of the outfit had been incurred, it was + thought proper to proceed. Hawkins obtained, after a great deal of + trouble, less than 150 slaves between the Rio Grande and Sierra + Leone. At this juncture a negro king, just going to war with a + neighbouring tribe, sent to the commander asking his aid, promising + him all the prisoners who should be taken. This was a tempting bait, + and 120 men were sent to assist the coloured warrior. They assaulted + a town containing 8,000 inhabitants, strongly paled and well + defended, and the English losing six men, and having a fourth of + their number wounded, sent for more help; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“whereupon,”</span> says Hawkins, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“considering that the good success of this enterprise + might highly further the commodity of our voyage, I went myself; and + with the help of the king of our side, assaulted the town both by + land and sea, and very hardly, with fire (their houses being covered + with dry palm-leaves), obtained the town, and put the inhabitants to + flight, where we took 250 persons, men, women, and children. And by + our friend, the king of our side, there were taken 600 prisoners, + whereof we hoped to have had our choice; but the negro (in which + nation is seldom or never found truth) meant nothing less, for that + night he removed his camp and prisoners, so that we were fain to + content us with those few that we had gotten ourselves.”</span> They + had obtained between 400 and 500, a part of which were speedily sold + as soon as he reached the West Indies. At Rio de la Hacha, + <span class="tei tei-q">“from whence came all the pearls,”</span> the + treasurer would by no means allow them to trade, or even to water the + ships, and had fortified the town with additional bulwarks, well + manned by harquebusiers. Hawkins again enforced trade, by landing 200 + men, who stormed their fortifications, at which the Spaniards fled. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Thus having the town,”</span> says Hawkins, + <span class="tei tei-q">“with some circumstance, as partly by the + Spaniards’ desire of negroes, and partly by friendship of the + treasurer, we obtained a secret trade, whereupon the Spaniards + resorted to us by night, and bought of us to the number of 200 + negroes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This voyage ended + most disastrously. Passing by the west end of Cuba, they <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page299">[pg 299]</span><a name="Pg299" id="Pg299" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>encountered a terrific storm, which lasted + four days, and they had to cut down all the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“higher buildings”</span> of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus</span></span>, + their largest ship; her rudder, too, was nearly disabled, and she + leaked badly. They made for the coast of Florida, but could find no + suitable haven. <span class="tei tei-q">“Thus, being in great + despair, and taken with a new storm, which continued other three + days,”</span> Hawkins made for St. Juan de Ulloa, a port of the city + of Mexico. They took on their way three ships, having on board 100 + passengers, and soon reached the harbour. The Spaniards mistook them + for a fleet from Spain, which was expected about that time, and the + chief officers came aboard to receive the despatches. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Being deceived of their expectation,”</span> they were + somewhat alarmed, but finding that Hawkins wanted nothing but + provisions, <span class="tei tei-q">“were recomforted.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I found in the same port,”</span> says + Hawkins, <span class="tei tei-q">“twelve ships, which had in them, by + report, £200,000 in gold and silver; <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">all of which being in + my possession</span></span>, with the king’s island, as also the + passengers before in my way thitherward stayed, I set at liberty, + without the taking from them the weight of a groat.”</span> This + savours rather of impudent presumption, for he was certainly not in + good condition to fight at that period. Next day the Spanish fleet + arrived outside, when Hawkins again rode the high horse, by giving + notice to the general that he would not suffer them to enter the port + until conditions had been made for their safe-being, and for the + maintenance of peace. The fleet had on board a new viceroy, who + answered amicably, and desired him to propose his conditions. Hawkins + required not merely victuals and trade, and hostages to be given on + both sides, but that the island should be in his possession during + his stay, with such ordnance as was planted there, and that no + Spaniard might land on the island with any kind of weapon. These + terms the viceroy <span class="tei tei-q">“somewhat disliked”</span> + at first, nor is it very surprising that he did; but at length he + pretended to consent, and the Spanish ships entered the port. In a + few days it became evident that treachery was intended, as men and + weapons in quantities were being transferred from and to the Spanish + ships, and new ordnance landed on the island. Hawkins sent to inquire + what was meant, and was answered with fair words; still unsatisfied, + he sent the master of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jesus</span></span>, who spoke Spanish, to the + viceroy, and <span class="tei tei-q">“required to be satisfied if any + such thing were or not.”</span> The viceroy, now seeing that the + treason must be discovered, retained the master, blew his trumpet, + and it became evident that a general attack was intended. A number of + the English crews ashore were immediately massacred. They attempted + to board the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minion</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus</span></span>, + but were kept out, with great loss on both sides. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now,”</span> says Hawkins, <span class="tei tei-q">“when + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jesus</span></span> and the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Minion</span></span> + were gotten about two ships’ lengths from the Spanish fleet, the + fight began so hot on all sides, that, within one hour, the admiral + of the Spaniards was supposed to be sunk, their vice-admiral burnt, + and one other of their principal ships supposed to be sunk. The + Spaniards used their shore artillery to such effect that it cut all + the masts and yards of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jesus</span></span>, and sunk Hawkins’ smaller + ships, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Judith</span></span> only excepted.”</span> It + had been determined, as there was little hope to get the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus</span></span> + away, that she should be placed as a target or defence for the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minion</span></span> till night, when they would + remove such of the stores and valuables as was possible, and then + abandon her. <span class="tei tei-q">“As we were thus + determining,”</span> says Hawkins, <span class="tei tei-q">“and had + placed the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minion</span></span> from the shot of the land, + suddenly the Spaniards fired two great ships which were coming + directly with us; and having no means to avoid the fire, it bred + among the men a <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page300">[pg + 300]</span><a name="Pg300" id="Pg300" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>marvellous fear, so that some said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Let us depart with the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minion</span></span>;’</span> others said, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Let us see whether the wind will carry the + fire from us.’</span> But, to be short, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Minion’s</span></span> men, which had always + their sails in readiness, thought to make sure work, and so, without + either consent of the captain or master, cut their sail.”</span> + Hawkins was <span class="tei tei-q">“very hardly”</span> received on + board, and many of the men of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus</span></span> + were left to their fate and the mercy of the Spaniards, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“which,”</span> he says, <span class="tei tei-q">“I doubt + was very little.”</span> Only the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Minion</span></span> + and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Judith</span></span> escaped, and the latter + deserted that same night. Beaten about in unknown seas for the next + fourteen days, hunger at last enforced them to seek the land; + <span class="tei tei-q">“for hides were thought very good meat; rats, + cats, mice, and dogs, none escaped that might be gotten; parrots and + monkeys, that were had in great price, were thought then very + profitable if they served the turn of one dinner.”</span> So starved + and worn out were they, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page302">[pg + 302]</span><a name="Pg302" id="Pg302" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that + about a hundred of his people desired to be left on the coast of + Tabasco, and Hawkins determined to water there, and then, + <span class="tei tei-q">“with his little remain of victuals,”</span> + to attempt the voyage home. During this time, while on shore with + fifty of his men, a gale arose, which prevented them regaining the + ship; indeed, they expected to see it wrecked before their eyes. At + last the storm abated, and they sailed for England, the men dying off + daily from sheer exhaustion, the pitiful remainder being scarcely + able to work the ship. They at last reached the coast of Galicia, + where they obtained fresh meat, and putting into Vigo, were assisted + by some English ships lying there. Hawkins concludes his narrative as + follows:—<span class="tei tei-q">“If all the miseries and troublesome + affairs of this sorrowful voyage should be perfectly and thoroughly + written, there should need a painful man with his pen, and as great a + time as he had that wrote the lives and deaths of the + martyrs.”</span></p><a name="fighawkatst" id="fighawkatst" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_345.jpg" alt="HAWKINS AT ST. JUAN DE ULLOA" + title="HAWKINS AT ST. JUAN DE ULLOA." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + HAWKINS AT ST. JUAN DE ULLOA. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Judith</span></span>, + which made one of Hawkins’s last fleet, was commanded by Francis + Drake, a name that was destined to become one of the most famous of + the day, and very terrible to the Spaniards. In this last venture he + lost all that he had accumulated by earlier voyages, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but a divine, belonging to the fleet, comforted him with + the assurance, that having been so treacherously used by the + Spaniards, he might lawfully recover in value of the King of Spain, + and repair his losses upon him wherever he could.”</span> This + comfortable doctrine consoled him. <span class="tei tei-q">“The + case,”</span> says Fuller, <span class="tei tei-q">“was clear in sea + divinity.”</span> Two or three minor voyages he made to gain + knowledge of the field of operation, and in the West Indies made some + little money <span class="tei tei-q">“by playing the seaman and the + pirate.”</span> On May 24th, 1572, he sailed from Plymouth, in the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pascha</span></span>, of seventy tons, his + brother accompanying him in the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Swan</span></span>, + of only twenty-five tons; they had three pinnaces on board, taken to + pieces and stowed away. The force with which he was to revenge + himself on the Spanish monarch, numbered seventy-three men and boys, + all told. In the Indies he was joined by Captain Rowse, of an Isle of + Wight bark, with thirty-eight men on board. Let us see how they + sped.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was known that + there was great treasure at Nombre de Dios, and thither the little + squadron shaped its course. The town was unwalled, and they entered + without difficulty, but the Spaniards received them in the + market-place with a volley of shot. Drake returned the greeting with + a flight of arrows, <span class="tei tei-q">“the best ancient English + <a name="corr302" id="corr302" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">complement,</span>”</span> + but in the attack received a wound in his leg, which he dissembled, + <span class="tei tei-q">“knowing that if the general’s heart stoop, + the men’s will fall.”</span> He arrived at the treasury-house, which + was full of silver bars, and while in the act of ordering his men to + break it open, fainted from the loss of blood, and his men, binding + up the wound, forcibly took him to his pinnace. It was time, for the + Spaniards had discovered their weakness, and could have overcome + them. Rather disappointed here, Drake made for Carthagena, and took + several vessels on his way. He learned from some escaped negro + slaves, settled on the isthmus of Darien, that the treasure was + brought from Panama to Nombre de Dios upon mules, a party of which he + might intercept. Drake’s leg having healed, he was led to an eminence + on that isthmus, where, from a great tree, both the Pacific and + Atlantic might be seen. Steps had been cut in the trunk of this huge + tree, and at the top <span class="tei tei-q">“a convenient arbour had + been made, wherein twelve men might sit.”</span> Drake saw from its + summit that great Southern Ocean (the Pacific Ocean) of which he had + heard something already, and <span class="tei tei-q">“being inflamed + with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page303">[pg 303]</span><a name= + "Pg303" id="Pg303" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ambition of glory and + hopes of wealth, was so vehemently transported with desire to + navigate that sea, that falling down there upon his knees, he + implored the divine assistance, that he might at some time or other + sail thither, and make a perfect discovery of the same.”</span><a id= + "noteref_137" name="noteref_137" href="#note_137"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">137</span></span></a> Drake + was the first Englishman to gaze on its waters.</p><a name= + "figdrakfivi" id="figdrakfivi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_331.jpg" alt= + "DRAKE’S FIRST VIEW OF THE PACIFIC" title= + "DRAKE’S FIRST VIEW OF THE PACIFIC" /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + DRAKE’S FIRST VIEW OF THE PACIFIC + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the isthmus, + Drake encountered an armed party of Spaniards, but put them to + flight, and destroyed merchandise to the value of 200,000 ducats. + Soon after he heard <span class="tei tei-q">“the sweet music of the + mules coming with a great noise of bells,”</span> and when the trains + came up, he found they had no one but the muleteers to protect them. + It was easy work to take as much silver as they would, but more + difficult to transport it to the coast. They, in consequence, buried + several <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">tons</span></span>, but one of his men, who fell + into the hands of the Spaniards, was compelled by torture to reveal + the place, and when Drake’s people returned for a second load it was + nearly all gone. When they returned to the coast where the pinnaces + should have met them, they were not to be seen, but in place, seven + Spanish pinnaces which had been searching the coast. Drake escaped + their notice, and constructing a raft of the trees which the river + brought down, mounted a biscuit sack for sail, and steered it with an + oar made from a sapling, out to sea, where they were constantly up to + their waists in water. At last they caught sight of their own + pinnaces, ran the raft ashore, and travelled by land round to the + point off which they were laying. They then embarked their comrades + with the treasure, and rejoined the ship. One of their negro allies + took a great fancy to Drake’s sword, and when it was presented to + him, desired the commander to accept four wedges of gold. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Drake accepted them as courteously as they + were proffered, but threw them into the common stock, saying, it was + just that they who bore part of the charge in setting him to sea, + should enjoy their full proportion of the advantage at his + return.”</span> Drake made the passage home to the Scilly Isles in + the wonderfully short period of twenty-three days. Arriving at + Plymouth on a Sunday, the news was carried into the church during + sermon time, and <span class="tei tei-q">“there remained few or no + people with the preacher,”</span> for Drake was already a great man + and a hero in the eyes of all Devon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">John Oxenham, who + had served with Drake in the varied capacities of soldier, sailor, + and cook, was very much in the latter’s confidence. Drake had + particularly spoken of his desire to explore the Pacific, and Oxenham + in reply, had protested that <span class="tei tei-q">“he would follow + him by God’s grace.”</span> The latter, who <span class= + "tei tei-q">“had gotten among the seamen the name of captain for his + valour, and had privily scraped together good store of money,”</span> + becoming impatient, determined to attempt the enterprise his late + master had projected. He reached the isthmus to find that the mule + trains conveying the silver were now protected by a convoy of + soldiers, and he determined on a bold and novel adventure. + <span class="tei tei-q">“He drew his ship aground in a retired and + woody creek, covered it up with boughs, buried his provisions and his + great guns, and taking with him two small pieces of ordnance, went + with all his men and six Maroon guides about twelve leagues into the + interior, to a river which discharges itself into the South Sea. + There he cut wood and built a pinnace, <span class="tei tei-q">‘which + was five-and-forty feet by the keel;’</span> ”</span> embarked in it, + and secured for himself the honour of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page304">[pg 304]</span><a name="Pg304" id="Pg304" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>having been the first Englishman to sail over + the waters of the blue Pacific. In this pinnace he went to the Pearl + Islands, and lay in wait for vessels. He was successful in capturing + a small bark, bringing gold from Quito, and scarcely a week later, + another with silver from Lima. He also obtained a few pearls on the + islands.</p><a name="figoxenemon" id="figoxenemon" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_348.png" alt= + "OXENHAM EMBARKING ON THE PACIFIC" title= + "OXENHAM EMBARKING ON THE PACIFIC." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + OXENHAM EMBARKING ON THE PACIFIC. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So far, fortune + had followed Oxenham, and to his own want of caution is due the fact + that this prosperous state of affairs was soon reversed. He had + dismissed his prizes when near the mouth of the river, and had + allowed them to perceive where he was entering. The alarm was soon + given; first, indeed, by some negroes who hastened to Panama. Juan de + Ortega was immediately dispatched with 100 men, besides negro rowers, + in four barks. After entering the river, a four days’ search rewarded + him by the discovery of the pinnace with six Englishmen on board, who + leaped ashore and ran for dear life; one only was killed at this + juncture. Ortega discovered in the woods the hut in which Oxenham had + concealed the treasure, and removed it to his barks. Meantime, + Oxenham, whose men had been disputing over the division of spoils, + had been to a distance for the purpose of inducing some of the Maroon + negroes to act as carriers, and returning with them, met the men who + had escaped from the pinnace, and those who were fleeing from the + hut. <span class="tei tei-q">“The loss of their booty at once + completed their reconcilement; he promised larger shares if they + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page305">[pg 305]</span><a name="Pg305" + id="Pg305" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>should succeed in re-capturing + it; and marched resolutely in quest of the Spaniards, relying upon + the Maroons as well as upon his own people.”</span> But Ortega and + his men were experienced in bush-fighting, and they succeeded in + killing eleven Englishmen, and five negroes, and took seven of + Oxenham’s party prisoners. He, with the remnant of his party, went + back to search for his hidden ship; it had been removed by the + Spaniards. And now the latter sent 150 men to hunt the Englishmen + out, while those whom they failed to take were delivered up by the + natives. Oxenham and two of his officers were taken to Lima and + executed; the remainder suffered death at Panama.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The greatest + semi-commercial and piratical voyage of this epoch is undoubtedly + that of Drake, who reached the South Seas<a id="noteref_138" name= + "noteref_138" href="#note_138"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">138</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">viâ</span></span> the Straits of Magellan—the + third recorded attempt, and the first made by an Englishman—and was + the first English subject to circumnavigate the globe. Elizabeth gave + it her secret sanction, and when Drake was introduced to her court by + Sir Christopher Hatton, presented him a sword, with this remarkable + speech: <span class="tei tei-q">“We do account that he which striketh + at thee, Drake, striketh at us!”</span> The expedition, fitted at his + own cost, and that of various adventurers, comprised five vessels; + the largest, his own ship, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Pelican</span></span>, + being only 100 tons. His whole force consisted of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“164 men, gentlemen, and sailors; and was furnished with + such plentiful provision of all things necessary as so long and + dangerous a voyage seemed to require.”</span> The frames of four + pinnaces were taken, to be put together as occasion might require. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Neither did he omit, it is said, to make + provision for ornament and delight; carrying to this purpose with him + expert musicians, rich furniture (all the vessels for his table, yea, + many belonging to the cook-room, being of pure silver) with divers + shows of all sorts of curious workmanship, whereby the civility and + magnificence of his native country might, among all nations whither + he should come, be the more admired.”</span><a id="noteref_139" name= + "noteref_139" href="#note_139"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">139</span></span></a> Few of + his companions knew at the outset the destination of his voyage; it + was given out that they were bound merely for Alexandria.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The expedition + sailed on November 15th, 1577, from Plymouth, and immediately + encountered a storm so severe that the vessels came near shipwreck, + and were obliged to put back and refit. When they had again started + under fairer auspices, Drake gave his people some little information + as to his proposed voyage, and appointed an island off the coast of + Barbary as a rendezvous in case of separation at sea, and + subsequently Cape Blanco, where he mustered his men ashore and put + them through drills and warlike exercises. Already, early in January, + he had taken some minor Spanish prizes, and a little later, off the + island of Santiago, chased a Portuguese ship, bound for Brazil, + <span class="tei tei-q">“with many passengers, and among other + commodities, good store of wine.”</span> Drake captured and set the + people on one of his smaller pinnaces, giving them their clothes, + some provisions, and one butt of wine, letting them all go except + their pilot. The provisions and wine on board the prize proved + invaluable to the expedition. From the Cape de Verde Islands they + were nine weeks out of sight of land, and before they reached the + coast of Brazil, when near the equator, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Drake, being very careful of his men’s health, let every + one of them blood with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page306">[pg + 306]</span><a name="Pg306" id="Pg306" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>his + own hands.”</span> On nearing the Brazilian coast, the inhabitants + <span class="tei tei-q">“made great fires for a sacrifice to the + devils, about which they use conjurations (making heaps of sand and + other ceremonies), that when any ships shall go about to stay upon + their coast, not only sands may be gathered together in shoals in + every place, but also that storms and tempests may arise, to the + casting away of ships and men.”</span> Near the Plata they + slaughtered large numbers of seals, thinking them <span class= + "tei tei-q">“good and acceptable meat both as food for the present, + and as a supply of provisions for the future.”</span> Further south, + they found stages constructed on the rocks by the natives for drying + the flesh of ostriches; their thighs were as large as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“reasonable legs of mutton.”</span> At a spot which Drake + named Seal Bay, they remained over a fortnight. Here they + <span class="tei tei-q">“made new provisions of seals, whereof they + slew to the number of from 200 to 300 in the space of an + hour.”</span> Some little traffic ensued with the natives, all of + whom were highly painted, some of them having the whole of one side, + from crown to heel, painted black, and the other white. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“They fed on seals and other flesh, which they ate nearly + raw, casting pieces of four or six pounds’ weight into the fire, till + it was a little scorched, and then tearing it in pieces with their + teeth like lions.”</span> At the sound of Drake’s band of trumpeters + they showed great delight, dancing on the beach with the sailors. + They were described as of large stature. <span class="tei tei-q">“One + of these giants,”</span> said the chaplain of the expedition, + <span class="tei tei-q">“standing with our men when they were taking + their morning draughts, showed himself so familiar that he also would + do as they did; and taking a glass in his hand (being strong canary + wine), it came no sooner to his lips, than it took him by the nose, + and so suddenly entered his head, that he was so drunk, or at least + so overcome, that he fell right down, not able to stand; yet he held + the glass fast in his hand, without spilling any of the wine; and + when he came to himself, he tried again, and tasting, by degrees got + to the bottom. From which time he took such a liking to the wine, + that having learnt the name, he would every morning come down from + the mountains with a mighty cry of <span class="tei tei-q">‘Wine! + wine! wine!’</span> continuing the same until he arrived at the + tent.”</span><a id="noteref_140" name="noteref_140" href= + "#note_140"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">140</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After some trouble + caused by the separation of the vessels, the whole fleet arrived + safely at the <span class="tei tei-q">“good harborough called by + Magellan Port Julian,”</span> where nearly the first sight they met + was a gibbet, on which the Portuguese navigator had executed several + mutinous members of his company, some of the bones of whom yet + remained. Drake himself was to have trouble here. At the outset the + natives appeared friendly, and a trial of skill in shooting arrows + resulted in an English gunner exceeding their efforts, at which they + appeared pleased by the skill shown. A little while after another + Indian came, <span class="tei tei-q">“but of a sourer sort,”</span> + and one Winter, prepared for another display of archery, + unfortunately broke the bow-string when he drew it to its full + length. This disabused the natives, to some extent, of the superior + skill of the English, and an attack was made, apparently incited by + the Indian just mentioned. Poor Winter received two wounds, and the + gunner coming to the rescue with his gun missed fire, and was + immediately shot <span class="tei tei-q">“through the breast and out + at back, so that he fell down stark dead.”</span> Drake assembled his + men, ordering them to cover themselves with their targets, and march + on the assailants, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page307">[pg + 307]</span><a name="Pg307" id="Pg307" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>instructing them to break the arrows shot at + them, noting that the savages had but a small store. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“At the same time he took the piece which had so + unhappily missed fire, aimed at the Indian who had killed the gunner, + and who was the man who had begun the fray, and shot him in the + belly. An arrow wound, however severe, the savage would have borne + without betraying any indication of pain; but his cries, upon being + thus wounded, were so loud and hideous, that his companions were + terrified and fled, though many were then hastening to their + assistance. Drake did not pursue them, but hastened to convey Winter + to the ship for speedy help; no help, however, availed, and he died + on the second day. The gunner’s body, which had been left on shore, + was sent for the next day; the savages, meantime, had stripped it, as + if for the sake of curiously inspecting it; the clothes they had laid + under the head, and stuck an English arrow in the right eye for + mockery. Both bodies were buried in a little island in the + harbour.”</span><a id="noteref_141" name="noteref_141" href= + "#note_141"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">141</span></span></a> No + farther attempt was made to injure the English, who remained two + months in the harbour, but friendly relations were not established. A + more serious event was to follow.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One Master + Doughtie was suspected and accused of something worse than ordinary + mutiny or insubordination. It is affirmed in a history of the voyage + published under the name of Drake’s nephew, that Doughtie had + embarked on the expedition for the distinct purpose of overthrowing + it for his own aggrandisement, to accomplish which he intended to + raise a mutiny, and murder the admiral and his most attached + followers. Further, it is stated, that Drake was informed of this + before he left Plymouth; but that he would not credit <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that a person whom he so dearly loved would conceive + such evil purposes against him.”</span> Doughtie had been put in + possession of the Portuguese prize, but had been removed on a charge + of peculation, and it is likely that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“resentment, whether for the wrongful charge, or the + rightful removal, might be rankling in him;”</span> at all events, + his later conduct, and mutinous words, left no alternative to Drake + but to examine him before a properly constituted court, and he seems + to have most reluctantly gone even to this length.<a id="noteref_142" + name="noteref_142" href="#note_142"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">142</span></span></a> He was + <span class="tei tei-q">“found guilty by twelve men after the English + manner, and suffered accordingly.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The most indifferent persons in the fleet,”</span> says + Southey, <span class="tei tei-q">“were of opinion that he had acted + seditiously, and that Drake cut him off because of his emulous + designs. The question is, how far those designs extended? He could + not aspire to the credit of the voyage without devising how to obtain + for himself some more conspicuous station in it than that of a + gentleman volunteer; if he regarded Drake as a rival, he must have + hoped to supplant, or at least to vie with him; and in no other way + could he have vied with him but by making off with one of the ships, + and trying his own fortune”</span> (which was afterwards actually + accomplished by others). Doughtie was condemned to death. + <span class="tei tei-q">“And he,”</span> says a writer, quoted by + Hakluyt, <span class="tei tei-q">“seeing no remedy but patience for + himself, desired before his death to receive the communion; which he + did at the hands of Master Fletcher, our minister, and our general + himself accompanied him in that holy action; <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page308">[pg 308]</span><a name="Pg308" id="Pg308" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which being done, and the place of execution + made ready, he, having embraced our general, and taken his leave of + all the company, with prayer for the queen’s majesty and our realm, + in quiet sort laid his head to the block, where he ended his + life.”</span> One account says that after partaking of the communion, + Drake and Doughtie dined at the same table together, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“as cheerfully, in sobriety, as ever in their lives they + had done; and taking their leave by drinking to each other, as if + some short journey only had been in hand.”</span> A provost marshal + had made all things ready, and after drinking this funereal + stirrup-cup, Doughtie went to the block. Drake subsequently addressed + the whole company, exhorting them to unity and subordination, asking + them to prepare reverently for a special celebration of the holy + communion on the following Sunday.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, having + broken up the Portuguese prize on account of its unseaworthiness, and + rechristened his own ship, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Pelican</span></span>, + into the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Golden Hinde</span></span>, Drake entered the + Straits now named after Magellan, though that navigator termed them + the Patagonian Straits, because he had found the natives wearing + clumsy shoes or sandals: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">patagon</span></span> signifying in Portuguese a + large, ill-shaped foot. The land surrounding the straits is high and + mountainous, and the water generally deep close to the cliffs. + <span class="tei tei-q">“We found the strait,”</span> says the first + narrator, <span class="tei tei-q">“to have many turnings, and as it + were, shuttings up, as if there were no passage at all.”</span> Drake + passed through the tortuous strait in seventeen days. Clift, one of + the historians of the expedition, whose narrative is preserved in + Hakluyt’s collection of <span class="tei tei-q">“Voyages,”</span> + says of the penguins there, three thousand of which were killed in + less than a day, <span class="tei tei-q">“We victualled ourselves + with a kind of fowl which is plentiful on that isle (St. George’s in + the Straits), and whose flesh is not unlike a fat goose here in + England. They have no wings, but short pinions, which serve their + turn in swimming; their colour is somewhat black, mixed with white + spots under their belly, and about their necks. They wall so upright + that, afar off, a man would take them to be little children. If a man + approach anything near them, they run into holes in the ground (which + be not very deep) whereof the island is full, so that to take them we + had staves with hooks fast to the end, wherewith some of our men + pulled them out, and others being ready with cudgels did knock them + on the head, for they bite so cruelly with their crooked bills, that + none of us were able to handle them alive.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Drake’s vessels, + separated by a gale, were driven hither and thither. One of them, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Marigold</span></span>, must have foundered, as + she was never again heard of. The two remaining ships sought shelter + in a dangerous rocky bay, from which the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Golden + Hinde</span></span> was driven to sea, her cable having parted. The + other vessel, under Captain Winter’s command, regained the straits, + and <span class="tei tei-q">“anchoring there in an open bay, made + great fires on the shore, that if Drake should put into the strait + also, he might discover them.”</span> Winter proceeded later up the + straits, and anchored in a sound, which he named the Port of Health, + because his men, who had been <span class="tei tei-q">“very sick with + long watching, wet, cold, and evil diet,”</span> soon recovered on + the nourishing shell-fish found there. He, after waiting some time, + and despairing of regaining Drake’s company, gave over the voyage, + and set sail for England, <span class="tei tei-q">“where he arrived + with the reproach of having abandoned his commander.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Drake was now + reduced to his own vessel, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Golden + Hinde</span></span>, which was obliged <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page309">[pg 309]</span><a name="Pg309" id="Pg309" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>to seek shelter on the coast of Terra del Fuego. + The winds again forced him from his anchorage, and his shallop, with + eight men on board, and provisions for only one day, was separated + from him. The fate of these poor fellows was tragical. They regained + the straits, where they caught and salted a quantity of penguins, and + then coasted up South America to the Plata. Six of them landed, and + while searching for food in the forests, encountered a party of + Indians, who wounded all of them with their arrows, and secured four, + pursuing the others to the boat. These latter reached the two men in + charge, but before they could put off, all were wounded by the + natives. They, however, succeeded in reaching an island some distance + from the mainland, where two of them died from the injuries received, + and the boat was wrecked and beaten to pieces on the rocks. The + remaining two stopped on the island eight weeks, living on shell-fish + and a fruit resembling an orange, but could find no water. They at + length ventured to the mainland on a large plank some ten feet in + length, which they propelled with paddles; the passage occupied three + days. <span class="tei tei-q">“On coming to land,”</span> says + Carter, the only survivor, <span class="tei tei-q">“we found a + rivulet of sweet water; when William Pitcher, my only comfort and + companion (although I endeavoured to dissuade him) overdrank himself, + and to my unspeakable grief, died within half an hour.”</span> Carter + himself fell into the hands of some Indians, who took pity on him, + and conducted him to a Portuguese settlement. Nine years elapsed + before he was able to regain his own country.</p><a name= + "figsir_f_dr" id="figsir_f_dr" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_353.png" alt="SIR F. DRAKE" title= + "SIR F. DRAKE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + SIR F. DRAKE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meantime Drake was + driven so far to the southward, that at length he <span class= + "tei tei-q">“fell in with the uttermost part of the land towards the + South Pole,”</span> or in other words, reached Cape Horn. The storm + had lasted with little intermission for over seven weeks. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Drake went ashore, and, sailor-like, leaning + over a promontory, as far as he safely could, came back <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page310">[pg 310]</span><a name="Pg310" id="Pg310" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and told his people how that he had been + farther south than any man living.”</span> At last the wind was + favourable, and he coasted northward, along the American shore, till + he reached the island of Mocha, where the Indians appeared at first + to be friendly, and brought off potatoes, roots, and two fat sheep, + for which they received recompense. But on landing for the purpose of + watering the ship, the natives shot at them, wounding every one of + twelve men, and Drake himself under the right eye. In this case no + attempt was made at retaliation. The Indians doubtless took them for + Spaniards. Drake, continuing his voyage, fell in with an Indian + fishing from a canoe, who was made to understand their want of + provisions, and was sent ashore with presents. This brought off a + number of natives with supplies of poultry, hogs, and fruits, while + Felipe, one of them who spoke Spanish, informed Drake that they had + passed the port of Valparaiso—then an insignificant settlement of + less than a dozen Spanish families—where a large ship was lying at + anchor. Felipe piloted them thither, and they soon discovered the + ship, with a meagre crew of eight Spaniards and four negroes on + board. So little was an enemy expected, that as Drake’s vessel + approached, it was saluted with beat of drum, and a jar of Chili wine + made ready for an hospitable reception. But Drake and his men wanted + something more than bumpers of wine, and soon boarded the vessel, one + of the men striking down the first Spaniard he met, and exclaiming, + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Abaxo perro!</span></span>”</span> (Down, dog!) + Another of the crew leaped overboard and swam ashore to give an alarm + to the town; the rest were soon secured under hatches. The + inhabitants of the town fled incontinently, but the spoils secured + there were small. The chapel was rifled of its altar-cloth, silver + chalice, and other articles, which were handed over to Drake’s + chaplain; quantities of wine and other provisions were secured. The + crew of the prize, with the exception of the Greek pilot, were set + ashore, and Drake left with his new acquisition, which when examined + at sea was found to contain one thousand seven hundred and seventy + jars of wine, sixty thousand pieces of gold, some pearls, and other + articles of value. The Indian who had guided them to this piece of + good fortune, was liberally rewarded.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At a place called + Tarapaca, whither they had gone to water the ship, they found a + Spaniard lying asleep, and keeping very bad guard over thirteen bars + of silver, worth four thousand ducats. Drake determined to take care + of it for him. At a short distance off, they encountered another, + who, with an Indian, was driving eight llamas, each carrying a + hundredweight of silver. It is needless to say that the llamas were + conveyed on board, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">plus</span></span> the silver. At Arica two + ships were found at anchor, one of which yielded forty bars of + silver, and the other a considerable quantity of wine. But these were + as trifles to that which followed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Drake had pursued + a leisurely course, but in spite of this fact, no intelligence of the + pirate’s approach had reached Lima. The term <span class= + "tei tei-q">“pirate”</span> is used advisedly, for whatever the gain + to geographical science afforded by his voyages, their chief aim was + spoil, and it mattered nothing whether England was at war with the + victims of his prowess or not. A few leagues off Callao harbour (the + port of Lima), Drake boarded a Portuguese vessel: the owner agreed to + pilot him into Callao, provided his cargo was left him. They arrived + at nightfall, <span class="tei tei-q">“sailing in between all the + ships that lay there, seventeen in number,”</span> most of which had + their sails ashore, for the Spaniards had had, as yet, no + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page311">[pg 311]</span><a name="Pg311" + id="Pg311" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>enemies in those waters. They + rifled the ships of their valuables, and these included a large + quantity of silk and linen, and one chest of silver reales. But they + heard that which made their ears tingle, and inflamed their desires + for gain; the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cacafuego</span></span>, a great treasure ship, + had sailed only a few days before for a neighbouring port. Drake + immediately cut the cables of the ships at Lima, and let them drive, + that they might not pursue him. <span class="tei tei-q">“While he was + thus employed, a vessel from Panama, laden with Spanish goods, + entered the harbour, and anchored close by the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Golden + Hinde</span></span>. A boat came from the shore to search it; but + because it was night, they deferred the search till the morning, and + only sent a man on board. The boat then came alongside Drake’s + vessel, and asked what ship it was. A Spanish prisoner answered, as + he was ordered, that it was Miguel Angel’s, from Chili. Satisfied + with this, the officer in the boat sent a man to board it; but he, + when on the point of entering, perceived one of the large guns, and + retreated in the boat with all celerity, because no vessels that + frequented that port, and navigated those seas, carried great + shot.”</span> The crew of the Panama ship took alarm when they + observed the rapid flight of the man, and put to sea. The + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Hinde</span></span> followed her, and the + Spanish crew abandoned their ship, and escaped ashore in their boat. + The alarm had now been given in Lima, and the viceroy dispatched two + vessels in pursuit, each having two hundred men on board, but no + artillery. The Spanish commander, however, showed no desire to tackle + Drake, and he escaped, taking shortly afterwards three tolerable + prizes, one of which yielded forty bars of silver, eighty pounds’ + weight of gold, and a golden crucifix, <span class="tei tei-q">“set + with goodly great emeralds.”</span> One of the men having secreted + two plates of gold from this prize, and denied the theft, was + immediately hanged.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But it was the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cacafuego</span></span> that Drake wanted, and + after crossing the line he promised to give his own chain of gold to + the first man who should descry her. On St. David’s Day, the coveted + prize was discovered from the top, by a namesake of the commander, + one John Drake. All sail was set, but an easy capture was before + them; for the Spanish captain, not dreaming of enemies in those + latitudes, slackened sail, in order to find out what ship she was. + When they had approached near enough, Drake hailed them to strike, + which being refused, <span class="tei tei-q">“with a great piece he + shot her mast overboard, and having wounded the master with an arrow, + the ship yielded.”</span> Having taken possession, the vessels sailed + in company far out to sea, when they stopped and lay by. She proved a + prize indeed: gold and silver in coin and bars, jewels and precious + stones amounting to three hundred and sixty thousand pieces of gold + were taken from her. The silver alone amounted to a value in our + money of £212,000. It is stated that Drake called for the register of + the treasure on board, and wrote a receipt for the amount! The ship + was dismissed, and Drake gave the captain a letter of safe conduct, + in case she should fall in with his consorts. This, as we know, was + impossible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Drake’s plain + course now was to make his way home, and he wisely argued that it + would be unsafe to attempt the voyage by the route he had come, as + the Spaniards would surely attack him in full force, the whole coast + of Chili and Peru being aroused to action. He conceived the bold + notion of rounding North America: in other words, he proposed to make + that passage which has been the great dream of Arctic explorers, and + which has only, as we shall hereafter see, been once made (and that + in a very partial sense) by Franklin and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page312">[pg 312]</span><a name="Pg312" id="Pg312" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>M’Clure. His company agreed to his views: + firstly to refit, water, and provision the ship in some convenient + bay; <span class="tei tei-q">“thenceforward,”</span> says one of + them, <span class="tei tei-q">“to hasten on our intended journey for + the discovery of the said passage, through which we might with joy + return to our longed homes.”</span> They sailed for Nicaragua, near + the mainland of which they found a small island with a suitable bay, + where they obtained wood, water, and fish. A small prize was taken + while there, having on board a cargo of sarsaparilla, which they + disdained, and butter and honey, which they appropriated. Drake now + sailed northward, and most undoubtedly reached the grand bay of San + Francisco. Californian authorities concede this. The <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Drake’s Bay”</span> of the charts is an open roadstead, + and does not answer the descriptions given of the great navigator’s + visit. He had peaceful interviews with the natives, and took + possession, in the fashion of those days, of the country, setting up + a monument of the queen’s <span class="tei tei-q">“right and title to + the same, namely, a plate nailed upon a fair great post, whereupon + was engraven her Majesty’s name, the day and year of our arrival + there, ... together with her highness’s picture and arms in a piece + of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sixpence</span></span> (!) of current English + money under the plate, where under also was written the name of our + general.”</span> History does not tell us the fate of that sixpence, + but the title, New Albion, bestowed on the country by Drake, remained + on the maps half way into this century, or just before the discovery + of gold in California. The natives regarded the English with + superstitious awe, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page313">[pg + 313]</span><a name="Pg313" id="Pg313" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and + could not be prevented from offering them sacrifices, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“with lamentable weeping, scratching, and tearing the + flesh from their faces with their nails, whereof issued abundance of + <a name="corr313" id="corr313" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">blood.</span>”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But we used,”</span> says the narrator + quoted by Hakluyt, <span class="tei tei-q">“signs to them of + disliking this, and stayed their hands from force, and directed them + upwards to the living God, whom only they ought to worship.”</span> + After remaining there five weeks, Drake took his departure, and the + natives watched the ships sadly as they sailed, and kept fires + burning on the hill-tops as long as they continued in sight. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good store of seals and birds”</span> were + taken from the Farralone Islands. Many an egg has the writer eaten, + laid by the descendants of those very birds: they are supplied in + quantities to the San Francisco markets. Drake’s attempt at the + northern passage was now abandoned.</p><a name="figdrakarat" id= + "figdrakarat" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_356.png" alt="DRAKE’S ARRIVAL AT TERNATE" + title="DRAKE’S ARRIVAL AT TERNATE." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + DRAKE’S ARRIVAL AT TERNATE. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sixty-eight days + was Drake’s ship—containing one of the most valuable freights ever + held in one bottom—in the open sea, during which time no land was + sighted; at the end of this period the Pelew, Philippine, and Molucca + Islands were successively reached. At Ternate, Drake sent a velvet + cloak as a present to the king, requesting provisions, and that he + might be allowed to trade for spices. The king was amiable and well + disposed; he sent before him <span class="tei tei-q">“four great and + large canoes, in every one whereof were certain of his greatest + states that were about him, attired in white lawn of cloth of + Calicut, having over their heads, from the one end of the canoe to + the other, a covering of thin perfumed mats, borne up with a frame + made of reeds for the same use, under which every one did sit in his + order, according to his dignity, to keep him from the heat of the + sun. * * * The rest were soldiers which stood in comely + order, round about on both sides; without whom sat the rowers in + certain galleries, which being three on a side all along the canoes, + did lie off from the side thereof three or four yards, one being + orderly builded lower than another, in every of which galleries were + fourscore rowers. These canoes were furnished with warlike munitions, + every man, for the most part, having his sword and target, with his + dagger, besides other weapons, as lances, calivers, darts, bows and + arrows; also every canoe had a small cast-base (or cannon) mounted at + the least one full yard upon a stock set upright.”</span> These + canoes or galleys were rowed about the ship, those on board doing + homage as they passed. The king soon arrived in state, and was + received <span class="tei tei-q">“with a salute of great guns, with + trumpets sounding, and such politic display of state and strength as + Drake knew it was advisable to exhibit.”</span> Many presents were + made to the king, who in return sent off provisions of rice, fowls, + fruits, sugar-cane, and <span class="tei tei-q">“imperfect and liquid + sugar”</span> (presumably molasses). Next day there was a grand + reception ashore; the king, covered with gold and jewels, under a + rich canopy embossed with gold, professing great friendship. The fact + was that his own father had been assassinated by the Portuguese, and + he himself had besieged and taken their Fort St. Paul’s, and + compelled them to leave it. He was, doubtless, anxious for some + alliance which might strengthen his hands against the Portuguese. + Drake, however, had no commission, nor desire at that time to engage + his country to any such treaty; his principal object now was to get + home safely with his treasure. He, however, successfully traded for a + quantity of cloves and provisions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Off Celebes, the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Hinde</span></span> became entangled among the + shoals, and while running under full sail, suddenly struck on a rock, + where she stuck fast. Boats were got out to see whether <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page314">[pg 314]</span><a name="Pg314" id="Pg314" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>an anchor might not be employed to draw + the ship off, but the water all round was very deep, no bottom being + found. Three tons of cloves, eight guns, and certain stores were + thrown overboard, but to no purpose. Fuller says quaintly, that they + <span class="tei tei-q">“threw overboard as much wealth as would + break the heart of a miser to think on’t; with much sugar, and packs + of spices, making a caudle of the sea round about. Then they betook + themselves to their prayers, the best lever at such a dead lift + indeed, and it pleased God that the wind, formerly their mortal + enemy, became their friend.”</span><a id="noteref_143" name= + "noteref_143" href="#note_143"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">143</span></span></a> To the + joy of all, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Hinde</span></span> glided off the rocks, and + almost uninjured. On the way home they visited Barateva, Java, the + Cape, and Sierra Leone, being singularly fortunate in avoiding the + Portuguese and Spanish ships. The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Hinde</span></span> + arrived safely at Plymouth on September 26th, 1580, having been + nearly three years on her eventful voyage. Drake was received with + great honour, and was knighted by the queen. She gave orders that his + little ship should be laid up at Deptford, and there carefully + preserved as a monument of the most remarkable voyage yet made. + Elizabeth honoured Drake by banqueting on board, and his fame spread + everywhere through the kingdom. The boys of Westminster School set up + some Latin verses on the mainmast, of which Southey gives the + following free translation—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“On Hercules’ + Pillars, Drake, thou may’st <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: left"><span style="font-style: italic">plus + ultra</span></span> write full well,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">And say, I will + in greatness that great Hercules excel.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And again—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Sir Drake, whom + well the world’s end knows, which thou didst compass + round,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And whom both poles of heaven once saw which north and south do + bound, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The stars above will make thee known if men here silent were; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The sun himself + cannot forget his fellow-traveller.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Drake’s series of + victories over the Spaniards, and the repulse which occurred just + before his death are details of history which would fill a volume. He + received a sailor’s funeral at Puerto Bello, his body being committed + to the deep in a leaden coffin, with the solemn service of the + English Church, rendered more impressive by volleys of musketry, and + the booming of guns from all the fleet. A poet of the day says—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The waves + became his winding sheet, the waters were his tomb;</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">But for his fame + the ocean sea was not sufficient room.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No single name in + naval history has ever attained the celebrity acquired by Drake. The + Spaniards, who called him a dragon, believed that he had dealings + with the devil; <span class="tei tei-q">“that notion,”</span> says + Southey, <span class="tei tei-q">“prevented them from feeling any + mortification at his successes, * * * and it enhanced their + exultation over the failure of his last expedition, which they + considered as the triumph of their religion over heresy and + magic.”</span> The common people in England itself, more especially + in the western counties, believed any quantity of fables concerning + him, some of them verging on childishness. He had only to cast a chip + in the water when it would become a fine vessel. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was not by his skill as an engineer, and the + munificent expenditure of the wealth which he had so daringly + obtained, that Drake supplied Plymouth with fresh water; but by + mounting his horse, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page315">[pg + 315]</span><a name="Pg315" id="Pg315" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>riding about Dartmoor till he came to a spring + sufficiently copious for his design, then wheeling round, pronouncing + some magical words, and galloping back into the town, with the stream + in full flow, and forming its own channel at the horse’s + heels.”</span> One of the popular stories regarding him is briefly as + follows. When Sir Francis left on one of his long voyages, he told + his wife that should he not return within a certain number of years + she might conclude that he was dead, and might, if she so chose, wed + again. One version places the time at seven, and another at ten + years. During these long years the excellent lady remained true to + her lord, but at the end of the term accepted an offer. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“One of Drake’s ministering spirits, whose charge it was + to convey to him any intelligence in which he was nearly concerned, + brought him the tidings. Immediately he loaded one of his great guns, + and fired it right through the globe on one side, and up on the + other, with so true an aim that it made its way into the church, + between the two parties most concerned, just as the marriage service + was beginning. <span class="tei tei-q">‘It comes from Drake!’</span> + cried the wife to the now unbrided bridegroom; <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘he is alive! and there must be neither troth nor ring + between thee and me.’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Drake is described + as of low stature, but well set, and of an admirable presence. His + chest was broad, his hair nut-brown, his beard handsome and full, his + head <span class="tei tei-q">“remarkably round,”</span> his eyes + large and clear, his countenance fresh, cheerful and engaging. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It has been said of him that he was a + willing hearer of every man’s opinion, but commonly a follower of his + own,”</span> which, as a rule, was really sure to be judicious. He + had a quick temper, and once offended, was <span class= + "tei tei-q">“hard to be reconciled,”</span> but his friendships were + firm; he was ambitious to the last degree, and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the vanity which usually accompanies that sin laid him + open to flattery.”</span> He was affable with his men, who idolised + him as the grand commander and skilful seaman that he most + undoubtedly was.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In spite of the + rich prizes so often taken, a competent authority says: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The expeditions undertaken in Elizabeth’s reign against + the Spaniards are said to have produced no advantage to England in + any degree commensurate with the cost of money and expense of life + with which they were performed.”</span> But we must never forget the + wonderful development of the navy which resulted; the splendid + training acquired by our sailors, and the grand gains to geographical + science.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The opening of + colonisation and trade with America—so far as England is concerned—is + due to Sir Humphrey Gilbert, and his step-brother, Sir Walter + Raleigh. From their comparatively insignificant attempts at settling + parts of that vast northern continent what grand results have + accrued! The acorn has become a mighty, wide-spreading oak, + sheltering the representatives of every nationality.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Sir Humphrey + Gilbert proposed to Queen Elizabeth the settlement of a colony in the + New World, she immediately assented, and granted him letters patent + as comprehensive and wide-spreading as ever issued by papal sanction. + She accorded free liberty to him, his heirs and assigns for ever, to + discover and take possession of any heathen and savage lands not + being actually possessed by any Christian prince or people; such + countries, and all towns, castles or villages, to be holden by them + of the crown, payment of a fifth of all the gold and silver ore + discovered being required by the latter. The privileges seemed so + great that <span class="tei tei-q">“very many gentlemen of good + estimation drew unto Sir <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page316">[pg + 316]</span><a name="Pg316" id="Pg316" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Humphrey to associate with him in so commendable + an enterprise.”</span> But divisions and feuds arose, and Gilbert + went to sea only to become involved in a <span class= + "tei tei-q">“dangerous sea-fight, in which many of his company were + slain, and his ships were battered and disabled.”</span> He was + compelled to put back <span class="tei tei-q">“with the loss of a + tall ship.”</span> The records of this encounter are meagre, but the + disaster retarded for the time his attempt at colonisation, besides + impairing his estate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sir Humphrey’s + patent was only for six years, unless he succeeded in his project, + and in 1583 he found means to equip a second expedition, to which + Raleigh contributed a bark of 200 tons, named after him, the little + fleet numbering in all five vessels. The queen had always favoured + Gilbert, and before he departed on this voyage, sent him a golden + anchor with a large pearl on it, by the hands of Raleigh. In the + letter accompanying it, Raleigh wrote, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Brother, I have sent you a token from her Majesty—an + anchor guided by a lady, as you see. And, further, her highness + willed me to send you word, that she wished you as great a good hap + and safety to your ship, as if she herself were there in person, + desiring you to have care of yourself as of that which she tendereth; + and, therefore, for her sake you must provide for it accordingly. + Further she commandeth that you leave your picture with me.”</span> + Elizabeth’s direct interest in the rapidly increasing maritime and + commercial interests of the day was very apparent in all her + actions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bark + Raleigh</span></span> was the largest vessel of the expedition, two + of the others being of forty, and one of twenty tons only. The number + of those who embarked was about 260, and the list included + carpenters, shipwrights, masons, and smiths; also <span class= + "tei tei-q">“mineral men and refiners.”</span> It is admitted that + among them there were many <span class="tei tei-q">“who had been + taken as pirates in the narrow seas, instead of being hanged + according to their deserts.”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“For + solace of our people,”</span> says one of the captains under Gilbert, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and allurement of the savages, we were + provided of music in good variety, not omitting the least toys, as + morris-dancers, hobby-horse, and May-like conceits to delight the + savage people, whom we intended to win by all fair means + possible.”</span> The period of starting being somewhat late in the + season, it was determined to sail first for Newfoundland instead of + Cape Florida, as at the former Gilbert knew that he could obtain + abundant supplies from the numerous ships employed in the abundant + cod-fisheries. The voyage was to commence in disaster. They sailed on + June 11th, and two days later the men of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bark + Raleigh</span></span> hailed their companions with the information + that their captain and many on board were grievously sick. She left + them that night and put back to Plymouth, where, it is stated, she + arrived with a number of the crew prostrated by a contagious disease. + Some mystery attaches to this defection; <span class="tei tei-q">“the + others proceeded on their way, not a little grieved with the loss of + the most puissant ship in their fleet.”</span> <a name="corr317" id= + "corr317" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">Two</span> of the fleet parted company in a fog; one + of them was found in the Bay of Conception, her men in new apparel + and particularly well provided, the secret being that they had + boarded an unfortunate Newfoundland ship on the way, and had pretty + well rifled it, not even stopping at torture where the wretched + sailors had objected to be stripped of their possessions. The other + vessel was found lying off the harbour of St. John’s, where at first + the English merchants objected to Gilbert’s entry, till he assured + them that he came with a commission from her Majesty, and had no + ill-intent. On the way in, his vessel struck on a rock, whereupon the + other captains sent to the rescue, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page318">[pg 318]</span><a name="Pg318" id="Pg318" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>saved the ship, and fired a salute in his + honour. His first act was to tax all the ships for his own supply; + the Portuguese, in particular, contributed liberally, so that the + crews were <span class="tei tei-q">“presented, above their + allowances, with wines, marmalades, most fine rusk or biscuit, sweet + oil, and sundry delicacies.”</span> Then the merchants and masters + were assembled to hear his commission read, and possession of the + harbour and country for 200 leagues every way was taken in the name + of the queen. A wooden pillar was erected on the spot, and the arms + of England, engraved on lead, were affixed. The lands lying by the + water side were granted to certain of the adventurers and merchants, + they covenanting to pay rent and service to Gilbert, his heirs and + assigns for ever.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some of the + before-mentioned pirates of the expedition gave Sir Humphrey a + considerable amount of trouble while at St. John’s, some deserting, + and others plotting to steal away the shipping by night. A number of + them stole a ship laden with fish, setting the crew on shore. When + ready to sail, he found that there were not sufficient hands for all + his vessels, and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Swallow</span></span> was left for the purpose + of transporting home a number of the sick. He selected for himself + the smallest of his fleet, the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Squirrel</span></span>, + described as a <span class="tei tei-q">“frigate”</span> of ten tons, + as most suitable for exploring the coasts. But that which made him of + good heart was a sample of silver ore which one of his miners had + discovered; <span class="tei tei-q">“he doubted not to borrow £10,000 + of the queen, for his next voyage, upon the credit of this + mine.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For eight days + they followed the coast towards Cape Breton, at the end of which time + the wind rose, bringing thick fog and rain, so that they could not + see a cable’s length before them. They were driven among shoals and + breakers, and their largest ship was wrecked in a moment. + <span class="tei tei-q">“They in the other vessel,”</span> says + Hayes,<a id="noteref_144" name="noteref_144" href= + "#note_144"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">144</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-q">“saw her strike, and her stern presently + beaten to pieces; whereupon the frigate in which was the general, and + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Golden Hinde</span></span> cast about, even for + our lives, into the wind’s eye, because that way carried us to the + seaward. Making out from this danger, we sounded one while seven + fathoms, then five, then four, and less; again deeper, immediately + four fathom, then but three, the sea going mightily and high. At last + we recovered (God be thanked!) in some despair to sea room enough. + All that day, and part of the night, we beat up and down as near unto + the wreck as was possible, but all in vain. This was a heavy and + grievous event to lose our chief ship, freighted with great + provision; but worse was the loss of our men, to the number of almost + a hundred souls; amongst whom was drowned a learned man, an + Hungarian, born in the city of Buda, called thereof Budæus, who out + of piety and zeal to good attempts, adventured in this action, + minding to record in the Latin tongue, the gests and things worthy of + remembrance happening in this discovery to the honour of our nation. + Here, also, perished our Saxon refiner, and discoverer of inestimable + riches. Maurice Brown, the captain, when advised to shift for his + life in the pinnace, refused to quit the ship, lest it should be + thought to have been lost through his default. With this mind he + mounted upon the highest deck, where he attended imminent death and + unavoidable,—how long, I leave it to God, who withdraweth not his + comfort from his servants at such a time.”</span> Of the company only + ten were saved in a small pinnace which was piloted to + Newfoundland.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page319">[pg + 319]</span><a name="Pg319" id="Pg319" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meantime, on board + the remaining vessels, there was much suffering, and Sir Humphrey was + obliged to yield to the general desire, and sail for England, having + <span class="tei tei-q">“compassion upon his poor men, in whom he saw + no lack of good will, but of means fit to perform the action they + came for.”</span> He promised his subordinate officers to set them + forth <span class="tei tei-q">“royally the next spring,”</span> if + God should spare them. But it was not so to be.</p><a name= + "figdeatofsi" id="figdeatofsi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/illo_361.jpg" alt= + "THE DEATH OF SIR HUMPHREY GILBERT" title= + "THE DEATH OF SIR HUMPHREY GILBERT." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + THE DEATH OF SIR HUMPHREY GILBERT. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sir Humphrey + Gilbert was entreated, when one day he had come on board the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Hinde</span></span>, to remain there, instead of + risking himself <span class="tei tei-q">“in the frigate, which was + overcharged with nettage, and small artillery,”</span> to which he + answered, <span class="tei tei-q">“I will not forsake my little + company going homewards, with whom I have passed so many storms and + perils.”</span> A short time afterwards, while experiencing + <span class="tei tei-q">“foul weather and terrible seas, breaking + short and high, pyramidwise, men which all their life had occupied + the sea never saw it more outrageous,”</span> the frigate was nearly + engulfed, but recovered. Gilbert, sitting abaft with a book in his + hand, cried out to the crew of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Hinde</span></span> + in the following noble words, so often since recorded in poetry and + prose: <span class="tei tei-q">“Courage, my lads! We are as near to + heaven by sea as by land!”</span> That same night the lights of the + little vessel were suddenly missed, and Gilbert and his gallant men + were engulfed in the depths for ever. Of such men we may + appropriately say with the poet Campbell—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The deck it was + their field of fame,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">And Ocean was + their grave.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Hinde</span></span> + reached Falmouth in safety, though sadly shattered and torn.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the spirit of + enterprise then prevailing was not to be easily quashed, and only a + few months after the failure of poor Gilbert’s enterprise, we find + Sir Walter Raleigh in the field. He obtained letters of patent + similar to those before mentioned, and was aided by several persons + of wealth, particularly Sir Richard Greenville and Mr. William + Saunderson. Two barks, under Captains Amadas and Barlow, were sent to + a part of the American continent north of the Gulf of Florida, and + after skirting the coast for one hundred and twenty miles, a suitable + haven was found, the land round which was immediately taken for the + queen with the usual formalities. After sundry minor explorations + they returned to England, where they gave a glowing account of the + country. It was <span class="tei tei-q">“so full of grapes that the + very beating and surge of the sea overflowed them.”</span> The + vegetation was so rich and abundant that one of the captains thought + that <span class="tei tei-q">“in all the world the like abundance is + not to be found,”</span> while the woods were full of deer and + smaller game. The cedars were <span class="tei tei-q">“the highest + and reddest in the world,”</span> while among smaller trees was that + bearing <span class="tei tei-q">“the rind of black cinnamon.”</span> + The inhabitants were kind and gentle, and void of treason, + <span class="tei tei-q">“handsome and goodly people in their + behaviour, as mannerly and civil as any of Europe.”</span> It is true + that <span class="tei tei-q">“they had a mortal malice against a + certain neighbouring nation; that their wars were very cruel and + bloody, and that by reason thereof, and of civil dissensions which + had happened of late years amongst them, the people were marvellously + wasted, and in some places the country left desolate.”</span> These + little discrepancies were passed over, and Elizabeth was so well + pleased with the accounts brought home, that she named the country + Virginia; not merely because it was discovered in the reign of a + virgin queen, but <span class="tei tei-q">“because it did still seem + to retain the virgin purity and plenty <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page320">[pg 320]</span><a name="Pg320" id="Pg320" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>of the first creation, and the people their + primitive innocence.”</span> These happy natives were described as + living after the manner of the golden age; as free from toil, + spending their time in fishing, fowling, and hunting, and gathering + the fruits of the earth, which ripened without their care. They had + no boundaries to their lands, nor individual property in cattle, but + shared and shared alike. All this, which was rather too good to be + absolutely true, seems to have been implicitly believed. The letters + of patent, however, granted to poor Sir Humphrey Gilbert, and + subsequently to Sir Walter Raleigh, mark a most important epoch in + the world’s history, for from those small starting-points date the + English efforts at colonising America—the great New World of the + past, the present, and the future. Where then a few naked savages + lurked and lazed, fished and hunted, forty millions of + English-speaking people now dwell, whose interests on and about the + sea, rising in importance every day, are scarcely excelled by those + of any nation on the globe, except our own. Some points in connection + with this colonisation, bearing as they do on the history of the sea + and maritime affairs, will be treated in the succeeding volume.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The reader, who + while living <span class="tei tei-q">“at home in ease,”</span> has + voyaged in spirit with the writer over so much of the globe’s watery + surface, visiting its most distant shores, will not be one of those + who under-rate</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The dangers of + the seas.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor will current + events allow us to forget them. <span class="tei tei-q">“The many + voices”</span> of ocean—as Michelet puts it—its murmur and its + menace, its thunder and its roar, its wail, its sigh, rise from the + watery graves of six hundred brave men, who but a few weeks ago + formed the bulk of two crews, the one of a noble English frigate, the + other a splendid German ironclad, both lost within sight of our own + shores. Early in this volume wooden walls were compared with armoured + vessels, and we are painfully reminded by the loss of both the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Eurydice</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Grosser + Kurfüst</span></span> how unsettled is the question in its practical + bearings. Its discussion must also be resumed as a part of the + history of ships and shipping in the ensuing volume. Till then, kind + reader, adieu!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 2.25em"> + <span style="font-size: 75%">END OF VOLUME I.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co., Belle + Sauvage Works, London, E.C.</span></span></p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-back" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div id="footnotes" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Footnotes</span></h1> + + <dl class="tei tei-list-footnotes"> + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_1" name="note_1" href= + "#noteref_1">1.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Milton.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_2" name="note_2" href= + "#noteref_2">2.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Pindar.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_3" name="note_3" href= + "#noteref_3">3.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“La + Mer.”</span> There is much truth in Michelet’s charming work, but + often, as above, presented in an exaggerated form. Animals, in + reality, soon become accustomed to the sea. They show generally, + however, a considerable amount of indisposition to go on board a + vessel.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_4" name="note_4" href= + "#noteref_4">4.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">W. S. Lindsay, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“History of Merchant Shipping,”</span> &c.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_5" name="note_5" href= + "#noteref_5">5.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Southey, in his <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Life of Nelson,”</span> says nine.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_6" name="note_6" href= + "#noteref_6">6.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Songs for + Sailors.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_7" name="note_7" href= + "#noteref_7">7.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Southey’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Life of Nelson.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_8" name="note_8" href= + "#noteref_8">8.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Annals of + the Wars of the Nineteenth Century,”</span> by the Hon. Sir + Edward Cust, D.C.L., &c.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_9" name="note_9" href= + "#noteref_9">9.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Brialmont, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Étude sur la Défense des Etats et sur la + Fortification.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_10" name="note_10" + href="#noteref_10">10.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Turks had at Sinope seven + frigates, one sloop, two corvettes, and two transports. The + Russians were stronger, but this did not determine the battle; + their success was won because they were well supplied with large + shells and shell-guns, while the Turks had nothing more effective + than 24-pounders. Their wooden vessels were speedily on fire, and + the Russians won an easy success. Shells were no novelty, yet a + great sea-fight had never before been, as it was then, won by + their exclusive agency.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_11" name="note_11" + href="#noteref_11">11.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Hon. S. J. G. Calthorpe, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Letters from Head-quarters.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_12" name="note_12" + href="#noteref_12">12.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The seven Russian ships sunk at the + entrance of the harbour of Sebastopol were of no small size or + value, and they were scuttled in a hurry so great that they had + all their guns, ammunition, and stores on board, and their + rigging standing. They comprised five line-of-battle ships, two + of them eighty, two eighty-four, and one 120 guns, and two + frigates of forty guns; a total of 528 guns. Afterwards it became + a common report that vessels had been disabled and sunk in the + harbour. On the night of the 5th of September, just before the + evacuation of the town, two large Russian men-of-war caught fire + and burned fiercely, illumining the harbour and town, and causing + great excitement, as an omen of coming doom. The night of the + memorable 8th, when the Russians gave up all further idea of + resistance, and left the town to take care of itself, witnessed + the sinking of the remainder of the Black Sea fleet. So far, + therefore, the presence of our fleet had a pronounced moral + effect, without involving further loss of life.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_13" name="note_13" + href="#noteref_13">13.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Cust, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Annals of the Wars of the Eighteenth + Century.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_14" name="note_14" + href="#noteref_14">14.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Drinkwater, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Siege of Gibraltar.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_15" name="note_15" + href="#noteref_15">15.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Some have even gone so far as to + consider Louis Napoleon the inventor of iron-plated and armoured + vessels. This is absurd. The ancients knew the use of plates of + iron or brass for covering ships of war and battering-rams. One + of Hiero’s greatest galleys was covered that way. That it must + come to this sooner or later was the published idea of many, both + in this country and in France. The Emperor’s sagacity, however, + was always fully alive to questions of the kind.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_16" name="note_16" + href="#noteref_16">16.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The report of the Chief Engineer and + Naval Constructor of the Confederate Service, in regard to the + conversion of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Merrimac</span></span> into an armoured + vessel, distinctly stated that from the effects of fire she was + <span class="tei tei-q">“useless for any other purpose, without + incurring a very heavy expense for rebuilding.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_17" name="note_17" + href="#noteref_17">17.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The official reports state that she + was plated, many popular accounts averring that she was only + covered with <span class="tei tei-q">“railroad iron.”</span> The + information presented here is drawn from the following + sources:—<span class="tei tei-q">“The Rebellion Record,”</span> a + voluminous work, edited by Frank Moore, of New York, and which + contains all the leading official war-documents, both of the + Federals and Confederates; the statement of Mr. A. B. Smith, + pilot of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span>, one of the + survivors of the fight; the Baltimore <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">American</span></span>, and the Norfolk + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Day + Book</span></span>, both newspapers published near the scene of + action. There is great unanimity in the accounts published on + both sides.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_18" name="note_18" + href="#noteref_18">18.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The pilot of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland</span></span>.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_19" name="note_19" + href="#noteref_19">19.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Finally, + after about three-fourths of an hour of the most severe fighting, + our vessel sank, the Stars and Stripes still waving. That flag + was finally submerged; but after the hull grounded on the sands, + fifty-four feet below the surface of the water, our pennant was + still flying from the top mast above the waves.”</span> (The + Pilot of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cumberland’s</span></span> Narrative.)</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_20" name="note_20" + href="#noteref_20">20.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The original <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Monitor</span></span>, from which that class + of vessel took its name.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_21" name="note_21" + href="#noteref_21">21.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Account of eyewitnesses furnished to + the Baltimore <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">American</span></span>.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_22" name="note_22" + href="#noteref_22">22.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> + the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Times</span></span>, 17th July, 1877.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_23" name="note_23" + href="#noteref_23">23.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Berlin correspondence of the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Times</span></span>, 31st July, 1877.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_24" name="note_24" + href="#noteref_24">24.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The full official account has not + yet been issued. The brief narrative presented here is derived + principally from the lively and interesting series of letters + from the pen of Lord George Campbell; from <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Cruise of H.M.S. <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span>,”</span> by W. J. + J. Spry, R.N., one of the engineers of the vessel; and the + Nautical and other scientific and technical magazines.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_25" name="note_25" + href="#noteref_25">25.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Austrian frigate <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Novara</span></span> made, in 1857-8-9, a + voyage round <span class="tei tei-q">“and about”</span> the world + of 51,686 miles. As it was a sailing vessel, no reliable results + could be expected from their deep-sea soundings, and, in fact, on + the only two occasions when they attempted anything very deep, + their lines broke.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_26" name="note_26" + href="#noteref_26">26.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">This is an apparatus consisting of a + number of india-rubber bands suspended from the mast-head, during + dredging operations, which indicates, by its expansion and + contraction, how the dredge is passing over the inequalities of + the bottom.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_27" name="note_27" + href="#noteref_27">27.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sinkers”</span> were usually allowed at the rate of + 112 lb. for each 1,000 fathoms.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_28" name="note_28" + href="#noteref_28">28.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Most of the recorded examples of + earlier deep-sea soundings have little scientific value. Unless + the sounding-line sinks perpendicularly, and the vessel remains + stationary—to do which she may have to steam against wind and + tide or current—it must be evident that the data obtained are not + reliable. From a sailing vessel it is impossible to obtain + absolutely reliable soundings except in, say, a tideless lake, + unruffled by wind. It is very evident that if the sounding line + drags after or in any direction from the vessel, the depth + indicated may be greatly in excess of the true depth; indeed, it + may be double or treble in some cases. There is one recorded + example of a depth of 7,706 fathoms having been obtained, which + too evidently comes under this category. After several years’ + soundings on the part of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span> and the United + States vessel <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Tuscarora</span></span>, it has become + probable that no part of the ocean has a depth much greater than + 4,500 fathoms. But even this is upwards of five miles!</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_29" name="note_29" + href="#noteref_29">29.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In their popular works on the sea, + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Ocean World,”</span> and + <span class="tei tei-q">“The World of the Sea.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_30" name="note_30" + href="#noteref_30">30.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Log Letters + from the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Challenger</span></span>.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_31" name="note_31" + href="#noteref_31">31.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">All readers will remember Peter + Simple, and how he tells us that <span class="tei tei-q">“It has + been from time immemorial the heathenish custom to sacrifice the + greatest fool of the family to the prosperity and naval + superiority of the country,”</span> and that he personally + <span class="tei tei-q">“was selected by general + acclamation!”</span> Marryat knew very well, however, that it was + <span class="tei tei-q">“younger sons,”</span> and not by any + means necessarily the greatest fools of the family who went to + sea.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_32" name="note_32" + href="#noteref_32">32.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">William Pitt, long Master-Attendant + at Jamaica Dockyard, who died at Malta, in 1840. The song is + often wrongly attributed to Dibdin, or Tom Hood the elder.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_33" name="note_33" + href="#noteref_33">33.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Alphonse Esquiros, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“English Seamen and Divers.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_34" name="note_34" + href="#noteref_34">34.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Westward + Ho!”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_35" name="note_35" + href="#noteref_35">35.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Robert Mindry, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Chips from the Log of an Old Salt.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_36" name="note_36" + href="#noteref_36">36.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The conditions for entering a + Government training-ship for the service involve, 1st, the + consent of parents or proper guardians; 2nd, the candidate must + sign to serve ten years commencing from the age of eighteen. A + bounty of £6 is paid to provide outfit, and he receives sixpence + a day. At the age of eighteen he receives one shilling and a + penny per day—the same as an ordinary seaman. Each candidate + passes a medical examination, and must be from fifteen to sixteen + and a half years of age. The standard height is five feet for + sixteen years old—rather a low average.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_37" name="note_37" + href="#noteref_37">37.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Singleton Fontenoy, R.N.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_38" name="note_38" + href="#noteref_38">38.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Queen’s Regulations and the + Admiralty Instructions for the Government of Her Majesty’s Naval + Service;”</span> also Glascock’s <span class="tei tei-q">“Naval + Officer’s Manual.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_39" name="note_39" + href="#noteref_39">39.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“A + Sailor-Boy’s Log-Book from Portsmouth to the Peiho,”</span> + edited by Walter White.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_40" name="note_40" + href="#noteref_40">40.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A naval friend kindly informs me + that the Malta holystones are excellent, natural lava being + abundant.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_41" name="note_41" + href="#noteref_41">41.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> + Dana’s <span class="tei tei-q">“Seaman’s Manual.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_42" name="note_42" + href="#noteref_42">42.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A form of heavy pile silk.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_43" name="note_43" + href="#noteref_43">43.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Medical + Life in the Navy,”</span> by W. Stables, M.D., &c.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_44" name="note_44" + href="#noteref_44">44.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Portsmouth, Devonport, Plymouth, and + some Cornish seaport towns and villages were the chief sufferers. + Plymouth had furnished more than one-third of the crew.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_45" name="note_45" + href="#noteref_45">45.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">None of the survivors appeared to + know whether the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain’s</span></span> screw was revolving + at the time. Her steam was partially up. Had she steamed, there + is every probability that the catastrophe would not have + occurred.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_46" name="note_46" + href="#noteref_46">46.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">One man testified that he had heard + Captain Burgoyne’s inquiries as to how much the ship was heeling + over, the answers given being respectively, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“18,”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“23,”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“25 degrees.”</span> The movement was + never checked, and almost the moment after she had reached 25 + degrees, she was keel-uppermost, and about to make that terrific + plunge to the bottom.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_47" name="note_47" + href="#noteref_47">47.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Mr. May’s statement at the + court-martial was in part as follows:—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shortly after 0.15 a.m. on the 7th inst., being in + my cabin, which was on the starboard or lee side of the ship, I + was disturbed in my sleep by the noise of some marines. Feeling + the ship uneasy, I dressed myself, and took the lantern to look + at the guns in the turrets.... It was but a very short time—from + fifteen to twenty minutes—past midnight. I then went to the + after-turret. The guns were all right. Immediately I got inside + the turret I felt the ship heel steadily over, deeper and deeper, + and a heavy sea struck her on the weather-side. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The water flowed + into the turret</span></span> as I got through the pointing-hole + on the top, and I found myself overboard; I struck out, and + succeeded in reaching the steam-pinnace, which was bottom up, on + which were Captain Burgoyne and five or six others. I saw the + ship turn bottom-up, and sink stern first, the last I saw of her + being her bows. The whole time of her turning over to sinking was + but from five to ten minutes, if so much. Shortly after, I saw + the launch drifting close to us who were on the pinnace; she was + but a few yards from us; I called out, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Jump, men—it is your last chance!’</span> I jumped, + and succeeded, with three others, in reaching her. I do not know + for certain whether Captain Burgoyne jumped or not. I was under + the impression he did; but the others in the launch do not think + so. At any rate, he never reached her. When on the pinnace, a + large ship, which I believe to have been the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Inconstant</span></span>, passed us fifty + yards to leeward. We all hailed her; but, I suppose, the howling + of the wind and sea prevented their hearing us.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_48" name="note_48" + href="#noteref_48">48.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The late Admiral Sherard Osborn, in + a letter to the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Times</span></span>, said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The desire of our Admiralty to make all their + fighting-ships cruise under canvas, as well as steam, induced + poor Captain Coles to go a step further, and to make a ship with + a low free board a sailing-ship.”</span> This was against his + judgment, however.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_49" name="note_49" + href="#noteref_49">49.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Admiral Milne, in his despatch dated + from H.M.S. <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Lord Warden</span></span>, off Finisterre, + September 7th, 1870, stated that, at a little before 1 a.m., the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> was astern of his + ship, <span class="tei tei-q">“apparently closing under <a name= + "corr059" id="corr059" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">steam.</span> The signal <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘open order’</span> was made, and at once answered; + and at 1.15 a.m. she was on the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Lord + Warden’s</span></span> (the flag-ship’s) lee quarter, about six + points abaft the beam. From that time until about 1.30 a.m. I + constantly watched the ship.... She was heeling over a good deal + to starboard,”</span> &c. We have seen that she went down + shortly after the midnight watch had been called.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_50" name="note_50" + href="#noteref_50">50.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A <span class="tei tei-q">“Narrative + of the Loss of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Royal George</span></span>,”</span> + published at Portsea, and written by a gentleman who was on the + island at the time.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_51" name="note_51" + href="#noteref_51">51.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The exact number was never known. + There were 250 women on board, a large proportion of whom were + the wives and relatives of the sailors; and there were also a + number of children, most of whom belonged to Portsmouth. Besides + these, there were a number of Jew and other traders on + board.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_52" name="note_52" + href="#noteref_52">52.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Mr. Ingram, whose narrative, printed + in the little work before quoted, bears all the impress of + truth.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_53" name="note_53" + href="#noteref_53">53.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The sentence of the court-martial + blamed Captain Dawkins, his navigating-lieutenant, and the ship’s + carpenter, for not endeavouring to stop <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the breach from the outside with the means at their + command, such as hammocks and sails;”</span> for not having + <span class="tei tei-q">“ordered Captain Hickley, of H.M.S. + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span>, to tow H.M.S. <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span> into shallow + water,”</span> such being available at a short distance; the + chief-engineer for not <span class="tei tei-q">“applying the + means at his command to relieve the ship of <a name="corr063" id= + "corr063" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">water;</span>”</span> the navigating-lieutenant + <span class="tei tei-q">“for neglect of duty in not pointing out + to his captain that there was shoaler water within a short + distance;”</span> and the carpenter in <span class= + "tei tei-q">“not taking immediate steps for sounding the + compartments, and reporting from time to time the progress of the + water.”</span> A lamentable showing, truly, if all these points + were neglected! So far as the commander is concerned, his + successful efforts to save the lives of all on board (not knowing + when his ship might go down, and with the remembrance of the + sudden loss of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Captain</span></span> full in view) speak + much in his favour, and in extenuation of much that would + otherwise appear culpable neglect.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_54" name="note_54" + href="#noteref_54">54.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Nineteen fathoms, or 114 feet. Her + main-topmast-head was afterwards twenty-four feet out of + water.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_55" name="note_55" + href="#noteref_55">55.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The total estimated loss was + £550,000.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_56" name="note_56" + href="#noteref_56">56.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Mr. Ward Hunt said publicly that, + <span class="tei tei-q">“If the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Iron + Duke</span></span> had sent an enemy’s ship to the bottom, we + should have called her one of the most formidable ships of war in + the world, and all that she has done is actually what she was + intended to do, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">except, of course, that the ship she struck + was unfortunately our own property, and not that of the + enemy</span></span>.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_57" name="note_57" + href="#noteref_57">57.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Mr. Reed wrote to the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Times</span></span> + to the effect that there would, undoubtedly, be a <span class= + "tei tei-q">“greater measure of safety during a naval engagement + than on ordinary occasions,”</span> and explained that + <span class="tei tei-q">“the ruling consideration which has been + aimed at in these ships has been so to divide them into + compartments, that, when all the water-tight doors and valves are + arranged as they would be on going into action, the breach by a + ram of one compartment only should not suffice to sink the + ship.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_58" name="note_58" + href="#noteref_58">58.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Sir Henry James, Attorney-General to + the previous Government, spoke publicly on the subject in the + plainest terms. He said:—<span class="tei tei-q">“One would have + thought that if there were a court-martial on the vessel which is + lost, the officers of the vessel which caused that loss would not + go scot free.”</span> The Admiralty was blamed for not having + sent the decision of the Court back to it for reconsideration, + instead of which they broke a rule of naval etiquette, and seemed + anxious to quash inquiry.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_59" name="note_59" + href="#noteref_59">59.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The loss of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Kent</span></span>, East Indiaman,”</span> + by Lieut.-General Sir Duncan MacGregor, K.C.B.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_60" name="note_60" + href="#noteref_60">60.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The raft is described in the + original work on the shipwreck of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Medusa</span></span> substantially as + follows:—It was composed of topmasts, yards, planks, the boom, + &c., lashed strongly together; two topmasts formed the sides, + and four other masts, of the same length as the former, were + placed in the centre, planks being nailed on them. Long timbers + were placed across the raft, adding considerably to its strength; + these projected about ten feet on each side. There was a rail + along the sides, to keep those on board from falling into the + sea. Its height being only about a foot and a half, it was + constantly under water, though this could easily have been + remedied, by raising a second floor a foot or two above it. Two + of the ship’s yards, joined to the extremities of the sides, at + one end met in front and formed a bow. Its length was sixty feet, + and breadth about twenty.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_61" name="note_61" + href="#noteref_61">61.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Later it took with many of them + still stranger forms. One M. Savigny had the most agreeable + visions; he fancied himself in a rich and highly-cultivated + country, surrounded by happy companions. Some desired their + companions not to fear, that they were going to look for succour, + and would soon return; they then plunged into the sea. Others + became furious, and rushed on their companions with drawn swords, + asking for the wing of a chicken, or some bread. Some, thinking + themselves still aboard the frigate, asked for their hammock, + that they might go below to sleep. Others imagined that they saw + ships, or a harbour, behind which was a noble city. M. Correard + believed he was in Italy, enjoying all the delights of that + beautiful country. One of the officers said to him, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I recollect that we have been deserted by the boats, + but don’t be afraid; I have just written to the governor, and in + a few hours we shall be in safety.”</span> These illusions did + not last for any length of time, but were constantly broken by + the war of the elements, and the fitful revolts which constantly + disgraced the company.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_62" name="note_62" + href="#noteref_62">62.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The writer, during a long voyage + (England to Vancouver Island, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viâ</span></span> + Cape Horn), made in 1862, saw flying-fish constantly falling on + the deck, where they remained quivering and glittering in the + sunlight. To accomplish this, they had to fly over a height of + about fifteen or sixteen feet, the top of the bulwarks, or walls + of the steamship, being at least that distance above the + water.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_63" name="note_63" + href="#noteref_63">63.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Large merchant-vessels have been + constructed of steel, which is stronger than iron, weight for + weight; and consequently, in building vessels of equal strength, + a less weight and thickness is required. It is said, that if the + large Atlantic steamers of 3,500 tons and upwards were built of + steel, instead of iron, their displacement in the water would be + one-sixth less, and their carrying capacity double. A steel + troop-ship, accommodating about 1,000 persons and drawing only + two feet and a quarter of water, was constructed, in 1861, for + use on the Lower Indus. She was taken out in pieces and put + together in India, the total weight of the steel employed being + only 270 tons, although she was 375 feet long, with a beam of 46 + feet.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_64" name="note_64" + href="#noteref_64">64.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The Fleet + of the Future: Iron or Wood,”</span> by J. Scott Russell, F.R.S., + &c.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_65" name="note_65" + href="#noteref_65">65.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Letter to the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Times</span></span>, Sept. 6th, 1875 (after + the loss of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vanguard</span></span>).</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_66" name="note_66" + href="#noteref_66">66.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Parliamentary Paper, 1872. Reports + of the Committee on Designs for Ships of War &c.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_67" name="note_67" + href="#noteref_67">67.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_68" name="note_68" + href="#noteref_68">68.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Our + Ironclad Ships.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_69" name="note_69" + href="#noteref_69">69.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Mediterranean,”</span> by + Rear-Admiral Smyth. This is a standard work on all scientific + points connected with the Mediterranean.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_70" name="note_70" + href="#noteref_70">70.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">One of the earliest of the Moorish + conquerors of Spain, who first fortified the Rock.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_71" name="note_71" + href="#noteref_71">71.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> + <a href="#Pg016" class="tei tei-ref">page 16</a>.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_72" name="note_72" + href="#noteref_72">72.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“History of + Gibraltar and its Sieges,”</span> by F. G. Stephens, with + photographic illustrations by J. H. Mann. The writer is much + indebted to this valuable work for information embodied in these + pages.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_73" name="note_73" + href="#noteref_73">73.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">On more than one occasion such + wrecks have happened, as, for example, when a Danish vessel, + laden with lemons, fell into the hands of General Elliott’s + garrison, then suffering fearfully with scurvy, October 11th, + 1780. A year before a storm cast a quantity of drift-wood under + the walls. <span class="tei tei-q">“As fuel had long been a + scarce article, this supply was therefore considered as a + miraculous interference of Providence in our favour.”</span> + (<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> Drinkwater’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Gibraltar.”</span>)</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_74" name="note_74" + href="#noteref_74">74.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Romans, however, sometimes + employed red-hot bolts, which were ejected from catapults.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_75" name="note_75" + href="#noteref_75">75.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Lopez de Ayala, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Historia de Gibraltar.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_76" name="note_76" + href="#noteref_76">76.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Memoirs of + Sully,”</span> bk. xx.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_77" name="note_77" + href="#noteref_77">77.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In a memorial presented to Philip V. + after the capture, it was stated that the garrison comprised + <span class="tei tei-q">“fewer than 300 men; a few poor and raw + peasants.”</span> Other accounts range from 150 to 500.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_78" name="note_78" + href="#noteref_78">78.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Journal of + an Officer during the Siege.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_79" name="note_79" + href="#noteref_79">79.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">See <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ante</span></span>, + <a href="#Pg016" class="tei tei-ref">page 16</a>.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_80" name="note_80" + href="#noteref_80">80.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Sayer’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">“History of Gibraltar.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_81" name="note_81" + href="#noteref_81">81.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Barrow’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Life of Lord Howe.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_82" name="note_82" + href="#noteref_82">82.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Malta Sixty Years Ago,”</span> by + Admiral Shaw.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_83" name="note_83" + href="#noteref_83">83.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The + Crescent and the Cross.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_84" name="note_84" + href="#noteref_84">84.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Malta under + the Phœnicians, Knights, and English,”</span> by W. Tallack.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_85" name="note_85" + href="#noteref_85">85.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In contradistinction to the Red + Cross Knights, or Templars, who, though Crusaders, formed a + purely military order.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_86" name="note_86" + href="#noteref_86">86.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Order of the Knights of St. John + exists now as a religious and benevolent body—a shadow of its + former self. There was a period when the revenues of the Order + were over £3,000,000 sterling. It still exists, however, the + head-quarters being at Ferrara in Italy. Recent organisations, + countenanced and supported by distinguished noblemen and + gentlemen for the relief of sufferers by war, and convalescents + in hospital in many parts of England, are in some sense under its + banner; H.R.H. the Prince of Wales is President of one of + them—the National Society for the Sick and Wounded in War. It had + been recommended by one writer, that gentlemen of the present day + should become members, and wear at evening entertainments a + special dress and decoration, and that there should also be + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">dames + chevalières</span></span>, with decorations also. He believes, of + course, that this would greatly aid the funds for those + benevolent purposes.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_87" name="note_87" + href="#noteref_87">87.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">For an elaborate, exhaustive + disquisition on this subject, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">vide</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Voyage and Shipwreck of St. + Paul,”</span> by James Smith.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_88" name="note_88" + href="#noteref_88">88.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Suez Canal, and all appertaining + thereto, is well described in the following works:—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Suez Canal,”</span> by F. M. de Lesseps; + <span class="tei tei-q">“The History of the Suez Canal,”</span> + by F. M. de Lesseps, translated by Sir H. D. Wolff; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“My Trip to the Suez Canal,”</span> &c.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_89" name="note_89" + href="#noteref_89">89.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">M. de Lesseps acknowledges frankly + that the English people were always with him, and cites example + after example—as in the case of the then Mayor of Liverpool, who + would not allow him to pay the ordinary expenses of a meeting. He + says: <span class="tei tei-q">“While finding sympathy in the + commercial and lettered classes, I found heads of wood among the + politicians.”</span> There were, however, many who supported him + in all his ideas, prominently among whom the present writer must + place Richard Cobden.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_90" name="note_90" + href="#noteref_90">90.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">O. Ritt, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Histoire de l’Isthme de Suez.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_91" name="note_91" + href="#noteref_91">91.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Exodus xiv. 21, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">et + seq.</span></span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_92" name="note_92" + href="#noteref_92">92.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Life in + China,”</span> by William C. Milne, M.A.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_93" name="note_93" + href="#noteref_93">93.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The reader may have heard of mummies + manufactured in Cairo for the English market. The idol trade of + Birmingham has often been stated as a fact.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_94" name="note_94" + href="#noteref_94">94.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Readers who have seen Mr. Edouin’s + impersonations of a Chinaman may be assured that they are true to + nature, and not burlesques. That gentleman carefully studied the + Chinese while engaged professionally in San Francisco.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_95" name="note_95" + href="#noteref_95">95.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Tycoon is nominated out of the + members of three families having hereditary rights. The princes + or Daimios number three or four hundred, many having enormous + incomes and armies of retainers. The Prince of Kangâ, for + example, has £760,000 a year; the Prince of Satsuma £487,000; and + the Prince of Owari £402,900.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_96" name="note_96" + href="#noteref_96">96.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">For further details concerning this + most interesting people, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">vide</span></span> Dr. Robert Brown’s + <span class="tei tei-q">“Races of Mankind.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_97" name="note_97" + href="#noteref_97">97.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nautical Magazine,”</span> October, + 1855.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_98" name="note_98" + href="#noteref_98">98.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Captain Scammon, detailed from the + United States Revenue Service, to take the post of Chief of + Marine in the telegraph expedition on which the writer served, + made a series of soundings. For nearly two <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">degrees</span></span> (between latitudes 64° + and 66° N.) the average depth is under 19½ fathoms.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_99" name="note_99" + href="#noteref_99">99.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vide</span></span> + Washington Irving’s <span class="tei tei-q">“Astoria;”</span> + also, Sir Edward Belcher’s <span class="tei tei-q">“Voyage of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sulphur</span></span>.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_100" name="note_100" + href="#noteref_100">100.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Our + Tropical Possessions in Malayan India,”</span> by John Cameron, + Esq.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_101" name="note_101" + href="#noteref_101">101.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">J. Thomson, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Straits of Malacca, Indo-China, and + China.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_102" name="note_102" + href="#noteref_102">102.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">It is stated that an old man, named + Macgregor, had long before been in the habit of bringing once a + year to Sydney small pieces of gold, which he always sold to a + jeweller there, and also that a convict had been whipped for + having lumps of gold in his possession prior to the above. + Hargreaves’ claim rests both on the actual amount discovered, and + on his publishing the fact at once.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_103" name="note_103" + href="#noteref_103">103.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The + Australian Colonies: their Origin and Present + Condition.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_104" name="note_104" + href="#noteref_104">104.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In his work <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Westward by Rail,”</span> which contains a most + reliable account of California, its history and progress.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_105" name="note_105" + href="#noteref_105">105.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">At the Cariboo mines, British + Columbia, in 1863, there were 7,000 men on the various <a name= + "corr159" id="corr159" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">creeks.</span> There were not over a dozen women + there!</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_106" name="note_106" + href="#noteref_106">106.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Excepting at San Francisco, the only + docks worthy of the name on the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">whole</span></span> + Pacific coasts of America are those of England’s naval station at + Esquimalt.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_107" name="note_107" + href="#noteref_107">107.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Douglas pines have been measured in + British Columbia which were <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">forty-eight</span></span> feet in + circumference at their base, and therefore about sixteen feet + through. These magnificent trees are only second in size to the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Big Trees”</span> of California.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_108" name="note_108" + href="#noteref_108">108.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">On many parts of the North-west + Pacific coasts of America, from Oregon northwards to Bering + Straits, the salmon, in their season, swarm so that a boat can + hardly make a way through their <span class= + "tei tei-q">“schools.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_109" name="note_109" + href="#noteref_109">109.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Harper’s + Magazine</span></span> (New York), April, 1869.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_110" name="note_110" + href="#noteref_110">110.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Extracts + from a Journal written on the Coasts of Chili, Peru, and Mexico, + &c.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_111" name="note_111" + href="#noteref_111">111.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The West + Indies and the Spanish Main.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_112" name="note_112" + href="#noteref_112">112.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“At Last: A + Christmas in the West Indies.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_113" name="note_113" + href="#noteref_113">113.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Naval + Chronicles,”</span> vol. xii.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_114" name="note_114" + href="#noteref_114">114.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Other islands of the West Indies, as + St. Thomas’s, which is a kind of leading <span class= + "tei tei-q">“junction”</span> for mail steamers, and St. + Domingo—so intimately connected with the voyages of Columbus—will + be mentioned hereafter.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_115" name="note_115" + href="#noteref_115">115.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Lands of + the Slave and the Free,”</span> by the Hon. Henry A. Murray.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_116" name="note_116" + href="#noteref_116">116.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Historical + and Statistical Account of Nova Scotia,”</span> by Judge + Haliburton.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_117" name="note_117" + href="#noteref_117">117.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“To the Cape + for Diamonds.”</span> By Frederick Boyle.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_118" name="note_118" + href="#noteref_118">118.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The Cruise + of H.M. Ship <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Galatea</span></span>.”</span> By the Rev. + John Milner, B.A., Chaplain, and Oswald W. Brierly.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_119" name="note_119" + href="#noteref_119">119.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Alluding to the previous visit of + Prince Alfred when a midshipman.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_120" name="note_120" + href="#noteref_120">120.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The + Settler’s Guide to the Cape of Good Hope,”</span> &c., by Mr. + Irons.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_121" name="note_121" + href="#noteref_121">121.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The + Autobiography of a Seaman.”</span> By Thomas, tenth Earl of + Dundonald, G.C.B., Admiral of the Red, &c. &c.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_122" name="note_122" + href="#noteref_122">122.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Medical + Life in the Navy.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_123" name="note_123" + href="#noteref_123">123.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Naval + Chronicle</span></span>, vol. xiii. (1806).</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_124" name="note_124" + href="#noteref_124">124.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Her tonnage being no doubt + calculated by what is known as O. M. (old measurement), and which + was used up to a late date in England, her actual capacity must + have been considerably greater.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_125" name="note_125" + href="#noteref_125">125.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The + Eventful History of the Mutiny and Piratical Seizure of H.M.S. + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bounty</span></span>: Its Causes and + Consequences.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_126" name="note_126" + href="#noteref_126">126.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Voyage + Round the World,”</span> by G. Hamilton.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_127" name="note_127" + href="#noteref_127">127.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“A + Missionary Voyage to the Southern Pacific”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_128" name="note_128" + href="#noteref_128">128.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Annual + Register</span></span>, 1789. The account above presented is + derived from that source, and from the standard works of Yonge + and James.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_129" name="note_129" + href="#noteref_129">129.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The curious in such matters will + find this poem translated by Heeren in his work entitled + <span class="tei tei-q">“Asiatic Nations.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_130" name="note_130" + href="#noteref_130">130.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">(The late) W. S. Lindsay, M.P., + &c., <span class="tei tei-q">“The History of Merchant + Shipping.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_131" name="note_131" + href="#noteref_131">131.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“The British + Admirals: with an Introductory View of the Naval History of + England.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_132" name="note_132" + href="#noteref_132">132.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Charnock: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“History of Marine Architecture.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_133" name="note_133" + href="#noteref_133">133.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">It has been clearly shown that a + large vessel which had been built by Henry VII. bore the same + name. The above was a successor, probably built after the first + had become unfit for service.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_134" name="note_134" + href="#noteref_134">134.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Sir William Monson: Churchill’s + <span class="tei tei-q">“Collection of Voyages.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_135" name="note_135" + href="#noteref_135">135.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Hakluyt.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_136" name="note_136" + href="#noteref_136">136.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Historia + General.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_137" name="note_137" + href="#noteref_137">137.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Camden. Balboa, the discoverer of + the Pacific, had expressed the same feelings in almost the same + locality.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_138" name="note_138" + href="#noteref_138">138.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Whenever the South Seas are + mentioned in these early records, they must he understood to mean + the South Pacific, and, indeed, sometimes portions of the North + Pacific. The title still clings to the Polynesian Islands.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_139" name="note_139" + href="#noteref_139">139.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Burney’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Voyages.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_140" name="note_140" + href="#noteref_140">140.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Narrative of Chaplain Fletcher, + quoted by Burney.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_141" name="note_141" + href="#noteref_141">141.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Various authorities cited by + Southey.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_142" name="note_142" + href="#noteref_142">142.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The various slanders thrown on + Drake’s name in connection with this occurrence seem to have had + no foundation in fact. Some of his enemies averred that he sailed + from England with instructions from the Earl of Leicester to get + rid of Doughtie at the first opportunity, because the latter had + reported that Essex had been poisoned by the former’s means. But + Drake appears to have been really attached to him.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_143" name="note_143" + href="#noteref_143">143.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Fuller’s <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Holy State.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_144" name="note_144" + href="#noteref_144">144.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Narrative of Captain Hayes (owner of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Golden Hinde</span></span>) printed in + Hakluyt’s <span class="tei tei-q">“Collection.”</span></dd> + </dl> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="boxed tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="pdf37" id="pdf37"></a><a name="toc38" id="toc38"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Transcriber’s Note</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The illustrations + have been moved so that they do not break up paragraphs and are near + the text they illustrate, thus the page number of the illustration + might not match the page number in the List of Illustrations.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pages which + contain only an image have been left out in the pagination on the + margin.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Several + illustrations which were missing from the List of Illustrations have + been added to it. They can be identified by the missing page numbers + in the list.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The following + changes have been made to the text:</p> + + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr010" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 10</a>, period and quote mark added after + <span class="tei tei-q">“came”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr013" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 13</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“be”</span> + added before <span class="tei tei-q">“interesting”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr042" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 42</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shakspeare”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shakespeare”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr044" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 44</a>, quote mark added before <span class= + "tei tei-q">“manned”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr050" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 50</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“immediately.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr059" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 59</a>, quote mark removed after + <span class="tei tei-q">“steam.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr060" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 60</a>, period changed to comma after + <span class="tei tei-q">“survivors”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr063" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 63</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“water;”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr101" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 101</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“It”</span> + changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Its”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr117" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 117</a>, comma changed to colon after + <span class="tei tei-q">“Drawbacks”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr119" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 119</a>, period added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“O”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr123" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 123</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“It”</span> + changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Its”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr129" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 129</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Portugese”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Portuguese”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr136" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 136</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“via”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“viâ”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr146" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 146</a>, quote mark removed after + <span class="tei tei-q">“elsewhere.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr147" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 147</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“interspered”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“interspersed”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr155" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 155</a>, comma changed to closing + parenthesis after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Australia”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr159" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 159</a>, comma changed to period after + <span class="tei tei-q">“creeks”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr175" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 175</a>, colon added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bermuda”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr181" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 181</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sweatmeats”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“sweetmeats”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr189" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 189</a>, comma added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“too”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr219" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 219</a>, period added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“tons”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr236" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 236</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“broad”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“board”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr277" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 277</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“benevolence,”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr282" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 282</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“England,”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr293" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 293</a>, period added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“up”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr302" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 302</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“complement,”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr313" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 313</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“blood.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr317" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 317</a>, quote mark removed before + <span class="tei tei-q">“Two”</span></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Differences + between the table of contents and the chapter summaries have not been + corrected. Neither have variations in hyphenation been + normalized.</p> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div id="pgfooter" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SEA: ITS STIRRING STORY OF ADVENTURE, PERIL, & HEROISM. VOLUME 1*** +</pre> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader39" id="rightpageheader39"></a><a name= + "pgtoc40" id="pgtoc40"></a><a name="pdf41" id="pdf41"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Credits</span></h1> + + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <th class="tei tei-label tei-label-gloss">April 1, + 2012 </th> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="tei tei-item tei-item-gloss"> + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" + style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item">Project Gutenberg TEI + edition 1</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><span class= + "tei tei-respStmt"><span class= + "tei tei-resp">Produced by <span class= + "tei tei-name">Greg Bergquist</span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name">Stefan Cramme</span>, and the Online + Distributed Proofreading Team at + http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from + images generously made available by The Internet + Archive/American Libraries.)</span></span></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader42" id="rightpageheader42"></a><a name= + "pgtoc43" id="pgtoc43"></a><a name="pdf44" id="pdf44"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">A Word from Project + Gutenberg</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This file + should be named 39341-h.html or 39341-h.zip.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This and all + associated files of various formats will be found in: <a href= + "http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/9/3/4/39341/" class= + "block tei tei-xref" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span style= + "font-size: 90%">http://www.gutenberg.org</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">/dirs/3/9/3/4/39341/</span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Updated + editions will replace the previous one — the old editions will be + renamed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Creating the + works from public domain print editions means that no one owns a + United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and + you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without + permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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