The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-08-17

Of the boys the spar deck and in the tops kept up
a din and smoke that gave fair idea Of pande-
nonium itself. The most animating and exciting
part OF the whole the rush repei the boarders-
and . sham" as il was, if the past achievements Of
our Navy, and the disciplined and warike appearances
Of its officers and at this time give guaranty
OF the futare, certain we, that the foe who
attempts TO board the Delaware will find the fight
| ing of her officers and men any thing but sham.
| The constant discharge of muskets, pistols, and
caIbines, the deadly thrust of boarding pixies, and
blows Of cutasses and shor, swords welded by the
brawDy arms Of a crowd Of such clustered into
small space, must make an attempto board ship OF
war almost an impossbility, must be done by men
leaping down the buwarks into the very face OF
all this deadly dlschaTge-and yet boarding was the
tavore and usual mode with navy of ending a
fight during the last war and scarcely recollect
single instance in which il was unsuccessful.
| Those who have read Coopers faithful and thrilling
description of fights, in the Pilot, and his
cent naval novels, fully understand the interest
| and excitement of such a scene
Time and space will permit any thing like de-
scrpon of the arrangements of this warke and well
ordered ship; every thing was in order, though each
deck was crowded with human beings to the number
of near 800. The armory--tho sick bay, the cock
pit far below water where the wounded carried in
action We're all visited. The arms swords muskets
and pixies and pistols arrayed around the mast in
gttering order. On one of the decks, forward, be-
tween her guns several delnquents in irons,
for different offences One youthful culprit who
was undergoing punishment, was asked by an M c.
where his home, " Connecticut" was the reply
and "what your offence ~ Desertion," All you
have left a sweet heart behind have you not :" The
te-tale blush the poor fellows cheek ploiny an
swered "aye."
The visiters were called to take their part in
an engagement knife and fork, which the sea air,
exercise and excitement rendered extremely agree
abeand most fully did they do justice to the liberal
and elegant hospitality of the gallant Commodore.
The tables pofusely supplied with everything de-
srable and the "runniug accompaniment" were OF
the most agreeable and exhilarating character.
In the spacious and elegant cabin of the Commo-
dore, elegant and graceful presented
There the interesting family of the Commodore re
ceived the ladies' Of the party inviting them parci.
pate in the tastefully arranged and elegant refresh
ments which literally supplied. There is no
doubt that many bachelor on board would have been
willing to join for the cruise of life such lovely
"home squadron" assembled there
All left the ship, not only delighted with the novelty
and interest of the visit, and gratiied by the atten-
lions OF the Commodore and his family and officers
but usefuy instructed and impressed with the impor
lance of this rghtarm ofthe nations defence Well
has the excellent Secretary of the Navy acted in
bling members to inform themselves upon this matter,
that they may legislate with something of practical
knowledge upon subjects connected with the Navy.
Success to the gallant Commodore and his brave
and gen,lemanly officers. Our flag will never be
dishonored in their keeping Success to the noble
Delaware and all on board her
:" Who would not brave the battle fire, the wreck
To move the monarch of her peopled deck r.
| The party returned 10 Annapolis in fine spirits,
and from thence to Washington, soon after sun set.