The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-10-14

HENRY STEVENS, Prcst
J,P. Fantasies, soc'y,
TIE GLORIOUS WTNTY.
ANEcpoTE OF THE HORNET AND PENGUIN.
1t has been related that William Cobbstt used to
show no small exultaton in rocapluating the naval
victories of the Americans. lie was one day speak
ng somewhat boldly upon the subject in the presence
of an English officer, who pettishly d-"Therc
is good reason FOR it; went OF board their mon Of
after our defeat and fonnd halt their sniora rcrc
Eagiish!," "WelI" rOoIled the shrewd md un-
daunted radical, "and were not your saiors all Eng
Hsh?'
We believe we are tue first to pn into printed rec
ord, little nnccdote that may fairly claim oonsan.
guinity with the above
On tho 23d OF March, 1918, the United States brig
Of war Hornet, under the command of Capt James
Fiddle, captured the British brig of war Penguin Of
ter an action Of twenty minutes Capt. Biddlc, him
self stretching naval courtesy the utmost sets The
time down as twenty-five minutes; but the cry of sur
render was shouted FROM the Penguin two minutes
sooner, though the enemy treacherousy fred after,
and renewed the conflict, The brave tars Of tho
Hornet allowed tho extra two minutes any no
tce but sung, drank toasted, and told tho battle o.
again, distinguishing the gallnut affair, after
their characteristic fashions, as The Glorious Teen
iy!'
Many years after this well known naval occurrence.
the hero ofthe Hornet, then in command of squad
ron, cruising in the Mediterranean, when one
day his attention was attracted as he walked the quar-
ter-deck, by sailor bowling and scraping 10 him from
distant part ofthe vessel if anxious TO BE- permit
ted TO address him. He called the man to him; who
came up with an anxious, smiling imploring aud yot
triumphant mixture Of expression in his weather beat
on countenance, still scraping and asking pardon FOR
his boldness
cont with your business, my man" said the Com
modore-'what would you have'''
''Why please your honor, if you won't be angry
stammered the sailor, maintaining still halfconf-
dent expression.
"Noi if who, You say is honest and worthy Of n
brave sailor Speak out sir"
"Why, then, your honor, you how Com.
modore, this is the day of the Glorious Twenty"
"1he Glorious Twenty, your honor, the time you
took the Penguin"
BddIe remembered then that the day was, indeed, |
the Esd Of March, the anniversary Of his famous
plot, and his heart warmed up toward the sailor.
''Well, my man. said the commander, slightly !
,oitcning his tone.
'Well, your honor, don't thinI. me bod, but Il .
lCGS IN mat dctlON, SIT!
You"
eyes, your honor, tcas in Hnt actioni"
The brave officers glisened and he stretched
out his hand TO tho sailor
''I am glad to you, my good fellow; rejoice
10 meet any of my old companions in that noble n
shiovement of American seomen And you always
the day, do you?''
cav that do, your honor
81 am glad to you still alive, and in the service
IF your country; they were brave fellows who fought
with tina, day.
''Thank your honor-tlanll you-Tm so glad, sir
won't think me bold, Commodure?'
81 uiit think you bold, my man." replied tho
-ommodore yielding little to enthusiasm; ''not
nan fought on board the Hornet that day who
rot bold rs lion brave Jack.turs every soul of
hem"
$50 they were, Commodore; God bless your hon
"! Well, then, your honor, If you please, let me
ret glorious o-day? always does it, you once
rear, on this day, your honor. Please TO let me get
little glorious, sir in honor ofthe Glorious Twenty"
sect glorious -
eyes, il you please your honor, little swipsy or
o--now do your honor, just in honor ofthe Glorious
Twenty ="
The kind hearted Commodore waved the severity
f discipline for once and gave the brave sailor who
lad been by his side in battle, permission 10 enjoy
himself as he wished for day, only warning him
o guard his conduct and go his berth without al
owing his excess "glory' to disturb the good or
Ter of the vessel
The happy sailor promised every thing, and bowed
imsef away from the quarterback, while order was
iven direct from the Commodore, that he should be
FINISHED with an extra allowance OF grog
The day wore on, and everything regular and
uet, as usual, until some hours after, when firi.
hroiy tba nm |
,mnon noise reaching every corner of the ship On
nlling to know the cause of such outrageous dis