Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1845-10-16

the last three weeks. | shall be glad, 10
one, when our frigate lying off there get
her armament aboard;Ior then think wei
swallow the English frigate outside, ant
pick our teeth with the tender
All these remarks were heard by The
young officer, who all the while continued
to look through the spy-glas at the tender
and her chase.
There goes gum cIied several Of the
spectasors, as a flash and jet of azure
smoke came from the tenders bows.
That is bold enough observed the
young officer, as fspeaking his thoughts
aloud; the impudent tender is almost up
with the fort, and dares to fire at the
chase in the very face of the batteries.
It's only to try and do her mischief, sir.
said the masters mate; for she finds the
Hereafter will escape her-so she fires a
gun to cut away something,
You are right my man, responded the
officer; FOR she has put about and stands
seaward again
/ He continued to watch the retiring ten
/ der for some moments in silence.
Its pity we hadn't an armed cutter
in port that would sail faster than she
cam said lad, approaching the group
His dress was that ola midshipman, and
his air sjnguIarIy free and fearless.
Ah, Frank, are you there! said the
lieutenant. When did you get back from
your lather's?
Last night. | was in hopes to find the
ship ready for sea, Mr. PercivaI; but am
told it twill be three weeks before we can get
away.-I want to have a brush with John
Bulls frigate who hovers off and on the
harbor with such bravadoing, When did
you get in town, srl'
Yesterday morning, Have YOU been
Witnessing the pretty chase down the bay,
Frank"
yes. would give years pay if
could have hand in capturing that
rogue,
Come aside with me, said the officer,
putting his arm in that the midshipman.
your words express my own wishes.
have conceived q plan for capturing tina,
tender
in what way, sir, demanded the youth
with animation.
4 will show you. The tenders game
appears to be the coas,lng vessels, from
which she takes men TO impress in the
British navy, and also plumbers the craft Of
such things as they contain which are Of
any value. My plan is 10 charter an old
sloop, the worst looking one that it is pos.
slble to find in port, yet toIerable sailer,
for she must work we'll and readily obey
her helm. will load her deck with hen
coops filled with poultry, peas crammed
with pigs, and few sheep, and calf or
two, by way of variety, You laugh,
Frank; but the commander Of the tender
will find no laughing matter, if | succeed
as | anticipate, ship about thirly-fve
men, and conceal them in the hold, and
taking command Of my craft with one on
~ VISIBLE on deck, | shall set sail out OF
ofthc hqrbor, When | get outside think |
shall be able to show John Bull a Yankee
trick he will not forget very soon. But all
will depepend on our good management Of
the affair. Now you see what | would be
at, Frank viii you join me?'
Heart and hand, sir, responded Frank
Talbot, with enthusiasm, will you allow
me to be the hand on deck to he p work
the soop!
yes, if YOU can talk WealhersfeId
Yankee
wall, rayiher guess ken the | ant
been 10 Connecticut among EN- sins last
grass'
This reply was pronounced in such an
lnimitable Yankee dialect that the lieuten-
ant burst into heavy laugh.
you will do, Frank Now we want TO
proceed at once to action. | want you to
90 TO the Anchor rendezvous in Pearl
street and drum up about five and thirty
men. Take only those that are daring
and ready for anything, Let none Of them
know your object lest we should be be-
trayed by information being conveyed TO
the tender You will find men enough in
these times that will ask no questions -
Meet me at twelve o'clock at the Elk.
change Reading Rooms and report to
me-.
The midshpman then took his leave
and fastened up the battery The lieu.
tenant returned to the group and taking a.
side tho m,Stnr's mate A HON he notv