American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-12-19
HARRY R; OR, FLOGGING IN THE NAVY.
BY A YOUNG SAILOR.


The morning of July the Fourth, 1s-, OPEN
ed beautifully The bright sun rose maiesti-
eally from its ocean bed, smiling through a
, clear horizon, as the vast clouds rose up from
the bosom Of the deep, and rolled away toward
the land Our floating fabric spread her lofty
wings TO the influence of steady quartering
breeze, and flew swiftly upon her trackless
course, while the happy selmen, even in the
performance OF their customary morning du-
ties, seemed proud of the day that gave their
country birth, AS the bell tolled eight, the re-
gular allowance ofgrog was served, and break
fast quickly discussed; when the boatswain' 3
hoarse cry of "All hands clean yourselves for
muster" brought two hundred as gallant fell
lows as ever sailed under the stars and stripes,
to their respective guns, ready for inspection.
Our captain, accompanied by his officers, pro-
ceeded fore and aft the decks, scanning each
man infinitely as he passed by, and concluded
the inspection by passing handsome encomi-
um upon our clearly appearance. There can
be no scene more pleasing to the eye, than two
or three hundred young men standing at their
separate guns, full of health and vigor dressed
in naval costume. The highly polished tar
paulin sitting gracefully on the head; the snow
white frock, with its blue collar turned neatly
over the handsome, well-6tting jacket; trow-
sers, white and unspotted, fitting tautly and
without wrinkle round the waist, and the shin.
ing shoe, give to them handsome and gallant
appearance. The day passed off as days OF
national rejoicing at sea generally do-witll
one exception.
Harry R, during the day, had been the
life of our happy ships company; his manly
voice rang merrily along the different decks, az
he passed witty remark or stopped TO relate
some laughabe story to one or more of the nu-
merous groups of men and boys scattered a.
round the ship.
If difficulty arose respecting the modlls ope
randi of any of the various games in which they
were engaged, Harry's decision settled it
Was an old gfudge, supposed to have been long
since buried in oblivion, agitated afresh, hi
mild arguments, interspersed with that evel
ready WIT, for which he was SO remarkable
brought matters TO an amicable conclusion; anc
while thus engaged, disseminating peace anc
good will among the crew, and adding fresh flu
ell to their merliment, he was the happiest O
the happy.
Tall, athletic, and possessing that species O
refined, manly beauty, SO seldom seen in tn,
common walks Of life, with mind we'll stored
with general knowledge, and a heart as oper
and free as the breeze that played around hi
brow, he had unconscously gained the goot
will of all the seamen, though could perceiv,
anysportion of envy and dislike display itssl
among the officers, which was aggravated b,
his eff-handed and fearless, though always res
pectful manner. Although he stood numbe
one among the crew, and was the first man
his duty aloft in times of peril, he had offer
been ordered by the officers TO perform varou
parts of the mental duty belonging exclusivel,
IN 10 it,f hn hon h,
spirit, or drawing from him a renonstranct
whereby they might be enabled to prefer charg,
Of nsolence against him. But no complaint es
capped his lips, although at such times his prouc
heart would swell TO bursting, whilst his heav
ing bosom indicated how sensitiyely he felt tn,
unmanly treatment. A better time than thu
present for bringing their Vaccinations into full
play, could not have offered.
AS the evening shades were closing rounC
the festive cay, the officer of the deck issuet
his mandate for restoring the customary orde
Of the ship. Poor Harry, not quitting the play
in which he was engaged on the instant, wa,
selected from the many alike guilty, and or
dered aft; when, in a tone of unusual severity
he was asked, "Why he had not obeyed The
order'' Touching his hat, he replied, Il die
not think, sir, that moment Of time, particu
larry on such day as this, a day at which
every American reioices, would have beer
deemed of such vital Importance Silence
sir shouted the gratifed officer. Master at
arms, put this fellow in double irons and, de
you hear there' should he make the leas
noise, gag him!'
A written report charging him with inse
isnce to his superior, was placed upon the
captains table, early the following morning
and as two bells e o'clock) were struck, oGl
beloved shlpmate stood at the mainmast witt
manacled hands and feet, a monument Of petty
tyranny.
The ships company were piped around ,ht
gang-way, as is usual in cases of ponishmon
the charge was read, and Harry R wa
sentenced to trial by court-martial, upon tn,