Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1852-06-24


hands were now ordered to clear ship FIR action.
Yards we're sung, and the clues stopped with
chain grapnehs carried to the yards arms shot
passed up, aud everything with npidity only
gained by constant practice.
As my duty had heretofore confined me to the
cockpit when we were IN action, felt great
curiosity to see how things went on deck for
once, and accordingly asked leave to remain on
deck until my services were required below.
Our Commodore reluctantly consented but rec
on'msnd@d me to 60 into the maiHtOp. where
should be out Of the reach of splinteFs.
We. we're nearing the enemy FAST The dep.
utstion to wsit on the captan stood 35reast the
mainmast, and were backed by the greater part
ofthe crew, some grumbling threats, some swear
ing. some wanted grog, others talkiaglo Of taking
The vessel-all loud, bOisterous, in short, in open
mutiny. The captain walked stately and com.
posedy into their midst, struck blow or two
with the fiat of his cutlsss over the heads and
ears Of the ringeaders, who were stunned, and
fell as if dead. He then ordered the men to
their stations to shorten sail, and, beckoning TO
me, said, " Doctor, take these fellows down and
bandage their heads quickly, and send them up
to Inc shall want their services in about five
minutes"
"Do you hear, you sirs? if you are not at
your guns in five minutes, you will hearfrom me
again."
The wounds were dressed and the men at their
posts in due time. heard, as boundup their
wounds, our commanders battle speech. 1t
came to my ears in superhuman tones, being
shouted through speaking trumpet, made of
very thin silver, or bell metal, never used except
in actions
"Lads am going to take that brig. Now,
mark if you skuk-if you hang back-when
call for boarders if you let the rascal Brazilian
get foothold on this deck-I put match to the
magazine. Remember, never yet told you
falsehood, and, as hope for Code mercy, I
never will"
This was followed by three hearty cheers
from the crew, which had hardly ceased, before
the command was given TO take in sail, and nev-
er was the order more promptly Obeyed. 1t
seemed less than minute before reached the
deck, when found all done-the sails, booms
and gear all down, the forehatch and the gratings
laid on.
As reached the top, the enemy gave broad
side, which would have ann.hilatsd our vesss
had IL been lower as II was, L came tbroG&h
the topsails, literally tearing them clear from
their bolt ropes. We continued our course
gain, having yawed to receive the salute, wnen
he wore, and gave Us his arboard batter which
like the former, went over without material
damage except to the leg of the captain of the
foretop, which it took away. OF course left
my exalted station, and that with right good
will, while the wounded man coolly made bow
line Of the topgallani halliards, and lowered
himself to the deck. applied tha tourniquet
on deck, ior he would not consent to 60 Delow'
The enemy was wearing ship to give US the third
broadside, when, as he fell off stern to, we
opened, rakIng with grape and CANISTER ana aS
he came to the wind, he had fore reached' so
that his shot went ahead, and our 90" came
abreast bis manmust. Our graPnels secured
him. The marines on the forecastle soon drove
his men from the after division, while ours gave
it, well told, under his quarter. Th's was Out Tor
a moment. fTe rallied and prepared to board
over our bows we called, and repeled ooarders
but his numbers were yet to great to admit o'
our following him. Again he rallied and board
ded-got possession of the bOwspnt rigging
4 and forecastle. Our commander-in white
hat, to distinguish him--was left alone to keep
back tho enemy, for the men had fed att. Al
the sight of this, he ran aft, took qua match al
: he passed along and shouted, " Go forward, fo
q your lives, or this goes to the magazine"
: The men cheered, and, with a rush, drove the
= enemy from the decks-some back 10 their yes
sell, some into the sea. Ours followed the for
e mer, and a brisk rattling of small arms ant
n clashing Of cutasses ensued. The cannon wer,
left unnamed, excepting that of Qdartermaste
q Hunter which every now and then would heav,
in coolly directed shot, which was sure to tell
He sent two Shot into her ruddeF 5ss sticking
j between the rudder and stern-post, rendered he
y helm useless.
An officer Of the enemy threw boarding pix
: at our captain, which whizzed close to him anC
e fixed itself into the bowsprt bits. twas draw
e from thence, and returned with awful interest
!, taking the officer in the back OF the neck, ant
literally piHning him To the deck.
if The battle continued in this way from ten t.
e fifteen minutes, when, after third unsuccessful
!" attempt to board US, the quarter deck appeare
to be thinned, and our captain followed only b.
l. the carpenter, climbing over her buwarks leape
n down upon her deck. The former looked hk
e anything but commander: a grape-shot ha
h rayeled across his shoulders, taking skin an
t. flesh with suspenderS, shirt and coat he ha
}. put his hand to the bleeding wound, and afel
k wards, in loading his pistols, had got them GOV
# cred with powder wipiDg the perspratlon froT
e his face at intervals, he had covered himself wit
e blood and powder without knowing 1t. Th
Or small arms had taken off his hat, cut his sabr
le from the beckett which hung it to his wrist, Ri
ped up and torn his panalOOns But all unat
We coutred as he was, he found himself in the pre-
is, ence Of the full-dressed captain of the enem
towards whom he rushed for death grappI
ur But the latter had had enough of fighting: or
he of Hunters splinters had knocked away bis rg
he hand, his officers were all either dead or woun,
ed, and he could not get bis marines to CON
e. from under cover of the berth-deck, whence the
IS, were firing as fast as they could load.
ed With his left hand the Brazilian captain pr
to sented his cu,lass, and said, as he surrendere
v Ordar unt4H man a aaaaa tlFlnU."