The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-06-03
THE DAILY DISPATCH.
INCIDENT DURING THE MUTT
NY OF 1897.

The nineteenth century may now be said to
have attained middle age, and in the brilliant
noonday of its intellect ar1 science the impor-
tsnt events that marked the close of its prede-
cessor are becoming dim and lndistinct, like the
vanishing images of dissOlving view. Pro-
gress has been 80 rapid since the peace that a
wider chasm intervenes between 1889 and 1851
than any dividing the preceding centuries ::
much more than half a century appears TO
separate nsirom the eighteenth. But stirring
and troublous period lies before this interval.
Life, doubtless, was more rife with interest and
excitement to those whose youth belonged TO
IL than il Is IN this caimer age. One feels that
the "old people, of day have more of a s'his-
tory in their lives" than our age will have and
even while we acknowledge with devout graft
tude the blessing of peace, it is pleasant to
listen TO stories of 'the Wartime" One even
ing, while sitting with a relative of our own,
gazing on the waters OF the Channel, which
were trembling and quIveTing beneath the ROSY
sunset, we expressed some such sentiments,
and after agreeing in our opinion that life in
those days was more animated by hope and
fear than az present, he added, smiling, "For
instance, in '97 / narrowly escaped hang
ing?' .-.-..
We were much surprised at such declara.
ton from one whc, at the time he spoke, was a
brave and distng uished admiral, and eagerly
dSktu TIC no" anu WUY Oi tnG adventures
and he told us. We regret that we cannot re-.
call the exact words of the animated relation,
butwe will try to give the substance as nearly
possible.
In 1897 mutiny broke out among the seamen
atSpithead-un inexcusabie crime in the opin-
ion of naval men, but which he who related
the story palliated in some degree, by candidly
acknowledging that in those days the poor
fellows who were guilty of it had great and
oIn.o Il,
lIl-paid, but their food was of very bad quality;
many captains in the navy were harsh and
iyranical-as, in consequence Of the perversi-
" of human nature, will always be the case;
and the men whose blood was freely poured out
in the defense Of their native land were, to say
the least, neglected and uncared for by their
rulers. Oh happy consequence of peace and
advancing know ledge! these men are now well
fed, have the means of instruction afforded
them, and homes provided for them, when re
turning from "the dangers Of the sea- they
are discharged and sent on shore. The mutt
neers at Spilhead dreamed not of such advan-
tages as these.
Admiral R was Junior lenutenant on
board the Saturn when the mutny broke out;
but promotion was very rapid then, and though
bearing that rank he was still only youth in
his teens. Probably the mutineers had discov-
cred, alfd in measure appreciated the klndli-
thraldom Of his companions, whom they had
confined IN the wardroom, they fixed on HIM
10 bear their propositions and their threats TO
the port misunderstanding at the same time,
thatt he did not bring them back favorable
answer they would hang him on the yardarn !!
He was obliged 10 obey their will. of course,
secretly resolving, however, not TO give them
the opportunity OF fulfilling their kind inten-
tons by returning TO the ship; but the young
GttIr ralpja tell I'm mi mol mr. hainu his ~ n
master. He was put on shore at the Point,
and proceeded at once to the admiraPs house
IN the High street. The naval chief gave him
good natured and cordial reception, and
listened patiently 10 the message he delivered
from the mutineers, which was TO the effect
tha, they must have an immediate advance OF
wages, good biscuit, pork, &C., or that they
would carry their ship over to the French.
go on board again, sir" was his reply, land
tell these gentlemen that none Of their demands
can be listened to till they return to their duty ::
inform them also that the moment they attempt
to weigh anchor, hot shot will be fired on them
from the Isles Of Dogs, and their vessels and
themselves sent TO the bottom.
The lieutenant bow ed and left the Office
Outside he paused. He was going, in obedi
ence to his superior, 10 certain death. LIZ was
fearful trial of courage and professional dis
cipline A mother whom he idolZed lived al
10 great distance; he would at least bid her IA
last farewell. But the admiral, aware of the
sacrifice he exacted, SO much greater than that
oil periling life by mounting "the deadly breach,
had followed the poor boy, and lightly tapping
his shoulder, told him he would walk with him
10 the beach. Thus, even the last look at home,
Tor which he lOnged, was denied him. water
mans wherry conveyed him to the ship. Ii
was Maya bright, glorious May, such as
England used TO enjoy "once upon q time;
and very sad were the feelings with which the
young officer looked back upcR the retreating
town, and round on the glad, sunny-waters and
blue tinted Isle of Wight, deeming that he
beheld them for the last time. Occasionally,
also, he told us, his eyes would revert, IN spite
OF his endeavors TO forget it. to the fatal yard
arm, distinct with all its tracery Of cordage
against the clear blue sky. he gained the
ship, was received on board and conducted 10
the torecasile where the chief mutineers had
assembled Here he delivered his message
They were greatly enraged, aud commanded
nm not 10 repeat the pdmiraPs threat OF SINK
ing the ship 10 the crew. He replied simply
HAT itwas his duty 10 obey the orders OF his
superior ofIiccr. Their looks and words
threatened him at FIRST with instant and suniGa.
ry vengeance; but after a short consultation
they agreed to Try him by court martial, add
proceeding afi, ordered him 10 be brought be
fore them. h was fearful scene; the mer
were terribly excited, irightiuiiy Ignorant. end
believed that their cause required victim
The courage OF the youth bore him through,
ihe trial, however. brayeiy. He veniured bold
ly to Fepfoach them with their guilt in con.
founding the innocent with those whom they
looked upon as their enemies; taunied then
with the eoWaEdiy injustice Of the deed they