Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-10-06


evidently alarmed at the prospect before
them, and tried hard to persuade him to
join them in carrying a request to the
Commander, that he would not engage
an enemy Of such oyerwhelming force.
"Wha' for shah / gang MI Se '9,sr said
Hunter e ha as many lives rs the cam
tain, and I'll warrant we've as many
friends in he'll as he has .
This profound reasoning did not suit
the unintellectual minds Of the group,
and it was determined that a boatswain's
mate, captain Of the forc-castle, and a
marine, should compose the deputation,
II was delayed until after breakfast, in the
hope that il might prove unnecessary.
Meanwhile the Captain slept as soundly
as ii pillowed on down, receiving the re-
ports of the enemy's manoeuyres with q
simple " Very well, and sleeping again.
Eight bells were reported to be struck,
the sentries were relieyed-the hammocks
had been stowed-the decks made clean
and spotless-the sails sheeted home
and everything done with as much regu-
larity as If no enemy were in sight. The
men were hardly seated round their mess.
kids when the Captain stepped from under
the sail which had been spread over his
hammock as an awning, and casting a
quick glance aloft and along the decks,
touched his hat, and bade me "good
morning" at the same time thanking me
for the first refreshing sleep he had had
for several nights, and playfully compli-
mepting me ON my skill as sailor.
But, Doctor" said he, "h how is it
you have run away from the prize See
where she is, hull down astern."
The fact was, we had been so busy with
our thoughts of the mornings danger" I"
and enemy's movements. that we had for
gotten the prize altogether.
1t was now, however, apparent that
the brig -ofwar had given up the idea of
overtaking US, which had at first seemed
his object, as We sailed too fast for him,
and was making for our prize to console
himself with it.
When the men had finished their break
fast, the word was passed call hands
make sail +; clear away lower topgallant
studding sails on both sides"
And away we few down towards the
enemy, who, by this time, was lying to
in company with our prize, about ten
miles to leeward. The hands were now
ordered to clear ship for action. Yards
were slung, and the clues stopped with
chain grapnels carried to the yard
arms I; shot passed up, and every thing
with rapidity only gained by constant
practice.
AS my duty had heretofore confined
me to the cockpit when we were in ac-
ton, ] felt a great curiosity to see how
things went on deck for once, and accord
ingly asked leave to remain on deck until
my services were required below. Our
Commodore reluctantly consented, but
recommended me TO 60 into the maintop,
where should be out Of the reach ci
splinters.
We were nearing the enemy fast. Tie
deputation to wait on the Captain stood
abreast the mainmast, and were backed
by the greater part of the crew, some
grumbling threats, some swearing, some
wanting grog, others talking Of taking
the vessel-all loud, boisterous in short,
in open mutiny. The Captain walked
steadily and composedly into their midst,
struck blow or two with the fat Of his
cutlass over the heads and ears Of the
ringleaders, who were stunned, and fell
as If dead. He then ordered the men to
their stations to shorten sail, and. beck
oning to me, said, " Doctor, take these
fellows down and bandage their heads
quickly, and send them up TO me shall
want their services in about Ave min
utcs."
(" Do you hear, you sirs ? il you are
not at your guns in Eve minutes. you'll
hear from me again"
The wounds were dressed and the men
at their posts in due time. heard as /
bound up their wounds, our commanders
battle-speech. Il came to my ears in SUI
peFhuman tones, being shouted through a
speaking trumpet. made Of very thin sil.
yer, or bell. metal, never used except in
actions.
Lads am going 10 take that brig.
Now, mark il you skulk-if you hang
back when call for boarders il you let
the rascally Brazilian get foothold on
this deck-I put match 10 the magazine.
Remember, l never yet told you false
hood, and, as hope for Gods mercy, /
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 never was the order more
promptly obeyed. II seemed less than a
minute before reached the deck, when ]
found all dOne-the sails, booms and gear
all down, the fore-hatch and the gratings
laid on.
AS reached the top, the enemy gave
a brOadside, which would have annihila-
ted our vessel had il been lower; as il
was. il came through the topsails, literal
ly tearing them from their bolt-ropes.-
We continued our course again, having
yaWned TO receive the salute, when he
wore, and gave US his larbOard battery,
which, like the former, went over with
out material damage except to the leg Of
| AZ. ..na.s, nf ALn 1fn.nll.a ..hseL 1. 80.