Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-07-01

~ s"N '"othi"6s a. tue same tltne
thanking me for the first refreshing sleep he
had had for several nights and playfully COM
pllmentlng me on my skill as sailor.
But Doctor said he, how is it you have
run away from the prize! See where he is,
hull down, astern.'
The fact was, we had been so busy with our
thoughts of the morning.'s danger and the
enemy's movements, that we had forgotten the
prize altogether.
1t was now, however, apparent that the
brig-ofwar had almost 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. - t.-t4e.-
When the men had finished their breakfast.
the word was passed all hands make sail -
clear away lower topmast and topgallant stud
ding sails of both sides.
And away we flew down towards the enemy
who, by this time, was lying TO in company
with our prize, abont ten miles to the leeward.
The hands were now ordered to clear the ship
for action. The yards were all slung, and the
clues stoppered with chain grapnels carried to
the yard arms; 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 action, felt a
great curiosity to see how things went on upon
deck for once, and accordingly asked leave to
remain on deck until my services were re-
quired below. Our Commodore reluctantly
consented, but recommended me to 60 into the
main-top, where should be out of the reach
of splinters.
We were nearing the enemy fast. The de-
putatlon 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 lond, bosterous in
short, in open mntiny. The captain walked
stately and composedy into their midst, struck
blow or two with the fiat of his cntlass over
the head and ears of the ringleaders, who we're
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 qnckly
and send them up to me. / shall want their
services in about five minutes
Do you hear, you sirs! if you are not at
your guns in five minutes, you'll hear from me
again.
The wounds were dressed and the men al
their posts in due time heard, as | bound
up their wounds, our commanders battle
speech. 1t came to my ears in superhuman
tones, being shouted through a speaking trum-
pet made of very thin silver or bell metal, new
er used except in actions.
Lads am going to take that brig. Now
mark! if you skulk-if yon hang back when |
call for boarders-lf you let the rascal Brazil
ian get foothold on this deck-I put a match
to the magazine. Remember, l never vet
told you falsehood, and as 1 hope for God S
mercy, never will
This was followed by three hearty cheers
from the crew, which had hardly ceased be-
fore the command was given 10 lake in sa il.
and never was order more promptly obeyed.
II seemed less than 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 n
Droadside, which would have annihilated our
vessel had it been lower, as it was il came
through the topsails, literally ,ealing them
from their boltropes. We continued our
course again, having yawed TO receive the
salute, when he wore, and gave US his lar
board battery, which, like The former, went
over without material damage except to the
leg of the captain of the fore,op, which it
took away. OF course left my exalted sta
lion, and that with right good will, while
the wounded man coolly made bowline Of
The topgalant haliards and lowered himself
TO the deck. Iapplied the tourniquet on
deck, for he would not consent to 90 below.
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,
and as he came to the wind he had fore
reached, SO that his shot went ahead, and our
bow came abreast his mainmast. Our grap-
nels secured him. The marines on the fore
castle soon drove his men from The after di-
vision, while ours gave it, well told, under
his quarter. This was but for moment
He rallied and prepared 10 board over our
bows we called, and repelei boarders but
his numbers were yet too great TO admit OF
our following him. Again he rallied and
boarded-got possession of the bowsprit, rig
ging and forecaslle. Our commander-in a
white hat, 10 distinguish him-was left alone
to keep back the enemy, for the men had
fed att AT sight of this he run aft, took a
gun-match as he passed along, and shouted
Go forward, for your lives, or this goes to
the magazine
The men cheered, and with rush drove
the enemy from the decks-some back to
their vessel, some into the sea. Ours fol.
lowed the former, and brisk rattling o
small arms and clashing of cutIasses ensued
The cannon were left unnamed, excepting
that of Quartermaster Hunter, which every
now and then would heave in n coolly direc
ted shot, which was sure to tell. lie sem
two shots into her rndder, one sticking be-
tween the rudder and stern post, rendering