Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1853-02-16


the cockpit when we we're Ia action. | felt
great curiosity 70 see how things went on deck
for once, and accordingly asked leave to re
main on deck until my services were repaired
below Our Commodore reluctantly consen.
ted but recommended me to 60 into the main
top, whers should he GU. Of the reach Of
aplinters.
We were nearing the enemy fast The
deputation to wait on the captain stood
abreast the mainmast and were backed by
the greater part Or tie crew, some grunhling
threats, some swearing. some wanted erog.
others talking Of taking the vessel--all loud.
boisterous in short. In open mutiny. The
captain walked stately and composedly into
their midst, struck blow or two with the
fiat Of his cutass over the heads and ears Of
the ringltaders whowere stunned, and fellss
dead. He then ordered the men to their sta
tons to shorten sail, and, beckoning to me,
doctor, take these fellows down and band
age their heads quickly, 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 will 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. 1t came to my ears in superhuman
tones, being shouted through speaking trum-
pet, made Of very thin silver never used ex-
cept in actions
Lads. | am going to take that brig
Now, mark if you skulk--if you hang back
when I call for boarders; if you let the
rascal Brazilian get foothold on this deck
Il put match to the magazine. Reaem-
Der ! never yet told you falschood, and as
/ hope for Gods mercy, never will.
This was followed by three hearty cheers
from tho crew, which had hardly ceased, be-
fore the command was given to take in sail,
and never was the order more proaiply obey
ed. 1t scanned less than minuts before l
reached the deck, when found all done
the sails, booms and gear, all down, The foro-
hatch and the gratings laid on.
As reached the top, the enemy gave a
broadsile which would have annihlated our
vessel had il been lower as il was, it came
through the topsails, literally tearing them
clean from the bolt ropes. We continued
our course again, having waved to receive
the salute, when he were, and gave US his lar
board batter, which like the former, went
over without materi Il 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 viii, while the
wounded man coolly made bovine of the
topgallant billiards, and lowered himself o
the deck. applied the tourniquct on deck,
for he would not consent TO go below. The
enemy was wearing ship to give us The third
broadsidc, when, as he fell of stern to, we
opened, raking with grape and canister, and as
he came to the wind lie had afore reached,
so that his shot went ahead, and our bow came
abreast his mainmast. Our grappels secured
him. The marines on the forecas:le soon
drove his men from the after division, while
ours gave it, well told, under his quarter
This was but for moment. lie rallied and
prepared to board over our bows; VIC called,
and repealed boardcrs but his numbers we're
yet too great to admit of our following him.
Again he rallied and boarded got possession
of the bowsprit rigging and forecastle. Our
commander in a white hat, TO distinguish him
was left alone to keep back the enemy, for
the men had fled aft. At the sight of this,
he ran aft, took gun match US he passed
along, and shouted, sGo forward, for your
lives, or this goes TO the magazine
The men cheercd, and, with rush, drove
the enemy from the decks--sonle back to
their vessel some into the SEA. Ours follow
cd tho former, and a brisk rafting of small
arms and n clasbing Of cutlasses ensued.-
The cannon were left rnanned, ox septing
that of Quar,ernmstcr Hunter, which every
now and then would heave III u coolly direct
ed shot, which was sure 10 tell. lie sent two
shots into her rudder, one sticking between
the rudder and s:ern-p osi, rendered her helm
useless.
An officer Of the enemy threw boarding
pike at our captain, which whizzed close TO
him and fixed itself into the bowsprit bits.
TWAS drawn from thence, returned with aw-
full Interest," taking the officer in the back Of
the neck, and literally pinned him to the
deck.
The battle continued in this way from
the ten to fifteen minutes, when, after a
third unsuccessful attempt TO hoard MS,