The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-10-22

deck attend to cleanliness, for which the ships
crew supplies plenty of water.
After the roll has been called, and men and
berths inspected by the officers of the day, the
boatswain pipes for breakfast. The troops
generally breakfast at the same time with the
crew, although their messings and everything
else is entirely separated from them. The
breakfast consists of excellent tea-no milk of
course, but plenty of sugar, and biscuits as
cleared, and in good weather the men are pa
raded for the purpose of discipline or medical
inspection.
Their dress, as soon as they get little to
the southwark, is simple enough-canvas panta-
looms, strap round the waist shirt, and a
cap, or straw hat, ooila tout. Time flies quick
on board ship. Soon after eight bells twelve
o'clock) the dinner is ready, and the messmen
go with their dishes to the cooks gallery. Six
men form a mess, and each man takes his turn
for messman, which includes the drawing of the
rations and the cleaning of the utensils. The
rations are drawn early in the morning, and
are served out by the ships steward to the
messmen. The officers of the day and the
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. attend and see that the
men get their rights.
The rations are ample, so much so that there
is often waste A pound of excellent pork
and half of salt beef on alternate days. Pea
soup is the prominent accompaniment; but
preserved potatoes are often served out, and
fresh provisions in alright canisters twice
week. Puddings, with suet and raisins, at least
once week-and such summers. The fact is,
the men live like fghting-cocks. After being
fortnight at sea, their appetites become raw
enous and the careless-especally the sons of
Erin-if not checked by the doctor, are liable
to ringworm and scurvy.
Everything is done to prevent disease. The
most scrupulous cleanliness, in every respect,
and such condiments as tend to promote a
healthy secretion. Vinegar and mustard are
literally served out and after having been a
month at sea, or sooner, the doctor sees himself
that every man drinks small quantity of lime
juice, diluted with water, twice week. After
dinner, cleaning, smoking, and singing on the
forecastle.
About three, comes the interesting event of
the day, the serving out Of the porter. 1t is
the very best, and strongly impregnated with
hops, in order to keep. Each man gets his pint,
and they certainly enjoy it above a bit. No
spirits except when the Line is crossed and
"mainbrace spliced," or in continued rough
and wet weather off the Cape. Another pa
rade and gymnastics, if the weather permit,
close the duties of the day. Tea at FIVE there
is plenty of cold meat, and knowing hands often
manage to bake cake.
The evening is the pleasantest time on board
ship. The sky is bright, the noble vessel dash
es through the sparkling waves as being of
life, and as she bounds in delight in her free
born career, and her spars bend to the breeze,
there is something of enthusiasm enters the
soldiers and the sesmsns breast. Up high, on
yonder forecastle sits fair-haired lad of eigh-
teen, and with thrilling pathos he sings, The
cot where was born" The sounds are waited
along to the quarter deck, where lady fair is
leaning over the tafrail, and pearls glide 81.
lently from her cheeks into the ocean.
"You call that good, don't your" said Mr..
Funshaw, offering five dollar note on Prov
idence bank at one of our hotels.
"Oh, yes" replied the attendant; 4" it's good,
undoubtedly, but, like Deacon Cranston's piety
when he gets swearing mad, it is not imme-
diately available"