Delaware weekly Republican. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1841-188?, 1857-05-21
Written for the Delaware Republican. ]
THE CRUISE
OF
T FL e " ] x e IT.,
A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION.
ny cHAz.

10 move tbs monarch OF heT peoplsd ~
By noon the storm had abated so far as to
allow OF tho Vixen, laying her course towards
the land to look after the sofety of the prize.
Though, abated, it still blew with much vio-
lence, and the lively vessel apparently parta-
king of the feelings which inspired those who
directed her way over the trackless ocean,
seemed TO leap from wave TO wave as she hur-
ried onward. The angry sea broke upon her
weather quarter, throwing the foaming spray
high in the air, which was swept across her
decks by the wind. Sea after sea rushed on,
as If TO punish her intrepidity but their only
effect was to make her bow gracefully to the
fallen foe. Mr.. Jackson, the second lieuten-
ant, had charge of The deck, and MIR. Splicer
was standing near him, Willing away the time,
by whistling national air.
stBlOw me, ii / don't think we have had wind
enough for enc spell, without the need of
tuning one's pipes for any more,' said a
iorecaStleman casting look aft ut Mr.. Spill
Ger.
s'That be's just my notion of the matter,
Jack and was captain Of this barhy, I'd make
any's man back acquainted with the cat, who'd
dare to whistle in q blow like this for you see
my mates, there is no telling what may just
happen.''
"At it again, old croahor," exclaimed Bill,
slapping old Tom, upon the shoulder, g may
my fancy girl prove untrue, if was the skip
per, II l wouldn't stop your grog until you
learned better manneis.3
He's not at his cid tricks again. said anoth-
er topGian approaching the group, '' is he
Bill 20
g Well may-hap he may bo Matty, If one
may judge by the rig of his discourse, return
cd Bill.
" What now old ship'" enqured the top
man. &c Are We to have another night Of it
like the last, or is it going to fall calm and
leave us rolling about on thsse hero swels
like log Which do you make it by the dead
reckoning of your knowledge box, say old
boy ~
"Just neitlertle ono nor tho other, my
mate. But douso my glim, ifI like to see any
one whistle when the wind is piping after this
here fashion, no how. Now just cast your
eyes on Mr.. Splicer, see how he is whistliDg
there aft with us much unconcern, as if he was
seated i'll his fathers house-but what can you
expect; those who knows nothing, fears Meth
ing" Said old Tom as ho replenished his
cheek with q fresh quid of tobacco.
I" GU don't mean what you say Tom," said
the topman, SCI know you don't, for Mr.. Spill
Ger, is as good IL sailor as there is in the SER
vice, and you know it, and no man dare gain
say it,"
"Your right my mate, MIR. Splicer is sea-
man. every igch of him, and no ona knows it
better than | do. And would be the last
man to say word against him, You sec, you
know didn't mean that but don't just like
to see ham whistling in that there way, no how,
at this time---that's what meant and no dis
paragement to Mr.. Splicer," returned old
Tom.
60 Lay aft here, afterguards, and shake
reef out Of the mainsai'' cried MIR. Jackson.
Lay aft there aiterguards, and shake areef
out of that maiusal-do you hear 2'' bawled
the boatswain at the top Of his voice, though
all the men were near him.
har 10 H,tt had kaf, 1nTa
men again assembled on the torecaste, to pass
the time in such a manner as to them appeared
most reasonable.
&c It's my opinion" said old Tom, =" that he'd
better have kept that reef in. The vessel would
have made more headway, and have strained
herself the less or I'm mistaken"
"Ihat's matter OF opinion, Tom," said
the boatswain, &c and ii you think so, in oppo-
sition to your betters, you had better so aft
and tell them.''
&c / know my place, but at the SINE time l
opine, an hon st tar, has a right to his opinion,
as well as any officer in the service, though he
may not be just allowed to give it; replied the
old tar.
8. Mr.. Splicer's got his wbistling tacks aboard
again, Tom,' said Bill jumping down amidst
them from the top-gallant forecastle, where he
had been standing,
Swell what the deuce do care, souce-box," +"
returned Tom testify.
sob thought as you might have summit
to say ON that plat, old GROWER, and so just
gave the alarnl," said Bill laughing.
&c On deck there !" cried the lookout at the
mast head.
"Aye, aye 20 answered Mr.. Jackson.
sThere's large vessel right a-beain, sir,
with all her nlasts gone. You can see her every
now and then, sir, as she raises on the sea-
| said the look out.
Both MIR. Jackson and Mr.. Splicer, took theiI
glasses and endeavOred to see the vessel in
| question, but without success. After straining
| their organs division for some time, Mr.. Jack,
| son hailed the mast head, and desired the mar
to point to her. He did so, but their effort:
| were crowned with no better success, and Mr.
jackson desired his junior to go aloit, and SET
| what he could make Of her. Alter a very few
minutes, he said
"She is sloop of war, sir, with eghteeI
guns, and has very much the appearance o
the vessel, that gave us chase yesterday.''
This was reported to Captain Hardweath
who came directly on deck, followed by til,
| surgeon and third lieutenant.
| Haul your sheets aft, sir, and let her heaC
for the wreck" said Captain Hardweather =
This was quickly done, and now, in place o
bounding gaily, on, she pitched and surge,
against the sea with great violence, at the
same tine creaning to the gale, until her lie,
| rail was lying on the water.
| 3" This will never do sir" said the Cantain
as the Vixen struck violently against hug
sea, making her every timber tremble. and 10
an instant impeding her way. &c She will s!rai
herselfto pieces. Brazil up yonr foresail, siI
and close reef the mainSail. Wen make NOR
speed with less damage, than under tnis pres
of canyass.''
They were not long shortening sail, and no,
the Vixen moved along with greater ease :
herself; and more comfort to her crew. Aft