The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-04-14
fred a shot into US just now, which carried away
| orr main neafn and almost kilt q man

fred shot into us just now, which carried away
our main peah and almost kilt man.a
The American officer expressed his deep re-
greet at the accident and requested the Dutch
officer to be seated, while he communicated the
circumstance to the first lieutenant
"H, do you know we've shot a Dutch
man this morning Z"
Shot Dutchman- impossible! cried the
lieutenant
s'It's a fact-heres an officer from the Dutch
gun brig, on board of us, and be tells me we've
carried away some of his tackle and almost kilt d
man."
"Thenj for Gods sake, my dear fellow, get d
boat, GO aboard, explain the accident and make
every proper apology; ascertain what damage
has been done; and offer suitable reparation.
The officer went on board the Dutch brig and
explained the accident to the captain, whom he
found very reasonable man and satisfied with
the explanation he gave him. The shot, it
seems, had rico chetted struck the surface Of the
water and glanced otf--passed over the Dutch
mans poop and struck his main boom, or peam I"
as the Dutch officer had it. The lieutenant in
quired for the man who was almost kilt" and
was gratifed to learn that the almost meant
that the shot had passed pretty near young
MILDLY Who was walking on the poop, but had
neither hit nor hurt him. The Dutch captain
politely declined an offer to repair the broken
boom, and the American lieutenant returned to
his ship He had scarcely finished his report to
the first lieutenant when boat came along side
with an officer from French corvette which was
lying beyond the Dutch brig. Wemay observe,
by the way, that at the time we are speaking Of
there was much GOODNESS subsisting between the
American and French officers in the Mediterran-
ean growing out of the unfortunate fracas which
had occurred short time ago, at Mahon be-
tween some American and French sailors, in
which French officer and an American sailor
were killed. The French officer came on deck
and with a demeanor that was anything butcon
ciliatory; stated that shot from the Ontario had
passed over the French kings corvette, = 49,,
carrying away some of the.rigging and quantity
of sediments clothing which had been hung QUITO
dry Hs
The officer stepping to the companionway
communicated this additional misfortune to the
first lieutenant.
III -, we've shot Frenchman I"
"Shot a Frenchman Z" exclaimed H. 3"i is
it possible! When shall hear the last of that
internal shot Go on board, my dear
without delay, and satisfy Monsieur that it was
an accident"
The lieutenant accordingly went on board the
French corvette, and explained to the captain
the circumstances, expressing the deep regret at
the accident and offering to send proper persons
from the Ontario to repair damages. Monsieur,
however, was not in as placable mood as Myn-
heer; he declined the offer to repair damages,
but talked Of informing his government, and
maintained a reserved and offended manner, I'M
til the American officers patience began to wear
out; assuming as stately a demeanor as the
Frenchman, he gravely observed, Sir, | have
informed you of the circumstances of this acct
dent, and made you every apology which in my
opinion the nature of the case requires; will you
be pleased to inform me whether you are satist
ed ~ The French captain Immediately relaxed.
"Oh, oui, Monsieor, certainment, certainment,
e'est ASSET eest asset" The American officer
thereupon made his bow, and returned to the
Ontario The officer now INDUCED the hope
that unlucky shot had termined its adventure
without further mischief but the circumstances
being such as the first lieutenant thought should
be Immediately communicated to the captain;
they remained on deck until his return Capt
S. came on board about nine o'clock, and making
a few observations and took the first lieutenant
aside.
nH, said he, do you know that you
fired shot to-day 4" sfs.
!" Yes, sir" said Fl ! am perfectly
aware Of the fact; but how did you learn it,
Capt. s. ?n
Why, the shot struck an Austrian -------
Struck an Austrian = echoed IL
z Ave, struck an Austrian brig replied the
captain; !" the Austrian captain brought. the
shot to Mr. Ofley 'sgwhile we were dining M
ibid you actually see the shot, Capt. $. z"
said H. sa8
II actually saw the shot; it mas brought as