Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1861-02-20
7f(iistellantol1s,
GOING ALGFT--A TRAGEDY.

writings, relates an incident on board OF a
British frigate to illustrate the terrible cruelty
inflicted upon seamen, in the name of disci
plne, during the early years Of the present
century. He describes timid boy who was
50 cruelty lashed because he was afraid to 60
aloft, that he became maaiac, and ever af-
terward appeared to act witLeut fear, running
like monkey from masthead to masthead
and running along the yards.
An old man.of war's.man told the writer of
this the same story many years ago, with
sequel, which Captain Hall has not given.
Tie sailors story was in substance as follows:
A timid boy, about fourteen years of age,
hesitated to 60 aloft, but, by the captains
orders, was forcbly put in the main rigging,
and then bo.tswain's mate was commanded
to lash him like dog. until he learned to
run aloft. The poor fellows legs and arms
-trouhled he graSnel the shGeads hs cried, he
prayed the inhuman captain for Gods sake to
have mercy on him; but all in vain. The
boatswain's mate was ordered to lay on har-
der and harder, regardless of tue boys pier
chg screams, which made even veteran seamcu
turn from the brutal scene with disgust. His
cloths were rent from his back, the blood fol-
lowed the lash, aud still the tyrant roarcd
out, "lay on, bYatswain's mate" With one
wild scream be sprang from under the lash
and bounded up the rigging with amazing
rapidity. He doubled the futtock rigging
like a cat, passed up the top-mast and top
gallant rigging with undiminished speed,
Skinned the unrattled royal rigging, and
perched himself like bird alongside Of the
pendant which streamed from tue masthead.
Here he pauscd looking fearles,ly upon the
deck below. All hands came up to see him
his cries and cruel treatment had already
enlisted their sympathy, and, if possible, haS
increased their hatred Of the captain.
The monster was smiling compaccntly at
the success of his experiment; for be was one
of those tyrants who bousted that the cat,
properly applied could make nen do any
thing. Still he was spprehcnsive that the
boy might destroy himself, and the circun-
stance be used against him at the Admiralty,
where he knew representations of his cruelty
had already been made. The men gazed in
silence, looking first at the boy and then at
the captain, who was seated near the tatfrail.
Tley dared not be seen speaking to one an
other; it was foggable offence; even at
night spies passed under their hammockS to
ascertain if they whis r''. Th, officers
walked the lee SiIe of the quar- ter-dcck, occa-
siorally casting their eyes aloft, but were as
silent as the men.
Still the boy clung to the mast-head, play
ing with the renia"t, apparently unconscious
of the interes he excited below. Tired with
gazing aloft, the cuptain sung out through the
speaking trumpet, "DoSn from alott! down.
Tie boy sIrang upon the truck at bound,
and raising himself erect. waved his cap
around his head; then stretching his arms
out, gave wild, laughing scream, and threw
himself forward. The captain jumped to his
feet, expecting to see the boy dashed in pie.
ccs on deck but when clear of the shade of
the ais, he saw him sliding along the main
royal stay tnsard the fore-top gallant mast
lead, ard heard Lin laugh and chatter like
monkey, as if ENJOYING the sport He
reached the masthead in safety, and then
descended alcI.g the top,gallant backstay
hand over ha, d. Tie captain looked at him,
and was about to speak, but could not find
words. The 10y frothed at the mouth and
noye he rolled upon tie deck in commissions,
staining it with the blood which still trickled
from his back. lie was maniac. The sur
ceorl's skill in the cour.c Of few weeks res
torcd his health, but not bis reason.
From that time forward he was fearless. In
the darkest night, in the ficrcest gales he
would scarnper along the deck like dog,
and bound aloft with speed which no one on
board could equal. He would run over the
yards without Holding, pass from mast tomast
on the stays, ascend and descend by the
sails, and run upon the naked studdins- sail
booms. He was nimble as cat, and had for.
gotten fear Some of the light duties alolt
he learned to discharge in company With
tLem-he did as they did, but could not be
trusted to do anything himself. One order
lie always obeytd without Hesitation. At
the command, "Away aloft,' he was off, an'!
never paused until he reached the masthead
As lie WAS harmless and rarely spoke, tue