Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1866-11-16
stliseeIIaneons SeIertions.
Lord Nelson's Protege.

1t was bright morning in spring, and
the English feet lay at anchor in Ports
mouth harbor, awaiting the admiraPs sig
nal to start out on a cruise. The flagship,
a huge, formidable ship of the line, with
its dark sides bristling with guns, was all
in commotion. The Admiral, the most
famous sailor of his day, was coming off
from the shore, and the ship was ready to
receive him. Already the guns of the
squadron were beginning to thunder forth
their welcome, and soon the vessel was
wreathed in smoke, and quivering beneath
the discharge of her heavy ordnance, as
Admiral Nelson touched her deck, sur
rounded by brilliant staff. Standing
near the quarter deck, and watching the
scene with intense eagerness, was young
lad of about eighteen. He was dressed
simply but neatly, and his cheeks glowed,
and his eyes kindled, as he watched the
exciting events that were going on around
him. As he returned the salutes of the
officers, the Admiral chanced to observe
the lad.
"Who is this9 7" he asked, turning to the
captain Of the vessel.
'.He is young lad that came on board
few hours ago." replied the captain.
"He insists on seeing you, sir, as he says
he has something of Importance to say to
you"
"Well, my lad," said the admiral kind
lv tGsneak ont freely"
'If you please, sir" said the boy, "I've
come to ask you to take me to sea with
you"
'Is that all you have to say, you young
scamp9" asked the captain, sharply.
'.Let him alone," said the Admiral,
laughing. "What position do you want,
he asked, turning to the boy.
"If you would take me as your cabin
boy, sir" said the lad, 81 should be very
glad"
"Thats a poor chance for you, if you
wish to rise above it" said the admiral,
kindly.
at will be beginning" replied the
lad. "If you'll give me start, III work
my way up. sir. You did it; and mean
to do SO too"
The admiral gazed at him kindly, but
searchingly, and then said, with smile,
'Tll take you with me on this cruise; and
if you want to rise, I'll give you chance.
What is your name?"
'Edward Lee" was the reply.
every well, then, Edward, l will take
you into my service" said the admiral 81
shall expect you toprove yourself worthy
of that trust"
'I'Il do it, sir" said the boy, earnestly,
as he moved aside, respectfully, to let the
admiral pass.
In two hours the Vanguard stood out
to sea, followed by the squadron, to join
Earl st. Vincent at Gibralter. The young
valent made favarable impression upon
the officers of the ship before the compile
ton of the voyage.
"'Tis too bad" said the admiral to his
Aag-captain, one day ''that that boy should
fill menial position"
The captain agreed with his command
er, and the result of the matter was, that
few days after the arrival oil the VAN
guard at Gibralter, Edward Lee was given
a midshipman's warrant by Earl St. Vim
cent, at the special request Of Admiral
Nelson.
Then came the famous cruise in the
Mediterranean, in search of Bonaparte and
his fleet. In the terrific gale which dis
masted the admiraps ship, young Lee
proved that he merFited the kindness his
great commander had shown him, and
won praise from all on board. Then came
the brief halt at Syracuse, the arrival of
the wished-for reinforcements, and the
departure for Egypt As the dawn of
that memorable First OF August revealed
to the eyes Of the English the tri-color
floating over Alexandria, and the French
feet in the bay of Aboukir, Edward Lee
was standing by his chief on the deck of
the flagship.
''There they are" burst from score of
voices, as the distant vessels came in view.
eyes," muttered the boy; "and we'll
be there before night"
Nelson glanced at him approyingly.