Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1866-08-11
LORD NELSON'S PROTEGE.,

Itwas Albright morning in spring, and
the English fleet lay at anchor in Ports
mouth harbor, awaiting the admiral's sig
nal to stat out on cruise. The flagship,
ahuge, formidable ship Of the line, with
its dark sides bristiing with guns, was all
in cOmmotion. The admiral, the most ia
nous sailorof his day, was coming off from
the shore, and the ship was ready to re-
ceive him. Already the guns Of the squad
ron were beginning to thunder forth Their
welcome, and soon the vessel was wreath
ed in smoke, and quivering beneath SSthe
discharges of her heavy ordnance, as Ad-
miral Nelson touched her deck, surrounded
by brilliantstaff. Standing near the edge
of the quarterback, 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 watehedthe eX-
citing events that were going on around
him.-As he returned the salutes- of the
officers, the admiral chanced to observe the
lad.
"Who Is this g' he asked, turning to the
captain of the vessel, -I oi TO ll1Jaj
"He's young lad that came on board o
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 kindly,
"speak out freely" =
tIt you please, sir" said theboy, "I've
come TO ask you to take me to sea with
you" r"'-'s
'Is that all you have to say, you young
scamp" asked the captain, sharply.
'Let him alone" said the admiral, laugh
ing. "What position do you want ?" he
asked, turning to the boy.
'1f you would take me as your cabin
boy, sir" said the lad, II should be very
glad"
That's poor chance for you, if you
wish to rise above it," said the admiral,
kindly.
1T will be beginning" replied the lad.
"It you'll give me start, I'll work my way
up, sir. You did it; and mean to do so,
too"
The admiral gazed at him kindly but
scarchingly, and then said, with a smile,
"I'll take you with me on this cruise and
II you want to rise, III give you chance.
What is your name ?" -~7
edward Lee,r was the reply.
Every well, then, Edward, take you in
to my service" said the admiral. II shall
expect you to prove yourself worthy of the
trust" ~ ,rtr, IL -,erI t'
"rll do it, sir" said the boy, earnestly, as
he moved aside, respectfully, to let the ad-
miral pass. cns ETt.,e a--aN o., IN
In two hours the Vanguard stood out to
sea, followed by the squadron, to ioif Earl.
st. Vincent at Gibraltar. The young valet
of the admiral made decidedly favorable
impression upon the officers Of the ship be-
fore the completion of the voyage. 80 - lTv g
"'Tis too bad," said the admiral to his
fag-captain, day, shat boy should fill
q menjals position" --.s q, d ,svs7 g,
The captain agreed with his commander,
AID the result of the matter was, that. a
few days after the arrival of the Vdngadrd
at Gibraltar, Edward Lee was given amid
shipman'swarran by Earl st. Vincent, at
the special request of Admiral Nelson. &,
Then came the famous cruise in the Med
iterranean, in search of Bonaparte and his
feet. In the terrific gale which dismasted
the admirai's ship, young Lee proved that
he Inerited. the kindness his great COM
mander 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 the memorable
First of Augastrevealed to the eyes of the
English the trioOlor floating over Alex
andria, and the French fleet in the bay of
Aboukir, Edward Lee was Standing by his,
chief on the deck Of the flag-ship. q 80
AnCIC OuOy dLc, uuIbb lEOuu, u bcOI6 OI
voices, as the distant vessels came in view.
EYES," muttered the boy; land Wen be
there, too, before night" rrr
Nelson glanced at him approvingly.
''Therels q chance for promotion for us
all In there," he said, smiling.
He was right. The fearful encounter
which carried such sorrow and despair to
so many English homes, brought to these
twoomen fame and honor. Through the
whole action the admiral's eye was on
the young f.middy,p and all through that
long aud thrilling summer night it never
lost the CLEAN, Of satisfaction which had
illumiDed it as he heard the young sailors
words in the morning. The same dispatch
that greeted him as Lord Nelson informed,
hlmithat his request tor o Heutenancy for
young Lee was granted. nai sej . TsfiA1l
Steady devotion TO his profession and
conspicuous bravery, In, times of danger,
soon made the youthful lieutenant anoted
man in His Maiesty's navy. The battle Of
the Baltic was memorable day to him. It
was truly the greatest battle be had been
in. Though severely wounded, hefefused
20 go,heloW, and stood at bis post untii the
oIneA ~ fho ackiol1. When Sir Hvda Parker