Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-05-18
MISCELLANEOUS.
Noble Ra1enge,

The Mendip, Capt. Frobisher, was lying
off GraveseDd waiting for the arrival from
London of the principal passenger, attache
of the British Embassy at the Portuguese
court. Among the cargo were four barrels
of powder. While the ship waited for this
parsonage some of the cabin passengers,
among whom were four military officers, went
on shore, and remained there until the hour
for sailing was announced, which was done by
the captain In pcraon. lie entared the hotel,
and found the four officers engaged in drink
ing and gambling. One of them, Lieuten-
Brown, infamed by his losses aud the wine
he had swallowed, called upon Frobisher, in
bullying tone, to drink
"Drink my boy, till your brains are on
blaze like mine"
'I have not come to drink blazing brain
is not for one like me, upon whom depends,
under Gods providence, the lives of so many.
1 have come to tell you that in an hour we
will weigh anchor.
"Not drink ?" shrieked the wine-mad man.
IF you will not swallow the liquor, yod shall
take 1t somehow" and he flung the wine filled
glass at Frobisher, whom it happily missed.
GA challenge challenge" shouted the
companions of Brown. "Surely, Capt Fro
bsher will not tamely suffer such an insult I'
"Nothing shall provoke me to fight Lieut..
Brown" replied Frobisher; 81 pity and I
pardon him."
The officers laughed loudly and scornfuly.
"In an hour gentlemen, we sail, and the
Captain Withdrew.
The 'Mendip," was cleaving her way down
the channel. 1t was the hour of dinner, and
Frobisher, in his capacity of captain presi-
ded. The gambling officers and their wives,
! by many insinuations implied that "some-
body" was coward and paltroon.
After dinner was ended. and while the pas
sengers walked the quarter deck, which the
! Captain vas also pacing, Lieut. Brown and
the dHdche, with mock courage created by
| drink, spoke loud, sneering words against
Frobisher, to his face, and turned laughingly
to the others for approval.
In an instant the strong arm of the Cap
tain laid heavy hand on the shoulder of
Brown.
"Hark'ee, Lieut. Brown, I am Captain of
this ship, and if you persist any longer in
trying to upset my authority, shall place
| you in irons till We reach Lisbon"
The insolence was never repeated.
The "Menlip" was in the bay of Biscay.
A storm had been raging for three days, dur
ing which the bravery of the Captain had
been extolled by every one on board, but
Lieut. Brown and the dttache.
The ships boats were swept away, all but
sengers and crew, should it be requisite to
abandon the ship On the fourth day the
alarm of FIRE was raised. The hold was ih
flames. In few minutes moro the flames
| would reach the magazine. The time was
midnight The Captain was on deck, and
gave his orders with calm self-composure.
'Lower the boats. Let the women and
children go first then every man according
to his age"
cay! ay /" replied his brave men. The
wives of the passengers and the children,
! were safely lowered into the boats
''Now for as many as the boats have room
to spare" shouted Frobisher.
The dttacbe sprang toward. "Back ~
shouted Frobisher, "yeaTs before position ;
Lieut. Brown, it is your turn first"
"Heaven bless you'll" cried Brown, BURST
ing into tears "we are friends at last p'
''Frobisher shook him by the hand, ex,
claiming sin the presence of death why
should We not be so? have never quar-
relied with you"
The boats were full almost too full A
preliminary explosion announced the coming
catastrophe "Cast of, and pull for your
lives" cried Frobisher, as he stood by the
gangway
eve must and shall save you," vas the cry
that came back from the dark waves.
'Away! away p was the reply Then
came low rumbling sound, then great fash
and clap like thunder, and the splintered
spars and masts of the ship, "Mendip" gere
floating on the waste of waters. The brave
Captain was no more.
The crews of the boats reached land in
safety.