The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-07-09

mind epitomised and digested my mental
food-imparting to me thus the spirit Of
volumes, which might in vain have en-
deavored tc comprehend after long study
But, to proceed -
With this mixture Of pleasure and suffer
ing, we reached Kingston and cast anchor
off the harbor, where we bad remained only
for few days, wheniwe sailed to cruise in
quest Of French frigate, which had taken
several Of our merchantmen. We con-
tinued to range the seas for nearly three
weeks, in quest Of the enemy, without gain
ing either sight or intelligence Of him, and
had almost given up all hope, when, one
afternoon, a denze fog came on, which OBJ
secured the horizon, and we could not see
two lengths Of the ship from ber decks. 1t
continued thus until a little after sunrise
next morning, when gentle breeze sprung
up, which cleared all around, and, to our
surprise, we saw French fOrty-gun frigate
about SIX or seven leagues to windward.
We mounted only thirty gnns. The odds
were fearfully against us; but the captain
resolved to engage the enemy. The boat
swain piped all hands to quarters, the drum
beat to arms, the bulkbeads were taken down,
and all was clear for action in a few minutes
every gun doubled shotted, and the
match waiting the orders to fire. James
and | were stationed at the same gun on
the quarterback, when | saw the enemy,
under a cloud Of sail, bearing down, with bis
formidable range Of guns bristling bis Sides
| felt my breathing become short, and a
strange sensation took hold Of me, as if
doubted whether could command another
full respiration. l looked at James-there
was a melancholy shade of satisfaction on
his countenance, and l thought / saw a
languid smile lurking around his lips, along
with sternness in his eye, that impaired
to me bold feeling of assurance. stood
with the ramrod in my hand. The interval
of suspense was short. The Frenchman,
as he ranged alongside, within pistol-shot,
hailed us in good English to strike. The
captain, who stood near me, looking over
the nettings, with his speakingtrumpet in bis
hand, lifted it to his mouth and reared
cay! ay! I'll strike by and by;" then
passed the word" Now, my lads, give
them q broadside."
Scarcely was the order given, when our
little frigate quivered from the recoil, and
We were enveloped in smoke but l could
hear the crash Of our shot on the sides and
and rigging Of the Frenchman, which did
not return the fire for a minute or two.
"Well done,' shouted the captain.
4" Another Of the same"
And By the time the Frenchman fired
his first volIey, we were ready. The
salute was simultaneous and fearful. The
enemy Gid awful execution five of our
gun-ports were torn into one, and several
of our men killed and wounded. | have
little recollection of what followed for some
time-the smoke was too dense for Observa-
ton, and my exertions in working our gun
were too unremitting to allow of extraneous
attentions. At length the sbotin the locker
being expended, called for more and, on
looking round, saw my companion, james,
lying extended behind the gun, bleeding.
There was not one moment to spare---the
balls were supplied as quick as called for
and, at the sight Of my wounded friend,
my dogged resolution was reused to revenge.
| urged those who were still able for duty to
redouble their fire.
"Well done, Elder - said the captain /;
"you are noble fellow
(To BE CoNTINUED.)