Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-06-24


found three Of my own messmates were
killed. When the purser's steward sent
down the monkeys brimful of wine, we
drank round to the memory of our good
old captain, and all who had fallen that
ray. Then we went ON deck to survey
the scene of battle. Our ship was half
cut to pieces, and the least breeze of wind
would have sent our mizzen and main
masts overheard. There was nobody on
deck but boatswain's mate and the cap
tain. who were watching a squadron OF
Turkish boats near the western shore OF
the bay. Thousands of poor wretehes
were floating on pieces OF the wreck.
Astern of us lay the Albion Seventy
four) her hull having the marks OF
sound battering. Directly ahead OF lis
lay the Asia. with her mizzen over her
side. OF the Turkish fleet, only eighteen
small vessels were left. The French adj
mirars flagship had all three masts shot
away. The Russians were an hour later
than we were in getting into action; but
they silenced the forts admirably, and
took off from us a great part OF the heavy
fire.
About six o'clock, Admiral Codrington
came on board to see our dying captain !;
he praised us for our hot and steady fire.
Just after he left, all hands were turned
up to clear wreck, for both masts were in
danger; but we were all so worn out that
after trial, we had to give it up for that
night About ten O'Clock, cries under
our stern of -Mahomet," reused us,
and we looked and saw two Turks cling
ing to the rudder. We were forbidden to
help them, and in about five minutes first
one let go and then tN other, and crying
All, All = they sank. Half an hour after
we were hailed from the Asia, and the adj
niral called to us to take care OF burn
ing frigate that was bearing down upon
u.s. In moment we beat to quarters,
and every one was at his gun as If for a
second battle; but just as the burning ship
neared us, the Russian feet poured an
immense broadside into her and she blew
up with great explosion. At daylight
we began to clear wreck, till all hands
were summoned to muster on the quarter
deck, while the captain and, the purser
doctor, and the captains clerk. scored of
the names of the Killed, in red ink. We
found our loss to be twenty-six killed,
and thirty-three wounded. The allied
squadron returned altogether one hundred
and fifty-two killed, and four hundred
and seventy-three wounded.
A goat and a kid that we had on board
ran about the decks during the whole ac-
ton and were unhurt. Two ring doves
in a cage above the fore grating also es-
capped uninjured. though men were killed
close by As | was decending the after
ladder, met two men carrying the dead
body of my poor mess mate, in purser's
bread bag. / made them lay the body
down between two guns, and while my
mess was at breakfast, | got spare ham,
mock and sewed the corps i'll it, l then
got friend to help me sling two thirty
pound shot two poor TOMS feet, and at
the gun room port we read the service and
let the body slip into the blue water. In
another moment all hands We're piped and
we were at work at the rigging, swearing
and whistling like the rest. 1t was Sunday
morning. Turkish vessels continued to
blow up ut intervals; the men got so ac-
customed to them that at dinner the only
remark at another bang, was, "Hurrah
There's another of the beggars blown up
That afternoon the body of our captain
was put into u puncheon of rum, and
slowed down at the bottom of the spirit
room, to be taken home. At five O'Clock
in the afternoon, the captain turned all
hands up, and read us Il general order from
the admiral, thanking us for our conduct.
We gave three cheers. and the captain
ordered us double allowance of grog.
On the Thursday afterwards, we set sail
for Malta A fortnight before, the Genoa
had left Valetta Il gallant man of war !;
she was now battered old hulk, with
stumps for masts, her sides patched with
sheet lead and planks, and large cannon
shot sticking i'm the right breast Of her
figure ad-AH the Year Round.