Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-08-25
The Gunner's Daughter.

That the custom of 1ogging 'midship-
men once prevailed in the British navy is
an indubitable fact. The offending 'reefer"
was taken to the forward gun, tied over
the breech, spread eagle fashion, and the
fagellation administered. This practice
never existed in the United States navy,
although We copied, in its earlier day,
much that was Objectionable from the
English service; such as rudeness to infer
iors mast-heading and even striking the
younger officers; but, am glad to say,
few instances of the latter outrage are on
record.
The '.yarn" which am about to spin is
of rather an amusing nature, and relates to
the personal experience of one Of my old
fellow -'middles, which was not very diff
ferent from the pleasant practice alluded
to. A number of years ago-never mind
how many, as at least one of the parties is
still alive-while several 'midshipmen were
enjoying themselves socially at a tavern at
Norfolk, Va, one of them, Pat M,
took offense at some remark by a little
lame fellow who was captains, or purser's
clerk, forget which, and threatened to
throw him down stairs.
so, no: you won't do that, Pat" said
Jack N
''Yes will, too, replied the irate REFER
making hostile demonstration.
''Stop, Pat" exclaimed Jack, who was
a noble creature, as brave as he was gener-
ous, '1et me talk to you; the act would do
you no credit, he is small and lame. Let
us take drink and pass it over"
'sNo, sir; will not. What business Of
yours is it anyhow? Perhaps you wish to
take his placer vociferated Pat.
81 only wish to prevent you from dong
q very foe,ish and ungentlemanly act wlich
you would be sorry TOR afterwards" =" said
Jack, calmly.
"No, SIR" exclaimed Pat. growing hot
ter every minute. II will throw him
down stairs, unless you wish to take his
place"
There was a perceptible sneer in the
latter part of this remark whick aroused
the slumbering lion in Jack N.
''very well, sir, he said sternly, draw
ing himself up to his full height before the
other, ''let the lame boy alone and consider
me in his place; now, heave ahead"
Pat was brave; he proved 1t in the late
Confederate service during one of the
hardest fought battles of the war; but the
situation was changed; there was a great
difference between Tommy j and Jack
N. Still he was defied and it behooved
him to act promptly.
mo, SIR he replied; 81 shall send you
a message"
'All right, old boy" was the cheerful
response.
OF course every one knew what this
meant. Seconds were quietly chosen and,
not to mar the festivities, further arrange
ments were deferred until the next day.
Blakely c., one of the most gentlemanly
officers of his day, was Jacks second and
promptly at the hour next morning he was
with his principal, in private parlor oi
the hotel to await Pats representative
After a considerable delay the latter ar
rived and sent up his card. have forgot
ten his name, but he was man of gooC
sense and proper feeling. Blake received
him courteously, and instead of delivering
a challenge, he commenced by expressin.
his own regret that 50 foolish a quarre
should have occurred. His overtures wer,
Senciousiy hce hdh-"dg, anu 90 uciluc
for moment doubted the others courage
the matter was amicably settled. Pat wa
sent for, the boys shook hands and pledge,
each other III French's celebrated juleps
Bat this is not the end of my ''yarn;
IL il was, it would scarcely have bee
worth ''Teeling off," Pats after expert
| ence, not with the "gunner's daughter,
but with the Captains widow" was th
! amusing sequel. There lived in Norfolk q
the time an old lady usually calldd 'Aur
Polly" whose husband had been q sea-car
l tain, and who kept boarding house fo
: midshipman. Officers of higher grad
. she never entertained, but the ''middles
were her special pets; abe sooldsd an