Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1882-07-19
THE BURNING TRANSPORT.
An ENGLISH NAVAL OFFICERS STORY

The fleet lay OF North Fleet Hope,
awaiting the flag Of Rcar.Admiral Cof.
fin, who had been appointed to succeed
the gallant Collingwood, and, a heavy
gale prevailing at the time, the ships
were riding to tho wind, regardless ol
tide, when night closed around us.
Some thirty sail Of merchantmen,
under convoy Of one Of our latest frig-
atcs, we're anchored in the entrance OF
the Downs, and between us aud them
lay two convict ships, while u fleet OF
transports, with troops for the East
Indies, were anchored just astorn OF
us, the largest--the Wellcsley-bcine
anchored on our starboard quarter, and
scarce three cables length distant.
Being senior passed midshipman OF
old Sovereign at the time, ! was hon
orcd with supreme command of n whole
anchor-watch, and having the first
watch that night enjoyed the happi.
ness (!) Of strutting the quarterback,
exposed to the wind and rain, while
my more humble and consequently
more fortunate watchmatcs sought
shelter in the lee of the bulwarks, or,
slowed snugly away beneath the guns,
whilcd away the dIeary watch with
yarns of dangers and battles past.
1t had just struck three bells, and
save the measured tread of the senti-
nels on duty, the pattering of the driv-
ing rain and the deep breathings of full
six hundred sleepers. scarce sound
broke the silence reigning throughout
the vast hull of the old Sovereign.
Even had halted, half deeming our
dreary watch at an end; and, half sup
ported by the cabin skylight, was in
dulging in visions of calm repose.
While standing thus with face avert
ed from the driving storm, deep red
gleam illuminated the darkness on our
starboard quarter, increasing so rapidly
that ere a minute elapsed the upper
works, lower mast and yards of the
Wellesley were plainly defined in the
red glare. In an instant the truth
flashed upon me, she was on fire; and
bounding to the skylight I shouted:
Forward gun of the starboard, for
ward division on the spar deck Fire !!
1t was our signal gun, and kept con-
tinually loaded, so that my order was
obeyed in an instant, while l followed
up the report with the order, 'Boscn's
mate, pipe all hands to quarters
The first lieutenant was at my side
ere the sound of the mate shrill whis-
tie had ceased reverberating on our
main, gun, and berth decks, when he
instantly OWNED tho cause of the alarm.
and assuming command, shouted,
Fire! Pipe down all boats Waist
and afcrguard, pass the engines up
from below! Topmen, hook yard and
stay tackles. ForecastleI men and sail
trimmers, pass the messenger and take
to-
In an instant all was hustle and
preparation, and ere lapse of two
minutes the report of messenger
passed. was followed by that of boats
all ready when Captain Wilmer, who
had gained the deck, shouted, !Officers
in charge of boats, to your stations
Bo'sen, pipe all boats away! sprang
from the rail, grasped the yard tackle,
and in an instant later landed in the
launch, of which l had command. We
then fell off, and in few moments
were scuddiug swiftly by the burning
ship. 1t is almost needless to add that
our example was followed by the vari-
GUS commanders in the fleet, and on
dropping alongside the Wellesley we
mustered feet Of some sixty boats