The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-10-25
NELSON'S PROTEGE.

1t was bright morning in spring, and
the English feet lay at anchor in Ports
mouth harbor, awaiting the Admiral's
signal to start out on cruise. The flag
ship, q huge, formidable ship of the
line, with its dark sides bristling with
guns, was all in commotion. The Ad-
mural, the most famous sailor of his day.
was coming off from the shore, and the
ship was ready to receive him. Already
the guns of the squadron were begin
ming to thunder forth their welcome,
and soon the vessel was wreathed in
smoke, and quivering beneath the dis
charges OF her heavy ordnance. as Ad-
miral Nelson touched her deck, sur
rounded by brilliant staff. Standing
near the edge of the quarter deck and
watching the scene with intense eager
ness, was a young lad of about eighteen.
He was dressed simply but neatly, and
his cheeks glowed and bis eyes kindled
IS he watched the exciting events that
were going on around him. As he re-
turned the salutes of the officers, the
Admiral CHANGED to observe the boy.
"Who is this?" he asked, turning to
the captain. of the vessel.
"He is young lad that came on
board a few hours ago." replied the cap.
tain. He insists on seeing you, as he
says he has something of importance to
say to YOU"
"well, my lad" said the Admiral
kindly, "speak out freely"
IF you please, SIR" said the boy,
"1ve come to ask you to take me to sea
with you"
SIS that all you have to say, you
young scamp" asked the captain, sharp
Let him alone" said the Admiral
laughing. What position do you
wan?" he asked, turning to the boy.
IF you would take me as your cabin
boy, sir" said the lad, Il should be
very glad"
"Thst's q poor chance for you, if you
wish to rice above it" said the Admiral
kindly.
"It will be beginning" replied the
had. IF you give me start, I'll work
my way up, sir. You did it, and mean
to do it. too"
The Admiral gazsd at him kindly, but
searchingly, and then said, with smile:
''I'll take yeu with me on this cruise
and if you want to rise I'll give you o
chance. What is your name?"
Edward Lee." was the reply.
Every we'll, then, Edward, I take you
into my service" said the Admiral. 81
shall expect you to prove yourself worthy
OF the trust"
"I'll do it, sir, said the boy. earnestly,
Is he moved aside respectfully. to let the
admiral pass.
In two hours the Vanguard stood out
- <4n c.~v -
Join Earl st. Vincent ct Gibralter. The
young valet of the admiral made decid
~ favorable impression upon the officers
Of the ship before the completion Of the
voyage.
'"Tis too bad, said the admiral to the
flag captain, one day. that boy should
I'LL menial's position"
The captain agree With his com.
mander. and the result was that, in few
days after the arrival of the Vanguard at
Gibralter, Edward Lee was given Q mid
shipman's warrant by Earl St. Vincent.
ct the special request of Admiral Nell
son.
Then came the famous cruise in the
Mediterranean, in search of Bonaparte
and his feet. In the terrific gale which
dismssted the admiral's ship, young Lee
proved that he merited the kindness that
his great commander had shown him, and
won praise from all on board. Then
came the brief halt ct Syracuse. the ar
rival Of the wished for reiaforcements,
and the departure for Egypt. Al the
dawn Of the memorable LIST Of August re-
vealsj to the eyes of the English the tri-
color floating over Alexandria, and the
French hsst in the bay OF Aboukir, Ed
ward Les wAs stsading BY his chief on
the deck Of the AAG-ship.
''Tbsre they ars," burst from . score
Of voicss> - the distant vessels came
INTO view.
YEA" nuttessd Ne boy, and veil
be thsrs, tso, bGCosy night"
Nelson glanced = him approvingly.
"ThseoS . sAaass for pro0otioa for
~ ~ II thsrs." he said. smiling.