Nelsonian Reminiscences; Leaves from Memory's Log - Softcover

Reseña del editor

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905. Excerpt: ... LEAVES FROM MEMORY'S LOG THE BURNING SHIP. "My Dear Friend,--Ere now you have heard of the lamentable catastrophe of the old Charlotte, and the miraculous preservation of your friend. I will, as far as I can collect my ideas, give you a faint description of the horrid scene that keeps my brain in a whirl of agitation, and will ever remain while memory holds her seat. With many of the officers I was on shore at Leghorn, intending to accompany a large party to the opera, when a rumour reached me that the ship was ordered to sea, under Captain Todd. Upon this I walked to the admiral's palazzio, and received notice to join instantly, as she was then unmooring. With a few, hastily collected, we repaired on board, leaving many young midshipmen, that had strayed away, God knows where, ashore, found the ship a stay peak, and heard the 'Pipe all hands--make sail, ahoy--let fall--sheet home and hoist away,' and our beautifully cut canvas stretched upon our square yards, decorated our taper masts, with the celerity of a well-organised ship, thick and dry for weighing. 'Brace the yards for casting to starboard,' said Captain Todd; 'and heave and a-weigh.' The drums and fifes struck up 'Coil away the hawser,' and the measured tramp of the men gave life and jollity to the scene, and was an excellent accompaniment to the heart-inspiring tune. 'She is a-weigh, sir,' said the officer of the forecastle to the first lieutenant, as the noble ship fell gracefully off to starboard, who, returning the salute, reported the same to the captain; and he, pacing the deck, looked a noble sea officer of large proportions. And now, to reflect that that godlike form is reduced to ashes, the muscles that gave herculean strength to the goodly fabric shrivelled to nothing by intense heat, ...