324 letter from Arctlcus. Aug. 28. 



To the Editor of the Bee. 

 Mr Editor, 



An answer to the humorous sea letter of last year, 

 having this year, fallen into my hands, I send it 

 with the more pleasure, as you seemed so content 

 with tlie former ; and as I really think the nautical 

 stile of Charles Chokablock, by no means disgraces 

 that of his mcfsmate Mat Marlinspike. I must own 

 at the same time that I am individually happy to 

 find a remnant of the maritime pleasantry of Smol- 

 let's sea characters still remaining in the Britifli 

 navy, as I see no harm in keeping up a little of 

 that marked character and language, which former- 

 ly distinguiftied the generous and humorous Bri- 

 tifli • tar, from his more worldly brethren afhore. 

 One thing I perfectly remember, that they fought as 

 well then, as they have ever done since j'Snd I fliall 

 never forget the Ihrewd remark of a distinguiflied 

 Britilh admiral (who I hope is well, and will read 

 this,) on a tour in Rufsia, before the breaking out 

 of the American war. On my afking how he was 

 pleased with the French marine, w''ichhe hadjustbeen 

 visiting in their ports : he replied, fhaking his head, 

 " not at all ; for I found the officers in trousers^ 

 with their hats on their heads: no good news for 

 Britain. I wifh they do not change characters 

 with us in time " 



Now, Mr Editor, the opinion of such a man, 

 (who 1 am convinced will give the people he com- 



