The Nineteenth Century 177 



marched forward to the bridge to commence the shaving. Neptune's wife on 

 the arm of the Admiral, and Neptune himself escorted by the Captain. In 

 their rear followed the Doctor, Barber, Clerk, and Officers of the Ship; the 

 ship's company at the same time rushed forward to secure the best possible 

 places to witness the shaving. 



Amidships on the bridge were grouped, standing, the Admiral, Captain 

 and Officers. Neptune and wife were seated on the starboard side of the 

 bridge. On the port side was a large tub containing the lather made of soap, 

 molasses, and flour, over which the Barber and assistants kept a watchful eye. 

 The Doctor stood hard by to render assistance whenever his professional 

 services should be required. Neptune's Secretarv, who was an important 

 character, must not be forgotten; he also occupied a place on the bridge; 

 his duties required him to call the names as they were arranged on lists in 

 his possession of the individuals to be shaved. As the names were called, the 

 victims either presented themselves volimtarily, or the ship was searched 

 for them by the police. They reached the bridge by a ladder leading from 

 the starboard side; arriving on the bridge, they received a nod of recognition 

 from Neptune and were hurried across the bridge, ttrrned over to the barber, 

 received a good shai-e of lather, apphed with a white-wash brush, had it 

 partly removed by a large wooden razor in the hands of the barber, and 

 then they were carefully lifted from the bridge and dropped into an awning 

 in the port gangway, so secured as to form a large tub, which was fiUed with 

 water by a hose connected to the steam pumps. While in the awning, the 

 individual shaved was attended to by the bears of Neptune, who were there 

 to receive him; after undergoing a good ducking he was allowed to scramble 

 out, and he was HENCEFORTH considered a bona fide son of the sea. As 

 each new victim received his dose the cheers and laughter of the crew ex- 

 pressed their appreciation of the fun. 



[Two further episodes are described: near the starboard gangway appears 

 suddenly the late Honorable Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Chandler, who is 

 received with tremendous cheers — and sent to the bottom of the sea by 

 stern command of Neptune; climax of the sport is the discovery that G. 

 Savasta, Chief Musician, has "endeavored to escape shaving by securing a 

 certificate imder false pretences," he now receiving an extra lathering and 

 'Tîoth edge and back of the razor." It was now "nearing the hour of twelve"; 

 Neptune bade aU good-bye and a pleasant passage — and retiuned "to the 

 quiet recesses of the ship, to enjoy the beer received by the payment of the 

 forfeits."] 



(James Brady. King Neptune's visit to the U. S. Flagship Lancaster. 

 Written by James Brady, Schoolmaster, Flagship Lancaster, 1885. 8 p. ) 



At this time the Lancaster was flagship of the European Squadron cruising off the west coast 

 of Africa, shifting from north to south latitude on 23 April 1885 and arriving at French Point, 

 River Congo, on the 28th following. 



