340 Notice of Sketches of Naval Life. 



as the sea was smooth; but I have seen it done in seas, where 

 one would think the ship would sink instantly, without the use 

 of her sails to steady her; and where her bow is acted on by 

 waves that produce a convulsive quivering throughout, at every 

 blow. They sometimes throw the vessel back again : it is called 

 missing stays, and often produces dangerous consequences : on a 

 lee shore, it is nearly certain destruction."— Fo/. /. p. 168. 



Anchoring in the straits of Salamis is thus described : 



" There are nine men of war, English, French, and Austrian,, 

 around us, watching the course of events. I wish you could 

 have seen our ship as she anchored among them this afternoon. 

 Coming to anchor is always an interesting operation, and always 

 greatly enjoyed ; for hearts then beat high, with the hope of 

 shore again ; and, generally, we have new scenes close around 

 us. If it is in a frequented place, the men are always ordered 

 to clean themselves and dress; mats are taken from the rigging; 

 every rope is carefully adjusted, and the ship is made to look as 

 neat as possible. The character of a vessel, and of her^officers, 

 depends much on the skill and expedition with which this ma- 

 noeuvre is performed; for she is then closely watched, and 

 every evolution noted. The idea that all eyes are upon you, 

 gives a touch of the sublime, at least, gives a deep interest to 

 the occasion. The ship seems to swell out in her dimensions; 

 every event takes importance, and, landsman as I am, I have 

 learnt to be a critic, and detect the least impropriety, at such 

 times. Then, no one dares shew himself: if the men stoop to 

 peep through a port, they are driven away ; if an officer steps 

 on a gun carriage, he first gets a cross look, and then a message 

 to come down. So we glide on in deep silence, broken only at 

 intervals, by the lead-men's cries — "by t-h-e m-a-r-k, ten;" " be 

 t-h-e d-e-e-p, nine ;" " quar-t-e-r 1-e-s-s, nine." The first lieu- 

 tenant has the trumpet, but it is not used ; officers stand near 

 him, to carry his orders to every part of the ship : you catch 

 the infection, and words of pleasure or surprise are in low tones ; 

 you tread softly, and a spell seems to be on the ship. But all at 

 once, the trumpet is used again ; " stand by the larboard an- 

 chor," is thundered along the deck ; " let go tiie larboard 

 anchor ;" and a heavy plunge is the reply. The men now 

 gather thick around the lower part of the shrouds, the foremost 

 with hands and feet on the ladder, ready for a spring ; and at 

 the order, follows one of those scenes of fearlessness, activity 

 and skill, which I have described. There is a contest between 

 the yardsmen, who shall do his work soonest and best, and 

 where this is wanting, the boatswain's colt supplies the lack." — 

 Vol. /. pp. 272—3. 



