Two Summer Cruises With The Baltic Fleet In 1854 5

Author : Robert Edgar Hughes
Publisher : Theclassics.Us
ISBN 13 : 9781230471976
Total Pages : 60 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (719 download)

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Download or read book Two Summer Cruises with the Baltic Fleet in 1854-5; Being the Log of the Pet Yacht, 8 Tons, R. T. Y. C. written by Robert Edgar Hughes and published by Theclassics.Us. This book was released on 2013-09 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VII. THE SIEGE. "Par. I humbly thank you, sir: a truth's a truth; they are marvellous poor rogues indeed." Nothing puts sailors so much out of humour as inaction in the presence of an enemy; and the notion of landing guns to besiege the forts sodgerfashion, while the ships were lying just out of range with colours flying and bands of music playing, was most disgusting to Jack's notions of British pluck. It was not pleasant to hear the French growling at the inaction, which they did not hesitate to impute to the English authorities; and disparaging expressions were heard repeatedly, --generally, however, accompanied by the saving clause, " Mais il vaut Men le notre." On all sides the greatest disgust was expressed for the modern system of naval warfare; the principle of which seemed to be, to keep out of gun-shot. " None of that d d nonsense now we're ashore," said a marine officer; a sentiment in which all present concurred most heartily. But the stone wall and red-hot shot disease had got hold of the authorities, and the ships were resolutely kept out of harm's way. Meanwhile, disappointment and disgust seemed to weigh- heavy upon all; curses low and deep were muttered, --" The French would get the start of us, and gain all the credit of the enterprise."--" Let five hundred marines and as many blue-jackets alone, and they'd take the d d place before dinner-time."--" What's the use of talking, sir; 'twas just the same at that other place. How do we know the ships can't do nothing if we never tries 'em ? "--" The ' Walorous, ' along with the ' Hecla' and ' Odin, ' nearly got the place in no time, them three by their selves. Give Captain the command, and he'd larn 'em English." Among the officers the same opinions were...