Gascoigne's Path to naval fame

Front matter

PR

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AN AUTHOR IN SEARCH OF A

Preface

M That Authors have troubles, the world has long shewn, " But the greatest of all is — to make their Works known ; M For many long years, on the Bookseller's shelf, i{ Mine were lost — by your leave, I now sell them myself.' *

Vide — The Author" s Apology.

AS the novelty of an Author coming forward to publish, recite, and sell his own productions, may, at first view, appear vain and presumptuous, Lieutenant Gascoigne respectfully states—

That more than twenty years have passed over his head since lie commenced Author; and that he has arrived at the period of life when vanity usually gives way to the more solid feelings of utility : having to provide for the claims of a rising family, dependent upon his exertions beyond his half-pay,

The first editions of his " Gleanings," and his " Fame," published in 1806 and 8,

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were favourably received and sold off; but

owing* to the failure and death of the Bookseller, the returns were lost to the Author, with a considerable sum paid in advance for printing and publishing.

" At length he saw his " Gleanings," and his " Fame/' " Before the world to purchase him a name ; " Good hundreds paid for publishing — what then ? " He never saw one single pound again."

During the last ten years he has published fifteen minor works and pamphlets, several of which were gratuitously distributed ; to promote the employment of the poor, the formation of the Society for the Suppression of Mendicity, established in Red Lion Square, in 1818, Jand other public Institutions; returns resting upon a Premium from the Board of Agriculture, for an Essay on the Employment of the Poor ; the thanks of various Societies ; and the satisfaction that his labours have not been quite useless.

Fully admitting the value of the assistance of the Booksellers,— to those who can obtain it,— and well aware of their power to

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make or mar an Author's fame, he is far from wishing to fan the flame of severe criticism and opposition which will probably arise to his present undertaking; and would willingly come to any fair arrangement, except the sale of Copyright ; which he objects to from a conviction, — that it would cut off hope, and destroy all stimulus to improvement.

He therefore trusts that the statement. of the following facts will not be made a block of offence, being offered purely in justification of his personal efforts to make his Works known.

— After twenty years labour as an Author, and having paid upwards of Three Hundred Pounds to Printers and Publishers; he has yet to receive the first Pound from this source in return; and his Works are still unknown.

Having prepared the second editions for the press, all his efforts, in the Row and out of the Row, have failed in getting any one to publish them on the Author's account.

" But when they found the Author would not sell, " Down from their hands the useless copies fell : " On which they look'd as worthless blocks of wood, " And none would sell them for the Author's good.'*

Vide — The Author's Apology.

Under these circumstances lie has undertaken to publish, recite, and sell his own productions; and most respectfully solicits patronage and support, to rescue his past labours from oblivion, and to enable him to direct his future attention to subjects of public interest; trusting that success will not be impeded by the novelty of his undertaking, or the humour employed by Simon Sympathy to introduce utility under the cover of novelty and amusement.

" Oh ! there are yet good Spirits in our land, " Who, from the eminence which God hath lent, <( Can pierce the mists and veilings of the world, i( Judge without prejudice, and well discern, " The lack of means from poverty of mind : — " On these I cast the anchor of my hope ! ! !"

Vide — Gleanings from Life.

N. B. A hope is entertained that Parents and Friends will find this Work an appropriate present to Youths, whether designed for the Public Service, or the more peaceable walks of Life.

NAVAL FAME.

EXORDIUM.

Hail Neptune's Sons ! ye guardians of our laws, Ye bold assertors of your Country's cause ! Whose Naval Fame has spread from pole to pole And oft elated my admiring soul.

And you ! ye Soldiers of the British band, Who serve your Country both by sea and land! To you conjoin'd the willing* muse would pay The heart felt tribute of her humble lay : But well she knows her want of pow'r to give Just praise to deeds which must for ever live.

While British bosoms feel the love of fame, Or glow, exalted by that noble flame Which bids fair Freedom flourish in our land, And Freedom's Sons extensive seas command, Your bright examples still the breast shall fire Aad bid the offspring imitate the sire!

NAVAL FAME.

EXORDIUM.

Comrades of old!— -how chang'd are days of yore, No more employ'd, and stranded on the shore, How fare ye now? — reduc'd upon Half-pay, Without a Caterer or Purser, say ! How drags the day ? or whence at night comes sleep, Without employment or a watch to keep? How the high mind, which triumphed o'er the storm. And brav'd grim death in each terrific form, Supports its noble energies and zeal, Now hope and duty can no more appeal? Oh! tell me where? in what sequester'd vales Ye drift to leeward under close reeft sails ?*&

While Peace her blessings o'er the nation spreads, And love no more the fate of warfare dreads; I would there were a Squadron at command, To give you births, and bear you from the land;

* This line has a peculiar meaning, well understood by seamen, hat requiring 1 explanation to landsmen.

When a ship sails -with a fair wind, she proceeds in a direct €Ourse ; but this is not the case when the wind is contrary, or upon the side 5 the ship being then gradually driven from the side on •which the wind blows, out of her direct course ; this is termed drifting to leeward. This drifting, or losing of ground, is considerably increased in a storm, when the sails are obliged to be reeft, or reduced. Thus this line forms a simile, aptly alluding to the present state of our Naval Officers, reduced to Half-pay, and out of their element on shore; without the power of pursuing a direct course in the line of duty and experience

NAVAL FAME.

EXORDIUM.

By turns, from sloth and indolence remov'd, And all advantage of experience prov'd : Each evolution duly to perform, And brave the fury of the Channel storm.

Should prudence say — " we have not men to spare From public service and the merchant's care Or means provided to fit out and pay," The muse most humbly beggeth leave to say,—

Ask volunteers from Officers on shore, To cruise by turns upon full-pay — yet more Of able Youths, who for employment's sake, Or Rated Time, will various duties take, Whose hearts now grieve in idleness to lay; A post of honour, with a seaman's pay.

Few able seamen, will this service take, And no one need a present birth forsake; The unemploy'd and pension'd may be found To volunteer, upon the wish'd for ground Of food and clothing, with an easy birth, And pay according to their present worth.

Thus form the leaders of each peaceful crew, To teach young landsmen what they ought to do; Enough of these there are who want employ, And fain their fortunes on the main would try; But if a lack of hands you still should see, Ask the Committees of Mendicity;

NAVAL FAME.

EXORDIUM.

Who from their stores in either Isle can give,

And bid the hope of self-dependence live.

If still you lack, each Parish House attend,

A pauper'd poor and payers to befriend;

The first will gladly your employ obtain,

The latter pay you from the hope of gain :

That these you'll rescue from the Monster's jaws &

And rates diminish'd to the payers cause.

Oh ! think, I pray I ye Rulers of the State t How deep a joy must on your labours wait; To give employment to the Irish poor, Their well known zeal and courage to secure f To rescue paupers from the fatal sway Of base dependence on the parish pay* Beggars to take from charity's abuse, And raise up sailors for their country's use. To train our youths who for preferment burn, In duty's paths experience to learn; Keeping your Officers in practice still, With pow'r to add unto their former skill ;

* Vide "Pauperism" Its Evils, Burdens, and Dangers Reduce d by calling" into action the labours and better feelings of the Poof, and by the useful direction of Charity, humbly dedicated, by permission, to His Royal Highness the Duke of York ; and containing the substance of " An Essay on the Employment of the Poor," by H. B. Gascoigne; to which a Premium was awarded by the Honorable Board of Agriculture, in 1817.

EXORDIUM.

And thus secure the ready means to form, A Fleet efficient, ghould a sudden storm Disturb the peace in which we seem to sleep, And call forth all our prowess on the deep.

Comrades of old I who for employment burn, And Youths! who fain would naval duties learn, Though here the Muse has ventur'd to suggest What for our Country and yourselves seem best; We must submit to Rulers of the State, And leave the future in the hand of fate : Bearing in mind, whatever fate may bring We serve a generous and a naval King.

But, as the Muse no Squadron can command, She freely offers all she has at hand; A cruise on paper — where, at least in thought, We can recount what is on shipboard taught; Refresh our memories, and like old men, Fight all our hard fought battles o'er again.

If, from the past, I can advantage give, Or bid the useful observation live: If scenes pourtray'd can to our landsmen shew The obligations which to you they owe, My best endeavours on the task attend, To plead your welfare, as my country's friend,

ARGUMENT.

Introductory Observations— Remarks on Prize Money— The Ship introduced — Described— Remarks on Discipline- On Command— The Captain and Officers described— The Story of Evander and Emma— Remarks on sending Boys to Sea— An Address to Midshipmen— Remarks on Women— On imprudent Marriages—On Drinking— On Suicide— On Dueling— Advice.

NAVAL, FAME.

CANTO THE FIRST. Time 1804, Introductory Observations

High had Ambition rais'd her haughty head, And built her projects on iranumber'd dead; The widow's plaintive voice ne'er pierc'd her ear. No cries of misery brought forth a tear ; Wisdom's fair views she far aside had laid, To pow'r on earth her only court she paid: Justice forgot, all laws beneath her feet, Religion worn, but as a cloak to cheat. Such rancour dire existed in her breast, She hated all whom higher Pow'rs had bless'd; Deceit her handmaid, Treachery her guide, With fluent speech, or terrors at her side. Her hand advanc'd held forth a specious plea, To cure all evils and all slaves to free; Beneath her vest, hard fetters lay conceal'd, The grasp of which by art had ne'er been heal'di

Introductory Observations.

Where'er she came, Peace mourn 'd her near approach,. And found all treaties made but to encroach.

Too long Britannia mourn'd her sons' delays; Too long" did Party vain contentions raise; Too long* Ambition, from the neighboring lands* Insulted Britons with her hostile bands.

As when a lion, couching in his den, First hears the footsteps of approaching men, His head he rears, upon the watch he lays, And as they near him more attention pays; But when he rouses, seeking rest no more, Mens, hearts do fail them at his well-known roar.

So rose Britannia from supineness past, When forth she stood Ambition's views to blast. She stood alone; but confidence was felt, Each, at his home, in full assurance dwelt. When through the isles the blast of war did sound. Where duty call'd, each man was quickly found ; Each gave a portion of his time to arms, And all uniting, thus defy'd alarms.

Britain! beware of avarice! thy bane, Destruction lurks beneath the thirst of gain !

Though much Britannia mourn'd the urgent cause W 7 hich bade her trespass on compassion's laws ; The faith of Spain she could no longer trust, And public welfare made her conduct just.

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NAVAL FAME.

Prize Money — The Ship introduced.

War came, and soon the British ports contain The captur'd riches of the southern main.

Where the long- Spit, extending" from the land, Bids anchors bite in marl beneath the sand, And Portsmouth's harbour opens to the view, Refreshment yielding- to each sea-worn crew ; There lay the fam'd Endymion, richly paid, Their prizes anchor'd, and their fortunes made. There too the lucky Amazon did ride, To harbour going- with the flowing' tide; For long- at sea she needed great repairs, The crew rejoic'd, for captur'd wealth was theirs.

How great the joy when fortune crowneth hope. And bids the seaman give his feelings scope! No sordid views degrade his open heart, Old comrades share, and want obtains a part.

Yet why thus dwell on captur'd wealth and gain, While thousands meet but with distress and pain? Let landsmen know it is a hazard stake, Which only one in twenty can partake.

Between these ships an able Frigate lay, To toil and disappointment long' a prey; More than two years to strict blockade eonhVd, Where tedious sameness wearies out the mind; No gain was theirs, against all ills to strive, Save hope of change nought kept the heart alive.

The Ship introduced.

Where the gay Seine receives the flowing tide* And British cruizers oft at anchor ride, The dreary months of winter they had past, And each as unsuccessful as the last; For still the foe in Havre harbour staid Nor had they yet a single capture made. To these the joys of Christmas were unknown, Nor on the vigil was the Euleblock shewn; No cheerful blazes here the eye could please, 2sk)r e'er did fire their aching fingers ease.

Ye happy Britons! who live snug at home, But daily read of those who hither roam, Think not that these their posts can always gain, Or at all times a close blockade maintain; For adverse winds will frustrate their designs, Though seamanship to noble deeds inclines: Regard their labours, their endeavours trust, Pursue your duties, and to these be just!

At length reliev'd, to port they soon return, But now with double disappointment burn. On either side their equals they behold, Exulting highly in their captur'd gold ; To whom a cruise had independence gave, Loose cash to squander, yet enough to save: On board, on shore, they bear the palm away, While these bear nothing, save their humble pay.

The Ship described.

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Let no man think I would his tale unfold, Or private follies up to Censure hold ; All low-born prejudice I here disclaim, And trust more worthy objects are my aim; Yet he who has a story to produce, Must prelude, scenes, and persons introduce.

First, then, I must my able vessel name, Which, for distinction, I will call the Fame. Firm on her Stem a well-car v'd image stood, A Trumpet sounding o'er the swelling' flood; For time hath oft Britannia's prowess shewn, And Fame the valour of her sons made known. Twice eighty feet and nine, her length extreme, Thirty and nine, the greatest breadth of Beam ; Two hundred men and eighty-four, her crew, In duty skilful, and in courage true.

As in the best chronometer we find The pow'rs of graduated parts combin'd ; Which set in motion by one primal cause. In just succession must obey its laws. But should that primal cause become unjust, Too strong, or weak, unfaithful to the trust, Inferior agents must the error gain, And we, no more, correctness can obtain: E'en so on Shipboard; where, one primal cause Must rule; all others must obey the laws.

Remarks on Discipline.

'Tis his just sentence in each cause to give, He stands the Monarch's representative; Who does in him the highest power confide, That he in justice may each cause decide.^

A tyrant base, I from my soul abhor, Yet discipline, the very nerve of war, Must be supported, for if once forgot, Our spirit's broken, and defeat our lot.

Firmness is not to tyranny ally'd, More than good manners do resemble pride; And seamen brave, will most the man revere, Who gains the point between contempt and fear,

Let each man feel a spirit in his line, To forward duty each will then incline ; But if the chain of duty once you break, And Primals should their Subalterns forsake, Irregularities creep on apace, Pervade each rank, and lead to sure disgrace ; No more can zealous officers command, E'en British seamen prove a lawless band ; Tumultuous noises in their births below, Or swearing loudly when aloft they go:

* In addition to the high authority with which the Captain of » Man of War is invested, various circumstances concur to render this the most absolute situation in the British service ; when filled with propriety, it is certainly one of the most honourable.

NAVAL FAAIE. 13

Remarks on Command.

Such deeds as these a Man of War disgrace, Yet this, we know, must ever be the case When lawless spirits are of nought afraid, Or none, save one, can speak and be obey'd.

Sure it degrades the man who holds command, To let base passion get the upper hand! How oft to foul injustice must he fall! How oft his hasty speeches would recall !

If e'er ill humour gains a man a friend, Or e'er to aught that's generous does tend, No more will I against my temper fight, But petulance shall spit her venom'd spite.

'Tis not to equals that Ave use harsh terms, But to inferiors, which the wrono* confirms; Weak minds alone thus fortune's gifts misuse, And, in their haughtiness, just pow'r abuse; By which vile deeds are subalterns oppress'd : Unknown on shore, ungenerous at best.

Those who demand, do not respect obtain* But outward form and ceremony gain. If seniors, mildly, common wishes speak, To meet each wish inferiors will seek ; For such the structure of the human mind, We bear respect where gentleness we find. But when superiors lose the pow'rful aid .Mild firmness gives, and seek to gain the shade;

U NAVAL FAME.

Remarks on Command.

When pride and passion make each word severe, And man attempts to rule alone by fear; Good men no more with cheerful hearts attend^ And minions only to such pride can bend.

Oh ! there are some ! whose noble hearts so gain The love of others, and esteem retain, That men as much revere their private name, As they would wish to gain their naval fame. But some there are, so peevishly morose, Of manners haughty, and of language gross. No social ties find place within the breast, And all around the very name detest.

As the fam'd cestus which fair Venus wore, Could beauties give that were not seen before; Some think, a Post commission has the pow'r To make a man a god within the hour. But, as the cestus could with ease renew Each friendly tie tow'rds those whom once we knew. By subtle pow'r the other often tends To steal remembrance of all former friends: Sometimes, indeed, the pow'r is stronger yet. And those who feel it, do themselves forget.

Though here a Briton dares his voice to raise. Alike impartial to condemn or praise, Of deeds, not men, in censure he would speak, By which to learn true characters we seek;

The Man of Power.

And, as by acts, superiors we know,

Let deeds, not words, the Man of power shew.

Madden, the First Lieutenant, next appears In temper lively, though advanc'd in years. Of studious mind, in youth's more early day He strove to make fair knowledge pave the way To future honours, which he sought to gain, But fortune frown'd, and still he hop'd in vain. More then nine years a Midshipman & he'd been, And twice that time Lieutenant he had seen : Near thirty years his King had strictly serv'd, Nor yet from constant duty had he swerv'd. In many glories he had shar'd the day, And oft to conquest had he led the way, When Boats and Barges were sent forth to board The adverse vessel, in her harbour moor'd. Twice had he bravely struggled with the gale Against whose force his art could nought avail *

* When a young gentleman has served six years in this situation, he ie examined before a Board of Captains. He is expected to produce minute journals of the Ship's daily transactions ; and certificates of good conduct from the Captains he may have served under. If he answers interrogations satisfactorily, he is said to have passed for Lieutenant : but it still requires interest to get promoted to that raot. Lieutenant* take rank in a ship according to seniority,

W NAVAL FAME,

The first Lieutenant.

Twice was lie wrecked upon a foreign shore, And ruthless fortune robb'd him of his stored

Hard is the case of him who wants a friend, His pow'rful interest, at home, to lend; Too oft, alas! does int'rest bear the sway. And from pure merit steal reward away*

Yet such the spirit of our noble youth, And British love for liberty and truth, No weighty public evils hence can flow While through the stated servitude they go: But should strong int'rest this good law o'erule, And boys command, who better were at school, Each worthy Briton must lament the hour, And view the dawn fall of his country's pow'r.

Those who in youth their country strictly serve, At least protection in old age deserve j

* Persons unacquainted with the Royal Navy will learn with surprise, that no allowance is made to those who lose every thing by Shipwreck. This regulation was probably adopted at an early period, to make Officers careful of Vessels committed to their charge. In the present state of our Navy, it can have no good effect ; but is a severe hardship, too often felt by those least able to bear it. When we recollect that a liberal allowance is made to Officers of the Army who lose their baggage in a campaign, every generous mind must lament that no remuneration is made to these, whose service particularly subjects them to such losses; which are, in general, accompanied by imminent dangers, and very great hardships.

The Second and Third Lieutenants.

Enough of disappointment have they known^ Who persevere till strength, like hope, is flown. Let justice, then, some liberal plan devise; By length of service let the Seniors rise ; Or when at sea, through years, they serve no more, Let peace and plenty wait them on the shore : But hold my muse! thy task is to relate, And not to guide the Rulers of the State.

Next in command, Perillus here we find, Whose first approach might prejudice the mind. Late from a Line of Battle ship he came, By chance, not choice, appointed to the Fame ; A stranger here, his manners speak low birth, But further knowledge must decide his worth: Unjust it were, should prejudice condemn, Though once more humble, let us not contemn. How many valued officers are found, Who once by low obscurity were bound; But whose great merits broke retarding chains, And high preferment now rewards their pains!

The last of those who constant watch must keep, And bear command while others sink in sleep, To shape their course upon the trackless seas, And mark the veerings of the midnight breeze, Is youthful Fidus, to good fortune born, With sense the lure of luxury to scorn.

The Master.

Of humble parentage the Master came,& Far north was born, M'Farlane was his name, No Pilot e'er more faithful to his trust, Or needle to the pole, devoid of rust. In early days, by hardy custom taught, He learn'd his duty, nor of pleasure thought; To him the manners of the shore unknown, To sea-born customs he eonform'd alone; Yet none more open, liberal, and free: Such feelings best with British tars agree. Taught by experience, well each coast he knew, O'er trackless seas could steady course pursue; The working men few better could command, Or on occasion lend a helping hand. While duty press'd, his mind was ne'er at ease, Short were his meals; and eager still to please, Where heat oppressive fills the darken'd hold, Attention paid; yet oftentimes would scold: For well he knew the mode each cask to stow, And grumbling still, still labour'd this to shew.

* Masters of the Royal Navy rank next to the Lieutenants; they are, in general, experienced and good seamen. It is their duty to assist the Captain in steering and navigating the Ship j they also look after the rigging and stowing the Hold ; and they lieep the daily journal and log of the Ship's proceedings and course.

The Purser.

Ofttiraes he'd listen to recounted tales Of scenes on shore, which bless the humble vales ; Or stories told of more exalted life, Where fashion guides, and envy leads to strife: Amaz'd he heard what bubbles some pursue, And often doubted what was but too true; His observations oft excited mirth : Yet none offended, for all knew his worth.

E vander, next, the steady Purser came,^ Of meek good temper, at all hours the same, Who to his duty strict attention paid, A ready penman, nor accounts delay'd.

But most Evander in his private life, Shew'd real goodness, and avoided strife; In early days the seeds of virtue sown, The fruit and produce in his deeds were shewn. ImpelPd by fate to tempt the stormy seas, Still to the shore he look'd for future ease; Where'er he went, still there his hopes remain'd, For gentle Emma his true heart had gain'd.

In Kent's rich vales her father long- had dwelt, And pure affection for his children felt;

* The Purser has the charge and issuing- of the provisions ; he also supplies various necessaries, as coals, candles, &c. Great responsibility is attached to this situation ; and strong securities are given before a warrant can be obtained.

Evander and Emma.

A rural life in humble cottage led, His daughters manag'd, for his wife was dead. Emma, the eldest, by her station bound, To household duties was attentive found; Her education suited to her sphere, Had taught her virtue, and her God to fear. No giddy thoughts disturb'd her tranquil breast, Or wild ambition robb'd her of her rest ; With care she strove to act a daughter's part, Yet dearly lov'd Evander in her heart. To these deceit was utterly unknown, All hopes and prospects to each other shewn ; For here the youth beheld his heart's desire, And virtue, more than beauty, did admire.

'Twas not the first romantic flame of love, Which stripling years and rising manhood prove; When first the bosom learns to heave and sigh, And feels uneasy, yet we know not why. Nor yet impelP'd by manhood's stronger fire, When rage the flames which prompt to loose desire By some calPd love ; unworthy of the name, A selfish, restless, and misleading flame.

Pure love, the temper'd yearning of the soul, Runs through each vein and captivates the whole; No selfish views, nor worldly ties it knows, With time increases, and for ever flows:

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Evander and Emma.

Borne in the heart, is prudent, steady, just. Yet warm and lively, faithful to tke trust : Such are the feelings which true love denote, And thus Evander to his Emma wrote:

" Ere yet, my Love ! I quit my native shore, And gain the sea where we converse no more, To you, the earnest feelings of my heart, ^\. farewell token, I would fain impart.

" Well must my Emma recollect the day, When first I sought my ardent suit to pay; Your prudent words still dwell upon my ear, When you, with feeble voice and rising tear, Propos'd that I your father's leave should ask: In admiration I perform'd the task. Again we met within the garden bow'r, In tranquil silence at the evening hour; My future hopes and all my early woes, Within your bosom did my heart repose ; 'Twas there that we did all our views declare, And learn'd a mutual confidence to share,

" Save when a friend's full confidence we gain, And honour bids us from all speech refrain, United hearts no secrets e'er should know, All hopes and fears in unison must flow, Each, to the other, must the whole unfold^ And, sympathetic, good or ill behold.

Evander and Emma.

Without this bond, cold jealousies and fears, Begin with trifles and increase with years, But where this lives 'tis happiness to feel, To share the pleasure, or affliction heal.

" How many dangers wait life's restless seas, And phantoms tempting with the hope of ease! Not all the wealth this world can give to view, The pomp and splendour which mankind pursue, Can aught secure our joys in private life, Or shield the heart from bitterness and strife : All proud desires to lead astray must tend, But reason proves humility a friend.