The ocean rovers

Front matter

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT

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By wn. H. THOMES

Chapter I. A Retrospective

I am now an old man, and my hair which once clustered about my temples, in dark, shining curls, has turned gray and stiff, and my form that was at one time proof against hardship or fatigue has withered and decayed ; but I still possess the cheerfulness of youth, and amuse myself with the sports and gambols of my grandchildren, who nightly gather around the old man to listen to his tales of daring, when our country was young, and its seamen looked upon with contempt by arrogant England. The life blood flows coldly through my veins, unless I hear a tale of bravery or privation, and then I live my early life over again, and wish once more for youth, to join in the dangers and struggles of life.

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I was born near a seaport town in Massachusetts, and early in life evinced my love for the sea by running away from home, and joining a vessel bound on a voyage up the Straits. I cannot think, even at this late day, of that ungrateful act, without suffering my eyes to grow moistened, at the deep distress of my mother when she learned that I had left her kind care. But many days elapsed before I knew it, and I was too young to realize my conduct. My father made no efforts to bring me back, but seated himself in his accustomed corner, near the fire, lighted his pipe and puffed out huge whiffs of smoke, until his face was hid in a cloud, and my mother could not see the large tears work their way over his rugged cheeks, for he was a person who always contended that it was unmanly to show signs of weakness, no matter what occurred.

Two years passed away before I returned, and need I say that I was forgiven by my parents, when I dashed into the homestead kitchen one summer’s afternoon, and nearly broke my mother’s heart for joy to think that I was once more clasped in her arms, while father shook his head and attempted a lecture — but gave up in despair under the reproaches of his more indulgent consort. I had grown more manly in my absence, and a knowledge of the world which I had acquired by visiting foreign ports, inspired me with a confidence that I had never known before. I passed a few months at home, when an offer came from the owners of the ship in which I had sailed, tendering me a second berth in one of their numerous vessels. Tired of the monotony of a shore life, I gladly accepted, and this time receiving the consent of my parents, bid my friends adieu, and in a few days was dashing toward Cape Horn, bound on a trading voyage to the northwest coast of America. We carried twelve guns, besides small arms in abundance, and there I took my first lesson in gunnery, which afterward proved so serviceable during the war of 1812.

Four long years passed, during which time we were in constant danger of being massacred by the natives, and only by strict watch on their actions, and untiring vigilance, did we escape such a fate. Before I returned, by the death of the mate, I became chief officer of the ship, and arrived home but a few days before the famous embargo act was put in force. My wages amounted to a large sum ; and with part of it I added to my father’s farm, and then purchased such books as I thought necessary to complete my defective education. Months passed — ships were rotting in the docks, and daily could we hear of the braggadocio of the English, who boldly scoured our coast with impunity.

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Chapter II. The Privateer

One day I visited Boston, and called on my late employers. I found them in their small counting room, busy looking over a variety of papers, and on the desk was the model of a beautiful topsail schooner.

They looked up as I entered, and then whispered earnestly together for a few moments. I took a seat in obedience to their invitation, and patiently waited for them to commence the conversation. The senior member of the firm, Mr. Sedley, suddenly turned and said:

“Well, Mr. Leonard, do you not think it rather dull on shore after the active life you have led for the past few years?”

“I own that I am getting tired of doing nothing, aiid was thinking this morning of volunteering for the navy, until mercantile affairs assume a better aspect. I am sick of hearing of the continual daring of the English, without trying to pluck some of their laurels from their brows.”

The two members of the firm exchanged glances, and then Mr. Sedley continued :

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“No, no, you must not enter the navy, Henry; too many hard blows and too little prize money. We have a better plan to propose. Did you ever see a prettier model than that?” he continued, handing the painting of the schooner to me to examine.

“Never,” I cried, eagerly. “She looks as though she would outstrip the wind. What a rake she has to her masts, and her bow is as sharp as the blade of a knife. She must sail well — there is nothing to prevent it.”

“I should think she might,” answered Mr. Sedley, drily. “She was built in Baltimore, and made eleven knots an hour on a taut bowline in coming to Boston.”

“She is in Boston, then?”

“She arrived last night, and slipped in, although half a dozen English sloops-of-war tried to overtake her, but she run them hull down without loosing her topsail.”

“I must see her, sir, at once. I love a pretty craft like that — but what a pity it will be if she is obliged to lie here in the harbor and rot.”

“But we do not intend that she shall rot, Henry. We have other views regarding her. The fact of it is, Leonard, we were about writing to you to come to the city and see us, but you have spared us the trouble. What do you say to making a fortune in a few months and then leaving the sea and becoming a member of our firm?”

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“But how is that desirable end to be accomplished, sir?”

Mr. Sedley looked at his partner, who nodded an assent, before he answered.

“Henry, we are going to fit out the Agnes as a privateer. Her captain is already on board, but we offer you the first lieutenancy, and a large share of the prize money, if you are fortunate.”

“You have named the schooner after one of your daughters, sir?” I asked, more to gain time to think of his proposition than of any particular interest I felt in the name.

“After my eldest daughter, who is now in France to complete her education, and I am told the vessel does not disgrace her beauty.”

“I have heard her spoken of, sir, and in very flattering terms.”

“Well, well, all fathers are proud of the beauty of their children, and Pm no exception. But to business. What think you of our offer?”

“I was considering, sir, whether it is right to thus prey upon an enemy’s commerce.”

“I should be the last man to counsel you to do wrong, Henry. England is the strongest nation, and it is our duty to injure her as much as possible in retaliation for the outrages committed on our commerce. She does not scruple to take our fishermen with her large frigates, and impress the crew. Why should we hesitate to capture her vessels whenever an oportunity offers ?”

“Will you give me a short time to think of the subject?’’

“I can’t conceive why you should wish to ponder on such a thing. Here is authority from the United States government, granting letters of marque to our firm, and if, after visiting the Agnes, you wish, I will insert your name as the first lieutenant. But come — you asked for time; let us visit the schooner in company,” and as he spoke he took his broad brim hat from the nail, and moved toward the door.

I followed without further words, for I needed time to weigh the chances in my mind. A few minutes’ walk brought us to the foot of the wharf, and about two cables’ length from the end of the dock the Agnes was lying. If I admired a painting of her, how much more pleased was I when I saw her in all the pride of spars and hull before me, looking as though she but needed the touch of a master hand to start into life and action.

Her hull was painted black, with a narrow ribbon of red, ihat made her look more coquettish and graceful, while her strong masts raked with beautiful precision, and a man standing at the mainmast head could have dropped a plummet over her taffrail. Her topsail, topgallant, and royal yards were aloft, and a huge square sail yard half way

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up the foremast, proved that she could spread a cloud of canvas should she require it to pursue an enemy or escape from one.

“Will you go on board?”

I had been so long looking at the privateer that I had forgotten Mr. Sedley, and I eagerly answered in the affirmative.

A white handkerchief exposed in a peculiar manner was a sufficient sign, and in a few minutes we were seated in a boat, and landed on the deck of the Agnes.

A stout, broad-shouldered man, with little keen gray eyes that were almost hid beneath his heavy eyebrows, and a short, red stiff beard, came forward to meet us.

“Well, captain,” said Mr. Sedley, as the former offered a hand about the size of a split codfish, “you are all ready I see, except obtaining a few additional men.”

“Aye, aye, but I want that first luff you was talking about, as well as the men.”

“He will be along in good time, captain. We will now look over the craft, and let my young friend see if she is capable of making a good defense against the enemy.”

“Give me forty men and a good luftenant, and I will make some havoc among the Englishmen’s shipping, I’ll warrant you. But look at her! locfk at her; you’ll find nothing out of place, and everything ready for a start.”

Everything was ready as the captain stated, but I had

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been looking with surprise at the vessel ever since I had been on board. Instead of finding a schooner of seventy-five or a i hundred tons as I judged her to be from the wharf, she was nearer two hundred and twenty-five; but her admirable model' concealed her size, and I found the yards that looked so puny from the wharf, now presented great squareness, and were capable of spreading a large topsail and topgallant sail.

Directly over the main hatch, placed on strong blocks of oak, was a long, thirty-two pounder of brass, polished so that it would have answered for a looking-glass for the lady whose name the privateer bore, to have surveyed her charms. It was fitted in such a manner that it could be brought to bear upon an enemy in whatever direction he approached, while by means of screws, the gun could be elevated or depressed without danger of its recoiling from the discharge. She carried six nine-pounders on each side, besides the gun amidship, and in neatly fitted racks at the cabin door were boarding pikes, cutlasses and large pistols.

The more I looked at her armament, the greater became my desire to join her, and by the time we had completed our survey, I whispered as much to Mr. Sedley. He smiled, and led the way to. the cabin. A decanter of wine stood on the table, and the captain filled the glasses as we entered.

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“Well, sir, what do you think of her? You are a sailor, and look as though you had seen service,” he said, turning to me.

“Seen service,” replied Mr. Sedley, before I could speak, “why he has been in my employ a number of years, and I have heard nothing but the best accounts of him. You recollect of seeing the account of the mate^of the ship Fur Trader beating off a party of natives when he was attacked on the northwest coast?” •

“And thereby saving the ship, the captain being sick?”

“The same.”

“Yes, I recollect the circumstance well. I have some of the same crew of the Fur Trader on board the schooner.”

“Well, Mr. Leonard was the mate of the ship, and he is the one I propose for the first lieutenancy of the Agnes,” replied Mr. Sedley.

“Your hand, young man. I like your looks, and wished the moment you crossed the gangway that I could have you for a luff. Mr. Sedley, you need not give yourself any more concern about the Agnes, except to dispose of the booty we shall capture. When can you join us, Mr. Leonard?”

“I will be on board to-morrow morning with my traps,” I replied.

“Good— we've no time to lose. I've heard something recently that will make your eyes snap when we get to sea.

Come on board to-morrow and then we’ll get a few more men, and I’ll introduce you to your brother officers. They are on shore now, looking after the petticoats, and leave me to look after the schooner. Well, well, when they get to be as old as I am, they will know better. Thank the Lord I was never married.”

“That is no reason why you should not have been,” replied Mr. Sedley, as he rose to return on shore. “Come, Leonard, don’t let the captain convert you to his heretical doctrines ”

“The lad knows enough now, and so won’t need converting. Have another glass of wine? Well, then, good-by until to-morrow,” and in a short time after I had returned to the shore, I had enrolled myself as first lieutenant of the Agnes.

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Chapter III. The Chase

A week had passed since I joined the privateer, and learned the regular routine of my duties, and every one in the vessel was anxious to be off to try our luck on the ocean. The crew were daily exercised at the large guns, and let but the drum strike at any hour of the night, and in one minute’s time the men would be at their quarters with open ports and lighted matches, ready to meet an imaginary enemy or one in reality. We numbered fifty-one men, besides the second and third lieutenants, a surgeon, boatswain, carpenter and gunner.

They were nearly all Americans, excepting three or four that had sailed with me in the Fur Trader, and one of them I knew to be a Scotchman, and the others from Ireland. They were stout, brawny fellows, good-natured, excellent seamen, and it would -have been hard work to have found a crew more suitable for daring deeds or more anxious to accomplish them.

The second and third lieutenants were young men, of

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good families, but a life of adventure was preferable to an indolent life on shore, and they had at an early age entered the navy as midshipmen, and resigned, to serve on board of privateers, when they found that the administration intended to keep their country’s ships safe at the navy yards. In this they found too late that they were mistaken, but hoped to win some renown on board the Agnes.

Our supplies were all on board, but still we remained at anchor, looking with wishful glances toward the ocean, and hearing of frequent arrivals at New York, of privateers and their rich cargoes.

One morning Captain Mallet came on board and requested my presence in the cabin. I waited upon him and found that he was regaling himself with his favorite wine. He pushed the bottle toward me, and as he held his glass to the light, remarked :

“You wonder, no doubt, at my remaining at anchor so long?”

“I certainly thought we should have sailed before this.”

“Aye, aye, I thought so myself, but there were difficulties in the way, and Sedley didn’t wish to run any risk.”

“What was he afraid of?” I inquired.

“Why, you see there has been a couple of ill-mannered sloops-of-war, bearing the English bunting, dodging off and on the coast, and Sedley thought he would wait until they had gone South, so that we could have a clear field to start with.”

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“Why not let us trust to our heels and a dark night? We are losing time here and the men are getting impatient.”

“So I told Sedley; but he has received information this morning that the King’s cruisers have left the coast, and to-night we are to sail.”

“This is good news. Once out of the harbor we can take care of ourselves.”

“Yes, but I have better tidings for you. In a week’s time a large merchant ship is to sail from Jamaica, with a million of dollars in specie belonging to traders on the island and which they intend to invest in government securities in England. Now if we can meet her unaccompanied by a man-of-war, our fortune is made.”

“Can’t we give the fellow a long chase, and then overtake the merchantman before he reaches an English port?”

“My own ideas on the subject, by the Lord Harry. You’ll do for a privateersman after some practice. Lord bless you, what pickings I’ve had in my lifetime.”

“Were-you ever a privateering before?” I asked in surprise.

“I was in a French letter of marque three years and have served in an English privateer against Spain four years longer, so I know all the ropes.”

“Yet you are an American?” I said in surprise.

“The best of Yankee blood flows in my veins, or did

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before I corrupted it by drinking so much wine, .a habit I learned in France, and in truth the practice is so agreeable that I have never broke myself of it. Yes, Pm a Yankee — a New Englander, if you like that better, but I have seen very little of the shore for the past ten years.”

“As we are to sail to-night, I will take my leave and see things in good order for a start,” I replied, rising.

“That’s right; duty before pleasure. About ten we shall trip anchor and drop down with the tide,” the captain answered, pushing aside his glass and proceeding to unroll a bundle of charts.

In a few minutes it became noised about that we were to sail that night, and the men dropped the anxious, thoughtful look they had worn for a few days past, and proceeded to secure the spars and water casks with great alacrity. By sundown we were ready to weigh anchor, and as night drew on the men clustered in groups and looked toward the city which some were destined never to see again.

About ten o’clock the tide began to ebb, and a light breeze stole gently off the land. The anchor was weighed, and under jib and main-sail we moved quietly along, with the schooner’s head pointing down the harbor. It was not so dark as we could have wished, but imagining the coast clear of the enemy we were not anxious on that account, and by twelve o’clock we had passed the outer light, hoisted

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our fore-sail, loosened the top-sail and boldly dashed toward the Gulf Stream.

“Let the men keep a good watch, both day and night, Mr. Leonard,” said Captain Mallet, as he prepared to retire for the night. “We are never safe without sharp eyes are watching the horizon. I was cruising up the Mediterranean once when I narrowly escaped capture, by the lookouts falling asleep, but we managed to get clear, and ”

“Vessel off the lee bow, sir,” shouted the'lookouts.

We both sprang to the lee gangway, and by the faint starlight could see a large ship under easy sail, standing with her head off shore.

“Let us luff up and stand on the wind for a while, Mr. Leonard,” the captain said calmly, after taking a look at the ship. “Brace the top-sail yard forward and haul aft the fore and main sheets. If he is an enemy he will follow us, and if he does not he is no prey for the Agnes.”

The sails were trimmed as directed, and as the breeze had freshened we dashed along at good speed, sending the light spray over the clipper’s sharp bow, and heading directly toward Cape Cod.

We still watched the stranger, and in a few minutes lights were shown and then the heavy swinging of her yards proved that she saw us and was wearing round in pursuit.

Captain Mallet followed her movements with his keen eyes and then turneil quietly to me, remarking:

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“That is no merchant ship — she handles her yards too lively for such a hope— neither is she a Yankee frigate, and I’ll bet a dollar against a sixpence that it’s one of those English cruisers that Sedley was so afraid of.”

If we had any doubts on the subject they were soon dispelled, for the Englishman braced sharp on the wind and followed in our wake and the shrill whistles of the boatswain’s mates, piping the crew to make sail, could be distinctly heard, and as if by magic, reef after reef and sail after sail was added, until she looked like a huge mountain of snow, with the waves dashing at its base.'

“She is after us in earnest, Mr. Leonard,” said Mallet, coldly. “Pipe all hands to quarters and load the guns! Be sure that Long Tom has a good charge. He will not remain long in this inactive state, and if he should hit our sticks we are lost.”

There was no occasion to pipe the crew to quarters, for they were already at their stations, and but a short time was necessary to complete the loading. The midship gun was raised by means of screws and the muzzle turned aft until it could be brought to bear on the enemy. As soon as this was done I reported to the captain.

“All right. When I rigged that gun I thought of such a situation as this, and you’ll see that I shall get repaid for my forethought. We are leaving him slowly, and he will soon let us know that he observes it. Set the gaff top-

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sail and fore-top-gallant sail and royal. We need all sail now to get clear of this fellow, and besides we can’t stand on this tack long without running ashore.”

Sail was soon made, and while running up the gaff topsail a bright flash illuminated the dark hull of the Englishman, and the next instant a loud report followed and a ball whizzed over our heads and fell far in advance of us, ploughing up the water and sending the spray high in the air.

“He is watching us sharply, and sees that we are making sail. Every shot that he fires costs him a foot of ground, and we are going two yards to his one. Keep her steady, man, and steer within half a point There he goes again.”

Another gun was fired and this time the ball passed through the body of the main-sail and dropped under the lee bow, and an instant afterward another bow chaser was discharged, but the elevation was not sufficient, and the iron fell directly under the stern of the Agnes, and threw thei water over the deck.

“There,” cried Captain Mallet, brushing the salt spray from his eyes, “the fellow that fired that gun will get two dozen to-morrow before breakfast, Jor his bad aim. But I’d rather he’d throw water in my face than have the iron strike the spars. Keep her away a couple of points, and when the enemy keeps off also, do you stand ready to try

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your luck with the midship gun. Be careful of your aim, for we have no shots to spare. Take your station, and when I say fire, take a good sight and let them have it. Over with you to the leeward, man, and steer from that side and mind you, don’t poke your head this way, or it will go flying faster than it ever went before.”

I took my station at the breech of the long gun, depressed the muzzle slightly, and waited for the schooner to be kept away. The light craft rapidly obeyed her helm, and was soon skimming over the water with the wind free and the sheets slightly eased off. The Englishman saw the change as soon as made, and altered his course also. But, while they were trimming her sails, the Captain shouted :

“Fire — cripple him if you can.”

I rapidly glanced along the piece, gave it a little more elevation and then applied the match. A deafening roar, that for a few moments stunned me, followed, and the schooner trembled from masthead to kelson and then pitched heavily forward. I tried to follow the course of the heavy ball, but could not for the smoke, and I leaned against the gun agitated and pale, for my reputation as a gunner depended on that shot, not only with my commander and brother officers, but with the crew, who respect a man according to his abilities.

“Well done, Mr. Leonard,” were the first words that I

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heard. “By Jove, you’ve carried away his foreyard in the slings, and I’m much mistaken if you!ve not wounded the head of his foremast. Look out for yourselves — here comes the reply.”

Four or five rapid discharges were heard, and the iron hail flew about our ears, carrying away the small tapered spar on which the gaff top-sail was set, and making sad rents in the fore-topsail and royal.

“I’m glad it’s no worse. Load up again, Mr. Leonard, and give him a parting shot. The fellow rounded to that time, and tried to give us a broadside. Some of his guns must have been unloaded by mistake, for only part of them were discharged. If we had received the whole of his tier, it’s doubtful whether we should have made much prize money this trip. He is keeping off again in pursuit. Give him one and bid him good-night,” shouted Mallet, after a rapid survey of the damage done on board.

This time, with more confidence in my abilities, I took deliberate aim, as the enemy was keeping off to follow us. Another roar succeeded, but I sprang upon the rail and watched the effect of the shot. The sloop-of-war suddenly come to the wind and made no further efforts to follow us. Her sails were observed to shake, and then over the lee side fell her fore-topmast, dragging her main topgallant mast in the wreck.

“A dollar to a sixpence you shot away the fellow’s wheel

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and tiller and before he could get the one between decks rigged, he has broached to and the head of the wounded foremast has given away. Secure the guns, Mr. Leonard, and reverse the position of the thirty-two. Pipe the watch below, and then step in, gentlemen, and take a glass of wine with me, in honor of our first escape. That fellow will hardly get his spars ready to-night to resume the chase.”

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Chapter IV. The Cruise

The night passed without further alarm, and the next morning we repaired damages, and mended the torn sails. The wind was fair, and the schooner flew before it as though she had the wings of a bird. We still continued to exercise the men at the guns, and the crew had acquired all the discipline of a man-of-war. The gulf stream was crossed and we edged away to the southward to look for the merchant ship from Jamaica, loaded with gold. A reward was offered to the man who should discover her, and I was obliged to give orders that not more than two men at a time should be at the mast head.

Two weeks passed, and yet we had not seen a sail since the night we had the affair with the Englishman. The weather was beautiful, with a light breeze and a warm sun, and our men amused themselves with catching dolphin and then watching their dying agonies, and seeing the beautiful variegated colors their scales would assume as the sun flashed on their mute appeals for mercy.

We were in the latitude of the Island of Jamaica, and daily were straining our eyes to get a sight of our intended prize, for since our encounter with a superior force we had assumed an air of boldness and confidence, and already looked upon a vessel that there was no certainty of our meeting as belonging of right to us. We were smoking our cigars, one afternoon, leaning languidly over the rail, watching bubbles as they floated past, when the Captain came on deck.

"Dull work this, gentlemen. I’m afraid we shall not make enough to buy a bottle of wine this cruise, unless we are more fortunate.”

“We are on good cruising ground, Captain,” I answered, “and must see something before many days.”

“We are on ground where we are liable to meet with an enemy’s sloop-of-war and get more hard blows than I desire at my time of life. I have run risks enough, and now desire to make something for an old age. This war will not last long, so it’s my last chance.”