We were so near, that I could with the
naked eye distinctly see the faces of the men. There were at least I50
determined fellows at quarters, and clustered with muskets in their hands,
wherever they could be posted to most advantage.
There they were in groups about the ports, (I could even see the captains
of the guns, examining the locks,) in their clean white frocks and
trowsers, the officers of the ship, and the marines, clearly
distinguishable by their blue or red jackets. I could discern the very
sparkle of the epaulets.
High overhead, the red cross, that for a thousand years "has braved the
battle and the breeze," blew out strong from the peak, like a sheet of
flickering white flame, or a thing instinct with life, struggling to tear
away the ensign haulyards, and to escape high into the clouds; while, from
the main--royal--masthead, the long white pennant streamed upwards into the
azure heavens, like a ray of silver light. Oh! it was a sight "most
beautiful to see," as the old song hath it,------but I confess I would have
preferred that pleasure from t'other side of the hedge.
There was no hailing nor trumpeting, although, as we crossed on opposite
tacks when we first weathered her, just before she hove in stays, I had
heard a shrill voice sing out, "Take good aim, men--Fire"; but now each
cannon in thunder shot forth its glance of flame, without a word being
uttered, as she kept away to bring them to bear in succession, while the
long feathery cloud of whirling white smoke that shrouded her sides from
stem to stem, was sparkling brilliantly throughout with crackling musketry,
for all the world like fire--flies in a bank of night fog from the hills,
until the breeze blew it back again through the rigging, and once more
unveiled the lovely craft in all her pride and glory.
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