hear the “speech,” as I heard one of them call it; and by the time he had finished his directions, they got themselves into the shape of a half moon, the wings drawing up to him by little and little; without his noticing it at the moment. He peremptorily ordered them back, and back they went as fast as they could when they began telling each other what the officer meant, chattering at a mighty rate. Silence being had, “Jack” prepared himself to do as well as he could, but went here, there and every where, lost in glorious confusion. The commander frequently turned his head aside to conceal a smile, but the spectators laughed most heartily, to the great pleasure of the sailors, who loved to make fun. Things went on this way for about an hour, and everybody was puzzled to find out whether the sailors were really so awkward as they appeared, or not. But at last the manner of “charging bayonet” was told to them, and they were informed that “to charge” and “to board” was the same thing. “Here they were at home—their eyes glistened, every fellow gathered up his sinews to his utmost strength and waited with profound silence for the word. It was given, and on they came with fearful impetuosity, everyone striving to get foremost—it happened that a horse and cart was in the way—several of the spectators had retreated behind it; but the sailors came jumping over it like squirrels, and dashing among them, made them fly off at full speed to the great delight of the seamen and amidst peals of laughter from all that were looking on. Never, perhaps, since time began was there a more efficient body of men than the crew, as seamen—nor did it appear possible (we speak from the knowledge of persons on whose judgment we entirely depend) that as sailors they could be better drilled to the business of a ship, but as, soldiers, except in courage that knew no fear and a zeal that anticipated no check, they were the queerest and most odd set of fellows that ever were collected together.”⁶⁴