Chapter XV: On Parole

During the greater portion of that terrible time which has been so vividly described by one who afterward became familiar with all the horrible details, I had but little idea of what was going on, save among us on the gun-deck.

We had nothing to do with the poor efforts at handling the sorely wounded ship, and could only load and fire so long as a gun's crew remained alive.

When one fell dead or wounded at his task another was called to fill his place, and speedily the deck was so littered with the lifeless or the dying that some of us would be summoned to aid the surgeon's force in dragging them out of the way.

As during the first portion of the engagement, I was burning with the fever of battle, and had so little knowledge of what was being done that I could not have said whether one hour or ten had elapsed since the action was begun. It seemed to me as if we had been half an ordinary lifetime at this business, and I had stood so long beneath the shadow of the death angel's wings that I took it for granted I should be numbered with the slain when the conflict ceased, but gave no heed to such possibility.

Phil and I knew vaguely, because of the dreadful slaughter which followed, when the frigate's bow payed off while Captain Porter was trying to beach her, and we came to realize dimly--as though it was something which did not concern us personally--that we were being so badly cut to pieces as to make it certain our people must finally yield to the enemy; but above all was the one thought, a single desire, to do as much damage as possible to the Britishers before our ship went down.

Then, when we were in position where we could fire a broadside, we began to cheer once more, believing that after all our disadvantages we might compel the foe to retire; but our hearts did not sink, perhaps because we were too much excited to realize it, when the hawser of the sheet anchor parted, leaving us once again where we could be raked.

When the ship was on fire we ran to the spar-deck, yet fighting the flames, and neither Phil nor I knew until afterward that permission had been given the men to leap overboard and save themselves.

We would not have deserted the ship, however, because both of us were following Master Hackett very closely; it seemed much as though he had become a part of us, and we could do nothing save by his side or under his direction.

Why we three, when all those brave hearts were sent into eternity on that 28th day of March, should have escaped a wound I am unable to say; it must have been, as my mother said, that God was not yet ready to receive us into that portion of his kingdom that had been allotted us.

The old man took us lads by the hand when finally Captain Porter gave orders that the colors be hauled down in token of surrender, and there we stood as if unable to move or speak, when the Britishers came on board.

The living were allowed to bury the dead; the wounded were taken on shore, and then we were, with many others, sent on board the _Cherub_, where we were by no means badly treated. More than one Britisher on board that ship was ashamed, as I myself heard them say, at our having been attacked while disabled, and nearly all did whatsoever they might to ease the burden of grief and disappointment.

There is no good reason why I should set down here what we did or said during such time as we remained in the harbor of Valparaiso, for it would be sad reading. It can well be supposed that we mourned for our brave fellows who had been killed, and our hearts went out in sympathy to those wounded ashore; but as for ourselves, we could do nothing save exist.

Then came the day when it was made known that Captain Hillyar had decided it would be quite out of the question to hamper himself with so many prisoners, and the _Essex Junior_ was to be converted into a cartel[5] to take us home after we had given our paroles.

It seemed most wonderful that after passing through so many dangers we were really to see our native country once more. I wept tears of joy when the news came to me, and was not ashamed of so doing. During the fight, and for many a long day afterward, I thought of myself as so nearly in the clutches of death that I was already done with the things of this world.

When the arrangements had finally been made, however, we learned that my cousin, Lieutenant McKnight, Mr. Adams, the chaplain, Mr. Lyman, a master's mate, and eleven of our sailors had already been exchanged for some prisoners taken from the _Sir Andrew Hammond_, and were then on board the _Essex Junior_.

Later, after we had sailed for the United States, my cousin and Mr. Lyman went to Rio de Janeiro in the _Phoebe_ in order to give some testimony in behalf of the captors. From that port they sailed in a Swedish brig bound to England, and since that moment it has been impossible to learn aught concerning their fate. The captain of the brig declares that his passengers were sent on board the British sloop-of-war _Wasp_, at their own request. The _Wasp_ was never heard from after she parted company with the brig; but it is my opinion, and shared by many, that Lieutenant McKnight and his companion were foully murdered by the Swede.

We left the port of Valparaiso with our papers in good order, and all on board rejoicing at the prospect of seeing their loved ones once more. At that time I believed nothing could tempt me to leave my mother again; but "once a sailor always a sailor" is the proverb, and I am inclined to think it has in it much truth.

The voyage was a prosperous one; we doubled Cape Horn without difficulty or incident, and had we but been in the good ship _Essex_, returning home after a successful cruise, the days would not have been long enough for all our happiness. As it was, however, we lived over and over again the past, discussing the battle which had cost us so dearly and left the poor old frigate a wreck in the harbor of Valparaiso, and speaking tenderly with many a choking sob of the shipmates who stood gallantly to their posts of duty until death struck them down.

Now we were returning on parole, the survivors of a ship's company which had struck their colors to the enemy, and it weighed us down, even though we knew full well that the cruise of the _Essex_ had been of greatest value to our country.

We talked of the old ship as if she had once been a living thing, and regretted most deeply that we had not succeeded in beaching her, or that we had extinguished the flames when her hold was apparently a mass of fire.

In fact, we went over all the details of our voyage which was ending so sadly, never tiring during all the long weeks, and many times did we conjure up pictures of our shipmates who had been left behind on Nukuheva, wondering what they would do after months had passed and we failed to return, or speculating upon the possibility that they would attempt the homeward cruise in one of the prizes.

Poor fellows! While we spoke of them as living happily and amid plenty, they were battling for life, as I may one day set down in detail, if it so be that this feeble apology for a landsman's yarn finds favor with those who may read it.

The voyage on the cartel was a prosperous one, as I have already said, and in due time we were off the port of New York, believing that within a few hours, at the longest, we would be at liberty to go wheresoever it pleased us. The _Essex Junior_ was no more than thirty miles from land when we sighted a Britisher who speedily gave us to understand that we must heave to and show our papers.

The stranger proved to be the _Saturn_, a razee (meaning a ship-of-war cut down to a smaller size by reducing the number of decks), commanded by Captain Nash.

We had not supposed there might be any question of our detention, for we had a passport in due form from Captain Hillyar; but this Britisher took it into his head that there must be something wrong with our craft; he even questioned the right of Captain Hillyar to parole us, and ended by giving the order that we lay by him during the night.

Immediately visions of a British prison danced before our eyes. We had been forced into a fight when our ship was little better than a wreck, by one Englishman, and now here was another who proposed to take in charge a lot of paroled men who were free to sail to their port of destination according to the usages of war among all nations.

After a time of jawing and tongue wagging among our sailors, we came to believe that Captain Porter was the one whom the Britisher particularly desired to hold; for surely he could have no wish to hamper himself with a lot of seamen whom he must, beyond a peradventure, set at liberty when his government learned the facts in the case.

What they would do with our captain no one seemed to so much as guess; we had decided among ourselves that some indignity would be put upon him, and when the word was passed from one to another that Captain Porter was inclined to make his escape in one of the small boats, every man jack volunteered to pull him ashore.

To row a ship's boat thirty miles, with the chances of being lost in the fog which was even then creeping over the waters, seemed like a desperate undertaking; but when Master Hackett, who had been selected by the crew as their spokesman, went aft and made known to Captain Porter what they desired to do, he accepted the offer without hesitation.

One of our boats was launched to leeward, where she might not be seen by those on the razee, and our commander, with little Midshipman Farragut by his side, lowered himself into the stern-sheets after the crew were at their stations.

Six hardy seamen gave way at the oars, and Phil and I waved our hats in parting at Master Hackett, whom we did not see again until many a long day had passed.

The Britisher caught a glimpse of the small boat as she pulled out past our ship, and he pitched a shot after her as a signal to heave to; but the old shellbacks who sat at the oars were not the kind to be frightened by the burning of British powder. They had sniffed the odor many times before, and if they would voluntarily remain on a burning ship while the enemy was plugging ball after ball into her as if she had been no more than a target, they could be depended upon to hold their course regardless of Captain Nash and the razee _Saturn_.

Before the Britishers could fire at them again they were lost to view in the fog, and, as we learned two days afterward, landed in safety on Long Island.

Next morning Captain Nash, after examining our papers once more, gave us permission to continue the voyage, and before nightfall we were lying in the harbor of New York, rejoicing at having escaped death or a British prison.

Yes, we were made much of, once it was known in the city who we were, but of that there is no reason why I should speak at any length.

I should add, however, that after sailing and rowing sixty miles or more, the boat in which was our commander arrived at Babylon, on the south side of Long Island, and even then her occupants were not free from trouble. Captain Porter was suspected by the citizens of being a British officer, and but for the fact that he had his commission from Congress in his pocket, he might have been detained.

He made his way to New York, where he was received with demonstrations of most profound respect; and when the exploits of the _Essex_ had been told, every city, village, and hamlet in the country sung the praises of the frigate and those who manned her.

Phil and I went home as soon as it was possible to escape from those who were eager to show their admiration of what had been done by the _Essex_, and I carried in my pocket a song which was made especially for the frigate. It was printed and sold on the streets; there was in the verses no little praise for all hands; but the lines I set down here pleased me more than all the rest, since they referred to that gallant sailor who by his skill and courage had made it possible for any of us to see home again.

"From the laurel's fairest bough
Let the muse her garland twine,
To adorn our Porter's brow,
Who, beyond the burning line,
Led his caravan of tars o'er the tide.
To the pilgrims fill the bowl,
Who, around the southern pole,
Saw new constellations roll,
For their guide."

FOOTNOTE:

[5] A ship employed in the exchange of prisoners, or in communicating with the enemy.

ADVERTISEMENTS

WITH PERRY ON LAKE ERIE

A TALE OF 1812

_By James Otis_

_307 pp. Cloth, $1.50_

Characters and incidents largely historical. A lively rendering of a memorable event.--_The Outlook._

Graphically does Mr. Otis tell the story of the naval battle won by Commodore Perry. The well-known tale, rehearsed in a new manner, though with strict adherence to history, is given in the first person by a boy, who, with the Commodore's young brother, was concerned in all the important events of that battle, as well as in previously warding off the capture of Presque Isle. It is one of the best of Revolutionary tales, in manner, facts, and interest, published within the last year or two, and the covers are attractive.--_The Literary World._

An account of the brave but often fruitless struggles and attempts of young Commodore Perry to get into fighting trim the famous Lake Erie fleet, handicapped as he was by lack of men and material. The author has in no wise departed from the strict truth, as given by the best historians, and it is this fact which renders his entertaining story particularly valuable as a book for the young.--_Dial._

_With Preble at Tripoli_

A STORY OF "OLD IRONSIDES" AND THE TRIPOLITAN WAR

BY JAMES OTIS

349 pages. Cloth. 12mo. $1.50

Second Volume in "_The Great Admiral Series_"

It is a typical, dashing, instructive, and thrilling story. It is intended for boys, but there is hardly a person, young or old, who would not be intensely interested in it. Such a book as this should be welcomed by every parent.--_Boston Journal._

This volume gives us a most vivid description of the exploits of the old "Constitution" and the brave men under Commander Preble's command. It is of the best juvenile literature.--_The Indianapolis Journal._

It is a thrilling account of the loss of the "Philadelphia," and of the most famous "cutting out" party in our naval history. It adds a second volume to one of our most interesting series of books for young people.--_The Dial._

The ever-stimulating account of "Old Ironsides" and her famous campaign against the Tripolitan pirates forms the basis of one of Mr. Otis's best stories; correct in its historical facts, interesting from beginning to end, it will be welcomed not only by the younger reader, but by the older one as well.--_The Presbyterian._

_BOOKS BY WILLIAM DRYSDALE_

THE YOUNG REPORTER

A STORY OF PRINTING HOUSE SQUARE

_300 pp. Cloth. $1.50_

If ever a writer knew how to tell a rattling story that almost lifts you off your feet on the first page, it is William Drysdale. His style is vivacious and racy, and the events hurry along like the current of a stream above a cascade. The story in itself is intensely interesting, but, aside from its interest, it gives an insight into the life of a great daily paper of the city that it would be hard to find elsewhere. Thus the book is instructive as well as captivating.--_Lutheran Evangelist._

"The Young Reporter" is a rattling book for boys. It is written by Mr. William Drysdale, a retired journalist, who has held responsible desks upon the Sun, the Recorder and other papers, and who knows just what he is talking about.--_New York Recorder_.

A genuine boys' book for genuine boys. It is full of life, clean, clear cut, and inspiring. We can commend this book to any lover of boys' stories. It is illustrated with spirit, the pictures adding greatly to the attractiveness of the book.--_Journal of Education._

This is a story of real power, full of life and action, and will enlist the interest of every stirring and wide-awake boy.--_Herald & Presbyter._

_Fighting Under the Southern Cross._

A Story of the Chile-Peruvian War.

BY

_CLAUDE H. WETMORE._

335 pages. Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50.

_CONTAINING PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY AND MAP OF CALLAO BAY_

This is one of the best stories for boys that has been issued, and with great pleasure we heartily recommend it.--_Observer._

This story is full of thrilling interest and dramatic power. The many picturesque descriptions give a real portrayal of the country and its people.--_Book News._

This volume is so real that one imagines he is in the centre of action. This doubtless is due to the author's thorough acquaintance with the customs and conditions of these countries.--_St. Louis Star._

Just now when there are so many reminders of the differences existing between the South American States, and while the influence of the Pan-American Congress in Mexico is being so strongly felt, this book is very timely. It is a very vivid picture of the war between Chile and Peru in 1879, and a portrayal of the customs and manners of these states that is extremely interesting, and that throws much light on present problems.--_Christian Endeavor World._

The bitter war of conquest waged by Chile against Peru has never been given any popular presentation until now. The author is a traveler who has covered all of South America and was a resident of Peru when the war broke out. His picture of that period is absorbingly interesting, and the promised sequel of this volume will be awaited with great eagerness.--_The Interior._

W. A. WILDE COMPANY, Boston and Chicago.

_Incaland_

A Story of Adventure in the interior of Peru and the closing chapters of the War with Chile.

BY

_CLAUDE H. WETMORE._

309 pp. Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50

_CONTAINING PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY._

"The author is thoroughly acquainted with the history and records of the far-famed land of the Incas, and the story is full of interest historically as well as a work of excellent romance and fiction."--_Chronicle-Telegraph._

"Mr. Wetmore has shown in 'Incaland' how that the Chile-Peruvian War was to the latter people a blessing in disguise, and how that, casting aside her antiquated systems, Peru introduced many improvements, until she has to-day attained a most enviable position among the South American republics. All this information the author has clothed in the attractive guise of a story, full of interesting and stirring accounts in which boys will find great delight."--_New York Examiner._

"'Incaland' deals with the history and wonderful progress of Peru subsequent to the War, and it overflows with historical interest, and, as it is in a most picturesque setting, it will surely find a hearty welcome."--_Christian Endeavor World._

"This volume is not only steeped in the Indian lore of the past, but it embraces as well some of the stirring instances of the Chile-Peruvian War, and any boy who has read this stirring narrative has unconsciously acquired not only familiarity with a certain period in history, but with the manners and aspect of this historic country. It is a ringing boys' story, full of interest and enthusiasm."--_Free Press, Milwaukee._

W. A. WILDE COMPANY, Boston and Chicago.

CADET STANDISH OF THE ST. LOUIS

A STORY OF OUR NAVAL CAMPAIGN IN CUBAN WATERS.

_352 pages. Cloth. $1.50._

In "Cadet Standish of the St. Louis" Mr. William Drysdale tells the story of an American boy to whom the Spanish war brought some novel and exciting experiences. The lad took part in the cable cutting off Guantanamo, the first exploit in which the great "merchant cruiser" distinguished herself. Not only is Mr. Drysdale an accomplished writer, but he has an intimate knowledge of the West Indian regions where most of the scenes are laid. The result is a most graphic and entertaining volume.--_Boston Journal._

This is a story of the recent naval combat in Cuban waters. The book is picturesque and interesting from cover to cover. The local color is presented in a series of vivid touches and is skillfully interwoven with the narrative interest. The story is that of a young cadet on board the _St. Louis_, who is detailed for dangerous shore duty. His adventures make up the story that at once attracts and informs the reader.--_The Baptist Union._

It is pleasant to be able to say that this tale of Cadet Standish is interesting, wholesome, natural, even among exciting scenes. The hero is a fine fellow in every way: in his relations to his widowed mother, as a young business man, and with his associates in the navy.--_The Literary World._

_IN COLONIAL TIMES_

IN THE CAMP OF CORNWALLIS:

A STORY OF REUBEN DENTON AND HIS EXPERIENCES DURING THE NEW JERSEY CAMPAIGN OF 1777.

_By Everett T. Tomlinson, Ph. D._

_12mo. 353 pp. Cloth, $1.50. Ill._

This story is patriotic, exciting, and pleasing, and instructs in the early history of our country without appearing to do so.--_Tribune._

Dr. Tomlinson's Revolutionary stories have so whetted the appetites of his many boy readers that they will begin this one with avidity, and lay it down with gratitude for the pleasure and information it has given.--_Christian Endeavor World._

No books are more welcome than those from the pen of this writer. Besides being thoroughly interesting and of literary merit, they strike a most patriotic chord, for it is the author's intention to convey a knowledge of our country's history in an entertaining manner.--_Inter-Ocean._

This volume is patriotic in tone and treatment, and has all the fire and spirit that have made the author's "War of the Revolution Series" such prime favorites with young people.

This author's books are not only entertaining for the moment, but they are written with the deeper purpose of creating a desire on the part of the youthful reader for personal investigation into our national history.--_Bookseller, Newsdealer & Stationer._

Dr. Tomlinson has done remarkably helpful work along the line of supplying young people with history in a most attractive form. In this volume he combines historical facts with exciting and interesting adventure, which meets the most vigorous demands of a practical imagination.--_Cumulative Index._