Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1886 edition. Excerpt: ... He passes last round the upper deck between the two lines of blue-jackets drawn up bareheaded and in their Sunday uniform. Inspection over, the sentry tolls the bell, and all find their way to their places on the main deck for divine service. The chants and the hymns seem to be sung with even more spirit than usual, and as it is the first Sunday in the month there is a celebration of Holy Communion. In the Bacchante this always takes place on the main deck at a small oak table covered with a red cloth, from beside which also, instead of from the more formal pulpit or reading desk, the prayers and lessons of the Sunday service are always read; those who wish retire on deck, and the rest remain where they happen to be on their forms; a canvas screen shuts off more than half the main deck. Occasionally there are early celebrations of the Holy Communion in the captain's large forecabin, at 8 A.M., which have been attended by about as many as the mid-day celebrations. After church service the men go to their dinners, but to-day soon come up again on deck, for being within sight of home predisposes every one for a cheery chat over their quiet pipe, as they discuss the events of the cruise and the greetings of the morrow. We go close in by St. Aldhelm's Head, and now we can distinguish very plainly Worth, Tillywhim, and further on beyond, Swanage and the Old Harry chalk pinnacles. We passed through the Needles at 1.30 P.m., then up the Solent past Cowes, and at 3.30 P.m. saluted the commander-in-chiefs flag with seventeen guns, and at 4 P.M. anchored at Spithead in seven fathoms. Found here H.M.S. Warrior. Everything looks very natural in the bright spring afternoon, though, coming from the tropics, it feels very cool with the thermometer...