CHAPTER XVII
THE _CHILDERS_ BRIG
[Sidenote: 1837. Jan. 2.]
It was with great pleasure I learned from Captain Parker that he had appointed my young friend, George H. Seymour, midshipman, son of the much-respected Admiral Sir George Seymour, K.C.B., as “lent” to _Childers_, but unfortunately, as it proved, for a very short time.
[Sidenote: Jan. 4.]
Sailed. Arrived at Carthagena, 16th--a huge basin which might have held a dozen ships of the line, surrounded by storehouses. Heavy brass rings were secured deep in the masonry, and great guns made posts to secure to. This was a grand old naval arsenal, which had probably not been used since Trafalgar.
The pilot who brought us in, recommended our not using any anchor heavier than our own kedge, on account of the depth of mud which had accumulated for many years. The dock-gates had long since decayed, and were replaced by the mast of some line-of-battle ship, one end hauled aside to admit us.
We prepared for a thorough outfit, took possession of two large storehouses, and made ourselves comfortable. Wild-fowl and snipe were to be found in remote parts of this unfrequented arsenal.
[Sidenote: Jan. 16.]
One of my gig’s crew, by name Lathom, was a born artist; by assistance of chalk and burnt stick drew some interesting and spirited sea-pieces: always entertaining likenesses of the _Childers_.
[Sidenote: Jan. 27.]
The _Wolverine_ was reported as anchored in the harbour, out of sight of the entrance to the basin, her Commander the Hon. Edward Howard. What a chance for me! The first time since my commissioning _Childers_ I had fallen in with a junior.
The channel to the dockyard was formed by high land on larboard side, and the shoaler water of the harbour on the other. A projecting angle of the land prevented your seeing the entrance to the basin until round it; then a straight run in.
I sent my coxswain to have the bar removed, and then pulled out to the _Wolverine_. I found my young friend full of zeal. He had stores for our Spanish Squadron off Tarragona; but as H.M.S. _Childers_ required bread, and it might come on to blow and get wet, I gave _Wolverine_ an order to supply, and bring his ship into the basin. And as the wind was fair, to weigh, make sail, and I would pilot him in.
We were in the forecastle together, and had rounded the angle, having got into the straight, but narrow channel, when I heard Howard call, “Hands shorten sail!” In a moment I saw the mast had not been removed, but I called out, “Keep all fast!” and told Howard if _Wolverine_ could not jump, she must go through it. As luck would have it, the mast had begun to move, and a kedge anchor was dropped in the mud of the basin. Where _I_ was to blame, was in not allowing for the natural dilatoriness of our friends and allies, the Spaniards.
Of course, so large a vessel as _Childers_ could not be victualled in a day, and the Alhambra _had_ to be seen.
[Sidenote: Feb. 9.]
Weighed, ran out of basin and harbour. Joined _Tyne_ and _Orestes_.
[Sidenote: Feb. 15.]
Came to off Barcelona. Found _Rodney_. Inside mole, _Harlequin_, _Nautilis_, and _Wolverine_. To my regret, Seymour was ordered to rejoin _Rodney_.
Worked into Malta Harbour, secured to buoy, dockyard creek. Found _Caledonia_, 120, _Asia_, 84, _Vanguard_, 80, _Bellerophon_, 80, _Revenge_, 78, _Barham_, 50, _Tyne_, 28, _Orestes_, and “Behind” cutter. Refitted; got in a new foremast.
[Sidenote: March.]
On board _Barham_ was my old friend, Fred Hutton, as First Lieutenant. He was early on board _Childers_ to greet me, bringing with him a fully-signed document to prove that he had not sung “John’s ale was new” from the time I left the _Magicienne_, until paid off; by which I lost my fiver. He entertained a party at dinner on shore, myself included, that must have cost him four times the amount.
Remained in Malta till March 8, enjoying the opera, races, dancing, and all the amusements of the winter season.
[Sidenote: Mar. 8 to June 26.]
During this period we were continually on the move, having made fifteen anchorings. It would be weary to recall them individually.
[Sidenote: July 8.]
Secured inside the Mole, Gibraltar. Lowered colours half-mast, news having arrived of the death of our Sailor King, William IV.
[Sidenote: Aug. 1.]
Arrived at Barcelona.
[Sidenote: Aug. 3.]
Spanish authorities having received information of the arrival of a Carlist force at Villa Nueva, they requested me, through our Consul, to proceed there. On arrival in the morning the enemy had disappeared.
[Sidenote: Aug. 5.]
At daylight observed two line-of-battle ships to leeward. Bore up; saluted flag of Admiral Sir Robert Stopford, in _Princess Royal_, _Vanguard_ in company. Received orders to proceed to the West Coast of Africa as soon as _Childers_ could be spared from present duties. The same order was posted to me from Malta by Sir Josias Rowley, homeward bound, which reached me afterwards.
[Sidenote: Aug. 9.]
At the request of Commander Baldwin Walker, took _Vanguard’s_ boats in tow and ran into Port Faugal. Enemy had disappeared.
[Sidenote: Aug. 17.]
Secured to Gibraltar Mole. Found a French Squadron; Prince de Joinville on board _Hercules_. Busy taking in stores and provisions.
I was sorry at being obliged to leave the Mediterranean without seeing more of my friend, George Grey, who commanded the _Scylla_, and ordered home on promotion. He was one of the smartest and most promising young officers in the service. He married a charming lady who was not a sailor. George was appointed in 1846 Superintendent of Gibraltar Dockyard, where he remained for many years.
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