"
When the gallant admiral had got his "Ancient Mariners" ready to
march, armed with cutlass and various other well-known weapons, he
placed himself at their head and moved out to meet the enemy. His
manner of doing this, however, was somewhat novel, and deserves to
be described here. You must know, my son, that the admiral was of a
very rotund figure, and, although well enough at home on the
quarter-deck, was not accustomed to the saddle. His weight was,
indeed, such as to preclude the idea of his being a skilled
horseman. It was, therefore, necessary that he go to the field in
some more comfortable as well as becoming manner. Thereupon a
carriage and four was provided, and in this stately manner the
gallant admiral proceeded to the front, at the head of his strange
command. I may add also, my son, that the movement of this force
afforded no little amusement to the numerous urchins that followed
it. On reaching the front, it took up a strong position, and made
ready to give the enemy a broadside whenever he made his appearance.
Some mischievous person reported that it was the intention of these
"Ancient Mariners" to support the cavalry, in the event of its being
attacked.
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