I looked at our young pet I felt how hard a thing it was that so
small a lad should be exposed to all the vicissitudes of warfare.

Macallan had overheard us. "It's my opinion that Mercer has seen his
wraith," he remarked sententiously. "There's a grave, dour look about
his pale countenance which a man who is long for this world never
wears."

We all agreed that there was too much truth about the doctor's
observation, though we trusted he might be mistaken. I have heard many
conversations of this sort, and many of my shipmates and others whom I
have known have had presentiments of their approaching death. Some have
been killed on the occasion they expected, while others who appeared
equally certain of being summoned away have come out of action without
scratch. Others, again, whom I have seen laughing and jesting as if
they had a long lease of life before them, have, within a few hours
perhaps, been stretched lifeless on the deck. I have come to the
conclusion, therefore, that no one can tell when his last moment is to
come, and that consequently it behoves us all to be prepared at all
times for that unavoidable occurrence.

Among the ships lying near us was the Roebuck, of 44 guns, commanded by
Captain Andrew Snape Hamond, (note 1), a very active and intelligent
officer. I knew several of her officers. Among them was an old friend
of mine, Hitchcock, belonging to Falmouth. I dined with him a day or
two after this, and in return invited him to dine with me on board the
Orpheus.

"I'll come," said he; "depend upon me, I'll not let the rebels stop me."

"I shall keep you to your promise," I replied, as I was shoving off.

We had prepared the ship for action for some days by clearing away all
bulkheads fore and aft, and sending everything not absolutely required
below. Still several days passed by and nothing was done. It was
understood that Lord Howe and Dr Franklin were negotiating at this
time, as the result proved, without any effect. Lord Howe to the last
was anxious to prevent more bloodshed, and hoped to bring the colonists
to terms, but as they now considered themselves an independent people,
and he had the authority to treat with them in that capacity, he was
powerless.

At length, on the 21st of September, towards three o'clock in the
afternoon, the admiral made the signal for us to weigh. Each man with
alacrity hurried to his quarters. Never was sail more speedily got on
the ship. The Pho