it is extremely probable that it would break. In addition to this objection, it also occurs to us, that when the oval link becomes much worn (which it certainly would) the link will become useless, but a ring, by shifting the puddening from time to time, as may appear to be necessary, is not liable to this objection, and will therefore be found more durable. Under these circumstances, we cannot comply with Captain Smith’s request. We are. Sir, your very humble servants,
(Signed)“T. Tucker,
(Signed)“E. Stewart,
(Signed)“P. Fraser.”
“To Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Rowley, K.C.B.”
Some months after this, having in the mean time seen, or heard, that other rings of anchors, having chain-cables attached to them, had broken, Captain Smith repeated his application for the Alert’s anchor to be fitted as he had before pointed out, and was answered quite short, that his request could not be complied with ; but since he has been on half-pay most of the anchors of small vessels in H.M. service, using chain-cables, have been fitted with a shackle as he originally proposed. The following is a copy of a letter from his late commander-in-chief:
“Sir,– I have pleasure in bearing my testimony to your zeal, perseverance, and judicious conduct during the period you were under my orders while I commanded at the Nore; and I considered the prompt and decided steps you took in bringing the ships captured by the Tunisian squadron into a British port, as well as by inviting the captain of the Tunisian man of war to accompany them, was of essential benefit to the commerce of this country. I remain, Sir,– &c.
“To Captain John Smith, late of H.M. Sloop Alert.”
This officer was made post, for his exertions in the Alert, Dec. 26, 1822; and we believe he affords the only instance in the service, of a youngster fitted out by the Marine Society, having risen to that enviable rank[1]. He is the author of “A Letter to Mr. Hosier, on his work entitled ‘the Mariner’s Friend;’” and he has also published a translation from the
- ↑ The Marine Society was instituted in the year 1756, and incorporated in 1772. Owners and masters of ships and vessels are supplied with boys in a state of discipline, by applying at the office, in Bishopsgate Street, London, or on board the depot ship, moored off Greenwich.
