Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 4.djvu/428

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398 THE CANNONADE OF CHAP, the task of getting cables ou board the towing ^^"- steamers.* The Russians, still intent on harming the Spite- ful, sent against her a shower of rockets, which wounded Commander Kynaston, and Baillie, one of his midshipmen. ■!- The deliberation with which the people of the Eodney encountered their predicament was main- tained to the last. They did not slip their cable, but righteously got up their anchor. Almost at the same minute they ceased firing, closed their ports, and extinguished all lights. Then, at half-past six in the evening, the Eodney hauled off. She had lain aground under the guns of Fort Constantine during a period of more than two the steadi. hours and a quarter ; | and although, as we have crewfiolu^ seen, it did not so happen that her men were exposed to the trial which is put upon seamen when their decks become scenes of carnage, there was enough in her predicament to put to a proof the warlike composure and firmness still uphold- ing the name of the Eodney. Nor less will it be gathered from what I have recounted, that, along with the captain, officers, and men of the Eodney,

  • In these operations, good service was rendered by Mr Craigie

the master, and Mr Hancorne the assistant-master. Mr (now Ca^jtain) Craigie, a most able and thorouglily trnstworthy oflicer, was warmly thanked by Cajitain Graham . t I hear that Commander Kynaston's death, though it occur- red long after the engagement, was caused by the wound then received. t According to her log, she di'opped her anchor at 4.8, and weighed at 6.30. lirst to labt.