ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
[To VIZ EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
SIE,—I have not seen the fact noticed in speech or in news- paper—and our after-dinner orators in returning thanks for the Navy are not always original—that one hundred years ago-1797—oceurred the mutinies at (Spithead and) the Nore. "In almost every particular the seaman of 1797 was ill-treated." Impressment, pay, food, personal ill-treat- ment,—all were causes for the mutiny. Nelson himself, always solicitous for the sailor, thought the grievances very real. The result was that on May 22nd the mutiny broke out, "the greatest danger, perhaps, that England had en- countered since the Armada sailed into the Channel." Yet the spirit of the sailors was such that of the Spithead remonstrance the following noble words formed part : "We agree in opinion that we should suffer double the hardships we have hitherto experienced before we would Buffer the Crown of England to be in the least imposed upon (sic) by any Power in the world." This mutiny thoroughly alarmed the country, drove sleep from Pitt's pillow, and gave rise to exceptional legislation. Now, what have we seen at Spithead within the last few days ? A magnificent fleet, a contented and disciplined Navy,—a harvest from the culture of the seaman, as liberal as it has been foreseeing. The Jack Tar of 1897 glories in his duties ; his brother of 1797 did his duty; but revolted from his treatment by the country. It is some thing to dwell upon with pure satisfaction.—I am, Sir, &c.,
H. P.
Previous page
