A BLUEJACKET'S LETTER. [To TUB Enrron OF TIM "Bezel...roe:9
Sra,—I think this very striking letter cannot fail to interest
your readers.—I am, Sir, &es N.
"DEAREST MOTRER,—Thank you very much indeed for your letter which I was very pleased indeed to receive. You read about the 40 ships being in action and thought I was in it you were not far wrong I was on a Torpedo Boat Destroyer, and how we did give them what for. I have never felt as I did that day before in my life to see people dio, yes and I was delighted to see them blown to pieces for I felt for my dead chum who they killed on the E13. To-day 5 were buried, and never a dry eye to be seen in the groat crowd both men and women. Oh! how terrible a day will be in store for them when they meet their honourable enemy the navy and they will pay a thousand times for that deed which they did to our E13. Never has thoro been such an outburst of revenge and hate as was shown by our men when we hoard of that most cowardly act. I myself to-day have never hated anyone as I do to-day as I do the beasts who killed my chum. When we bombarded I laughed to see them go up in pieces. I only hops I am one who will be on the spot to see them go to their terrible end for terrible it will be. To-day to see the Mother, Father and Sister, of tho dead men was enough to break one's heart I looked on one poor Mother. and I shall remember forever. I cannot help this Mother dear please forgive me if this upsets you but I know if I write you will think with mo. I feel so miserable and oh never again do I over want to see or hoar what I have soon and heard at the burial to-day. It was a sight never to be forgotten. Please help me Mother to say the right thing but I feel as I write to you, and only hope I shall he in the next bombardment. Some of us got killed but what of that so long as a dirty German goes too. EXCII30 me I have spelt german with a capital letter and will now croas it out. How are you dear Mother I hope better, and don't worry about me I shall be alright. If one gets killed one is not sorry to die for such a duty as we are now performing.—Best love to you
Mother and all the boys, Your loving Boy, Wm.."
[Besides the significance of this letter in showing the spirit awakened in the Navy by German barbarism and the intensity of naval comradeship, the fact is to be noted that it was written to the boy's foster-mother. She may indeed be a proud woman to think that she has inspired so much affection in one not of her own flesh and blood. Truly the duties of motherhood must have been well and faithfully performed to have achieved such a result.—ED. Spectator.]
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