[78-gun Battleship]
William joined Indus 78-gun battleship in Malta on the 7th September. He does not appear to have been very impressed by what he found.
He describes: A wretchedly mannered, disorganised, noisy Ship's Company with a Captain, Sir James Stirling, who had neither teeth nor voice, and gives numerous orders to which no one attends, while he munches biscuits.
William lamented that The Ship sails well, but is commanded by an undecided man afraid to carry sail against a foul wind or take advantage of a fair wind. The folly of giving fine ships to nervous men I shall never be contented as a Lieutenant until I am senior in some ship, making all the Officers and men proud of their Craft and the Craft deserving their pride.
The 'lubberly seamanship' infuriated him, and he wrote sarcastically that they positively 'drifted' about the Mediterranean. There were picnics, dances, and agreeable flirtations but on the whole it was rather an unhappy commission for him.
There were too many married Officers on board for his liking (one wife tried to come on board to walk the watch with her husband). There were cases of Delirium Tremens and the Captain's son went mad.
GIBRALTAR TO LISBON
December 8th
Ninety five miles from Gibraltar Indus had a minor collision with the Grace, a merchantman, 22 days out from Liverpool.
This incident is described as follows in the Ships Log:
Collided with Grace of Liverpool. Vessel on the starboard bow, showed a light to her.
6.15, The same vessel ran on board of us on the stb'd bow. Carried away his bowsprit and other spars. Hove to and sent two boats to assist her.
She proved to be the Grace of Liverpool. Bound for Trieste. Supplied her with one jib boom, 20 fm of 5 inch rope and four 11 inch Dead Eyes.
Owners G.W. and F. Shand. Master Hugh Jones. She carried away stb'd Quarter davits. Stove in the Cutter and first Gig lost out of the Cutter oars, two in no. burnt a blue light as a signal to the boats. Lost crow bars, one and small axe, one. Boats returned.
Wore and made sail
While assisting the Grace, William had asked her Captain the latest news and he had been told: "The Tories are in, do you know that?" We replied in the affirmative. He then said, "Do you know there is a Prince of Wales born?" This we did not know, but were delighted and really glad to hear it. Her Majesty, God bless her, surely reigns in the hearts of her subjects; for ever may she do so; and grant I may be able to prove my loyalty.
December 10th
Had the morning watch, and just at daylight, the look out man cried, "A sail ahead" Providentially I ran forward and discovered a brig close under our bows, steering a directly contrary course to ourselves, and larboard Topsail Studding sail set; whilst we had the Starboard and were going 6 knots. I ordered the helm hard Port, and we cleared her. She must have been sailing about 5 knots, and had we struck her, she would have gone to the bottom. Thank God I did not hesitate at all. We were so near that from steering west we altered course to north and she passed about a ship's length from our quarter. I was going to report the lookout men to Sir Jas. Stirling, but my friend the Commander begged me not, as he is now so nervous, he would probably remain up all night. What a man to lead 600 people by his undecided will!
Having arrived Lisbon on the 19th December Indus remained there, at anchor in the Tagus, for the next 6 months.
LISBON
[LETTER FROM JAMES]
Gillingham,
Chatham.
29 Jan 1842.
My dear William,
We are all complaining of your silence, as we have for several days been expecting a letter from you. We wrote to you immediately your letter announced that you were here at Lisbon. We have, however, some doubts whether our letter was forwarded by our village postman, as we fear that the carrier may have kept the shilling and destroyed the letter.
Domestic matters will now open the recital herein, because you are the hero of the story I am to relate. Well, then you must learn that we lately gave a Ball and Supper in consideration of your promotion. We had all our friends, residents, officers in full Dress, plenty of well dressed ladies, an elegant supper, and plenty of good wine. Carriages rattling up to door, everyone was pleased and at 3 a.m. the company retired. Your sister eclipsed all by the gentility of her dress, and the brilliancy of her playing, in which little Fanny performed her part to the admiration of all. Mrs. Goldie and Gale very kindly gave much good aid in preparing the entertainments; the confectioner did the rest. If you had been here you would have been delighted, and your company was alone wanted to have given us joy. As we intend, God willing, to give a similar entertainment when we have the happiness of your presence, and as it will be absolutely necessary that you should go to the Assembly with your sister, we all wish you to be a good dancer, and trust that as you can take lessons at the Opera House for a mere trifle, you will take advantage of the present opportunity. I have spoken to some officers about your future steps, and they recommend that you should stick to the Indus, unless a Captain or Admiral apply for you. Would you like to serve under a Commander, and in a Steamer?
Do you understand the machinery, and would you like to Command - a Steamer? Many Steamers are being built, and after you have been 3 years made, I think you may get command of one, if the Admiralty should learn that you understand the Engine - Of course you do; and so I lately told the Surgeon of the Geyser, - a very large steamer, who had expected there would be a removal of her 1st Lieutenant, and I had planned for you to take his place; but any change of Ship for the first year would be unwise as it would put you to expense, and not do any permanent good. It is of the utmost importance that you save all the money you can, and avoid an Agent, for if you now begin, as a young man, to live in debt to anyone, you will never be a happy old one, nor independent in your walk through life. All the pangs, all the scoffs I have, through life, been compelled to endure, have had their source in my poverty; - shun this as you would the plague. Be independent and your friends will be many, all ready to serve you unasked - be poor, and all will forget they ever had known you, and never, never, never, commit yourself by words, letters, or conduct to any female, lest regret or a blast to all your prospects in life be the consequence of your folly.
Do not trouble yourself about corresponding with Miss Gell, or any other Miss. Your Ship is your lass, and every other one, to a young Man, who has to make his own fortune and fame in the Service, is like a rocky bottom acting on a hempen cable.
Your fond Father.
THE LISBON BALL
April 5th
Early this morning we commenced rigging the Ballroom. The Mizen Mast turned into a rose tree or large Bouquet, and adorning the various places with green leaves, which by the by, were quite dried up and stale. In front of the Poop Rail is a large board with the coat of arms and Nelson's last signal carved upon it. The Lion fronting the Unicorn is about 4 inches long, and after a great deal of pains had been taken to ornament the sides of the boards, one fellow put a huge rose on the Lion's head, the stem being out of his mouth. One of the party had retired on rear of the cable, and was evidently thinking of some improvement, for he walked quietly on each side, viewing it sideways, scratching his head each time he stopped. Upon being asked his opinion said. 'It looks very well, though I know what would make it look better. Another one out of his stern. It would look ship shape both ends alike, and suiting the action to his words, secured a rose upon his stern, with the stem of the rose stuck up his hole. Pursers' beds were converted into sofas, and an ottoman having been made near the middle of the deck, two beds were covered with flags and placed at each end. This attracted the vigilant eye of the Captain of the Main Top, who immediately went to Burroughes and said, 'This 'ere won't do.' They will have heels and mouths next each other. It will be more comfortable for the ladies if they have the pillows at one end and lie with their heads together - they will be able to sleep more comfortable,' and could not comprehend what the devil it could be for unless to sleep. The lights were all strung up and after an hour or two's hard work, the Ball room was ready. The Ward Room was filled with card tables and bottles of wine. The dinner table looked magnificent and at noon I received an intimation that I should be required to attend in the boats, and superintend the embarkation of the Infanta and Ambassadress.
At the dance. The French officers were upon the deck and made some just remarks on the avidity of the Portuguese, who crowded to the table and left many ladies waiting. The Portuguese Officers were not numerous, but made up for it, by those present being adorned by orders and medals, quite sufficient for the deeds their whole Navy had ever been rewarded for. Now for the ladies. There were all sorts of dresses. Gowns with flounces, ditto without; very high bosoms, very low ditto; short gowns showing thick bad legs, and long ditto showing none at all. Their hair was as usual flowing plaited - parted in front and brought about their ears. There again was the 'sympathising' young lady with dishevelled hair. There again was the retiring young lady, who brought to anchor under the Poop with the ancient young ladies and mothers of families, who drank coffee till there was no more and then bore up for tea.
Nor must the really good figure of the once pretty faced but now soap coloured image of the Infanta be omitted - she was fond of pleasure in her younger days, and as partial to a Lieut. in our Navy, now Commander Henry, but as she is getting old and sharp visaged, a broad-backed countryman of her own, under the title of her Chamberlain, does the work and for it wears a huge diamond star which he carries on his breast.
The young gentlemen were of many sorts and were of the most pimpish set I ever saw. Their hair was worn as is usual here, very long, reaching several inches down their back and plastered over with pomatum, smelling of stale tobacco smoke and champagne - having taken their quantity at our table, some having had five or six glasses of it.
Lights were lit and dancing commenced. We were as crowded as could be. The usual Waltzes, quadrilles and cutting capers took place. The captain rather afraid of the flags catching fire and the Portuguese Band afraid of being starved, the former divested the chandeliers of all their flowery ornaments; the latter eased the tables of their contents and were sent on deck by McKenzie, who had far from an enviable billet. The two stewards whose duty it was to see other people kept sober got quite intoxicated; fortunately they were not of the same temper, for one coolly smashed a heap of crockery, being in a rage about some trifle - 'damn the expense.' The other was requested to relay the table and make a supper table ready, and upon Wiggins going down, found he had spread himself upon the table and could not move. The flunkeys who came from the shore gorged themselves and got half drunk. All this time the dancing was going on with great glee, and without anything worth remarking, except in a waltz - two Portuguese came down with a run, and as is generally the case, and certainly the proper method, the lady underneath.
In the midst of the fun, received a petition from a bald-headed gentleman to endeavour to procure some coffee for three ladies. Upon going into the cabin, where the tea and coffee-pots were, I was much annoyed, as the place was as full as an auction room - no delicate feeling towards each other, but everyone looking out for themselves, and many ladies waiting, added to which the good domestic whose business it was to look after that department was 'non compos.' There wending my way to the ladies I begged they would follow me. One of them hooked on to me.
The end of it was, I thought her the nicest girl in the ballroom, and got rather spooney, begged she would come off to church next Sunday, though we had never seen each other before, and she was not even known to me by name.
At 10.30 a great many people were going over the side, trying on a great many other people's hats, pulling the brims downward and screwing it on their heads, for they all appeared too small. And at 11, the Duke of Teneria and Ministry went away, and the Infanta who was going at the same moment, was begged to go in the same barge, being a covered one, but upon her proceeding aft, she found it was the Duke of Teneria's, and there being some ancient quarrel, stopped short, and said, "I am not going in this boat." The Duke of Teneria stepped up and begged her Highness would take passage, but she indignantly said "No" and walked forward. This enraged the Duke, who ordered them to shove off his boat in a most peremptory tone. She was stepping off the bow of the barge at the time. The Captain (Sir J. Stirling) at the bottom of the ladder, seeing her, as he thought, likely to go overboard, tried to jump into the barge to assist her, but jumping short scraped his knees, and cut his trousers, being left with his legs in the water.
After a few more boat loads had vanished, I found myself called upon by an old lady, who had got 3 steps down the ladder and was afraid to proceed. I seized her by the hand, and before she had time to think of being frightened got her more than half way down, going as lively as a kitten. Suddenly she heard the tide, and stopping dead short said, "Oh Good Gracious I can't go any further. I am sure I shall be drowned." By her stopping so suddenly, the whole, who were following in procession - some head first, others stern foremost - were thrown into confusion. A man's heel of his boot in a lady's head dress, and "Will you oblige me by lifting your foot off my wife's dress?" "I beg your pardon, sir, but I am completely jambed. I should be happy to do so, but feel unable," and such like exclamations were heard.
This foolish old woman said, "Nothing should have persuaded me to come had I known it always blew harder in the dark." I said. "It is a mistake. There is not nearly the strength of wind as when you arrived. The flood is running and the ship has slewed and brought the wind on the weather beam. Come on, Ma'am." "Oh dear sir - the ship slewed sir; has she really slewed. What do you mean? I wish I could get away. (I think she thought I meant the ship was on fire.) And I really must go down, but what about the weather and flood. I don't understand you." Then putting her huge stern towards me, said. "This is the way you wish me to come down is it?" But scarcely had I replied in the affirmative and she had moved one leg a step down, than a puff freshening blew her clothes up and made her of course feel cold through her nether garments. This startled her and she said. "Was that wind? - that will never do." Then with my hands buried in the clothes and fat under the ribs of this dear old woman, her stern pressing against the opposite banister to the one she was clasping with both hands - much to the delight of those above, as well as myself, like a crab, we got her into the circle of her acquaintance, who were shivering in the boat waiting for her.
From the extraordinary number of dirty-looking savages on board, we naturally concluded that a number honoured us quite unsolicited, and about 10.30 p.m., meeting a long-haired cannibal coming up, and not being in the most pleasant temper, seized him by the throat and exclaimed. "You blackguard, you were never asked I'll swear. Top your boom immediately." Upon relieving my grasp, he with feelings of rage which assisted in choking his utterance replied, "I sir am the Count of .... Sir. I was asked and have just returned from the shore." I answered and said "You be d...d, sir. I can see you are no Count, sir" and taking him into the Ball room referred him to the Commander, who questioned him, and he bringing a friend to certify the truth of his statement was allowed to remain.
This shows the necessity of making them produce cards of invitation upon any future ball, which is given on board any ship I may hereafter belong to.
About midnight the parties had paired off, and many of them by that hour had coupled.
The morning watch soon arrived, and no sooner had it, than some heavy showers of rain wet everything, and the most disgusting looking picture is the same unrigging a Ballroom - 200 lanthorns dirty and covered with wax and grease. They are thought quite a trouble to return and, "Mind that d ....d lanthorn !" cried one. "There are two more smashed," roars out another, and they are hurried out of the ship, like the last of their blood-sucking countrymen. Roses and geraniums are thrown overboard by bucketfuls, and a fellow suddenly coming across his bag rather damp says, "Damn my eyes, here is my bag that I was looking for all last night," and seizing the couch which rested the wearied form of some lovely virgin a few hours previously, throws it down the Hatchway with an oath about its giving him a chase after it, as though the Bag understood the language. As the day grows older things resume their accustomed appearance, and the day being fine and the sand good, the decks are doomed to a good holystoning, and the only topic of conversation is the number of plate which is absent without leave.
VISIT TO CINTRA
Thursday, June 9th
Awoke at 4 a.m. and my brain was like a batter pudding - confused by ideas widely differing from each other, but all tending toward the same point. - 'Love for Harriet.'
By 6, I was well under way for Cintra. I had all along intended to arrive there at about breakfast time.
In my anxiety to arrive there at the time I wished, my unhappy horse suffered, and once or twice I ran some risks of breaking my neck - cantering and galloping over slippery stones, quite forgetting about the road, until some awful shake nearly pitching myself and carpet bag over his bow, would remind me it was not only very dangerous, but extremely cruel to ride a dumb animal so fast.
I had arrived at Mrs de Belem's. Found one of the young ladies was up and in the sitting room. Made up my mind if it were the right one to give her a kiss the moment I went in. Flew up three pair of steps at once, and lo and behold, it was the very one I wanted; my resolution vanished and we shook hands almost like perfect strangers would have done. My first thought was, "What a d ...d rum thing this Love is." After a few moments in which we merely spoke upon a few common place subjects, we became more friendly, and I was just coming up to the kissing point. For this purpose I coughed and cleared my throat of everything, but a weight like a bone stuck across it, which made my voice very husky. Hoarse or not, thought I, here goes!
At the same instant from a side door, in walked the tall stupid brother (These brothers are great nuisances), and what annoyed me more than anything was his apparent affection for me and delight at my return, consequently keeping me in his clutches and obliging me to answer his questions in some manner, right or wrong, whilst I was cursing him most heartily.
By means of a little diplomacy which would have done credit to Palmerston, I persuaded him to go to the stable, as it was probable my horse would kick his, being a very vicious one. (N.B. At this moment, my fagged animal could not kick had he tried.) He walked off and like a midshipman going to pass his examination, just collecting my thoughts, what I should say, and making up my mind to commence coolly, and was upon the very point of speaking, when in walked the other sister - devilish nice girl, and whom I should have been delighted to have seen a few minutes later - but I most assuredly d....d her appearance then, and saw the stars were against me that day at all events.
Passed the day most happily, and walked through one or two very pretty gardens, but still I could not get over the failure of the morning. Retired at 10.30 after a day of the greatest happiness.
At breakfast time I was thinking what plan I should adopt, and was so absent that I forgot to drink my coffee until it was cold, and was nearly breaking another egg, previous even to my commencing upon my first, which I had already broken. Like a flash of lightning, I proposed going to the Quinta for a dress which had been left there. "Indeed, Mr. Hall, you are too kind. The dress is not actually worth the walk." I persisted and assured them I would go myself, even if they would not accompany me.
It produced the desired effect and we all started. Walked thro' the Quinta, came to some romantic spots, and I thought, I must go and do it. The brother and sisters were in the way; she was walking with them, so to check her and bring her in the rear I hit upon the plan of putting my foot upon her gown and that stopping her of course I made long apologies, and the first time I tried my plan, it rent a small hole, and nothing was nearer than my proposal, when down came the rain most furiously. The others who were under cover roared out, "Run, Harriet. Run! You will get wet through and spoil your frock. Come, Mr. Hall, you will have wet clothes to ride back in."
I was compelled to return to the Ship, having invited Mr and Miss Shannon to dine; returned to Mrs. de Belem's, made them each presents of books they fancied, and at half past 2 parted with repeated promises of keeping up a correspondence, and renewing our friendship, gave me their address and I left them with much regret.
Indus sailed from Lisbon on the 10th June and arrived at Malta on 2nd July. Most of July was spent carrying out Fleet exercises in the Malta area. By modern standards they seem to have been a very relaxed affair.
FLEET MANOEUVRES OFF MALTA
Monday, July 18th
Lady Mason is also on board, with 2 daughters and Miss Montagu, Lady D.....'s niece. I am afraid she will remain some time on the list of candidates for a husband - a little deaf, a great deal of King's Evil, and no expression are great drawbacks, which is her case.
Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Mason is a most perfect old woman, and ever has been. When Commodore of the South American Station, he actually applied to the Admiral for permission to freight a ship to carry his guns round the Horn for him. His good looks have raised him, never having been even an active fellow. He commenced his career as Captain's clerk, and was in Lord Hood's office as Secretary's clerk. He was, and still is a very handsome man. Miss Hood fell in love and would have no one else, and her father being Commander-in-Chief, and being unable to dissuade her, removed Mason to the quarter deck, allowed her to marry, made him Lt. two days after he had passed (in 1799) and pushed him on in the Service.
Commander the Hon. W. B. Devereux and Captain Lord Clarence Paget arrived. The former full of pride like a Pasha, and his coat buttoned up to the throat, and two huge epaulettes on, exceedingly conceited. The latter condescending to obsequiousness, dressed in a neglige style, sporting a small imperial, and drawling out his words, as though it was a great difficulty to open his mouth, whenever he was asked to take wine replied, "Sir, you do me very proud." He evidently has a fancy to be different from every one else in this word, for he made use of it frequently - "Obleeged." But altogether he was a decent companion.
The Duke and Duchess of Montrose left us, but not before the latter had invited me to pay her a visit. They are most kind agreeable people. She was much amused by my sending her a piece of verd antique I got at Acre, and accompanied by the Song composed by Commander Glanville, late Flag Lt. to Sir R. Stopford. Her Grace wished to see my journal, which I was compelled to refuse.
Monday 25th July
One thing is certain, that since steamers have been so common, kedging, warping, etc are quite out of fashion, and in lieu of ships being compelled to trust to their own resources, they are at the mercy of others. And as it will always take 2 hours at the very least before a steamer can get her steam up, and be alongside you, it must be a very slack ship who could not hoist out boats, lay out warps and progress 2 miles in that time. McKenzie was ordered to call some boats alongside at 8 p.m., whilst we were to find out who they were. It will not be believed that they were Monarch's, and had been in that position since 11a.m. during the whole heat of the day, and without meals, or being relieved. The officer in charge of the Boats must have been an idiot, and the officer of Ship awfully forgetful. Our Navy in some respects has certainly fallen off since my time (13 years).
August to October were spent at Valetta or at sea in its vicinity. In November Indus sailed for the Aegean and the winter was spent at Smyrna (Izmir), Vourla Bay and Piraeus, returning to Malta the following April.
PIRAEUS TO MALTA
Monday, April 24th
The breeze gradually freshened from the westward - our Passengers, though the ship had considerable motion, bore up manfully, especially Miss Heath, who certainly learnt more nautical expressions in half an hour than many midshipmen know when they are about to pass.
Tuesday, April 25th
The breeze has freshened during the night, and we are now under double reefed Topsails, but during the day it decreased until it eventually fell calm. Miss Heath had suffered slightly, but still in the evening was enabled to come upon deck, and state the superiority of sailing vessels over steamers. Poor deluded girl, I thought, wait till you have had three or four days bad weather.
Wednesday, April 26th
Forenoon watch, a strong breeze from the S.E. The ship rattling along 12 knots, wind inclined to draw forward. The Cabin Passengers were equally in good spirits, and calculating the number of days Quarantine the packet, and also Pratique, to enable them to start by the packet of the 4th May.
Mr. Beresford, dressed in Oxford grey Mackintosh, skating through the afterguard, exclaiming, "This is really beautiful travelling. Rail road speed, I declare." and then shackling on to the arm of Tucker upon one side and Mr. Heath Junr. upon the other, commenced, or continued, a learned discussion upon the derivation of some Greek or Hebrew word. Another Passenger, rather a good-looking Maltese, well dressed, and evidently got up for the occasion, fearing the fair wind might possibly drive us to Malta, before he had made his figure familiar to all on board. Whiskers curled with care and a pea green jacket, buttoned very tight. A blue cloth cap cocked upon one side of his head, supported by bushy hair, stiffened with oil, collar of shirt turned over (a la Byron) this is the best description of the upper man a dandy grey pair of breeches, and mosquito painted boots encased his lower person. So determined was he to be seen that he walked the starboard Gangway, the most conspicuous person on board.
At noon the weather became cloudy, but still the spirits of the party were on the ascendant. McKenzie relieved me, and no doubt had made up his mind to carry every stitch of sail she would bear.
Now for the uncertainty of human predictions! At 1 p.m. a squall came - not on the Quarter but upon the Bow! The Tria Sancta or clericals were driven upon the Poop, the quartermaster roaring out, 'No higher', drove them all lower, and the Gay Maltese it is supposed must have been blown down a hatchway, as he suddenly disappeared from the Gangway, and was no more seen, at all events for the remainder of the day.
Miss Heath took to her bed, Tucker to his easy chair. Mr. Beresford to his arrowroot, and McKenzie to despair, frequently exclaiming, 'I have no doubt it will last for a month.' The Green Man has not been seen since, altho' it is known he is somewhere in the darkness of the lower regions. Of course were he dead someone would smell him out, and the general supposition is that he lives in the 'Tiers'! Sunday being a clearing out sort of day, he may be raked out tomorrow.
Thursday, April 27th
Wind and sea having both increased we are just holding our own, under treble-reefed topsails. Ship beautifully easy.
Sunday, April 30th
The tolling of the bell for Divine Service, added to its being perfectly calm had the effect of persuading the Green Man to come upon deck, and whilst at church, I paid the man a visit upon the F'.Castle. An extraordinary change had come over him, he told me he had been nearly dead and had been unable to eat anything. Quite unable to hold his head up, or enter into conversation, he reclined upon the F.Castle gun, and his last words were a wish to be at Malta. In the evening a light air from the S.E. sprang up, and for the first time since we were taken aback, began steering a course.
The summer was spent based on Malta with visits to Naples, Gibraltar and Cadiz.
NAPLES
June 6-10th
A Brig mounting 14 Guns, belonging to his Holiness the Pope, is lying here, and it is the first time I have met one. The Flag is white, having the 2 apostles St. Peter and St. Paul in full length, a crown between them which they are supporting by their right hands, the left of St. Peter holding 2 keys, that of St. Paul, the Bible. The whole outward appearance of this vessel of war, evidently showed his Holiness was not possessed of a creditable set of Naval officers. Her ropes were all slack, and the Fore Jacks were overhauled to enable the shirt and trousers which were drying upon them, to be the more easily got at, which was an odd contrast to the gorgeously dressed sentinel, a regular built soldier of 6 feet, who was parading between these clothes. The quarter Deck was full of officers, principally sitting upon the Boom, all in new uniforms. Probably put on for our edification.
Saturday, July 22nd
Whilst Sir Robert Peel has so much work in his place in Parliament, I observe a society calling themselves 'The Universal Peace Society' are bothering him with addresses and applications for interviews. They are composed of some clever men of all nations, who wish to prevent war, by getting every nation to agree that when ever a difference exists between two, a third shall be the arbiter. The King of the Belgians in London has agreed with them and mentions his having been the mediating power upon one or two occasions. War most undoubtably would be a bad thing for him, having power neither to gain more nor hold what he has.
In September Indus returned to the Aegean and remained there until April 1844, being based at Piraeus.
[LETTER FROM JAMES]
Bermuda
14 October
When you were a child, you were my joy, now you are a man you have become my pride, but my heart still loves you, and in this feeling I have never failed to discharge the duty I owed to the 'memory of her '- in whose bosom you were fondly cherished! Her place God well supplied and now for my sake never forsake your loving and kind-hearted Stepmother, your father's love and happiness!
I remain, dear William,
your affectionate Father,
JAMES HALL.
Having left the Aegean in April Indus returned to Malta and from there sailed for Plymouth. She arrived in Plymouth on 31st May and paid off on the 13th June.
[10-gun brig]
In September William joined the Waterwitch at Portsmouth as First Lieutenant and on 9th October they sailed to carry out sailing trials. The ship had orders to carry out these trials with steam Sloop Firebrand in the SW Approaches about 250 miles SW of Lands End. It was a most uncomfortable voyage. The Waterwitch had been badly repaired on her last visit to the dockyard. She lived up to her name - those on board her lived under water. Water poured into the gun-room and cabins - she leaked and she creaked and they met gale after gale.
After one particularly trying night, William considered he had been unfairly reprimanded by his Captain, and this is what he replied: 'I have only to say that the way you give your orders to your officers whenever you are out of temper, which is frequently the case (for your temper is most variable) is most disagreeable and very different from what I have seen since I have been in the Service. I have never neglected my duty, you know the work we have had, and you had better try me by a court-martial when we get in. I am sure every officer, man, and boy will disprove the statement. I shall take the earliest opportunity to leave your brig and make room for anyone else you like.' William added in his Diaries 'With this I retired. Nothing more transpired this day.'
The Captain of the Waterwitch, Commander T.F.Birch, wrote a letter to the Admiralty requesting that William should be granted his wish - i.e., to join a ship on the West Indies Station, so as to be able to see his father, who was at Bermuda.
A friend, Herbert Austen, put William's name before his father, Admiral Sir Francis Austen, and he was appointed to Vindictive as Supernumerary Lieutenant in 1845.