| | 1 | Author: | Cooper
James Fenimore
1789-1851 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The Two Admirals  | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | The events we are about to relate, occurred near the
middle of the last century, previously even to that struggle,
which it is the fashion of America to call “the old
French War.” The opening scene of our tale, however,
must be sought in the other hemisphere, and on the coast of
the mother country. In the middle of the eighteenth century,
the American colonies were models of loyalty; the very
war, to which there has just been allusion, causing the great
expenditure that induced the ministry to have recourse to
the system of taxation, which terminated in the revolution.
The family quarrel had not yet commenced. Intensely occupied
with the conflict, which terminated not more gloriously
for the British arms, than advantageously for the
British American possessions, the inhabitants of the provinces
were perhaps never better disposed to the metropolitan
state, than at the very period of which we are about to
write. All their early predilections seemed to be gaining
strength, instead of becoming weaker; and, as in nature,
the calm is known to succeed the tempest, the blind attachment
of the colony to the parent country, was but a precursor
of the alienation and violent disunion that were so soon to
follow. “Our ancient friendship, and I am proud to add, affinity
of blood, unite in inducing me to write a line, at this interesting
moment. Of the result of this rash experiment of the
Pretender's son, no prudent man can entertain a doubt.
Still, the boy may give us some trouble, before he is disposed
of, altogether. We look to all our friends, therefore,
for their most efficient exertions, and most prudent co-operation.
On you, every reliance is placed; and I wish I could
say as much for every flag-officer afloat. Some distrust—
unmerited, I sincerely hope—exists in a very high quarter,
touching the loyalty of a certain commander-in-chief, who
is so completely under your observation, that it is felt
enough is done in hinting the fact to one of your political
tendencies. The king said, this morning, `Vell, dere isht
Bluevater; of him we are shure asht of ter sun.' You stand
excellently well there, to my great delight; and I need only
say, be watchful and prompt. “I write this in a bed big enough to ware a ninety in.
I 've been athwart ships half the night, without knowing it,
Galleygo has just been in to report `our fleet' all well, and
the ships riding flood. It seems there is a good look-out
from the top of the house, where part of the roads are visible,
Magrath, and the rest of them, have been at poor Sir Wycherly
all night, I learn, but he remains down by the head,
yet. I am afraid the good old man will never be in trim
again. I shall remain here, until something is decided; and
as we cannot expect our orders until next day after to-morrow,
at the soonest, one might as well be here, as on board.
Come ashore and breakfast with us; when we can consult
about the propriety of remaining, or of abandoning the
wreck. Adieu, | | | Similar Items: | Find |
|
