shall I send to the sick?' But, even without this, the steward would
certainly be taken to task were he to omit inquiring, as a matter of
course, what was wanted in the sick bay. The restoration of the health
of the invalids by such supplies is perhaps not more important, however,
than the moral influence of the attention on the part of the officers.
I would strongly recommend every captain to be seen (no matter for how
short a time) by the bed-side of any of his crew whom the surgeon may
report as dying. Not occasionally, and in the flourishing style with
which we read of great generals visiting hospitals, but uniformly and in
the quiet sobriety of real kindness, as well as hearty consideration for
the feelings of a man falling at his post in the service of his country.
He who is killed in action has a brilliant Gazette to record his
exploits, and the whole country may be said to attend his death-bed. But
the merit is not less--or may even be much greater--of the soldier or
sailor who dies of a fever in a distant land--his story untold, and his
sufferings unseen. In warring against climates unsuited to his frame,
he may have encountered, in the public service, enemies often more
formidable than those who handle pike and gun. There should be nothing
left undone, therefore, at such a time, to show not only to the dying
man, but to his shipmates and his family at home, that his services are
appreciated. I remembered, on one occasion, hearing the captain of a
ship say to a poor fellow who was almost gone, that he was glad to see
him so cheerful at such a moment; and begged to know if he had anything
to say. 'I hope, sir,' said the expiring seaman with a smile, 'I have
done my duty to your satisfaction;' 'That you have, my lad,' said his
commander, 'and to the satisfaction of your country, too.' 'That is all
I wanted to know, sir,' replied the man. These few commonplace words
cost the captain not five minutes of his time, but were long recollected
with gratitude by the people under his orders, and contributed, along
with many other graceful acts of considerate attention, to fix his