This is what seamen do daily, and for one another. One lights
occasionally upon different stories. It happened, not very long since,
that the passengers by one of the great ocean steamers were wrecked,
and, after undergoing the most severe hardships, were left, destitute
and helpless, at a miserable coaling port. Amongst them were old men,
ladies, and children. When the next steamer arrived, the passengers by
that steamer took alarm at the haggard and miserable appearance of
their unfortunate predecessors, and actually REMONSTRATED WITH THEIR OWN
CAPTAIN, URGING HIM NOT TO TAKE THE POOR CREATURES ON BOARD. There
was every excuse, of course. The last-arrived steamer was already
dangerously full: the cabins were crowded; there were sick and delicate
people on board--sick and delicate people who had paid a large price
to the company for room, food, comfort, already not too sufficient.
If fourteen of us are in an omnibus, will we see three or four women
outside and say "Come in, because this is the last 'bus, and it rains?"
Of course not: but think of that remonstrance, and of that Samaritan
master of the "Purchase" brigantine!

In the winter of '53, I went from Marseilles to Civita Vecchia, in one
of the magnificent P. and O. ships, the "Valetta," the master of which
subsequently did distinguished service in the Crimea. This was his first
Mediterranean voyage, and he sailed his ship by the charts alone, going
into each port as surely as any pilot. I remember walking the deck at
night with this most skilful, gallant, well-bred, and well-educated
gentleman, and the glow of eager enthusiasm with which he assented, when
I asked him whether he did not think a RIBBON or ORDER would be welcome
or useful in his service.

Why is there not an ORDER OF BRITANNIA for British seamen? In the
Merchant and the Royal Navy alike, occur almost daily instances and