s' crew,
which are selected from the very best men on board. The coxswains of
the boats are the most trustworthy men in the ship, and, on this
occasion, have to see that their boats are properly equipped.

The launch, yawl, first and second cutters, were the boats appointed for
the expedition. They all carried guns mounted upon slides, which ran
fore and aft between the men. After the boats were hoisted out, the
guns were lowered down into them and shipped in the bows of the boats.
The arm-chests were next handed in, which contained the cartridges and
ammunition. The shut were put into the bottom of the boats; and so far
they were all ready. The oars of the boats were fitted to pull with
grummets upon iron thole-pins, that they might make little noise, and
might swing fore and aft without falling overboard, when the boats
pulled alongside the privateer. A breaker or two (that is, small casks
holding about seven gallons each) of water was put into each boat, and
also the men's allowance of spirits, in case they should be detained by
any unforeseen circumstances. The men belonging to the boats were fully
employed in looking after their arms; some fitting their flints to their
pistols, others, and the major part of them, sharpening their cutlasses
at the grindstone, or with a file borrowed from the armourer--all were
busy and all merry. The very idea of going into action is a source of
joy to an English sailor, and more jokes are made, more merriment
excited, at that time than any other. Then, as it often happens, that
one or two of the service boats' crews may be on the sick-list, urgent
solicitations are made by others that they may supply their places. The
only parties who appear at all grave are those who are to remain in the
frigate, and not share in the expedition. There is no occasion to order
the boats to be manned, for the men are generally in long before they
are piped away. Indeed, one would think that it was a party of pleasure
instead of danger and of death upon which they were about to proceed.

Captain Kearney selected the officers who were to have the charge of the
boats. He would not trust any of the midshipmen on so dangerous a
service. He said, that he had known so many occasions in which their
rashness and foolhardiness had spoilt an expedition; he therefore
appointed Mr Phillott, the first lieutenant, to the launch; O'Brien to
the yawl; the master to the first, and Mr Chucks, the boatswai