A GAME-COCK IN A FAMOUS SEA-FIGHT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1682, 10 May 1884, Page 4

A GAME-COCK IN A FAMOUS SEA-FIGHT.

On tlio mcmorablo first of Juno (Lord Howe's victory). Captain Berkeley commanded the Marlborough, and broke through the .French lines between L'lmpctueux ai;d Le Mutiiuy each of superior force, and engaged them both. On going into action the Captain ordered all the live stock to be thrown overboard, but at the humble request of his crow permitted them to retain an old gamecock, with which they (the crew) had fought several times, and always with success, In the action the Marlborough was so. severely handled by her opponents that half the. crow were disabled, her captain curried wounded below, her mainmast shot away, and tho remainder of the men driven from their quarters At the very juncture when the Marlborough was on tho point or striking, there chanced to be ono of those lulls in the roar of the thundering cannon often heard in general action. In that momentary silence, when tho falling of a rope might be heard, the old game cock, hopped up upon the shattered stump of a mainmast, and with a loud and triumphant flapping of his wings, sent forth Such a long and lusty ohallengo as to be heard in every part of the ship, No individual spoke in reply to the homely but touching alarm; one universal and gallant cheer from the broken crew arose, they remembered tho indomitable courage of the bird that sat undismayed above the bleeding horrors of tho deck, and every soul on board who could drag their limbs to quarters re-manned the guns, resumed the action, and forced each of their opponents to surrender, A silver medal was struck by order of Admiral Berkeloy, it was hung upon the neck of the old game cock, who, in the parks and around the princely halls of Goodwood, passed the remainder of his days in honored safety.—From tho Home companion, 1852.