Ensign Merrill — page 147: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ire ata Re 2 EF So NAA Sets on 3 3 o: on ihe secant ines until the engines » were again ine _ working order, then steam at full speed, maneuvering > the cruiser so that he could rake the enemy’s decks . while not exposing himself to a broadside fire. . _ The distance was still too great for Gatlings, a fact which caused the third officer much annoyance. He was anxious to take an active part in the fracas, and watched the enemy’s approach impatiently. The course steered by the Badger had carried her toward Lookout Island, and it soon became apparent to Mark that he would have to wear ship, as the beach was dangerously near. It was a maneuver he did not care to execute, as it would expose him broadside to the junks for a while, thus offering them a larger target to fire at. But the necessity could not be avoided, so he issued his orders to the boatswain, the latter repeating tliem to the crew. Before commencing to wear, Merrill sent word to the gun-deck to discharge both guns simultaneously, as soon ag they could be loaded. Then under cover of the smoke he brought the cruiser on the other tack before the enemy learned what he intended doing. As soon as they saw the ruse both vessels blazed away, succeed- ing this time in cutting the steamer’s rigging in many important places. The young ensign gazed upon the wreck in dismay for a moment, then his voice rang out along the decks calling all hands to repair damages. Watson, hearing the command, sent up part of his men, retaining just enough to work the pivot gun at greater intervals. He also dispatched a messenger to Ned, advising him of — the disaster, and the latter hurried up with one-half of his division, leaving the battery in charge of a ae numerary. at ie BF eomicbook cor : (evs, >" ara : } : , u ’ “J a