Ensign Merrill — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

,F Ad ? ° . a0. THE MYSTERIOUS ee , . _ 7 lead + a ater’ my C whi ee ‘. md ie reshape s <! i : ay - . ‘ ; ; ; . re 4 * Gs ; ’ - / ny 5 : te . o + “J r i the answer, the merchant sent him back to his seat. (Jeneral Rollins had in the meantime writte1 out the order on his American agent for the munitions of war, and, after the porter had been examined, declared hig intention ef carrying it personally to the office. Ags there was nothing more to bs arranged immediately, _the party left the office. Before going, however, Mark was given a written commission as commander of the proposed navy, and instructed to use his own discretion about engaging the necessary crew. It was decided in council that the force would consist of one hundred and fifty men, including officers. This was considered ample, in view of the fact that the craft would carry Gatlings. It was Mark’s intention to enlist the services of a midshipman from the Trenton, a would jump at the chance of serving on such an expe- dition. ‘The cadet, Edward Gage, or Ned as he was tried and truefriend of his. He knew the young officer — known among his shipmates, would answer very well as his first heutenant on board the Badger. The young ensign considered himself as acting with perfectly good judgment in this selection, as the boy was self-reliant beyond his years, and thoroughly well versed in naval tactics. After leaving the office, Mark concluded to take: a boat and pay another visit to his new command, As the title crossed his mind, he smiled with a pleasure not unmixed with pride, and reflected on the peculiar fi promotion falling to his lot that day. aides every fellow that is wpe er to Bo | to bathiclc an ordi 3 ‘“By Jove!’ he mused, settling himself on the cush- toned seats of the native sampan in preparation for an - eomfortable sail to the distant steamer. Tt As. 7 - A * o S's £ * 4 ; 7 interior town, where he bore an excellent reputation for _ shrewdness and worth. Signifying his satisfaction at oe et ae he lB ee “ie ee _ 5% al ~ 5 ahd hid Ling