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An Aide-de-camp's Recollections of Service in China
An Aide-de-camp's Recollections of Service in China Author:Arthur Augustus Thurlow Cunynghame Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: 12 MAN OVERBOARD. CHAPTER II. Man overboard—Life-buoy—Man falling from the mast-head- Burial at sea—Bear up for South America—Cape Frio—Harbour of Rio Jane... more »iro—La Gloria—Corcovado—Palace of the Emperor —French plays—The Opera—Population o. the town—Slaves— Barometer—Row in the town ol Rio—Pay-money. At about half-past ten on the morning of the 18th, as I was quietly writing in my cabin, I was aroused by the cry of " A man overboard!" I immediately jumped up, and rushing to the stern windows, saw the poor fellow struggling in the waves; we were going close on the wind at the rate of about four knots: he appeared to swim with confidence and strength, and I felt no doubt in my own mind as to his being saved. I had not been watching him many seconds, when I observed that the life-buoy had been let go, and that he was not very far distant from it; this gave me additional assurance of his safety. I returned to my cabin for my telescope, wishing more narrowly to watch his countenance; but on again search- The life-buoy is fixed at the stern of all ships bearing Her Majesty's pendant; it is made of iron in the form of two globes, connected by a tube of the same metal; these being filled with air are thus rendered very buoyant; it is attached to the vessel in such a way as it may be readily slipped by pulling a knob of iron or brass in the same way as you would ring a common door bell. A portfire is attached in order that, should circumstances require its use by night, it may be effectual in its object; this is ignited by pulling another wire prior to letting it go; it then shows a most brilliant light around for a very considerable distance; were this wanting, it would be of small utility in the darkness of night. FEARFUL ACCIDENT. 13 ing the waves, I could see no sig...« less