It is a hot, humid morning in Boston’s naval yard. Curious spectators, including ladies holding parasols, are boarding numerous boats in the inner harbor in order to witness a launching of a brand new U.S. warship. Two days ago, naval constructor George Claghorn issued an announcement regarding the event. He expressed deep concern for the safety of all spectators, particularly women and children, noting that any unfortunate incident of accidental death would be most displeasing and that maximum precautionary measures should be adopted on the occasion. Towards the end of the announcement, Claghorn referred to the vessel as a Powerful Agent of National Justice.
September 20th, the ship will be launched in an hour. Mr. Claghorn has just paid his respects to the President of the United States who had arrived in Boston specifically to witness the launching. There is still significant commotion in and around the vessel. Both excitement and fear that something may go wrong is in the air. Captain Nickolson is already on deck, he doesn’t mind using foul language and vigorous gesticulations when commanding sailors on board. For those who are seeing him for the first time his manners are almost shocking. A keen observer would notice a look of sincere pleasure in his eyes as he places his hand on the ship’s bow. Nicholson is 54 years old and will die in 14 years, however, the next two years will secure him eternal life on the dusty pages of history. From this day forward, he is the first Captain of the USS Constitution, one of the original six frigates issued by George Washington. USS Constitution’s service will extend from the late 18th century into our times, in varying capacity. She will become the most famous American vessel of all time and I welcome you to take a tour inside of her. Note that I did not take it upon myself to become her virtual scribe, for a memory of her magnitude deserves more than a few pages of digital scribbles.
No comments:
Post a Comment