“The shrill notes of the boatswains' pipes were now heard, a contagious bustle spread along the line, and soon distant music was heard through the fleet, as the men hove round the clattering capstans. Loud voices soon proclaimed, "Short,"—and "Loose sails," was the word.”
[The Night Watch, Vol.I, 1828]



“The bell had just gone one in the first watch, and it was dark. The lobster fifer turned up his whistle, and up we were lugging it, stamp and go, when, by the Lord Harry! I run foul of the Samson's port, and was all but jammed in the snatch-block….”
[The Night Watch, Vol.II, 1828]