The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #167430   Message #4181880
Posted By: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
18-Sep-23 - 06:26 AM
Thread Name: Maritime work song in general
Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
“After various delays, we were at last ready for sea, and under sailing orders. The tide and wind were both propitious; then came the long-expected cry of the boatswain, “All hands up anchor, ahoy!” The crew manned the capstan in a trice, and running round to the tune of a lively air played by the fifer, the huge anchor rapidly left the mud of the Thames, and hung at the bows of our frigate.” [p.6]

“After these and other preparations for another cruise were completed, the hoarse voice of the boatswain rang through the ship, crying, “All hands up anchor, ahoy!” In an instant the capstan bars were shipped, the fifer was at his station playing a lively tune, the boys were on the main-deck holding on to the “nippers,” ready to pass them to the men, who put them round the “messenger” and cable; then, amid the cries of “Walk round! heave away, my lads!” accompanied by the shrill music of the fife, the anchor rose from its bed, and was soon dangling under our bows.” [p.10]
[The Life of a Sailor Boy, Chamber's Miscellany of Instructive & Entertaining Tracts, vol.4, 1858]