human
Don't you think, Mr Saunders, that it's a shame that men of rank like myself should be at the beck and call of such old fogies as my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty? he exclaimed.
gpt
I have had positively to give up Lady Seacombe's ball on the 15th. Putting my own feelings aside, there will be several sweet girls who will be bitterly disappointed.
human
I don't know anything about balls, except round shot and musket-balls, answered the first lieutenant.
gpt
For my part, if I'm asked the use of a ship-of-war, I should say that it is to be afloat, looking after the interests of the country. I don't know, however, since the Government have thought fit to shake hands with the French and Spaniards, and to knock under to the Yankees, what we have got to do; only I do know that we shall never get the ship into a proper state of discipline till we're at sea, and can exercise the men at their guns, reefing and shortening sail.
human
Oh, yes, to be sure! that's a very proper matter for you to think about, Mr Saunders, said the captain;
gpt
Thank you, my lord. If you leave the matter to me, I'll do my best to make the ship's company the smartest in the service,
human
Well, I'm much obliged to you, and will support you to the best of my ability,