In such fearful times, the funeral is
generally made to follow close upon the death.
"While the people are repairing to the quarter-deck, in obedience to
the summons of the bell, the grating on which the body is placed, being
lifted from the main-deck by the messmates of the man who has died, is
made to rest across the lee-gangway. The stanchions for the man-ropes
of the side are unshipped, and an opening made at the after-end of the
hammock netting, sufficiently large to allow a free passage. The body is
still covered by the flag already mentioned, with the feet projecting
a little over the gunwale, while the messmates of the deceased arrange
themselves on each side. A rope, which is kept out of sight in these
arrangements, is then made fast to the grating, for a purpose which will
be seen presently. When all is ready, the chaplain, if there be one on
board, or, if not, the captain, or any of the officers he may direct
to officiate, appears on the quarter-deck and commences the beautiful
service, which, though but too familiar to most ears, I have observed,
never fails to rivet the attention even of the rudest and least
reflecting. Of course, the bell has ceased to toll, and every one stands
in silence and uncovered as the prayers are read.
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