#mastheaded

[marryat92]

Jack ascended, taking it very easy: he stopped at the main-top for breath; at the main-topmast head, to look about him; and, at last, gained the spot agreed upon, where he seated himself, and, taking out the articles of war, commenced them again, to ascertain whether he could not have strengthened his arguments. He had not, however, read through the seventh article before the hands were turned up — “up anchor!” and Mr. Sawbridge called, “All hands down from aloft!” Jack took the hint, folded up his documents, and came down as leisurely as he went up.

— Frederick Marryat, Mr. Midshipman Easy

Jack Easy, mastheaded and reading the Articles of War on a Player's Cigarettes card (New York Public Library collection).

[marryat92]

When I was a midshipman, it was extremely difficult to avoid the mast-head. Out of six years served in that capacity, I once made a calculation that two of them were passed away perched upon the cross-trees, looking down, with calm philosophy, upon the microcosm below.

— Frederick Marryat, Newton Forster

Mast-Headed - A Middy in Disgrace, 1873 engraving of a painting by Charles Wynne Nicholls.

[marryat92]

"Mr. M—— ," would the first-lieutenant cry out, "why did you stay so long on shore with the jolly-boat?"

"I went to the post-office for the officers' letters, sir."

"And pray, sir, who ordered you?"

"No one, sir; but I thought—"

"You thought, sir! How dare you think?—go up to the mast-head, sir."

So much for thinking.

— Frederick Marryat, Newton Forster

"The Mast-headed Midshipman", engraving by J.C. Edwards after Clarkson Stanfield

[marryat92]

Unfairly sent to the mast-head as punishment, midshipman Peter Simple is so numb from being wet and cold that he is unable to move or respond when the first lieutenant finally calls him down.

One of the topmen then came up, and perceiving my condition, hailed the deck, and said he believed I was dying, for I could not move, and that he dared not leave me for fear I should fall. O'Brien, who had been on deck all the while, jumped up the rigging, and was soon at the cross-trees where I was. He sent the topman down into the top for a tail-block and the studding-sail haulyards, made a whip, and lowered me on deck. I was immediately put into my hammock; and the surgeon ordering me some hot brandy and water, and plenty of blankets, in a few hours I was quite restored.

— Frederick Marryat, Peter Simple

[marryat92]

"When I was a midshipman, it was extremely difficult to avoid the mast-head. Out of six years served in that capacity, I once made a calculation, that two of them were passed away perched upon the cross-trees, looking down with calm philosophy upon the microcosm below. Yet, although I never deserved it, I derived much future advantage from my repeated punishments. The mast-head, for want of something worse to do, became my study, and during the time spent there, I in a manner finished my education. Volumes after volumes were perused to while away the tedious hours, and I conscientiously believe it is to this mode of punishment adopted by my rigid superiors that the world is indebted for all the pretty books which I am writing."

— Frederick Marryat, Newton Forster

"The Mast-headed Midshipman" illustration by Clarkson Stanfield for Marryat's The Pirate and the Three Cutters

[lazyjacks]

Midshipman Blockhead, Mr B mastheaded or enjoying the fresh air for the 304th time Thomas McLean and George Cruikshank, 1 August 1835 National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object ID PAD4724