234 CONFEDERATE PORTRAITS
were over an hour setting the two topgallant sails. The men appeared to be dissatisfied." ^^ And if it be urged that this was in September, 1862, before conditions were comfortably adjusted, we can turn to a still more severe account given by a reliable witness, in November, 1863, when the Alabama had run more than half of her troubled course. "Crew much dissatisfied, no prize money, no liberty, and see no prospect of getting any. Discipline very slack, steamer dirty, rigging slovenly. Semmes sometimes punishes, but is afraid to push too hard. . . . Crew do things for which would be shot on board American man-of-war ; for instance, saw one of crew strike a master's mate ; crew insolent to petty officers ; was told by at least two thirds of them that they would desert on the first opportunity. . . . While on board saw drill only once, and that at pivot guns, very badly done ; men ill-disciplined and were forced to it ; lots of curs-
In such surroundings it might be vain to look for per- sonal attachment. Perhaps even Jackson or Stuart would have been unable to inspire any. Still, in his book — the passage does not occur in his log — Semmes speaks of both officers and crew with what appears to be real aflec- tion. ** When men have been drenched and wind-beaten in the same storm, . . . there is a feeling of brotherhood that springs up between them, that it is difficult for a landsman to conceive." 20 His sailors certainly had im- mense confidence in him, as well they might, and it is said
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