The Wasp, 1913 · page 346 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 346: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is not a political cartoon but rather **narrative text** from what appears to be a serialized historical fiction story about Admiral John Benbow. The content describes Benbow's character and a naval expedition departing July 11, 1702, to pursue Admiral du Casse. The passage portrays Benbow as a stern, demanding but dedicated naval commander—respected by crew for his sailing expertise but feared rather than loved. He's depicted as austere and solitary, motivated by duty rather than ambition. This appears to be historical narrative content rather than satirical commentary. Without seeing illustrations or knowing the larger serial's context within *The Wasp*, it's unclear what satirical point, if any, the editors intended. The piece may have been entertainment rather than social/political satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 339 and his twenty men like a mother. His crews were constantly at drill, and for their extra work he paid them out of his own pocket. Since joining the Breda he had ceased to live for the moment but for the fight; but beyond the fight his thoughts did not go. Neither hope nor ambition awoke-in him, but he was conscious of something new and soothing in his burned heart— contentment. On the morning of July 11, 1702, Admiral Ben- bow sailed out of Port Royal in search of Admiral du Casse. Benbow’s flag flew on the Breda. His fleet consisted of the ships Breda, Defiance, Wind- sor, Greenwich, and Pendennis, and the frigates Ruby and Falmouth. A rough, tough old sailor was John Benbow, with the heart and the manners of a lion. He had tested his courage and learned his manners in a hard school. His officers immediately in touch with him, of his own ship, respected him, but felt no love for him. His men thought him the greatest sailor afloat—but they feared him like the evil one. He was a lonely soul, and old at fifty-two. Comichooks.com