The Wasp, 1913 · page 356 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 356: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **no cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward historical narrative about a naval battle. The text describes what appears to be a real engagement: a British ship and brig (commanded by someone named John Benbow) fighting against superior French forces (five ships and four frigates) over multiple days. The passage recounts the fourth day of battle, emphasizing British determination ("We are not beaten yet") and casualties, including an officer named James Burnham struck by a wooden splinter. The tone is heroic and commemorative rather than satirical. **The Wasp** was primarily a satirical magazine, so this historical naval account likely served as serious editorial content rather than humor—possibly referencing an actual historical engagement to make a political point about British naval prowess or contemporary naval affairs. Without additional context about the publication date or surrounding pages, the specific historical battle referenced remains unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 349 It was not until the night of the third day of the battle that the two heroic vessels cleared their skirts of the enemy for long enough to make some repairs to their spars and hulls. The survivors of the two crews toiled all night at planks and ropes and spars, hopefully preparing for honorable es- cape; but when morning broke, with a piping wind, John Benbow changed his mind. “We are not beaten yet,” said he. Again he flew his signals for general action and turned upon the enemy—and again the valorous Ruby obeyed the order. This was the fourth day of the battle of one ship and one brig against five ships and four frigates. Two of the French ships were out of action. All showed the marks of Brit- ish teeth. . That day’s fight was not an hour advanced be- fore a flying splinter of teak struck James Burn- ham across the chest and hurled him to the deck, senseless and dying. Henry Todd caught him in his arms as he fell. The admiral went down and knelt beside him. A surgeon poured brandy be- tween the gray lips. Burnham opened his eyes. ) Comichooks.com