The Wasp, 1918 · page 308 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 308: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a narrative excerpt rather than a cartoon, depicting a naval impressment scene (likely 18th-century, given references to "Admiral Benbow"). A young naval lieutenant attempts to impress James Fitzwalter into service. What begins as a violent confrontation—with Henry Todd drawing a knife—transforms when Fitzwalter reveals himself as an educated gentleman willing to volunteer. Rather than accept release based on class status, Fitzwalter insists on serving and even offers to purchase a master gunner's commission with fifty guineas. The satire likely mocks several targets: the arbitrary violence of impressment gangs, the class-based exemptions available to the educated wealthy, and perhaps glorified patriotism. Fitzwalter's immediate transformation from rowdy gang member to eloquent volunteer suggests either character complexity or satirical commentary on how respectability and financial means could manipulate the naval recruitment system. The admiral (Benbow) remains an unseen authority figure.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP ~ 299 gang ; but James, who seemed to be as sober as a judge, raised no protest with voice or hand. He ordered Henry Todd to return his knife to its sheath, silenced his bawling companions with an oath, then doffed his hat to the young lieutenant whocommandedthe press. Hevowed that nothing could possibly suit his humour like ‘serving her majesty against the French, threw gold upon the table, and shouted for a fresh brew of punch for all hands. What had promised to be a ead a impress- ment became a friendly party. *““T see that you are a gentleman, sir—a man of education and property,” said the lieutenant ; **'so I must let you go.” : “Not at all, sir!” replied James. “If the _ admiral needs men, then let him take men of breeding as well as the sweepings of the port. I am at his service. My name is James Fitz- walter. But a word in your ear, my dear sir— which same I shall expect you to repeat into the ear of the admiral. I know something of big guns ; and if fifty guineas will buy me the rating and berth of a master gunner, then do I most _ freely volunteer my services to her majesty and Admiral Benbow.” “This is very handsome of you,” replied ta: comichooks.com