William Francis Lynch

“ In the meantime, while the ship was being prepared for her legitimate duty of supplying the squadron with stores, I had, by special authority, two metallic boats, a copper and a galvanized iron one, constructed, and shipped ten seamen for their crews. I was very particular in selecting young, muscular, native-born Americans, of sober habits, from each of whom I exacted a pledge to abstain from all intoxicating drinks. ”

“ Each officer carried his sword, and all, officers and men, were provided with ammunition belts. As taking the boats apart would be a novel experiment, which might prove unsuccessful, I had two low carriages without bodies made, for the purpose of endeavouring to transport the boats from the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee. The carriages, when fitted, were taken apart and compactly stowed in the hold, together with two sets of harness for draught horses. The boats, when complete, were hoisted in, and laid keel up on a frame prepared for them ”