History of the Indian Navy; (1613-1863) Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 edition. Excerpt: ... his earnest desire to raise the tone of the young officers Sir Charles Malcolm stopped their being allowed ship's grog, and substituted wine, which he procured from a firm--' Sholton and Malcolm'--on favourable terms, and also got the officers the privilege of obtaining outfit and uniform at prime cost from Englaud, through the Army Clothing Department. These were well meant acts, but raised the first cry of jobbery against him, which was the chief reproach he ever had to his name; aud though it was a slander, yet he showed weakness in taking the part of the firm he had patronized, when they evidently did try to screw out of the officers a profit by supplying inferior articles; and it ended by a great row, and his giving up the pet scheme under the advice of Government. He was a fine, gentlemanly, kind man, and was certainly the greatest friend we ever had; his rule was just and mild, but dignified; the transition of the old to the new style of things was wisely and gradually done, and with much tact and discrimination. He also fostered and established the scientific branch of the Service on a sound footing; infusing a tone of zeal and enthusiasm that had the happiest effect, and was able to work wonders by his personal and kindly influence. Latterly he fell into bad health, and had less cordial support from Government. He showed weakness in his administration from failing powers, and was superseded when it was decided to introduce steam into the Service more generally." The contrast between the character of the first Superintendent and that of the second, was very marked. Captain Oliver was a seaman of the Ben bow school, caring little for dress and those amenities in his intercourse with the officers of the Service, which go so far to...