Chapter II · Chapter 2

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

the second largest continent; located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

later than; following

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

anew

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

causing irritation or annoyance

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

a city in western India just off the coast of the Arabian Sea; India's 2nd largest city (after Calcutta); has the only natural deep-water harbor in western India

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

cause to be bored

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

past form of “command” — be in command of

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

inflected form of “commit” — perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

a procession of land vehicles traveling together

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

placed crosswise

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

come together

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

an opposing military force

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

cutlery used for serving and eating food

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

plural of “frenchman” — a person of French nationality

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

plural of “frigate” — a medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

and nothing more

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

the production of eggs (especially in birds)

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

(Roman mythology) god of the sea; counterpart of Greek Poseidon

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

above and across; more than

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

select carefully from a group

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

plural of “prize” — something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

outfitting a ship again (by repairing or replacing parts)

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

the former capital and 2nd largest city of Brazil; chief Brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

Identical; not different.

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

only a very short time before

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

a tax imposed on ships that enter the US; based on the tonnage of the ship

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

a large number or amount

From this reading "I was on my passage out on board the _Exeter_, one of the Indiamen of 1,200 tons, commanded by Captain Meriton.

in the direction of

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Hoping to pick up some prizes, the Frenchmen stood towards us, and we, quite ready for the encounter, bore down towards them.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We had in company the _Bombay Castle, Coutts_, and _Neptune_, of the same tonnage, besides other ships under the convoy of the _Belligeux_, of 64 guns, Captain Bulteel.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

at the time that

From this reading A French squadron of three large frigates, it appeared, after committing a good deal of mischief on the coast of Africa, had crossed over to Rio de la Plata to refit, and had just again put to sea, when, early in the morning, they made out a part, and some of the lighter ships, probably, of our convoy.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.

-ing form of “wipe” — rub with a circular motion

From this reading "But it was scarcely so annoying to the enemy as another in which some Indiamen were engaged in 1800," observed a military officer, laying down his knife and fork, and wiping his moustache.