Note 10 — Chapter II
Reading edition
In 1812 one of the main-deck guns of H.M.S. Bacchante discharged itself suddenly, without apparent cause. The leaden apron was in its place, no fire had been near the gun, and no violent concussion had shaken the ship. The ball killed a midshipman, and narrowly missed the captain of a flagship. The cause of the explosion was never discovered. See “Donat O’Brien’s Adventures,” p. 321. Ed. 1902.