VI -Memoir of fleeming Jenkin

In the chapter of “Memoir of Fleeming Jenkin,” the narrative captures the adventurous essence of maritime exploration and telegraph cable laying operations in the late 19th century. The setting is vividly described aboard a ship enveloped in a daunting, wet fog, with the crew anxiously navigating through uncertainty. The sudden clearance of fog, revealing their guide ship, the WM. CORY, and the small welcoming boat, the GULNARE, amidst a grand procession, marks a dramatic turn from anxiety to relief and progress. This transition from the groping search in the fog to the structured efforts in laying the cable underlines the unpredictable nature of their work, highlighted by moments of camaraderie, such as the anticipation of receiving letters and the expression of admiration for the Americans.

The narrative then shifts to personal reflections, beginning with an eager anticipation of departure from Plymouth, where the smell of the sea and the sight of the HOOPER readying for voyage stir a deep, adventurous spirit within the author. An intimate depiction of the pre-departure preparations paints a vibrant picture of maritime life, from the bustling arrangements, the peculiar atmosphere of a ship being coaled, to the social fabric woven through champagne lunches and polite exchanges among the crew and guests. The mention of a yacht cruise to the Eddystone lighthouse and the sensation of regaining “sea-legs” amplifies the theme of embracing the sea’s call.

Furthermore, the chapter intricately recounts the journey off Madeira, illustrating the scientific endeavor of sounding the ocean’s depths alongside the serene beauty of dawn breaking over the islands. The author’s acknowledgment of his limitations in conducting “real work” due to the sea’s effects on him introduces a humble perspective on the challenges faced at sea. The subsequent detailed account of life aboard the HOOPER, with its menagerie of animals and the comedic struggle between the cook and impertinent goats, injects a light-heartedness into the narrative, showcasing the communal and lively aspect of seafaring life, despite the serious undertone of their mission.

The chapter masterfully intertwines detailed accounts of technical endeavors with vivid descriptions of maritime life, personal reflections, and a keen observation of human and animal interactions aboard the ship. It establishes a narrative that is as much about the scientific and exploratory ambitions of the era as it is about the human experience of adventure, camaraderie, and the inevitable confrontation with the elements.