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Propulsion by means of a screw was at this time a novelty, the steamships of war being generally large paddle boats and sailing ships combined, a state of transition between the frigate of Nelson's day and the modern steamship. The two captains, hearing that some ships lay off the town of Eckness, some way up a narrow river, determined to cut them out.
The Arrogant accordingly anchored, swung broadside to the shore, and engaged the batteries; while the Hecla, throwing shells at the enemy, steamed up to Eckness, and running alongside a barque, the only one of the vessels afloat, to the astonishment and dismay of the inhabitants took her in tow, and carried her off in triumph. The two ships then returned down the river with their prize.
As they passed close to the fort, they witnessed the state of complete ruin which they had so speedily caused, guns dismounted, carriages blown to fragments, and accoutrements and helmets scattered around. As they proceeded up the river the town of Eckness now opened ahead of the two steamers, and before the town lay the vessels which they wished to carry off.
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