WILLIAM REID.–

WILLIAM REID, an old sailor and man-of-war’s-man, who was on board the Owasco, was one of the heroes of the fight at Galveston. During the hottest moments of the battle between the Owasco and the rebel batteries, this man received a severe wound while in the act of loading his rifle. His two forefingers on his left hand were shot away, and the surgeon ordered him below; but he refused to go, and, tying his pocket handkerchief around his fingers, he remained on deck, and did good execution with his rifle. Not more than thirty minutes after another shot struck him in his right shoulder, and the blood spirted out through his shirt. Master’s Mate Arbana then ordered him to go below, and have the surgeon dress his wounds. The brave old fellow said: “No, sir; as long as there is any fighting to be done, I will stay on deck!”

After the engagement was over, the noble-hearted sailor had his wounds dressed and properly attended to. He remained on board the Owasco, and whenever they beat to general quarters, William Reid was at his post ready for orders. He was told one day by the captain to go below, as he was on the sick list, and his place was in the hospital. He was displeased with this remark, and replied: “No, captain, my eyes are good, and I can pull a lock-string as well as any on ‘em.” The lock-string is a lanyard connected with the cap that fires the gun.

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