Editing Three-decker (section)

==Respect of a patriotic community==
Three-deckers held special respect among the local community and the troops who farewelled these ships when they left the harbour. Such patriotism was expressed when [[HMS Britannia (1820)|HMS ''Britannia'']] left Portsmouth bound for [[Oriental Crisis of 1840|active service in the Mediterranean]], in October 1840:

{{cquote|It is customary at all times for many persons to congregate on the platform  when a three-decker leaves the harbour, for such an occurrence is somewhat rare; but the events connected with the necessity of reinforcing our squadron in the Mediterranean, and the contemplation of this noble ship may be called upon to take part in these [[Oriental Crisis of 1840|measures already so gallantly begun]], imparted additional interest to ''Britannia'' leaving the harbour; and on this occasion, therefore, the platform and ramparts were crowded with spectators. When the [[HMS Britannia (1820)|''Britannia'']] came abreast of the platform at 11 o'clock, the hour at which the troops appointed for the day's duty are inspected prior to their marching off to their respective guards, the commanding officer ordered the troops to pile their arms and mount the ramparts ... followed by the splendid band of the [[72nd Regiment, Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders|72d Regiment]], and, waving their caps, spontaneously gave three hearty cheers, in which they were joined by the concourse assembled. This was repeated several times, the band continuing to play "[[Rule, Britannia!|Rule Britannia]]."<ref>''The Times'', London, article CS33976147. 19 October 1840. Retrieved 30 April 2004.</ref>}}