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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f521f9a --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #64171 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64171) diff --git a/old/64171-0.txt b/old/64171-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 73aed79..0000000 --- a/old/64171-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7990 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of On Board the "Rocket", by Robert C. -(Chamblet) Adams - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: On Board the "Rocket" - -Author: Robert C. (Chamblet) Adams - -Release Date: December 29, 2020 [eBook #64171] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Image source(s): https://archive.org/details/onboardrocket00adamrich - -Produced by: Richard Hulse, Graeme Mackreth and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The Internet - Archive/American Libraries.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ON BOARD THE "ROCKET" *** - - -[Illustration: THE ROCKET.] - - - - - ON BOARD THE "ROCKET." - - - BY - ROBERT C. ADAMS. - - - "----Ships are but boards, sailors but men: there be land-rats - and water-rats, water-thieves and land-thieves." - - --_Merchant of Venice._ - - - BOSTON: - D. LOTHROP COMPANY, - FRANKLIN ST., CORNER OF HAWLEY. - - - - - COPYRIGHT BY - Robert C. Adams, - 1879. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -All the incidents of this book are facts, occurring in the writer's -own experience. In a few cases names have been altered, in accordance -with his desire, neither to give offence to the living, nor to cast -discredit upon the dead. He makes no apology for its imperfections; -for he issues it, not as a contribution to literature, but as a needed -exposure of abuses on shipboard, which are too common, but too little -known. He refers with diffidence to his own methods of discipline, -believing that in the principles which prompted them, lie the means of -promoting the interests and good repute of our Merchant Marine. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. - - The _Rocket_--The Cargo--Shipping the Crew--The - Start--Rolling--Discomfort--Quiet--Gale--Storm - Music--Discipline--Northeast - Trades--Aye! Aye!--Doldrums--Sharks--A - Shark Story--South-east Trades. - - - CHAPTER II. - - A Saucy Sailor--Sailors' Treatment--An Easy Ship--Three - Kinds of Discipline--A Good Run--Proving the Reckoning--Sea - birds. - - - CHAPTER III. - - The Voyage of the "Dublin"--Capt. Streeter--A Darkey - Crew--No Profanity--The Mates--A Bully--A Tobacco - Cargo--Owner's Instructions--A Blower--No Sitting - Down--Pomposity--Brass Knuckles--Flogging--The Third - Mate--Reefing Topsails--Mr. Jones--A Smart Officer--The - Brick-wall Theory--Reflections--Good Advice--Land, - ho!--Porpoises--Mother Carey's Chickens--Captain and - Mate--Land In Sight--Overheard--Gibraltar--Information--Where - Christ was born--In the Mediterranean--Jake--Gulf of - Lyons--Genoa Bay--Quarantine--Discharging Cargo. - - - CHAPTER IV. - - The Voyage of the "Dublin" concluded--_Genova La Superba_--Leave - of Absence--On Shore in Italy--Loading Marble--Mates' - Opinions about Driving Sailors Ashore--Women in - Ships--Anchor at Gibraltar--Through the Straits--Pumps - Choked--How to Clinch Buntlines--Cleaning the Spittoon--A - Sleepy Officer's Danger--Holystones--Beating a Boy--Officers' - Ambition--Eternal Vigilance--Old Jenkings--A - Breeze Aloft--The Pilot's Rebuff--Blood Tubs--Paying - Off--Promotion--The Mate and the Owner. - - - CHAPTER V. - - John Shephard--My Model Sailor--Christmas--Ode to the - _Rocket_--Grub--Doubtful Islands--Becalmed off Java--Officers' - Yarns--Off Java Head--Narrow Escape--A Floating - Light. - - - CHAPTER VI. - - Life in the East Indies--Carimata Passage--Singapore--Three - Months' Extra Pay. - - - CHAPTER VII. - - Penang--Penang Hill--Nearly Wrecked--Deliverance--West - Coast of Sumatra--Padang--Padang Thieves--Padang - Church--Malay Ordination--Padang Drives--Natives--Captain - Blowhard--Insolence. - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - Another Voyage in the "Dublin"--Second Mate--Mr. Howard's - Grievances--Mr. Howard Leaves--Leaking--The New - Mate--Second Mates' Duties--Ships' Work--Squalls--Old - Harry--At the Fore-truck--Amsterdam--Dutchmen--The - Captain's Relapse--Worrying the Second Mate--Dreams--A - Growl--A Cabin Conference--An Irish Sailor--Two Finnish Sailors. - - - CHAPTER IX. - - Another Voyage in the "Dublin" concluded--A North Sea Gale--The - Lee Shore--In Distress--Good-bye to Old Harry--Captain's - Yarns--Bullies--Gothenburg--Another Start--Decks Swept--Stopping - the Leak--Hurrying the Crew--A Hard Life--A Freezing Gale--A - False Bearing--Weatherwise--Leaving the "Dublin"--Mr. Wright's - Letter--Capt. Streeter's End. - - - CHAPTER X. - - Land Again--The "Flying Dutchman"--A Cape of Good - Hope Gale--Gales--Rolling Down to St. Helena--Watch - and Watch--Tarring Down--Sailors' Growls--Sailors' - Opinions--Discontent in the Cabin--Ills of Sea Life. - - - CHAPTER XI. - - Sailors' Resources--The Tar Barrel--A Wild Ship--Boarding - a Vessel--Ready for Port. - - - CHAPTER XII. - - Sailors' Songs--Bully or Coax--Treatment of Sailors--Schooner - "Jane"--A Mackerel Shower--Fog on the Coast--Taking - a Pilot--Arrived--Paying off--Scraping Belaying - Pins. - - "Once more upon the waters, yet once more! - And the waves bound beneath me, as a steed - That knows his rider." - - --_Byron's Childe Harold._ - - "Who would not sell a farm and go to sea?"--_Sailor Proverb._ - - - - -ON BOARD THE "ROCKET." - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - -In Lloyds Register is recorded:--"_Rocket_, Bk. 384, 135, 25, 16.5, -1851, Medford, W.O., icf.," which being interpreted means, Bark -_Rocket_, 384 tons, 135 feet long, 25 feet beam, 16-1/2 feet depth of -hold, built in 1851, at Medford, of white oak, with iron and copper -fastenings. To which may be added, that she was a well known trader -to the East Indies, being called in those ports "the green bark," on -account of being painted a dark green, or what the painters style tea -color. She was a good looking vessel, neatly finished about the decks, -and the masts and yards were all scraped bright. The chief peculiarity -was that she was narrow in proportion to her length, being compared by -an old sailor to "a plank set on edge." This caused her to be reputed, -and not undeservedly, a crank vessel, and many a gloomy croaker has -uttered the foreboding that like her sister ship, the "Dauntless," she -would go to sea sometime--never to return. Yet for many years she had -gone and come, and though occasionally threatening to capsize, she had -never really performed this undesirable manœuvre. The builder and the -subsequent owner were two of the most practical merchants of Boston. -She must therefore have been well put together and properly cared for, -as there was truth in the remark made, that "what Nat G----, and Dick -B---- didn't know about a ship wasn't worth knowing." - - * * * * * - -The _Rocket_ was lying at Central Wharf in Boston, loading a cargo -for the East Indies. Barrels of beef, pork, tar and pitch were stowed -in the bottom; then followed in miscellaneous order, lumber, sewing -machines, kerosene oil, flour, biscuits, preserves, ice pitchers, -carriages, oars and many other articles. - -As the sailing day drew near, the important matter of choosing officers -and crew had to be considered. The first person who applied was an -aspirant to the mate's berth. - -"How long have you been to sea?" was asked. - -"Thirty years." - -"Why! how old are you?" - -"Twenty-nine." - -"How do you make that out?" - -"Oh, I was born and bred at sea." - -He was thought to be too old a sailor for a young captain to manage, -and was not engaged. Soon a young man applied, with more modest -demeanor, and he was secured. The rest of the crew were soon picked -out. Wishing to choose for myself who should sail with me for so many -months, the shipping master was told to send on board any good men -who applied to him, giving the preference to Norwegians and Swedes, -these being, in my opinion, both in seamanship and docility, the best -class of sailors that man our vessels. Germans and Scotchmen he was -told to favor next, then Englishmen, and lastly Irishmen, for these, -though often capital seamen, do not as readily as some others endure -privations without grumbling, and are too strong republicans to be -always submissive subjects of a despotic government such as that of -shipboard. American sailors unfortunately are not often in the choice. -They are soon promoted from the forecastle, if they enter it, or else -after short service find they can do better on shore, than by leading a -dog's life at sea. - -One afternoon in September all the crew were mustered on board. Captain -Jack Frost came alongside with his tug boat, and his cheery voice -hailed, "Are you all ready, Cap.? Pass out your lines!" The owner said, -"Good-by," and moving towards his yacht, added, "I'm going to give you -a race down the harbor." The fasts were cast off, the bark was tugged -out into the stream; then with topsails set before a strong nor'wester -she showed the towboat the advisability of getting out of her way. We -should have thought she was sailing fast, had not the yacht "Vesta" -overtaken us, crossed our bow, and boomed away down Broad Sound, under -jib and mainsail. Just inside of Boston light we rounded to and let the -pilot get into the canoe from the station pilot boat; then, filling -away, the course was shaped for Cape Cod and the voyage had begun. The -anchors being secured, the top-gallantsails were loosed, and leaving -all the accompanying fleet astern, away we sped, ten knots an hour, and -in four hours passed the Race Light. - -The crew numbered eight men and two boys before the mast, a cook, cabin -boy, two mates and captain, fifteen all told, besides one passenger, a -young gentleman travelling for health. Owing to the late hour in the -day at which we sailed, the men had taken several parting glasses with -their friends, and some were inclined to be troublesome. The officers -managed judiciously and kept them quiet, but the mate remarked, he -thought we had "a pretty hard crew." The watches were chosen and the -port watch sent below at eight o'clock, in accordance with the old -maxim "the master takes her out and the mate brings her home." By -this rule the watch variously known as the second mate's, starboard, -or captain's watch, takes eight hours on deck the first night outward -bound, and the mate's, or port watch, does the same the first night of -the homeward bound passage. - -The wind had drawn more northerly, becoming rather "scant" for a -course north of George's Shoal, so we squared away down South Channel. -Being right before wind and sea, the bark, having a large proportion of -her heavy cargo in the lower hold, began to roll most distressingly. -She seemed to nearly dip each rail alternately in quick succession. -As the night wore on it grew worse and worse, every drawer slid out -in the state-rooms, the doors of lockers swung open, their contents -got adrift, kegs of paint took to rolling, the turpentine-can upset, -scenting the air, and the pantry floor showed a medley of tin ware, -crockery, brooms, edibles and sundry "small stores" engaged in -kaleidoscopic performances. After getting some of these things secured -more firmly than had been possible in the haste of their reception, -the weary skipper went to his bed, but not to sleep. The berth was -fore-and-aft and he rolled from side to side with every motion. Then, -in distraction, he removed to the transom sofa running 'thwartships -across the cabin, and here he slipped up and down, standing now on his -feet and then on his head. O, the miseries of that night! The close -cabin, the smoky oil-lamp, the smell of turpentine and the quick, -incessant motion created suggestions of sea sickness, even to a veteran -mariner. The mind sympathized with the body, and thus the captain -reflected:--"O, what a fool I am to go to sea, there are the beautiful -home, the spacious rooms, the comfortable and steady bed, the beloved -family circle. What have I done? Renounced them all for a year. For -what? To be shut up in this dismal den, with a crowd of rude vagabonds, -deprived of everything that makes life enjoyable, and visited with -everything to make it miserable. Only let me set foot on shore again -and you'll never catch me on board of a ship." - -The morning light was welcome and George's Shoals being well cleared, -the vessel's course was altered to the eastward, bringing the wind more -on the side and steadying her movements. This is one of the pleasures -of sea life, the cessation of motion. "Then are they glad because -they be quiet." But as sea-life originates the evil, it deserves no -credit for the temporary relief. The breeze moderated and we made -easy progress, while the crew were busily at work stowing anchors and -chains, putting on chafing gear, and making the various preparations -for a long voyage. A pilot boat came under our stern to satisfy her -curiosity as to our identity. As she disappeared, we felt that our -last friend on American shores had left us, and we set our faces -resolutely towards the regions beyond. The next day the weather became -threatening. Though October had set in, no gale had yet occurred fit to -be named "the equinoctial storm," therefore, one was considered due by -all who believed in that old-fashioned institution. A gale did come, -but its connection with the equinox was not clearly established. It -blew fiercely enough, however, to deserve that respectable title, and -forced the vessel to lie to under a close-reefed main-topsail, which -finally had to be "goose-winged" (one side of it furled.) The mate went -aloft himself to encourage the crew in braving the storm. For two hours -it blew with almost hurricane violence, or as the mate expressed it, "a -perfect screamer," and we began to fear we should not escape unharmed, -as the seas were getting very "ugly." But the _Rocket_ lay to safely -and behaved splendidly. All night the wind held on with violence, but -at day-break it began to moderate and we escaped with no other damage -than splitting a jib and foretopmast staysail. - -A gale of wind at night is a sublime, though fearful, scene. The ship -plunges wildly in the darkness, and skies and waters are equally black, -only relieved by the foaming crests of the mountain waves. But perhaps -the most impressive feature is the music of the gale, nature's grand -organ, or, if any prefer the simile, its bagpipe. The sub-bass of the -storm, as it sweeps over the waves against the hull and through the -lower rigging of the ship, forms the great volume of sound, and above, -in constantly changing variety, come shrieks, screams, wailings and -whistlings of every pitch and intensity, sounding from aloft as the -wind drives through sheave-holes, against the small rigging, and into -cracks in the spars. Few listen to these sounds without an impression -of awe or even dread, and many a brave heart, which scarcely knows -the meaning of the word fear, has felt a thrill and shudder as the -discordant screams and howlings of the midnight gale unite with the -roaring and dashing of the breaking waves. - -For the next three days we tumbled about in the subsiding waves, -and experienced the most unpleasant part of a storm, which is not -positively dangerous. The excitement and touch of romance pertaining to -the gale have gone. The disagreeable motion, as the ship, not steadied -by the force of the wind, is tossed to and fro on the waves, which -the gale leaves to testify of its vehemence, causes much discomfort. -Then we "reel to and fro and stagger like a drunken man and are at our -wits end" how to maintain composure of mind, amidst so much bodily -disquietude. - -At the commencement of the voyage, I took the first opportunity to call -the officers together on the poop-deck, and privately instruct them in -my ideas of discipline. - -This was the drift of my remarks: - -For some years past I have made it a rule that there shall be no -cursing or blows used or given on board of my ship. In saying this, I -do not mean that I wish sailors to be allowed to do as they like, or -that I do not wish good discipline maintained. I have sometimes had -to reprove officers for cursing the men and throwing belaying pins at -them, and they seemed to feel that I had curtailed their rights. With -a vindictive spirit, disguised by an air of injured innocence, they -then neglected their duty and made no effort to keep the crew in proper -order, saying, "If the old man doesn't care, I'm sure I don't." Let me -tell you my plan of keeping discipline. - -When we start on a voyage the crew generally come on board more or -less under the influence of liquor. Some of them are all ready for a -fight and do their best to bring it on. If you choose to have a row, -it is the easiest thing in the world to find opportunity for it, and -you know how frequently the occasion is seized, and the ship's deck is -stained with blood before she is clear of the land. Now at the start, I -say, Shut your eyes and ears to instances of personal disrespect, and -do not use force to exact the performance of duty, unless as a last -resort when the interests of the ship positively require it. As soon -as you can spare men from work, get into their bunks those who are so -drunk as to be troublesome and let them sleep themselves sober. You -will often, or indeed generally, find that these are the best "sailor -men" in the ship. It was the rum that made the trouble, and I believe -the only successful way of fighting rum is to attack it before it gets -inside of men. Drunken men are more easily controlled than we think, -but it requires tact to deal with them, and, above all, kindness. I -had a sailor last voyage who was roaring about the deck, brimful of -fight, using his insolence to gain a chance to work it off. I stepped -up to him, and he straightened back to return the expected blow. To -his evident surprise I just laid my hand upon his shoulder, and in a -kind but decided tone said, "My man, you go to your bunk." He fired up, -and said in a saucy way, "Do you mean to say I can't do my duty?" I -replied, "We don't need you just now, you'll feel better after you've -had a nap, and we will call you to turn to just as soon as we want -you." "All right, sir," he growled, in a disappointed sort of way, and -tumbled into the forecastle. The next morning he appeared on deck as -quiet and civil as any body, and during the voyage, after he got over a -touch of the horrors, he proved to be the best sailor-man on board, and -was always as respectful as I could wish. There are many vessels where -he would have been off duty a week with a broken head, and then have -needed a second thrashing to take the ugliness out of him. - -After we are fairly at sea things generally go on smoothly for about -a fortnight and then the sailors begin to try experiments, to feel -their officers' disposition, test their strictness, and decide how much -liberty they can take. The first sign of this is the neglect to give -an answer to orders, or omitting the word "Sir" from their reply. They -watch to see if this is noticed, and if it is not, they advance to -other liberties, and the inch being granted they very soon take the ell. - -When you find this state of things beginning, and a man ceases to give -a respectful answer, check him for it in a manly way, and give him -to understand that such things will not be allowed on board of this -vessel. Do not curse him, nor strike him, nor threaten him in a way to -make him ugly, but rather seek while maintaining your authority to give -an impression of its justice. If he continues to repeat his offence -after this, then punish him for it, by keeping him up in his watch -below, by giving him disagreeable work, by stationing him aloft in the -night, or by any little requirement, which will make him feel that he -is controlled and compelled to do something against his will. If this -fails to subdue him, after a patient trial of it, (for it is not to be -supposed that every unruly spirit is to be conquered in a moment,) the -thing to be done next is to report him to the captain. He is the only -one to whom the law gives power to inflict punishment. If you undertake -to use force you are in danger of prosecution when you arrive in -port, and you are well aware that our courts are very jealous for the -sailor's rights. The captain should then take the matter up and adopt -such measures of correction as, in his judgment, the case requires. -Very often a simple reproof from him will be all that is necessary, as -showing his decided espousal of his officers' cause, and determination -to stand by them. When this is proved, Jack will be apt to give in, but -in an obstinate case irons may be the necessary resort. - -Of course I don't wish to be annoyed with the report of every little -misdemeanor or sign of insubordination; but when you fail to suppress -them by the means I have referred to, then let me know about it. If -you will adopt this course, although at first it may be too slow a -method for you, I will promise you that when we reach home you will -say you never got more work out of a crew, and never made a passage in -which you took so much comfort, or which you remembered with so great -satisfaction. - -We gave the crew watch and watch, and Saturday afternoon was allowed -them for mending and washing clothes. Sunday at 9 A.M. services were -held in the cabin. Attendance was not compulsory, but as a rule all -hands were present, except the man at the wheel and the officer of the -deck. We made tolerable runs down to lat. 30° N., which we crossed -in lon. 40° W., eleven days out; but here for a few days the "horse -latitudes" assailed us with their calms. We whistled for the wind, -wondered how Job would have acted if he had ever been becalmed, tried -hard to be patient, and thought we were at the threshold of success, -when at last the wind settled at the eastward. A steady freshening -breeze proved we had got the north-east trades, and the log line, as it -marked nine knots over the taffrail, enabled us to be patient without -further effort. - -Running along by the wind at the rate of eight and nine knots an hour, -with a regular sea that gave only a pleasing motion to the vessel, and -a blue sky enlivened by the swiftly flying, fleecy trade-wind clouds, -we understood the reality of "the romance of the sea." Flying-fish -continually darted out from under the ship's bow, the beautiful fleet -dolphins ran races, constantly beating us and coming back to try it -again, the fat, puffing porpoises occasionally tumbled across our hawse -and went snorting off to windward; the sea was strewn with patches of -gulf-weed, and Mother Carey's chickens tripped about amongst it as -though afraid of wetting their feet while searching for food. There was -always something to see, and life was never monotonous. - -About this time I noticed that the first signs of the relaxing of -discipline were beginning to appear, in the occasional neglect of -the sailors to answer when spoken to. I watched to see if the mates -attempted to correct it, as I desired they should control the men in -minor matters, and I was relieved soon by hearing the mate call out, -"Why don't you answer when I speak to you?" A brief "growl" followed, -but the sailor, a Swede named Peterson gave in, declared he meant no -disrespect and intended to do his duty. - -The next thing that occurred in the matter of discipline was, that -one night I heard "Old Brown" reply, "Aye! aye!" to an order from -the second mate, omitting the word "Sir." This is considered a great -breach of ship etiquette; trivial as it seems, I was annoyed that -the second mate took no notice of it. The next day I spoke to both -parties separately about it, and the sailor professed to be utterly -unconscious of his omission. He received a brief lecture and gave all -desirable promises of respectful behavior, and "Sirs" were very clear -and distinct for a while. The sailors seeing that they were kept up to -the mark in these little matters, naturally concluded that they would -not be allowed to do as they liked in greater concerns, and the routine -of watch and watch went on harmoniously and efficiently. - -When twenty days out we found ourselves within seven degrees of the -line, but here the trades left us, and for nearly a fortnight the -"doldrums" raged. The bark drifted about with light airs from the -southward, dead ahead, or else lay like a log on the glassy sea, -rolling lazily with the swell, her sails slatting and spars creaking at -every roll. - -[Illustration: Calm continues! Utter disgust!! Captain's growl:--"A -sea life should be avoided and execrated by all sensible men. It is -an utter stagnation of intellect and heart, and only develops hatred -towards our fellow men and murmuring at God's Providence. I have tried -it from beginning to end, and I solemnly and deliberately pronounce -it--a dog's life."] - -An officer of a ship must have good nerves to be able to endure with -patience that dreadful slatting and creaking, even had he no interest -in the progress of the vessel; but to one earnestly desirous of -making a quick passage, as is usually the case with the captain, the -doldrums are the severest test of disposition that can be applied. -As he walks the quarter-deck, whistling through his teeth, searching -in all corners of the horizon for signs of a breeze, he discovers in -the distance a rippling of the water. It gradually comes nearer the -vessel and greets her with a gentle air. The captain orders all sail -to be set, and the canvas swells out to the wind; the rudder stops its -thumping, the water begins to gurgle in the wake, and the captain, -watching the rate of speed as he leans over the lee-quarter, exclaims, -"That's the breeze! go it, old boat! good-by to the doldrums!" But -the wind lessens; there comes an ominous slat of the spanker, and a -jingling of the sheet blocks that strikes dismay to the "old man's" -heart. He starts up to windward, looks for the breeze and finds it -to be but a catspaw. After the sails have flapped about for a few -minutes, if belonging to a certain class of men, the captain in savage -tones orders the courses hauled up, the spanker lowered and jibs and -staysails hauled down. Then he throws his hat on deck and jumps on top -of it, cursing everything "from an inch high and a year old upwards." -He now casts his eye aloft and snarls out at the mate, "Why don't you -keep those gaskets made up; nobody seems to care anything for the ship, -she would go to destruction if it wasn't for me." The mate gives an -order to a sailor, and as in the heat and dullness of the time he is -not disposed to move very briskly, the angered mate vents his spleen -by a curse or opprobrious epithet. Perhaps a fight follows, or merely -a war of words; the rest of the crew become disaffected; at dinnertime -they go to the galley and growl at the cook for not giving them more or -better grub; and so from stem to stern of the ship, bitterness, wrath, -anger, clamor, evil speaking, with all malice abound. - -In the centre of this doldrum region clouds and heavy rains prevail. -Torrents sometimes fall so continuously that the surface water becomes -sensibly freshened. The great "cloud belt" overhangs this region of -gloom. The air is sultry and oppressive, making the body weary and the -spirit depressed. I believe no region on the surface of the globe sends -to the Ear above such a volume of murmurings, blasphemies and strife. - -Concerning this place Lieut. Maury quotes from the journal of Commodore -Sinclair: "This is certainly one of the most unpleasant regions in -our globe. A dense, close atmosphere, except for a few hours after a -thunder-storm, during which time torrents of rain fall, when the air -becomes a little refreshed; but a hot, glowing sun heats it again, -and but for your awning and the little air put in circulation by the -continual flapping of the ship's sails it would be almost insufferable. -No person who has not crossed this region can form an adequate idea of -its unpleasant effects. You feel a degree of lassitude unconquerable, -which not even the sea-bathing which everywhere else proved so -salutary and renovating can dispel. Except when in actual danger of -shipwreck I never spent twelve more disagreeable days. - -"I crossed the line and soon found I had surmounted all the -difficulties consequent to that event; that the breeze continued to -freshen and draw round to the south south-east, bringing with it a -clear sky and most heavenly temperature, renovating and refreshing -beyond description. Nothing was now to be seen but cheerful -countenances, exchanged as by enchantment from that sleepy sluggishness -which had borne us all down for the last two weeks." Maury himself -says of it: "Besides being a region of calms and baffling winds it is -a region noted for its rains and clouds which make it one of the most -oppressive and disagreeable places at sea. The emigrant ships from -Europe to Australia have to cross it. They are often baffled in it for -two or three weeks; then the children and the passengers who are of -delicate health suffer most. It is a frightful graveyard on the wayside -to that golden land." - -The memory of days, nights and weeks repeated at intervals through many -years, when disappointment, depression, vexation and sadness have been -my companions, impel me to heap up testimony against this dreadful -place, the dark valley of the waters. Far more cheerful to the sailor -are the roaring gales of Cape Horn than the sluggish, damp, provoking -airs of the Doldrums. - -But there is sometimes mirth in the Doldrums, and one afternoon the -capture of a shark gave us diversion and amusement. A dead calm -prevailed; not a ripple stirred the water, and the dull, sluggish -swells of the sea looked like furrows of polished steel. A sailor -aloft spying a shark alongside gave the information to the deck. The -shark moved slowly around the vessel, and as he passed under the -stern, the second mate threw the harpoon from the taffrail and drove -it right through his body. A vast amount of splashing ensued, and it -was with great difficulty a slip-noose was thrown over his tail. This -being jammed tight he was drawn on board, tail first, by the rope. -His motions on deck were very violent, but a vigorous application of -handspikes quieted him somewhat, and he was drawn forward to the main -hatch and butchered. It seemed impossible to kill him. After his head -and tail were cut off and all his entrails extracted, the body still -thrashed about so as to make the sailors jump clear of it. I took his -back bone for a cane, the carpenter appropriated the skin for sand -paper, and the cook begged for a little ball in his head that he could -"sell to the doctors on shore for a quarter, it being fust rate for -medicine." Many were the theories, abusive remarks and jokes indulged -in around this fallen enemy of the sailors. His long life was said -to be owing to the fact that sharks never died till sunset. The best -joke was Murphy's, who had been in the army, who said "He'd make a -good Northern soldier, he's so long dying." The common theory, that -a breeze always follows the killing of a shark, made everybody more -light-hearted, and the expectation was fulfilled after awhile. - -[Illustration: A rain squall in the Doldrums.] - -That evening the usual yarn-spinning went on around the booby-hatch, -and among the shark-stories that were related was the following by the -mate, given in his words as nearly as they can be remembered. It was -intended especially for the passenger's enlightenment, but I overheard -it: - -"I once made a voyage in the ship "Laguna" from Boston to Cadiz and -back with a cargo of salt. Coming home we had a Cuban planter and his -son, a boy of nineteen, as passengers. The boy was always whistling, -and our mate, who was a regular old sea-dog, who hated to hear -whistling, except in a calm when it would help to raise the wind, kept -prophesying that the nightingale, as he called the boy, would be sure -to bring some bad luck. One day, when a heavy swell was running, but -the wind had nearly died away, a large shark came up in our wake and -followed the ship. The boy was leaning over the taffrail watching the -shark, and his father was walking up and down the poop deck with his -pocket-knife in his hand, whittling a stick. The ship suddenly gave -a heavy pitch and the boy lost his balance and tumbled overboard. -He screamed as he fell, and the father gave another yell and jumped -overboard after him. There was a pretty kettle of fish then. The main -yard was thrown aback, though the ship wasn't making much headway, -and everything handy about decks was tossed overboard--gratings, -life-buoys, and planks. Most everybody threw something, and the -carpenter, who was a stupid muff of a fellow, wanted to do his share -towards the rescue, so he picked up his grindstone and threw that -overboard. The passengers disappeared immediately, and as nothing could -be seen of them from aloft it was useless to get out a boat. We filled -away again with sad feelings, and the old mate said Nightingale might -whistle the whole passage if he would only come back. In a little while -the captain spied a shark under the stern. He got the shark-hook and -put a big junk of salt pork on it, and soon the shark took hold. We -slipped a running bow-line around his tail and hauled him on deck. -After we had smashed his head with handspikes we cut him open, and -there we found the man, the boy and the grindstone. The boy was turning -the grindstone and his father was sharpening his knife in order to cut -a hole in the shark to get out of. They were greatly astonished to find -themselves on our deck again, and the father said it was little short -of a miracle." - -It is hard to tell how a vessel ever escapes from this doldrum region; -but by using her chances, constantly spreading her wings to every -fitful breath and gaining a little day by day, she at last strikes -an air that is not a catspaw. It gradually increases, and soon is -pronounced to be the S.E. trades. Such was our lot when we reached lat. -3° N., and the day after, we sailed swiftly across the line in lon. -31° 30´, thirty-four days out. Passing to windward of the Island of -Fernando Noronha, we sped along through the most charming region of the -sea, that of the south-east trades in the South Atlantic. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -A SAUCY SAILOR. - - -One night in the Trades, while the mate's watch were bracing the yards, -I heard the sound of angry voices on deck. The next morning I asked the -mate if he had any trouble with any one in the middle watch. - -He replied: "I had some words with Peterson, that's all, sir." - -"What was the matter?" - -The mate answered: "For some time back Peterson has been slack about -giving an answer. I didn't want to check him before the men, for he -has become religious this passage, and some of the men are down on him -about it. If I growled at him, the men would have another handle on -him; so, after we got through bracing, I called him one side and told -him I wished he would be more particular about giving an answer. I -thought that was treating him pretty kindly; I never condescended to do -as much for a sailor before, but he got mad about it and was saucy. I -gave him some strong talk, and it was all I could do to keep my hands -off him. He says he is going to complain to you about my imposing on -him. They say for'ard he is crazy, and I most thought so myself last -night. I got excited and threatened to knock him down if he didn't shut -up; but all the time he talked religion." Said he, "You can strike me -if you like; I've got all over fighting now; if you hit me on one cheek -I'll turn the other to you." - -Peterson had the wheel that forenoon from eight to ten o'clock, and -when I went up on the poop-deck he said, "Will you allow me to speak -to you, sir." "No," I replied, "I am going to speak to you," and I -gave him a sharp reproof for giving the mate "back answers." His -feelings were very much hurt. I perceived the cause of his behavior to -be erroneous ideas upon religious matters. He had led a wild life and -always sailed in rough ships, and at the commencement of the voyage he -was greatly impressed by the treatment adopted, and by the instructions -given at our Sunday service. He professed to have been converted when -a fortnight out, and had ever since been very zealous in exhorting his -shipmates. One remark showed the whole trouble. He said to me, "Now -that we are Christian brethren we are all equal and we ought to get -along easily together." He evidently thought this sentiment should -level the inequality of our stations, and there should naturally follow -a relaxing of discipline, and more familiar treatment. Afterwards I -called him below. He dropped his cap outside the door, and we sat down -at the cabin table. I spoke to him about our difference as fellow -Christians, and as captain and sailor, saying, "If you should insult me -on shore, I should take no notice of it whatever, but if you do so on -board of my ship, while personally I forgive you, yet as master of the -ship I am obliged to resent it, for the sake of discipline. Suppose a -man struck me in the street, to throw contempt upon me as a religious -man, why then I would turn the other cheek to him; but if, when I -entered my house, my boy should strike me in the face, I would punish -him for it, because I consider it a christian duty to rule my own house -well and keep my children in subjection. Just so on board ship it is my -duty to be faithful to the owner's interests, and to guard the trusts -committed to me, subject of course to the spirit of Christ's teachings. -These interests require that there should be good discipline in the -ship, and therefore the mate does right to notice any disrespect that -is shown him." - -A day or two after this, Peterson said to me at the wheel, "I've been -thinking over what you said to me. I see that I was wrong, and it -sha'n't happen again." For the remaining ten months of the voyage no -one had a word of complaint against Peterson, and his influence over -his shipmates was most excellent. - -In the evening after this occurrence, when the mate came aft at eight -o'clock to relieve the second officer, we began talking about the -affair. - -"There is one thing," said the mate, "that I haven't quite settled yet, -and that is whether you can treat sailors well or not. At any rate, -if a man is a Christian he had better not go on board of a ship as -officer. I feel so mad sometimes I'd like to slaughter the whole watch." - -I replied, "It's a matter that I settled a long time ago. You cannot -treat a sailor well without his taking some advantage of it. Inferiors -will presume upon a kind disposition in their superiors, all the -world over. It is human nature. I made up my mind to that in the -very beginning. But there is another question. Is it best to treat -sailors well, all things considered? As a matter of principle there -can of course be but one answer:--Christ's teachings entirely settle -that. A divine precept must be of universal application; there can -be no exceptions, and if sea life were proved to be a sphere where -Christ's commands could not be obeyed, it would also be condemned as -an occupation no one could follow guiltlessly. As a question of policy -there seem to be different opinions, though whatever is good principle -must be good policy. I say most decidedly it is best; best for the -ship, for the owners, for the officers, and of course best for the -men themselves. It is very poor policy to make sailors the enemies of -the ship. How many vessels have been set fire to by an enraged crew! -How many spars and sails have been lost, because, just out of spite, -a sailor neglected to report the first stage of an accident which he -alone observed in a dark night! How many ships have remained in port -for weeks after they were loaded, because they had so bad a reputation -no one would go in them, and they only sail at last with a kidnapped -crew! How much running gear has been cut, and how many sails ripped -with sheath knives on the night of arrival at the port of destination, -by men thus taking revenge for harsh usage! How many refusals of duty, -mutinies, murders, and lawsuits have their beginning in a foul word or -blow! Just sum these up and look at the other side. I am no apologist -for those who let sailors do as they like. The results of inefficiency -do not belong to our side of the account. But take this vessel for an -example. We are not treated with the strict deference the sailor gives -to a severe ruler, but we secure his enduring respect and a good name -on shore. We hear more growling about 'grub,' for if the cook doesn't -make 'bread scouse' to suit them, the men are not afraid to come aft to -the cabin to complain about it. In ordinary work we have not quite so -much drive and smartness, but all important duties are done as well if -not better. I think of no other disadvantages, and all that can be said -of what I have named is, that our discipline is not as rigid as that -of ships where men are abused; but no one can deny that we have good -discipline. As to your remark about Christian officers, I must say I -think it a very cowardly speech. If shipboard is a place of trial it is -just the place for a Christian, for who has such resources as he?" - -The mate took exception to one part of my admissions and paid me the -compliment of saying, "I never sailed with a captain that received as -much respect from sailors as you do. I notice whenever you come for'ard -how the men straighten themselves up to their work, and the respectful -manner in which they step out of your way." - -One moonlight evening, when the trade-wind was driving us briskly -along, we were sitting in our easy chairs on deck enjoying the romance -of the sea, and the passenger asked me, if sailors always behaved well -when they were well treated. In answer I told him the story of - - -AN EASY SHIP. - -When a lad of nineteen years, in company with a friend of my own age, -I made a voyage from Boston to Cronstadt and back to New York as -passenger in the ship "Volant." She was a full-built vessel of about -six hundred tons register and carried a crew of fourteen before the -mast. The captain was a Swede named Nelson, a good natured, worthy man. -Mr. Smith, the first mate, was an Englishman, a man with a very kind -heart and easy disposition. The second mate, Mr. Kemp, was an old sea -dog, hailing from New Hampshire. He was a hard drinker when on shore -and appeared to be wholly destitute of ambition. His sea character -depended entirely on that of his superiors. If they were severe he -could be as great a tyrant as any one, and if they were inclined to -take their ease he could be as quiet and unconcerned as though he -had nothing to do with the ship. Of the sailors, five were Irish, -three were "Dutchmen," two English, two American and two from Nova -Scotia. They were of rather a low grade, but were for the most part -a well disposed set of men, though half of them were very deficient -in seamanship. For the first week of the passage they seemed very -peaceable, with the exception of one man who called himself "Brock," and -was one of the vilest sort of "Liverpool Packet Rats." He was always -grumbling and cursing, no sailor, and a miserable shirk. His talk, -by degrees, affected the others, the poison gradually spread and the -rest of the crew became surly and discontented,--ready to join in with -whatever "growl" Brock might start. It was hard to see what they could -find fault with, for there was scarcely ever a "hurrah" or "bear a -hand" uttered by the officers; the men took fifteen or twenty minutes -to "turn out," and the mate had been forward the second night after -leaving Boston, and had told the watch on deck that there was no need -of more than one remaining on deck, and the rest might lie down on -their chests in the forecastle and be ready for a call. The result was -that the men usually stayed in their bunks all night. - -The captain hardly ever opened his mouth in hearing of the crew. At -seven o'clock in the morning he got out of his berth and came to the -breakfast table. After winding his chronometer and taking the usual -observation for longitude, he lighted his pipe and sat down to read the -_New York Herald_, of which he had a large pile on the right hand side -of his chair, and the voyage was principally devoted to building a pile -on his left hand with the papers that had been read. The observation -for latitude was taken at noon, then followed dinner, a smoke and a nap -till about half-past four, and then came another smoke and supper. The -evening was chiefly devoted to his pipe and the favorite newspaper, -and if the weather was unsettled he sometimes appeared on deck once -or twice in the night. It was seldom this routine was disturbed by -anything more serious than an attack on him by his young passengers -with boxing gloves or fencing foils. - -When half way across the Atlantic the captain went on deck one evening -to take a look at the weather before "turning in." Casting his eye -to windward he saw that a heavy squall was about to strike the ship, -and looking around for the second mate, he discovered that worthy fast -asleep on the after bitts wholly unconscious of the two squalls that -threatened him. The captain showed the possession of some temper by -catching the sleeping officer by the neck and sending him sprawling -to the deck. "You good-for-nothing," said he, "I didn't think an old -sailor like you would serve me such a trick. Call all hands to shorten -sail!" The second mate picked himself up and got to the forecastle as -quickly as his confused senses would allow him, and called to the men -to "tumble out" as quickly as possible. His own watch were in there as -well as the watch below, and all were soundly asleep. They had got so -accustomed to slow movements that even a squall would not hurry them -much, but a few got out on deck and had just let go the top-gallant -halyards and hauled down the flying-jib, when the squall struck the -ship and laid her almost on her beam-ends, for she had a cargo of -cotton and was very crank. The topsail halyards were then let-go, the -spanker lowered and the ship was got off before the wind. The rain -poured in torrents and the work of shortening sail was certainly not -very agreeable. Through all the work Brock's voice could be heard -swearing and grumbling,--"If any one ever asks me to go another Russian -voyage," said he, "if I've got money enough to buy an old rusty pistol -I'll shoot him." Several of the sails were split and two hours of the -passage were lost by the second mate's nap. The captain thought best -to keep a stricter eye on him after this and ordered that the watch on -deck should keep out of the forecastle. For a few days they did so, but -one by one they tried the experiment of going in there, and finding it -created no uproar, they soon got back to old habits. - -When four weeks out we passed the Orkney Islands and the same afternoon -sighted Fair Island off the port bow. We passed within five miles of -the Island, and two boats with six men in each pulled off to meet us. -The men were small and thin and with only one exception had light -complexions and sandy hair and beards. They came on board and begged, -in whining tones, to be allowed to exchange their fish for bread and -salt meat. After a trade, made very much in their favor, they produced -woollen mittens and socks, knitted by the women of the island, and -made another trade. These being exhausted they proceeded to beg, with -a stock of appeals to charitable motives. When all the clothes had -been obtained that seemed likely to be forthcoming, they asked for -"rel-ee-gious books and tracts." Two days after this we made the Coast -of Norway. Then beating against a head wind for two days more we got -through the Skager Rack, passed the Scaw of Denmark, and steered -through the Cattegat towards Elsinore. - -The cook of the ship was a negro--a lazy, dirty fellow he was! Neither -the captain nor the officers paid any attention to the state of things -in the galley, except that the "old man" gave an occasional admonition -to be economical, and "Cuffey" lived in ease and slovenliness. The -"grub" was poorly cooked, and scanty at that; and the tea was so weak -that when one night "Doctor," as the cook is always called, forgot to -put any tea into the coppers, the men drank the warm water and molasses -without any idea of the omission. A barrel of beef was intended to last -twelve days at least, but owing to the gifts to the Fair Islanders -the barrel at this time was about exhausted on the tenth day. The -cook thought he could eke it out one day longer, and the consequence -was that in the evening, "Bill," a short, stout Nova Scotian, with a -very lugubrious countenance, marched aft carrying a large tin pan, -containing a very small piece of boiled salt beef. The mate was -standing by the weather-rail, just forward of the poop. Bill deposited -the pan at his feet. Folding his arms he exclaimed in a very meek and -mournful tone, "Mr. Smith, I wish you'd take a belaying pin and beat my -brains out." - -"What good would that do you?" said the mate. - -"I'd rather die at once than starve to death," the sailor answered. - -"Who's going to starve you to death?" - -"We don't get food enough for a dog, let alone a man," said Bill. - -The mate then endeavored to prove that Bill was not a man; the main -point of his argument being that a few days before he had "made a -splice in the foretopmost studding-sail tripping-line that would be -a disgrace to a loblolly boy." This argument went on for a while, -till the man became convinced that the mate was neither disposed to -accept his polite invitation as to the disposition of his brains, nor -to furnish any more beef that evening. So he thought it best to be -contented with the promise of a larger allowance in the morning, and -make use of the small supply at hand. - -The cook was sulky because the men had complained about him, and the -next evening he made the tea with salt water. This imposition was -more than they could swallow, and brought about another complaint, in -consequence of which the captain summoned the "Doctor" aft, and in -a great rage stuttered out a string of phrases, the burden of which -seemed to be, "I--I'll swab the decks with you." - -We had a good passage up the Baltic and Gulf of Finland, and got to -our moorings in Cronstadt Mole, where we discharged our cotton and -loaded a cargo of sheet-iron, hemp, cordage and crash. One of the -men was taken ill with cholera and died in the hospital, and a good -deal of discussion took place among the crew as to whether his place -would be filled. Great efforts were made to despatch the vessel by -September 20th, as after that day the premium of insurance on vessel -and cargo would advance one per cent., owing to the increased dangers -of navigation later in the season, making a difference of one thousand -dollars to the owners. On the morning of the twentieth the last of -the cargo was put on board. The captain went on shore to obtain his -clearance papers, leaving word with the mate to be all ready to haul -out of the Mole at noon. Upon his return he found the ship fast at -her moorings, with no signs of any intention to move. Coming over the -gangway in a rage he was met by the mate, who prevented the explosion -that was about to take place by informing him that the men had refused -duty. - -"Refused duty!" said the captain; "what can that mean?" - -"Why, sir, they say they won't go to sea unless you ship a man in the -place of the one that died." - -"But I can't now," said he; "the ship must go right to sea, and no one -would go on such a short notice." - -"I've told them that, sir, but that villain, Brock, has made the rest -ugly." - -Capt. Nelson returned on shore and spent half an hour in a vain attempt -to find a sailor who would go immediately to sea. Returning on board -he asked me to go into the forecastle and try to persuade the men to -turn to. I did what I could, but of course a boy's talk was not much -heeded, and I got rather scared myself by their curses and threats. -Then the mate came to the door and asked in a shaky voice, "Are you -going to turn to?" - -"When that man comes aboard," was Brock's defiant answer. - -Mr. Smith hastened back to report that they still refused duty, and -the captain hailed a passing boat and procured some Russians from the -"Captain of the 'Branvault,'" as the harbor-master is called. With -their assistance the ship was hauled to the Mole-head, and gave her -hawser to the towboat that was waiting outside. Then the Russians -stepped ashore, I took the wheel, the mates cast off the lines, and we -proceeded in tow of the steamer. - -When fairly off, the captain told the mate to call all hands aft. -Standing by the cabin door he made an address to them, offering to -divide among them the wages that would have come to the dead sailor, -had he lived to complete the voyage. - -Some of the men were inclined to give in, but Brock muttered, "We don't -want a dead man's wages." - -"Well," said the captain, "I'll give you what I should have paid -another man if I had shipped one." - -"Oh, we've been humbugged that way before, Cap'n," said Brock, who -turned and went forward, followed by the rest of the crew, leaving the -captain in the midst of another conciliatory harangue. - -The ship was soon abreast of Tollbaken, ten miles from Cronstadt. The -wind was dead ahead; and having nominally sailed, the captain decided -to come to anchor and wait for the wind and crew to favor him. - -The mate asked the men if they would turn to and let go the anchor; and -thinking they would thus gain their point, and also their dinner, they -consented. The steamer was cast off and the ship brought to anchor. - -The crew were then allowed to get their dinner, but when called on to -work, they again refused. The captain was greatly troubled, and so much -at a loss what to do, that he appealed to me for advice. I felt rather -flattered by his consideration, and suggested that he should put the -men in irons. He was afraid to try that, so I proposed that he should -give them nothing to eat till they resumed duty. When supper-time came -they went to the galley, and being refused, Brock marched aft with his -tin pot in hand, and with the coolest impudence, asked the captain if -they were not to be allowed any supper. - -"Not till you turn to," was the reply. - -The man then put on an air of injured innocence and declared it was a -shame to try to starve men to death. But he sauntered forward, and the -men turned in, laughing at the way they had "waxed the old man," but -feeling a little concerned on the score of eating. - -At nine o'clock in the evening, the wind hauled fair. The captain went -to the forecastle, and after fifteen minutes spent in argument upon the -propriety of their going to work, the promise of some tea, and other -fair words, prevailed upon the men to get the ship under way, and the -passage was fairly begun. - -We passed through the Baltic and by Elsinore without any remarkable -occurrence, except the increased independence and insolence of the -crew. They felt that the Cronstadt disturbance had proved there was no -fight in the officers, and some of the crew showed more zeal in taking -their comfort than in obeying orders. - -Brock particularly distinguished himself. He boasted in the forecastle -that he was going to try to induce an officer to strike him, in -order that he might raise some money by a lawsuit on arriving in New -York. One day the ship was running before a strong breeze, under the -main-top-gallant-sail. Brock was at the wheel, and, being a miserable -helmsman, was letting the ship yaw about two points each side of her -course. - -"Keep her straight," said the captain. - -"I should like to see any one keep her any straighter," was Brock's -answer; and upon this the captain took hold of the wheel to prove that -it could be done. Instead of stopping to witness the proof, Brock -started forward. - -"Come back here!" shouted the captain. - -"One's enough to steer the ship," was the polite answer, and the fellow -made for the forecastle, leaving the captain working the wheel, unable -to leave it until relieved. The mate, finding out the trouble, went to -the forecastle and saw Brock leisurely lighting his pipe. - -"Go aft and take the wheel again! What business have you got here?" - -"Don't you fret; I'll come out when I get ready," said Brock. The mate -turned away and sent another sailor to relieve the captain. After Brock -had finished his smoke, he appeared again on deck, and politely asked -Mr. Smith if he had a job for him. The mate gave him a few of his -opinions about his behavior, and set him at work aloft. - -That night, in the first watch, I was keeping the mate company on deck, -and hearing Mr. Smith's complaints about Brock. "Why don't you knock -him down?" said I. "That's the only kind of treatment such a man can -understand." - -"I'll tell you why I don't," said the mate. "About five years ago I -was mate of the ship "Neptune" in the Liverpool trade. We hove up our -anchor in the River Mersey and were being towed out to sea. I was -anxious to get the anchor catted as soon as possible, as the pilot -wanted sail made on the ship, and I had all the crew on the forecastle, -heaving on the capstan. An ugly-looking Liverpool Irishman, called Jim -Kelley, was holding the turn, and just as the anchor was about up to -the cat-head he let go the rope; it flew around the capstan at a lively -rate, and the anchor went down. - -"I growled at him for it, and he said it slipped away from him. We -went at it again, and had the anchor half-way up, when Kelley surged -the fall and let it go again. It was raining at the time, and things -were very slippery, and he pleaded that as his excuse; but I thought -I saw mischief in his eye. The end of the fall had hit two of the men -pretty severe blows, as it flew around the capstan. I was pretty mad by -this time, and told him if he did that again I'd knock his head off. -I thought he'd hold on the next time, but just as I was going to say, -"Heave a pawl!" down went the anchor for the third time. I heard the -pilot rattling off a string of oaths as long as the maintop-bow-line, -and I stepped up to Kelley and gave him a touch of my fist that sent -him head first off the top-gallant forecastle on to a pile of chain -cable. He didn't feel like holding any more turns for a day or two, -you may bet, and the rest of the crew said it served him right. But -when we got into New York I was hauled up in court for it, and had to -pay fifty dollars fine. Now I've got a wife and five children, and as -good-looking ones as you'd wish to see they are, too, though I say it, -and my wages are all they have to support them. That villain Brock, is -a good deal of a sea-lawyer, and if I lay my hand on him, it's only -taking the bread out of my little ones' mouths and giving him rum -money. I made a vow after that time that I'd never strike a man again." - -"But what can you do," said I; "you ought to keep good discipline. -Hasn't the captain got any legal power to punish ugly sailors?" - -"Yes," said Mr. Smith, "the captain has power, but he doesn't want -to be troubled, and it's considered the mate's place to keep the men -straight. Once I went to a captain and reported an impudent sailor, and -the only satisfaction I got was, "What did you come here for if you -can't take care of the crew," and I got turned out of the ship at the -end of the voyage. I made a vow then that I'd never complain to the old -man again; so between my two vows I don't see that I've got much chance -with a sailor that's bent on making a row. If this ai'n't a dog's life, -I'd like to know what it is." - -All the way across the Atlantic the sailors may be said to have had -charge of the ship, and did about as they pleased. Brock's insolence -was beyond all bounds, and it seemed incredible that it should be -submitted to by the captain and officers. He was evidently in a -desperate mood to get struck, and one evening at eight o clock, -when the captain kept his watch up a few minutes to take in the -top-gallantsails, as a stormy night was coming on, Brock stepped up to -him and said, "Cap'n, it's too late for you to try and humbug us now. -It's our watch below." The captain sputtered some bad words at him, and -told him he was no sailor: but the hoped-for blow was not given. - -The passage ended at last, and New York was reached, none too soon -for all on board. The day after arrival, the crew came to the ship to -be paid off, and Brock called the mate aside and made this startling -speech: "Mr. Smith, I want to beg your pardon for the way I behaved -on this voyage. You're the kindest man ever I sailed with, and I know -I ought to be ashamed of myself. I can show you the marks on my head -where the last mate I was with split it open with a belaying pin, and -I deserved it too. You'd have done right if you had served me the same -way. What would my good old mother have said if she had known what a -wretch I have been! She used to pray with me, and beg me to be a good -man. Now that she's dead, her words sometimes haunt me, and I have made -up my mind that I'll be a different man for the rest of my life." A -tear stood in his eye, and good Mr. Smith took his hand and said, "I -don't bear you no ill-will, Brock. I don't harbor malice towards nobody -living. If a man should cut my throat, I believe I'd forgive him the -next minute." As he turned away, he caught a whiff of Brock's breath, -and the suspicion came sadly to his mind that this repentance was not -so much the result of piety as of whiskey. - -This story reminds me of a little incident that occurred in Bombay -when I was mate of the "Lizzie Oakford." There were two English ships -anchored, one on each side of us. It was a calm morning, and we could -hear some of the words spoken on board these vessels. A little after -breakfast our attention was attracted to the ship on the port side, -by the sound of angry voices. The captain was having an altercation -with some of his crew, and very soon passed from words to blows. He -"ended" four or five of them over, and with every stroke of his fist -we could hear him swear about the Act of Parliament. In the course of -half an hour we heard a row on board the ship on the starboard side, -and looking towards her we saw a number of her crew on the poop-deck. -One of the sailors had seized hold of the mate's coat-tail, and was -whirling him around in a circle, while another, with a folded strip of -canvas, belabored his back every time he flew past. Our second mate was -so indignant at this insult to his cloth that he wanted to board the -vessel and fight the sailors on his own account, but he said he should -want to "lick the mate too." "There," said he, "are the two extremes, -and we are the middle. In one ship the officers abuse the sailors, and -in the other the sailors abuse the officers. Here there hasn't been -much of either yet awhile, though I think the old shell-backs have got -a little the best of it." - -We ran down the trades, and keeping well to the southward in order to -catch the "brave westerlies" as soon as possible, we came in sight of -Tristan d'Acunha, a noble, symmetrical mountain island, 8,326 feet -high, its top covered with snow. We were becalmed in sight of it for -several hours, and enjoyed resting our eyes, wearied with gazing for -weeks upon the dancing water, by fixing them on this grand, immovable -mass. Books gave an interesting account of a colony formed here; but -we were not near enough to perceive any signs of human life. The lazy -rolling of the bark in the swell, made even the idea of a residence on -the snowy peak seem attractive, and there was comfort in thinking of a -future world which is to be all land. - -A breeze, springing up from the north-east, gradually freshened. The -sea being quite smoothed down by the calm, we were able to carry a -press of canvas; and with all sail set and the yards braced up, the -bark lay down on her side, and made a run of 261 miles in 24 hours, -and the day after, she made 252 miles. The fore topgallantmast was -then found to be sprung, and a new one had to be put in its place. -While sending it up, we overtook and passed a brig, loafing along under -reefed topsails, evidently seeming to think it was blowing a gale of -wind, whereas we had our main-royal set. This showed why some vessels -make long passages. - -We sped along swiftly, passing the Cape of Good Hope when 61 days out, -and running along the parallel of 40° S., a succession of gales helped -us onward. The weather was chilly, often wet and disagreeable, but our -good progress kept us cheerful. One night was especially exhilarating, -when running in a north-west gale, with the wind quartering, under -reefed canvas, the bark flying away, at the rate of 14 knots, from -wind, rain, thunder, lightning and towering waves. There is some -sublimity in a sailor's life, and this wild scene was a good specimen -of it. I enjoyed standing by the bitts and singing at the top of my -voice some hymns expressing trust in the Creator, knowing that the -noise of the elements made the sound inaudible to the crew. As we -neared Amsterdam Island, the weather continued rainy, and there was no -chance for observations by which to verify our position. On the day I -expected to pass it, the sun appeared, most providentially, just at -noon for a moment. I caught the altitude with my sextant and found the -latitude. But I had no means of determining the longitude. We were a -few miles south of the latitude of the island, so I steered due east, -keeping a hand on the lookout to watch for the land, as I desired -to sight it to verify the reckoning and the chronometers. No land -appeared; a dark night was coming on, and I felt anxious at running -down so nearly in the latitude of the island; but at evening-time it -was light, and at 6, P.M., we saw the noble mass of land, nearly three -thousand feet high, bearing off the weather-quarter. We had already -sailed by it, within five miles distance. - -One feature of great interest in these latitudes is the presence of -sea-birds. The noble Albatross, the king of sea-birds, is almost always -in sight, floating in the air about the vessel, no matter how fast -she goes. Its wings seldom move, and what its propelling power is, -no one can tell. It seems to depend only on its volition. The Stormy -Petrel or "Mother Carey's Chicken," is here and everywhere else on the -ocean. The pretty white and black Cape Pigeons flock in the wake. We -caught several of these with small fish-hooks, and tried their value -as component parts of a pigeon-pie, but the flavor was rather strong -and oily. The homely, black Cape Hens are numerous also. They always -bring to my mind a scene witnessed on a former voyage. Coming on deck -one Sunday, I found the mate and passengers engaged in tying pieces -of pork and bits of red flannel at each end of a string and throwing -them overboard. The Cape Hens greedily swallowed the pork, and several -of them were flying about with streamers hanging from their mouths; -another trick was to tie several pieces of pork to the same string. -Two or three birds darting at these, and each swallowing a piece, they -would rise in the air tied together. I took the part of the hens on -this occasion, and let the mate brace the yards for a while. - -The weather was cool in these latitudes, and it was no longer agreeable -to sit on deck. Our evenings were usually passed in the cabin, and I -employed some of the hours in reading to the passenger an account of -my experiences in the ship _Dublin_. I explained to him that it was -written while I was officer of a ship, and had no leisure to attempt -literary embellishment. Its sole object was to record the events -relating to the management of the crew, and I requested him to forbear -criticism of its style. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE VOYAGE OF THE "DUBLIN." - - -My first voyage, as officer, was made in the good ship "Dublin." She -was six hundred tons register, and of the style said to be built, Down -East, by the mile and sawed off. Her bow and stern were so square, -they gave an impression of truth to this statement, but for all that -she was a staunch, well built vessel, and though twenty-one years old -was still an able and trustworthy ship. Her worthy owner, one of the -merchant princes of Boston, used to go down on the wharf and rub his -hands with delight when the old "Dublin" came into port. She was his -favorite ship, and her blunt bow was more attractive to him than the -rakish model of the modern clippers. He would tell how the copper bolts -were driven into her, only one inch a day, to make them "fit solid;" -how the timbers were "scarfed" and "dowelled," and many other things -that it would need a ship builder's manual to interpret. He considered -a great honor had been done me, by the permission to go to sea as third -mate of her, and shook his head with misgivings when he heard that the -captain had engaged so young and inexperienced an officer. I had been -to sea four voyages, one of them over fourteen months around the world, -before the mast. I could hand, reef and steer, and do the ordinary -work on the rigging, as well as most sailors, so I did not consider my -presumption very great. - -Captain Streeter, her commander, was a fine-looking man of about forty -years. He was tall and well formed, with dark complexion, black hair, -beard and moustache, and a coal-black, flashing eye that bespoke a -strong will and a passionate nature. He was very fluent in speech, and -gave the impression on a first hearing that he was what sailors call "a -blower." - -When he engaged me, he gave a long and impressive harangue. He didn't -want an officer that was afraid of sailors, but at the same time he -allowed no one to abuse the crew, and especially objected to the use of -profane language, which he condemned as the most foolish of practices. -He appointed the day for me to come on board and I left him pleased -with my success, but with a lurking suspicion that my fair-talking -captain might prove to belong to the class known as "shore-saints -and sea-devils." The owner, however, was one of the best men living, -a noble philanthropist, and a vice-president of the Seamen's Friend -Society. I therefore felt some assurance that his ship would have a -respectable captain and be well conducted. - -At six o'clock, one dark morning in the end of November, my fond father -bade me farewell at the door, as I left my pleasant home and its gentle -occupants, and trudged to East Boston, in a storm of sleet, to enter -upon a sphere and mingle with associates so contrasted, that I needed -no other illustration, for the next few months, to impress upon my mind -the two extremes of the future life. - -The ship was bound to Richmond, Virginia, in ballast, there to load -a cargo of tobacco for the Mediterranean. In the forenoon, a negro -crew of fourteen men and two boys came on board. They were mostly fine -"strapping" fellows, with bright eyes and shining "ivories," and as we -proceeded down the bay they made the decks ring with their songs; the -main-topsail going to the mast-head to the tune of "Come down you bunch -o' roses, come down," and the fore-topsail halyards answering to the -strong pulls following the sentiment: - - "Sally Brown's a bright Mulatto, - She drinks rum and chews tobacco." - -A man who was loosing the mizzen-top-gallant-sail was heard to utter -some profane exclamations over the bunt gasket, which was made fast -with a knot that resisted all his efforts at untying, being what -sailors call "an anti-gallican hitch." As I have mentioned, Capt. -Streeter had remarked a few days before that he allowed no profane -language on board of his ship, and I wondered if he would take any -notice of this; but I did not wait long before having my curiosity -satisfied. The same thought probably came to the captain's mind, for -he stepped to where he could get a good look at the man, and then -began: "Button your lip up, or I'll knock spots out of you. I don't -allow swearing on board of this boat;" with more to the same effect, -accompanied by several profane epithets. It was evident that the -captain's fluency of speech was not limited to polite conversation, and -his consistency was explained by his remarking, at a future time, that -his rule on board ship was, "do as I order, not as I do." - -The Pilot left at Boston Light. All hands were busily employed putting -things to rights, for a ship is seldom in order except when at sea. -There, men are constantly laboring to keep everything "ship-shape" -and tidy, and the moment the vessel is moored at the wharf, crew and -officers generally go over the side, stevedores, riggers and carpenters -take possession, and the decks are in a turmoil until she is again out -of the range of visitors. - -It surprised me to see the captain interesting himself in all the -work, for in previous voyages its execution had been left entirely to -the officers. While the mate was securing the anchors, the captain -visited the top-gallant forecastle and offered suggestions, which the -high-spirited first officer treated with a contemptuous silence. The -black eyes shone with suppressed rage, and their owner transferred his -interference to the second mate's labors, which were being employed -in putting on chafing-gear. He soon worked this officer into such a -flurry, that he hardly knew whether he stood on his head or his heels, -and then after putting a stop to a job the carpenter had undertaken, -and peeping into the cook's boilers to see how much beef they -contained, to the delight of all, he disappeared into the cabin, but in -a few minutes his loud tones showed that the steward was the object of -his attentions. - -In the evening, after the watches were chosen, the captain joined -the officers on deck and talked familiarly with us, illustrating his -remarks by anecdotes and comparisons more amusing than refined. We -were obliged to confess to each other that he was a very agreeable man -in private, and for a time forgot all the mental imprecations we had -bestowed on him during the day, on account of his interference with the -work. - -The mate and second mate had a talk by themselves concerning their -duties, and the second mate, while expatiating upon his own good -qualifications, put his hand in his pocket and pulling out a pair of -brass knuckles put them upon his hand. Holding his fist up, he said: -"I always carry my tools with me, and if you ever want any work done, -you have only to say the word, and you'll find me on hand like Day and -Martin's blacking." - -"I don't want you to let me see those things again, while you're on -board of this ship," said the mate. - -"Why so; do you intend to let those sailors play Isaac and Josh with -you?" - -"No," said the mate, "but when I can't keep men in order, without using -such weapons as that, I'll give up to some one who can. I never knew a -man yet who carried such things but he proved to be a coward at heart." - -"No man can call me a coward," replied the second mate in an angry tone. - -"Well," said the mate, "I hope you are not one, but I shall think -better of you if I hear nothing more about brass knuckles." - -This was not a very pleasant opening of acquaintance, and both parties -took at the outset a dislike to each other. - -I gained from each of them a brief account of their antecedents. - -Mr. Morrison, the first mate, was a Scotchman by birth, about forty-two -years of age. He had been captain of English vessels, but having met -with misfortunes, concerning which he was very reticent, he had begun -to seek his fortune in the American merchant service. He was a short, -thick-set man, with a ruddy complexion and a cast of countenance -expressing courage and determination. His bearing was significant of -"Scotch pride." He was a man of much intelligence and had received a -good education. - -Mr. Howard, the second mate, hailed from the State of Maine. He was of -medium height and well built, but had a brutal look and seemed ordinary -in intelligence. He frankly confided to me the immediate occasion of -his shipping in the "Dublin." - -"Last voyage I was second mate of the 'Minerva.' We had a nigger crew -and used 'em pretty rough I must say; but I had 'em in such good -discipline that one day I got mad with a 'moke' about something and I -told him to lay his head down on the hatch for I was going to chop it -off. He did just as I told him, and though he thought I was going to -kill him, he didn't dare to move or say his soul was his own. That's -what I call good discipline. - -"We kept them under well enough at sea, but when we got into Rio -Janeiro, what did the scamps do but set fire to the ship, and burn -her up; and two days after a gang of 'em caught me one evening in the -street, and gave me such a pounding that I couldn't see out of my eyes -for a fortnight. I believe they'd have killed me if the police hadn't -come along and rescued me. I vowed then I would sail just once more -with a nigger crew, and from what I hear of this captain, I think he's -just the man that'll suit me." - -The "Dublin" had a fair start. In three days we sighted the Capes of -Virginia and in two more worked up the James River to City Point. -City Point then consisted of about twenty dwelling houses beside -the negroes' cabins, and had wharves at which the vessels lay while -receiving their cargoes of tobacco, which came to them in lighters from -the city of Richmond, about thirty miles above, the shallowness of the -river preventing anything but vessels of light draft from proceeding -there. The tobacco was packed in large hogsheads, weighing from one -thousand to eighteen hundred pounds, and as the crew hoisted them in -they kept up a song from morning till night. Negro stevedores from -the shore stowed them in the hold, and the captain spent almost all -his time down there, watching that they saved all the room possible, -frequently making them "break out" again, to the great disgust of the -negroes. I heard one of them saying to the others: "I nebber see such -a man as dis cap'n afore; he tinks he knows eberyting and nobody else -don't know nuffin." - -There was of course nothing here to interest us beyond receiving our -tobacco, and when the ship was loaded to sixteen feet draft she dropped -down the river ten miles, into deeper water, and there completed her -cargo. - -On a fine clear day in the end of December, we left the shore of -Virginia astern and steered for the Straits of Gibraltar. Fresh and -favorable winds prevailed for several days and we made good progress on -our voyage. - -One evening the captain in a confidential mood read us some extracts -from the owner's letter of instructions, and was particularly merry -over the latter part of it, which read: "You will distribute to the men -the books and tracts which are supplied. You will endeavor to suppress -all vice and immorality on board of your vessel and use your best -efforts to promote the welfare of your crew." - -The inmates of the ship now felt acquainted with each other, and as a -general thing their good opinions were very much modified. - -Capt. Streeter having no taste for reading, and being a man of -energetic and active temperament, could not content himself in his -cabin, and was almost constantly on deck roaming about the ship, -criticizing every job of work, "in every body's mess and nobody's -watch." - -When bracing yards, making or taking in sail, he would stand on top of -the house, and accompany his orders with volleys of oaths, provided -things were not done exactly to his mind. If the crew did not move -quite actively enough, and nothing in this way would suit him but the -"clean jump," every blackguard epithet that his fluent tongue and -inventive brain could command was heaped upon them: Scoundrels, black -scorpions, and names too filthy for utterance were their common titles -at such times, and when the men and officers did so well that he could -not find a point to censure, he seemed rather disappointed at losing an -opportunity for this favorite employment. Sailors call such a man, "a -blower." - -At night no one was allowed to sit down on deck, and though no work was -to be done, the sailors had to keep on their legs. Such strict rules of -course gave the officers a good deal of disagreeable work. From eight -to twelve at night the men would have to walk the deck, unless engaged -in working ship, and when at four o'clock, A.M., they were roused out, -after four hours slumber, they could not always resist the temptation -to sit down on a spar, or lean over a water-cask. In spite of their -efforts to keep awake, their heads would drop upon their arms and they -would fall asleep. - -If anyone wishes to experience something which in his recollections -will serve as a synonym for misery, let him sail in such a ship and -stand the morning watch. In the hour from four to five as he stumbles -about the deck, endeavoring to drive away the drowsiness that weighs -down his eyelids, he will feel a wretchedness, which, unless he is a -very unfortunate man, will seldom, if ever, be surpassed during his -life. - -The mate failed to carry out these orders very strictly, as he knew -it could only be done by harsh measures; for though his fiery temper -often led him to strike a blow at some unlucky sailor, he despised -all premeditated schemes to abuse or oppress them. Besides this, he -thought he saw through the captain's character. He imagined that he was -anxious to gain for the "Dublin" the reputation of being a "hard" ship, -provided his officers would do all the necessary "dirty work," but was -unwilling to expose himself to the present dangers of fighting, or the -future disgrace of lawsuits. Their relations to each other were not -very pleasant, for the mate was jealous of the captain's interference -with his work, and the captain, perceiving his state of mind, attempted -to retaliate by little acts of oppression, of which one will be -sufficient to show the spirit. - -The mate's room was very small. His only convenience for writing up his -log book was at a narrow standing desk, where he was too much cramped -to do it neatly. - -At the beginning of the passage he sat down at the table in the forward -cabin to perform this part of his duty, and the captain coming from his -spacious after-cabin found him there at work. Upon seeing him he drew -himself up, and in a pompous way said: "Mr. Morrison, I want you to -understand that my cabin table isn't a writing desk for officers." - -"Oh, indeed," said the mate. "I've always been accustomed to have the -use of it even for my private writing, and I had no idea you would -object to my writing the ship's log here." - -"You must learn you ai'n't aboard one of your lime-juice ships now," -was the courteous response, and the mate retired to his room, his -Scotch pride and temper almost overcoming his desire to respect the -captain. - -But the second mate was a man after the captain's own heart. It was -only necessary to show him the way to the captain's good graces, and -his subservience joined to his own brutal passions made him an earnest -disciple. - -The crew were a pretty independent and saucy set of negroes, and -required a strict hand to keep them under. From the very first there -had been almost daily little difficulties, and at one time at City -Point a general knock-down was only prevented by the mate's interfering -between the second mate and a sailor, to the great wrath of the former. - -A few days after leaving the Chesapeake, Mr. Howard was going around -the deck at about half-past four in the morning, and found a man -called Brooks sitting down and nodding. He awakened him very suddenly -by raising him up by the ears, and then set the whole watch to work -bracing the yards "in" a little. The men were sleepy, and cross at this -"humbugging," for they knew the wind had not altered at all, and this -was merely a "work up job." They were not very prompt with their Aye, -aye, sir. - -"Haul in the top-gallant-brace" said the officer. - -No answer followed, but he saw the order was obeyed. - -"Belay!" - -Still no answer. - -"Sing out," said he; "if you don't open your gills I'll slaughter you. -Haul in the royal-brace!" - -No answer. - -He turned in a rage and catching hold of Brooks, who was nearest him, -gave him a blow with his brass knuckles that would have unsettled any -ordinary head. But the darkey's skull was not very sensitive, and he at -once drew his sheath-knife, and stabbed Howard in the abdomen. He had -on thick clothes, and the knife after cutting through them inflicted -only a small flesh wound. Howard was rather frightened by this episode, -and not knowing how badly he was cut, upon seeing the other men seize -handspikes and belaying pins ready to join Brooks, in case of any -further attack, he thought it best to retreat. After breakfast he -reported the case to the captain, who sent for Brooks to come into the -cabin, where he took his position with a pistol and a fathom of ratline -stuff. Having shut the door, so that there should be no witnesses, he -made the man take off his shirt; and then flogged him till the blood -flowed down his back, and the man's cries and promises made him desist. - -The captain's prompt espousal of the second mate's cause showed that he -would stand by his officers, and it had the effect of making the crew -more respectful and careful. - -Being the third mate, I was of course in the mate's watch; my duty -was to follow up the execution of the mate's orders, and look after -the little details of work. I must know the place for everything -and see that it was in its place. When the decks were cleared up at -night, if the mate in his inspection spied a stray marline-spike or -serving-board, it was the third mate who had to answer for it. If a -sailor wanted spunyarn or seizing-stuff to work with, it was the third -mate who must know where to find it and run and get it, or if the -lockers were not in order or the tar-barrel fetched adrift he was the -first looked at for blame. In his turn of course he could growl at the -sailors, but that was rather poor satisfaction, and he had not filled -his office many days before he came to the conclusion that it was a -most thankless billet, and that a third mate's portion contained "a -larger share of kicks than of coppers." I was only nineteen years old. -The sailors looked upon me as a youngster, and were not inclined to be -particularly respectful, thinking I wouldn't dare to use force with -them. - -The captain watched me very closely, wishing to train me up in the -way I should go, and many a harsh-sounding order or rebuke I got from -him on deck, all the more galling because given in the presence of -the men. But personally the captain seemed favorably inclined toward -me, or else he feared lest I might make a report of his doings to the -owner, and thus sought frequent opportunities to talk with me and -smooth over my ruffled feelings. It is not customary for a captain to -have any conversation with a third mate, and I was not quite sure as -to his motive, though I leaned to the latter opinion, judging from -the tenor of all his stories, talk and advice, which was to the sole -end of discipline, or, perhaps more exactly, of fighting sailors. In -consulting with the mate as to this he gave me a decided opinion. "All -the old man wants," said he, "is to have you tarred with the same brush -as himself, and then he thinks you wouldn't injure him ashore, for you -know it doesn't do for the pot to call the kettle black." - -One day we were reefing the mizzen-topsail and I was astride of the -yard-arm hauling out the weather earing. The captain saw from the deck -that the men had not gathered up all the slack sail on top of the yard, -before tying the reef-points; and he at once set up a roar of mingled -oaths and orders, which, with a storm howling past my ears produced a -bewildering effect. With some difficulty I divined the pith of his -remarks, and gave the necessary directions; but this was not enough for -the captain, who sang out to me, "What's the use of sitting there and -talking to them, get up on the yard and kick their heads off." A good -deal more followed, but I was too angry to hear anything else and paid -no attention. - -The captain saw that I was rather out of sorts for the rest of the -day, and in the dog-watch came up to me as I was leaning against the -booby-hatch and began in his pleasant fluent way to tell me a story. - -"You never met Mr. Jones of Baltimore did you?" - -"No sir, I never did." - -"Well, he was my second mate, when I had the ship 'Daphne' in the China -trade." - -I had heard from good authority on shore that the "Dublin" was the only -ship Capt. Streeter had ever commanded, and since being at sea with him -I had learned that Mr. Jones was his ideal officer, and whenever he -wished to give a hint to his present mates upon points where he felt he -could not command, his favorite and usual method was to convey it in a -story about Mr. Jones, and Mr. Jones' name had already become a by-word -among the officers. I knew what was coming and prepared to receive -instructions. - -"Mr. Jones," continued the captain, "never went aloft to reef topsails -without having a belaying pin stuck into the leg of his boot. He used -to take his stand in the slings of the yard, and if the sail wasn't -picked up pretty lively, before you could count twenty he would have -been out on both yard-arms, and hit every man a tap on the head that -made 'em take hold like young tigers. Then when the sail was reefed -he'd sing out, 'lay down,' and as every man got into the rigging, if -he wasn't mighty spry, he'd get helped along with a kick, and then -he followed the last man down and jumped on his head and shoulders, -if he could overtake him. I tell you it was fun to see them scatter -when he said 'lay down.' They would come sliding down the backstays -like a parcel of monkeys, and once a Dutchman, who happened to be the -last man, and saw the second mate's boots just above his head, got so -frightened that he jumped down from half way up the main-rigging and -broke his leg. I had to scold Jones though a little for that, as the -galoot was laid up the rest of the voyage." - -"I should think that was rather poor economy," said I, "to lose a man's -labor for several months, for the sake of gaining a few seconds time in -getting down from aloft." - -"It paid though, after all," answered the captain, "for Jones could get -as much work out of six men as _some_ could out of a dozen. It's worse -economy to be too humane with sailors." - -"If that is being a smart officer I hardly think I shall become one," -said I. - -"I'll tell you what it is, you'll never make one unless you give up -some of your conscientious scruples. I must say you do very well about -your work, but you're too humane a man to go to sea, and if you want to -get along in this profession you've got to leave your nice principles -on shore. There's no religion off soundings. The captain of a ship has -got to be a liar, a cheat, a swearer, a fighter and a tyrant; in fact, -if you mean to be a good mate or a good captain you've got to be a -rascal." - -"If good principles are good for anything they are good for -everything," I replied, "and if what you say is true, either this is a -profession no one ought to follow or else religion is a sham and ought -to be hove overboard entirely. A good God would never have imposed laws -upon us which would interfere with our necessary occupations, and I -don't believe he meant the Golden Rule to be confined to the shore." - -"That all sounds very fine," said the captain, "and perhaps you'd -better knock off going to sea and set up for a parson. But you mark my -words, if you go to sea, you'll have to give up your principles sooner -or later, and you may as well make up your mind to it now. I've seen -a good many that started as fair as you've done, but it didn't last -long. But here we've got proof right alongside of us. Just look at Mr. -Howard's watch there. Every time he opens his mouth you see them piling -along like greased lightning, and he gets half a dozen answers for -every order. But your men don't answer you half the time, and they move -slower than real estate in Chelsea. - -"Now if you saw a man walking alongside of a high brick wall, and you -politely asked him to step along a little faster, he'd stop and look at -you; but if you told him the brick wall was tumbling down over his head -you'd see how quick he'd make the dust fly. It's just so with a sailor, -if you are civil to him he won't care a curse for you, but if you let -him know there's something coming down on his head he'll move quick and -respect you. A man didn't answer Mr. Jones once, and he just picked up -the carpenter's caulking mallet and hit him over the head. He never had -to speak twice to him after that." - -Finding the captain had got back to his favorite Mr. Jones, I thought -it was of no use to prolong the talk, and it being my watch below I -went to my room. Sitting down upon my chest I thought of the contrast -between the captain's instructions and the teachings of home, and -wondered if I must abandon the latter. It was very evident that there -was not the strict discipline in the mate's watch that there was in -the second mate's, and the captain's comparisons galled me; but it -seemed to me that the discipline in our watch was good enough; the -men did their duty well and were respectful, except that they were not -always particular about answering and sometimes walked along the deck -to ordinary work, whereas the second mate's men always ran, knowing -that a belaying pin or stick of fire-wood would be hurled after them if -they didn't. I felt the captain was right in saying that such strict -discipline could not be maintained, except by working on the fears -of the men, but the question with me was whether it was necessary to -be so strict. Our men in a squall, or gale of wind, would be just as -smart as the second mate's. It was only in ordinary and comparatively -unimportant work that they were at all behind-hand, and I made up -my mind that a system which necessarily required inhumanity and a -sacrifice of honorable principles must be wrong, and I would have as -little to do with it as possible. Opening my chest I took out a bundle -of letters and selected one from my father. It was an answer to one I -had written from City Point, in which I spoke of the severe discipline -which was maintained on board the "Dublin," and the course which was -required of the officers, and asked for advice. - -The reply was as follows: "I see that you are partaking of the -responsibilities of life. I should wink at some things--not see them. -I would not be what they call a 'martinet' in discipline, making much -of little things, and enforcing little rules with an air of authority. -But I would establish my character with the men for good nature, -making them feel that in not obeying they offend against kindness. I -do believe that the Gospel contains all the principles necessary to -guide us in government, and that the ways in which God treats us may -often safely be adopted. Men are very sensitive to kindness. If you -have opportunity to show it without risking authority, it is well. I -do not believe that it is necessary to speak always in a tone of stern -authority. I would be very slow to strike if I were you. But remember -that you are now one of the 'powers that be,' and they are 'ordained of -God.' He will help you govern if you look to him, for government is a -divine ordinance; and a third mate is as really government as Lords of -Admiralty or Secretary of the Navy." - -After reading this over again, I imagined how Capt. Streeter would -sneer at the idea of influencing sailors by kindness, and could almost -hear him saying, "The only thing that will influence a sailor is a -belaying-pin. Be kind to them and they'll only laugh at you." - -When twelve days out the welcome cry of "Land, ho!" was heard in the -morning, and in the horizon, above a low, narrow bank of clouds, -appeared the top of the mountain on Pico, one of the "Western Islands," -or Azores, at least sixty miles distant. This mountain is over 7,500 -feet high, and can be seen in a clear day one hundred miles at -sea. In the afternoon we passed to the southward of, and near to, -Fayal, then by Pico, catching a glimpse of St. George's Island in the -distance between them. The rich verdure of these islands and their -elevations--for Fayal has a mountain of three thousand feet--were -pleasant changes from the blue and level waters; and all enjoyed that -beautiful afternoon as we glided swiftly by these mid-ocean oases. Even -the captain and second mate laid aside their accustomed scowl, and not -an oath polluted the balmy atmosphere. St. Michael's was passed on the -starboard hand in the evening, and the next day we came up with an -English schooner bound from London to St. Michael's, but steering for -Spain. Capt. Streeter told the skipper that he had sighted the island -the evening before, and gave him his longitude. The schooner turned -about and steered in the other direction. - -It was blowing a pleasant westerly breeze this day; but at noon a -school of porpoises came dashing along, passed the ship's bow without -stopping to play around it, as they are so fond of doing, and made -away towards the north-east. The captain said it was a sure sign that -the wind was coming from that quarter; for sailors regard it as an -established fact that porpoises either go "head to the wind," or else -towards the quarter of a coming breeze. - -The porpoises and the captain were right this time. The wind gradually -hauled around by the N. to N.E., and by night the ship was braced sharp -up on the port tack. The Mother Carey's chickens were flitting about in -the ship's wake very actively, uttering their feeble chirps with more -animation than usual. The captain, noticing them, and at the same time -perceiving a low bank of clouds to windward, predicted a speedy advent -of the gale. He proved a correct interpreter of the signs. We were -called out in the night to shorten sail, and for twenty-four hours were -hove to under the close-reefed main-topsail. Speaking of the Mother -Carey's chickens, the captain asked me if I ever had smelt one, and -said: - -"I once caught one with a hook and line, and killed it, thinking I -would stuff it; but I had not got far along with the work before the -odor made me sick, and I hove it overboard. Though it was eight years -ago, the smell is on my hands still. You know they say, that all the -sailors that die at sea turn into Mother Carey's chickens, and the -captains into albatrosses; and I expect this odor hangs on to me -because I love sailors so well. But I must give you a chance to judge -for yourself." - -A day or two after, in a calm, he shot one at a little distance from -the ship, and made one of the boys jump overboard and swim for it, in -spite of his dread of sharks. When he had obtained it he roused me out -of a sound nap to come out and smell of it, very much to my disgust. I -found its odor was, to say the least, rather disagreeable. - -The afternoon before making the land, the captain ordered the mate -to get the anchors on to the rail and bend the chains. Mr. Morrison -proceeded to carry out the order, but to his great annoyance Capt. -Streeter came forward and kept putting in his oar, giving suggestions -and directions. This was a thing so peculiarly in the mate's province, -which, if one did not understand it, would prove him lacking in -the lowest qualifications for a mate's situation, that the worthy -official's temper was greatly aroused. He suppressed it for a time; but -at each interference his face grew redder and redder, and when at last -the captain told him that the ring of the anchor ought to be brought -closer up to the cat-head, the storm burst forth, and turning around -with a fiery face and defiant eye, he said, "Capt. Streeter, just go -aft and mind your own business; I can take care of the anchors." - -"I want you to know that I am captain of this ship, and I'll do what I -please," answered the captain, pale with rage. - -"I know you're cap'n; but I want you to know the owners put me aboard -to be mate, and I've let you do my work long enough." - -All the men stood amazed at the mate's daring in thus confronting our -ferocious captain, and looked for nothing short of his being murdered; -but to our great surprise the captain cooled down, and in a mild, -persuasive way said: "But, Mr. Morrison, just look at the philosophy of -the thing," (a favorite phrase with him), "you see if that anchor--" - -"There's no philosophy about it," burst out the mate's sharp voice. -"I don't want to have any talk with you. I'll only treat you with the -contempt you deserve," and turning his back towards him, he drowned -another mild reply by shouting: "Lower away the fish-tackle!" and -giving continuous orders to the men. The captain, finding himself -literally checkmated, walked aft, apparently calm, but with a tempest -raging within. He sat down on the booby-hatch, and tried to devise -some means of humiliating the mate. His schemes always reached their -culminating point in his brick-wall theory, but when he thought of the -expediency of applying it in this case, and letting the brick-wall come -down on Mr. Morrison's head, he muttered: "He's such a fiery tempered -man, I guess it won't do." - -As soon as the mate had got the anchors placed, he told me to secure -them and to clear up, and then went aft, thinking he might as well -settle matters now, if they needed any more settlement. - -The men all took sly glances after him, and whispered to each other -that they thought there'd be a fight now; and some offered to bet the -mate would come out best. The captain was very much the mate's superior -in size and build; but the latter was a perfect tiger when aroused, and -was just as fearless, in fact, as the captain in his harangues to his -officers pretended to be. - -As soon as he got aft the captain caught a glance of his eye, and -his brick-wall plans were entirely dispelled. In a conciliatory tone -he began, "Mr. Morrison, I think there's no need of your getting so -excited about a little thing. You know every one has their little ways." - -"I know you have," said the mate, "and very contemptible ones they -are. I came aboard of this ship with as good a will as ever a man had, -and meant to do my duty faithfully, but you've interfered with all my -work; you stop every job that I get under way, and though I've been -twenty-five years to sea, I'm not trusted even to bend a jib or brace -the foreyard." - -"But you know I'm captain of the ship, Mr. Morrison." - -"Then you ought to keep in the captain's place, unless there's nobody -below you that knows anything. But from the first day I came on board, -you've undertaken to do my work, and you don't know whether I am -capable of it or not; and you've done it so poorly, I'm ashamed to have -the ship go into port. I've always seen a captain show some respect -to his mate; but you never have a civil word for me on duty, and your -silly, lying stories don't make up for it." - -"You must make allowances," replied the captain; "you can't expect a -man always to be smooth-tempered. When Mr. Jones was with me, I--" - -"Mr. Jones was a fool, if all you say of him is true," interrupted the -mate. "No one with any respect for himself can make allowance enough -for you; your knock-down principles and vile language are disgraceful." - -For every word the captain advanced, the mate brought out two dozen, -and so fast there was no interrupting him. At last the captain found a -retreat by noticing that the sails were lifting, and he gave the order -to brace forward the yards and take in the lower-studding-sail. Going -to the cabin he for once left the mate to work alone, and afterwards -found some relief to his pent up rage by calling the two boys to come -aft with a watch-tackle and taughten up the ropes. - -There was kept hanging up in front of the cabin a fathom of ratline -stuff, doubled up and seized, so as to make a loop for the hand and -bring the two ends together. Slipping this over his hand and shaking -the ends, he called out the ropes to the boys, and if they made any -mistake, or were not quite lively enough, he gave them what he called a -dose of rope-yarn tea, by bringing the "cat" down on their backs. This -treatment made them so bewildered and frightened that they made all the -more blunders, and half of the time got hold of the wrong ropes, giving -the captain an excuse for beating them to his heart's content. - -He found this such a good relief for a pent-up temper that he -frequently put it in practice, when galled by the mate's contempt -and indifference, and all through the voyage the boys were made the -scape-goats for Mr. Morrison's sins against the captain. - -That evening the captain told me that if the night was fine he expected -to sight Cape Spartel, the point of the African coast at the entrance -of the Straits, before morning, as it was mountainous land and could -be seen sixty or eighty miles. At 2, A.M., the lookout discovered it -on the starboard bow. I went into the cabin, and waking up the captain -said to him: - -"Cape Spartel is in sight, sir!" - -"What!" said he, in a very sharp tone. - -I repeated it, and went on deck. - -Soon the captain came out and after looking at the land, without -addressing any one, began to swear in a loud tone, saying, "I expect -my officers will take charge of the ship soon, for even the third mate -undertakes to tell me what land we make." A good deal more followed -about "making them know their place." - -When he had gone below I asked the mate, what all this breeze meant? -The mate asked me what I said to the captain when I called him, and -then said to me, "The old man must be raving because you said Cape -Spartel is in sight, instead of saying 'there's land in sight.'" - -"Well, I must say, he is stuck up," said I. "I asked him the other -day what the longitude was, and I thought he was going to eat me up, -he gave me such a savage look, and all the satisfaction I got was the -information that it was the first time a third mate had ever asked him -such a question. He makes so free with me telling his dirty stories and -spinning yarns about Mr. Jones, that it didn't occur to me I was going -to insult his dignity by asking such a question." - -"I could tell him," said the mate, "that he is the first captain I ever -knew to spin yarns to his third mate. His dignity begins at the wrong -place. If he wants his officers to respect him, he must show himself -worthy of respect, instead of being the blackguard that every true man -must loathe." - -There was this peculiarity about the cabin, that sounds from the deck -could be heard there very distinctly, and as the mate was in the habit -of holding forth to me in a night-watch concerning the captain's -character, that individual often got the benefit of it. It was contrary -to his idea of discipline also to have any conversation carried on -between officers on duty, and only a few days before he had told me -that he did not wish me to talk with the mate. - -All these remarks just made found their way to the captain's opened -ears. To put a stop to it he came out on deck, and passing by us walked -aft without saying a word. Upon looking in the binnacle he saw by the -compass that the ship was a point off her course, and jumping to the -rail he drew out a belaying pin and struck the man at the wheel two -or three blows on the head. He then went around the lee side into the -cabin, and the mate coming aft found the helmsman crying, and learned -the cause. - -The next forenoon brought the ship into the Straits of Gibraltar, and -the interesting scenery did a little towards relieving the ill-humor -which had settled on all both fore and aft, in consequence of the -events of the last twenty-four hours. The wind was from the eastward, -dead ahead, and as the ship beat from shore to shore through its length -of fifty miles, striking and constantly changing views were presented -by the rugged African mountains on one hand, the more fertile Spanish -hills on the other, and ahead, the noble and world-renowned Rock of -Gibraltar, three miles in length and 1600 feet high. Its outlines -well represent a crouching lion, an appropriate symbol of its silent -batteries, ready at a moment's notice to pour forth destruction upon an -approaching foe. A strong current runs almost always from the Atlantic -into the Mediterranean, though modified by an easterly wind, and this -helped the "Dublin" to windward, so that at night she passed Gibraltar -looming up high and dark against the starlit sky. - -That evening the captain tried his usual panacea upon my moodiness, I -being the only officer he seemed anxious to propitiate, for reasons -best known to himself. His conversation comprised stories about "Mr. -Jones," and explanations of the "philosophy of the thing" as applied -to currents, which in this case he demonstrated, that as water cannot -always run into a place unless some runs out, there must be a hole -underneath the Isthmus of Suez to let it run through into the Red Sea. -And then he evidenced that he was not insensible to the influence of -the noble scenes and historical interest which had surrounded us that -day, by remarking how much of a charm it gave to sea-life to visit such -interesting localities, and he added: "How pleasant it is too, to think -that we are going to visit the land where our Saviour was born!" - -I was almost as much astonished by the fact of the captain's mentioning -that name calmly and soberly, as at the information that Christ was -born in Italy. I had already measured his stock of knowledge, and had -received many similar pieces of information before, which, knowing the -captain's conceitedness and temper, I thought it good policy not to -contradict; though even my usual reply of, "Is it so, sir?" sometimes -aroused his ire, as implying a doubt of his correctness in making -assertions; such, for instance, as, that Gibraltar belonged to France, -or that the clouds were six hundred miles above the earth, or that -the moon had no influence over the tides. I felt inclined to try the -experiment, if it was possible to convince him of an error, or rather -to make him acknowledge one--a matter upon which I had great doubt. I -cautiously said: "Christ wasn't born in Italy, was he, sir?" - -"Of course not," said the captain; "haven't you read the Bible enough -to know that? I mean Europe; doesn't Italy belong to Europe?" - -"Yes, sir," I replied; "but I've always understood that Christ was born -in Palestine, which is a country of Asia." - -"Of course he was," said the captain. "I know that very well; and -that's just what I meant to say. We're going to visit that part of -the world where Christ was born. Europe, Asia and Africa make one -hemisphere, don't they?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"And isn't America a separate one?" - -"Yes, sir: one is called the Eastern, and the other the Western -hemisphere." - -"Of course it is," said the captain. "I believe if you got two ideas in -your head at once, it would bu'st." He turned haughtily away as though -he had convinced me of the ignorance of not knowing either where Christ -was born, or which hemisphere the "Dublin" was sailing in; but for the -next few days I heard nothing more about "Mr. Jones," "philosophy," -Scripture or geography, but had a good share of harsh-sounding orders -and snarling rebukes when about my work, and the reason of it I well -understood. - -The winds were rather light and baffling in the Mediterranean, and the -ship made slow progress. But the weather was charming. Sea and sky were -of that deep blue which is world-renowned, and which make this sea -emphatically "the blue Mediterranean." Some days, so clear was the air -as almost to impress one with the idea of the vastness and emptiness of -space, and when, commonly speaking, the sky seemed to have disappeared. -But at evening little clouds would gather about and lend their bright -hues to adorn the sunset. - -For a week after leaving Gibraltar things went on quietly on board -ship, and I had great hopes that the passage would end peacefully. But -it must needs be that offences come at sea, and one more row had to be -passed through before the harbor of Genoa was reached. - -There was a man on board called Jake, a powerful "six-footer," and one -of the best sailors and most cheerful and active of the crew. - -One afternoon, the second mate pointed him out to the captain, and -said: "That's a good man; he's as smart as a steel trap, and a willing -fellow, too." - -"Yes," said the captain, "I think he is; but don't you tell him so, for -if you do, it won't last much longer." - -"No fear, sir," said Mr. Howard, "I don't give compliments to sailors -very often." - -That night Mr. Howard had the first watch on deck, and at about 11 -o'clock the wind hauled aft a little, giving opportunity to set the -studding-sails. He gave the necessary orders at once; and Jake was the -first one to get into the rigging and mount to the foreyard to cast -the heel-lashing of the boom adrift. He was not ready with it when the -others came up with the ropes to reeve, and the second mate hurried him -up with frequent phrases, such as, "Bear a hand;" "Let's hear from you -there;" "What do you say, now?" and then asked: "What's the matter, -there?" - -"The heel-lashing's jammed, sir," was answered. - -"Bear a hand and clear it then," said he. - -"I'm doing it as fast as I can," said the man, in a sharp, surly tone. - -Mr. Howard was not accustomed to have sailors talk to him in that -style, and he gave him a round of curses, and asked him if he knew who -he was talking to. - -Jake made no reply, but worked away at the lashing. - -In a little while Mr. Howard hailed him again: "Are you most ready -there?" - -No answer came, and a repetition of the question followed, with sundry -additions, and, as the officer thought, embellishments. - -The reply this time came in the shape of a loud, clear "No!" - -It is considered almost as great an insult to an officer as a man can -offer, to omit the little word "Sir," in replying to him; and this is -at the bottom of many a tale of severity, or even murder at sea. - -Only stopping to utter one oath, Mr. Howard sprang into the rigging, -ran aloft and swung himself with one hand on to the foreyard. Jake, -seeing him coming, had laid out towards the yard-arm, and called out to -him: "If you strike me I'll cut your heart out!" - -Ever since the stabbing affray, Mr. Howard had enlarged his stock of -pocket-tools, and now pulled out a slung-shot. Going out on the yard, -he stood on it holding on to the fore-lift with one hand, while with -the slung-shot in the other he attempted to strike Jake on the head. -He missed his mark, however, and the shot flew out of his grasp and -fell on deck. He had on a pair of thin and well-worn shoes; but with -these he kicked the man until they flew off his feet overboard. By -this time Jake had crawled in past him, and started for the deck. Upon -reaching it, he picked up a capstan bar and took his stand with it -over his shoulder, until the second mate was nearly down the rigging, -then he suddenly aimed a blow at him with all his force, intending to -knock him overboard. He was too much excited to take exact aim, and -the bar struck a ratline and broke it, grazed Mr. Howard's leg and -broke another ratline. Mr. Howard jumped upon deck, and the man turned -furiously upon him, striking at his head with the heavy oak capstan -bar, and swinging it about him in a most determined way. The second -mate dodged and retreated aft, closely pursued by Jake; and one of -the boys was so terrified that he ran into the cabin and called out -to the captain: "One of the men is trying to kill the second mate." -Capt. Streeter never slept in his bed at sea, or removed his clothes -at night; but always lay stretched out on a sofa in the cabin, with a -pistol near him, ready for a call. He at once sprang up and rushed on -deck, and there found Jake swinging the capstan bar from side to side, -and Mr. Howard eluding his blows and making vain attempts to close with -him. - -"Put down that handspike!" shouted the captain. - -But it swung as fast as ever; and the captain now showed more courage -than Mr. Morrison had given him credit for, by rushing at him just as -he swung his weapon to one side, and seizing it before he could return -a blow. With Mr. Howard's help he wrested it from him, and telling that -officer to hold on to him, he seized the end of the crossjack-brace -(a two and a half inch rope), and beat him over the back, until he -cried most piteously for mercy, and made many promises of future good -behavior. This did not satisfy Mr. Howard, who, as soon as the captain -had let him go, put his brass knuckles on his right hand, and striking -Jake a heavy blow, threw him to the deck. He then kneeled upon him, -clutched his throat with the left hand, and with the knuckles beat him -in the face. The man gasped out cries and entreaties, saying: "Take -him off, cap'n; take him off. Don't let him kill me." And at last the -captain had to catch Howard's arm and say to him: "I guess that'll do, -Mr. Howard. He's got enough for this time." - -Jake's face was a sorry-looking object the next day, and for some days -after; and he told the mate he thought one of his ribs was broken. But -he kept at his work as well as he could, and always was particular -about answering Mr. Howard with a "Sir!" - -Things went on again quietly, and in three or four days more we were -off the Gulf of Lyons. The prospect of soon reaching port cheered all -on board, and all but Jake seemed lively and even happy. - -We signalized the ship "Martha Dutton," Capt. Cheever, when a day's -sail from Genoa; and it immediately after came on to blow a heavy gale -from the south-west. Capt. Cheever was an old sea-captain, and adhered -to the prudent rule of not approaching a lee shore in a gale of wind, -within less than the distance of a day's drift (say sixty miles), and -after awhile he hove his ship to, and waited for a better chance to -make the land. - -Capt. Streeter kept the "Dublin" running before the wind into the Gulf -of Genoa; and as the next morning brought a head wind when he was in -sight of his port, he was very much the gainer for his attempt. When -Capt. Cheever arrived three days after him, he shook his head and told -Capt. Streeter he had done the most hair-brained act he ever knew the -master of a ship to commit. - -The "Dublin" had yet one day more to wait before dropping her anchor. -The head wind lasted until she had beat up within two miles of the mole -of Genoa, and then it died away calm and continued so, with occasional -light airs from the shore. There was no anchorage, and as the ship -slowly drifted from one side of the bay to the other, we had a fine -chance to take a sea-view of the renowned city of Genoa. - -It is situated at the head of the Gulf of Genoa, and at the centre -of an amphitheatre of high hills, which rise quite abruptly from the -sea. On either hand the mountainous coast stretches away in a vast -semi-circle beyond the range of vision. The snow capped Apennines -tower behind and around it, making a noble background to the beautiful -picture. The city itself rises on the steep hills, whose tops for seven -miles are lined with forts, so that from the sea almost every street -can be seen, and the tall houses and palaces mount one above the other, -giving one an impression that a slight convulsion might send them all -sliding down into the sea. - -The harbor, or mole, is formed by a sea-wall extending across the -semi-circle made by the immediate hills, securing anchorage where the -vessels moor stem and stern with their own anchors. - -This evening as the sun went down behind the mountains, a scene was -formed never to be forgotten. The beautiful blue sky was lit up by -brilliant clouds which, reflected in the still waters, made the sea -almost as glowing as the sky. The mountain sides took every shade of -the darker colors, while their snow-capped peaks blushed with the -crimson tints of sunset. The next morning's sunrise was also a charming -scene, but with it came what was far more acceptable, a good breeze, -and the ship was pointed towards the city. A pilot came off to meet -us, but refused to come on board, as the health officers had not yet -ascertained whether the ship had any infectious disease on board; but -he told the captain to follow his boat, and leading the way into the -mole, pointed out the spot in the quarantine ground where she should -drop anchor. The captain went ashore in a boat, and was rowed to a -flight of steps, which led into a small room with no other egress than -the door by which he entered. A narrow window opened from it into -another room where were several officials, and one of them approached -the window with a pair of tongs, and reaching them out took from the -captain the ship's papers. After smoking them in the chimney for a -minute, he ventured to inspect them. Capt. Streeter was then ordered -to return to his ship, and after a visit from the health officer, who -found everything satisfactory, order was given to air all the bedding -and clothing, to hoist the yellow flag, and remain in quarantine for -three days, when, if things still appeared well with regard to the -sanitary condition of the ship, she would be permitted to discharge. -Capt. Streeter's Yankee energy and impatience chafed a little at this -delay, but in spite of growling and swearing, he had to remain in -solitary confinement for three days, and when at last the order for -release came, and the ship was allowed to take her place in the tiers, -he went to work at discharging with an enterprise and will that created -astonishment, not only to the Genoese, but to all the fleet. Every -morning they were waked up by the song of the crew, as they commenced -at five o'clock in the morning to hoist out the tobacco, for it is -not customary in port to "turn to" until six, and all day long such -choruses as "Walk along my Sally Brown," and "Hoist her up from down -below," rang over the harbor, with all the force that a dozen hearty -negroes could give them. When the "shanty man" became hoarse, another -relieved him, and thus the song and work went along, and in a fortnight -the captain astonished and vexed the consignees by reporting his ship -as all discharged and ready for her outward cargo, whereas they had -allowed her a month's time for this, and the intended cargo of marble -had not yet arrived from the quarries at Carrara. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -VOYAGE OF THE "DUBLIN."--(Concluded.) - - -Genova _la superba_ is renowned for its palaces, but, as seen from -the harbor, the buildings of the city, apart from their grand and -picturesque location, do not inspire one with much admiration. - -After a visit on shore to the palaces and churches I was so charmed -with what I had seen, that I was seized with an intense desire to see -more of the renowned wonders of Italy, and I proposed to Mr. Morrison a -plan for visiting Rome, and asked him what he thought of it? - -"I don't see why you can't go, if you want to spend your money in that -way," said Mr. Morrison. "The cargo is all discharged, and we've got to -wait two or three weeks for our marble, so I think you can be spared -as well as not. The only thing is to get on the right side of the old -man, and you seem to understand that pretty well." - -The next day with some fear and trembling I made my proposition to the -captain, and excited the breeze I quite expected. - -"I thought something of that sort would be coming soon," he said. "I -believe nobody cares a curse for the ship except myself. I like to see -my officers take an interest in their vessel, but I suppose it's of no -use to hope for it. I was mate of a ship once for two years without -setting foot on shore but once, and that was when I was sued for -breaking an old shellback's head and had to go to court. I never knew -Mr. Jones to ask for liberty all the time he was with me. He was a man -who took pride in his ship." - -"I am sure I feel an interest in the ship," said I, "but I've often -heard you say yourself that going to sea is a dog's life, and I don't -see why a man should be blamed for getting clear of it when he can do -so without occasioning any disadvantage; and in this case I am sure I -shall not be missed much, for Mr. Howard and Mr. Morrison both say they -can get along without me." - -"How long should you want to be gone?" asked the captain. - -"About a fortnight, sir." - -"Well, I'll give you a week's liberty. You may start next Monday -morning, and be on board again the Monday after." - -"But that wouldn't give me time to visit Rome," said I. - -"I don't care where you go to, but that's all the time you can have," -answered the captain. - -The next day I went to the Consul, and got him to procure a passport -from the minister at Turin, and on the day appointed by the captain I -procured tickets through to Rome, although I found the steamers did not -connect at Leghorn and I should have to remain there three days. But -this would give me time to go to Florence; I also knew the captain's -only motive in limiting me to a week was the usual one of discipline, -and I felt no hesitation at transgressing a little, if the question to -be decided was whether I should see Rome or not. - -I went to the captain with my through tickets and told him that I -should not be able to return in time. He relented a little and said: -"Well, get back as soon as you can." - -I took this last remark for my instructions and starting on my journey, -visited Leghorn, Pisa, Florence and Rome, spending eight days in -the Eternal City, and rushing about over its ruins and through its -galleries in a way that astonished the more deliberate travellers whom -I met. On the seventeenth day I again entered the harbor of Genoa, -in the morning, and being a little in dread of an explosion of the -captain's wrath I used my knowledge of his character to concoct a -little plan for shielding myself. It worked admirably. - -I had made the acquaintance on board the steamer of a gentleman, the -U.S. Consul at Venice, and I invited him to go on board the "Dublin" -with me and take breakfast, assuring him of a cordial welcome from -Capt. Streeter. - -I walked into the cabin and found the captain seated there. "Good -morning, sir," said I. - -"Oh! you young blackguard," the captain broke forth, and pausing here -one second as he noticed the stranger in uniform who had followed, I -seized the chance to say, "This is the American Consul at Venice, sir." - -"Ah! how do you do, sir; I'm very glad to see you, sir. Welcome on -board the 'Dublin;' take a chair, sir," and in the profusion of his -attention to the consul the captain quite forgot the "blessing" he had -been hoarding up for poor me during the past week, and when he at last -had time to hear my story, he only said, "I thought you'd come back -with some old sailor excuse." - -I felt I had earned my visit to Rome at a cheap rate after all, and was -highly pleased at this finale. The trip made a good hole in my earnings -and at the end of a six months' voyage I found myself in debt to the -vessel. - -The ship was now taking in marble in blocks, weighing from three to -five tons each. These were hoisted on board from the lighters by a -large "pontoon," which had a great pair of shears and immense tackle -at one end, and at the other a wheel and axle to heave with. The -blocks came up slowly, sometimes two or three at a time, one hanging -below the other, and as they swung over the ship and were lowered down -the hatchway, they were watched with almost breathless silence lest -something should give away and let them go down through the bottom. But -the five hundred tons were taken on board safely, and then the ship -filled up with bales of rags, cases of olive oil and boxes of maccaroni. - -Capt. Streeter managed to pick a quarrel with almost every man in port -that he had dealings with. He always seemed to act on the supposition -that those he dealt with were trying to cheat him, and was not at all -backward about telling them so. The consequence was that he was always -in hot water, had a lawsuit with the consignee of his cargo, and got -the reputation, as far as I could ascertain from those who had business -with him, of being either a fool or a liar, or both. - -But after all he was a shrewd man, and the result of his bullying and -lying was, that his owners had a moderate disbursement account, and he -thought that would cover a multitude of sins. - -His special antagonist on shore was a Mr. Pasamotti, and having a great -inaptitude for getting hold of names, he used to amuse me sometimes at -night by relating his grievances during the day, and giving vent to -invectives against "Mr. Smashempotter." - -There were a few American vessels in port. Every evening visits -were exchanged among the ships, and each officer became informed of -the exact character of every ship, whether she was a "wild boat," -"workhouse," or "good ship;" and of every captain, whether he was a -"hard ticket," "fool," "skin-flint," or "gentleman." - -There were three or four regular visitants to the "Dublin." The mate -of the "Eagle" came with long yarns about his captain's daughter, a -romping lassie, who had a flirtation underway with five different -captains, all supposed to be bachelors. The second mate of the -"Example" had curious tales of the means his captain was using to make -the crew desert the ship; and others brought stories of meanness, -tyranny, or debauchery, which made one blush for the honor of his -profession and nationality; while on the other hand, we sometimes were -favored with commendations of captains in the highest terms. - -"What was that man doing hanging in a bow-line over the side of your -ship, to-day and yesterday?" asked our mate of Mr. Winthrop, the second -mate of the "Example," as several of us were seated on the poop-deck of -the "Dublin" one evening, while the captain was on shore. - -"What! did you notice him?" - -"Yes;" said Mr. Morrison, "I'm no friend to sailors, but I think it's a -shame to hang a fellow out all day long in that way." - -"When he's got a broken back, too, eh?" said Mr. Winthrop. - -"A broken back!" - -"Something of the sort. But I'll tell you all about it. We've been away -from home now about nine months, and the sailors get fourteen dollars -a month, so they've got near a hundred dollars due them. Sailors are -plenty here now, and wages are only twelve dollars. Our ship can't -get a freight at present. I don't know how true it is, but one of our -consignee's clerks told me that last time our old man was here, he -cheated his broker out of a commission; and this same man is now doing -all he can to prevent the ship from chartering. He gives bad reports -about the seaworthiness of the ship, I believe; but it's a lie if he -does, for she's as able a craft as there is in these waters; I don't -care where the next comes from. When the old man found he'd got to -stay here some time, he wanted to get rid of his crew, but the consul -wouldn't let him pay them off, unless he gave them three month's extra -wages, and he thought it would be a nice thing if he could make them -run away, and put a thousand dollars or so in his own pocket, or his -owner's, I don't know which. So about a month ago he began to work -them up. He made us cockbill the lower and topsail-yards, and then -the sailors had to scrub them with a piece of canvas and a bucketful -of salt water, beginning at the lower yard-arm and scrubbing above -them all the time as they crawled up. The water of course ran down on -them, and six of them he made us keep soaking and steaming for about -a week. This made most of 'em sick, and Saturday night four of 'em -came to the old man and told him if he'd give them ten dollars apiece, -they'd go ashore. This he did, and made four hundred dollars out of the -operation; and I tell you what, if ever men earned their wages those -fellows have done it since they've been aboard of that packet, for -they've been worked like jackasses day and night. - -"The next week we drove five more out of the ship by hard work and poor -grub. The old man was greatly tickled by his good luck, and he thought -if he could get rid of one more he'd let the rest stay, because he -thought the ship might get too bad a name if every one left. - -"The fellow he picked out was an English chap, and he told us to -"keep him going." One evening, after we had knocked off work and put -on the hatches, I sent him down in the 'tween decks to see if there -wasn't a stray broom left down there; and it being dark and the 'tween -deck-hatches off, the chap walked right down the main hatch and fell on -the stone ballast in the hold. We heard him singing out blue-murder, -and got the hatches off and hauled him up on deck in a bow-line. He -said his back was broken; but I guess it was only badly bruised. When -the old man got aboard, and we told him of it, he tore round as though -there was something to pay and no pitch hot. The man wanted to go to -the hospital; but the captain didn't relish giving him his pay and -three month's extra, so he let him lie in the forecastle a week and -have his back rubbed with soap-liniment. But the man swore there was -some bone out of place in his back; and the captain got mad and told -the mate yesterday morning to sling the fellow in a bow-line, and make -him scrub the copper all round the ship outside. I wish you could have -been aboard to hear the rest of the fun, for the mate stepped up to him -and said: - -"'Capt. Murphy, I've done enough of your dirty work; if you want that -job done you had better ship a new mate to do it.' - -"The old man cursed him a few, I tell you, but the mate stood his -ground, and at last the captain told him to go to an unpleasant -locality. - -"I've been there the last nine months," said the mate, "and got enough -of it; so if you please, I'll take my wages and leave." - -"You don't say your mate left?" - -"Yes; the old man tried to pay him off aboard ship, but the mate said -he wasn't going to be put down on the articles as a deserter, and -he made him pay him off at the Consul's with two months' extra for -himself and one for the Consul. I guess the old man won't smile again -for two weeks." - -"How about the sailor?" - -"Oh, I got orders to do what the mate had refused, and I wasn't too -high-toned to do it, seeing I want to get put in mate. I pitied the -fellow, though I don't believe he's as much hurt as he tries to make -out. At knock-off time to-night the old man happened to be aboard and -the sailor came aft and said he was willing to go ashore, so the old -man gave him a few dollars and he cleared. We've only got six men -aboard now, just enough to keep her in good order." - -"We got clear of sixteen men out of our ship at Singapore," said the -mate of the "Tempest." "The whole starboard-watch left one night bag -and baggage and not one of us knew it aft till morning. We kept 'em -holystoning and scraping from dawn to dark, and licked 'em about every -other day on an average. They left about ninety dollars a piece, I -believe; at any rate I heard the old man say he had made $1500 by the -operation." - -"There's been a law passed lately," said Mr. Morrison, "which I suppose -is meant to put a stop to this driving sailors out of ships. When -a man deserts and leaves any wages due him, they have to be handed -over to the government when the vessel arrives home, that is, after -taking out enough to pay any extra expense the ship has been put to -in getting other men. The wise heads in Congress thought that if they -could prevent captains from making any money by it, they would have no -inducement to run their crews ashore." - -"But they weren't smart enough," said the mate of the "Tempest." "They -might have known that if a man is rascal enough to rob sailors in that -way, for that's just what it amounts to, he won't make any bones about -telling a lie to save the stealings. Now our old man put down on the -articles about seventy dollars paid to each man, and fifteen dollars -expense incurred by the desertion, leaving about four or five dollars, -which may be the Custom House will get." - -"It seems rather hard," said Mr. Morrison, "that a ship shouldn't have -the benefit of what wages a runaway sailor leaves behind him. No matter -how well sailors are treated, some will almost always desert, just on -account of their love of change, and often will leave a little money -due them." - -"I expect it is hard for the captains to make up their minds to pay -it," said the mate of the "Tempest." "But sailors don't often run away -from a good ship, when they have much money due them, except when they -want to go to the gold mines, or some such thing. I've seen as much -of this driving men out of ships as most men a-going, and done a good -deal of it myself too, but I must say I think it's a shame, and the -sailors need some protection such as this law means to give, and I'm -not sure but this will come as near to doing it as anything can, except -abolishing the three months' pay law, which is the greatest cause of -sailors being driven ashore." - -Another evening three or four mates came visiting, and the burden of -our conversation was lady passengers. - -"It is always bad luck," said one, "to have either a woman or a -minister aboard. I never knew it to fail yet. It is either a long -passage, or getting dismasted, or short of provisions, or there's a -terrible row in the camp. It's bad enough to carry one woman, as the -'Eagle' is going to do, but when it comes to taking four or five of -them and two missionaries beside, as the 'Tempest' does it's the very -mischief. I don't believe she'll ever reach port." - -"You're an old owl," said the mate of the "Tempest." "There's no better -luck that can happen to a ship than to have a lady on board, mind I say -a _lady_. As to missionaries, I've nothing to say, for I never sailed -with any yet, but I stand up for the women. I'd be willing to go for -five dollars a month less wages for the sake of being in a ship that -carried them." - -"Tell us your reasons," said Mr. Howard, "before you expect us to -believe you. What good is there in having a woman on board? I don't -believe there's any bad luck in it, nor do I see why you should be -quite so enthusiastic about it." - -"I'll tell you my reasons. I've a great opinion of woman's influence -in keeping the edge on men's good manners and principles. A crowd of -men shut up together on a long voyage are continually degenerating into -barbarism. They need some restraint on their selfishness, and a curb -to their brutal natures. A woman's presence in some measure supplies -this. The captain feels bound to respect her, if there's anything of -the man about him, and he's careful how he swears or uses bad language. -The officers take their cue from the old man, and they're not as rough -with the crew, and the sailors in their turn feel the influence and -keep on their good behavior when they're around aft; it puts Jack in -good humor to see calico fluttering, and ribbons flying in the breeze, -for I believe every true sailor is at heart a ladies' man, though he -may not have much grace in displaying it. The man at the wheel keeps -his weather-eye lifting when she comes on deck to take an airing, and -has both his ears unbuttoned to catch any of her words, and when he -gets into the forecastle he says: 'Boys, what do you think the old -woman said this morning,' and then there's a long argument about it all -dinner time, whereas if they didn't have that to talk about, they'd be -growling about the ship, the work and their grub. The good influence -has begun already in our ship just from knowing ladies are coming." - -"How's that," said the mate of the "Example." - -"Why, my second mate is a great eye-servant. He's as mild as a kitten -when the old man's out of the ship, and doesn't care whether school -keeps or not; but just as soon as the cap'n gets hold of the man-ropes -to come up the side, he begins cursing and heaving belaying pins. The -old man steps over the rail and says to the captain that has come on -board with him, as they go into the cabin: 'That's the boy to take care -of 'em. He makes 'em toe the mark.' Last evening the cap'n came aboard -after knock-off time, when the men were at supper, but the 'shocking -dickey' wanted to shew off, so he went to the starboard forecastle -door, and began raving at somebody about leaving a marline-spike at the -main fife-rail. The cap'n heard him as he came over the gangway and -sung out: 'There, that'll do Mr. Brown; we've got to knock off all such -talk as that--we're going to have lady passengers.' I've sailed with -the old man three years, and that's the first time ever I heard him -find fault with bad language. So I think I've proved my case, haven't -I?" - -"Yes," said Mr. Howard, "you're a good champion for the ladies. You'd -do to present their cause before a meeting of shipowners." - -"If it's such a good thing for a ship to carry women, why is it that -shipowners are so down on it, and they so seldom allow captains to -carry their wives?" asked the mate of the bark "Vulture." - -"One reason," said Mr. Morrison, "is the extra expense; it costs -something to feed them on a long voyage, and they must have more -dainties. Another is that they sometimes cause detention to the ship or -occasion a deviation from the voyage. There was a ship belonging to a -Boston firm that I used to sail for, that was kept waiting in Calcutta -for a week after she was loaded, on account of the captain becoming -a happy father. When the news came home, one of the partners handed -the letter over to the other, and said, 'What do you think of that?' -'Think,' said he; 'I think we won't make baby-houses of our ships any -more.' They made the rule, and after that captains had the choice to -leave their wives at home, or leave the employ." - -"It's a hard place for a woman on board of a ship any way," croaked the -"owl" again. "It isn't natural for them to be shut up for months with -a crowd of rough 'barnacle backs,' without any of their sex to gossip -with, and no chance to go a-shopping, except two or three times a year." - -"A ship is a hard place for anyone," said I. "Going to sea is an -unnatural life and a hardship to everybody. It's pretty clear from the -Bible how its Maker regards it, for there it is frequently used as a -symbol of evil. 'The wicked are like the troubled sea,' and 'raging -waves of the sea;' 'he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea;' the -beast of Revelation is represented as rising out of the sea, and we -read in the description of the perfect state 'there was no more sea.' -It is not good enough to be allowed in heaven. But in spite of all its -trials and unpleasant features we all like to go to sea." - -"Vast heaving there, my friend," said the mate of the "Example." "I -don't like to go to sea, and I never saw a man yet that would own up to -liking it." - -"We must be judged by our actions, not by our words," said I. "Sea -life gets people into such a way of 'growling' that they never know -when to stop finding fault; and if you ask them about any of their -circumstances they'll generally give an unfavorable account of them. -But after you've been growling about sea life for a whole voyage, -you'll get on shore, and in three weeks' time you'll be fretting to be -afloat again, and if you don't find a ship pretty soon, you'll growl -worse even than you did at sea. But I'll meet you half way and say -we _prefer_ to go to sea, in spite of its hardships. Against these -we have the offset of seeing foreign countries, the excitement of -constant change of place, and the great pleasure of arrivals at home. -Now, although what was said about the women may have some truth in -it, yet a woman, who loves her husband, may consider his company more -than an equivalent for the privations of life on shipboard; and then, -in foreign ports she's always made a good deal of, and gets a chance -to see everything that's to be seen, and enjoy all the pleasures of -foreign life, so that when you compare her life for a year's voyage, -with the hum-drum existence she would lead by herself in a small -country town; fretting about her good man every time the wind blew -hard, being the only excitement she would have in the whole time he was -away, and I tell you the seafaring woman has the best of it." - -"Pretty well argued," said Mr. Morrison, "for a youngster that knows -nothing about it." - -After two months in port the ship was again ready for sea; and after a -parting growl with Mr. Smashempotter, the captain came on board with -orders to get under way. With a fresh southerly wind we sailed into the -Bay, and the City of Genoa disappeared astern, just as the sun went -down behind the Apennines. - -Moderate breezes and pleasant weather brought the ship again in -sight of Gibraltar ten days after leaving port, and then a calm took -possession of the Straits, and the ship lay helpless at the entrance, -slowly drifting back with the current. - -During this time Capt. Streeter had been remarkably pleasant. He -spun long twisters to the second mate and myself, chiefly about his -experiences in fighting sailors, and even made advances towards -favoring Mr. Morrison in the same way; but was not very successful in -this attempt, for whenever the mate detected a lie or misstatement in -the captain's narrations, and this was not seldom, he always felt it -his duty to contradict it, whereas we appeared to accept everything as -gospel. Nothing provoked the captain so much as to have his veracity or -knowledge questioned, and this course of the mate's threatened to bring -on a relapse of the captain's "tantrums." - -Toward the close of the day on which we had sighted Gibraltar, a breeze -set in from the westward, dead ahead. By nightfall we got abreast of -the harbor, and all through the night we made short tacks across the -Straits, only to find ourselves in the same place in the morning; and -in the next few hours we rather lost ground, as the current gained -strength with the increasing breeze. So the captain abandoned the -useless attempt, and came into the harbor of Gibraltar and anchored. - -The harbor is on the west side of the rock, and is protected by a -sea-wall. On all other sides the rock ascends bare and steep from -the sea-level, but to the westward it presents a pleasant slope, and -on this is the town of Gibraltar with 16,000 inhabitants, besides a -garrison of soldiers; a narrow sandy isthmus connects the rock with the -continent. - -The next day I had to go ashore with the captain to get some -blacksmith's work done for the ship, and found a chance to take a hasty -glance at the place, and was surprised to find so much verdure, upon -what I had imagined was wholly a barren rock; but to the south of the -town is a very attractive esplanade. On the north side I stood within -a stone's throw of the base of the rock, and looking aloft, saw it -towering above me in almost a straight wall of 1400 feet. Through -port-holes near the top, the black muzzles of cannon pointed to seaward -from the excavated galleries in the rock. - -Capt. Streeter was told there was no chance for an easterly wind for -the next fortnight, and he must make up his mind to stop contentedly -until he saw the rock "put on it's night-cap," as they style the cloud -that hangs over it, as the certain precursor of a "Levanter." - -The prophets and signs failed this time, and the next morning a strong -easterly breeze was blowing, and getting under way, the ship passed -through the Straits under reefed topsails, and was once more in the -Atlantic. - -The ship was bound to Baltimore, and the direct course would have -been nearly west, but as westerly winds prevail in that latitude, the -longest way around was the shortest way home, and the ship was headed -to the S.W. in order to take advantage of the N.E. trades. - -We passed between the Canary Islands, enjoying their verdure and bold -mountain scenery, and saw the volcanic Peak of Teneriffe lifting its -head above the clouds, 12,000 feet from the ocean. Then with moderate -trades we ran down to lat. 22° N., and kept along to the westward, -having beautiful weather, but rather lighter winds than the captain -expected. - -The short detention at Gibraltar seemed to break up the captain's good -mood, and Mr. Morrison's provocation soon brought him back to his -former role of "sea-devil." - -The ship had carried sand-ballast on a former voyage and the "limbers" -not having been properly cleaned out, whenever the ship rolled heavily, -the sand washed to the pumps. As they were old-fashioned wooden affairs -they had not power enough to raise it, and it settled on the lower -boxes and choked the pumps. The vessel leaked a good deal and we -spent considerable time drawing the boxes with the pump hook, which -sometimes it was difficult to work through a foot or more of sand. -Then we had to hoist the pump on deck and ram out the box with an iron -rod. The captain prided himself on his skill in hooking the pump box, -and whenever he heard the warning sounds, he invariably came on deck, -mounted the fife-rail and took charge of operations. His patience would -soon be exhausted if not successful, and then his profanity was really -awful. Every conceivable phrase of bad language was summoned to express -his petulance, and once, when baffled for a long time by the sanded -box, he rattled off a string of twenty-three words which haunt my -memory as the worst utterance I have ever heard. - -In the fine weather of the trades the old suit of sails was bent, as -the captain said, "She must have on her old clothes to tar down in." - -The mainsail was bent one afternoon, and in the inevitable inspection -and criticism which followed, the captain informed Mr. Morrison that -the bunt-lines were clinched into the foot of the sail the wrong way. - -"How so, sir?" said the mate. - -"Why, they ought to be rove from forward aft," said he. - -"I don't think so, sir," answered the mate; "they ought to be rove from -aft forward." - -"But look at the philosophy of the thing," said the captain; "don't you -see there'd be more chafe on the sail your way?" - -"No sir, I don't," said the mate; "the philosophy is all the other way. -They've been bent after your fashion before, and the sail we've just -taken down is about chafed through in the wake of the clinches." - -"I've heard the thing argued by intelligent men and they all agreed -with me," said the captain. - -"If you want to have it done your way of course you can have it," -answered the mate, "but it's wrong, and no intelligent man ever said -differently." - -The captain, during this conversation gradually worked himself into a -furious passion, but there was something in Mr. Morrison's demeanor -which always kept him from giving the vent to his rage, as he did with -every one else, and after the conversation had been continued a while -longer in a similar strain to the above, he quietly turned away and -walked towards the cabin, but as he passed me he muttered in an audible -tone, "I've never been insulted before in my life, as I have been by -that man." - -He worked off some of his spleen that evening by exercising the boys -with the watch-tackle, and giving them a bountiful allowance of his -favorite prescription, "rope yarn tea." - -But he did not get back into his pleasant mood very soon, and he -snarled at and picked on the officers and made them ugly, and they -relieved their wrath by growling at the crew, and the men in their turn -got cross, and pretty soon all hands and the cook were in hot water. -There was a great deal of work going on, and if any of Mr. Morrison's -men blundered they were very apt to get a rope's-ending, and if Mr. -Howard's men were at fault, and sometimes when they were not, they had -to dodge their heads for a belaying pin or stick of wood. - -Sailors, if they ever chew tobacco, always use it when steering, and -some can do without it at all other times, but must have a "chew" at -the wheel. One of Capt. Streeter's rules was that every man who used -tobacco should clean out the spittoon, when he went away from the -wheel. One forenoon the helmsman said to me: "The man that I relieved -didn't clean out the spit-box, sir." He called attention to it from -fear of being taken to task for it himself. I asked who it was, and -was told it was Jake. I was about to call him out on deck to do the -job, when the captain who was standing near and heard what had been -said, called to me and said: "Let Mr. Howard regulate his own watch. -Give him a call and tell him about it." - -The second mate had just gone to sleep, having had eight hours on deck -the previous night, and when I waked him up, and gave him the captain's -message, he was not in very good humor. He understood in a moment what -the order meant, and stepping out on deck he saw the captain standing -by the weather mizzen-rigging, and so went forward to the weather -forecastle door. As he passed the galley he picked up a stick of the -cook's oak fire-wood, and holding it in his hand called for Jake. Jake -turned out promptly and came to the door to see what was wanted, and -just as he stepped on deck, Mr. Howard charged him with the neglect. -Before he had a chance to reply he aimed a blow at his head with the -stick of wood. Jake warded it off with his arm and acting on the -defensive was driven aft by the second mate, who aimed blow after blow -at him, which the man succeeded in avoiding or throwing off. He was -driven aft in this way until he reached the cabin. - -A sailor in going aft on the quarter-deck is always required to take -the lee side, and as Jake, rather against his will it is true, was -thus transgressing rules, the captain took the opportunity to come to -Mr. Howard's assistance, and drawing a belaying pin from the rail he -stepped forward and said to Jake: "How dare you come aft on the weather -side of my quarter-deck," finishing his remark by a gesture, which -brought the belaying pin down on Jake's head with great force. Being -now between two fires, he was unable to defend himself, and had to take -a good pounding before he was released to perform the neglected work. - -In the middle watch that night Mr. Howard was sitting on the rail -leaning against the boat's davit, and he fell asleep. Jake perceived -his condition, and vowing to one of the men he would push him -overboard, started towards him to do it. The other man sprang after him -and held him back, and in the little struggle that ensued the second -mate was awakened, and sung out to them to "stop that skylarking." For -some time after this Jake was punished by being ordered never to walk -on deck, but always to move at a run; and it became a rather ludicrous -sight to witness Jake's half-gallop, as he careered around about his -duties. - -Great efforts were made to have the ship look well. The rigging was -set up, rattled down and tarred, the ship was painted, and every -morning the crew were exercised at holystoning the deck. To do this -the men knelt down, sprinkled sand and water on the deck, and then -rubbed the holystones to and fro to wear the deck smooth and white. The -stones that were used in this ship were of the shape of a brick, only -somewhat larger. - -One morning this work was going on, and the second mate found one of -his men had disappeared. He picked up his holystone and went in search -of him. Just as he got to the forecastle door the man, a young sailor -called Dan, was just coming out on deck with a plug of tobacco in his -hand. - -"What are you doing in there?" said Mr. Howard. - -"I've been to get a chew of tobacco, sir," said Dan. - -The second mate gave him a few rounds of curses, and then struck him -over the forehead with the holystone, which flew into pieces, breaking -in the middle from the force of the blow. Dan's head was not much the -worse for it though, and he went back to his work apparently unharmed. - -The captain came on deck soon after, and while overseeing the work as -usual, he spied the broken stone. - -"How did that stone get broken?" he asked of Mr. Howard. - -"I just broke it over that nigger's head, sir." - -"Did you, really? He must have a tough head. What was it for?" - -"Because he left his work and went into the forecastle," said Mr. -Howard. - -"That's right. Keep 'em up to the work; don't take a word from 'em, or -if one of 'em dares give you a black look, just pick up the cook's axe -and split his skull open!" - -All this was said in a loud tone for the benefit of the men, and the -second mate was so much encouraged by this endorsement, that the same -day he broke a deck-bucket against another sailor's head, who gave him -a "black look," and as a boy was coiling up a rope in a larger coil -than he fancied, he sang out to him: - -"What sort of a way is that to coil up a rope," and hurled an iron -belaying-pin at him with all his might. It missed its mark and made a -deep scar in the wood-work of the forward house. If the captain did not -value his sailors' heads very much, the same imputation did not apply -to his buckets or the appearance of the ship; and this last occurrence -was so manifestly unjust, and resulted moreover in such an injury to -the house, that it brought the second mate a mild rebuke from the -captain, who told him he ought to be careful or he'd kill somebody. He -seemed to forget that splitting skulls open with the cook's axe might -probably lead to that result. - -All these affairs, which are but samples of many others, made the -mate and myself still more unfriendly to Mr. Howard, and scarcely any -conversation passed between us. But the captain seeing this coolness, -befriended Howard all the more in private, though one night when all -hands were on deck, he got so furious at the mate's neglect to answer -his orders, that he hauled off his coat and offered to fight the second -mate, greatly to Howard's bewilderment, who thought it was rather poor -business to do all the "captain's dirty work" for him and then get paid -with the abuse, which belonged to the mate, but which the captain was -afraid to give him. - -Howard's cruelty and cowardice culminated in an act which even the -captain had to condemn. One of the two boys was named Taylor, and -had formerly been a servant in the house of a well-known senator in -Washington. If not one of the brightest boys in the world, he was one -of the most well disposed, and though he had felt the captain's "cat" -on his back pretty often, nothing seemed to interfere with his good -nature. It was he who called the captain when Jake was attacking the -second mate. - -One evening at clearing-up time, Taylor was sent aft on the poop with -a broom to sweep the deck down. But after sweeping a little while, he -rested his broom against the house, and commenced making some motions -for the benefit of the man at the wheel, which seemed to tickle him -very much. Just then the captain happened to look around the corner of -the house, and spying master Taylor's proceedings, he put an end to the -fun by shouting: - -"You imp, what are you doing there?" - -"Nothing, sir," said Taylor, beginning to move his broom very -assiduously. - -"If that's what you call nothing, I'll teach you not to do nothing -again!" and taking him by the neck he hauled him along to where the -cat was hanging at the front of the cabin, and taking it down, gave -Taylor's back such a dressing as it had not received that voyage. -He was amply punished, to say the least, but not enough to suit Mr. -Howard, who followed the boy forward, and getting him forward of the -foremast said to him: - -"What did I send you aft for?" - -"To sweep the deck, sir," answered Taylor. - -"Yes; so I did," said Mr. Howard, "and instead of doing it you must go -to skylarking with the man at the wheel. The 'old man' has licked you -for fooling on the poop, and now I owe you something for not doing what -I told you to." - -Without further words he struck Taylor on the face with a belaying-pin, -and followed it up with several blows in the same place. The boy's -shrieks brought the mate forward; but by the time he had reached the -spot, the damage was done, and the boy lay fainting upon the fore-hatch -with his face covered with blood. - -The worthy mate, as soon as he comprehended the matter, burst out with -some expressions more forcible than elegant, and said to the second -mate: - -"Mr. Howard, there's nothing of the man about you. You're a disgrace -to the very name of a man. An officer that would treat a boy like that -ought to be keel-hauled." - -The second mate sneaked away aft, leaving the mate to take care of the -boy. - -The next day the captain missed Taylor from the deck, and hearing that -he had laid up, sent for him. He appeared with his face so swollen -and discolored that no one could have recognized him. Capt. Streeter -was quite shocked by the case, and gave him proper lotions from the -medicine-chest. He took a private opportunity to tell Mr. Howard -that he had been rather too severe this time; but avoided any public -reproach of him, not wishing to give any further encouragement to Mr. -Morrison's hostility. - -In all this time I was getting along pretty well. The crew had fighting -enough from the other officers to keep them in respectful awe of "the -powers that be" without much need of my using my fists against them, -though the captain kept up his system of alternate persecutions and -insinuating stories, all designed to make me such an officer as he -thought I ought to be. - -The mate was treated with all the contempt that the captain dared to -show him, and his naturally irritable temper was by no means soothed -by this feature of his situation. I sometimes had good proof of this -by receiving a snappish rebuke for some fault or omission detected by -the mate's keen eyes. But apart from a momentary exasperation, this -had no great effect on my spirits, for I accepted such occurrences as -the inevitable portion of a third mate, and was only thankful that my -share was no larger than it was. - -As for actual pleasure in the course of my duties, that was something I -had learned not to expect on board the "Dublin." The sole idea of the -ship as the captain endeavored to direct it, was work, work, and every -job, whether of putting on a seizing or sweeping the deck, was to be -done with the interest and thoroughness which would attend a matter of -life or death. Nothing that was ship's duty could be called trivial, -and if a shaving took refuge under a spare spar, escaping the boy's -broom, it demanded as great an outcry as one would suppose belonged to -one, who had scuttled the ship. In fact it generally received it, for -if the shaving escaped the officer's eye, it was pretty sure to meet -the captain's glance, for he was very particular after clearing-up time -to search for something, which would give him opportunity to find fault -with his officers, and show them they had not done their duty. - -The second mate and I had a room in the starboard side of the after -house, opening out upon the deck. The weather being warm, I usually -left the door open when I turned in, and one morning at about five -o'clock I was awakened by a tremendous string of oaths, uttered by -the captain in a very loud tone just in front of my room. "That shows -the ambition of my officers," said he. "Nothing can be done unless I -see to it myself. I believe if I should keep in my room one day the -ship would go clear to destruction," (only he used a more explicit -name,) and he went on with mingled curses and denunciations about the -ambition of his officers, in a way that made me tremble. The occasion -of this display, I learned, was the falling of a bundle of salt-fish -from underneath one of the boats, and it happened that I had sent a -man the evening before to see that it was well secured, as there was -an appearance of more wind coming during the night. Being before the -wind, the ship rolled a good deal, and the salt-fish fetched away in -spite of the sailor's effort at securing it. There was no damage done -to the fish, but it showed to the captain's mind that his officers had -no ambition, and he made use of it to let off the cross feelings which -mates know as a general thing attend a captain's getting up in the -morning, and seem to be a sort of morning bitters--an appetizer for -his cup of coffee. All these things gave me a vivid impression of the -meaning of the phrase "eternal vigilance;" for no matter how hard I -tried or closely watched, every little while there would be discovered -some job which a sailor had slighted, or a gasket would get adrift on -a yard while I was busied with work which required my whole attention, -and the captain, who had nothing else to do but look for such things, -would happen to spy it, and then would begin his taunting, aggravating -remarks: "Nobody sees anything, but me. I don't know what they'd do -without the old man," and so on, in a way that sometimes goaded me -almost beyond endurance. When the captain saw this effect, in the -next leisure moment he would have a yarn to spin or a word about home -to soothe me again, for he seemed quite concerned about my ultimate -impressions of my captain. - -I philosophized over all this and comforted myself with the reflection -that it was good training for me to be under such strict surveillance, -and then I fell back upon the memory of pleasures which had been -the result of this voyage, my travels in Italy; and often in the -night-watch, I sought refuge from my intense broodings over the -captain's tyranny and harshness, by standing, in imagination, by the -Coliseum or under the dome of St. Peter's, or in gazing with memory's -eye upon the almost living figures of Raphael and Guido, or the statues -of the Vatican. The whistling of the wind recalled to me the beautiful -echoes of the Baptistry of Pisa, and the inclining masts, its leaning -tower; or, in more sober moods I remembered my sensations as I stood by -the tombs of Galileo, Michael Angelo and Dante at Florence. - -After passing the longitude of Bermuda the course was shaped more to -the northward, and losing the trades, southerly winds and variables -took their place, and helped the good ship along still further. A few -days more would end the voyage, and I hoped the disagreeable features -of it might prove to be already ended. - -There was an old negro on board called Jenkings, who was nearly sixty -years of age. He had been to sea a good part of his life, but was now -not much more of a sailor than when he first started. Being in the -mate's watch, poor Jenkings was hauled over the coals every day for -some bad job or mistake; and the mate had expended more words upon him -than upon any two men in the crew. - -The captain was very fond of calling Jenkings to him and giving him -an errand at the other end of the ship, telling him to run as fast -as he could, and the captain stood and laughed at his movements; for -his feeble legs made strange work of it, and though they moved up and -down pretty often, made a slow business of forging ahead. One day, -while watching these movements, he remarked to me, as I was sitting on -the deck near him, strapping a block: "A man would be a wretch that -would strike that old thing." And I remembered it as evidence that the -captain had some tender mercies with regard to sailors after all. - -The mate never went farther with him than to pull his white beard, or -tie him up in the rigging by his thumbs. But it was very hard for him -to do anything to the mate's satisfaction; and every day Mr. Morrison's -shrill tones and Scotch accent were bestowed most liberally upon old -Jenkings, who always received his rebukes in perfect silence, but with -his thick, pouting lips stuck out beyond their usual great prominence. - -In crossing the Gulf Stream we found unsettled weather, as is apt to be -the case in the region of this wonderful current, and were busied in -taking in or setting sail, as occasion required. The captain had given -orders in the afternoon to set the cro' jack; and having just had a -dispute with the mate, he went into the cabin in a cross mood, to get -out of the way while the sail was being set. When the work was about -finished, he was just stepping out of the cabin, as I sung out to old -Jenkings, who was on top of the house: "Let go that buntline; what are -you hauling it taut for?" - -"Aye, aye, sir," was the response, uttered in rather a testy voice. - -Capt. Streeter was just shutting the cabin door at this time, and did -it with a force that expressed his temper, and this prevented the "sir" -from reaching his ears. He sprang to windward, and seeing me standing -by the mizzen-rigging, called to me: "Get up on the house and knock -that old nigger's head off!" - -I stared at him in amazement, wondering if he had gone crazy. - -"Get up there," he repeated, "and give him a rope's-end over his back. -Don't take an insult from anybody." - -Instead of obeying his direction, I walked towards the captain and -passed him without saying a word. - -Capt. Streeter saw the work must come upon him if he wanted it done; -and with a few bounds was on top of the house, and snatching a rope -away from old Jenkings, that he was coiling up, gave him some vigorous -blows over the back with the end of it. "Will you ever speak to one of -my officers again without saying 'Sir?'" said the captain, as he paused -a moment for breath. - -"I always do, sir," answered Jenkings, who was wholly at a loss to -understand what all this meant. - -"You're a liar," said the captain, with a few more expressions -peculiarly Capt. Streeter's, and gave him another flogging. - -When he had finished, he turned and walked to the edge of the house and -said: "Mr. A----, if you ever let a man say aye, aye, to you again, -I'll serve you in the same way." - -"No one ever said it to me since I've been aboard of this ship, sir," I -replied. - -"Yes, there has," said the captain. "This man just said it." - -"You're mistaken, sir; he didn't," said I. - -"You call me a liar, do you?" said Capt. Streeter, in a furious -passion. "I'll teach you to know your place. I've treated you so well, -you think you can take charge of the ship; but I'll let you know -I'm captain of her yet." He continued with such a string of words -that there was no chance to reply, and I walked forward to set the -flying-jib, leaving him to talk to the mizzen-mast, which he did for -some time after, to the edification of the man at the wheel, raving and -cursing about white-livered officers, religion, sailors, and ending at -last with an anathema on his own eyes. - -Two days after, the water changed from its deep blue to green, and the -deep sea lead found bottom at eighty fathoms. The wind died away as we -approached the land, and we lay becalmed for some hours; but at last -the ship began to move along, though there was scarcely a breath of -wind to be felt on deck. I hove the log in a little while, and reported -to the captain that the ship was going seven knots. He would not -believe it, and told me to try it again; but the same result was shown, -and having occasion to go aloft immediately after, I found a fresh -breeze blowing there. The top-gallantsails and royals were pulling -hard, and the topsails "stood" most of the time, but the "courses" were -hanging up and down, without taking a breath of wind. - -That night found the ship again in Chesapeake Bay, with a Baltimore -pilot on board, having been fifty days on the passage from Genoa, and a -little over five months and a half on the voyage. - -It was now the beginning of June. The weather was mild and beautifully -clear, and a pleasant westerly breeze enabled the ship to lay her -course up the bay. - -When the pilot comes on board, he is always supposed to take sole -charge of the ship; but Capt. Streeter could not bear to think of any -one superseding him, and so kept about deck, frequently giving orders -about the sails or yards. The pilot was somewhat surprised by this -conduct, but said nothing. In the morning, while he was walking on top -of the house, the captain stepped out of the cabin, and seeing that -the wind was a little free, called out in a loud, pompous tone: "Mr. -Morrison, set the foretopmast studding-sail;" his manner implying that -he would show the pilot he didn't allow his ship to go loafing along, -when it could be helped. The pilot kept on with his walk, and the -sailors rove off the gear, rigged out the boom, and hoisted the sail -up. The captain promenaded about with a self-satisfied air, scarcely -deigning to notice the pilot. But a minute after the sheet had been -trimmed down and before the ropes were coiled up, the pilot altered -the ship's course a little, and sang out: "Haul down that topmast -studding-sail!" - -The captain disappeared into the cabin very suddenly, and let the pilot -take care of the ship afterward without any interference. - -A calm set in in the afternoon, and we anchored off Point Lookout, -at the mouth of the Potomac; but in the early hours of the morning, -a breeze enabled us to get under way again, and meeting a steam-tug, -the captain struck a bargain, and the little boat took us in tow and -brought us by Fort McHenry into the harbor of Baltimore, just before -the sun went down. As much as twenty miles below the city we met -sailor boarding-house runners, cruising in their boats, but refused to -allow them on board, and the refusal in each case called forth a volley -of curses and the foulest language. When near the city a perfect swarm -of boats had collected about the ship, hanging on to her channels or -sailing along by her; and every little while some adventurous person -would climb up the side and attempt to come on board, and if refused, -as they always were, would use most insulting language. One fellow, -who persistently took his stand in the main channels, and refused to -get into his boat, was accosted by the captain with a belaying-pin; -but he coolly drew out a revolver and threatened to blow the captain's -brains out if he dared to touch him. The pilot cautioned the captain -not to quarrel with these men, for they belonged to an organized gang -of rowdies called "blood-tubs," and his life would not be safe on shore -if he took any harsh measures with them. - -I thought Capt. Streeter had attained to the highest perfection -possible in the use of profane language, but these men quite equalled -him, using epithets and comparisons, shewing that human ingenuity had -been taxed to the utmost to invent new phrases and combinations of -oaths. - -After a good many threats of murdering the captain and officers when -they caught them ashore, they one by one pulled in to the wharves and -left the ship unmolested. The next day the "Dublin" hauled in to a -wharf, at Fell's Point. The sailors had formed great plans for sueing -the captain and second mate, and anticipated a sweet revenge in this -way; but unfortunately they had arrived in a slave state, where a black -man's testimony would not be taken in court, and where also a black -sailor could not be discharged from his ship, unless some white man -became his bondsman that he should leave the state within twenty-four -hours. So there was nothing to do but postpone their revenge to the -indefinite time, when they might catch them in New York or Boston. - -A tailor, for the sake of their custom, entered into bonds for the -men, and after making a pretty good bill out of each, shipped them by -railroad to New York. - -After the sailors were all settled with, Capt. Streeter called the mate -into the cabin and said to him: "Mr. Morrison, I suppose you want to -leave, since you've told me you're ashamed of the ship." - -"I'm not ashamed of the ship, sir," answered the mate; "I'm only -ashamed of the captain. I like the ship very much; I only wish she had -a master worthy of her." - -The captain brought about this conversation hoping that in their last -interview he might have the advantage, and pour out on Mr. Morrison -some of the hatred that had been boiling within him since they had -quarrelled off Gibraltar. But the shrewd, sensible Scotchman was too -much for him, and he saw that if he got Mr. Morrison's tongue into -full course he should get a greater worsting than he had had during the -voyage, so he said: - -"Well, if you want to leave, hand in your bill. I've had talk enough -with you." - -"It's the captain's duty to hand in accounts," said the mate, "and I -should like to have you do it." - -Here he was cornered again; so he went into his room and got the -"portage bill," and paid down the wages due him without another word. - -The mate then packed up his things, bid me a hearty and feeling -good-by, and as he drove away from the ship his handkerchief went -up to his eyes to wipe away a few tears, which came in spite of his -self-control, as he thought of the contrast between the high purpose -and worthy determination to do his duty faithfully, which inspired him -when he joined the ship, and the disappointment and hatred which marked -the close of the voyage. - -The mate being disposed of, to the captain's great relief, and a deeply -muttered curse sent after him, Mr. Howard was summoned to his presence, -and received the reward of all his subservience and brutality, by being -asked to remain by the ship and go as mate the next voyage. - -"I should like to go with you, sir," he answered, "for I like you -better than any man I ever sailed with, but I don't know anything about -navigation." - -"That doesn't matter," said the captain. "I want Mr. A---- to go second -mate, and he's a good navigator, and if anything happens to me, he -could get the ship into port." - -I was then called in and to my great surprise was asked to remain by -the ship until she was discharged, and go next voyage as second mate. - -"I'm much obliged to you, sir," I said; "but I don't think I should -suit you very well, and I'm not sure that I shall go to sea again. I -dare say I can find something to do on shore that I am better fitted -for. I've been brought up to act as a gentleman, and an officer's life, -as it is here, would force me to be a very different character." - -"I've always told you, you know," said the captain, "that you've got to -give up your nice notions if you go to sea. But you'll come to it in -time. I'm not the worst man that goes to sea, and if you try to find a -better one, you may jump from the frying-pan into the fire. If you're -determined to leave, of course you can go. I never beg anybody to go -with me, but give me your address, and by the time we're ready for sea -again, I'll write to you and see if you haven't changed your mind. You -may think better of it after you've been ashore a few weeks. I want -you to understand there are plenty of second mates to be had, and good -ones too, but I've taken an interest in you, and think I can make a -good officer out of you, so for your own sake I'd like to have you go -again." - -I went home the next day. Mr. Morrison had preceded me by one day and -had reported himself at the office of the owner, who received him very -cordially, and, giving him a chair, told him he was very sorry he had -left the ship so soon, and asked what was the reason. Mr. Morrison said -to him: - -"I left because I was not willing to sail with Capt. Streeter, and I -consider no man with any respect for himself could sail with him a -moment longer than was absolutely necessary. His knock-down principles, -the language he used, and the example he set on board the 'Dublin' were -such as would shock even a Water-street bully." - -"Dear me, dear me," said the good man; "I'm sorry to hear that. I don't -like to have such a man in my ship. I'll talk to him and tell him he -must do differently if he wishes to stay in my employ. He never takes -an officer a second voyage, and I expect something is wrong. I'll look -into it." - -Mr. Morrison went into no details, but merely said enough to excuse -himself for leaving the ship, and having apparently satisfied the owner -that there was no blame attaching to him for not remaining by the ship, -he bade him good-morning. - -When I got to the end of the story, the passenger gave a sigh of relief -and said: "I'm glad I'm not on board the "Dublin." I think I prefer the -_Rocket_." - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -JOHN SHEPHARD. - - -After passing Amsterdam Island we gradually turned our course to the -northward, and without any delay in the debatable ground north of the -westerly wind region, we struck the south east trades. One evening the -vessel was slipping along at the rate of seven knots, with the wind two -points free and the sea so smooth that motion was scarcely perceptible. -A hush pervaded the ship, that seemed indicative of as much peace -within the vessel as without. At six o'clock John Shephard came to the -wheel, and the quiet sailing and steady steering inclined me to break -the usual custom--"no conversation with the man at the wheel." "She -steers well to-night, doesn't she, John?" - -John blushed up to his eyelids, as was his wont when addressed by the -"old man." - -"Yes, sir, she steers like a pilot-boat." - -"This is pleasant sailing," I added, "if going to sea was all like this -we would have the old women for sailors." - -"It's the pleasantest going to sea ever I saw," said John, "and things -are first rate all the time now; I never in all my going to sea knew -things go on so well in the forecastle; we don't have any growling or -rows with each other, and if things could be like this I wouldn't mind -going to sea all my life." - -"You don't expect to go all your life then, I suppose?" - -"No sir, I came near knocking off some time ago, but I had bad luck." - -"How was that?" I asked. - -"Well, sir, I'm most ashamed to tell you, but it was this way: I was -at Bombay in an English ship when the Sepoy war broke out, and I left -the vessel and joined the army. I was at Delhi, and when we took the -city I went through the palaces and got a good deal of plunder. I had a -diamond ring that was worth two or three thousand dollars and I got a -lot of gold coin and jewels that I sewed into a belt and wore around my -waist. When the war was over I was discharged in Calcutta and engaged -passage in a steamer for England. I meant to go home to Hanover, buy -a farm and live there with my old mother, and I had money enough to -keep us there in comfort. But the night before I was to sail I got on a -spree, and the next morning I found myself lying in a gutter. Somebody -had taken the ring off my finger and stolen the belt from my body, and -I hadn't a cent left in the world. So I had to give up going home, and -ship before the mast again. What little money I have earned since, I -have sent to my mother, but I can't get ahead any, and every hour in -the day I think about that awful night in Calcutta and what I lost." - -This explained the pensive look that John continually wore. I was much -touched by his story, told with child-like simplicity, his speech with -its slight German accent striking musically upon the ear. - -John was my favorite sailor. He was a Hanoverian by birth, and I -suppose had some German name, but what it was I never knew. "John -Shephard" was the false flag he sailed under. He had made a previous -voyage with me and afterwards sailed on a third. On the first voyage -he had been selected by the mate as the scape-goat for his ill temper. -Many mates who aspire to the reputation of being "bullies" thus pick -out a good-natured, inoffensive man, and hurrah, shout and curse at -him, while the men whom they know would resent such conduct are treated -mildly and their faults are overlooked. Soon reports came to me about -that "green dutchman, John," "a perfect galoot," who didn't "know B -from a bull's foot," didn't "know enough to go into the house when -it rains," was "enough to make a minister swear," and so on. He was -sent to do all the dirty work, pound the iron rust, slush the masts, -do "rope-yarn jobs" aloft in a gale of wind, often being sent aloft -without any explanation of what he was to do, and when he got above -the top where he could scarcely hear, a volley of orders and abuse was -yelled at him with bewildering effect. He certainly at such times did -seem stupid, but all through the voyage I saw no resentment shown, -heard no "back answers" and only noticed the flush of the cheek that -betrayed the wounded spirit he so submissively controlled. I began to -love that quiet, faithful sailor and to protect him from abuse whenever -I could do so without disorganizing discipline. - -On the present voyage I noticed that John was always placed at the -best work. If a cringle was to be put in a sail, or a cloth let in, -a seizing to be squared, or a ratline to be straightened, John was -called on oftener than anyone else to do it. I asked the mate one day: -"How is it you put John at such good jobs; do you consider him a good -sailor-man?" - -"Yes, sir," said the mate; "he's just as good a sailor-man as there is -in the crew. It doesn't do to watch him too closely though. If I stand -over him he often gets flustered and does things back-handed, but let -him try his own way and he'll do things shipshape." - -I was delighted to hear a good word spoken for John, and thought much -better of the mate for his perception and wise dealing. Often have I -said: "If all sailors were like John it would be only a pleasure to -go to sea." He lives in my memory as my model sailor, in spite of his -deficiencies. - -He was a well-formed man, of medium size, straight and compact, with -light, curly hair, good features, a very clean face with rosy cheeks, -and blue eyes that were really beautiful in their soft expression. -His cheerful smile and modest blush made it a pleasure to accost him. -He was always neat in his dress, and though four bells struck when he -was riding down a stay "up to his eyes" in tar, he would dive into -the forecastle and in a few minutes appear to take his trick at the -wheel with clean dungaree pants and hickory shirt. As his clear voice -repeated the course, "Nord, nord-east, half east," I would go below -saying to myself, "The ship will be well steered these two hours." - -Where is John now? Has he bought his farm yet in the Faderland? Or -has he fallen over board, or died in a foreign hospital? Has he been -disheartened by the harsh treatment of cruel mates and become degraded -in his habits on shore? May God bless him wherever he is, and through -all his wanderings bring him safely to the Fatherland! - -We attempted a Christmas dinner in the cabin, while the sailors had -their plum duff in honor of the festival. Our table bore a goodly -display of articles, as regards name, but probably their quality would -be less attractive to landsmen's palates. We dressed in our "shore -togs;" appropriate sentiments were uttered, and an original ode was -recited, as follows: - - -ODE TO THE _ROCKET_. - - TUNE: "_Van Amburgh's Menagerie_." - - The _Rocket_ is our vessel's name, - A noble Boston bark. - Her qualities are known to fame, - As I need not remark. - For fourteen years she's ploughed the wave, - And sailed through every clime; - Though billows roar and tempests rave, - She always comes to time. - - _Chorus_: The _Rocket_ now we'll praise, - For she's as good a craft - As ever dashed aside the sprays, - Or at the storm-king laughed. - - The captain, first and second mate, - A passenger beside, - Are lads as true as ever ate - Plum duff upon the tide. - The Straits of Sunda is our goal - To which we're speeding free; - And now we fill the flowing bowl - To life upon the sea. - - _Chorus_: Here comes the fiery _Rocket_ - With sportsmen smart and gay; - If birds would not be shot at - They'd better keep away. - - When with fresh wind and flowing sheet - We're flying through the foam, - Our hearts with joy and gladness beat, - As round the world we roam. - Or in the calm and tropic night, - The stars recall to mind - The eyes, as beautiful and bright - Of girls we've left behind. - - _Chorus_: Speed on thou noble _Rocket_! - Until the voyage ends, - And our good fortune brings us - Once more to home and friends. - - Roll on ye waves, ye breezes blow, - Swift speed us on our course, - And soon to Asia's shores we'll show - The Ensign and Black Horse.[1] - And when we step on Java's strand, - Our double toast shall be - The glorious old bark _Rocket_, and - The Romance of the sea. - - _Chorus_: The _Rocket_ now we'll praise, - For she's as good a craft - As ever dashed aside the sprays, - Or at the storm-king laughed. - -The vessel had received a liberal outfit from the owners, who expressed -the wish that the sailors should not be restricted to a diet of salt -beef and hard bread, believing this to be the most expensive way of -provisioning a ship, as well as an unsatisfactory one to the crew. -Accordingly the men were allowed "soft bread" every night; there was -a good supply of potatoes, onions, and beets on board, and mackerel, -herrings, tongues and sounds, dried apples, corn meal, and pickles -were provided, in addition to the usual supplies of rice, beans, split -peas, salt codfish and the inevitable beef, pork, and "hard-tack." -Molasses and vinegar were freely served out, these condiments often -making a plain meal quite palatable, and one evening in a week molasses -gingerbread was furnished in place of the "soft bread." In the cabin -we had a tolerable supply of canned provisions and had no reason to -complain. I find, however, the following entry in my journal: - -"I feel a strong desire to get ashore and have something new to eat. We -have a good supply of stores, but there is so much sameness necessarily -in our table fare, that the very thought of meal times takes away one's -appetite. We had a large stock of vegetables and still have potatoes, -onions and beets, so there is no fear of scurvy. I have sometimes said -that the only advantage I ever discovered in going to sea, was the -ability to eat onions, without fear of offending one's associates. But -after indulgence in this respect every day for three months, I feel -willing to renounce this luxurious privilege of sea life, and endure -the privations of civilized society for a while." - -Very small incidents become noteworthy at sea and one day was enlivened -by the appearance of the Malay cabin boy before me, with very solemn -face, exclaiming, in tragic tones: "Sir! the ginger won't live long." -It proved that a jar of preserved ginger, having been left open in the -pantry, the officers had treated themselves in a night-watch, thus -shortening its life. - -Some little anxiety was caused by some doubtful islands being set -down on the chart, but we sailed over their supposed locality without -striking anything, or seeing any sign of shoal water. - -Those who have examined charts of the sea, have noticed frequent -interrogation points, which indicate that dangers have been reported in -the localities designated. The charts of the Pacific Ocean especially -abound with these reputed rocks and shoals, and keep the navigator -in continual alarm, lest one should prove to be a reality. It was a -wonder to me how these false alarms, as most of them are now known to -be, could ever have been given, but an occurrence, by which I myself -was deceived, has suggested a plausible explanation of some of the -instances. - -I was sailing in the South Pacific (in the ship "California,") in lat. -24° 20´ south, lon. 125° 6´ west. We were steering south, with the -wind north, the sky clear, and the ship going about two knots through -the water. At 1, P.M., the officer of the deck reported to me that -there were breakers ahead, and on the port bow. I went on deck, and -saw what appeared to be an extensive field of breakers, and also a low -island or sand bank, thirty feet high, and three miles long, without -trees or verdure, and with shoals, on which the sea broke, extending -five miles from it to the north and west. The island bore south-east, -eight miles distant, and the nearest breakers were two and one half or -three miles distant from the vessel. - -The mate went aloft with me to the mizzen-topsail yard, and with my -marine glass we took a good look, and were both entirely convinced that -what we saw were genuine breakers. The sea was very smooth and we could -see the swell rolling towards us, then cresting, and spreading thin -sheets of foam upon the water. The island also appeared very distinct -as seen through the glass. I went down on deck with the intention of -altering the ship's course, but deciding to run a little nearer to the -breakers, I went up to the fore-topsail yard to watch them and steer -the ship past them. I soon noticed that they changed their position -somewhat, that the ship drew no nearer to them, and that there was a -perfect calm where they prevailed. Finally I found the whole appearance -was an optical delusion, caused by the sun shining upon the glassy -swell of the sea, and a peculiar state of atmospheric refraction. - -I kept the ship on her course, and sailed through the spot where the -first breakers appeared, finding blue water there, but still observing -the breakers in the calm spots at varying distances for the next three -hours, until 4, P.M., when the breeze freshened at the west, and the -illusion was dispelled. The island vanished after being in sight for an -hour, and I presume was caused by the looming of the swell of the sea -in the horizon. - -The whole ship's company were deceived by this remarkable appearance, -and if circumstances had not favored my prolonged inspection of it, I -should certainly have made a report which would have added another to -the list of doubtful dangers, which are combined puzzles and terrors to -navigators. - -Fresh south-east trades brought us north at an average speed of over -nine knots, for a few days, and carried us to lat. 12° 30´ S. Here, -according to books, we should find the N.W. Monsoon, and anticipating -it I had followed the sailing directions and kept to the westward of -the direct course, in order to be sure of fetching into the Straits -of Sunda with the north-west wind. Instead of this, eleven successive -days of light south-east airs and calms attended us. Coming at the end -of the passage, this delay was very hard to bear, and we saw daily the -hopes of a "crack passage" dwindling away. The tropical sun poured -down upon us, and with no breezes stirring to alleviate its effects, -discomfort of body was added to the distress of mind. The attitudes -assumed on one of these calm, hot days, are so expressive of the mental -emotions entertained, that the reader for further information as to how -we felt, is referred to our artist's portrayal of the scene. - -The _Rocket's_ cabin was below the poop-deck, built in the style -called a "trunk," that is, sunk part way into the between decks. -My room was in the forward end, on the starboard side, and a small -window opening through the "break of the poop" admitted sights and -sounds from the deck. This was often very serviceable in keeping track -of what was going on when the "old man," as the captain is always -styled, was supposed to be safely out of the way. I also overheard -many conversations not intended for my ear, and was sometimes -entertained by the officers' yarns as they sat on the booby-hatch in -the dog-watch, six to eight o'clock in the evening. As this was the -passenger's first experience of sea-life, they very kindly supplied -him most liberally with information on that topic. Some of the items -were of considerable interest. The mate gave most of the stories, but -the second mate sometimes "put in his oar." One evening, I heard the -mate describe, in terms that would have done honor to a city-press -reporter, the construction of a new steamer that was to combine two -means of locomotion. A railroad was laid on her deck, and when she -left New York, a train containing the passengers started from her -stern. When the bow of the ship reached Liverpool, the train would just -get to that end of the ship, having been rushing ahead all the time -that the steamer was crossing the Atlantic. If I remember rightly, the -passengers were only three days in crossing by this double method of -travel. - -[Illustration: Dead calm.--Thermometer 90° in the shade.] - -The second mate followed this up with an account of a sailing-ship that -he was in, which had a gangway built around the ship, and the captain -used to ride around the vessel on horseback with a speaking-trumpet, -giving orders. The ship was lighted by gas. Pipes with hot tea and -coffee ran to the captain's state-room from the galley, and a small -railroad was laid on deck to carry the hands fore and aft, but it was a -horse-car affair, and so on. - -The most remarkable story, I felt worthy of record, and I will give it -in the mate's words. - -"When I was mate of the clipper ship "Nonesuch" (she had three decks -and no bottom) we were sailing in the Indian Ocean bound from Mauritius -to Calcutta, in ballast. One day, looking to windward I saw a great -splashing in the water, which rapidly approached the vessel. I ran -up the mizzen-rigging and discovered that a large whale was coming -towards us pursued by a swordfish, which made attacks upon it whenever -it could overtake the whale. As they neared the ship the whale sank -a little below the surface of the water, and then, seeing the hull of -the vessel in the way, it rose to the surface, gave one twist of its -tail, and with a tremendous effort leaped into the air, and went clean -over the royal-mast head. I never was so astonished in my life, and the -swordfish appeared to be equally surprised, for he stopped and looked -aloft for half a second, and then making a dive he went under the keel -of the ship. As he rose to the surface on the other side, he pointed -his sword up straight in the air, and when the whale fell he caught it -on the point and whirled it round and round for nearly a minute. Then -the whale got off, the swordfish being wearied out, I suppose, and both -started on another race. After going a little distance the whale turned -towards the ship, and being too feeble now, from loss of blood, to take -another leap, he struck the ship and swung alongside, broadside on. The -swordfish came on with such force that his sword pierced the body of -the whale and we felt the jar as it struck the ship's side. There they -lay thrashing and bleeding. We were surprised that the whale didn't -move off, as we had been going five or six knots, and we also noticed -that our speed was reduced. The carpenter went down into the hold, -and found that the fish's sword had cut right through the side of the -ship, and whale and swordfish were made fast to us. He got his hammer -and bent the end of the sword so that it couldn't be pulled out; and -the whale soon dying, we turned into a whale-ship for a while, cut it -up and tried out several barrels of oil. We shot the swordfish with a -rifle, but left his sword in the plank, and it was cut out when we got -home and put in a museum for a curiosity. We found the greatest lot of -trash in the whale's stomach that you can imagine--pieces of sailor's -shirts, old boots, tin pans, glass bottles and preserve-cans. There was -a very fine linen handkerchief with some queer letters in the corner, -which no one could make out. The captain carried it home and showed -it to a minister, who was a great scholar. He said the letters were -Hebrew and spelt Jonah! There seemed to be no doubt that this was the -very whale that swallowed the prophet, when he cut sticks off to sea -and got hove overboard in a gale of wind. It's said Jonah felt down in -the mouth after the whale took him in, and no doubt he cried and took -out his handkerchief to wipe his eyes. Then he came out pretty sudden, -and must have dropped it in his surprise. I've always believed in Jonah -since then." - -One afternoon, when ninety-eight days out, we sighted Java Head, the -south-western point of Java, and at sunset were just fifteen miles west -of it. This seemed almost like arrival at our destination. It is a -great relief to the navigator, after months of steering by the stars, -to find his reckoning proved correct by seeing the dry land appear, -just where his calculations lead him to look for it. It thrills his -mind to think that he has been enabled to find his way through pathless -wastes, over half the circumference of the globe, to a little head-land -in the eastern seas. He feels a reverence for the noble science whose -deductions have led to this result, and also usually indulges in -some self-complacent emotions at his own successful application of -its rules. Having bearings of the land he now knows where he is by -sight, and gladly leaves his life of faith. He finds, however, that -this element of security is offset by a vast increase of danger. In -proximity to the land are rocks and shoals, and around them sweep ever -varying currents. Dark nights and storms envelope and assail him, and -hours of anxiety are passed, such as are wholly unknown in the deep sea -sailing. - -This night I was destined to experience the hazards of coast navigation -and to recognize the preserving hand of God in preventing our -shipwreck. Knowing my position so exactly, I felt emboldened to attempt -to work into the Straits of Sunda in the night. In the evening a fresh -breeze sprang up ahead varying from E.S.E. to E.N.E., accompanied by -heavy rain-squalls. The night was very dark and I remained on deck -the whole time, except for the few moments occasionally required for -marking the supposed position on the chart and planning the movements -of the vessel. We made several tacks and at three o'clock in the -morning, when I supposed we were well into the Straits, after a -rain-squall had passed, the clouds broke away, revealing the old moon -just getting out of bed from behind a high hill directly ahead, towards -which we were hastening at a rate of speed which would have cast us -upon its shores in another quarter of an hour. The bark was immediately -hove to, while I tried unsuccessfully to verify my position. Daylight -revealed that we had been about running into Java Head, the current -having set us back S.W. by S. 32 miles in twelve hours. So here we -were, instead of being in the Strait, still at its entrance, not having -secured any gain from all the night's work, the insidious current -having robbed us of the fruits of our toil. I had been fretting all -the night because the wind would not haul and allow us to steer in a -certain direction. I was thrilled and instructed by noticing on the -chart that, if I had been permitted to take the course I desired, we -should have certainly been wrecked on the dangerous reef extending -from Prince's Island. How near we came to it I cannot say, but that we -avoided it was not owing to my own skill, but to Him whose hand led me -in the uttermost parts of the sea. Many a successful navigator in these -Eastern waters could join me in acknowledging that in some instances -his safety has been owing "more to luck than good management" as the -common phrase goes, or as one had better say, to a kind Providence. -This event gave me an illustration of "Prayer answered by crosses" and -in later trials has helped me to say: "Thy will be done." - -The next night, being in very close quarters among islands and rocks, -I took bearings of a light to test my progress, the darkness hiding -the dangers from view. A light breeze was blowing, and the bark moved -at the rate of about two knots through the water. The light however -remained on the same bearing, showing that we gained nothing on it, and -I supposed the same strong current was neutralizing all the power of -the wind. I was about to come to anchor to avoid the peril of drifting -about in the darkness amid so many dangers, when a close inspection of -the light with the marine glass, showed it was not on the land, but on -board a vessel in shore, sailing with us, and on the other side we soon -discovered a rock, which we were passing quite swiftly, the current -evidently having changed in the opposite direction. This event supplied -another moral reflection: the importance of measuring by a right -standard. - -FOOTNOTES: - -[Footnote 1: The owners' private signal.] - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -LIFE IN THE EAST INDIES. - - "It is a goodly sight to see - What Heaven hath done for this delicious land."--_Byron._ - - "And, oh! if there be an Elysium on earth, - It is this, it is this."--_Thomas Moore._ - - -The East Indies is a name generally applied to the archipelago lying -S.E. of Asia, containing the islands of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Celebes -and others. It was visited by voyagers from the Western World in the -16th century, and since that time Portuguese, Dutch, English and French -have controlled parts of its domain. - -I wish I could affect the reader's imagination as my own senses were -impressed, when, after the stormy night, in which we barely escaped -shipwreck, we sailed in the early morning along the shores of Java, -an island so beautiful in its aspect, so luxuriant in its productions, -and so delightful in its varied climates, as to have been claimed by -many as the veritable locality of the Garden of Eden. As we sail along, -monkeys chatter at us from the trees and rocks that girt the shore; -bright plumaged birds are seen on the wing, and the dewy air floats off -to us so loaded with odors suggestive of delicious fruits, that one -instinctively opens his mouth to devour it. This makes plain an idiom -of the Malay language. "To take a walk" is expressed in that tongue by -words meaning to eat the air. I can hardly recommend this chamelion -diet as a staple food, but it is most excellent for dessert. - -Sailing up the Straits of Sunda, the waters attract the notice by the -curiosities floated on their surface. Cuttlefish bones, such as our -canaries use, cocoanuts, a great variety of fruits and leaves, and even -floating rocks, which are found to be pumice stone, pass the vessel -in continued procession. Besides these an evidence of civilization is -usually noticed in the form of square-faced gin bottles, for these -abound in the neighborhood of the Dutch settlements. - -At Anjer, a little village nestled among dense foliage, "bumboats" come -off to supply the ships with fruits and provisions. One of these making -fast to a vessel, a man climbs up on deck, dressed in jacket and pants -of striped red and yellow cotton and introduces himself as Paul Jones; -but if he visits an English ship he, perhaps, knows enough to select -a name less offensive in its allusions. This boat contains yams (the -eastern substitute for potatoes), cocoanuts, bananas, fowls, shells, -Java sparrows, and always monkeys. A sailor sometimes sets these last -loose, and they escape on board the ship and retain their liberty. The -last time I passed Anjer homeward bound, my previous experience with -monkeys led me to send word to the crew that they might buy as many -monkeys as they wished, but I should charge $10 for each one's passage -to New York. The consequence was that no monkeys were bought; but after -getting to sea, I found the crew had invested in squirrels, which had -the art of taking very long leaps through the air, so that one was -often startled by hearing a whiz, and feeling an animal alight on the -back of the neck. I resolved that in future squirrels should also be -excluded from the free passengers' list. - -Rounding St. Nicholas Point into the Java Sea, we sail among small -islands, each a perfect gem of landscape beauty. All have read of the -formation of these coral islands; how the little insects rear the -structure and die at the water's surface when their work is done. Then -the drift of the sea collects upon the coral, earth slowly accumulates; -cocoanuts are washed up, and taking root, send up the tall palm-trees; -finally, the whole island becomes a mass of luxuriant verdure. A -glistening white sand beach surrounds it, and at a little distance it -is encircled with a wreath of foam, as the sea ceaselessly breaks over -the surrounding reef. These are the jewels of the eastern seas--the -emerald brooch with silver setting, fastened upon the bosom of the deep. - -Anchoring in Batavia harbor, native boatmen row us ashore, giving -monotonous grunts as they ply their oars; and pulling up a long canal, -we land at the "boom," or Custom House. A carriage is secured, a sort -of barouche, having four wheels, and one seat with projecting hood. -A driver sits on the box, wearing a loose bright-colored frock, his -head covered with an enormous gilt hat, in shape like an inverted -wash-bowl. Two ponies are attached to the carriage; the driver cracks -his whip and beats them to enforce a start, but in vain. This carriage, -in the Malay tongue, is called a "crétur," but an Irishman would -certainly apply that term to the horses, for of all created animals, -donkeys not excepted, these East Indian horses are the most erratic -and unaccountable in their movements. In this case an appeal to the -bystanders brings a crowd to push the vehicle ahead, until the ponies, -through fear of being run over, decide to get out of the way, and -start off upon a gallop, which is maintained till the destination is -reached; unless they should happen to stop suddenly, stand on their -heads and kick their heels at the driver's wash-bowl hat; or else, -turning at right angles, dash off the road into a hedge. I was once -driving in Penang, in the Straits of Malacca, with a gentleman, in an -American buggy drawn by a Sumatra pony; a horse passing at a gallop -infuriated the animal, and he rushed at his utmost speed along a -smooth, wide road. At its sides were ravines fifteen or twenty feet -deep, at the bottom of which ran streams of water. No obstruction was -in sight save a solitary buffalo cart on the left hand side of the -road; and because that was the only point where he could not have the -freedom of the whole road, there that pony deemed the path of duty to -lie. As he approached the cart he bolted off to that side of the road, -tottered a moment on the edge of the bank, and over it we went. Flying -through the air, I struck my head on the opposite side of the ravine, -and rolled down into the stream under the pony, who looked as though -he wished he hadn't done it. Some natives helped me up into the road, -and when I appeared on board ship the next morning with my bruised and -battered face and soiled clothing, the sailors cast suspicious glances, -and I learned afterwards, were quite elated at having detected their -moralizing captain in the indulgence of a night-long spree with such -results. This injury to my reputation may account for my prejudice -against East India ponies; but now that I have given them a bad name -I have had my revenge. It must be admitted that they are indispensable -to comfort, with all their ills, for the fierce tropical sun forbids -noon-day walking, and some covered conveyance is an essential of life -in the East; so, in China, each person has his sedan chair carried -by two coolies; in the Straits' Settlements, his one-horse gharry, -and in the Dutch places his crétur. Some security is given against -the waywardness of the ponies by the frequent practice of building -embankments at the sides of the roads; and some escape their dangers by -using good horses from Australia, or, occasionally, fine Arab steeds. - -The hotel at which we arrive is a two-story building, and in the rear -extend lines of one-storied structures, with wide walks covered by -verandahs, upon which the rooms all open. Upon my first arrival at -this hotel I entered the office, but saw no person there, unless Mr. -Darwin's friends should insist that I applied that term to a large -monkey, who was seated upon the table engaged in pouring the contents -of a capacious inkstand upon the open pages of the hotel register. My -presence ended this evidence of a dawning fondness and aptitude for the -fine arts. - -Allow me to describe a day's life as a sample of the mode of existence -among the foreign residents. In the morning one is awakened by a -servant entering the room with a cup of tea; looking out upon the -verandah, another servant may be seen engaged in cleaning the shoes. -He plucks a flower from a plant close at hand, rubs it over the -shoe and then applies the polishing brush, with brilliant effect. -This is called the shoe-plant; and nature makes another appropriate -arrangement in producing the soap tree, with the fruit of which the -hands may be cleansed. Seizing the towels, one next proceeds, in his -sleeping costume, across the court yard to the bath house; this is a -room paved with tiles, containing a large tank of water. The mode of -bathing is that practised by the natives. Standing alongside the tank -the person dips out water in a small bucket and pours it on the head. -This becomes a very favorite method of performing ablution. Returning -to the room, the sleeping costume is laid aside for the habiliments of -the day; but it demands a description, for few things are more peculiar -or essential to a comfortable life in the East. It consists of loose -trousers, called pajamas, and a jacket, called bajou. The pajamas are -made of colored calico, the more brilliant in color and startling in -pattern the better. They are gathered about the waist with a string. -The bajou is of white calico, buttons closely about the throat and -reaches to the hips. This dress is worn not only at night, but whenever -in the day one is free from business or society. The first morning I -spent in Java I encountered a lady robed in white. I averted my eyes, -but saw another lady approaching, and then another; and finding them -unconcerned, I gained assurance enough to inspect their costume. I -learned that in the Dutch settlements in the East Indies ladies adopt -a dress corresponding somewhat to that of the native women, which they -wear during the heat of the day, and only appear in European costume -in the evening. This dress consists of the "sarong," or loose skirt -of colored calico reaching to the ankles, and the "cobaiya," a white -sack descending to the knees. Sandals are worn, but no stockings. The -first impression upon the masculine beholder is not pleasant. It seems -a decidedly slipshod attire; but we soon become accustomed to it, and -admire, at least, the good sense that leads to the consideration of -comfort, rather than fashionable appearance. - -After the bath the gentleman dresses for the day, either all in white -or with a loose black sack coat. Breakfast is served, consisting of -broiled fowl, eggs, fruits, &c., and at about ten o'clock the carriage -takes him to his office. Between twelve and one a lunch is served on -the business premises, the chief item of which is curry. This demands -description. We have all seen bottled curry powder, but what is used -on the spot is made fresh every day. The ingredients are ground upon a -stone and mixed together. The meat of a cocoanut is grated, moistened -with water and squeezed by the hand over the curry powder. Into this, -prawns, or bits of fowl or meat, are placed and the dish is ready. Rice -is first taken upon the plate and curry is added. A tray is handed -containing a dozen little plates, each holding some kind of peppers, -pickles, spices or chutney, and one is supposed to take a little of -each, or else to make a judicious selection. A dried fish, called a -Bombay duck, is broken up over the pile and more meat or fowl may be -added, or else some fricadel, a delightful compound of bread, eggs -and minced fowl. Finally all is thoroughly mixed together and eaten -with the aid of a spoon or fork. This tastes better than it, probably, -sounds to the reader's ears, and there is no recollection of the East -more suggestive and fascinating to a former resident than the curry. It -seems strange, however, that in such warm climates nature should crave -such heating and stimulating food. - -If it is not steamer-day, the gentleman will probably drive home at -about four o'clock; the pajamas and bajou are donned, a book or short -nap occupy an hour; another bath is taken, and the evening dress is -assumed, which usually will be of white, with a short jacket, such as -is worn by waiters in our hotels. A walk or drive is taken in the cool -of the evening, ladies and gentlemen appearing without headdress or -hats; or if hats are worn, they are light articles, made of cork or -pith, with good ventilation. They meet where the band may be playing, -or drive along the charming suburbs, or saunter to the club-house. -Between seven and eight they sit down to dinner, and get up at some -indefinite period between nine and day-light. The men smoke their -cigars between the courses, drink liquors throughout the meal, and -afterwards take a night-cap of brandy and water. They retire finally to -beds covered with rattan mats, and devoid of bedclothes. A lamp remains -lighted all night in the room, and consists of a glass tumbler half -full of water, with cocoanut oil poured in, and a small wick floated on -top in the centre. This is the lamp of the East. - -The houses of the foreign residents are one-story structures, raised a -few feet from the ground, built of brick or stone, covered with plaster -and whitewashed. A broad flight of steps leads to a wide verandah, -which is supplied with furniture, especially easy chairs of luxurious -model, and this place is the sitting-room and reception hall of the -family. Within are parlor and bedrooms, and at the back of the house -is another verandah, generally used as a dining-room. One who takes -an evening's walk, and as he passes each house, looks through the -dark foliage at the brilliantly lighted verandah, with its family and -social groups, will get a series of most enchanting tableaux. When the -residents wish to be "not at home," they darken the front verandah and -get further into their houses, so callers are spared useless inquiries. -In the rear of the house, the servants' lodgings, kitchen and -bath-house are placed. The kitchens are a novelty. A raised platform -runs the length of the building, and on top of it, or in arches near -the top, several fires are built as needed, one for each dish to be -prepared. There is no chimney; the smoke not absorbed by the food, -escapes through the doors. The servants are numerous, and each has his -separate sphere. There is no "maid of all work" in the East. Every -person has his "boy," who hovers about him in all his waking hours, and -cares for him much as a nurse for a child. The boy is called for every -trivial service, and I have heard the master shout repeatedly for the -"suppada," as servants are called, and when he came running breathless -from the rear of the house, he was ordered to move a chair that stood a -few yards off, in order that the luxurious master could put his feet on -it. - -The vegetation of the East impresses the traveller with its luxuriant -growth and beauty of form and color. There is no "Fall;" all is -evergreen. The cocoanut trees abound, perhaps, most commonly. The form -of its straight stem, with branches spreading from the top, and the -fruit nestling at the summit, are familiar to all. It is interesting -to see the natives climb these tall trunks to gather the cocoanuts. -Sometimes they ascend by stepping upon notches cut in the tree, and at -others they put a loop of rope around both ankles, and seize another -loop with both hands, their arms encircling the tree; then alternately -grasping the trunk with feet and hands they ascend swiftly, and soon -the thump of the nuts on the ground is heard. Picking up a green one, -and cutting a hole, you may obtain a delicious drink of sweet water. -The "flame tree" attracts especial notice in Batavia. Its lower leaves -are of a dark green, and grow gradually lighter until at the top they -are straw-colored, forming a pyramid of light. Outside the limits -of the town one comes to the jungle, which may thus be described, -partly in another's words: Imagine a forest of gigantic trees standing -together almost like the stalks in a wheat field. They are smooth -and branchless for four-fifths of their height, and then spreading -out, interlacing, form a complete canopy. Then a growth of shorter -trees springs up, winding their branches in and out among the trunks; -then comes a growth of ferns, palms and plants, and finally, the -whole mass is woven together by a network of creepers and parasites, -from the slender rattan to the vine as thick as a man's body. In the -elbows of the trees are many orchidaceous plants thriving on the air -and sending down their shoots into the network below. This jungle is -absolutely impenetrable by man, but the tiger roams through it, and -lurks on its border for the unwary passer-by. Beyond the jungle may be -seen the "Paddy-fields," the light green color of the growing rice, -pleasing the eye in contrast with the copper-colored beeches and the -purple mountains beyond the plain. The graceful bamboo waves in every -direction, and gains respect as being the most useful growth of the -East, though botanists term it only a grass. Its uses are innumerable; -but two extremes may be mentioned. With it the natives build their -houses and beat their children. The tropical fruits require a word of -mention. There is the durian, the favorite of the natives, smelling, -it is said, like a dead elephant, and tasting, to my palate, like a -mixture of nuts and onions. The mangosteen, the choicest of fruits; the -delicious mango, the pummalow, rambutan, ducoe, and banana,--all awaken -pleasant memories as the favorites of the table. - -The natives are short, homely and copper-colored, or, as they like -to describe themselves, "the color of gold." The men dress in jacket -and pants, with the sarong wrapped about the waist, or hung loosely -from the shoulders. The women wear the sarong and cobaiya previously -described, and their general appearance so much resembles that of men, -that it is sometimes difficult for an impartial eye to distinguish -the sexes. The teeth are filed and stained black from chewing the -betel nut, as it is deemed unbecoming to have "white teeth like a -dog." The houses are of bamboo, covered with a thatched roof, and -mounted on posts, and the front-door steps consist of a ladder. The -food is chiefly rice; but if report is true many revolting creatures -are devoured, and worms and white ants are occasionally taken "as a -relish." The buffalo is a member of society that deserves notice. A -hump on his back serves to hold the yoke, and he is driven by a string -tied to a ring of rattan passed through the nose. After work they -delight to stand in the river or canal, and with only their heads above -water, enjoy a cooling off. The Dutch Government requires every native, -who walks after dark, to carry a torch. This is composed of stems from -the cocoanut tree, and is fanned into flame as the holder hears an -approaching footstep. They vie with the fireflies in making the night -attractive. - -Many customs are striking to the visitor. The woman walks in front of -the man, so that she may regulate the pace as she desires, a refinement -we might copy. After marriage the husband goes to the bride's home and -resides. A man leaves his property to his nephews and nieces, not to -his own children, for he casts a slur upon female virtue by saying: "A -man may be sure his sister's children are of his own blood, but who -knows that his own are?" - -Descriptions of life so luxurious as that of the East Indies may seem -attractive and fascinating to dwellers in the harsh, northern climes; -but there are compensations. The enervated East Indian resident sighs -for the cold winter, the bracing sleigh ride, the animating change of -seasons, cultivated society, the intellectual stimulus of scientific -investigation and literary criticism, and though myself partial to the -East in many respects, I would say with England's poet: - - "Better fifty years of Europe than a cycle of Cathay." - -In six days the cargo destined for Batavia was landed, and on a -Saturday the vessel cleared for Singapore. The wind was ahead and it -was a difficult and dangerous task to work out among the many shoals -that lie in the harbor. No pilot could be obtained, and every one -advised me to wait till Sunday morning, and start with the fair breeze -that was sure to blow in its early hours. I had scruples about sailing -on Sunday if it could be avoided, yet feared censure if I detained the -vessel, so I resolved to make a start. We got under way, shot between -the shoals and cleared the shipping in safety. We passed our Sunday -quietly sailing across the Java Sea with the fresh N.W. Monsoon. - -We had the task before us of beating up the Carimata Passage against a -head monsoon and an opposing current. It was a difficult undertaking, -often requiring weeks of fruitless labor, and a month was allotted -for the passage to Singapore by our friends in Batavia. On a previous -voyage I had found a disadvantage in having the crew engaged in -work, which sometimes prevented prompt attention to the manœuvering -of the vessel, indeed I considered once that I lost a day or two by -being prevented from tacking ship at the moment desired. Now I gave -orders that no jobs on the rigging, that were unnecessary, should be -undertaken, but that the crew should be kept standing by to work ship. -This then received sole attention. The sails were always trimmed, the -yards braced, and with every favoring variation of wind we tacked and -retacked, fighting our way with incessant vigilance by day and night, -slowly gaining ahead in spite of the opposing forces. We steered by -rocks and shoals, shot through the narrow Panambanga Channel off the -west coast of Borneo, and then, with a steady beat through the Southern -China Sea, we gained the Singapore Strait, and anchored in the harbor -of Singapore eleven days and a half from Batavia. This was an exciting -passage. Sailing night and day in those narrow waters occasioned a -great tension of nerves and limited the opportunities for sleep. One -night in particular remains in vivid remembrance, when near dangerous -shoals, out of sight of land, and uncertain where the current might -have drifted us, the hours of anxiety seemed like years, and in the -morning I looked in the glass with a half-serious apprehension lest -my hair had turned grey, according to stories we read of such effects -being produced by strong emotions. But there were pleasant days, when -gliding slowly by the evergreen islands, through the smooth blue waters -full of minute objects of interest, with distant mountain ranges to -rest the eye upon, life seemed as full of romantic enjoyment as the -imaginations of fabled story. - -[Illustration: The midnight catastrophe.] - -Upon arrival at Singapore my first indulgence was in a good all-night's -sleep in bed, which one learns to appreciate after days and nights on -deck. - -On one of the few occasions during this passage, when I had an -opportunity to catch a nap on the cabin sofa at night, I was greatly -alarmed by being aroused from dreams of shipwreck, by water pouring -over me from a jug upset by the swinging open of a locker door. -Anything that happens to "the old man" is considered important on -shipboard, and this was deemed worthy of illustration. - -At Singapore we discharged the rest of our cargo and loaded a quantity -of tin, gambier and gutta percha. We remained twenty-three days here, -most of the time being spent in waiting for the merchants at Penang to -purchase cargo, as the vessel's appearance at that port while they were -buying would have made the native traders put up their prices. So we -hid away at Singapore, and a very pleasant hiding place it was. - -The first novelty that greeted our arrival was an assemblage of canoes -and boats. From the former small boys dived for coin, thrown from the -vessel, catching them before they descended far below the surface of -the water. From the latter were offered us fruit, birds, monkeys, -shells and corals, the last named being especially beautiful. A whole -boat load of these at "a hard bargain" was secured for seventy-five -cents. The appearance of the town is very picturesque, luxuriant -foliage appearing amidst the collections of white houses, and hills -rise in the rear covered with nutmeg and fruit trees, while near by the -fertile jungle dips its abundant growth into the sea. Many pleasant -hours were passed on shore; the fascinating hospitalities of luxurious -homes were enjoyed; a picnic in the midst of the jungle nine miles from -the city afforded a splendid view of tropical scenery; and a drive -to a cocoanut plantation of five hundred acres showed how European -enterprise is economizing the fertile products of the East. One evening -especially remains prominent in agreeable recollection, when I dined -with an old Boston friend. The table was spread on the rear verandah -where the trees waved close to us, and the air was full of delicious -odors and the singing of insects, their differing notes seeming like -tunes. Truly life in Singapore is fascinating. - -There were a number of American vessels here waiting for freights -to improve in different ports of the East. In order to save expense -they desired to discharge their crews, but, three months' extra pay -being required by the consul, they either had to add to the lack of -employment the further infliction of supporting an unprofitable crew, -or drive the men to desertion by acts of cruelty and oppression. Every -day almost there was some row in the harbor on board an American ship, -and this law and its results was a continual topic of discussion. - -In a work entitled "Among our Sailors," the author, Dr. J. Grey Jewell, -formerly Consul at Singapore, speaks at some length about the law -requiring three months' extra pay for seamen discharged abroad, and -concludes: "I am convinced that the law is a good one and that it -should stand." - -During some years' experience in command of vessels I formed the -opinion that this is not a good law, and further that there is no -enactment concerning our merchant marine so injurious to sailors, so -vexatious to shipmasters, so unjust to shipowners, or so corrupting to -its executors in its influences. I believe most of those familiar with -its operations will approve of my pronouncing it a great curse. This -law was made in the beginning of the century, when Americans manned -our ships, and when these vessels visited ports seldom frequented, -where the discharge of a seaman might often leave him in destitution, -with no means of returning home. Now our ships are chiefly manned by -foreigners, who are more at home in foreign ports than in those on our -own shores, where only we may discharge them; and commerce has become -so extended that few places are visited by ships whence ready exit may -not be obtained. - -Some instances of the operation of this law will best explain its -evils. A European crew were shipped in an American vessel at San -Francisco for a voyage to Liverpool, the shipping articles containing -the clause, made customary by the law prohibiting discharge of seamen -abroad, "and thence to a final port of discharge in the United -States." At Liverpool the men wished to leave and return to their -homes in Norway and Germany, or sail on other voyages. The ship was to -remain for several weeks in Liverpool and then sail for San Francisco -again, and the men had no desire to go in that direction. Wages in -Liverpool were lower than those paid this crew from California, so -the shipowner's interest demanded that he should not be obliged to -support and pay a useless crew for the weeks his ship was idle, and -that he should be allowed to man her for a new voyage at the lowest -rate of wages. On application to the Consul by the captain and sailors, -information was given that the crew might be discharged, but one -month's pay must be given to the Consul, and two months' pay extra to -each seaman. The crew, in order to be released, offered to return the -two months' pay to the captain, after signing a receipt for it, but the -captain, desiring to avoid the unjust imposition altogether, gave the -wages to the mate, who privately handed them to the sailors, and they -took their departure. The captain next reported to the Consul under -oath, that his crew had deserted without his knowledge or consent, -but the Consul, finding out that the men had received their money, -insisted on the payment of one month's wages at his office. Another -vessel shipped a crew at San Francisco to be discharged at Liverpool, -but still this extra payment was required. - -A few years since a dozen American ships, one of them under my command, -arrived at a port in Asia. The trade they were engaged in was depressed -and they were doomed to remain idle for several months. The ships were -manned by foreigners, and the captains deemed it their duty to the -owners to avoid paying and feeding full crews for several months, when -they had no need of their services. Steamers and vessels in various -trades were arriving and departing daily, affording opportunity for -the men to obtain employment and leave the port. Application was made -to the Consul for permission to discharge the crews, which was given -on condition of compliance with the three months' pay law. This no one -cared to do; and the "fair means" being deemed unfair to the owner foul -means were employed. The captain of the S---- told his men they had -better leave, but, hoping to secure the two months' extra pay, they -declined. Orders were given to the mate to work them up and drive them -out of the ship. He accordingly hung planks over the ship's side, one -foot under water, and made the sailors stand on them and scrub the -ship's copper with sand, keeping them always on the sunny side of -the ship. It was the month of June. The tropical sun poured upon the -men's heads, while their feet were in the water, and glanced upon their -bodies from the copper they were polishing, giving no small torment. -One man ventured to go on deck and complain, but the smart mate soon -thrashed him into submission. That night half of the crew deserted. - -Attached to the Consul's office was a shipping-master, who gave -personal attention to all details of business connected with crews, the -Consul merely expounding the laws to inquirers in his inner office, and -maintaining the dignity of the U.S. Government in a general way. The -shipping-master was in close alliance with the police of the place, and -the arrest of the deserters from the S---- was soon reported to him. He -thereupon informed the captain that the men must be received on board -again, but by mutual agreement a certain sum was paid to the shipping -master for each man, and they were reported to the Consul as deserters. -The remainder of the crew were soon got rid of, and the rest of the -ships followed suit, paying $10 to $15 per man to the shipping-master. - -My own crew were much attached to their ship and were unwilling to -leave. I would not allow them to be oppressed in order to drive -them away, and the owners were forced to submit to the expense of -maintaining a large crew, besides the loss occasioned by the idleness -of the ship. After some time, half of the crew, knowing that they were -not wanted, and were only a burden, consented to leave; but the Consul, -in reply to the application, held up the three months' pay law, and my -choice was to keep the men or pay sixty dollars each besides the wages -due. - -In this dilemma the shipping master offered to allow the men to -"desert," upon my paying him fourteen dollars apiece, which was to be -called "two weeks' board." - -I felt compelled in justice to my owners' interest to adopt this plan, -and connive at the rascality by which an unjust law was evaded by those -entrusted with its enforcement. The matter was arranged so as to do -no violence to my conscience in the matter of oath and declaration of -desertion. - -This shipping master, after a short term of service was able to -buy a half interest in a large ship, and probably approves of the -three-months' pay law. The previous Consul is said to have taken away -eighty thousand dollars after a few years' residence. - -The owners of the ship I commanded are a firm on whom Dr. Jewell, in -the above-mentioned work, has cast severe aspersions, and it is due -to them to say that at the close of the voyage, while admitting that -a less humane captain would have made a more economical voyage, they -thoroughly approved of my principles, and said they did not mind losing -a thousand dollars now and then in support of them. They however -remarked that Capt. ----, who was a notorious sailor driver, sailed -his ships cheaper than any other captain in their employ, as he never -had a sailor remaining by the vessel in port. A few weeks after this -conversation it happened that news was received that Capt. ----'s ship -had put into Rio Janeiro with a mutinous crew, and some of the sailors -had been shot by the captain. Considerable expense and delay to the -voyage was caused by this, and the owners were overheard to say that -Capt. ---- should never have another chance to put one of their ships -into port in distress. They saw that the question of economy was not -always against the "humane captain." - -The above facts, selected as samples from a multitude, illustrate the -assertion that the three months' pay law is: - -_First_, An occasion for the exercise of much cruelty to the sailor, -and often obliges him to have the disgrace of desertion attached to his -name, in order to secure the release from his ship which his interests -demand. - -_Secondly_, It obliges captains to resort to wrong or questionable acts -to secure their owners' interests, and involves them in many unpleasant -controversies. - -_Thirdly_, It is a heavy tax on the shipowner, and is one among several -causes of the decay to our commerce. - -_Fourthly_, It furnishes great temptation to corrupt action on the -part of consuls, and has, in too many cases, brought disgrace upon the -flag they represent. - -What remedy is there? will be asked. - -In 1840 an Act was passed authorizing consuls to use discretion in -enforcing the law in cases of discharge by mutual consent. This in 1856 -was repealed and the law is now strenuously insisted on. Some other -nations permit the free discharge of crews where good reason or mutual -consent is shown, and where the Government is assured of freedom from -expense. Let the present law be wholly repealed, and give consuls power -to discharge men freely, where satisfaction is given that they will not -become a burden upon the United States. This satisfaction should be a -proof of the employment or shipment of the sailors, or else a deposit -of money for a limited term, or a bond for the payment of any future -expenses incurred, which might be collected at the port of entry in the -United States. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -SINGAPORE. - - -Leaving Singapore in the early morning, we turned into the Strait -of Malacca, and with perfectly serene weather and light but varying -winds we slipped easily along through its smooth waters. The land was -always in sight, with its eternal verdure, and often we glided by gems -of islets that were beautiful enough to grace a paradise. "Eternal -sunshine gilds" these shores, and one who would enjoy the _dolce far -niente_ to perfection, should have his easy chair on a good ship's -deck, with sheltering awning overhead, and sail in the N.E. monsoon -season in the Eastern Archipelago. - -Occasional puffs of wind favored us, and in the short time of four and -a half days we sighted Pulo Penang, and ran through the narrow South -Channel into its harbor. - -Penang may be described as lovely and hot. It is situated on a plain, -and to the westward and seaward rises a high mountain, shutting off -the sea breezes, which might refresh the heated brow. This mountain, -however, is a noted sanitarium, and on its top a cool climate may be -found, which is often eagerly sought for its bracing effects upon the -heat-debilitated frame. The American Consul, a worthy Scotchman, had -rented a bungalow on the summit for a month. He kindly invited the -passenger and myself to spend a night there in turn. The passenger went -first, but soon the sad tidings were brought that he had been thrown -from his horse and broken his neck. The authority for this statement -was that a soldier had told a sailor so. Both professions, fortunately, -were at fault and the passenger returned in due time with his neck in -good order. His only explanation of the report was the statement, that -his pony was so small that he placed his feet on the ground and let the -animal gallop away from under him. - -In my turn I ascended the hill, and spent the night, returning in the -cool of the morning. The deep ravines with their walls of verdure, the -beautiful views of the island, the sea and the main land beyond, the -delightful coolness of the air, the wonderful specimens of vegetation, -such as the air plants, hanging luxuriantly from the branches of -trees, fed by the air and rain on their surfaces, the traveller's -palms, with stores of fresh water kept in their hollowed leaves for -the thirsty wayfarer, and the tree-ferns, twenty feet in height, all -these with the strangest bird melodies imaginable made the trip one of -enchantment. One bird and a beetle made noises like a sawmill, another -bird sang the scale descending--five notes at least, and still another -sang it ascending. One more imitated the sound of a bell. At the foot -of the waterfall that descends the mountain, baths are established. -The Europeans assemble there in the evening and after the external -application of water, too frequently take an internal application of -"brandy cocktails." - -The military band plays weekly on the "Sepoy Plain," back of the town, -and a pleasant gathering of the residents takes place. - -An orphan-house and mission was being carried on here by some devoted -English missionaries, who, like their friend Mr. Müller of Bristol, -working independently of Societies, looked to the Lord to provide. -Their Christian fellowship, and the hours spent in searching the -Scriptures with them, were precious privileges. - -We were a fortnight here, loading tin, nutmegs, mace, tapioca and india -rubber, and then sailed for Padang, where we were to complete our cargo -with coffee and cassia. - -We beat out from Penang against a head wind, and with a slant reached -across the Strait of Malacca. We then found light breezes to waft us -along the north coast of Sumatra, "the Pepper Coast," as it was known -to our East India merchants of Boston and Salem in earlier days. A -pleasing change here occurred in the landscape. It is so rare to see -ground not covered with verdure in these regions, that the sight of -Golden Mountain near the north-west point of Sumatra was quite a treat. -It is a finely-formed peak and has much bare ground on its sides, -which appears golden in the intense sunlight. This was an enjoyable -day, but an anxious night followed. We were sailing pleasantly, with -all studding-sails set, through the passage between Pulo Way and Pulo -Rondo, twelve miles wide, when at midnight the wind died away and -the current swept us toward the island. There was no wind to make -the vessel steer, a cast of the lead proved there was no bottom at -sixty fathoms, so we could not anchor, and an inspection of chart and -sailing directions showed that the rocks arose perpendicularly from -deep water. No human device could save us from shipwreck, and unless a -breeze sprang up off-shore our bark would soon break in pieces against -the rocks. For this breeze I earnestly prayed. All hands were called -on deck; a long length of chain was overhauled with the intention of -letting go the anchor at the last moment, in the forlorn hope of its -finding bottom, and then the crew were stationed at the braces ready to -trim the yards the moment a breath of air might be perceived. I stood -at the stern watching the nearing approach of the dread rocks, which -now loomed through the darkness in frightful proximity, and wetting a -forefinger I held it out to catch the first trace of a breeze, but in -vain; until, when the last hope was about to expire, and a few minutes -more were expected to seal our doom, I perceived the faintest air -imaginable breathing off the land. The yards were immediately braced, -and the effect was to turn the vessel's head from the shore. I dropped -a fishing-line over the stern, and watched to see if it would trail -out; but it hung up and down showing that the vessel had no headway. -Soon, however, an additional breath came, then a little puff, and to -my exceeding joy, I felt the line give a slight pull at my fingers -as it stretched out into the wake. Then the water rippled along past -the rudder and we slowly but surely glided away from the dangerous -coast. Among many recollections of peril and anxiety, that calm hour, -when in utter helplessness we looked destruction in the face, will -remain prominent for its intense emotion, and the occasion it gave for -thanksgiving to the Hearer of prayer. - -[Illustration: Despair.--Off Padang for six days.] - -The West coast of Sumatra is faced by an innumerable number of islets, -rocks and shoals, outside of which lie a chain of larger islands. We -kept out in the open sea until off Padang, preferring a more circuitous -but safer route than the direct passage along shore. Here we could -sail day and night, without anchoring when darkness or squalls hid -the way. But our progress was slow and the passage became tedious and -trying. In the day time light airs and calms prevailed, the hot sun -poured down its rays with scorching intensity, and the air was so clear -that we once saw a peak one hundred and six miles distant. At night -heavy squalls of wind burst upon us, with torrents of rain and terrific -peals of thunder; the balls of fire, called by the sailors corposants, -blazed at the mast-heads, and the lightning was incessant. When sixteen -days out from Penang we sailed through Siberet Straits, and the next -evening just at dark we were within fifteen miles of our anchorage at -Padang. A dark squally night prevented our running in, and a heavy N.W. -gale and southerly current drove us a few miles south of the port. For -the next six days we were hard at work trying to make these few miles, -but as soon as we gained a little, a calm prevailed and the current -set us back again. The water was too deep for anchorage and we were -entirely dependent on the wind, which, however, coquetted with us till -endurance almost ceased to belong to our virtues. The captain's state -of mind as he descended bare-footed to the cabin after having stood on -deck in a rain squall, which was vainly expected to bring a breeze, may -be suspected by a glance at our artist's sketch of the posture assumed -upon the cabin sofa. - -Six days of this harassing work made me so desperate that I took -advantage of a long continued squall to run in a dark night along the -dangerous reefs, and guided only by the roar of the breakers gained -a position, from which the next day we were able to work into Padang -Roads and anchor inside of the beautiful Island "Pulo Pisang," or -Banana Isle. - -After safely anchoring at our long desired haven, a crew of native -boatmen manned the bark's boat and pulled me to the town of Padang two -miles distant. We rounded Apenberg, the hill to which its chattering -monkeys have given a name, and ascended a river a short distance to the -landing place. - -When the preliminaries of business were transacted, my consignee kindly -invited me to reside at his house, and I enjoyed the change from a -cabin to a luxurious home. At day-light I visited the vessel, returning -on shore after breakfast. The house was built of wood with wide -verandahs in front and rear. Posts about six feet high supported it -from the ground, leaving a space under the house for air to circulate, -and rogues also as it proved; for a few weeks before my arrival a -robbery occurred, and it is supposed, in this way. The thieves went -under the house and bored holes in the floor of the sleeping room, -through which they introduced the smoke obtained by burning the leaves -of a narcotic plant. The inmate being stupefied, the thieves broke in -at the front door, robbed the house and took away an iron safe that -was chained to the bed of the sleeper. They were so sure of their work -that they stopped in the garden to open the safe, but being unable to -do this, they carried it to the beach and buried it in the sand, where -it was found the next day with its contents intact, except a few small -articles of jewelry, which the thieves had managed to shake out through -a small opening they had made. New York or London could hardly surpass -this. Many thought the house servants must have been abettors, as they -were accustomed to sleep on the verandahs outside the thresholds of -three entrances to the house, so that anyone entering must step over -them. Nothing could be proved against them, and we repeatedly had -occasion to step over their bodies at night and open the doors when -returning at late hours, and at such times entrance was often effected -without disturbing their sound slumbers. - -The first Sunday in port, I left the officers to conduct the services -and attended the Dutch church on shore. I asked the captain of a Dutch -vessel to accompany me, but he said: "No, it is not respectable to go -to church here, and I am ashamed to." I told him our Lord's words about -those who are ashamed of Him; but that didn't trouble him, so I went -alone. I found one European civilian present, but not one lady, and -some soldiers and half castes. They first sang with great deliberation -a Psalm from a book which had the notes printed over each line; then -followed a prayer, hymn, half of the sermon, two contributions, the -remainder of the sermon a hymn and benediction. During the sermon any -one, who felt tired of sitting, arose and stood for a while. After -service I spoke to the minister in the ante-room. He and all the men -lit their cigars, and after a short chat and smoke they all went -puffing towards home. The next Sunday I gladly went on board and was -refreshed by the cheerful vigor with which the sailors sang the hymns: -"When I survey the wondrous cross," and, "Just as I am, without one -plea." The services were held on deck and the singing must have rung -over the harbor. Returning on shore, I called on board of a Dutch bark -and found a party assembled, among whom was the organist of the church, -all drinking brandy and smoking, the minister being absent from town -that day. - -One day I attended the ordination of a Malay (Mohammedan) priest. The -Mohammedan religion is here intermingled with many of the ideas and -practices of heathendom, and it is the custom to test the worthiness -of the candidate for the priesthood by placing around his waist a band -containing long needles with the points against his abdomen. He then -at a given signal runs toward an appointed goal. The people give chase -and endeavor to strike the needles inwards and kill him. If he escapes, -he is deemed to have established his fitness for the office, thus -making legs and not heads or hearts the necessary qualifications. On -this occasion the Dutch soldiers were present in force to prevent this -barbarity, and the ceremony was restricted to a procession, praying and -reading the Koran. - -There are few places in the world as lovely as Padang. The evening -drives along the roads bordered by the tall arching "arrow trees," -with views of ocean and mountains on either hand, are amongst the most -charming recollections I retain of any land where I have wandered. -Kindly hospitalities join to heighten such charms. - -The interior of Sumatra is most wonderful. There you enjoy a temperate -climate, Swiss and tropical scenery combined, an eternal spring and -a fertility of soil almost beyond belief. The suggestion made to me, -of taking a plantation, raising coffee and leading a life of exile in -a paradise, might have been very tempting, but for the restrictions -the Dutch government imposes upon all trade and enterprises, and the -obstacles presented by the uncouth Dutch language. - -Here "every prospect pleases" and man is no viler than he is elsewhere. -Contact with the natives of Asia and the East Indies has raised my -opinion of "the heathen." The average of them appear as virtuous and -upright as the mass of men in Christian lands. I have really seen -less frequent display of vice than I have in our cities, and have -noticed many pleasant exhibitions of family affection, kindness and -honesty. The people in the interior of Sumatra are represented as being -remarkable for virtue, temperance and integrity; and even on the coast -they must be admitted to compare very favorably with the foreigners -about them, whom it is said they speak of contemptuously among -themselves as "drunken Europeans;" but they readily contract their -vices. Christianity unquestionably elevates all whom it reaches, but -our civilization alone has proved no moral blessing to those who have -experienced its influences in the distant regions of the earth. - -After lying at Padang for a few days a bark appeared in the offing, and -with the spy-glass I discovered that she had our owner's flag at the -main. I started for her in my boat, introduced myself to the captain -and piloted him into an anchorage. - -Capt. Blowhard was a stranger to me, but I was much pleased to have the -companionship of a countryman in this far-off port. As we passed the -_Rocket_, he remarked she looked very well, only she was rusty outside. -We had finished painting her the day before, so this comment excited my -surprise; but I soon discovered the captain's eye-sight was defective, -and I had the pleasure of supplying him with a pair of spectacles. We -went on shore together, and I introduced him to his consignee; but the -polite Dutchman was startled at seeing the captain swing his legs over -the arm of the chair and monopolize all the talk with boasts about his -clipper bark and her performances. In the evening I took him to drive, -and attempted to point out the sights of the place and the beauty of -the scenery, but his attention was not to be secured; during the whole -of the drive he kept his face toward me, and poured forth a continuous -stream of narrative and self-adulation. I learned that he had resigned -the command of one of the finest ships in the world to serve his -country. He passed highest in examination on Navigation, was appointed -executive officer of a large frigate, and soon, for his valor, was -given the command of a gunboat. After a celebrated naval battle his -vessel was so riddled with shot, that she was sent to Alexandria for -the Government to inspect as a curiosity. President Lincoln and a -committee from the Senate visited her and gave the captain public -thanks for his brave conduct. Commodore ---- remarked that there were -only three gentlemen in the Volunteer Navy: Smith, Jones, and Blowhard. -At the close of the war he was offered a position in the regular Navy, -with a splendid command, but he declined, saying he only had desired -to serve his country, and he wished no reward. I was much impressed -with all this information, and his invitation to breakfast on board the -next morning, with so brave, polite and magnanimous a man, inspired me -with gratitude and awe. I went on board to breakfast and was politely -received. His politeness was then exercised towards his steward, who, -being unable to find the napkins (which probably were not often used,) -was led around the cabin by the ear until they were discovered, the -captain remarking to me, "He's a good-natured nigger or he'd have been -killed long ago." The meal was enlivened by frequent abuse of this -poor darkey, and I was not sorry when it was time to go on shore. We -went in the same boat, and as the captain continually talked with his -face toward me, I perceived, what I certainly thought were the fumes -of whiskey; but I discovered the injustice I had done him, after a -while, when he remarked, "I bought some Cologne at Batavia, and it's -the queerest stuff I ever saw; it smells just like whiskey. I put some -on my handkerchief just before I left the vessel, and I thought I'd -mention it to you lest you might think I'd been drinking, which I never -do." This should be a warning to temperance men to be careful in their -choice of eau de cologne. We dined together at the hotel that day, and -the captain entertained the whole company with his conversation. At one -time, addressing a remark to a young Dutch officer, the latter replied: -"No speak Engleesh," when the captain rejoined: "Every _gentleman_ -speaks English." The officer understood this and accepted it as an -insult. Withdrawing from the table he found friendly assistance in -concocting an English note, challenging the captain to fight a duel -with broadswords. But this met with no response from the captain. - -Our friendship did not grow, and the sentiment of kindred nationality -failed to continue in its first ardor. - -On Sunday afternoons we had services on deck, under the awning. I -invited Capt. Blowhard and his crew; but the captain said he didn't -approve of letting the crews of different vessels mix together, so -we held our meetings by ourselves, with the exception of a few Dutch -sailors from a neighboring vessel. As the _Rocket_ and the "F----" were -both homeward bound and in the same employ we felt much rivalry about -the passage and some interest was excited among the merchants over the -anticipated race. As the "F----" was reported the fastest vessel and -her captain was certainly the most dashing man, the bets were in her -favor. Having less cargo to take in, she was loaded first and got three -days start of us. - -One calm morning we drifted out of Padang Roads and slowly worked our -way southward in search of the Trades; but when obtained, pleasant -breezes and fine weather favored us. After passing Mauritius we took "a -streak" of strong S.E. and E. winds which put a new face upon matters. -Our dull start had made us feel hopeless about the race, but now we -seemed to be gaining time and the thought of the "F----" ahead kept -sail from coming in many a time when prudence suggested it. Every thing -was cracked on and two topmast studding-sail booms were carried away -within twenty-four hours. But they were immediately replaced, and on we -sped ten knots an hour, feeling we were going very fast, except when -now and then an English tea clipper came up astern and passed out of -sight ahead. - -I learned at sea that there had been one disagreement on board during -my absence on shore at Padang. A sailor, called Harry, being reproved -for something by the mate, gave a back answer. Then being threatened, -he said: "I'm not afraid; you ain't bigger than a pint of cider, -anyway." This was an insult that seemed warrant enough for a fight, and -few officers could have resisted it. I was pleased to learn, that in -spite of this great provocation, the mate had restrained his impulses, -in obedience to my orders, and had succeeded eventually in controlling -the man. - -When the cooler weather again drove us to the cabin in the evening, the -passenger lent his patient ear to the story of "Another voyage in the -'Dublin.'" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -ANOTHER VOYAGE IN THE "DUBLIN." - - -ABOUT three weeks after I left the "Dublin" a letter came on from Capt. -Streeter, saying that the ship was going to load a cargo of tobacco -and staves at Baltimore for Amsterdam, and asking me to go with him -as second mate. I had almost hoped the offer would not come, for -whenever the scenes of the last voyage had been recalled to my mind, in -the midst of the delightful and elevated associations of home, I had -shuddered as though the veil of a lower world had been drawn aside, and -its enormities and fiendish spirit had been disclosed to me. I could -scarcely summon courage to return to it, and I also felt that it might -be my duty to avoid a sphere of such temptation and bad influences. On -the other hand, I had scarcely enough confidence in my abilities to -ship as second mate with a stranger, and felt from what I had seen and -heard of other ships that there was a great uncertainty as to whether -a change would be for the better, and this could only be proved by -experience. With some misgivings I decided to go. I liked the owner -so much, and was so pleased by the interest which he showed toward -me, that I thought it desirable to keep in his employ, even though I -found things were not just to my mind on board ship; and the owner's -assurances that the captain would improve, relieved my apprehension a -little, though I knew Capt. Streeter's smooth way of talking too well -to place much dependence upon it. Still the captain was shrewd enough -to know on which side his bread was buttered, and if the owner had told -him as he said, that his remaining in the ship was dependent upon his -good behavior, it was reasonable to suppose that his conduct might be -influenced somewhat by this motive. - -A week later witnessed my arrival on board the "Dublin." The captain -seemed glad to see me, but Mr. Howard was not so cordial, and appeared -very much under the weather. - -"I tell you what it is," said he, as we walked forward together to have -a chat, "I've been second mate of a ship a long time, but I never had -a man treat me so like a dog as Capt. Streeter's done since we've been -in port. He wanted the ship scrubbed around outside as soon as the -copper got out of water; and a man offered to do it, and paint her -beside, for ten dollars, when the regular price that other ships pay is -twenty dollars. But the old man kicked up 'Bob's a dying,' and swore -he wouldn't pay no such price; and then he gave me so many hints, and -told me so many stories about what that cursed Mr. Jones of his used -to do in port, that at last I offered to do it myself. So he hired a -raft, and a boy to help me, and then I scrubbed the ship and painted -her bends all round. I thought that would satisfy him, but as long as I -had got my hand into dirty work, he thought he wouldn't let me take it -out, and he had the face to tell me to go over the bow and coal-tar the -bob-stays, and all the rest of the iron-work. I was just fool enough -to do it, and he's kept me going ever since at jobs that any decent -captain would hire a man to do; but it's about played out now. He's -so mean he'd skin a louse for its hide and tallow; and his soul is so -small you could punch the pith out of a horse-hair and put his soul -inside, and then it would rattle if you shook it." - -I did not try to soothe him very much, and rather hoped he wouldn't be -soothed; for the prospect of his leaving the ship, which was suggested -by the tenor of his remarks, was not at all unpleasant to me. - -The next morning Mr. Howard had a talk with the captain in the cabin -after breakfast, and then came out on deck to where I was standing and -said: "Mr. A----, I'm going to leave the ship." - -"Are you?" said I, greatly astonished but equally pleased. "What is -that for?" - -"Well, I'll tell you why. One thing is, I've got sick of the old man, -and another is that I know I'm not competent to go mate of a ship, -for I don't know no more about navigation than that windlass does, -and the first time the old man got mad with me at sea, he'd heave it -up in my face, for all he talks so fair now about it's not making any -difference. But another thing I'll tell you, and I don't want you to -get mad with me for saying it, for I never met a man on board of a ship -that I liked any better than I do you; I don't think we can get along -together. I'm bound to make the old shell-backs toe the mark, and if -they don't do it I can't talk polite to 'em. I wasn't brought up to -that business. But whenever I've had a row at sea you've hardly spoken -to me for a week after. Now if I go in this ship again, I know we shall -be at loggerheads all the time, and it's a bad job for officers of a -ship if they can't sail alongside of each other. I've got a chance to -go second mate of the ship "Robert Stanwood," and the mate's a man -just like myself, and we can hitch horses. The fact is, I've too much -respect for you to sail with you. You're too good a man to go to sea. -It's a life only fit for a rascal, but if you're bound to go, I hope -you'll get along well, and have a mate to your liking, though I think -they are scarce fish in these waters." - -I was certainly pleased at Mr. Howard's decision, but was much touched -by his way of announcing it. - -"I don't wonder that you want to leave, Mr. Howard," I replied; "but -it would be more for your interest to stay, and if you make up your -mind not to be quite so hard on sailors, I think we can get along -pleasantly. You must remember it isn't the most important thing in a -man's life to make sailors run the mile in less than three minutes, -when a four-minute pace would be just as good for the ship and the -owners. I believe in making sailors work and keep in their place, but I -don't believe in giving up all one's good principles to do it, nor do I -think it is necessary." - -"Perhaps not; you and me has been brought up very different, and we -must go our own way. I've got an ugly temper, I know; but it's there, -and it's got to come out. When you've seen as much of sailors as I -have, maybe you'll think the best way to deal with 'em is to knock 'em -down." - -Mr. Howard left the ship, much to the captain's sorrow; for he was a -man after his own heart, and he hoped he had at last found officers -that were willing to sail with him on a second voyage. - -The ship leaked a good deal even in port, and by the captain's orders -another man and myself had to pump her out, involving half an hour's -work morning and night on a straight wooden pump handle. After -the trouble we had on the last passage, I was astonished that new -pumps had not been procured, and as I was in correspondence with the -bookkeeper in the owner's office, in the course of a friendly letter -I slipped in a word about the pumps. By return mail a letter came -from the owner, telling the captain to get the best pumps that could -be obtained. He told me this without suspicion of my agency in the -matter, but remarked: "The owner is very ready to say get this or -that, but when the bills come in he would find fault about the heavy -disbursements." The ship went to sea without them and I felt very loth -to go in her, for the only explanation that occurred to me was, that -the captain wanted to get the ship into a port of distress, and have an -underwriter's job, which would give him a chance to enrich his pockets -with percentages. - -The person, who came to undertake the mate's duties for the voyage, was -a young man of twenty-five years, named Wright, a native of Baltimore. -He had received a liberal share of his education in the streets, and -was familiar with the peculiarities of "Blood-tubs" and "Plug-uglies." -But besides these questionable accomplishments he possessed a tall, -manly form, a handsome, expressive face, and a clear eye, which, while -it impressed one with its determination, also implied a nature that -despised meanness. His manners were quite gentlemanly, and after a -short intercourse with him I felt convinced that he was superior in -natural gifts to any man I had yet sailed with; and I was much pleased -with the change of mates. - -The ship had loaded a full cargo of Maryland tobacco, which comes in -smaller casks than the Virginia, though still of good size, weighing -upwards of nine hundred pounds. Several thousand staves had also been -stowed away, to fill up all the spare room, and the ship's stores -and water having been taken on board, she was ready for sea, and -accordingly received the crew, and proceeded down the Chesapeake -towards the sea. - -The crew, as usual upon the commencement of a voyage, were for the -most part under the influence of liquor. The mate was very reserved in -talking about sailors, and told no fighting stories, which I thought -must be evidence that he was a peaceable man, and as they came over the -rail and staggered into the forecastle, he had remarked to me; "We'll -have 'em all straight in a day or two. I don't like a drunken row, and -we must shut our eyes to some things the first day." - -He carried out these precepts, except upon finding a young Irishman -sitting on his chest in the forecastle while all the other sailors -were at work, when the answer that was given to the order to come out -on deck was the brandishing of a sheath-knife and the declaration -that he wasn't going to work "on board the bloody hooker." The mate -settled this question by snatching away the knife, hauling the man on -deck, and hitting him two or three cracks with a belaying pin, and the -captain seeing it showed some signs of reform by shouting: "That'll do, -Mr. Wright, that'll do till we get outside." - -Leaving the pilot off the Capes of Virginia, the voyage was fairly -begun, with a fresh S.W. wind, which increasing to a strong breeze blew -after us for seven days, and took us half way across the Atlantic. - -I now stood watch alone for the first time, and it seemed a tremendous -responsibility to be left in charge of the ship on a dark, squally -night. How a person could become so unconcerned as to fall asleep, as I -knew Mr. Howard had sometimes done, was more than I could understand. -I found a great difference between a second and third mate's position. -When I was in the latter, I had only to obey orders and see to the -execution of work designed by my superiors. But now I had to decide -upon such matters for myself, and it sometimes set me at my wits' ends -to find work to keep my eight men constantly employed, particularly -in wet weather when sails and rigging could not be worked on. It had -seemed easy enough when third mate, for whenever at a loss I could fall -back on the mate for a job. But now when the watches were changed the -mate would start me with some work and going below would leave me to -get along as well as I could. - -It is customary, as a general thing, for the mate to take special -charge of the foremast and jib-boom, and the second mate of the -mainmast and mizzen-mast, as far as keeping them in order is concerned. -But the mate keeps the general supervision of the work, and the second -mate would not make any changes of consequence without the mate's -approval. This obliges him to resort to small jobs to keep his men -employed when more extensive work fails, and they are apt to be of -the character denominated "humbugging" by sailors, and of which the -exponent is sawing wood with a hammer. It must be admitted that a great -deal of work is done on board ship, which will hardly bear the test -of necessity. But the men must be constantly employed, and if other -things fail the chain-cable will always have rust enough on it to -admit of cleaning, as a last resort; and if some who wonder "what they -find to do on board ship," could have spent a day in one of the flash -California clippers of a few years' ago, they would have seen a large -crew busied not only in the day-time, but through the night, scraping -eye-bolts and iron belaying-pins till they shone like silver, smoothing -off the paint work by rubbing with stones, scraping other parts bright, -as also the masts and yards, and wearing away the deck with holystones, -as well as the more legitimate work of making and taking in sail, -bracing yards and repairing sails and rigging. - -The rule of labor in such vessels is comprised in the sailor's -"Philadelphia Catechism:" - -"Six days thou shalt labor and do all thou art able; and on the -seventh, holystone the decks and pound the cable." - -I found, too, that it was rather harder to get along with the sailors. -Having entire control of my watch I took much more interest in their -performance of work, and any laziness or stupidity excited my pugnacity -in the like greater proportion. - -The crew, with two or three exceptions, were a poor set of men; not -particularly ugly in disposition, but ignorant, thick-headed and lazy, -and very trying to an officer's temper. - -The captain behaved wonderfully well, and seemed so sincerely -endeavoring to restrain his usual sea indulgences, that I had no regret -at my decision in making the voyage. - -The mate got along rather quietly, and proved himself to be a very -efficient officer; and there was something in his calm, decided -bearing which gave the captain great confidence in him, and also kept -him somewhat from his customary interference with mate's duties. -He bestowed pretty liberal attention on the second mate's affairs, -however, and used to make me understand sometimes what Mr. Morrison had -endured the previous voyage. - -The mate was not harsh with the sailors, and carried on his work with -very little noise, giving ordinary orders in a mild tone. But still -he was strict, and the men had to move at a lively pace and be wide -awake; and sometimes when they failed to do this, he did not resist the -temptation of sending a curse and a belaying-pin after them, or perhaps -giving them a touch of a rope's end. There was nothing, however, like -Mr. Howard's abuse of men, and if a sailor did come in for a rap, he -was pretty sure to be in the wrong. His relations to me were very -pleasant. When relieving each other at night, if no work was going -on, we had a short chat, or the mate told some little yarn about the -Liverpool packet trade, which he had sailed in a good deal. - -There was no third mate this voyage, so we had to depend on each other -for sociability. - -Though it was the month of August the weather was blustering and -changeable. The S.W. wind which had favored us so well gave place to -northerly and easterly winds, with unsettled and squally weather. At -times nearly all sail would be set to a steady breeze, when suddenly -the black, threatening clouds would spring up from the horizon, and -with only a few minutes' warning, spread over the sky, bursting upon -the ship in a furious gust, while all hands would be at work clewing up -and hauling down the slatting, booming and rustling sails; and officers -and sailors increased the noise by what would seem to a landsman a -perfect Babel of harsh orders and shrill cries. - -Those are the times that try officers' souls, and the times that test -the sailors' merit. In fine weather a little laziness or ignorance may -perhaps be borne patiently, but in a squall there is no forgiveness for -a man who "hangs back," or "doesn't know what he's about." - -In the confusion attending these squalls some of the sailors seemed to -forget what little they knew, and were frequently letting go the wrong -ropes or running everywhere except to the place where they were wanted. -The captain's good resolutions succumbed to this pressure so far as to -allow his tongue to regain its old fluency at cursing; the mate was -pretty active both in words and deeds; and as for the second mate, he -used to bite his lips pretty hard to keep his tongue quiet. - -There was an old sailor on board who had greatly attracted my interest, -partly owing to the circumstances attending his coming on this voyage, -and partly because of his good nature and willingness to work as well -as his feeble energies would permit. He was now fifty-two years old, -and a confirmed drunkard. The day after leaving Baltimore he came to -the steward, as he was about going into the galley with a pan of dough, -and asked him if he knew where the ship was bound to. - -"Certainly," said the steward, "don't you?" - -He shook his head, and the steward told him: "We're going to Amsterdam." - -Old Harry's story was this: He was the son of a clergyman in Virginia, -and when quite young had run away to sea. He fell into bad habits -which prevented his rising in his profession, and for years he had been -drifting about, sometimes in the navy, and again in merchant vessels. -Though he had occasionally returned to his friends, his appetite for -strong drink had always overcome his good resolutions, and he had long -ago been given up as a hopeless case. He had a brother in Norfolk, -well to do, who, after several unsuccessful efforts of late years to -find traces of Harry, had discovered his last voyage. Upon the arrival -of the ship at Baltimore he had sent him a sum of money to defray his -expenses home, and offered to give him a shelter and support him for -the rest of his days. Old Harry was glad enough to accept this offer, -for he was now quite broken down in health, and in his sober hours at -sea had many anxious thoughts as to what would become of him in the -future. But he could not resist the inclination for another good drink -before he started, and his next sensible moment found him removed from -the den in Baltimore, where he had been carousing, to the forecastle, -out of sight of land, and with only fifteen cents in his pocket. These -he offered to the steward for a glass of whiskey, with most imploring -tones, but failed to obtain it. He had a touch of _delirium tremens_, -and after getting rid of the devils who, he fancied, were tormenting -him, he was in a most thoughtful and penitent mood. - -A twenty-two days' passage brought the ship into the English Channel. -Passing through the Straits of Dover into the North Sea, the wind -hauled to the northward and increased to a fresh gale. The topsails -were double-reefed, and the ship slowly forged ahead, though making -some leeway, causing the captain to feel anxious about the lee shore, -which was in sight not far distant. - -The Dutch pilots usually cruise about Dungeness, at the entrance of the -Straits, but not happening to run across one, Capt. Streeter was in too -much of a hurry to wait, and so kept on. Now he became very anxious to -procure one, and being off Antwerp he ordered he me to set the "Jack" -at the fore royal-mast-head as a signal for a pilot. I gave the signal -halyards to one of the men, and told him to lay aloft and reeve them at -the fore. The man slowly climbed up the rigging, but when he got to the -royal-mast his courage gave out. The ship was lying over very much and -jumping heavily in the sharp sea, so that it was a matter of difficulty -to hold on, and much more so to shin up the long mast-head. I cheered -the man on, who made two or three unsuccessful attempts to reach the -truck, but after ascending a short distance invariably slid back to -the eyes of the rigging. Another man was now sent up to help him, or -do the work for him, and I travelled aloft also to drive them up. But -both men were thoroughly frightened; so much so that I feared they -might lose their hold altogether, and I did not like to force them at -this risk, so at last I took the halyards myself and soon was at the -mast-head. Just at this moment Capt. Streeter came out of the cabin and -walked forward to see if his order had been executed. There he beheld -his second mate at the fore truck, and two sailors in the cross-trees -looking at him performing their work. This was rather opposed to his -idea of things, so he armed himself with the long unused cat, which had -been out of service since the negro-boys escaped from its tutelage, -and when the men reached the deck he gave them each a good flogging; -and when I appeared he said to me: "If I ever see you do sailors' work -again for them, I'll treat you in the same way." - -But the flag did not bring the pilot, though the wind moderated enough -to quiet the captain's fears of the lee-shore. Laying off and on during -the night, in the morning the spires and windmills of Holland appeared -rising out of the sea before the land was visible. A pilot boat came -along side and a rosy-cheeked little Dutchman clambered over the rail. -In his short sailor's jacket he looked like an overgrown boy; but he -proved himself a good pilot, by bringing the ship into the Zuyder Zee -and then entering her in the canal at New Diep, the port of Amsterdam. - -Vessels formerly sailed up the Zuyder Zee to Amsterdam, but were -often detained two or three weeks for water enough to carry them over -a certain bank. The enterprising merchants, to obviate this delay, -dug a canal fifty miles long, from Amsterdam to New Diep, making it -wide enough for two frigates to pass abreast, and the ships are drawn -through this to the city in about eighteen hours; or, if preferred, -they can discharge at New Diep into canal-boats, which convey the cargo -to the city. Another deeper and shorter canal has been made since then. - -Capt. Streeter chose the latter plan and speedily got to work at -discharging the tobacco and staves. With two men I worked in the hold, -breaking out and slinging the cargo, and the rest on deck, at the -tackle, hoisted it out. - -Though the ship lay alongside the quay, the captain refused permission -to any of the sailors to go on shore in the evening, saying all -they wanted was to get drunk, and the sailors not relishing this -restriction, and thinking they had done enough hard work on board the -"Dublin," took leave of absence on their own account, and for awhile -every morning found two of the crew missing, until only three or four -were left. - -In a fortnight the ship was all discharged and ballasted, the captain -went to the city, settled his freight and cleared for Cronstadt. I -had to curb my love of sight-seeing, as my duties would not allow me -to visit the city. In New Diep I saw the Dutch people, the women with -their gold bands hung across their foreheads, and metal head-dresses -ending in front in two little cullenders holding curls, and the men -with their pipes, even the minsters walking to church on Sunday smoking. - -The clean swept pavement and the white walled houses with their red -tiled roofs confirmed the reputation of that people for order and -cleanliness. - -The captain upon returning to the vessel shipped some men, and put to -sea, having a final "growl" at the captain of the steamboat that towed -him out, bestowed upon him rather because he was the last Dutchman -he should see for a while, than because of any special fault in the -person. But he had to take Capt. Streeter's opinion of his countrymen, -and to say the least they were not very flattering to his national -pride. "Slower than real estate in Chelsea;" "don't know enough to -go into the house when it rains;" "put two ideas in their heads and -they'd bu'st," were a few of the favorite phrases made to apply to the -subject under consideration, as many times before they had been applied -by Capt. Streeter to such unfortunate people as came into the world -outside of the limits of "free and enlightened America." - -In three days we rounded the north of Denmark and squared away through -the Cattegat with a fresh north-west wind. Before we reached Elsinore -we had a change of wind to the southward, and were all day beating up -the roads, where we anchored at dark. The next morning we started, with -a fleet of one hundred and fifty vessels, to beat into the Baltic. All -hands were on deck, and we tacked every fifteen minutes. As the Dublin -was flying light, and most of the fleet were coal-laden, she soon -distanced them all, and at sunset we weathered Falsterbo and squared -away up the Baltic. - -After leaving New Diep, a change came over the captain; the restraint -which he had seemed to impose upon his passions during this voyage, -vanished, and he acted as though intent upon making up for lost time, -and relieving himself of an accumulation of malice and profanity. In -a head wind or calm he would throw his hat on deck and jump on it, -pouring forth abundant curses, and once even went so far as to shake -his fist aloft and swear at "Him who made the calm." The sailors shook -their heads and remarked to each other that the old man wasn't helping -things much, and in the forecastle they told stories about ships being -becalmed until the crew starved, or until the grass grew so long on her -bottom that it took root at the bottom of the sea and held her fast -when at last a breeze came. - -The crew behaved pretty well, were very civil and prompt in obeying -orders, and proved themselves good "sailor men" withal. - -After the captain had about exhausted his vocabulary on the calm, he -felt the need of something or person else to vent his spite upon; and -as the crew, who usually received these attentions, hardly gave the -excuse in this case, he very suddenly turned upon the second mate, -watched me every moment, and criticised every act that could be in any -way twisted so as to bear it. - -He had always appeared more friendly to me than to any one else, -and this sudden change took everyone by surprise. It could hardly -be accounted for except by supposing it to be the expression of his -displeasure at my failure to develop into an officer after his own -heart. - -It was soon evident that he had returned to the worst phase of his last -voyage. I, of all others, had occasion to notice it, for the captain's -peculiar attentions were bestowed upon me. His piercing eye was -fastened upon me during the greater part of the day, and often in the -night he crept stealthily on deck in hope of discovering some neglect -of duty, but always found me awake, and the yards and sails trimmed -as they should be, unless it happened that he came out within a few -moments of a little change of wind, and on one or two such occasions -he declared it had been so for half an hour, and taunted me with -inattention, or threw out a hint that he suspected me of having been -asleep--the greatest fault an officer can be guilty of. His principal -reason for the latter suspicion on one occasion was that he had a dream -about wild horses, which never occurred except when an officer was -asleep. He had proved it several times, and never knew it to fail. Mr. -Jones never went to sleep but once on deck, and that time the captain -woke up in the midst of this dream and caught him. - -These things were very galling, but I was able to avoid any -disrespectful response, until one morning his taunts were heaped upon -me beyond endurance, and I had to answer back. - -My watch came on deck at 8 A.M., and the captain told me to take a pull -of the main tack. He stood superintending the work as usual, and as we -hauled on the rope he shouted out what were supposed to be encouraging -orders: "Haul, you wicked rascals." "Lay out your beef on it;--bend -your backs to it; you wouldn't haul a mackerel off a gridiron!" -Finally, upon his calling out: "Haul away!" I understood him to say -"belay," and giving that order to the men the rope was made fast. - -"How dare you belay a rope when I'm looking out for it?" shouted the -captain in a rage. - -"I thought you ordered me to," said I. - -This was an unfortunate speech, as Capt. Streeter had a decided -animosity to anyone's using the word _thought_. - -"What business have you got to think, I'd like to know," he replied. -"You didn't ship for that. I'll make you know your place. I'm the only -man that's allowed to think aboard of this ship. You'll try to take -charge, if I let you keep on with your airs a little longer. You swing -about the decks now as though the ship belonged to you." - -These phrases and several others were rattled off, one after the other, -and interlarded plentifully with oaths. Meanwhile I and the whole watch -stood gazing in wonder at the captain, scarcely knowing what to make of -this great ado about nothing. He walked aft a few steps and turned to -watch my movements as I set the men at work. The mate was standing by -the main hatch, and he told me to let one of my watch sew some canvas -on the foot of the mainsail, and directed me to let him sit in the -bight of a main buntline while he worked at it. I started the man at -his job exactly as the mate wished, but as the man caught hold of the -buntline to swing himself up to the desired position, the captain burst -out upon me again: - -"What kind of back-handed work is that? Why don't you lower the man -down in a bo's'n's chair? I believe if you got two ideas in your head -it would bu'st. I'd like to know what is the matter with you?" - -"The matter is," said I, "that I've always been treated decently till I -came here, and I'm not used to be cursed about and snarled at as if I -was a loblolly boy. Because I'm good natured you're trying to impose on -me, but I can't stand everything." - -"If you say another word I'll knock your head off," said Capt. -Streeter, shaking his huge fist in my face. "Don't undertake to dictate -to me what kind of talk I use. I'd swear if the owner and God Almighty -were here." Then he said: "No! I won't fight you, if you were a man of -my size I would, but I'll treat you like a boy that's beneath my notice -that way. But after this I'll keep you in your place. Go set your men -to work, and mind you behave yourself." - -That day Capt. Streeter paced the deck a good deal, evidently in deep -thought, and in the evening after supper he called me into the cabin. - -"Mr. A----" said he, "do you know that a man who has had any education -can give a slur that'll hurt a good deal more than another man can. -Now, I feel one word from you more than I do a dozen from any one else, -and I feel hurt at the way you spoke to me this morning." - -"I've always tried to be respectful to you, sir," I replied, "and I -think I've been more so than any body else would have been, because -I've been anxious that no one should think I put on any airs on account -of your familiarity with me. For the last week you've done nothing but -snarl at me and pick upon me. I know, of course, that I'm at fault -sometimes, but not as much as you try to make out." - -"You can't expect a sea captain to be as mild as a parson all the -time," said Capt. Streeter. "You must make allowances. If I'm not quite -perfect I want you to respect me as your captain!" - -"I always mean to respect you as my captain; but, if you'll allow me to -speak the plain truth, it's impossible to respect you as a _man_, and -I'm not always able to conceal my private feelings." - -"If you can't respect me as a man, I want you to as your captain," said -Capt. Streeter, biting his lips and looking as though he had received a -slur that cut pretty deep. "That'll do." - -Capt. Streeter felt that the account stood rather against him, and took -continual opportunities to annoy me, and occasionally repeated the -sentence which closed his cabin conference, showing that my remark had -taken strong hold upon him. - -The night before we reached Cronstadt I had a good talk with the -captain, and he came to the conclusion he had better turn his -attentions to somebody else, and we gradually got to better terms with -each other. - -In Cronstadt we discharged ballast and loaded a cargo of iron and hemp. -The crew were called every morning at half past four, which of course -was not very agreeable, and one morning an Irish sailor growled so -much about it, the mate went into the forecastle and struck him two or -three blows with his brass knuckles. A half hour afterwards the mate -picked up a handspike and struck him a blow across the stomach, and -after breakfast he told the captain of it, and the man was called aft -and severely beaten on the back with the end of the main clew-garnet, -a good sized rope. No more complaints were made about early rising. -The mate had a row with another sailor one day, and receiving some -insolence, threw a heavy piece of wood at his head, which fortunately -missed its mark. The man was so frightened that he deserted that night -with one of his shipmates. - -The ship was loaded so deeply and was leaking so much, and moreover -had such wretched pumps, that many misgivings were expressed as to her -ever crossing the Atlantic safely. The superstitious among the crew -were still more disaffected when two Finnish sailors came on board, -for a Finn is believed to have dealings with the evil one, and to be -a dangerous shipmate. We sailed for Boston one September morning, -and beat down the Gulf of Finland. The crew that were shipped at New -Diep were to get fifteen dollars a month, but wages were higher in -Cronstadt, and the two Finnish sailors had shipped for twenty dollars. -They had signed articles to that effect, drawn up by the American -Consul. This grieved the captain's economic soul, and the day after we -sailed, he called one of the Finns into the cabin and summoned me for a -witness. He told the man that if he didn't prove to be a first-class, -able seaman, he should cut his wages down to ten dollars a month; but, -if he would sign the articles that the rest of the crew were on, and -accept fifteen dollars, he would say nothing about his seamanship. -The man was confident of his ability, and had every appearance of a -thorough seaman. He understood English imperfectly, and was somewhat -bewildered by this proposition, but he realized it was a scheme to -defraud him of five dollars a month, and he respectfully declined to -sign the new articles, saying, he had signed once before the consul -and that was his bargain. After a little useless argument, the captain -rose and shut the cabin door; then he caught the man by the neck with -his left hand, and gave him a blow with his right fist that knocked -him down. He jumped on his chest two or three times with his whole -weight; and then kneeling on top of him pounded his face severely. The -man cried out for mercy and promised to sign. He was then helped to -the table and wrote his name on the fifteen dollar articles. The other -Finn was at the wheel at the time, and whether he heard anything of -what was going on or not, he seemed to lose his head just then, and ran -the ship off her course. The mate, perceiving it, struck him and put -another man in his place. He was just coming forward as the captain and -his shipmate stepped out of the cabin. The bruised face of his comrade -startled him, and when the captain told him to go into the cabin he -refused, supposing he was going to be beaten for his bad steering. The -captain, without further words, seized a belaying pin from the rail and -hit him a powerful blow on the head, which cut a deep gash on the side -of his forehead, and in a moment his face was one mass of blood. The -steward and myself carried him into the cabin, by his head and heels, -and seating him on a stool in a state-room, bound up his broken head -with strips of sail cloth in lieu of rags. The captain brought a pen to -him and told him to write his name on the old articles. - -"What ish dis?" he asked. - -"Do as you're told," said the captain, and the man signed. - -The captain then put a pair of handcuffs on the man's wrists, though he -was as quiet as possible, and he was left to meditate on the privileges -of sailing under that symbol of freedom and justice, the American flag. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE "DUBLIN"--CONCLUDED. - - -When eight days out from Cronstadt the ship was in the North Sea about -forty miles S. W. of the Naze of Norway. The weather was rainy and -the sky dark and threatening. The wind gradually increased to a gale -from the westward, and in a few hours the ship was hove to under the -close-reefed main-topsail, laboring heavily in the ugly confused sea. -Careful attention to the pumps showed that the ship was leaking more -than usual, keeping the pumps constantly going. The sand washed to the -well-room and choked the pumps, which had not force enough to throw it -out. It was blowing a living gale, the ship was leaking badly and the -pumps were useless, the alternative that was presented was to founder -at sea, or run for some port. Accordingly, in the afternoon, the -captain ordered the yards to be squared, and the ship scudded before -wind and sea towards the Cattegat. Getting one pump clear, the crew, by -constant work, kept the water from gaining rapidly; but a new danger -was now before us. The captain had not seen the sun for twenty-four -hours and was not very confident as to the ship's position; she was -running towards the land, and an error of a few miles in the reckoning -might result in the loss of all on board before the next day-break. -The Coast of Denmark is very low and cannot be seen far at sea even -in clear weather, and though Captain Streeter hoped to fetch to the -northward of it, still he felt very much concerned, as the distance -would probably be run before day-light. I shall never forget my -feelings as I stood by the wheel that night, in the middle watch, while -the ship scudded before the howling tempest in the pitchy darkness, -perhaps towards sudden and certain destruction. - -The negro steward had the best eyes of any man in the ship, and at the -first dawn of day he went forward and looked anxiously and earnestly -ahead. In a moment the cry, "Land, ho!" sounded, and he ran aft and -reported to the captain that he could see the land not more than five -miles off. Calling all hands the captain hauled the ship by the wind -and crowded all the sail possible in order to keep the ship off the -lee-shore and weather the northern point of Denmark, which, as the day -broke, appeared on the lee bow. He found that he had missed his course -by only eight or ten miles, but had it not been for the steward's -eye-sight, or had day dawned fifteen minutes later, the error would -have proved fatal. The ship struggled bravely against the gale under -double-reefed topsails, a press of canvas that threatened "to take the -sticks out of her," but she seemed inspirited by the nearness of the -dangerous coast, and when she finally fetched by the Scaw and squared -away across the Cattegat, all on board felt that the question of life -and death was decided in their favor, and cheerfulness and thankfulness -took possession of them. One hundred and fifty vessels and three -hundred lives were reported lost in that gale. That afternoon the ship -took a pilot off the Swedish coast, and proceeding seven miles up the -River Gotha, anchored at Masthugget, a suburb of Gothenburg. - -The next day a survey was held and it was decided that the ship must -discharge and be hove down, though the leak was no more than good pumps -could have kept under. Here was a dismal prospect. It was October and -three months must pass before the "Dublin" could be ready for sea -again, and then it would be January, and probably the river would be -frozen over, so that she would be ice-bound till spring. The dreary -looking country and the low unattractive town which was in sight -presented little temptation to a long residence, and great discussions -went on in the forecastle, whether the "old man" would discharge the -crew or not. - -By law, sailors discharged from an American ship abroad are entitled to -three months' extra pay, one third of which goes to the Consul. This -made the crew still more anxious to leave and they impatiently awaited -the decision. The Consul, with unusual liberality, told Capt. Streeter -that if his crew wished to be discharged and would at once take passage -in the steamer for England, he might let them go without any extra pay. -The men were a little disappointed at this, but were so dissatisfied -with the ship that they preferred to leave on these terms, and were -accordingly paid off and took the steamer for Hull, England. As they -passed the "Dublin" on their way down the river they waved their hats -and one of them shouted "Bad luck to the old hooker." - -One evening in New Diep, old Harry went into the between decks on some -duty, and as it was rather dark there he fell through the hatchway into -the hold and broke his right arm. Captain Streeter was too economical -to employ a doctor, and too strict a disciplinarian to allow the sailor -to go on shore to see one; he also believed that he knew more than all -the medical fraternity put together. He therefore set the bone himself, -but did it so badly that the arm was nearly useless after the bones -had knit. Harry was very downhearted about it, for now he could no -longer ship as an able seaman and, as usual, when he was discharged -at Gothenburg he sought relief from his sorrows in drink. In a few -days he was picked up in the gutter, one cold morning, penniless and -almost naked. The United States Consul kindly gave him some clothes, -and wished him to accept a very serviceable coat which had belonged to -his coachman. But the sailor said: "Old Harry is an old man-o'-wars-man -and he can't wear a coachman's coat. Cut those big buttons off and I'll -take it." In his buttonless coat he was put on board the steamer for -England and disappeared. - -One Sunday I went up to Gothenburg, in one of the little steam launches -that ply up and down the river. In the evening after my return I told -the mate of my visit; and after hearing my description of the city, he -said: - -"I wish you'd been aboard this afternoon when Capt. Mann of the brig -"Hong Kong" was down in the cabin, visiting the old man. They talked -so loud I couldn't help hearing all they said, though I didn't listen. -You know you told me Capt. Streeter never commanded a vessel before he -had this one; but if you had heard his yarns, you'd have learned that -he's had charge of a whole fleet of ships, and he had such a great -reputation that the Emperor of Russia wanted him to command one of his -"cravats," as he called it, but I suppose he meant corvettes. He told -the Emperor that if he took charge of her, the first thing he'd do -would be to run her into action and get the crew killed off, in order -to make room for true-born Americans--the only men who could get two -ideas in their heads without bursting. The Emperor didn't like this -plan of disposing of his subjects very well, but he knew that Capt. -Streeter was such a smart man that he still urged him to accept, until -the affair ended by the captain telling him he wouldn't take one of his -ships if he'd give her to him. - -"That wasn't the yarn I started to tell you though. Capt. Streeter said -that he commanded the ship "Seaman's Bride." (I'm pretty sure he's -been second mate of her). He was loading teas at Shanghae on owners' -account, and they wrote to him to make the quickest passage home he -possibly could, and not to spare either spars, sails or rigging. In -eighty-four days after leaving Shanghae he dropped anchor off the -Battery; the quickest passage ever made. He had carried away a set of -top-gallantmasts, sprung the fore topmast, mainmast-head, and fore and -main topsail-yards, and blown away two suits of sails. On discharging -her, they found two of her deck beams broken, five knees started in -the between decks, and four hanging knees in the lower hold broken, -and so on till he ran up a list longer than a bill of repairs on an -underwriter's job. When he got the ship's damages told, he began on -the damages to sailors, and I tell you they were still worse. He -killed two men outright and in New York nineteen men went ashore with -broken heads, all fixed to order by himself, for his mates didn't know -anything, and feared everything in the shape of sailors, and he had to -lick them too. I never heard a man tell a straighter story in my life. -I believe the old man would beat Tom Pepper at a yarn, and they say he -was more than a match for the Old Nick at lying. I'd like to be behind -the door when the match was going on, anyway. I never thought he told -the truth very hard, but I believe now he's forgotten how, if he ever -knew." - -"Why," I added, "you know he said himself one day, 'I never tell the -truth except when a lie won't answer,' and I thought he came nearer -telling the truth than usual when he said that." - -"My opinion of Capt. Streeter," said the mate, "is that he would be a -thundering rascal if he dared to be, but he hasn't got the pluck, and -he tries to get the credit of it by making up in lies what he hasn't -courage to do." - -"He's a pretty hard man though," said I; "I've seen him handle some -sailors very roughly." - -"Hard man," said the mate; "I wish you could have seen the work in some -ships I've been in. What courage does it take for a great two-fisted -fellow like him to handle a single sailor. There was old "Blower -Aiken," who used to keep a bucket full of coal on the poop to heave -at the sailors, and when they were at the main braces, if they didn't -haul hard enough to suit, and it wasn't very often they did, he'd get -up on the after-house, and jump down on top of one of the men, and -then turn to and lick the whole watch. When I was in the packet-ship -"Mountaineer," along with 'Bully Nat Johnson,' I was with what I call a -hard man. If the man at the wheel got the ship a little off her course, -I've seen him pick up a boat-hook and run it through the man's cheek, -and keep him standing at the wheel till his trick was done. - -"We were coming home from Liverpool once, and went out of the North -Channel; but then the wind came from the northward and blew a living -gale. This brought the Irish coast on our lee, and the 'old man' -carried sail pretty hard to claw off. Our fore-topsail blew all to -ribbons, and while we were up bending another, a boy fell off the lee -yard arm. Only the man next to him noticed him, and it was blowing so -hard he could not make any one hear to windward. The mate, who was on -deck, saw it, and beckoned to me to come down. (I was third mate of -her). When I got on deck, he told me what had happened, and he had just -thrown a rope which the boy had got hold of; for the ship of course was -only just drifting. We tried to haul him in, but when he was nearly up, -he slipped his hold and fell into the water. He floated aft, and caught -hold of the main chain-plates; and just as I was going to get a rope -round him the old man yelled out to me: 'Go up on that fore-topsail -yard.'" - -"'There's a boy overboard, sir,'" said I. - -"'I don't care,' said he; 'let him help himself. If we don't get that -fore-topsail bent we'll all be lost.'" - -"While I stopped for this talk, a sea had washed the boy away, so I -went up aloft. - -"The sailors were so frightened at the force of the gale and flapping -of the remnant of the old sail that they had all laid in off the yard, -and wouldn't go out again. The old man came up and kicked them, and -jumped on their heads as they stood in the rigging and top, but they -wouldn't stir, and at last the second mate and I crawled out on the -weather yard arm, and he lashed me on to the yard with a gasket, and -then I cut away the old sail and hauled out the head of the new one, -for the men came out when they found some one to take the weather -earing. - -"Old Johnson is dead now. They called him one of the smartest men that -sailed out of New York, and he could always command his own wages, but -I guess old Jimmy Squarefoot is putting him over the road now for--four -bells! you don't say an hour's gone a'ready; you must want to turn in." - -The cargo was discharged into lighters and stored on shore. Then the -"Dublin" was hauled into the shipyard and her inmates, captain, two -mates, cook and steward moved to boarding houses on shore. The ship -was hove down on her side, caulked and sheathed, and all day long we -stood on the rafts alongside and went through the form of watching the -workmen. We had a vacation from the captain's society in the evening, -except when I had to go up to his lodgings and write his business -letters for him. - -The beginning of January found the ship again loaded and ready for sea, -only waiting for sailors, who were very scarce; partly so, because the -captain had told so many fighting stories in the ship-chandlers' stores -that the bad reputation the old crew had given the vessel had been -confirmed and increased. The river froze over, and though a channel -was kept open by steamers, this might be expected to close any night, -and unless the ship desired to remain until spring it was time for her -to leave. So she was towed down to an outer harbor through seven miles -of ice and in a few days the captain joined her with a crew of young -Swedes--no old sailors being willing to join the vessel. The river was -now frozen entirely over, and even in this harbor ice had formed for -two miles out amongst the islands towards the sea. Accordingly the -captain made a bargain with the fishermen of the place to break out -the ship, and they assembled in force with their ice boats. These were -built with sharp bows which the men lifted and struck upon the ice, -and as it gave way they jumped on to the boat. When a space had been -cleared ahead of the ship, her fore-topsail was set, and she crashed -along until brought up by the firm ice, when the boats again went to -work while the ship held on by a line toggled into the ice astern. In -this way we worked all of one day, and at its sunset found ourselves in -open water; then we made sail and steered to the westward, delighted to -be at last homeward bound. - -Ten out of fifteen of the crew could not speak English and most of -them were young men and very poor sailors. But they were "willing" and -well disposed, and the knowledge of Swedish I had acquired in the long -winter evenings enabled me to work ship with them quite easily. - -The captain had not improved his opportunity to master the language, -and it nearly drove him distracted when the men ran to the wrong end -of the ship to execute an order. He tried on his "tantrums" at first, -and issued his volleys of curses and blackguardism from the top of the -after-house, but the sailors only turned and stared at him with their -mouths open in wonder. He gave this up after awhile and we had quite a -peaceable passage. - -The ship made good headway in spite of this, and soon again passed -Fair Island and the inevitable boat-load of beggars, and commenced -battling with the Atlantic. Lat. 60° N. in the month of January is -not a very agreeable locality to sail in, and gales of wind were -frequent visitors. We were about half way across the ocean, when one -evening the captain, anxious to finish his passage, was "carrying on" -to the ship with the double-reefed topsails, steering west, with the -wind north. The ship was thus right in the trough of the sea and as -it blew a fresh gale, and the seas were beginning to roll higher and -higher, the men cast many uneasy glances to windward. At a little -before eight o'clock, while the watch was pumping ship, a sea broke -on board forward, and breaking down the bulwarks and tearing away the -water-casks from their lashings, swept aft, and catching up the crew -at the pumps carried them down into the lee scuppers. As I was washing -about with the surges of the water I at first thought I was overboard, -but after awhile managed to get on my feet and was pleased to find the -deck still under them. Half a dozen men were standing up to their necks -in water howling Swedish exclamations, declaring they had broken arms -and legs and so on, and when I got around to windward the moon broke -out through the clouds and showed a scene of the greatest confusion. -Boat, spars, and ropes had been washed off the house, and the decks -were piled up with the _debris_ of water-casks and bulwarks. As soon -as the frightened sailors could be got to work sail was reduced, and -upon surveying the damage done, it was found that the ship's stem was -started away from the "wood ends" and the water must be pouring into -the hold. Some hands at once were set to work to prepare for throwing -overboard cargo from the fore-hatch and the rest sent to the pumps. To -the great relief of all, the noble pumps that had been furnished in -Gothenburg worked splendidly and freed the ship from water. As soon as -the mate could get time he began to count the men, fearing that some -had been washed overboard, and failing to make out the number he took a -look into the forecastle and discovered five sailors snugly ensconsed -in their bunks. When they spied the mate they all began to groan and -cry, and upon inquiry he learned that one had broken his back, two had -broken legs, and the other two broken arms. He called the captain, who -made a hasty examination which convinced him they were more frightened -than hurt, and he said: "I'll give you all just five minutes to get out -on deck, and if you ai'n't out in that time I'll come in and drive you -out with a handspike." This threat brought the broken legs and arms -into action and they all made their appearance within the prescribed -time, somewhat bruised but none of them seriously injured. - -Two days after this the water was quite smooth and the captain desired -to do something to stop the leak forward, which kept the pumps going -nearly all the time. It was necessary for some one to go over the bow -in a "bow-line," and as the weather was cold and the person would dip -in the water, it was an unpleasant as well as a dangerous task. The -captain disliked to order any one to do it, but the mate volunteered -to the work. A bed-quilt was cut up into long strips, and being -lowered down over the bow in the bight of a rope with a stick, the -mate proceeded to stuff the quilt into the open seam and then nailed -canvas over it down to the water's edge. At every dip he was nearly -submerged in the cold waves, but manfully did his work until the last -nail was driven, and then the hammer dropped from his benumbed hand and -he was drawn on board thoroughly chilled. He was taken to the cabin -and treated to a stiff drink of whiskey. He soon recovered from the -immediate effects of his exposure, though for some time after he felt -the drain it made on his powers of endurance. The leak was reduced one -half by his labors and he was regarded as a hero. - -All felt very anxious upon approaching the coast, fearing to encounter -heavy weather while the ship was in this crippled condition. But in -spite of our hopes the gales were destined to come. - -A few days after this, another gale set in at midnight, and at one -o'clock in the morning all hands were called to double-reef the -topsails. It was a dark, wild night, blowing hard with rain and sleet, -and very cold. The crew were so worn out with exposure they were not -very lively, and we were an hour and a quarter before we got below -again. In reefing the fore-topsail we were aloft twenty minutes, the -sail being wet and stiff and the yard not being properly braced to the -wind so as to "spill" the sail. The captain swore we had been up there -two hours, and said he would see if the main-topsail couldn't be worked -quicker. He got his rope's end, and at the order "lay aloft," he flew -around the deck and beat every man into the rigging; then he followed -them aloft, thrashing at every one he reached. When they laid out on -the yard, he walked out to each yard arm holding on to the top-gallant -studding-sail booms, which were triced up, and beat each man over the -head and shoulders. Standing in the maintop he struck at each sailor -as he passed down. We were five minutes longer than we had been at the -fore-topsail, but the captain flattered himself he had hurried matters. -In memory, this dark night, the fierce storm, the cold blinding sleet, -the weak and disheartened crew and the worst storm of rage, curses and -blows from the captain, form an abiding impression of a demoniacal -event. - -The ship was so deep her decks were always wet, and seas broke over her -continually when the wind attained to any force. Even if protected with -oil-clothing a sea would often knock one down and soak him. To stand on -deck four hours in a cold, stormy night, soaked to the skin and with -boots saturated and partly filled with water, makes one's life seem to -be oozing away. No wonder sailors are short-lived; sea exposure and -shore degradation soon use them up! - -When about in the longitude of Cape Sable we took a fresh southerly -gale with warm rainy weather, and the same afternoon it suddenly -hauled to the north-west, increasing in force, and the weather -becoming very cold. The wet sails froze so stiff that it was with the -greatest difficulty that the crew could furl them, and while trying to -close-reef the fore-topsail five of the men had their hands frozen and -with difficulty got safely on deck. The "Dublin" had the old-fashioned -whole topsails and it was a dreadful job to handle them. The plan of -making two handy sails out of one large one as in the "Howe's Rig," -which is now almost universally adopted, is one of the greatest -blessings of the age to the mariner, and yearly saves numbers of lives -and a vast amount of hardship. Some of the men, whose hands were -frozen, restored the circulation by rubbing them in the icy water which -washed over the deck, but two of them were disabled, and upon arrival -in port had to submit to the amputation of some of the fingers and -toes. I had both hands frozen, but soon thawed them out in the cold sea -water. - -The ship was now hove to on the starboard tack, the gale was blowing -fiercely, and ice making on the ship. The clothes of the men were -frozen upon them, and when the watch was ordered to go below I took the -last dry clothes I had from my chest and turned into my bunk. I was -only just going to sleep, when above the noise of the gale sounded the -rustling and slatting of the fore-topsail, which had blown adrift, and -then came the mate's cry, "all hands ahoy! Rouse out here and furl the -fore-topsail." This was a moment of real hardship, and it required a -great deal of heroism to spring from one's bunk and face the freezing -gale aloft. I confess I shirked duty and waited for a second call, -which fortunately did not come. A few sailors soon appeared on deck, -and the rest too much terrified or too irresolute to meet the harsh -duty were dragged out of their bunks by the mate and driven aloft, with -threats of blows from a handspike he carried in his hands. - -For fifteen minutes the crew battled with the stiff icy sail. Again and -again they had it gathered up and the blast would sweep it from their -benumbed hands, but finally the gaskets were passed around it and the -order was given to "lay down." The sailors then turned in and rolled -themselves up in their blankets to try one phase of a sailor's life, -"turn in wet and turn out smoking." - -All the next day the gale raged with fury, the ice was a foot thick on -deck, and the ropes and rigging were masses of ice. It was impossible -to work ship or make sail and we let her lie and drift to the -southward. The day succeeding, the gale moderated and the thermometer -suddenly started up. Trying the temperature of the water alongside, -we found ourselves in the Gulf Stream. All that day we were employed -drawing up the warm water from alongside, pouring it over the rigging -and beating off the ice. At night we got it sufficiently cleared -to allow us to make sail. Fine weather succeeded and in a few days -we found ourselves on George's Bank. The captain hailed the fishing -schooner, "Eliza A. Proctor," to find out our position, as he was -somewhat distrustful of the accuracy of his chronometer. - -"Schooner ahoy!" - -"Halloa," answered a shrill voice. - -"What is your longitude?" - -"We hai'n't got no longitude; we're after fish!" - -"How does George's Shoal bear?" - -"Nor' West by North." - -As we passed the schooner Capt. Streeter discovered that the skipper -was his mate of two voyages previous--Mr. Foster, whom he had -quarrelled with and discharged from the ship in Mobile. The bearing -he gave did not at all agree with the reckoning; the captain had some -misgivings as to the skipper's information and decided not to trust to -it. The schooner "Emporia" afterwards gave us another bearing and when -we sighted Cape Cod we found Foster had deceived us, and given a course -that would have wrecked the ship if it had been followed. He evidently -did it out of spite to his old commander. - -Capt. Streeter was weather-wise, and continually prophesied the changes -of the wind. Once when it had been blowing from the north-west for two -or three days, it began to moderate and give evidence that this wind -had had its day. The captain said in the evening: "This wind is about -done now, it will haul around to the eastward, going by the north, or -it may die away calm and haul around by the south." At four in the -morning I called him and told him there was an easterly breeze. - -"Which way did it haul?" - -"By the north, sir." - -"Didn't I tell you so?" said the captain. - -The evening we made Cape Cod, the sky began to clear in the westward -and a light breeze came from that direction. "Now," said the captain, -"we are in for it. It's just my luck. It's going to blow a living gale -of wind from the nor'west; we shall be driven off the coast and not -fetch back here for a fortnight." This was rather disheartening and I -couldn't help replying: "If I thought so I wouldn't say it, for I think -we have had quite trouble enough without borrowing any." - -"I tell you what it is young man," said the captain, "there's a -difference between borrowing trouble and being weather-wise." - -A light westerly breeze blew all the next day. We beat up the bay with -fine weather and off Boston light took the steam-tug "R.B. Forbes," -which towed us quickly up to Lewis' Wharf, just as the day had ended. I -heard a familiar voice through the darkness, and the ship was no sooner -fast, than I went over the rail and for two days abandoning myself to -the joys of home I tried to forget that there ever was a "Ship Dublin." -Then I visited the ship, and the captain at once inquired "Did you -notice how it blew last night? I knew it was coming; I'm not often -deceived about the weather." I received the compliment of being asked -to make another voyage in the ship and the black eyes snapped at my -rather peremptory refusal. - -The owner was offended with me for leaving, and finding that I had -suffered in his good opinion by doing so, I ventured after some days, -to excuse myself by saying just enough about Capt. Streeter to justify -my conduct. He was very indignant, wouldn't allow such a man to sail -for him, but didn't see how he could discharge him just then. He would -tell him to do differently though. One of the partners remarked, "Oh, -they all swear and fight, and Capt. Streeter is the smartest commander -we have ever had." - -He sailed again on another Russia voyage with the old instructions to -"use his best efforts to suppress all vice and immorality on board and -promote the welfare of his crew." How he did it the following letter -from Mr. Wright the mate, written from Cronstadt will tell: - -"I suppose you would like to hear how this old boat gets along and what -kind of a voyage we've had so far. When we left the wharf at Boston, -I called the men to come out of the forecastle and go to work, but -the answers I got weren't very polite. They called out, 'we want to -make our beds up; don't get your temper in an uproar; don't fret' and -some other remarks that you can fancy. I got pretty mad, and I just -picked up an iron belaying-pin and went into the forecastle and made -Rome howl. All hands turned on me, and I had all the fighting I wanted. -Things got too hot for me and I had to go aft and ask the old man to -come in and help me. I thought he would be very glad to have such a -chance for "spiflicating sailors" as he calls it, and some men I've -sailed with wouldn't have asked for better sport than to walk into -those sailors and make them take the measure for their coffins on deck. -The way the old man showed the white feather surprised me. He got on -top of the after-house, with a pistol in his hand, and called to the -men to come aft, and talked to them as mild as a sucking parson. They -were pretty sullen, and five men swore they wouldn't do a hands turn -of work on board. The old man told me to put them in irons, and I did -it without much trouble, for they had too much headache to make any -more fuss. I put a rope through between their wrists and triced them up -with the main lift tackles till their feet only just touched the deck. -It wasn't long before they wanted to turn to. One was hurt so bad that -we thought he would die, and he has been laid up the whole passage. I -have had several sprees with the men since, but now I only have to -hold up my finger and they mind me. The old man doesn't say much to -the sailors, but he's down on the second mate, who is a youngster, and -doesn't know much, and he hazes him when he wants to let off steam. We -are loading for Boston, and I hope we will get there soon, for I've -been about long enough in the "Dublin." I hope you'll get a good ship -and a captain that'll suit you, but they are scarce fish to find." - -The ship was sold on her return, and the captain entered another -employ. His vessel finally went to Australia. When riding horseback -he was thrown, and broke his ankle. The doctors declared amputation -was necessary. With his usual contempt for medical opinions he drove -them away, and thought he could apply to his own case the skill he had -exercised on Old Harry, but in a few days he died of lockjaw. His end -appeared significant to those who knew how his powers of speech had -been misused. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -COAST OF MADAGASCAR. - - "A strong nor'wester's blowing, Bill; - Hark! don't ye hear it roar now? - Lord help 'em, how I pities them - Unhappy folks on shore now!"--_Wm. Pitt._ - - "In noble minds some dregs remain. - Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain."--_Pope._ - - -We sighted the coast of Madagascar about Fort Dauphin, but at a -distance of nearly fifty miles, so that our view of it was not very -distinct. But it is always a pleasure to a sailor to see land, and a -great relief after many days of wearisome, changing, wave scenery to -let the eye rest upon the everlasting hills. The mountains symbolize -stability and unchangeableness, and as the aspirations of the heart are -ever towards those things most in contrast with present experience, -so the sailor's life of unrest and variableness disposes his dream -of happiness to be one of enduring repose. This idea the land as -contrasted with water expresses to his mind. A thrilling sensation -always accompanies the sound of "Land, ho!" and longing glances are -directed to the faintest loom of land in the horizon. - -Our easterly winds continued and took us to the coast of Africa, which -we sighted about Algoa Bay. Then the wind became light and variable and -with smooth water we sailed slowly along in sight of the land for four -days. One evening we sighted the light on Cape Agulhas, the south-east -point of Africa, and with the wind freshening at N.N.E. soon ran it out -of sight on the starboard quarter. Before this breeze sprang up we were -in company with a large ship showing Dutch colors. She sailed alongside -of us for a considerable time, then slowly gained ahead, crossed our -bow and in a few minutes disappeared from sight, though the twilight -gave a long range to the vision. Many were the conjectures about her, -and some of our crew will always believe they saw the veritable "Flying -Dutchman," the phantom ship that is supposed to cruise off the Cape of -Good Hope. The legend concerning her, as many will remember, is, that -a Dutch captain, who had encountered very severe gales, was advised to -put the ship back to a port of distress, but swearing a terrible oath -he declared he would beat around the Cape if it took him till the Day -of Judgment. In punishment for his sin he is doomed to battle with the -elements until that day, and his battered hulk, with threadbare sails -and skeleton crew haunts the southern sea. - -At eight in the evening we passed another ship bound the same way, but -under close-reefed topsails, whereas we had the royals set. We hailed -her and found she was the "Meteor" from Batavia, but whither she was -bound, or where she hailed from, we failed to learn, for we went by her -so fast there was no time for further questions. - -"What can she be doing under that sail?" asked the mate. - -"O, she has got a prudent captain," I replied. "The barometer has -been down low for the last two days and no doubt there is a gale of -wind coming on. I can't take in sail though in this country, with a -fair wind blowing, until I see the breeze coming. Every mile here is -precious and as long as there is a chance to gain ahead we must use it. -But you must keep your eyes peeled to-night for nor'west squalls." - -At ten o'clock I carefully inspected the wind and weather. It was a -bright starlight night, with not a cloud to be seen, except that ahead -in the horizon was a low streak that looked like a fog bank. A fresh -breeze was blowing from the northward driving the ship along nine -knots, with the yards just clear of the backstays, all sail being set. -The mate had the watch on deck, and I said to him, "This is fine, I -only hope it will last, but the glass says, No. However, very likely -we'll have good warning before the change comes. Keep a sharp lookout -and if it breezes on, or the weather looks threatening, get the light -sails off of her and give me a call." - -In half an hour after that, the mate shouted "clew up the fore royal," -but no sooner had they let go the halyards than a furious blast from -the north-west struck her flat aback. The helm was put hard up and -having a good deal of headway the vessel fortunately "fell off." None -of the watch below needed a call for every one was out of his bunk in -a few seconds as the bark, nearly on her beam ends, and the shaking -sails, gave their own summons. I was on deck promptly and shouted, -"Lower down the spanker;" but the mate had his men forward hauling down -the jib and flying-jib, for the sheets had parted and the sails were -blowing into ribbons. The second mate got his watch along aft as soon -as possible, and in the meantime I jumped on top of the after-house -to let go the spanker throat-halyards. As I passed forward of the -mizzen-mast to go to leeward, the wind and the inclination of the -vessel gave me a slide, and away I went head foremost off the house on -to the main deck. I had on rubber boots with my pants tucked into them, -and as I fell the belaying-pin of the main brace went up the right boot -leg and there I hung, heels up and head down in the lee-scuppers, while -the good bark was lying beam on to the hurricane, which threatened -every moment to dismast her, and in the meantime was blowing to -pieces a number of her sails. The night was pitchy dark and the rain -poured in large drops which, with the force of the wind, struck like -hail, while the storm roared with a sound such as that with which the -express train affrights one who stands on the platform of a country -station past which it flies. I managed to extricate myself from this -awkward position, and crawling to windward renewed the directions for -shortening sail. The vessel was run off to the S.E. for two hours while -we took in and furled every sail except the close-reefed main-topsail -and then she was brought to the wind on the port tack. - -That was a night we long remembered, and a hard time the crew had -furling the wet sails in the cold rain, but there was one alleviation -to their discomfort, for I had the cook "roused out" and ordered him to -make coffee for all hands; and as soon as she was hove to, a mug of hot -coffee and a cake of hard bread gave them one of the greatest treats -they ever had in their lives. - -"The prudent captain got the best of it this time," I said to the mate. - -"I'm not so sure of that, sir," said he; "if he's been waiting two days -for the wind to blow we've gained enough distance on him to pay for a -good deal more damage than we've got." - -"But it's a lucky job we did not lose our masts," I said; "if there had -been a flaw anywhere they would have gone. Things held on well. Didn't -it give you any warning?" - -"No, sir," said the mate. "That bank that was hanging there ahead, when -you were on deck, was what did the mischief. It seemed to hold about so -and didn't look very threatening, but in five minutes it spread right -up over the sky. I made a start to get sail in before it struck her, -but I wasn't in time." - -The gale blew very hard through the night and continued for seven -days, but it moderated at times so that we set the whole topsails for -a few hours. Four different times we were obliged to heave to under -the close-reefed main-topsail and once it was "goose-winged." This -time it blew a fearful gale. There was a black overcast sky, hanging -so low down that it seemed not far above the mast heads, and driving -across with great rapidity. Hard hail-squalls now and then passed over, -and every face had to be shielded from the stinging violence of the -hailstones. The sea was tremendous. At times there would be but one -wave in sight, that, the whole ocean, and towering high up above the -rail almost even with the tops it would come rolling on seeming to -bear inevitable destruction; but as it approached, the good bark would -gradually mount up its side, and then be whirled up and lifted over its -summit like a little toy. As the waves broke, the wind lifted the whole -crest into its arms and bore it onward mingling sea and air, driving -the spray in horizontal lines high aloft across the ship. At about two -o'clock in the afternoon a sea broke alongside and a good portion of -its top came tumbling in over the weather rail. Nothing could resist -its force. In went the galley and forecastle doors, the water-cask -lashings gave way, the pig-pen on the main hatch was smashed all to -pieces, the spare main-yard broke adrift, and the sea, having spent its -force, found a passage for itself through the lee ports. - -[Illustration: Fishing off the Cape.] - -After this gale a calm prevailed for a few hours and we heeded -Horsburgh's praise of the fishing on the Banks of Agulhas, by -trying our fortune with the line. The only result, however, was the -accompanying sketch of the performance. - -[Illustration] - -By these gales we lost eight days on our passage and only gained one -hundred miles in nine days, an inspection of our track for ten days -will show how hard it is sometimes for sailing vessels to make quick -passages. - -When fifty days out we sighted the revolving light on Cape of Good -Hope, and the next day having a light westerly wind we stood along the -coast to the northward and enjoyed a fine view of Table Mountain. - -This turning of the corner was a joyous event. Now we pointed the -ship's head towards home and realized that we were actually bound -there, which it was hard to do while our course had any southing in it. -Fine weather regions lay before us, and an immense load was removed -from the captain's mind by the safe "doubling of the Cape." - -South-east winds set in next, and we went "rolling down to St. Helena" -before fresh trades, with very fine weather. - -The steady winds and settled weather of the South Atlantic are always -taken advantage of by the homeward bound ships to tar-down the rigging, -paint and "fix up" generally for port. It is customary to keep all -hands then, even in ships where it is not the continual practice. -That is, instead of having only half of the crew at work at a time -and alternating every four hours, all hands are kept on deck in the -afternoon from one o'clock until six. They all get dinner together at -twelve and no work is done from noon until one. At one all "turn to," -and either all hands get supper together at six, or one watch gets -theirs at half-past five and the other at six. Under the watch and -watch system a sailor is on deck ten hours out of the twenty-four on -one day and fourteen hours on the next, making twenty-four hours of -work and twenty-four of rest in forty-eight. In the all-hands system -a man is on deck thirteen hours one day and fourteen and a half the -next, making twenty-seven and a half hours of work and twenty and a -half of rest in forty-eight. To the advocates of the eight-hour system, -this may seem an undue proportion of working hours, but it is to be -remembered, however, that half of these hours occur in the night time, -when, if the wind is steady and weather fine, there is no work to be -done, and if the helmsman and the lookout are wide awake and the crew -answer promptly to a summons, it would not be noticed in most ships if -the men stole a nap on deck between times. But in "hard ships" the men -are always kept moving. The officers of course at all times in their -watch on deck must be wide awake and, it is presumed, on their feet, so -that keeping all hands is more of a privation to them than it is to the -sailors. - -The mate asked me one night after we got past the Cape, if he should -begin now to keep all hands until the work was done. - -"Do you think you could get the work done with watch and watch?" - -"I suppose we could," said the mate, "but we shall have to keep driving -at it right up to Boston Light." - -"Did you ever go through the trades with watch and watch?" I asked. - -"No, sir, I never did," said the mate. - -"Well, I never did myself till last voyage, then I was so well pleased -with the result that I should like to try it again. The voyage before -that, I came on deck one night, while we were keeping all hands, and -found the second mate sitting on the bumpkin, his arms on the rail and -his head buried down in them, while he was snoring after the style -called 'driving the pigs to market.' The next day I had a talk with -him about his neglect of duty. He acknowledged his fault, but said it -occurred in spite of all he could do. He said he had tried every way -he could think of to keep himself awake. He had walked the deck until -he was compelled from sheer exhaustion to sit down, for it was a hot -sultry night, and he had been on his legs all day long. He assured me -very earnestly that he had not neglected his duty intentionally. Said -he: 'Cap'n, did you ever have any fault to find with the way I kept the -night watch before we had all hands?' - -"'No,' I answered, 'none whatever.' - -"'No, sir,' he said, 'and I am sure you had no occasion to. Excuse me,' -said he, 'I don't mean to growl at your way of doing things, but I -can't feel that an officer is greatly to blame if he is drowsy at night -in an all-hands ship. I was studying it all out last night while I was -dragging myself fore and aft the deck trying to keep awake, and this -was what I made out: I get nineteen hours to myself out of forty-eight, -and when you take out meal-times, dog-watch, a little time for keeping -clothes in order and what time I give up to the ship in my watch below -to help things along, I can't get more than twelve hours' sleep in -two days. Six hours a day is thought a small allowance on shore where -a man can sleep it right through. But our rest is so broken I don't -believe it does as much good. Three hours and a half or four hours is -the longest sleep one can get at a time, and then he has to stand four -hours on deck before he has a chance to get another cat nap.' - -"I felt he had a good deal of truth on his side, though I didn't like -to tell him so, and I thought a good deal about it afterwards. The next -voyage I resolved to try how watch and watch would work, and when we -got into the S.E. trades, homeward bound, I told the mate to say to the -men: 'There's just so much work that's got to be done before this ship -reaches port; now if you can do it with watch and watch, you shall have -it, but if there's any 'sogering' or loafing you'll be kept up in the -afternoon.' - -"We began it. The men all worked with a will, and I am certain that -as much was done as on the previous voyage. I took special pains to -compare, and all through I noticed that there was more drive, and less -loafing, going for a drink, turns round the foremast, and long spells -at the grindstone. On some of the large jobs, too, I had a good chance -to judge. I suppose there's no job that admits of as many 'soger -moves' as scrubbing ship outside. The men come up on deck every little -while to haul up or 'fleet' the stages they are working on, and then -they spin out the time before they get back by sharpening knives and -scrapers, or getting a drink, and a good many other moves that every -one knows, who has ever had to follow up old sailors. - -"When we had all hands we scrubbed the ship around outside in one day -and thought we had done a smart piece of work; but with watch and -watch we scrubbed her and cleaned the chain-plates below the channels, -beside, in the same time, and as far as I could see the work was done -fully as well. The difference was, that the men all felt an interest -in showing how the watch and watch system would work, and there was no -dodging, or loafing, or spinning yarns on the stages. - -"Now I should like to have you do the same thing this passage, and the -fact is, I want to see it proved a second time before I go over to it -altogether." - -[Illustration: Second officer sitting for his portrait, belaying pin in -hand.] - -The next Monday the sailors supposed that we should begin of course -to keep all hands in the afternoon, and when eight bells was struck -at noon, they all opened their ears and looked out of the corners of -their eyes at the mate, waiting for the expected and dreaded order, -"All hands get dinner." But nothing was said, and the men kept on with -their work, with their brains full of surmises as to what it meant. -At one bell, when the watch came out, the mate mustered all hands at -the main-hatch, and said to them: "Men, the captain says he's willing -to give you watch and watch all the time, if you can get the work done. -But this bark has got to be put in just as fine order as any ship that -ever went into Boston harbor. Now we'll try you and see what you can -do. But if the work lags, or there's any hanging back, I'll have you -out." - -So we went to work with the watch, fitting the rigging, and tarring -down. The men did as well as we could wish, things went on quietly, and -the work disappeared day by day faster than we had expected. - -The crew presented a rather uncouth appearance on deck during this -period, for one suit of clothes was devoted to serve through the -tarring and then go overboard. The officers were not much more -attractive in appearance, as the second mate's portrait will testify. - -It had a good moral effect to secure one day's cleanliness out of -seven, the result of our system of services in the cabin on Sunday. - -The sailors in the _Rocket_ were favored with good living, watch and -watch, and kind treatment. They were never cursed, nor called by hard -names. Instruction was given to those who desired it, and religious -influences pervaded the vessel. The voyage was a pleasant one. Fine -weather and favoring breezes usually prevailed, and the fairest regions -of earth were visited. If sailors could ever be happy and contented, -these circumstances, which probably were in marked contrast to the -experiences of many, should have produced this result upon that crew. - -When the voyage commenced they had no praise too good to bestow. They -allowed they were in a good ship; the captain was the best man they -ever sailed with; the officers were perfect gentlemen; the "grub" was -first-rate. But, on the homeward passage, although everything was the -same as when outward bound, the sailors sat down on their chests in the -forecastle with their feast of "soft-tack" and apple-sauce in their -pans, and, as the saying is, they growled like bears with sore heads. -Their behavior on deck and manner of working was unexceptionable, but -if their life and talk in the forecastle were chronicled it would -convey the impression that they considered themselves an ill-used, -poorly-fed and oppressed set of men. - -The mate one evening practised an eaves-dropping in which he proved -the truth of the old proverb, "listeners never hear any good of -themselves." Old Nielson, a Swede, the best sailor-man in the ship, -with his mouth stuffed nearly full of molasses gingerbread, was leading -the growl. Said he, "I've been to sea thirty-two years and I never -sailed in a worse ship than this is. Nobody aft knows what we get to -eat, and that nigger gives us just as little as he likes. Last ship I -was in the cap'n or mate went into the galley every day and saw things -were cooked right and plenty of 'em, but here we don't get any more -notice taken of us than though we were a parcel of dogs. If the old -man had _some_ crews with him I bet he wouldn't impose on them. But -sailors don't seem to have any spunk now-a-days, same as they used to. -There's a whole barrel of vinegar down below, and yet we can't have but -two bottles full a week. What does he want to carry it home for? He's -keeping it back just to spite us. Do you call that being a Christian? I -call him a mean old skin-flint; if he's going to heaven, I don't want -to go there." - -Now what did all this mean? Why, just this. They had found some of the -gingerbread not done quite through. That was all. On board of most -ships they would have been hard at work with "all hands on deck," all -the afternoon, and had hard bread and beef only for supper. No doubt -they would have enlivened the meal by growling about that in just the -same way. In spite of all his mutterings in the forecastle, this man -Nielson would come out on deck and be a model man in his behavior. -His cheerful, "Aye, aye, sir!" would ring out to every order, and -his respectful manners joined to his good seamanship had made him a -favorite with captain and officers. - -The explanation of this unreasonable conduct is that expressed in the -well-known lines of Dr. Watts: - - "Let bears and lions growl and fight, - For 'tis their nature to." - -So it is with an old sailor, he must growl. Officers of ships often -say, they would not give a snap for a sailor that didn't growl, and -there is a good deal of truth in the remark. It by no means follows -that all who growl are good men, but it is certainly a fact that most -of the thorough-going old sailors are inveterate growlers. - -This growling is a natural result of the life they lead. Spleen enters -more or less into the constitution of every one's character, and all, -at times, desire an opportunity of exercising this latent spite upon -some person or thing. - -The man on shore has a wide range of objects upon which to scatter -it. There are his household and family arrangements, his employment -and business relations, the religious tenets of others, the affairs -of his city and the politics of the country. He comes home from his -day's business with an accumulation of spleen, resulting from numerous -annoyances. His good breeding and consideration perhaps keep him from -venting it upon his family, and he holds it in until after tea; then he -takes up the evening paper, glances over its contents and entertains -his patient wife or a friendly neighbor with a good, hearty growl about -the stupidity of the cabinet officers, the short-sightedness of the -President, the absurdity of the financial policy, and then berates a -politician for his foolish speech. Now his pent-up wrath has escaped. -He feels easier. Gradually cheerful conversation creeps in as his -shrewd companion notices his subsiding temper. Soon all his vexations -have escaped his mind or become far lighter burdens, and the next -morning he walks down town with a good courage and joyous heart. - -But as for Jack, what are his diversions of mind? What does he care for -politics or religion or finance? Or, if he does care, where are the -newspapers and the evening caller? Where are the public amusements or -the endearments and consolations of social life? There are almost no -occurrences to direct his thoughts away from a continual contemplation -of, and brooding over the unpleasant circumstances of his life, and for -lack of these he must continue to dwell upon the sole objects which -interest him, and as a natural result their importance is magnified and -the habit of such contemplation increases with every voyage. - -When the mate reported the "growl" he had overheard, I said, "If I -was a betting man I would lay a heavy wager that the day old Nielson -arrives in port he will say I am the best captain he ever sailed with, -and he never in his life sailed in such a good ship before." An exact -verification of this remark occurred on arrival. It happened that the -mate was riding in a horse-car, when old Nielson came in and sat -beside him. He began to talk over the voyage, and soon exclaimed, "I've -been to sea thirty-two years and that's the best ship ever I sailed -in, and if I go to sea all my life, I never expect to find another man -like our captain." This speech was very likely as far from the truth -as were the growls uttered at sea, but it illustrates a proverbial -habit of the sailor, to complain of his present circumstances and speak -well of the past. Amidst the growling of the forecastle it is seldom -that "last ship that I was in" is mentioned without praise. This fact -ought to be remembered to the sailor's credit. However ungrateful and -unappreciative he may appear with regard to his lot, in his memories -the bright things are uppermost, and he is not prone to speak evil of -old scenes and associates without good reason. - -Reflections upon the incident narrated led to the attempt to illustrate -the subject in rhyme, by verses, to be called "Sailors' Opinions," -which were to be divided into two parts, entitled "This Ship," and -"Last Ship." In this effort it was designed to portray a sailor's -comments upon the ship he was then sailing in, and the same man's -expressions concerning the same ship, uttered during his next voyage -in another vessel. They are produced here, as they may be recognized -as truthful by some who have lived in a ship's forecastle. It may be -premised that sailors in the watch below generally talk in the evening -from eight till half-past eight (one bell), and this is a favorite -time for "growls." When one bell strikes, pipes drop from the mouth, -growls cease and snores begin. - - -SAILORS' OPINIONS. - -PART I. - -"THIS SHIP." - - _SCENE.--A ship's forecastle--Crew in their bunks--Jack loquitur._ - - I've followed the sea over thirty-two years, - In the Navy, hard Packets and wild Privateers; - But of all the old vessels that ever I cursed, - Just shiver my timbers if this ain't the worst. - - The bloody old wall-sided cranky concern-- - I think every squall she is sure to o'erturn, - And the way that she rolls and goes pitching about - Would have made all the patience of Job fizzle out. - - It's enough to provoke a good parson to swear, - To see the bad way her old rotten sails tear, - And I never go higher aloft than the top - Without fear that the foot-ropes will give me a drop. - - I wonder those owners are suffered to live - Who send out a ship that will leak like a sieve, - Which every time that she gives a bad jump - Makes fifty more strokes to be worked at the pump. - - We ought to arrest the old man as a cheat - For bringing us here where there's nothing to eat; - It's a terrible shame for an old Yankee tub - To feed her good men with such horrible grub. - - To be sure, he now and then gives us some flour; - But the mean dirty rat, it's because it's gone sour, - And as for his pies and the dried apple sauce, - I'd a precious deal rather have good old salt horse. - - We slave every week day on board of the craft, - But on Sunday the hypocrite makes us come aft-- - He preaches an hour about Christian hopes, - Then sends us on deck to give swigs at the ropes. - - There's a heap of good sense in the famous old rule - Always choose a big rascal before a great fool. - And one thing I promise, whatever may happen, - I'll not sail again with a psalm-singing Cap'n. - - The ship must have been in amazing great straits - When she took such poor things as these men are for mates. - It worries one's temper beyond all its bounds - To be bossed round the decks by such humbugging hounds. - - Now! shipmates, you know I'm not given to growl, - And I hate a bad temper with all of my soul; - But worked and most starved till one scarcely can crawl, - A man that won't growl is just no man at all. - - -SAILORS' OPINIONS. - -PART II. - -"LAST SHIP." - - Last time I went to sea - I sailed on board the _Rocket_; - Those were good days for me - And money in my pocket. - - She was a perfect boat, - An easy one to handle-- - For speed no ship afloat - Could hold to her a candle. - - She tacked just like a yacht - And lay to like a duck; - If others thrived or not - She always was in luck. - - The owners fitted out - In such a liberal way, - All things were trim and stout - From keel to royal stay. - - The captain was a trump-- - A perfect "saint in boots"; - He never gave a thump - To greenhorns nor galoots. - - The mates were tip-top men, - Gave us our watch below; - No oaths and curses then - Though it blew high or low. - - We mustered aft to prayer - And navigation classes-- - We had the best of fare - And lots of duff and 'lasses - - I've sailed for many a year - And soon will have to dock it; - But while I've breath I'll cheer - And brag about the _Rocket_. - -Even in the cabin there was a tendency to dissatisfaction, and the -passenger expressed his weariness of our simple and restricted fare by -composing a parody on the "Ode to the Rocket," in which she was abused -as heartily as any old sailor could have done it. His pencil was also -called into requisition, and the scantiness of fare on the cabin table -was graphically portrayed. - -Sea life is a severe test of disposition, and it must be a remarkable -amiability which can endure its vicissitudes without complaint. Lord -Byron's prescription for truly knowing a man: "Go to sea with him," is -certainly correct, as regards knowledge of a man's temper. - -The first verse of the Parody will serve as an example of its sentiment: - - -"IN THE DOLDRUMS--HOMEWARD BOUND." - - The _Rocket_ is an old tub's name, - An aged Boston bark; - Her lack of speed is known to fame, - As I need not remark. - For fifteen years she's rolled and pitched. - And leaked in every clime, - She's worn out two old captains - And a young one in his prime. - - _Chorus._--The _Rocket_ we won't praise, - For she's a wretched bark, - Homelier than Joe Bowers' dog, - And slower than Noah's ark. - -Our stock of conversation got low after so long a season of -intercourse, and many trivial arguments were sustained for lack of -better material. Perhaps the most frequent of these minor themes was -the question, whether the dish which sailors always call "Hash," was -properly hash or minced meat. - -[Illustration: Illustrated bill of fare:--"Spuds and Soft Tack."] - -One of our greatest causes of annoyance, and a frequent occasion of -growls was the presence of cockroaches, in numbers which can only be -expressed by millions. The vessel for some time past, had been making -yearly voyages, which brought her home in the summer and kept her in -the Tropics in the winter, so this army had never been exposed to the -potent destroyer, cold weather. They were not the little creatures that -housekeepers are unpleasantly familiar with, but were almost more -like birds than insects, and carried out this resemblance in certain -conditions of the atmosphere, when they took to flying, tempting one -to jump overboard to escape their attacks against his head. They were -omnipresent day and night, alive, dead, whole or in parts. They eat the -bindings of books and everything that had paste in its composition, -and their especial relish seemed to be for pomade. In spite of all -precautions so many had encamped in the sugar, we had to pass our tea -through a strainer, and there was but little food free from their -presence or flavor, after it was sweetened. Were it a less disgusting -subject I could fill a volume with accounts of these creatures. I -will only add one of the many experiences with them. They were very -fond of frequenting my cabinet organ, and often while I was playing a -note would become dumb. An inspection would usually show a cockroach -leg caught by the reeds as its proprietor passed over them and left -it behind him. A ship at San Francisco had to pay twenty thousand -dollars for damages done to the cargo by cockroaches. The organ on -leaving Padang had a more agreeable inmate, which remained in it for -several weeks, a cricket, who entertained us with his evening chirp, -and lulled one to sleep with the pleasing fancy that he was on shore. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -SAILORS' RESOURCES. - - "Necessity, the mother of invention."--_Farquhar._ - - "A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow."--_Dryden._ - - -Fertility of resources is one of the most desirable traits of character -to the seaman. His limited means and appliances beget contrivance and -invention, and he naturally acquires a facility in accomplishing work -under difficulties. His whole mode of life is an exemplification of the -possibility of making much out of little. The sailor, with his "chest" -for a chair, his knees for a table, the sheath-knife and spoon his only -utensils, secures his food with all the necessary benefit. With the -scanty sewing materials, buttons, pins and knicknacks jumbled together -in his "ditty box," he contrives to mend his clothes or rig the model -of a ship in his spare hours. - -The carpenter, with his hammer and hatchet, does an amount of execution -astonishing to the shore artizan, who has well filled tool-racks. The -cook would likewise startle, perhaps offend, the ladies sensibilities -by the manner in which his appurtenances do manifold duties, besides -those considered appropriate. The mate racks his brain daily to -discover how to repair a sail without canvas, mend a chain without -spare links, paint ship without brushes, or tar the rigging without -tar. The captain is as much put to it as any one in contriving for all -the departments under his care. So they become Jacks of all trades, -and too often masters of none. One incident of a personal nature will -illustrate the manner in which necessity often becomes the mother of -invention on shipboard. One day when off the west coast of Sumatra, -the carpenter was caulking and paying the deck-seams. I picked up a -little bit of his pitch and put it in my mouth, but soon removed it -with the gold fillings from two teeth attached. Severe toothache soon -followed. At Padang I enquired for a dentist, but to learn that none of -those kindly torturers had yet located there. The surgeon of the place -would extract the teeth for twenty dollars apiece, but the pleasure -of paying this moderate sum was no inducement to lose the "ivories." -But the cavities must be filled to exclude the air. Boy Frank had been -in a dentist's office, so he was summoned to the council on the old -man's toothache. He put in a filling of pitch and then of rubber, but -they were not destined to remain. Finally, at sea the pain induced the -resolution to part with the teeth. Frank was called again. There were -no forceps in the ship, and an investigation of all the implements led -to the selection of my spring-punch. The tooth of this was removed, -the carpenter filed the lips to make them tenacious of grip, the big -Webster's dictionary was laid on the cabin table, and resting my head -back upon this, Dr. Frank made a desperate effort to pull out teeth, -gum and jaw at one attack. He was speedily driven on deck, and warned -not to try that again. At last he thought of an amalgam filling, but -how should it be obtained? I possessed a silver "ten-cent piece, saved -from the obliterating ravages of the age of Greenbacks. This I filed -into dust, and after a serious consideration my thermometer-tube -was broken, the mercury was extracted and mingled with the silver. -Then laying my head once more on the dictionary, the cavities were -effectually filled, the only instruments used by the dentist being a -crotchet needle and a screw-driver. It was not till three years after, -that other fillings were substituted by an American dentist in China, -who laughed as much at my story of the previous operation, as I did -at his account of the way the King of Siam tested the set of teeth -made for him, by putting this worthy dentist's hand in his mouth, and -nearly biting off the fingers. He was not so much injured, however, as -to be unable to carry off the bag of a thousand dollars in gold, the -price of his work." - -Speaking of tarring without tar reminds me how this difficulty was -overcome. Having had a great deal of work, turning in and fitting -the rigging, the supply of tar gave out, and when we reached the -south-east trades in the Atlantic, and were rolling down to St. Helena, -an inspection of the tar-barrel showed it was only fit for a bonfire -on the next dark night. How should we make the rigging black and -shiny? was the query of thoughts, dreams and discussions in succeeding -days and nights. I will confess what I did, but do not recommend the -process. Two bundles of rattans were chopped up and consumed in the -cook's stove with the draft checked. The ashes were placed in a barrel -and pounded fine with an impromptu pestle, then linseed oil and varnish -were added, and with this production, well stirred, all the ropes were -"tarred" with such good effect that many old sailors admired the black -gloss of the rigging as they inspected the vessel at Central Wharf. -But using up the paint oil for this, brought about another crisis. How -should we paint ship? That was most essential to our good appearance. -After many experiments the kerosene oil was selected to serve as the -substitute, the sailors' whale oil was appropriated to cabin use, and -Jack was invited to illuminate his premises with a slush lamp, a wick -floated in beef fat contained in a tin can. So the ship was painted! -These are samples of the makeshifts of sea life. - -The first moonless evening was appointed for the final ending of the -tar-barrel. It was sawn in two, the smaller half being chopped up and -deposited with the carpenter's chips and shavings in the remaining -part. A bit of old rope from the "shakings barrel" suspends it over the -side, while the cook with a fire-brand ignites the contents. As the -flames gather volume the barrel is dropped into the sea. The sailors -spring to the rail or into the rigging to watch it as it emerges from -under the ship's counter and is left astern in the wake. For awhile -it blazes fiercely and continuously, then it disappears--ah, it's -gone! No, the swell hides it. There it is again! Its disappearances -and reappearances occur at gradually lengthening intervals till it no -longer can be seen from deck. The second mate runs half way up the -mizzen-rigging and exclaims, "I see it." Soon he shouts "I can just see -it from the topmast cross-trees." Then it is given up, faces are turned -from the stern to the bow, for the gaze on shipboard is always forward, -seldom backwards, and as the ship presses on into the dark night, we -think with subdued feelings of the lost light, and fall to moralizing -or musing as the disposition of each inclines him. - -The south-east trades took us to the line and then the doldrums raged -again, but instead of giving a repetition of the miseries of this -region I will relate the second mate's yarn about a "Wild Ship." - -One calm night in the doldrums I went on deck in the middle watch to -see if there were any signs of a breeze. The moon "had scoffed the -clouds," and shone brilliantly upon the glassy sea. The courses were -hauled up, jib and staysails hauled down, and the vessel made no motion -ahead. I felt that I could not sleep till a breeze came and thought -I would stay on deck and help the second mate keep his watch; so I -called him to me, and as we leaned over the rail, I said, "Mr. Bangs, I -believe you told me you sailed in the 'Bloodhound' once. I should like -to hear about your voyage." - -So he told the following yarn: - -"When I got home from Australia in the 'Grace Darling,' after I'd had -a lively time on the Cape, and my money began to get low, I went up -to Boston to the Sailors' Home and began to look for a ship. My chum -Bill Holmes and I made up our minds we would sail together again, and -as we cruised about the wharves, we came across the ship 'Bloodhound' -lying at India wharf. She was an extreme clipper, eighteen hundred -tons register, and the handsomest vessel I ever clapped eyes on. I -was told she was bound out to 'Frisco,' and that evening I asked the -Superintendent of the Home about her, for I felt rather shy of those -crack California clippers. I had been shipmates with a man who was with -Bully Woodman in the 'Sea Witch.' He had a fashion of shooting at the -men aloft with a revolver, or would let go the topsail halyards when -men were on the yard and shake them overboard. His owners paid him five -thousand dollars a year and fighting expenses, and sometimes these were -pretty heavy. They used to clear the ship out with another captain, and -put Woodman aboard at Sandy Hook, for it was hard to ship a crew to -sail with him. There were several men of that style in those clippers, -and I thought the Superintendent would know if the 'Bloodhound' was a -safe boat to go in. He said she belonged to Jones and Thompson one of -the most respectable firms in Boston. Deacon Jones was a member of Old -South church, a tip-top man. He often gave lectures to young men about -good principles and success in life, and it was certain he wouldn't -allow any 'bullyragging' in one of his ships, for he was a good friend -of sailors. - -"We went to the shipping-office next day and found the articles just -opened, and Bill and I were the first ones that signed. In a week we -went on board, and just as we hauled out from the wharf the mate came -over the rail with his duds. - -"'Halloa!' said one of the men; 'I'll be blowed if we haven't Johnny -Clarkson for mate, and he's the biggest rascal that ever walked a -ship's deck.' - -"It seemed that the reason why the mate didn't join the ship any -sooner, was, because he was such a notorious scoundrel that it would -be very hard to ship a crew if it was known that he was to go in her; -so the captain or owners kept him out of sight, until the last moment, -when all the crew were on board, and the steam-tug alongside, and then -he made his appearance. - -"The ship came to anchor in the stream as the wind was ahead, and when -we got below that night into the forecastle, there were great yarns -a-going about the mate. The Dutchmen got scared half out of their wits, -and made up their minds to be murdered before they were a month older. - -"There was a man named Jackson on board, who was boatswain of the -'Flying Cloud,' in Hong Kong, when Clarkson was there, mate of the -'Black Squall.' - -"He was the chap that first spotted him when he came on board, and he -told hard stories about his carryings on and the number of sailors he -had murdered. - -"The old man stayed ashore, and that night the mate and passenger got -to drinking in the cabin, and about ten o'clock the mate came forward, -'three sheets in the wind, and the fourth shaking.' He couldn't find -any one on the watch, and while he was prying about forward, he tumbled -over the chain-cable, and hurt himself some, I guess, by the noise he -made. Then he called all hands, and got the whole thirty of us out on -deck. He gave us a lecture in rather a different style from the owner's -speeches. He called us all 'the sons of sea-cooks,' that he could twist -round his tongue, and cursed us in a way that made our blood run cold; -about all we could make out was, that he was Johnny Clarkson, and was -going to jump down our throats, drive us around, play the mischief, -and kill Injuns generally. At last, he set the watch and sent us below -saying, 'Remember, I'm Johnny Clarkson.' - -"We thought we'd got enough of an introduction, and if we could have -helped ourselves we wouldn't have continued the acquaintance; but there -was no backing out then. - -"The next morning the captain and his wife came off in a steam-tug, and -we got underway and towed out past the light. - -"The 'old man' was a Dane, or some kind of a Dutchman, named Johnson; -that's all I know about him or his wife, except that the passenger told -me in 'Frisco,' that he wrote home to his friends, that the captain was -a demon and his wife was a she devil. - -"While we were making sail on the ship, the mate travelled about the -decks, raving like a madman. He thought one man didn't haul hard enough -on the main-topsail halyards, so he cursed him and called him a bad -name. The man gave him a 'black look' in return, and Clarkson knocked -him down senseless, with a big gash cut in his head, with an iron -belaying-pin. When the yard was mastheaded he sung out, 'haul that -thing out of the way and belay.' - -"All hands were kept up in the afternoon and, if there was any excuse -to be found for doing it, the watch below would often be called -out in the forenoon. Every order was accompanied by an oath, and -belaying-pins, and leading-blocks were hurled about the deck at any one -that didn't move on the 'clean jump.' Things went on this way for about -a fortnight, without anything very particular happening, except that -somebody got licked nearly every watch, and then we had a little the -biggest row that ever I saw aboard of a ship. - -"We were running down the north-east trades with all our port -stu'n'sails set, and at eleven o'clock one night in the second mate's -watch, a very heavy squall struck her. The mate jumped out on deck and -called all hands, without saying anything to the 'old man.' We didn't -get out of the forecastle quick enough for him, and he and the third -mate stood by the door on one side, and the second mate and boatswain -on the other side of the deck, and every man as he came out got struck. - -"Jackson said to me, 'Hold on, Bangs, don't you go out till I do.' - -"Just then the mate looked in and said, 'Bangs you hurry, get out on -deck!' - -"'He's coming out when I do,' said Jackson. - -"'Jackson,' said the mate, 'when you're ready come out on deck,' and -he went away. He never tried to impose on Jackson, and I thought I'd -keep close to him to secure my own safety. As the third mate struck one -of the sailors, the man drew his sheath-knife and cut him slightly. -Then there was a race. The man ran aft and the third mate after him. -Away they went around the poop and forward again, until the third mate -tumbled over a man that the second mate had knocked down, and so lost -the chase. - -"When Jackson and I got out there was a general fight going on; some -of the watch on deck had pitched in, and belaying-pins and handspikes -were flying round at a lively rate. The 'old man' got on deck in the -midst of all this, and I guess he thought the Old Nick was let loose, -or else his officers had gone crazy. The man at the wheel had run her -off before the wind to save the sails, but there hadn't been the first -thing done about taking in anything. - -"'Haul down that main-topmast studding-sail,' shouted the captain; for -the tack had parted and the sail was blowing all to pieces. - -"The fighting stopped now, I hardly know how. But several of the -sailors were 'ended over' on deck with broken heads, and some of us -were at the main-hatch keeping clear of the 'muss.' I believe the rest -gave it up and ran forward of the foremast. - -"The 'old man' kept singing out his orders, and at last the mate went -aft and had some words with him, while we went to work and saved the -pieces. The man at the wheel said the mate cursed the 'old man' all up -in a heap, and told him to go below and he'd look out for the ship, and -after a little jaw, the captain backed down and went into the cabin. We -blew away a lot of sails that night; one topmast and two top-gallant -stu'n'sails, a flying-jib, main-topmast staysail, fore royal, and broke -off the foretopmast stu'n'sail-boom, which tore an awful big hole in -the foresail. I guess if the owner knew how much that fight cost him he -would be still more of a sailors' friend. I never could quite account -for the officers not taking in sail sooner, unless it was they had been -drinking. - -"Besides having all hands, we used to be kept going all night long in -the watch on deck, and after we got round the Cape into the south-east -trades we had to work every minute, either doing necessary duty, -or else performing military drill with handspikes, or something of -that sort. Night times our principal work was polishing the iron -belaying-pins and eye-bolts, for when we went into 'Frisco' every piece -of iron-work about deck shone like silver. We all had our stations -rubbing the iron with our sheath-knives, and every half hour, when the -bell struck, we had to call out like sentinels. This is the way it -would go: First, the man on the forward house, who was polishing the -cook's stove-pipe, would sing out: 'Cook's stove-pipe, one bell and -all's well!' Then would come, 'Starboard main-topmast staysail sheet -iron belaying-pin, one bell and all's well;' 'starboard eye-bolts -main-rigging;' 'strap of main-topsail halyard block;' and so on. When -all the workmen had sung out, you'd hear, 'Starboard handspike gangway -sentinel, one bell and all's well;' and then the port side the same. -These were two men that had to walk with shouldered handspikes on -the bridges that went from the top of the after-house to the boat's -gallows. At the last the mate would hail the skysail-yard, and a voice -would come down, 'Man in the moon, one bell and all's well.' This would -be some unlucky chap who was lowest down in the mate's good graces, but -got kept highest up in the air. - -"That was the way every half hour at night when we were not pulling and -hauling. You wouldn't think men would stand such nonsense? I assure you -they did though, and they didn't dare to growl even in the forecastle, -for there was some one prowling about outside, pretty often, listening -to what was said; and if a man growled he was very apt to get licked -next watch. The second mate gave one man an awful thrashing, for no -other reason I believe than because he overheard him saying in his -watch below, 'This is a humbugging old workhouse.' - -"There were lots of other moves they put up with. There were five -or six men in our watch that didn't know much, and the mate took a -particular fancy to hazing them. One morning he came forward with some -canvas for fools' caps, and made these men sew them in their watch -below. Then he took some empty flour barrels, knocked the heads out, -and cut holes each side of the top. We all wondered what was to pay -now, and at night we found out. He called these men aft, made them -put on the fools' caps and dismount one of the guns that stood by the -after-hatch. Then each man got into a barrel and ran his arms through -the holes, so that he had a kind of wooden shirt on. The mate made -a rope fast to the gun-carriage, and taking his seat, he made the -men grab the rope and haul him fore and aft the deck. He sat on the -carriage, holding a long stick with a sail-needle in the end, with -which he pricked up all the men he could reach, wherever the barrels -didn't protect them, and he cursed the rest in a way that hurt most as -bad." - -"Mr. Bangs, didn't the captain have anything to say to all this?" I -asked. - -"Not that I know of. I believe it just suited him. He didn't do any -fighting himself, but he'd get on top of the house and everlastingly -curse us." - -"Did you ever get struck?" I asked. - -"No sir." - -"I suppose not," said I. "I never heard a man tell a yarn yet about a -wild ship, but he always went clear himself." - -"But it's a fact," said the second mate, "Bill Holmes and I were about -the only ones in the crew, except Jackson, that didn't get a rap on the -head before the ship got to 'Frisco.' I expect we got spared because we -were Yankee boys, but I came pretty near catching it once or twice. - -"Some of the men were shamefully beaten for no cause whatever, except -that they were good-natured Dutchmen. The mate used to fight with a -belaying-pin, or else use his fists, but the second and third mates -always carried brass knuckles in their pockets, and when they cut a -man's face open it sometimes made an ugly sore. But the fighting didn't -worry me as much as the blackguardism, for sometimes we'd go along a -few days without a blow being struck. There was no let up, though, to -bad words. Every order was followed up with oaths and vile language. -All the officers from mate to boatswain were tarred with the same -brush, and when all hands were on deck shortening sail, or tacking -ship, I don't believe hell could have furnished worse talk. I often -wondered what Mr. Jones would have thought if he could have dropped -down aboard, and Bill Holmes used to say that he thought Mr. Jones -would have done service to the cause of humanity if he'd taken a little -pains to pick out a decent captain and mate to oversee his sailors in -the 'Bloodhound,' in addition to his speech-making. - -"We had a quick passage of one hundred and five days, but we didn't -get to Frisco any too soon to suit us, and we all cleared out bag and -baggage as soon as the ship got to the wharf. - -"The ship anchored in the stream first; the mate got a boatman to take -him across the Bay, and he hid up country somewhere for awhile, to keep -clear of the police. Then he got aboard of a ship, just as she was -going out of the harbor, and went second mate of her over to China. - -"When we hauled into the wharf on a Sunday afternoon, there were about -a thousand people down to see 'the blood boat' as they called her, for -the boarding-house runners had reported her character. The men got out -warrants against the officers, but none of them were arrested, for they -kept out of sight for awhile and the sailors all had a good drunk, and -what didn't go up to the mines were all shipped off again in less than -ten days, and the affair blew over. - -"The next I heard of Clarkson he was mate of the ship 'Fantail' with -Capt. Harry Saunders, and went from Boston to Frisco in her. One day -he punished the 'galoots' by making them jump overboard in a calm, and -straddle a long plank made fast at one end by a rope from the ship. -He had made them some paddles and they had to work them as though -they were towing the ship ahead. Another time he lashed six of them, -head and heels together, laid them along the deck in a line, lashed -the heels of the last one to a ringbolt and putting a rope around the -shoulders of the first one he took it to the capstan and made some of -the sailors heave taut till the poor fellows on the stretch cried out -blue murder. - -"Clarkson could always get more wages from the religious shipowners of -Boston than any mate sailing out of the port; he was considered such a -smart officer. - -"They complain that there are no American seamen to man our ships, -and if the truth were known it would be found that the decent lads -are driven out of the service, in disgust, by the brutality of the -officers, or if they get through the forecastle they find it useless -to become officers unless they are qualified to be prize-fighters. The -boys on Cape Cod are going into stores in the cities, or on to farms -out West, instead of going to sea as they used to do. - -"I've often wished I could have a word with Mr. Jones about that -voyage. I don't profess to love sailors much and I think sometimes that -the better you treat them the worse they are. But if a man really wants -to do them good, I should think he would do it at sea as well as on -shore." - -"Rather," I said, "he should do more at sea than on shore. A sailor -spends three-fourths of his life on board ship and, if one wishes to -subject him to good influences, it would seem reasonable to bring -them to bear upon him where he passes most of his time. But Mr. Jones' -style seemed to be to build bethels and homes for him to benefit by in -the two weeks he is on shore, and then leave him for months in entire -neglect to hear only curses and blackguardism, and suffer tyranny. - -"Besides, a sailor is more open to good impressions at sea than he is -ashore. There, his mind is full of novelties and pleasures and has -little room for good counsels, but on board ship in a long dreary -voyage, he reflects upon his past life, sees his follies and is -disposed to make resolutions of reform." - -"Well," said I, "that yarn seems to have raised the wind; there appears -to be a light air on the port-quarter. You may square in the yards." - -The second mate assured me so positively that his story was true, that -I wrote it out while fresh in my memory, word for word as he told it. - -The last day of the "doldrums" brought about an event which had a great -effect in reviving our spirits. In the morning we made a ship ahead, -bound the same way, and at noon we caught up with her and spoke her. -It was the "Renown," from Calcutta bound to New York, ninety days -out. After dinner we spied a sail on our starboard bow bound to the -southward. She slowly drew down towards us and at two o'clock we saw a -boat put off from the "Renown" to board her. It was now nearly calm -and I thought I would imitate the example. So our quarter-boat was -lowered, and the mate and four men pulled away towards the stranger. -They reached her in about an hour and at four o'clock were again on -board, with a large roll of Boston newspapers, and what was still -better in the sailors estimation, a few pounds of tobacco. The mate -reported her to be the bark "Nonantum," from Boston, bound to Buenos -Ayres, twenty-six days out. He said the captain was in a dreadful stew -about falling to leeward of Cape St. Roque. He had only had E.S.E. -winds in place of north-east trades and had been unable to gain any -longitude. Now he expected nothing less than a fortnight's dead beat. -This had not put him in very good humor, and our men were told by his -sailors that one of the crew had just upset a tar-bucket on deck, and -the "old man" had been making the mate clean it up himself. The mate -said the captain had his wife aboard and that she was cross-eyed and -"as homely as a hedge-fence," but for all that he enjoyed making his -best bow to her, and asking her how she liked going to sea, which he -said was the only polite speech he could think of. - -"What a little world a ship is," I thought. "There they are in that -bark shut up by themselves and engrossed with their own concerns as -though there were nothing and nobody else in existence. They have their -trials and growls and disagreements, just as we do and as the "Renown" -does, but each of us as isolated as is one star from another. Well, -poor fellow, I hope he'll fetch by St. Roque!" - -There were fifteen newspapers in the bundle, and for the next week we -all took something of a vacation from our little world and enjoyed -a view of the larger one. A multitude of topics were discussed both -aft and forward, and had a good effect in stimulating our minds, and -diverting our thoughts from their well-worn channels, in which they -were moving with but a sluggish drift. - -The same evening that we boarded the bark, the north-east trades -came in a squall, and started us again on our homeward course. They -brought with them also a more bracing air, which had a great effect -in restoring the elasticity of our spirits. On we sped, averaging two -hundred miles a day until we reached lat. 26° N. in lon. 65° W., where -the trades left us and the variable winds of the "horse latitudes" set -in. - -The bark was now in fine order. She had been tarred down, painted -inside and out, and her masts and yards were all scraped bright and -had received good coats of oil and varnish. The yards we had scraped -in Padang when the sails were unbent, but the masts were done on the -passage. We all declared she looked as fine as a new fiddle. But there -was still plenty of work to be done in the way of small jobs, and -in keeping in order what was finished, though the main work being -completed we all felt easier in mind and more pleased to see her move -rapidly towards port. The sailors were very lively and every occasion -was seized for a song at their work. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -SAILORS' SONGS. - - "Odd's life! must one swear to the truth of a song."--_Matthew Pryor._ - - -The songs of the sea offer a field for research, and one who could -trace the origin and use of some of them would doubtless discover -interesting, romantic histories. No information can be obtained from -sailors themselves on this point. No one knows who their favorite -"Reuben Ranzo" was, or whether "Johnny Boker" ever did what he is -so often requested to "do," nor can any one say more concerning the -virtues and vices of "Sally Brown" than is declared in song. - -Sailors' songs may be divided into two classes. First, are the -sentimental songs sung in the forecastle, or on the deck in the -leisure hours of the dog-watch, when the crew assemble around the -fore-hatch to indulge in yarns and music. Dibdin's songs, which the -orthodox sailor of the last half century was supposed to adhere to as -closely as the Scotch Presbyterian to his Psalter, are falling into -disuse, and the negro melodies and the popular shore songs of the day -are now most frequently heard. The second class of songs is used at -work, and they form so interesting a feature of life at sea, that a -sketch of that life would be incomplete without some allusion to them. -These working songs may be divided into three sets: - -First, those used where a few strong pulls are needed, as in boarding -a tack, hauling aft a sheet, or tautening a weather-brace. "Haul the -Bowline," is a favorite for this purpose. The shantyman, as the solo -singer is called, standing up "beforehand," as high above the rest of -the crew as he can reach, sings with as many quirks, variations and -quavers as his ingenuity and ability can attempt, "Haul the bow-line, -Kitty is my darling;" then all hands join in the chorus, "Haul the -bow-line, the bow-line _haul_," shouting the last word with great -energy and suiting action to it by a combined pull, which must once -be witnessed by one who desires an exemplification of "a long pull, -a strong pull, and a pull altogether." This seldom fails to make the -ropes "come home." - - -HAUL THE BOW-LINE. - -[Illustration: - - Haul the bow-line, Kit-ty is my dar-ling; - _Chorus._ Haul the bow-line, the bow-line _haul_. -][Music] - -Then the song is repeated with a slight change in words, "Haul the -bow-line, the clipper ship's a rolling," &c., and next time perhaps, -"Haul the bow-line, our bully mate is growling." - -Great latitude is allowed in the words and the shantyman exercises his -own discretion. If he be a man of little comprehension or versatility, -he will say the same words over and over, but if he possesses some -wit, he will insert a phrase alluding to some peculiarity of the ship, -or event of the time, which will cause mouths to open wider and eyes -to roll gleefully, while a lively pull follows that rouses the sheet -home and elicits the mate's order "Belay!" A good shantyman is highly -prized, both by officers and crew. His leadership saves many a dry -pull, and his vocal effort is believed to secure so much physical -force, that he is sometimes allowed to spare his own exertions and -reserve all his energies for the inspiriting shanty. - -Another common song is:-- - - -HAUL AWAY, JOE. - -[Illustration: - - Way, haul away; O, haul away, my Ro-sey. - _Chorus._ Way, haul a-way; O, haul a-way, _Joe_. -][Music] - -And another:-- - - -JOHNNY BOKER. - -[Illustration: - - Oh do, my Johnny Boker, - Come rock and roll me o-ver, - _Chorus._ Do, my Johnny Bo-ker, _do_. -][Music] - -In both of these, the emphasis and the pull come at the last word of -the chorus: "Joe" and "do," as they end the strain, put a severe strain -on the rope. - -In the second set of working songs, I would place those that are used -in long hoists, or where so large a number of pulls is required that -more frequent exertion must be used, than is called for by the first -set, lest too much time be occupied. The topsail halyards call most -frequently for these songs. One of the most universal, and to my ear -the most musical of the songs, is "Reuben Ranzo." A good shantyman, who -with fitting pathos recounts the sorrows of "poor Reuben" never fails -to send the topsail to the mast-head at quick notice, nor to create a -passing interest in the listener to the touching melody:-- - - -REUBEN RANZO. - -[Illustration: - - Oh, poor Reuben Ranzo, - _Chorus._ _Ranzo_, boys, _Ranzo_! - Oh, poor Reuben Ran-zo, - _Ranzo_, boys, _Ranzo_! - - Oh, Reuben was no sailor, - Chorus, and repeat with chorus. - He shipped on board of a whaler, - Chorus, &c. - He could not do his duty, - Chorus, &c. - The captain was a bad man, - Chorus, &c. - He put him in the rigging, - Chorus, &c. - He gave him six and thirty, - Chorus, &c. - Oh, poor Reuben Ranzo. - Chorus, &c. -][Music] - -In this song the pulls are given at the first word "Ranzo" in the -chorus, sometimes at its next occurrence in addition. - -Of all the heroines of deck song Sally Brown's name is most frequently -uttered, and a lively pull always attends it. She figures in several of -these songs; one has as its chorus "Shantyman and Sally Brown." But it -is used more frequently, I think, in connection with the song:-- - - -BLOW, MY BULLY BOYS, BLOW. - -[Illustration: - - Oh, Sal-ly Brown's a bright mu-lat-to; - _Chorus._ _Blow_, boys, _blow_! - Oh, she drinks rum and chews to-bac-co, - _Chorus._ _Blow_, my bully boys, _blow_! - - Oh, Sally Brown's a Creole lady, - Chorus, and repeat with chorus. - Oh, Sally Brown, I long to see you, - Chorus, &c. - Oh, Sally Brown, I'll ne'er deceive you. - Chorus, &c. -][Music] - -It will be noticed that neither rhyme nor sentiment has much place in -these songs. Each line is usually repeated twice, even if there be a -rhyme impending, for the shantyman's stock must be carefully husbanded. - -A favorite and frequently used song, in which Bonaparte's fortunes are -portrayed in a manner startling to the historian, as well as to those -who may have the fortune to hear it sung at any time, is:-- - - -JOHN FRANCOIS.[2] - -[Illustration: - - Oh, Bo-ney was a war-rior, _A-way_, hey way! - Oh, Bo-ney was a war-rior, _John Fran-cois_. - - Oh, Boney went to Roo-shy, - Chorus. - Oh, Boney went to Proo-shy, - Chorus. - He crossed the Rocky Mountains, - Chorus. - He made a mistake at Waterloo, - Chorus. - He died at Saint Helena. - Chorus. -][Music] - -Where Tommy actually proceeded to when he went "a high low" nobody -knows, but the fact is related with continual gusto nevertheless:-- - - -TOMMY'S GONE, A HIGH LOW. - -[Illustration: - - My Tom-my's gone and I'll go, too; - _Chorus._ Hur-rah, you high low. - For with-out Tom-my I can't do. - _Chorus._ My _Tommy's_ gone a _high low_. - - My Tommy's gone on the Eastern Shore, - Chorus. - My Tommy's gone to Baltimore, - Chorus. -][Music] - -A person who knows a little of geography can send Tommy around the -world according to his own discretion. - -One of the best illustrations of the absolute nothingness that -characterizes the words of these songs, is given by the utterances -attending the melody called "Shanadore," which probably means -Shenandoah, a river in Virginia. I often have heard such confusing -statements as the following:-- - - -SHANADORE. - -[Illustration: - - Sha-na-dore's a roll-ing riv-er, - _Chorus._ _Hur-rah_, you roll-ing riv-er. - Oh, Sha-na-dore's a roll-ing riv-er, - _Chorus._ _Ah hah_, I'm bound a-way o'er the wild Mis-sou-ri. - - Shanadore's a packet sailor, - Chorus. - Shanadore's a bright mulatto, - Chorus. - Shanadore I long to hear you. - Chorus. -][Music] - -and so the song goes on, according to the ingenuity of the impromptu -composer. - -Sailors are not total abstainers as a rule, and one would suspect that -a song like "Whiskey Johnny" might find frequent utterance:-- - - -WHISKEY JOHNNY. - -[Illustration: - - Whis-key is the life of man, - _Chorus._ _Whis-key_ John-ny. - We'll drink our whis-key when we can, - _Chorus._ _Whis-key_ for my John-ny. - - I drink whiskey, and my wife drinks gin, - Chorus. - And the way she drinks it is a sin. - Chorus. - I and my wife cannot agree, - Chorus. - For she drinks whiskey in her tea. - Chorus. - I had a girl, her name was Lize, - Chorus. - And she put whiskey in her pies. - Chorus. - Whiskey's gone and I'll go too, - Chorus. - For without whiskey I can't do. - Chorus. -][Music] - -Another popular song is:-- - - -KNOCK A MAN DOWN. - - I wish I was in Mo-bile Bay. - _Chorus._ _Way_, hey, knock a man down. - A-roll-ing cot-ton night and day. - _Chorus._ _This_ is the time to knock a man down. - -The words already quoted will enable a person to sing this and nearly -all the songs of this set. He can wish he was in every known port -in the world, to whose name he can find a rhyme. If New Orleans was -selected, he would add, "Where Jackson gave the British beans." At -"Boston city," his desire would be, "a-walking with my lovely Kitty." -At "New York town," he would be, "a-walking Broadway up and down," -or at Liverpool he would finish his education, "a-going to a Yankee -school." - -The third set of working songs comprises those used at the pumps, -capstan and windlass, where continuous force is applied, instead of -the pulls at intervals, as when hauling on ropes. Many of the second -set of songs are used on such occasions, but there are a few peculiar -to this use and of such are the following: - - -RIO GRANDE. - -[Illustration: - - I'm bound a-way this ve-ry day. - _Chorus._ Oh, you Ri-o! - I'm bound a-way this ve-ry day, I'm bound for the Ri-o Grande. - _Chorus._ And a-way you Ri-o! - Oh, you Ri-o, I'm bound a-way this ve-ry day, - I'm bound for the Ri-o Grande. -][Music] - - -PADDY, COME WORK ON THE RAILWAY - -[Illustration: - - In eigh-teen hun-dred and six-ty three, - I came across the stormy sea. - My dung'ree breech-es I put on - _Chorus._ To work up-on the rail-way, the rail-way, - To work up-on the rail-way. - Oh, poor Pad-dy, come work on the rail-way. -][Music] - -Many other songs might be named, some of which, peculiar to the -Liverpool packets, are of a rowdy nature. - -One cannot but regret that a more rational set of words has not -been introduced to this service of song. A sphere offers for some -philanthropic poet to provide a more elevating style of composition. -On the old theory, the ballad-maker may accomplish more reform than the -law-giver. - -In addition to these songs are the unnameable and unearthly howls and -yells that characterize the true sailor, which are only acquired by -years of sea service. There is the continuous running solo of "way-hey -he, ho, ya," &c., &c., accompanying the hand-over-hand hoisting of jibs -and staysails. Then for short "swigs" at the halyards, we have such -utterances as "hey _lee_, ho _lip_, or _yu_," the emphasis and pull -coming on the italicized syllables on which the voice is raised a tone. -Then comes the more measured "singing out," for the long and regular -pulls at the "braces." Each sailor has his own "howl" peculiar to -himself, but fortunately only one performs at a time on the same rope. -The effect, however, when all hands are on deck at a time, and a dozen -ropes are pulled on at once, is most suggestive of Babel. One learns -to recognize the sailors' method of singing: when lying in his berth -in the cabin he can tell what man is leading and by the measure of his -cadence can judge what class of ropes is being pulled. He thus can -often divine the changes of wind and weather without going on deck. The -wakeful captain with nerves harassed by contrary winds will recognize -the hauling in of the weather braces by the cry, and with only this -evidence of a fair wind will drop off into the slumber he so greatly -needs. At other times he will be impelled to go on deck by the evidence -that the outcries betoken the hauling of clew-lines and bunt-lines at -the approach of a threatening squall. By attention to these and other -sounds, and the motions of the vessel, an experienced mariner knows the -condition of affairs above deck without personal inspection. - -The songs of the sea, as I have said, invite attention and research, -and I shall be glad if this brief sketch may incite another to more -thorough investigation. - -How do you get along with your sailors? is a question often asked, to -which I will now endeavor to give a practical answer. The first captain -that I went to sea with remarked to a gentleman in my hearing: "If it -were not for sailors it would be only a pleasure to go to sea." Many -a time have I heard this echoed since and perhaps have repeated it -myself. No one has ever suggested how to do without sailors, so the -most rational question is, How shall we manage them? The only approach -to a quarrel on this passage was with "Little Hans," a diminutive -Swede, who was very great in temper and irritability. He was ordered -to do some work, but pleaded illness in excuse. Some passionate words -ensued, as the mate doubted his sincerity, but in the end Little Hans -made most ample apologies and confessed with tears what a bad temper he -had. - -There must be these frictions on shipboard. They occur in every vessel. -They cannot be prevented entirely, and the only question is how to -deal with them. Shall authority be maintained on the instant by the -assertion of brute force, or shall the man by patient, judicious, but -firm treatment be in time subdued. The latter is the course I advocate. -It involves momentary mortification and great self-control, but gives -more abiding peace and great self-satisfaction. - - Who overcomes by force - Hath but half o'ercome his foe. - -An officer once said to me, "There are only two ways to treat sailors; -you must either bully them or coax them." Accepting this definition of -my theorizings I would say: - -"By all means, coax them!" - -But our success in controlling the men was not due alone to the method -of discipline adopted. In many ways they were made to feel that a -friendly spirit existed towards them, and that a desire to benefit them -ran through all the rules and customs of the ship. Some of the methods -I have tried successfully are the following: Saturday afternoons -were given up to the crew as a time for mending clothes and cleaning -themselves, and on Sunday morning when called aft to attend religious -services they had no excuse for not putting in a neat appearance. The -effect of this was often noticeable in creating more cleanly habits, -and I have repeatedly been complimented upon the unusually good looks -of my sailors when on shore or attending services. Wednesday evenings -a Bible Class was held, at which the men were encouraged to read aloud -the passages in the Bible which they were directed to search out, -illustrating the topic in hand. The valuable libraries furnished by -the Seamen's Friend Society, with other reading matter, were placed -at the disposal of the crew. Frequently on Saturday evenings lectures -were given upon matters of interest to the sailor, as, The Winds, The -Currents, The Stars, The Sea Serpent, &c. In the afternoons, when -weather permitted, the young men of the crew in their watch below -attended a navigation class, and took the first lessons in a science -which many of them will practice when commanding vessels in time to -come. I never found that such familiarity bred contempt, for all this -intercourse was dignified. On the contrary it rather heightened their -respect for the captain, as was evidenced by the remark of one after a -lecture, "I tell you when a man sees what a head our old man's got, it -makes him feel what a little pimple he's got on his own shoulders." - -I have narrated methods of control which I have used with tolerable -success, but I am well aware that government cannot be reduced to an -exact science. With the help of the best systems some will fail to -control those under them, and others from the simple character and -energy of their natures, without extraneous aid, will command the -respect and obedience of those subject to them. - -While human nature is what it is there will exist a conflict between -service and power. As the mind and heart are elevated and renewed these -conflicts will decrease, but it is only to a higher and purer sphere, -where sin will not exist and where all is perfect as God is perfect, -that we can look for continued and entire harmony. - -Lest my reader should be tempted to yawn at this rather prosy effusion, -I append our artist's sketch of the result of such an indulgence on -shipboard. - -When near the latitude of Bermuda, one afternoon when it was nearly -calm, we spied a schooner ahead drifting toward us. Visions of Nova -Scotia potatoes excited our enthusiasm; the boat was got ready and when -the vessels were near each other, the mate, passenger and two sailors -went off to board her in search of news and supplies. The passenger -had on a new cap of white duck made in naval style, and his imposing -appearance perhaps accounted for the trepidation of the captain of -the schooner, who stood on deck in his stockings trembling, as though -he might be fearing the attack of a pirate. When the mate politely -presented my compliments and asked for a few potatoes, his assurance -returned and he was enthusiastic in his desires to serve us. - -[Illustration: The effects of a yawn.] - -The schooner was the "Jane" of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, ten days out for -Barbadoes. The supplies obtained were salt-fish and a few potatoes. -But the captain, in the kindness of his heart, sent me a jar of -preserved wild strawberries gathered and prepared by his wife, which he -repeatedly assured the mate were "real nice," and, as though he might -not be believed, he turned to the man at the wheel and said, "Ai'n't -they, John." They certainly proved deserving of his encomium. We got -a little country newspaper, that gave a few items of news, and a "New -York Ledger," which proved to be a year old. - -She reported a heavy gale two days before, when we had been in calm -weather. - -Discussions of this event, the news obtained, and a salt-fish dinner -enlivened a few days. - -The last Saturday afternoon of the passage, the decks were washed down -early and at four o'clock all hands were called aft. The captain took -his stand at the capstan and the crew sitting on boards laid upon -deck-buckets, listened attentively to a temperance lecture, and some -warnings and instructions about the dangers of life on shore soon to be -encountered. Several signed the pledge afterwards, "Old Brown" among -them. - -The first sign of our approach to land was the meeting with some -fifty schooners mackerel fishing, south of Nantucket Shoals. As we -came among them one put his helm up, and running down on us till his -bowsprit seemed nearly to touch us, he sheered alongside and shouted, -"Cap'n, do you want some fish?" - -"Aye! aye!" I replied. - -Then the air was filled with mackerel aimed at my head by a half-dozen -men, and some of them came near the mark. Three schooners in succession -paid us this compliment, and all hands had a good supper and breakfast -of mackerel in consequence. - -We generally expect a gale when coming on the coast and always promote -our fears by recalling the old rhyme: - - "If the Bermudas let you pass, - Oh then beware of Hatteras; - If safely you get by Cape May - You'll catch it sure in Boston Bay." - -This time our fears were not realized. - -We bent the chains and put the anchors in the shoes, and on a Friday -evening were almost within range of the Highland Light when a dense -fog set in and deferred our hope of seeing it. The wind was moderate -from the southward and we rounded to every two hours for soundings, -and then kept on the course. A man was stationed on the top-gallant -forecastle with a fog horn, which he sounded vigorously, and now and -then received similar responses from neighboring vessels. The blast of -one horn continued to draw nearer until it seemed close by us, then we -heard a dog barking and a hoarse voice sounded through the fog, "How -are you steering?" - -"No'th by west," said I. - -"I'm heading east south east," said the stranger. - -Then close alongside of us we saw a schooner. - -"How does Cape Cod bear?" I asked. - -"Nor' nor' west thirty miles," replied the skipper, as his craft -vanished in the fog. - -"Just agrees with the chronometer," said I to myself. "That's doing -well." - -"Pretty soon came another approaching blast of the horn, and in time -came the same question, "How are you steering?" and a voice shouted, -"Keep her to the no'th'ard and east'ard; I'm just going in stays." - -"Hard a-port," I shouted to the man at the wheel, and just as the -ship's head began to answer to the helm, a cry sounded from right under -our bow, "Hard a-starboard, or you'll run into me." I sprang to the -wheel and lent the man a hand to shift the helm over, and then we saw a -large three-masted schooner with her jib-boom almost grazing our fore -channels. - -"All right, Cap'n, you'll go clear; I've got my jibs aback," shouted a -cheery voice, and then he, too, drifted away into the darkness. - -In the morning the fog lifted and the wind came out dead ahead. Two -pilot boats came running down from the Cape Ann shore, and the leading -one, being intent on securing both our vessel and a ship to leeward, -dropped a pilot in a "canoe" while sailing ten knots an hour, and sped -on to the other ship, thus successfully cutting out her rival. The -pilot pulled alongside of us, and we took both himself and his boat -on board. Many eager questions were asked, one of the first being, -if the "F----" had arrived? We were told she had not, and we had the -satisfaction of beating her eight days on the passage. All day we were -beating up the Bay, and at 10 P.M. took a tow boat off Boston Light -which soon brought us alongside Central Wharf, where we made fast early -on a Sunday morning after ninety-three days passage from Padang. In the -morning I stepped on to the wharf to take a survey from a new point of -view of what had been my home for so many months. As I was standing -near the stern I noticed some sailors belonging to the Revenue Cutter, -sitting down with their backs toward me and their legs hanging over the -edge of the wharf. They were discussing the looks of the vessel, and I -heard one of them say, "I wouldn't want to go to sea in that bark. She -must be a regular workhouse. Everything aboard of her is scraped bright -from her trucks to her fenders. Just see how that royal-yard shines!" - -I walked up to them and said: "Boys, does she look well?" - -"Yes," answered the one that had just spoken; "a neater looking vessel -than that never came into this harbor." - -"Well," said I, "her crew haven't lost a watch below the whole voyage." - -"Oh! that's a different thing then," said he; "if a man has watch and -watch he's got no right to complain. Of course he expects to work in -his watch on deck." - -The next day the crew were paid off, all being sober except Murphy. I -handed him his money and said, "Take good care of that and don't throw -it away." Murphy was already well past a condition to take care of -anything. He had indulged in one good spree the night before, and was -now what would be called "ugly drunk." His thick black hair was tossed -about in confusion over his head, and his dark eyes fairly snapped -with passion. Holding his money in his clenched fist he brandished it -aloft and said, "Cap'n, all that's going for rum," and off he went -with a waiting land-shark, who no doubt sent him to sea within a week, -penniless and ragged. But everybody else was sober, and on the whole -the crew made a very creditable appearance, so much so that it excited -remarks from many who saw them. - -As I went on shore I met the shipping master, old Capt. Harding. "Your -crew make a good show for themselves to-day," said he. "I never saw -a more orderly set, or heard any crack their ship up quite so much. -There was one man standing by me while I was talking to a gentleman, -and hearing me say something about the bark he put in his handspike and -said he, 'That's the best ship that sails out of this port. The captain -of her is a gentleman and a sailor and a Christian. We obeyed him just -out of the respect we had for him. There's nothing of the humbug about -_him_. He doesn't go round the decks trying to scare up work just to -haze men. The officers were good men, too. They've kept us at work -pretty sharp, but we had watch and watch the whole time, south-east -trades and all. She's in fine order and we did all the work up except -to scrape the belaying pins. We had to let those go. I'm sorry we -didn't have time to scrape _them_.'" - -"After he went away the gentleman said, 'That sounds well, doesn't it? -That's better than broken heads and curses and lawsuits.' I told him I -thought I knew all the ins and outs of a sailor, but it was something -new to me to hear one regret he 'didn't have time to scrape the -belaying-pins.'" - -The crew all went to the Sailors' Home, except Murphy, and behaved -well. Old Brown was a well-known character in Boston, and I was told -this was the first time he had ever kept sober in port. His friends -were quite astonished at such good conduct. He went to San Francisco on -his next voyage, and I heard afterwards that the mate of the ship had -selected him as a good man to "bully," he being quiet and inoffensive. -He beat him and drove him about the decks in a way that completely -disheartened him, and on reaching port he took to drinking again and -was "beastly drunk" all the time he was on shore. - -In a few weeks the crew all scattered on different voyages, excepting -four who waited to sail again with me in another ship. I remember -them with affectionate interest and am sure they hold fast a pleasant -recollection of the days - - ON BOARD THE _ROCKET_. - -FOOTNOTES: - -[Footnote 2: Pronounced Frans-war.] - -THE END. - - - - -Judge Burnham's Daughters. By "Pansy" (Mrs. G.B. Alden.) Boston: D. -Lothrop Co. Price $1.50. The multitude of readers of Mrs. Alden's -stories will remember _Ruth Erskine's Crosses_, and will be glad to -meet its principal character once more in her new character of wife and -mother, ripened by experience and strengthened by trial. Her marriage -will be remembered, and the radiant prospects of the future which -attended it. Her husband was kindness itself, but he cared little for -religious matters, and could not sympathize with what seemed to him -the very ridiculous and puritanical ideas of his wife regarding many -things. Still he always gave way to her. The great trouble of her new -life, however, was the disposition evinced by her two step-daughters -to resist her authority and cause her pain by their recklessness and -disobedience. Her husband, Judge Burnham, was wealthy, and occupied -a high social position. He was exceedingly proud of his family and -sensitive as to his reputation. He was strongly opposed to Ruth's being -actively connected with religious or temperance movements, and this -fact sometimes brought them dangerously near serious misunderstanding. -The pressure was constant, and made many unhappy hours for her, -especially when questions of right and propriety arose between her and -her step-daughters and an appeal was made to the father. Suddenly a -blow fell upon the house. The younger daughter fled from home to marry -a gambler and forger, and was disowned by her father and forbidden the -house. A few months later the other daughter fell a victim to quick -consumption, but in her later days turned to the mother whom she had -disliked and disobeyed, and finally died in her arms. The story with -its later incidents is a sad one, but its darkness is lighted by the -surprise which awaits the reader at the close. It is written in Mrs. -Alden's usual fascinating style, and like all her books, is transfixed -with a purpose. - - -The Secrets at Roseladies. By Mary Hartwell Catherwood. Boston: D. -Lothrop Company. Price $1.00. This charming story of the life on the -Wabash, which originally appeared as a serial in Wide Awake, will be -read by boys and girls with equal pleasure, for the action of the story -is pretty well divided between the two. The boys will be immensely -entertained with the adventures of the four young treasure-seekers, -particularly with that which ends in their capture by the crazy -half-breed Shawnee, who proposes to cut off their thumbs to bury in the -excavation they have made in the burial mound. The girls' secret, which -is of a very different character, is just as amusing in its way. Mrs. -Catherwood has a wonderful fund of humor, and a talent for description -which many a better-known author might envy. The character of old Mr. -Roseladies is capitally drawn, and the account of his journey to the -depot after Aunt Jane's trunk is really mirth-provoking. Cousin Sarah -and "Sister" and little Nonie are all charming, and the reader will -close the book with regret that there is not more of it. - - -Brownies and Bogles. By Louise Imogen Guiney. Ill. Boston: D. Lothrop -Co. Price $1.00. This little volume might be fitly styled a fairy -handbook, as in it the author describes every kind of the "little -people" that is found in traditions or literature in all the countries -of the world. There are the brownies and waterkelpies of Scotland, the -troll and necken of Sweden, the German kobalds, the English fairies, -pixies and elves, the Norwegian and Danish dwarfs and bjergfalls, the -Irish leprechauns, and a score of others, some of whom are mischievous, -some malicious, some house-helpers, and some who are always waiting to -do a good turn to those they like. The author mingles her descriptions -with anecdotes illustrative of the different qualities and dispositions -of the various fairy folk described. - - -Story of the American Sailor. By E.S. Brooks. Ill. Boston: D. Lothrop -Co. Price $2.50. Although several volumes have been written descriptive -of the rise and development of the American navy, this is the first -and only work of which we have knowledge that takes wide ground, and -deals with the American sailor. In its preparation Mr. Brooks has not -been actuated by a desire to merely make a readable book for boys; he -has given it the attention which the subject demands as a part of the -history of the country. - -It would be a difficult matter to get at the first American sailor, or -to even guess when he existed, but that our continent was once well -populated, and that its prehistoric inhabitants sailed the lakes and -seas as well as trod the land, is a matter of certainty. Later, when -America became known to Europeans, the new comers found Indians well -provided with excellent canoes, built of bark or fashioned from logs, -but they were "near shore" sailors. The author quotes one instance -where a deep sea voyage was undertaken by them in the early days of -the English settlers. Certain Carolina Indians, he says, wearied of -the white man's sinful ways in trade, thought themselves able to -deal direct with the consumers across the "Big Sea Water." So they -built several large canoes and loading these with furs and tobacco -paddled straight out to sea bound for England. But their ignorance of -navigation speedily got the best of their valor. They were never heard -of more. - -The early white navigators of our waters can hardly be considered -American sailors. The new found continent was to them of value only for -what could be brought away from them in treasure or in merchantable -produce, and it was only when an actual and permanent colonization -began that a race of native-born sailors was developed on the Atlantic -coasts. - - -OLD CONCORD: HER HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS. Ill. By Margaret Sidney. Boston: -D. Lothrop Co. Price $3.00. Of all the books of the year there is not -one which carries within it such an aroma of peculiar delight as this -series of sketches and descriptions of the highways and byways of that -most picturesque of towns, Old Concord. Concord is like no other place -in New England. There may be other places as beautiful in their way; -there are others, perhaps, of more importance in the Commonwealth, and -we know there are hundreds of places where there is more active life to -the square foot, but with all these admissions Concord still remains a -place of special charm, the result and consequence of more causes than -we care to analyze. Its picturesqueness and a certain quaintness of -the village has always been noticed by visitors, no matter from what -part of the globe they may have come. Added to this is the flavor of -Revolutionary history, and the atmosphere created by the daily lives -and presence for years of three or four of the giants in American -literature. Here lived Hawthorne, and Emerson, and Thoreau, and the -Alcotts, father and daughter, and the work that they did here has made -it a literary Mecca for all time. - -These sketches have all the accuracy of photographs, together with -that charm of color and life which a photograph never possesses. The -author is a resident of Concord, and a dweller in one of its historic -mansions, and is thoroughly acquainted with every nook and corner of -the town as well as with every legend which belongs to them. The task -which she assumes of guiding readers to the places made famous by pen -and sword, is a labor of love. She tells us how the pilgrimage should -be undertaken, and what should be seen. We visit with her the ancient -landmarks which belong to past generations, and the more modern ones -which have even more interest to the multitude. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ON BOARD THE "ROCKET" *** - -***** This file should be named 64171-0.txt or 64171-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/1/7/64171/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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Adams—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} -.p6 {margin-top: 6em;} - - -.ph1, .ph2, .ph3, .ph4 { text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; /*font-weight: bold;*/ } -.ph1 { font-size: xx-large; margin: .67em auto; } -.ph2 { font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; } -.ph3 { font-size: large; margin: .83em auto; } -.ph4 { font-size: medium; margin: 1.12em auto; } -.ph5 { font-size: small; margin: 1.12em auto; text-align: center;} -.ph6 { font-size: x-small; margin: 1.12em auto; text-align: center; } - -.hang { - text-indent: -2em; - padding-left: 2em} - -p.drop:first-letter { - font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; - font-size: xx-large; - line-height: 70%} - -.uppercase { - font-size: small; - text-transform: uppercase} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -hr.full {width: 95%; margin-left: 2.5%; margin-right: 2.5%;} - -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 47.5%; margin-right: 47.5%;} -hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - - - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} -table.autotable { border-collapse: collapse; } -table.autotable td, -table.autotable th { padding: 4px; } - -.tdl {text-align: left;} -.tdr {text-align: right;} -.tdc {text-align: center;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; -} /* page numbers */ - - - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - - -.bb {border-bottom: 2px solid;} - -.bl {border-left: 2px solid;} - -.bt {border-top: 2px solid;} - -.br {border-right: 2px solid;} - -.bbox {border: 2px solid;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} - -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - - - - - -.caption {text-align: center;} - -/* Images */ - -img { - max-width: 100%; - height: auto; -} -img.w100 {width: 100%;} - - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - - - - - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnotes {border: 1px dashed;} - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - - -@media handheld, print { .poetry {display: block;} } - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - </style> - </head> -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of On Board the "Rocket", by Robert C. (Chamblet) Adams</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: On Board the "Rocket"</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Robert C. (Chamblet) Adams</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: December 29, 2020 [eBook #64171]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Richard Hulse, Graeme Mackreth and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ON BOARD THE "ROCKET" ***</div> - - - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus01.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">THE ROCKET.</p> - - - - - -<p class="ph1">ON BOARD THE "ROCKET."</p> - - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top: 5em;">BY</p> -<p class="ph3">ROBERT C. ADAMS.</p> - - -<p class="ph4" style="margin-top: 5em;">"——Ships are but boards, sailors but men: there be land-rats -and water-rats, water-thieves and land-thieves."<br /> -<br /> -—<i>Merchant of Venice.</i></p> - - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top: 5em;">BOSTON: -D. LOTHROP COMPANY, -<small>FRANKLIN ST., CORNER OF HAWLEY.</small></p> - - - - - - -<p class="ph6" style="margin-top: 5em;">COPYRIGHT BY<br /> -<span class="smcap">Robert C. Adams</span>,<br /> -1879.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>All the incidents of this book are facts, occurring in the writer's -own experience. In a few cases names have been altered, in accordance -with his desire, neither to give offence to the living, nor to cast -discredit upon the dead. He makes no apology for its imperfections; -for he issues it, not as a contribution to literature, but as a needed -exposure of abuses on shipboard, which are too common, but too little -known. He refers with diffidence to his own methods of discipline, -believing that in the principles which prompted them, lie the means of -promoting the interests and good repute of our Merchant Marine.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" >CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - - - - - - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">The <i>Rocket</i>—The Cargo—Shipping the Crew—The -Start—Rolling—Discomfort—Quiet—Gale—Storm -Music—Discipline—Northeast -Trades—Aye! Aye!—Doldrums—Sharks—A -Shark Story—South-east Trades.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">A Saucy Sailor—Sailors' Treatment—An Easy Ship—Three -Kinds of Discipline—A Good Run—Proving the Reckoning—Sea -birds.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">The Voyage of the "Dublin"—Capt. Streeter—A Darkey Crew—No -Profanity—The Mates—A Bully—A Tobacco Cargo—Owner's -Instructions—A Blower—No Sitting Down—Pomposity—Brass -Knuckles—Flogging—The Third Mate—Reefing -Topsails—Mr. Jones—A Smart Officer—The -Brick-wall Theory—Reflections—Good Advice—Land, ho!—Porpoises—Mother -Carey's Chickens—Captain and Mate—Land -In Sight—Overheard—Gibraltar—Information—Where -Christ was born—In the Mediterranean—Jake—Gulf -of Lyons—Genoa Bay—Quarantine—Discharging -Cargo.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">The Voyage of the "Dublin" concluded—<i>Genova La Superba</i>—Leave -of Absence—On Shore in Italy—Loading Marble—Mates' -Opinions about Driving Sailors Ashore—Women in -Ships—Anchor at Gibraltar—Through the Straits—Pumps -Choked—How to Clinch Buntlines—Cleaning the Spittoon—A -Sleepy Officer's Danger—Holystones—Beating a Boy—Officers' -Ambition—Eternal Vigilance—Old Jenkings—A -Breeze Aloft—The Pilot's Rebuff—Blood Tubs—Paying -Off—Promotion—The Mate and the Owner.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">John Shephard—My Model Sailor—Christmas—Ode to the -<i>Rocket</i>—Grub—Doubtful Islands—Becalmed off Java—Officers' -Yarns—Off Java Head—Narrow Escape—A Floating -Light.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">Life in the East Indies—Carimata Passage—Singapore—Three -Months' Extra Pay.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">Penang—Penang Hill—Nearly Wrecked—Deliverance—West -Coast of Sumatra—Padang—Padang Thieves—Padang -Church—Malay Ordination—Padang Drives—Natives—Captain -Blowhard—Insolence.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">Another Voyage in the "Dublin"—Second Mate—Mr. Howard's -Grievances—Mr. Howard Leaves—Leaking—The New -Mate—Second Mates' Duties—Ships' Work—Squalls—Old -Harry—At the Fore-truck—Amsterdam—Dutchmen—The -Captain's Relapse—Worrying the Second Mate—Dreams—A -Growl—A Cabin Conference—An Irish Sailor—Two -Finnish Sailors.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">Another Voyage in the "Dublin" concluded—A North Sea -Gale—The Lee Shore—In Distress—Good-bye to Old -Harry—Captain's Yarns—Bullies—Gothenburg—Another -Start—Decks Swept—Stopping the Leak—Hurrying the -Crew—A Hard Life—A Freezing Gale—A False Bearing—Weatherwise—Leaving -the "Dublin"—Mr. Wright's -Letter—Capt. Streeter's End.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">Land Again—The "Flying Dutchman"—A Cape of Good -Hope Gale—Gales—Rolling Down to St. Helena—Watch -and Watch—Tarring Down—Sailors' Growls—Sailors' -Opinions—Discontent in the Cabin—Ills of Sea Life.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">Sailors' Resources—The Tar Barrel—A Wild Ship—Boarding -a Vessel—Ready for Port.</p> - -<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></p> - -<p class="hang">Sailors' Songs—Bully or Coax—Treatment of Sailors—Schooner -"Jane"—A Mackerel Shower—Fog on the Coast—Taking -a Pilot—Arrived—Paying off—Scraping Belaying -Pins.</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-left: 5em;">"Once more upon the waters, yet once more!<br /> -And the waves bound beneath me, as a steed<br /> -That knows his rider."<br /> -<br /> -—<i>Byron's Childe Harold.</i> -<br /> -<br /> -<br /> - - -"Who would not sell a farm and go to sea?"—<i>Sailor Proverb.</i></p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[Pg 13]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" >ON BOARD THE "ROCKET."</h2> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</h2> -</div> - - -<p class="drop">I<span class="uppercase">n</span> Lloyds Register is recorded:—"<i>Rocket</i>, Bk. 384, 135, 25, 16.5, -1851, Medford, W.O., icf.," which being interpreted means, Bark -<i>Rocket</i>, 384 tons, 135 feet long, 25 feet beam, 16½ feet depth of -hold, built in 1851, at Medford, of white oak, with iron and copper -fastenings. To which may be added, that she was a well known trader -to the East Indies, being called in those ports "the green bark," on -account of being painted a dark green, or what the painters style tea -color. She was a good looking vessel, neatly finished about the decks, -and the masts and yards were all scraped bright. The chief peculiarity -was that she was narrow in proportion to her length, being compared by -an old sailor to "a plank set on edge." This caused her to be reputed, -and not undeservedly, a crank vessel, and many a gloomy croaker has -uttered the foreboding that like her sister ship, the "Dauntless," she -would go to sea sometime—never to return. Yet for many years<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[Pg 14]</span> she had -gone and come, and though occasionally threatening to capsize, she had -never really performed this undesirable manœuvre. The builder and the -subsequent owner were two of the most practical merchants of Boston. -She must therefore have been well put together and properly cared for, -as there was truth in the remark made, that "what Nat G——, and Dick -B—— didn't know about a ship wasn't worth knowing."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The <i>Rocket</i> was lying at Central Wharf in Boston, loading a cargo -for the East Indies. Barrels of beef, pork, tar and pitch were stowed -in the bottom; then followed in miscellaneous order, lumber, sewing -machines, kerosene oil, flour, biscuits, preserves, ice pitchers, -carriages, oars and many other articles.</p> - -<p>As the sailing day drew near, the important matter of choosing officers -and crew had to be considered. The first person who applied was an -aspirant to the mate's berth.</p> - -<p>"How long have you been to sea?" was asked.</p> - -<p>"Thirty years."</p> - -<p>"Why! how old are you?"</p> - -<p>"Twenty-nine."</p> - -<p>"How do you make that out?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I was born and bred at sea."</p> - -<p>He was thought to be too old a sailor for a young captain to manage, -and was not engaged. Soon a young man applied, with more modest<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[Pg 15]</span> -demeanor, and he was secured. The rest of the crew were soon picked -out. Wishing to choose for myself who should sail with me for so many -months, the shipping master was told to send on board any good men -who applied to him, giving the preference to Norwegians and Swedes, -these being, in my opinion, both in seamanship and docility, the best -class of sailors that man our vessels. Germans and Scotchmen he was -told to favor next, then Englishmen, and lastly Irishmen, for these, -though often capital seamen, do not as readily as some others endure -privations without grumbling, and are too strong republicans to be -always submissive subjects of a despotic government such as that of -shipboard. American sailors unfortunately are not often in the choice. -They are soon promoted from the forecastle, if they enter it, or else -after short service find they can do better on shore, than by leading a -dog's life at sea.</p> - -<p>One afternoon in September all the crew were mustered on board. Captain -Jack Frost came alongside with his tug boat, and his cheery voice -hailed, "Are you all ready, Cap.? Pass out your lines!" The owner said, -"Good-by," and moving towards his yacht, added, "I'm going to give you -a race down the harbor." The fasts were cast off, the bark was tugged -out into the stream; then with topsails set before a strong nor'wester -she showed the towboat the advisability of getting out of her way. We -should have thought she was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[Pg 16]</span> sailing fast, had not the yacht "Vesta" -overtaken us, crossed our bow, and boomed away down Broad Sound, under -jib and mainsail. Just inside of Boston light we rounded to and let the -pilot get into the canoe from the station pilot boat; then, filling -away, the course was shaped for Cape Cod and the voyage had begun. The -anchors being secured, the top-gallantsails were loosed, and leaving -all the accompanying fleet astern, away we sped, ten knots an hour, and -in four hours passed the Race Light.</p> - -<p>The crew numbered eight men and two boys before the mast, a cook, cabin -boy, two mates and captain, fifteen all told, besides one passenger, a -young gentleman travelling for health. Owing to the late hour in the -day at which we sailed, the men had taken several parting glasses with -their friends, and some were inclined to be troublesome. The officers -managed judiciously and kept them quiet, but the mate remarked, he -thought we had "a pretty hard crew." The watches were chosen and the -port watch sent below at eight o'clock, in accordance with the old -maxim "the master takes her out and the mate brings her home." By -this rule the watch variously known as the second mate's, starboard, -or captain's watch, takes eight hours on deck the first night outward -bound, and the mate's, or port watch, does the same the first night of -the homeward bound passage.</p> - -<p>The wind had drawn more northerly, becoming<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[Pg 17]</span> rather "scant" for a -course north of George's Shoal, so we squared away down South Channel. -Being right before wind and sea, the bark, having a large proportion of -her heavy cargo in the lower hold, began to roll most distressingly. -She seemed to nearly dip each rail alternately in quick succession. -As the night wore on it grew worse and worse, every drawer slid out -in the state-rooms, the doors of lockers swung open, their contents -got adrift, kegs of paint took to rolling, the turpentine-can upset, -scenting the air, and the pantry floor showed a medley of tin ware, -crockery, brooms, edibles and sundry "small stores" engaged in -kaleidoscopic performances. After getting some of these things secured -more firmly than had been possible in the haste of their reception, -the weary skipper went to his bed, but not to sleep. The berth was -fore-and-aft and he rolled from side to side with every motion. Then, -in distraction, he removed to the transom sofa running 'thwartships -across the cabin, and here he slipped up and down, standing now on his -feet and then on his head. O, the miseries of that night! The close -cabin, the smoky oil-lamp, the smell of turpentine and the quick, -incessant motion created suggestions of sea sickness, even to a veteran -mariner. The mind sympathized with the body, and thus the captain -reflected:—"O, what a fool I am to go to sea, there are the beautiful -home, the spacious rooms, the comfortable and steady bed, the beloved -family<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[Pg 18]</span> circle. What have I done? Renounced them all for a year. For -what? To be shut up in this dismal den, with a crowd of rude vagabonds, -deprived of everything that makes life enjoyable, and visited with -everything to make it miserable. Only let me set foot on shore again -and you'll never catch me on board of a ship."</p> - -<p>The morning light was welcome and George's Shoals being well cleared, -the vessel's course was altered to the eastward, bringing the wind more -on the side and steadying her movements. This is one of the pleasures -of sea life, the cessation of motion. "Then are they glad because -they be quiet." But as sea-life originates the evil, it deserves no -credit for the temporary relief. The breeze moderated and we made -easy progress, while the crew were busily at work stowing anchors and -chains, putting on chafing gear, and making the various preparations -for a long voyage. A pilot boat came under our stern to satisfy her -curiosity as to our identity. As she disappeared, we felt that our -last friend on American shores had left us, and we set our faces -resolutely towards the regions beyond. The next day the weather became -threatening. Though October had set in, no gale had yet occurred fit to -be named "the equinoctial storm," therefore, one was considered due by -all who believed in that old-fashioned institution. A gale did come, -but its connection with the equinox was not clearly estab<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[Pg 19]</span>lished. It -blew fiercely enough, however, to deserve that respectable title, and -forced the vessel to lie to under a close-reefed main-topsail, which -finally had to be "goose-winged" (one side of it furled.) The mate went -aloft himself to encourage the crew in braving the storm. For two hours -it blew with almost hurricane violence, or as the mate expressed it, "a -perfect screamer," and we began to fear we should not escape unharmed, -as the seas were getting very "ugly." But the <i>Rocket</i> lay to safely -and behaved splendidly. All night the wind held on with violence, but -at day-break it began to moderate and we escaped with no other damage -than splitting a jib and foretopmast staysail.</p> - -<p>A gale of wind at night is a sublime, though fearful, scene. The ship -plunges wildly in the darkness, and skies and waters are equally black, -only relieved by the foaming crests of the mountain waves. But perhaps -the most impressive feature is the music of the gale, nature's grand -organ, or, if any prefer the simile, its bagpipe. The sub-bass of the -storm, as it sweeps over the waves against the hull and through the -lower rigging of the ship, forms the great volume of sound, and above, -in constantly changing variety, come shrieks, screams, wailings and -whistlings of every pitch and intensity, sounding from aloft as the -wind drives through sheave-holes, against the small rigging, and into -cracks in the spars. Few listen to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[Pg 20]</span> these sounds without an impression -of awe or even dread, and many a brave heart, which scarcely knows -the meaning of the word fear, has felt a thrill and shudder as the -discordant screams and howlings of the midnight gale unite with the -roaring and dashing of the breaking waves.</p> - -<p>For the next three days we tumbled about in the subsiding waves, -and experienced the most unpleasant part of a storm, which is not -positively dangerous. The excitement and touch of romance pertaining to -the gale have gone. The disagreeable motion, as the ship, not steadied -by the force of the wind, is tossed to and fro on the waves, which -the gale leaves to testify of its vehemence, causes much discomfort. -Then we "reel to and fro and stagger like a drunken man and are at our -wits end" how to maintain composure of mind, amidst so much bodily -disquietude.</p> - -<p>At the commencement of the voyage, I took the first opportunity to call -the officers together on the poop-deck, and privately instruct them in -my ideas of discipline.</p> - -<p>This was the drift of my remarks:</p> - -<p>For some years past I have made it a rule that there shall be no -cursing or blows used or given on board of my ship. In saying this, I -do not mean that I wish sailors to be allowed to do as they like, or -that I do not wish good discipline maintained. I have sometimes had -to reprove officers for cursing the men and throwing belaying pins at -them,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[Pg 21]</span> and they seemed to feel that I had curtailed their rights. With -a vindictive spirit, disguised by an air of injured innocence, they -then neglected their duty and made no effort to keep the crew in proper -order, saying, "If the old man doesn't care, I'm sure I don't." Let me -tell you my plan of keeping discipline.</p> - -<p>When we start on a voyage the crew generally come on board more or -less under the influence of liquor. Some of them are all ready for a -fight and do their best to bring it on. If you choose to have a row, -it is the easiest thing in the world to find opportunity for it, and -you know how frequently the occasion is seized, and the ship's deck is -stained with blood before she is clear of the land. Now at the start, I -say, Shut your eyes and ears to instances of personal disrespect, and -do not use force to exact the performance of duty, unless as a last -resort when the interests of the ship positively require it. As soon -as you can spare men from work, get into their bunks those who are so -drunk as to be troublesome and let them sleep themselves sober. You -will often, or indeed generally, find that these are the best "sailor -men" in the ship. It was the rum that made the trouble, and I believe -the only successful way of fighting rum is to attack it before it gets -inside of men. Drunken men are more easily controlled than we think, -but it requires tact to deal with them, and, above all, kindness. I -had a sailor last voyage<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[Pg 22]</span> who was roaring about the deck, brimful of -fight, using his insolence to gain a chance to work it off. I stepped -up to him, and he straightened back to return the expected blow. To -his evident surprise I just laid my hand upon his shoulder, and in a -kind but decided tone said, "My man, you go to your bunk." He fired up, -and said in a saucy way, "Do you mean to say I can't do my duty?" I -replied, "We don't need you just now, you'll feel better after you've -had a nap, and we will call you to turn to just as soon as we want -you." "All right, sir," he growled, in a disappointed sort of way, and -tumbled into the forecastle. The next morning he appeared on deck as -quiet and civil as any body, and during the voyage, after he got over a -touch of the horrors, he proved to be the best sailor-man on board, and -was always as respectful as I could wish. There are many vessels where -he would have been off duty a week with a broken head, and then have -needed a second thrashing to take the ugliness out of him.</p> - -<p>After we are fairly at sea things generally go on smoothly for about -a fortnight and then the sailors begin to try experiments, to feel -their officers' disposition, test their strictness, and decide how much -liberty they can take. The first sign of this is the neglect to give -an answer to orders, or omitting the word "Sir" from their reply. They -watch to see if this is noticed, and if it is not,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[Pg 23]</span> they advance to -other liberties, and the inch being granted they very soon take the ell.</p> - -<p>When you find this state of things beginning, and a man ceases to give -a respectful answer, check him for it in a manly way, and give him -to understand that such things will not be allowed on board of this -vessel. Do not curse him, nor strike him, nor threaten him in a way to -make him ugly, but rather seek while maintaining your authority to give -an impression of its justice. If he continues to repeat his offence -after this, then punish him for it, by keeping him up in his watch -below, by giving him disagreeable work, by stationing him aloft in the -night, or by any little requirement, which will make him feel that he -is controlled and compelled to do something against his will. If this -fails to subdue him, after a patient trial of it, (for it is not to be -supposed that every unruly spirit is to be conquered in a moment,) the -thing to be done next is to report him to the captain. He is the only -one to whom the law gives power to inflict punishment. If you undertake -to use force you are in danger of prosecution when you arrive in -port, and you are well aware that our courts are very jealous for the -sailor's rights. The captain should then take the matter up and adopt -such measures of correction as, in his judgment, the case requires. -Very often a simple reproof from him will be all that is necessary, as -showing his decided espousal of his officers' cause,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[Pg 24]</span> and determination -to stand by them. When this is proved, Jack will be apt to give in, but -in an obstinate case irons may be the necessary resort.</p> - -<p>Of course I don't wish to be annoyed with the report of every little -misdemeanor or sign of insubordination; but when you fail to suppress -them by the means I have referred to, then let me know about it. If -you will adopt this course, although at first it may be too slow a -method for you, I will promise you that when we reach home you will -say you never got more work out of a crew, and never made a passage in -which you took so much comfort, or which you remembered with so great -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>We gave the crew watch and watch, and Saturday afternoon was allowed -them for mending and washing clothes. Sunday at 9 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span> -services were held in the cabin. Attendance was not compulsory, but -as a rule all hands were present, except the man at the wheel and the -officer of the deck. We made tolerable runs down to lat. 30° N., which -we crossed in lon. 40° W., eleven days out; but here for a few days the -"horse latitudes" assailed us with their calms. We whistled for the -wind, wondered how Job would have acted if he had ever been becalmed, -tried hard to be patient, and thought we were at the threshold of -success, when at last the wind settled at the eastward. A steady -freshening breeze proved we had got the north-east trades, and the log -line, as it marked<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[Pg 25]</span> nine knots over the taffrail, enabled us to be -patient without further effort.</p> - -<p>Running along by the wind at the rate of eight and nine knots an hour, -with a regular sea that gave only a pleasing motion to the vessel, and -a blue sky enlivened by the swiftly flying, fleecy trade-wind clouds, -we understood the reality of "the romance of the sea." Flying-fish -continually darted out from under the ship's bow, the beautiful fleet -dolphins ran races, constantly beating us and coming back to try it -again, the fat, puffing porpoises occasionally tumbled across our hawse -and went snorting off to windward; the sea was strewn with patches of -gulf-weed, and Mother Carey's chickens tripped about amongst it as -though afraid of wetting their feet while searching for food. There was -always something to see, and life was never monotonous.</p> - -<p>About this time I noticed that the first signs of the relaxing of -discipline were beginning to appear, in the occasional neglect of -the sailors to answer when spoken to. I watched to see if the mates -attempted to correct it, as I desired they should control the men in -minor matters, and I was relieved soon by hearing the mate call out, -"Why don't you answer when I speak to you?" A brief "growl" followed, -but the sailor, a Swede named Peterson gave in, declared he meant no -disrespect and intended to do his duty.</p> - -<p>The next thing that occurred in the matter of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[Pg 26]</span> discipline was, that -one night I heard "Old Brown" reply, "Aye! aye!" to an order from -the second mate, omitting the word "Sir." This is considered a great -breach of ship etiquette; trivial as it seems, I was annoyed that -the second mate took no notice of it. The next day I spoke to both -parties separately about it, and the sailor professed to be utterly -unconscious of his omission. He received a brief lecture and gave all -desirable promises of respectful behavior, and "Sirs" were very clear -and distinct for a while. The sailors seeing that they were kept up to -the mark in these little matters, naturally concluded that they would -not be allowed to do as they liked in greater concerns, and the routine -of watch and watch went on harmoniously and efficiently.</p> - -<p>When twenty days out we found ourselves within seven degrees of the -line, but here the trades left us, and for nearly a fortnight the -"doldrums" raged. The bark drifted about with light airs from the -southward, dead ahead, or else lay like a log on the glassy sea, -rolling lazily with the swell, her sails slatting and spars creaking at -every roll.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus02.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption"> - -Calm continues! Utter disgust!! Captain's growl:—"A -sea life should be avoided and execrated by all sensible men. It is -an utter stagnation of intellect and heart, and only develops hatred -towards our fellow men and murmuring at God's Providence. I have tried -it from beginning to end, and I solemnly and deliberately pronounce -it—a dog's life."</p> - -<p>An officer of a ship must have good nerves to be able to endure with -patience that dreadful slatting and creaking, even had he no interest -in the progress of the vessel; but to one earnestly desirous of -making a quick passage, as is usually the case with the captain, the -doldrums are the severest test of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[Pg 29]</span> disposition that can be applied. -As he walks the quarter-deck, whistling through his teeth, searching -in all corners of the horizon for signs of a breeze, he discovers in -the distance a rippling of the water. It gradually comes nearer the -vessel and greets her with a gentle air. The captain orders all sail -to be set, and the canvas swells out to the wind; the rudder stops its -thumping, the water begins to gurgle in the wake, and the captain, -watching the rate of speed as he leans over the lee-quarter, exclaims, -"That's the breeze! go it, old boat! good-by to the doldrums!" But -the wind lessens; there comes an ominous slat of the spanker, and a -jingling of the sheet blocks that strikes dismay to the "old man's" -heart. He starts up to windward, looks for the breeze and finds it -to be but a catspaw. After the sails have flapped about for a few -minutes, if belonging to a certain class of men, the captain in savage -tones orders the courses hauled up, the spanker lowered and jibs and -staysails hauled down. Then he throws his hat on deck and jumps on top -of it, cursing everything "from an inch high and a year old upwards." -He now casts his eye aloft and snarls out at the mate, "Why don't you -keep those gaskets made up; nobody seems to care anything for the ship, -she would go to destruction if it wasn't for me." The mate gives an -order to a sailor, and as in the heat and dullness of the time he is -not disposed to move very briskly, the angered mate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[Pg 30]</span> vents his spleen -by a curse or opprobrious epithet. Perhaps a fight follows, or merely -a war of words; the rest of the crew become disaffected; at dinnertime -they go to the galley and growl at the cook for not giving them more or -better grub; and so from stem to stern of the ship, bitterness, wrath, -anger, clamor, evil speaking, with all malice abound.</p> - -<p>In the centre of this doldrum region clouds and heavy rains prevail. -Torrents sometimes fall so continuously that the surface water becomes -sensibly freshened. The great "cloud belt" overhangs this region of -gloom. The air is sultry and oppressive, making the body weary and the -spirit depressed. I believe no region on the surface of the globe sends -to the Ear above such a volume of murmurings, blasphemies and strife.</p> - -<p>Concerning this place Lieut. Maury quotes from the journal of Commodore -Sinclair: "This is certainly one of the most unpleasant regions in -our globe. A dense, close atmosphere, except for a few hours after a -thunder-storm, during which time torrents of rain fall, when the air -becomes a little refreshed; but a hot, glowing sun heats it again, -and but for your awning and the little air put in circulation by the -continual flapping of the ship's sails it would be almost insufferable. -No person who has not crossed this region can form an adequate idea of -its unpleasant effects. You feel a degree of lassitude unconquerable, -which not even the sea-bathing which everywhere else proved<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[Pg 31]</span> so -salutary and renovating can dispel. Except when in actual danger of -shipwreck I never spent twelve more disagreeable days.</p> - -<p>"I crossed the line and soon found I had surmounted all the -difficulties consequent to that event; that the breeze continued to -freshen and draw round to the south south-east, bringing with it a -clear sky and most heavenly temperature, renovating and refreshing -beyond description. Nothing was now to be seen but cheerful -countenances, exchanged as by enchantment from that sleepy sluggishness -which had borne us all down for the last two weeks." Maury himself -says of it: "Besides being a region of calms and baffling winds it is -a region noted for its rains and clouds which make it one of the most -oppressive and disagreeable places at sea. The emigrant ships from -Europe to Australia have to cross it. They are often baffled in it for -two or three weeks; then the children and the passengers who are of -delicate health suffer most. It is a frightful graveyard on the wayside -to that golden land."</p> - -<p>The memory of days, nights and weeks repeated at intervals through many -years, when disappointment, depression, vexation and sadness have been -my companions, impel me to heap up testimony against this dreadful -place, the dark valley of the waters. Far more cheerful to the sailor -are the roaring gales of Cape Horn than the sluggish, damp, provoking -airs of the Doldrums.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[Pg 32]</span></p> - -<p>But there is sometimes mirth in the Doldrums, and one afternoon the -capture of a shark gave us diversion and amusement. A dead calm -prevailed; not a ripple stirred the water, and the dull, sluggish -swells of the sea looked like furrows of polished steel. A sailor -aloft spying a shark alongside gave the information to the deck. The -shark moved slowly around the vessel, and as he passed under the -stern, the second mate threw the harpoon from the taffrail and drove -it right through his body. A vast amount of splashing ensued, and it -was with great difficulty a slip-noose was thrown over his tail. This -being jammed tight he was drawn on board, tail first, by the rope. -His motions on deck were very violent, but a vigorous application of -handspikes quieted him somewhat, and he was drawn forward to the main -hatch and butchered. It seemed impossible to kill him. After his head -and tail were cut off and all his entrails extracted, the body still -thrashed about so as to make the sailors jump clear of it. I took his -back bone for a cane, the carpenter appropriated the skin for sand -paper, and the cook begged for a little ball in his head that he could -"sell to the doctors on shore for a quarter, it being fust rate for -medicine." Many were the theories, abusive remarks and jokes indulged -in around this fallen enemy of the sailors. His long life was said -to be owing to the fact that sharks never died till sunset. The best -joke was Murphy's, who had been in the army, who said<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[Pg 35]</span> "He'd make a -good Northern soldier, he's so long dying." The common theory, that -a breeze always follows the killing of a shark, made everybody more -light-hearted, and the expectation was fulfilled after awhile.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus03.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">A rain squall in the Doldrums. -</p> - - -<p>That evening the usual yarn-spinning went on around the booby-hatch, -and among the shark-stories that were related was the following by the -mate, given in his words as nearly as they can be remembered. It was -intended especially for the passenger's enlightenment, but I overheard -it:</p> - -<p>"I once made a voyage in the ship "Laguna" from Boston to Cadiz and -back with a cargo of salt. Coming home we had a Cuban planter and his -son, a boy of nineteen, as passengers. The boy was always whistling, -and our mate, who was a regular old sea-dog, who hated to hear -whistling, except in a calm when it would help to raise the wind, kept -prophesying that the nightingale, as he called the boy, would be sure -to bring some bad luck. One day, when a heavy swell was running, but -the wind had nearly died away, a large shark came up in our wake and -followed the ship. The boy was leaning over the taffrail watching the -shark, and his father was walking up and down the poop deck with his -pocket-knife in his hand, whittling a stick. The ship suddenly gave -a heavy pitch and the boy lost his balance and tumbled overboard. -He screamed as he fell, and the father gave another yell and jumped -overboard after him. There was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[Pg 36]</span> a pretty kettle of fish then. The main -yard was thrown aback, though the ship wasn't making much headway, -and everything handy about decks was tossed overboard—gratings, -life-buoys, and planks. Most everybody threw something, and the -carpenter, who was a stupid muff of a fellow, wanted to do his share -towards the rescue, so he picked up his grindstone and threw that -overboard. The passengers disappeared immediately, and as nothing could -be seen of them from aloft it was useless to get out a boat. We filled -away again with sad feelings, and the old mate said Nightingale might -whistle the whole passage if he would only come back. In a little while -the captain spied a shark under the stern. He got the shark-hook and -put a big junk of salt pork on it, and soon the shark took hold. We -slipped a running bow-line around his tail and hauled him on deck. -After we had smashed his head with handspikes we cut him open, and -there we found the man, the boy and the grindstone. The boy was turning -the grindstone and his father was sharpening his knife in order to cut -a hole in the shark to get out of. They were greatly astonished to find -themselves on our deck again, and the father said it was little short -of a miracle."</p> - -<p>It is hard to tell how a vessel ever escapes from this doldrum region; -but by using her chances, constantly spreading her wings to every -fitful breath and gaining a little day by day, she at last<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[Pg 37]</span> strikes -an air that is not a catspaw. It gradually increases, and soon is -pronounced to be the S.E. trades. Such was our lot when we reached lat. -3° N., and the day after, we sailed swiftly across the line in lon. -31° 30´, thirty-four days out. Passing to windward of the Island of -Fernando Noronha, we sped along through the most charming region of the -sea, that of the south-east trades in the South Atlantic.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[Pg 38]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A SAUCY SAILOR.</p> - - -<p class="drop">O<span class="uppercase">ne</span> night in the Trades, while the mate's watch were bracing the yards, -I heard the sound of angry voices on deck. The next morning I asked the -mate if he had any trouble with any one in the middle watch.</p> - -<p>He replied: "I had some words with Peterson, that's all, sir."</p> - -<p>"What was the matter?"</p> - -<p>The mate answered: "For some time back Peterson has been slack about -giving an answer. I didn't want to check him before the men, for he -has become religious this passage, and some of the men are down on him -about it. If I growled at him, the men would have another handle on -him; so, after we got through bracing, I called him one side and told -him I wished he would be more par<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[Pg 39]</span>ticular about giving an answer. I -thought that was treating him pretty kindly; I never condescended to do -as much for a sailor before, but he got mad about it and was saucy. I -gave him some strong talk, and it was all I could do to keep my hands -off him. He says he is going to complain to you about my imposing on -him. They say for'ard he is crazy, and I most thought so myself last -night. I got excited and threatened to knock him down if he didn't shut -up; but all the time he talked religion." Said he, "You can strike me if -you like; I've got all over fighting now; if you hit me on one cheek -I'll turn the other to you."</p> - -<p>Peterson had the wheel that forenoon from eight to ten o'clock, and -when I went up on the poop-deck he said, "Will you allow me to speak -to you, sir." "No," I replied, "I am going to speak to you," and I -gave him a sharp reproof for giving the mate "back answers." His -feelings were very much hurt. I perceived the cause of his behavior to -be erroneous ideas upon religious matters. He had led a wild life and -always sailed in rough ships, and at the commencement of the voyage he -was greatly impressed by the treatment adopted, and by the instructions -given at our Sunday service. He professed to have been converted when -a fortnight out, and had ever since been very zealous in exhorting his -shipmates. One remark showed the whole trouble. He said to me, "Now -that we are Christian brethren we are all equal and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[Pg 40]</span> we ought to get -along easily together." He evidently thought this sentiment should -level the inequality of our stations, and there should naturally follow -a relaxing of discipline, and more familiar treatment. Afterwards I -called him below. He dropped his cap outside the door, and we sat down -at the cabin table. I spoke to him about our difference as fellow -Christians, and as captain and sailor, saying, "If you should insult me -on shore, I should take no notice of it whatever, but if you do so on -board of my ship, while personally I forgive you, yet as master of the -ship I am obliged to resent it, for the sake of discipline. Suppose a -man struck me in the street, to throw contempt upon me as a religious -man, why then I would turn the other cheek to him; but if, when I -entered my house, my boy should strike me in the face, I would punish -him for it, because I consider it a christian duty to rule my own house -well and keep my children in subjection. Just so on board ship it is my -duty to be faithful to the owner's interests, and to guard the trusts -committed to me, subject of course to the spirit of Christ's teachings. -These interests require that there should be good discipline in the -ship, and therefore the mate does right to notice any disrespect that -is shown him."</p> - -<p>A day or two after this, Peterson said to me at the wheel, "I've been -thinking over what you said to me. I see that I was wrong, and it -sha'n't<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[Pg 41]</span> happen again." For the remaining ten months of the voyage no -one had a word of complaint against Peterson, and his influence over -his shipmates was most excellent.</p> - -<p>In the evening after this occurrence, when the mate came aft at eight -o'clock to relieve the second officer, we began talking about the -affair.</p> - -<p>"There is one thing," said the mate, "that I haven't quite settled yet, -and that is whether you can treat sailors well or not. At any rate, -if a man is a Christian he had better not go on board of a ship as -officer. I feel so mad sometimes I'd like to slaughter the whole watch."</p> - -<p>I replied, "It's a matter that I settled a long time ago. You cannot -treat a sailor well without his taking some advantage of it. Inferiors -will presume upon a kind disposition in their superiors, all the -world over. It is human nature. I made up my mind to that in the -very beginning. But there is another question. Is it best to treat -sailors well, all things considered? As a matter of principle there -can of course be but one answer:—Christ's teachings entirely settle -that. A divine precept must be of universal application; there can -be no exceptions, and if sea life were proved to be a sphere where -Christ's commands could not be obeyed, it would also be condemned as -an occupation no one could follow guiltlessly. As a question of policy -there seem to be different opinions, though whatever is good principle -must<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[Pg 42]</span> be good policy. I say most decidedly it is best; best for the -ship, for the owners, for the officers, and of course best for the -men themselves. It is very poor policy to make sailors the enemies of -the ship. How many vessels have been set fire to by an enraged crew! -How many spars and sails have been lost, because, just out of spite, -a sailor neglected to report the first stage of an accident which he -alone observed in a dark night! How many ships have remained in port -for weeks after they were loaded, because they had so bad a reputation -no one would go in them, and they only sail at last with a kidnapped -crew! How much running gear has been cut, and how many sails ripped -with sheath knives on the night of arrival at the port of destination, -by men thus taking revenge for harsh usage! How many refusals of duty, -mutinies, murders, and lawsuits have their beginning in a foul word or -blow! Just sum these up and look at the other side. I am no apologist -for those who let sailors do as they like. The results of inefficiency -do not belong to our side of the account. But take this vessel for an -example. We are not treated with the strict deference the sailor gives -to a severe ruler, but we secure his enduring respect and a good name -on shore. We hear more growling about 'grub,' for if the cook doesn't -make 'bread scouse' to suit them, the men are not afraid to come aft to -the cabin to complain about it. In ordinary work we<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[Pg 43]</span> have not quite so -much drive and smartness, but all important duties are done as well if -not better. I think of no other disadvantages, and all that can be said -of what I have named is, that our discipline is not as rigid as that -of ships where men are abused; but no one can deny that we have good -discipline. As to your remark about Christian officers, I must say I -think it a very cowardly speech. If shipboard is a place of trial it is -just the place for a Christian, for who has such resources as he?"</p> - -<p>The mate took exception to one part of my admissions and paid me the -compliment of saying, "I never sailed with a captain that received as -much respect from sailors as you do. I notice whenever you come for'ard -how the men straighten themselves up to their work, and the respectful -manner in which they step out of your way."</p> - -<p>One moonlight evening, when the trade-wind was driving us briskly -along, we were sitting in our easy chairs on deck enjoying the romance -of the sea, and the passenger asked me, if sailors always behaved well -when they were well treated. In answer I told him the story of</p> - - -<p class="center">AN EASY SHIP.</p> - -<p>When a lad of nineteen years, in company with a friend of my own age, -I made a voyage from Boston to Cronstadt and back to New York as -passenger in the ship "Volant." She was a full-built vessel of about -six hundred tons register and car<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[Pg 44]</span>ried a crew of fourteen before the -mast. The captain was a Swede named Nelson, a good natured, worthy man. -Mr. Smith, the first mate, was an Englishman, a man with a very kind -heart and easy disposition. The second mate, Mr. Kemp, was an old sea -dog, hailing from New Hampshire. He was a hard drinker when on shore -and appeared to be wholly destitute of ambition. His sea character -depended entirely on that of his superiors. If they were severe he -could be as great a tyrant as any one, and if they were inclined to -take their ease he could be as quiet and unconcerned as though he -had nothing to do with the ship. Of the sailors, five were Irish, -three were "Dutchmen," two English, two American and two from Nova -Scotia. They were of rather a low grade, but were for the most part -a well disposed set of men, though half of them were very deficient -in seamanship. For the first week of the passage they seemed very -peaceable, with the exception of one man who called himself "Brock," and -was one of the vilest sort of "Liverpool Packet Rats." He was always -grumbling and cursing, no sailor, and a miserable shirk. His talk, -by degrees, affected the others, the poison gradually spread and the -rest of the crew became surly and discontented,—ready to join in with -whatever "growl" Brock might start. It was hard to see what they could -find fault with, for there was scarcely ever a "hurrah" or "bear a -hand" uttered by the officers;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[Pg 45]</span> the men took fifteen or twenty minutes -to "turn out," and the mate had been forward the second night after -leaving Boston, and had told the watch on deck that there was no need -of more than one remaining on deck, and the rest might lie down on -their chests in the forecastle and be ready for a call. The result was -that the men usually stayed in their bunks all night.</p> - -<p>The captain hardly ever opened his mouth in hearing of the crew. At -seven o'clock in the morning he got out of his berth and came to the -breakfast table. After winding his chronometer and taking the usual -observation for longitude, he lighted his pipe and sat down to read the -<i>New York Herald</i>, of which he had a large pile on the right hand side -of his chair, and the voyage was principally devoted to building a pile -on his left hand with the papers that had been read. The observation -for latitude was taken at noon, then followed dinner, a smoke and a nap -till about half-past four, and then came another smoke and supper. The -evening was chiefly devoted to his pipe and the favorite newspaper, -and if the weather was unsettled he sometimes appeared on deck once -or twice in the night. It was seldom this routine was disturbed by -anything more serious than an attack on him by his young passengers -with boxing gloves or fencing foils.</p> - -<p>When half way across the Atlantic the captain went on deck one evening -to take a look at the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[Pg 46]</span> weather before "turning in." Casting his eye -to windward he saw that a heavy squall was about to strike the ship, -and looking around for the second mate, he discovered that worthy fast -asleep on the after bitts wholly unconscious of the two squalls that -threatened him. The captain showed the possession of some temper by -catching the sleeping officer by the neck and sending him sprawling -to the deck. "You good-for-nothing," said he, "I didn't think an old -sailor like you would serve me such a trick. Call all hands to shorten -sail!" The second mate picked himself up and got to the forecastle as -quickly as his confused senses would allow him, and called to the men -to "tumble out" as quickly as possible. His own watch were in there as -well as the watch below, and all were soundly asleep. They had got so -accustomed to slow movements that even a squall would not hurry them -much, but a few got out on deck and had just let go the top-gallant -halyards and hauled down the flying-jib, when the squall struck the -ship and laid her almost on her beam-ends, for she had a cargo of -cotton and was very crank. The topsail halyards were then let-go, the -spanker lowered and the ship was got off before the wind. The rain -poured in torrents and the work of shortening sail was certainly not -very agreeable. Through all the work Brock's voice could be heard -swearing and grumbling,—"If any one ever asks me to go another Russian -voyage," said<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[Pg 47]</span> he, "if I've got money enough to buy an old rusty pistol -I'll shoot him." Several of the sails were split and two hours of the -passage were lost by the second mate's nap. The captain thought best -to keep a stricter eye on him after this and ordered that the watch on -deck should keep out of the forecastle. For a few days they did so, but -one by one they tried the experiment of going in there, and finding it -created no uproar, they soon got back to old habits.</p> - -<p>When four weeks out we passed the Orkney Islands and the same afternoon -sighted Fair Island off the port bow. We passed within five miles of -the Island, and two boats with six men in each pulled off to meet us. -The men were small and thin and with only one exception had light -complexions and sandy hair and beards. They came on board and begged, -in whining tones, to be allowed to exchange their fish for bread and -salt meat. After a trade, made very much in their favor, they produced -woollen mittens and socks, knitted by the women of the island, and -made another trade. These being exhausted they proceeded to beg, with -a stock of appeals to charitable motives. When all the clothes had -been obtained that seemed likely to be forthcoming, they asked for -"rel-ee-gious books and tracts." Two days after this we made the Coast -of Norway. Then beating against a head wind for two days more we got -through the Skager Rack, passed the Scaw<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[Pg 48]</span> of Denmark, and steered -through the Cattegat towards Elsinore.</p> - -<p>The cook of the ship was a negro—a lazy, dirty fellow he was! Neither -the captain nor the officers paid any attention to the state of things -in the galley, except that the "old man" gave an occasional admonition -to be economical, and "Cuffey" lived in ease and slovenliness. The -"grub" was poorly cooked, and scanty at that; and the tea was so weak -that when one night "Doctor," as the cook is always called, forgot to -put any tea into the coppers, the men drank the warm water and molasses -without any idea of the omission. A barrel of beef was intended to last -twelve days at least, but owing to the gifts to the Fair Islanders -the barrel at this time was about exhausted on the tenth day. The -cook thought he could eke it out one day longer, and the consequence -was that in the evening, "Bill," a short, stout Nova Scotian, with a -very lugubrious countenance, marched aft carrying a large tin pan, -containing a very small piece of boiled salt beef. The mate was -standing by the weather-rail, just forward of the poop. Bill deposited -the pan at his feet. Folding his arms he exclaimed in a very meek and -mournful tone, "Mr. Smith, I wish you'd take a belaying pin and beat my -brains out."</p> - -<p>"What good would that do you?" said the mate.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[Pg 49]</span></p> - -<p>"I'd rather die at once than starve to death," the sailor answered.</p> - -<p>"Who's going to starve you to death?"</p> - -<p>"We don't get food enough for a dog, let alone a man," said Bill.</p> - -<p>The mate then endeavored to prove that Bill was not a man; the main -point of his argument being that a few days before he had "made a -splice in the foretopmost studding-sail tripping-line that would be -a disgrace to a loblolly boy." This argument went on for a while, -till the man became convinced that the mate was neither disposed to -accept his polite invitation as to the disposition of his brains, nor -to furnish any more beef that evening. So he thought it best to be -contented with the promise of a larger allowance in the morning, and -make use of the small supply at hand.</p> - -<p>The cook was sulky because the men had complained about him, and the -next evening he made the tea with salt water. This imposition was -more than they could swallow, and brought about another complaint, in -consequence of which the captain summoned the "Doctor" aft, and in -a great rage stuttered out a string of phrases, the burden of which -seemed to be, "I—I'll swab the decks with you."</p> - -<p>We had a good passage up the Baltic and Gulf of Finland, and got to -our moorings in Cronstadt Mole, where we discharged our cotton and -loaded a cargo of sheet-iron, hemp, cordage and crash.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[Pg 50]</span> One of the -men was taken ill with cholera and died in the hospital, and a good -deal of discussion took place among the crew as to whether his place -would be filled. Great efforts were made to despatch the vessel by -September 20th, as after that day the premium of insurance on vessel -and cargo would advance one per cent., owing to the increased dangers -of navigation later in the season, making a difference of one thousand -dollars to the owners. On the morning of the twentieth the last of -the cargo was put on board. The captain went on shore to obtain his -clearance papers, leaving word with the mate to be all ready to haul -out of the Mole at noon. Upon his return he found the ship fast at -her moorings, with no signs of any intention to move. Coming over the -gangway in a rage he was met by the mate, who prevented the explosion -that was about to take place by informing him that the men had refused -duty.</p> - -<p>"Refused duty!" said the captain; "what can that mean?"</p> - -<p>"Why, sir, they say they won't go to sea unless you ship a man in the -place of the one that died."</p> - -<p>"But I can't now," said he; "the ship must go right to sea, and no one -would go on such a short notice."</p> - -<p>"I've told them that, sir, but that villain, Brock, has made the rest -ugly."</p> - -<p>Capt. Nelson returned on shore and spent half an hour in a vain attempt -to find a sailor who<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[Pg 51]</span> would go immediately to sea. Returning on board -he asked me to go into the forecastle and try to persuade the men to -turn to. I did what I could, but of course a boy's talk was not much -heeded, and I got rather scared myself by their curses and threats. -Then the mate came to the door and asked in a shaky voice, "Are you -going to turn to?"</p> - -<p>"When that man comes aboard," was Brock's defiant answer.</p> - -<p>Mr. Smith hastened back to report that they still refused duty, and -the captain hailed a passing boat and procured some Russians from the -"Captain of the 'Branvault,'" as the harbor-master is called. With -their assistance the ship was hauled to the Mole-head, and gave her -hawser to the towboat that was waiting outside. Then the Russians -stepped ashore, I took the wheel, the mates cast off the lines, and we -proceeded in tow of the steamer.</p> - -<p>When fairly off, the captain told the mate to call all hands aft. -Standing by the cabin door he made an address to them, offering to -divide among them the wages that would have come to the dead sailor, -had he lived to complete the voyage.</p> - -<p>Some of the men were inclined to give in, but Brock muttered, "We don't -want a dead man's wages."</p> - -<p>"Well," said the captain, "I'll give you what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[Pg 52]</span> I should have paid -another man if I had shipped one."</p> - -<p>"Oh, we've been humbugged that way before, Cap'n," said Brock, who -turned and went forward, followed by the rest of the crew, leaving the -captain in the midst of another conciliatory harangue.</p> - -<p>The ship was soon abreast of Tollbaken, ten miles from Cronstadt. The -wind was dead ahead; and having nominally sailed, the captain decided -to come to anchor and wait for the wind and crew to favor him.</p> - -<p>The mate asked the men if they would turn to and let go the anchor; and -thinking they would thus gain their point, and also their dinner, they -consented. The steamer was cast off and the ship brought to anchor.</p> - -<p>The crew were then allowed to get their dinner, but when called on to -work, they again refused. The captain was greatly troubled, and so much -at a loss what to do, that he appealed to me for advice. I felt rather -flattered by his consideration, and suggested that he should put the -men in irons. He was afraid to try that, so I proposed that he should -give them nothing to eat till they resumed duty. When supper-time came -they went to the galley, and being refused, Brock marched aft with his -tin pot in hand, and with the coolest impudence, asked the captain if -they were not to be allowed any supper.</p> - -<p>"Not till you turn to," was the reply.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[Pg 53]</span></p> - -<p>The man then put on an air of injured innocence and declared it was a -shame to try to starve men to death. But he sauntered forward, and the -men turned in, laughing at the way they had "waxed the old man," but -feeling a little concerned on the score of eating.</p> - -<p>At nine o'clock in the evening, the wind hauled fair. The captain went -to the forecastle, and after fifteen minutes spent in argument upon the -propriety of their going to work, the promise of some tea, and other -fair words, prevailed upon the men to get the ship under way, and the -passage was fairly begun.</p> - -<p>We passed through the Baltic and by Elsinore without any remarkable -occurrence, except the increased independence and insolence of the -crew. They felt that the Cronstadt disturbance had proved there was no -fight in the officers, and some of the crew showed more zeal in taking -their comfort than in obeying orders.</p> - -<p>Brock particularly distinguished himself. He boasted in the forecastle -that he was going to try to induce an officer to strike him, in -order that he might raise some money by a lawsuit on arriving in New -York. One day the ship was running before a strong breeze, under the -main-top-gallant-sail. Brock was at the wheel, and, being a miserable -helmsman, was letting the ship yaw about two points each side of her -course.</p> - -<p>"Keep her straight," said the captain.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[Pg 54]</span></p> - -<p>"I should like to see any one keep her any straighter," was Brock's -answer; and upon this the captain took hold of the wheel to prove that -it could be done. Instead of stopping to witness the proof, Brock -started forward.</p> - -<p>"Come back here!" shouted the captain.</p> - -<p>"One's enough to steer the ship," was the polite answer, and the fellow -made for the forecastle, leaving the captain working the wheel, unable -to leave it until relieved. The mate, finding out the trouble, went to -the forecastle and saw Brock leisurely lighting his pipe.</p> - -<p>"Go aft and take the wheel again! What business have you got here?"</p> - -<p>"Don't you fret; I'll come out when I get ready," said Brock. The mate -turned away and sent another sailor to relieve the captain. After Brock -had finished his smoke, he appeared again on deck, and politely asked -Mr. Smith if he had a job for him. The mate gave him a few of his -opinions about his behavior, and set him at work aloft.</p> - -<p>That night, in the first watch, I was keeping the mate company on deck, -and hearing Mr. Smith's complaints about Brock. "Why don't you knock -him down?" said I. "That's the only kind of treatment such a man can -understand."</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you why I don't," said the mate. "About five years ago I -was mate of the ship "Neptune" in the Liverpool trade. We hove up our -anchor in the River Mersey and were being towed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[Pg 55]</span> out to sea. I was -anxious to get the anchor catted as soon as possible, as the pilot -wanted sail made on the ship, and I had all the crew on the forecastle, -heaving on the capstan. An ugly-looking Liverpool Irishman, called Jim -Kelley, was holding the turn, and just as the anchor was about up to -the cat-head he let go the rope; it flew around the capstan at a lively -rate, and the anchor went down.</p> - -<p>"I growled at him for it, and he said it slipped away from him. We -went at it again, and had the anchor half-way up, when Kelley surged -the fall and let it go again. It was raining at the time, and things -were very slippery, and he pleaded that as his excuse; but I thought -I saw mischief in his eye. The end of the fall had hit two of the men -pretty severe blows, as it flew around the capstan. I was pretty mad by -this time, and told him if he did that again I'd knock his head off. -I thought he'd hold on the next time, but just as I was going to say, -"Heave a pawl!" down went the anchor for the third time. I heard the -pilot rattling off a string of oaths as long as the maintop-bow-line, -and I stepped up to Kelley and gave him a touch of my fist that sent -him head first off the top-gallant forecastle on to a pile of chain -cable. He didn't feel like holding any more turns for a day or two, -you may bet, and the rest of the crew said it served him right. But -when we got into New York I was hauled up in court for it, and had to -pay fifty dollars fine. Now I've got a wife and five children,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[Pg 56]</span> and as -good-looking ones as you'd wish to see they are, too, though I say it, -and my wages are all they have to support them. That villain Brock, is -a good deal of a sea-lawyer, and if I lay my hand on him, it's only -taking the bread out of my little ones' mouths and giving him rum -money. I made a vow after that time that I'd never strike a man again."</p> - -<p>"But what can you do," said I; "you ought to keep good discipline. -Hasn't the captain got any legal power to punish ugly sailors?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Mr. Smith, "the captain has power, but he doesn't want -to be troubled, and it's considered the mate's place to keep the men -straight. Once I went to a captain and reported an impudent sailor, and -the only satisfaction I got was, "What did you come here for if you -can't take care of the crew," and I got turned out of the ship at the -end of the voyage. I made a vow then that I'd never complain to the old -man again; so between my two vows I don't see that I've got much chance -with a sailor that's bent on making a row. If this ai'n't a dog's life, -I'd like to know what it is."</p> - -<p>All the way across the Atlantic the sailors may be said to have had -charge of the ship, and did about as they pleased. Brock's insolence -was beyond all bounds, and it seemed incredible that it should be -submitted to by the captain and officers. He was evidently in a -desperate mood to get struck, and one evening at eight o clock, -when the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[Pg 57]</span> captain kept his watch up a few minutes to take in the -top-gallantsails, as a stormy night was coming on, Brock stepped up to -him and said, "Cap'n, it's too late for you to try and humbug us now. -It's our watch below." The captain sputtered some bad words at him, and -told him he was no sailor: but the hoped-for blow was not given.</p> - -<p>The passage ended at last, and New York was reached, none too soon -for all on board. The day after arrival, the crew came to the ship to -be paid off, and Brock called the mate aside and made this startling -speech: "Mr. Smith, I want to beg your pardon for the way I behaved -on this voyage. You're the kindest man ever I sailed with, and I know -I ought to be ashamed of myself. I can show you the marks on my head -where the last mate I was with split it open with a belaying pin, and -I deserved it too. You'd have done right if you had served me the same -way. What would my good old mother have said if she had known what a -wretch I have been! She used to pray with me, and beg me to be a good -man. Now that she's dead, her words sometimes haunt me, and I have made -up my mind that I'll be a different man for the rest of my life." A -tear stood in his eye, and good Mr. Smith took his hand and said, "I -don't bear you no ill-will, Brock. I don't harbor malice towards nobody -living. If a man should cut my throat, I believe I'd forgive him the -next minute." As he turned away, he caught a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[Pg 58]</span> whiff of Brock's breath, -and the suspicion came sadly to his mind that this repentance was not -so much the result of piety as of whiskey.</p> - -<p>This story reminds me of a little incident that occurred in Bombay -when I was mate of the "Lizzie Oakford." There were two English ships -anchored, one on each side of us. It was a calm morning, and we could -hear some of the words spoken on board these vessels. A little after -breakfast our attention was attracted to the ship on the port side, -by the sound of angry voices. The captain was having an altercation -with some of his crew, and very soon passed from words to blows. He -"ended" four or five of them over, and with every stroke of his fist -we could hear him swear about the Act of Parliament. In the course of -half an hour we heard a row on board the ship on the starboard side, -and looking towards her we saw a number of her crew on the poop-deck. -One of the sailors had seized hold of the mate's coat-tail, and was -whirling him around in a circle, while another, with a folded strip of -canvas, belabored his back every time he flew past. Our second mate was -so indignant at this insult to his cloth that he wanted to board the -vessel and fight the sailors on his own account, but he said he should -want to "lick the mate too." "There," said he, "are the two extremes, -and we are the middle. In one ship the officers abuse the sailors, and -in the other the sailors abuse the officers. Here there hasn't been<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[Pg 59]</span> -much of either yet awhile, though I think the old shell-backs have got -a little the best of it."</p> - -<p>We ran down the trades, and keeping well to the southward in order to -catch the "brave westerlies" as soon as possible, we came in sight of -Tristan d'Acunha, a noble, symmetrical mountain island, 8,326 feet -high, its top covered with snow. We were becalmed in sight of it for -several hours, and enjoyed resting our eyes, wearied with gazing for -weeks upon the dancing water, by fixing them on this grand, immovable -mass. Books gave an interesting account of a colony formed here; but -we were not near enough to perceive any signs of human life. The lazy -rolling of the bark in the swell, made even the idea of a residence on -the snowy peak seem attractive, and there was comfort in thinking of a -future world which is to be all land.</p> - -<p>A breeze, springing up from the north-east, gradually freshened. The -sea being quite smoothed down by the calm, we were able to carry a -press of canvas; and with all sail set and the yards braced up, the -bark lay down on her side, and made a run of 261 miles in 24 hours, -and the day after, she made 252 miles. The fore topgallantmast was -then found to be sprung, and a new one had to be put in its place. -While sending it up, we overtook and passed a brig, loafing along under -reefed topsails, evidently seeming to think it was blowing a gale of -wind, whereas we had our main-royal set.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[Pg 60]</span> This showed why some vessels -make long passages.</p> - -<p>We sped along swiftly, passing the Cape of Good Hope when 61 days out, -and running along the parallel of 40° S., a succession of gales helped -us onward. The weather was chilly, often wet and disagreeable, but our -good progress kept us cheerful. One night was especially exhilarating, -when running in a north-west gale, with the wind quartering, under -reefed canvas, the bark flying away, at the rate of 14 knots, from -wind, rain, thunder, lightning and towering waves. There is some -sublimity in a sailor's life, and this wild scene was a good specimen -of it. I enjoyed standing by the bitts and singing at the top of my -voice some hymns expressing trust in the Creator, knowing that the -noise of the elements made the sound inaudible to the crew. As we -neared Amsterdam Island, the weather continued rainy, and there was no -chance for observations by which to verify our position. On the day I -expected to pass it, the sun appeared, most providentially, just at -noon for a moment. I caught the altitude with my sextant and found the -latitude. But I had no means of determining the longitude. We were a -few miles south of the latitude of the island, so I steered due east, -keeping a hand on the lookout to watch for the land, as I desired -to sight it to verify the reckoning and the chronometers. No land -appeared; a dark night was coming on, and I felt anxious at running -down so nearly in the latitude<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[Pg 61]</span> of the island; but at evening-time it -was light, and at 6, <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>, we saw the noble mass of land, -nearly three thousand feet high, bearing off the weather-quarter. We -had already sailed by it, within five miles distance.</p> - -<p>One feature of great interest in these latitudes is the presence of -sea-birds. The noble Albatross, the king of sea-birds, is almost always -in sight, floating in the air about the vessel, no matter how fast -she goes. Its wings seldom move, and what its propelling power is, -no one can tell. It seems to depend only on its volition. The Stormy -Petrel or "Mother Carey's Chicken," is here and everywhere else on the -ocean. The pretty white and black Cape Pigeons flock in the wake. We -caught several of these with small fish-hooks, and tried their value -as component parts of a pigeon-pie, but the flavor was rather strong -and oily. The homely, black Cape Hens are numerous also. They always -bring to my mind a scene witnessed on a former voyage. Coming on deck -one Sunday, I found the mate and passengers engaged in tying pieces -of pork and bits of red flannel at each end of a string and throwing -them overboard. The Cape Hens greedily swallowed the pork, and several -of them were flying about with streamers hanging from their mouths; -another trick was to tie several pieces of pork to the same string. -Two or three birds darting at these, and each swallowing a piece, they -would rise in the air tied together. I took<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[Pg 62]</span> the part of the hens on -this occasion, and let the mate brace the yards for a while.</p> - -<p>The weather was cool in these latitudes, and it was no longer agreeable -to sit on deck. Our evenings were usually passed in the cabin, and I -employed some of the hours in reading to the passenger an account of -my experiences in the ship <i>Dublin</i>. I explained to him that it was -written while I was officer of a ship, and had no leisure to attempt -literary embellishment. Its sole object was to record the events -relating to the management of the crew, and I requested him to forbear -criticism of its style.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[Pg 63]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THE VOYAGE OF THE "DUBLIN."</p> - - -<p class="drop">M<span class="uppercase">y</span> first voyage, as officer, was made in the good ship "Dublin." She -was six hundred tons register, and of the style said to be built, Down -East, by the mile and sawed off. Her bow and stern were so square, -they gave an impression of truth to this statement, but for all that -she was a staunch, well built vessel, and though twenty-one years old -was still an able and trustworthy ship. Her worthy owner, one of the -merchant princes of Boston, used to go down on the wharf and rub his -hands with delight when the old "Dublin" came into port. She was his -favorite ship, and her blunt bow was more attractive to him than the -rakish model of the modern clippers. He would tell how the copper bolts -were driven into her, only one inch a day, to make them "fit solid;" -how<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[Pg 64]</span> the timbers were "scarfed" and "dowelled," and many other things -that it would need a ship builder's manual to interpret. He considered -a great honor had been done me, by the permission to go to sea as third -mate of her, and shook his head with misgivings when he heard that the -captain had engaged so young and inexperienced an officer. I had been -to sea four voyages, one of them over fourteen months around the world, -before the mast. I could hand, reef and steer, and do the ordinary -work on the rigging, as well as most sailors, so I did not consider my -presumption very great.</p> - -<p>Captain Streeter, her commander, was a fine-looking man of about forty -years. He was tall and well formed, with dark complexion, black hair, -beard and moustache, and a coal-black, flashing eye that bespoke a -strong will and a passionate nature. He was very fluent in speech, and -gave the impression on a first hearing that he was what sailors call "a -blower."</p> - -<p>When he engaged me, he gave a long and impressive harangue. He didn't -want an officer that was afraid of sailors, but at the same time he -allowed no one to abuse the crew, and especially objected to the use of -profane language, which he condemned as the most foolish of practices. -He appointed the day for me to come on board and I left him pleased -with my success, but with a lurking suspicion that my fair-talking -captain might<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[Pg 65]</span> prove to belong to the class known as "shore-saints -and sea-devils." The owner, however, was one of the best men living, -a noble philanthropist, and a vice-president of the Seamen's Friend -Society. I therefore felt some assurance that his ship would have a -respectable captain and be well conducted.</p> - -<p>At six o'clock, one dark morning in the end of November, my fond father -bade me farewell at the door, as I left my pleasant home and its gentle -occupants, and trudged to East Boston, in a storm of sleet, to enter -upon a sphere and mingle with associates so contrasted, that I needed -no other illustration, for the next few months, to impress upon my mind -the two extremes of the future life.</p> - -<p>The ship was bound to Richmond, Virginia, in ballast, there to load -a cargo of tobacco for the Mediterranean. In the forenoon, a negro -crew of fourteen men and two boys came on board. They were mostly fine -"strapping" fellows, with bright eyes and shining "ivories," and as we -proceeded down the bay they made the decks ring with their songs; the -main-topsail going to the mast-head to the tune of "Come down you bunch -o' roses, come down," and the fore-topsail halyards answering to the -strong pulls following the sentiment:</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 25%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Sally Brown's a bright Mulatto,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">She drinks rum and chews tobacco."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>A man who was loosing the mizzen-top-gallant-<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[Pg 66]</span>sail was heard to utter -some profane exclamations over the bunt gasket, which was made fast -with a knot that resisted all his efforts at untying, being what -sailors call "an anti-gallican hitch." As I have mentioned, Capt. -Streeter had remarked a few days before that he allowed no profane -language on board of his ship, and I wondered if he would take any -notice of this; but I did not wait long before having my curiosity -satisfied. The same thought probably came to the captain's mind, for -he stepped to where he could get a good look at the man, and then -began: "Button your lip up, or I'll knock spots out of you. I don't -allow swearing on board of this boat;" with more to the same effect, -accompanied by several profane epithets. It was evident that the -captain's fluency of speech was not limited to polite conversation, and -his consistency was explained by his remarking, at a future time, that -his rule on board ship was, "do as I order, not as I do."</p> - -<p>The Pilot left at Boston Light. All hands were busily employed putting -things to rights, for a ship is seldom in order except when at sea. -There, men are constantly laboring to keep everything "ship-shape" -and tidy, and the moment the vessel is moored at the wharf, crew and -officers generally go over the side, stevedores, riggers and carpenters -take possession, and the decks are in a turmoil until she is again out -of the range of visitors.</p> - -<p>It surprised me to see the captain interesting<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[Pg 67]</span> himself in all the -work, for in previous voyages its execution had been left entirely to -the officers. While the mate was securing the anchors, the captain -visited the top-gallant forecastle and offered suggestions, which the -high-spirited first officer treated with a contemptuous silence. The -black eyes shone with suppressed rage, and their owner transferred his -interference to the second mate's labors, which were being employed -in putting on chafing-gear. He soon worked this officer into such a -flurry, that he hardly knew whether he stood on his head or his heels, -and then after putting a stop to a job the carpenter had undertaken, -and peeping into the cook's boilers to see how much beef they -contained, to the delight of all, he disappeared into the cabin, but in -a few minutes his loud tones showed that the steward was the object of -his attentions.</p> - -<p>In the evening, after the watches were chosen, the captain joined -the officers on deck and talked familiarly with us, illustrating his -remarks by anecdotes and comparisons more amusing than refined. We -were obliged to confess to each other that he was a very agreeable man -in private, and for a time forgot all the mental imprecations we had -bestowed on him during the day, on account of his interference with the -work.</p> - -<p>The mate and second mate had a talk by themselves concerning their -duties, and the second mate, while expatiating upon his own good -qualifi<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[Pg 68]</span>cations, put his hand in his pocket and pulling out a pair of -brass knuckles put them upon his hand. Holding his fist up, he said: -"I always carry my tools with me, and if you ever want any work done, -you have only to say the word, and you'll find me on hand like Day and -Martin's blacking."</p> - -<p>"I don't want you to let me see those things again, while you're on -board of this ship," said the mate.</p> - -<p>"Why so; do you intend to let those sailors play Isaac and Josh with -you?"</p> - -<p>"No," said the mate, "but when I can't keep men in order, without using -such weapons as that, I'll give up to some one who can. I never knew a -man yet who carried such things but he proved to be a coward at heart."</p> - -<p>"No man can call me a coward," replied the second mate in an angry tone.</p> - -<p>"Well," said the mate, "I hope you are not one, but I shall think -better of you if I hear nothing more about brass knuckles."</p> - -<p>This was not a very pleasant opening of acquaintance, and both parties -took at the outset a dislike to each other.</p> - -<p>I gained from each of them a brief account of their antecedents.</p> - -<p>Mr. Morrison, the first mate, was a Scotchman by birth, about forty-two -years of age. He had been captain of English vessels, but having met -with misfortunes, concerning which he was very reti<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[Pg 69]</span>cent, he had begun -to seek his fortune in the American merchant service. He was a short, -thick-set man, with a ruddy complexion and a cast of countenance -expressing courage and determination. His bearing was significant of -"Scotch pride." He was a man of much intelligence and had received a -good education.</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard, the second mate, hailed from the State of Maine. He was of -medium height and well built, but had a brutal look and seemed ordinary -in intelligence. He frankly confided to me the immediate occasion of -his shipping in the "Dublin."</p> - -<p>"Last voyage I was second mate of the 'Minerva.' We had a nigger crew -and used 'em pretty rough I must say; but I had 'em in such good -discipline that one day I got mad with a 'moke' about something and I -told him to lay his head down on the hatch for I was going to chop it -off. He did just as I told him, and though he thought I was going to -kill him, he didn't dare to move or say his soul was his own. That's -what I call good discipline.</p> - -<p>"We kept them under well enough at sea, but when we got into Rio -Janeiro, what did the scamps do but set fire to the ship, and burn -her up; and two days after a gang of 'em caught me one evening in the -street, and gave me such a pounding that I couldn't see out of my eyes -for a fortnight. I believe they'd have killed me if the police hadn't<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[Pg 70]</span> -come along and rescued me. I vowed then I would sail just once more -with a nigger crew, and from what I hear of this captain, I think he's -just the man that'll suit me."</p> - -<p>The "Dublin" had a fair start. In three days we sighted the Capes of -Virginia and in two more worked up the James River to City Point. -City Point then consisted of about twenty dwelling houses beside -the negroes' cabins, and had wharves at which the vessels lay while -receiving their cargoes of tobacco, which came to them in lighters from -the city of Richmond, about thirty miles above, the shallowness of the -river preventing anything but vessels of light draft from proceeding -there. The tobacco was packed in large hogsheads, weighing from one -thousand to eighteen hundred pounds, and as the crew hoisted them in -they kept up a song from morning till night. Negro stevedores from -the shore stowed them in the hold, and the captain spent almost all -his time down there, watching that they saved all the room possible, -frequently making them "break out" again, to the great disgust of the -negroes. I heard one of them saying to the others: "I nebber see such -a man as dis cap'n afore; he tinks he knows eberyting and nobody else -don't know nuffin."</p> - -<p>There was of course nothing here to interest us beyond receiving our -tobacco, and when the ship was loaded to sixteen feet draft she dropped -down<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[Pg 71]</span> the river ten miles, into deeper water, and there completed her -cargo.</p> - -<p>On a fine clear day in the end of December, we left the shore of -Virginia astern and steered for the Straits of Gibraltar. Fresh and -favorable winds prevailed for several days and we made good progress on -our voyage.</p> - -<p>One evening the captain in a confidential mood read us some extracts -from the owner's letter of instructions, and was particularly merry -over the latter part of it, which read: "You will distribute to the men -the books and tracts which are supplied. You will endeavor to suppress -all vice and immorality on board of your vessel and use your best -efforts to promote the welfare of your crew."</p> - -<p>The inmates of the ship now felt acquainted with each other, and as a -general thing their good opinions were very much modified.</p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter having no taste for reading, and being a man of -energetic and active temperament, could not content himself in his -cabin, and was almost constantly on deck roaming about the ship, -criticizing every job of work, "in every body's mess and nobody's -watch."</p> - -<p>When bracing yards, making or taking in sail, he would stand on top of -the house, and accompany his orders with volleys of oaths, provided -things were not done exactly to his mind. If the crew did not move -quite actively enough, and nothing in this way would suit him but the -"clean jump,"<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[Pg 72]</span> every blackguard epithet that his fluent tongue and -inventive brain could command was heaped upon them: Scoundrels, black -scorpions, and names too filthy for utterance were their common titles -at such times, and when the men and officers did so well that he could -not find a point to censure, he seemed rather disappointed at losing an -opportunity for this favorite employment. Sailors call such a man, "a -blower."</p> - -<p>At night no one was allowed to sit down on deck, and though no work was -to be done, the sailors had to keep on their legs. Such strict rules of -course gave the officers a good deal of disagreeable work. From eight -to twelve at night the men would have to walk the deck, unless engaged -in working ship, and when at four o'clock, <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span>, they were -roused out, after four hours slumber, they could not always resist the -temptation to sit down on a spar, or lean over a water-cask. In spite -of their efforts to keep awake, their heads would drop upon their arms -and they would fall asleep.</p> - -<p>If anyone wishes to experience something which in his recollections -will serve as a synonym for misery, let him sail in such a ship and -stand the morning watch. In the hour from four to five as he stumbles -about the deck, endeavoring to drive away the drowsiness that weighs -down his eyelids, he will feel a wretchedness, which, unless he is a -very unfortunate man, will seldom, if ever, be surpassed during his -life.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[Pg 73]</span></p> - -<p>The mate failed to carry out these orders very strictly, as he knew -it could only be done by harsh measures; for though his fiery temper -often led him to strike a blow at some unlucky sailor, he despised -all premeditated schemes to abuse or oppress them. Besides this, he -thought he saw through the captain's character. He imagined that he was -anxious to gain for the "Dublin" the reputation of being a "hard" ship, -provided his officers would do all the necessary "dirty work," but was -unwilling to expose himself to the present dangers of fighting, or the -future disgrace of lawsuits. Their relations to each other were not -very pleasant, for the mate was jealous of the captain's interference -with his work, and the captain, perceiving his state of mind, attempted -to retaliate by little acts of oppression, of which one will be -sufficient to show the spirit.</p> - -<p>The mate's room was very small. His only convenience for writing up his -log book was at a narrow standing desk, where he was too much cramped -to do it neatly.</p> - -<p>At the beginning of the passage he sat down at the table in the forward -cabin to perform this part of his duty, and the captain coming from his -spacious after-cabin found him there at work. Upon seeing him he drew -himself up, and in a pompous way said: "Mr. Morrison, I want you to -understand that my cabin table isn't a writing desk for officers."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[Pg 74]</span></p> - -<p>"Oh, indeed," said the mate. "I've always been accustomed to have the -use of it even for my private writing, and I had no idea you would -object to my writing the ship's log here."</p> - -<p>"You must learn you ai'n't aboard one of your lime-juice ships now," -was the courteous response, and the mate retired to his room, his -Scotch pride and temper almost overcoming his desire to respect the -captain.</p> - -<p>But the second mate was a man after the captain's own heart. It was -only necessary to show him the way to the captain's good graces, and -his subservience joined to his own brutal passions made him an earnest -disciple.</p> - -<p>The crew were a pretty independent and saucy set of negroes, and -required a strict hand to keep them under. From the very first there -had been almost daily little difficulties, and at one time at City -Point a general knock-down was only prevented by the mate's interfering -between the second mate and a sailor, to the great wrath of the former.</p> - -<p>A few days after leaving the Chesapeake, Mr. Howard was going around -the deck at about half-past four in the morning, and found a man -called Brooks sitting down and nodding. He awakened him very suddenly -by raising him up by the ears, and then set the whole watch to work -bracing the yards "in" a little. The men were sleepy, and cross at this -"humbugging," for they knew the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[Pg 75]</span> wind had not altered at all, and this -was merely a "work up job." They were not very prompt with their Aye, -aye, sir.</p> - -<p>"Haul in the top-gallant-brace" said the officer.</p> - -<p>No answer followed, but he saw the order was obeyed.</p> - -<p>"Belay!"</p> - -<p>Still no answer.</p> - -<p>"Sing out," said he; "if you don't open your gills I'll slaughter you. -Haul in the royal-brace!"</p> - -<p>No answer.</p> - -<p>He turned in a rage and catching hold of Brooks, who was nearest him, -gave him a blow with his brass knuckles that would have unsettled any -ordinary head. But the darkey's skull was not very sensitive, and he at -once drew his sheath-knife, and stabbed Howard in the abdomen. He had -on thick clothes, and the knife after cutting through them inflicted -only a small flesh wound. Howard was rather frightened by this episode, -and not knowing how badly he was cut, upon seeing the other men seize -handspikes and belaying pins ready to join Brooks, in case of any -further attack, he thought it best to retreat. After breakfast he -reported the case to the captain, who sent for Brooks to come into the -cabin, where he took his position with a pistol and a fathom of ratline -stuff. Having shut the door, so that there should be no witnesses, he -made the man take off his shirt; and then flogged him till the blood -flowed down his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[Pg 76]</span> back, and the man's cries and promises made him desist.</p> - -<p>The captain's prompt espousal of the second mate's cause showed that he -would stand by his officers, and it had the effect of making the crew -more respectful and careful.</p> - -<p>Being the third mate, I was of course in the mate's watch; my duty -was to follow up the execution of the mate's orders, and look after -the little details of work. I must know the place for everything -and see that it was in its place. When the decks were cleared up at -night, if the mate in his inspection spied a stray marline-spike or -serving-board, it was the third mate who had to answer for it. If a -sailor wanted spunyarn or seizing-stuff to work with, it was the third -mate who must know where to find it and run and get it, or if the -lockers were not in order or the tar-barrel fetched adrift he was the -first looked at for blame. In his turn of course he could growl at the -sailors, but that was rather poor satisfaction, and he had not filled -his office many days before he came to the conclusion that it was a -most thankless billet, and that a third mate's portion contained "a -larger share of kicks than of coppers." I was only nineteen years old. -The sailors looked upon me as a youngster, and were not inclined to be -particularly respectful, thinking I wouldn't dare to use force with -them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[Pg 77]</span></p> - -<p>The captain watched me very closely, wishing to train me up in the -way I should go, and many a harsh-sounding order or rebuke I got from -him on deck, all the more galling because given in the presence of -the men. But personally the captain seemed favorably inclined toward -me, or else he feared lest I might make a report of his doings to the -owner, and thus sought frequent opportunities to talk with me and -smooth over my ruffled feelings. It is not customary for a captain to -have any conversation with a third mate, and I was not quite sure as -to his motive, though I leaned to the latter opinion, judging from -the tenor of all his stories, talk and advice, which was to the sole -end of discipline, or, perhaps more exactly, of fighting sailors. In -consulting with the mate as to this he gave me a decided opinion. "All -the old man wants," said he, "is to have you tarred with the same brush -as himself, and then he thinks you wouldn't injure him ashore, for you -know it doesn't do for the pot to call the kettle black."</p> - -<p>One day we were reefing the mizzen-topsail and I was astride of the -yard-arm hauling out the weather earing. The captain saw from the deck -that the men had not gathered up all the slack sail on top of the yard, -before tying the reef-points; and he at once set up a roar of mingled -oaths and orders, which, with a storm howling past my ears produced a -bewildering effect. With some difficulty I divined the pith of his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[Pg 78]</span> -remarks, and gave the necessary directions; but this was not enough for -the captain, who sang out to me, "What's the use of sitting there and -talking to them, get up on the yard and kick their heads off." A good -deal more followed, but I was too angry to hear anything else and paid -no attention.</p> - -<p>The captain saw that I was rather out of sorts for the rest of the -day, and in the dog-watch came up to me as I was leaning against the -booby-hatch and began in his pleasant fluent way to tell me a story.</p> - -<p>"You never met Mr. Jones of Baltimore did you?"</p> - -<p>"No sir, I never did."</p> - -<p>"Well, he was my second mate, when I had the ship 'Daphne' in the China -trade."</p> - -<p>I had heard from good authority on shore that the "Dublin" was the only -ship Capt. Streeter had ever commanded, and since being at sea with him -I had learned that Mr. Jones was his ideal officer, and whenever he -wished to give a hint to his present mates upon points where he felt he -could not command, his favorite and usual method was to convey it in a -story about Mr. Jones, and Mr. Jones' name had already become a by-word -among the officers. I knew what was coming and prepared to receive -instructions.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Jones," continued the captain, "never went aloft to reef topsails -without having a belay<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[Pg 79]</span>ing pin stuck into the leg of his boot. He used -to take his stand in the slings of the yard, and if the sail wasn't -picked up pretty lively, before you could count twenty he would have -been out on both yard-arms, and hit every man a tap on the head that -made 'em take hold like young tigers. Then when the sail was reefed -he'd sing out, 'lay down,' and as every man got into the rigging, if -he wasn't mighty spry, he'd get helped along with a kick, and then -he followed the last man down and jumped on his head and shoulders, -if he could overtake him. I tell you it was fun to see them scatter -when he said 'lay down.' They would come sliding down the backstays -like a parcel of monkeys, and once a Dutchman, who happened to be the -last man, and saw the second mate's boots just above his head, got so -frightened that he jumped down from half way up the main-rigging and -broke his leg. I had to scold Jones though a little for that, as the -galoot was laid up the rest of the voyage."</p> - -<p>"I should think that was rather poor economy," said I, "to lose a man's -labor for several months, for the sake of gaining a few seconds time in -getting down from aloft."</p> - -<p>"It paid though, after all," answered the captain, "for Jones could get -as much work out of six men as <i>some</i> could out of a dozen. It's worse -economy to be too humane with sailors."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[Pg 80]</span></p> - -<p>"If that is being a smart officer I hardly think I shall become one," -said I.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you what it is, you'll never make one unless you give up -some of your conscientious scruples. I must say you do very well about -your work, but you're too humane a man to go to sea, and if you want to -get along in this profession you've got to leave your nice principles -on shore. There's no religion off soundings. The captain of a ship has -got to be a liar, a cheat, a swearer, a fighter and a tyrant; in fact, -if you mean to be a good mate or a good captain you've got to be a -rascal."</p> - -<p>"If good principles are good for anything they are good for -everything," I replied, "and if what you say is true, either this is a -profession no one ought to follow or else religion is a sham and ought -to be hove overboard entirely. A good God would never have imposed laws -upon us which would interfere with our necessary occupations, and I -don't believe he meant the Golden Rule to be confined to the shore."</p> - -<p>"That all sounds very fine," said the captain, "and perhaps you'd -better knock off going to sea and set up for a parson. But you mark my -words, if you go to sea, you'll have to give up your principles sooner -or later, and you may as well make up your mind to it now. I've seen -a good many that started as fair as you've done, but it didn't last -long. But here we've got proof right along<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[Pg 81]</span>side of us. Just look at Mr. -Howard's watch there. Every time he opens his mouth you see them piling -along like greased lightning, and he gets half a dozen answers for -every order. But your men don't answer you half the time, and they move -slower than real estate in Chelsea.</p> - -<p>"Now if you saw a man walking alongside of a high brick wall, and you -politely asked him to step along a little faster, he'd stop and look at -you; but if you told him the brick wall was tumbling down over his head -you'd see how quick he'd make the dust fly. It's just so with a sailor, -if you are civil to him he won't care a curse for you, but if you let -him know there's something coming down on his head he'll move quick and -respect you. A man didn't answer Mr. Jones once, and he just picked up -the carpenter's caulking mallet and hit him over the head. He never had -to speak twice to him after that."</p> - -<p>Finding the captain had got back to his favorite Mr. Jones, I thought -it was of no use to prolong the talk, and it being my watch below I -went to my room. Sitting down upon my chest I thought of the contrast -between the captain's instructions and the teachings of home, and -wondered if I must abandon the latter. It was very evident that there -was not the strict discipline in the mate's watch that there was in -the second mate's, and the captain's comparisons galled me; but it -seemed to me that the discipline in our watch was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[Pg 82]</span> good enough; the -men did their duty well and were respectful, except that they were not -always particular about answering and sometimes walked along the deck -to ordinary work, whereas the second mate's men always ran, knowing -that a belaying pin or stick of fire-wood would be hurled after them if -they didn't. I felt the captain was right in saying that such strict -discipline could not be maintained, except by working on the fears -of the men, but the question with me was whether it was necessary to -be so strict. Our men in a squall, or gale of wind, would be just as -smart as the second mate's. It was only in ordinary and comparatively -unimportant work that they were at all behind-hand, and I made up -my mind that a system which necessarily required inhumanity and a -sacrifice of honorable principles must be wrong, and I would have as -little to do with it as possible. Opening my chest I took out a bundle -of letters and selected one from my father. It was an answer to one I -had written from City Point, in which I spoke of the severe discipline -which was maintained on board the "Dublin," and the course which was -required of the officers, and asked for advice.</p> - -<p>The reply was as follows: "I see that you are partaking of the -responsibilities of life. I should wink at some things—not see them. -I would not be what they call a 'martinet' in discipline, making much -of little things, and enforcing little rules<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[Pg 83]</span> with an air of authority. -But I would establish my character with the men for good nature, -making them feel that in not obeying they offend against kindness. I -do believe that the Gospel contains all the principles necessary to -guide us in government, and that the ways in which God treats us may -often safely be adopted. Men are very sensitive to kindness. If you -have opportunity to show it without risking authority, it is well. I -do not believe that it is necessary to speak always in a tone of stern -authority. I would be very slow to strike if I were you. But remember -that you are now one of the 'powers that be,' and they are 'ordained of -God.' He will help you govern if you look to him, for government is a -divine ordinance; and a third mate is as really government as Lords of -Admiralty or Secretary of the Navy."</p> - -<p>After reading this over again, I imagined how Capt. Streeter would -sneer at the idea of influencing sailors by kindness, and could almost -hear him saying, "The only thing that will influence a sailor is a -belaying-pin. Be kind to them and they'll only laugh at you."</p> - -<p>When twelve days out the welcome cry of "Land, ho!" was heard in the -morning, and in the horizon, above a low, narrow bank of clouds, -appeared the top of the mountain on Pico, one of the "Western Islands," -or Azores, at least sixty miles distant. This mountain is over 7,500 -feet high, and can be seen in a clear day one hundred<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[Pg 84]</span> miles at -sea. In the afternoon we passed to the southward of, and near to, -Fayal, then by Pico, catching a glimpse of St. George's Island in the -distance between them. The rich verdure of these islands and their -elevations—for Fayal has a mountain of three thousand feet—were -pleasant changes from the blue and level waters; and all enjoyed that -beautiful afternoon as we glided swiftly by these mid-ocean oases. Even -the captain and second mate laid aside their accustomed scowl, and not -an oath polluted the balmy atmosphere. St. Michael's was passed on the -starboard hand in the evening, and the next day we came up with an -English schooner bound from London to St. Michael's, but steering for -Spain. Capt. Streeter told the skipper that he had sighted the island -the evening before, and gave him his longitude. The schooner turned -about and steered in the other direction.</p> - -<p>It was blowing a pleasant westerly breeze this day; but at noon a -school of porpoises came dashing along, passed the ship's bow without -stopping to play around it, as they are so fond of doing, and made -away towards the north-east. The captain said it was a sure sign that -the wind was coming from that quarter; for sailors regard it as an -established fact that porpoises either go "head to the wind," or else -towards the quarter of a coming breeze.</p> - -<p>The porpoises and the captain were right this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[Pg 85]</span> time. The wind gradually -hauled around by the N. to N.E., and by night the ship was braced sharp -up on the port tack. The Mother Carey's chickens were flitting about in -the ship's wake very actively, uttering their feeble chirps with more -animation than usual. The captain, noticing them, and at the same time -perceiving a low bank of clouds to windward, predicted a speedy advent -of the gale. He proved a correct interpreter of the signs. We were -called out in the night to shorten sail, and for twenty-four hours were -hove to under the close-reefed main-topsail. Speaking of the Mother -Carey's chickens, the captain asked me if I ever had smelt one, and -said:</p> - -<p>"I once caught one with a hook and line, and killed it, thinking I -would stuff it; but I had not got far along with the work before the -odor made me sick, and I hove it overboard. Though it was eight years -ago, the smell is on my hands still. You know they say, that all the -sailors that die at sea turn into Mother Carey's chickens, and the -captains into albatrosses; and I expect this odor hangs on to me -because I love sailors so well. But I must give you a chance to judge -for yourself."</p> - -<p>A day or two after, in a calm, he shot one at a little distance from -the ship, and made one of the boys jump overboard and swim for it, in -spite of his dread of sharks. When he had obtained it he roused me out -of a sound nap to come out and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[Pg 86]</span> smell of it, very much to my disgust. I -found its odor was, to say the least, rather disagreeable.</p> - -<p>The afternoon before making the land, the captain ordered the mate -to get the anchors on to the rail and bend the chains. Mr. Morrison -proceeded to carry out the order, but to his great annoyance Capt. -Streeter came forward and kept putting in his oar, giving suggestions -and directions. This was a thing so peculiarly in the mate's province, -which, if one did not understand it, would prove him lacking in -the lowest qualifications for a mate's situation, that the worthy -official's temper was greatly aroused. He suppressed it for a time; but -at each interference his face grew redder and redder, and when at last -the captain told him that the ring of the anchor ought to be brought -closer up to the cat-head, the storm burst forth, and turning around -with a fiery face and defiant eye, he said, "Capt. Streeter, just go -aft and mind your own business; I can take care of the anchors."</p> - -<p>"I want you to know that I am captain of this ship, and I'll do what I -please," answered the captain, pale with rage.</p> - -<p>"I know you're cap'n; but I want you to know the owners put me aboard -to be mate, and I've let you do my work long enough."</p> - -<p>All the men stood amazed at the mate's daring in thus confronting our -ferocious captain, and looked for nothing short of his being murdered; -but to our great surprise the captain cooled down,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[Pg 87]</span> and in a mild, -persuasive way said: "But, Mr. Morrison, just look at the philosophy of -the thing," (a favorite phrase with him), "you see if that anchor—"</p> - -<p>"There's no philosophy about it," burst out the mate's sharp voice. -"I don't want to have any talk with you. I'll only treat you with the -contempt you deserve," and turning his back towards him, he drowned -another mild reply by shouting: "Lower away the fish-tackle!" and -giving continuous orders to the men. The captain, finding himself -literally checkmated, walked aft, apparently calm, but with a tempest -raging within. He sat down on the booby-hatch, and tried to devise -some means of humiliating the mate. His schemes always reached their -culminating point in his brick-wall theory, but when he thought of the -expediency of applying it in this case, and letting the brick-wall come -down on Mr. Morrison's head, he muttered: "He's such a fiery tempered -man, I guess it won't do."</p> - -<p>As soon as the mate had got the anchors placed, he told me to secure -them and to clear up, and then went aft, thinking he might as well -settle matters now, if they needed any more settlement.</p> - -<p>The men all took sly glances after him, and whispered to each other -that they thought there'd be a fight now; and some offered to bet the -mate would come out best. The captain was very much the mate's superior -in size and build; but the latter was a perfect tiger when aroused, and -was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[Pg 88]</span> just as fearless, in fact, as the captain in his harangues to his -officers pretended to be.</p> - -<p>As soon as he got aft the captain caught a glance of his eye, and -his brick-wall plans were entirely dispelled. In a conciliatory tone -he began, "Mr. Morrison, I think there's no need of your getting so -excited about a little thing. You know every one has their little ways."</p> - -<p>"I know you have," said the mate, "and very contemptible ones they -are. I came aboard of this ship with as good a will as ever a man had, -and meant to do my duty faithfully, but you've interfered with all my -work; you stop every job that I get under way, and though I've been -twenty-five years to sea, I'm not trusted even to bend a jib or brace -the foreyard."</p> - -<p>"But you know I'm captain of the ship, Mr. Morrison."</p> - -<p>"Then you ought to keep in the captain's place, unless there's nobody -below you that knows anything. But from the first day I came on board, -you've undertaken to do my work, and you don't know whether I am -capable of it or not; and you've done it so poorly, I'm ashamed to have -the ship go into port. I've always seen a captain show some respect -to his mate; but you never have a civil word for me on duty, and your -silly, lying stories don't make up for it."</p> - -<p>"You must make allowances," replied the captain; "you can't expect a -man always to be smooth-<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[Pg 89]</span>tempered. When Mr. Jones was with me, I—"</p> - -<p>"Mr. Jones was a fool, if all you say of him is true," interrupted the -mate. "No one with any respect for himself can make allowance enough -for you; your knock-down principles and vile language are disgraceful."</p> - -<p>For every word the captain advanced, the mate brought out two dozen, -and so fast there was no interrupting him. At last the captain found a -retreat by noticing that the sails were lifting, and he gave the order -to brace forward the yards and take in the lower-studding-sail. Going -to the cabin he for once left the mate to work alone, and afterwards -found some relief to his pent up rage by calling the two boys to come -aft with a watch-tackle and taughten up the ropes.</p> - -<p>There was kept hanging up in front of the cabin a fathom of ratline -stuff, doubled up and seized, so as to make a loop for the hand and -bring the two ends together. Slipping this over his hand and shaking -the ends, he called out the ropes to the boys, and if they made any -mistake, or were not quite lively enough, he gave them what he called a -dose of rope-yarn tea, by bringing the "cat" down on their backs. This -treatment made them so bewildered and frightened that they made all the -more blunders, and half of the time got hold of the wrong ropes, giving -the captain an excuse for beating them to his heart's content.</p> - -<p>He found this such a good relief for a pent-up<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[Pg 90]</span> temper that he -frequently put it in practice, when galled by the mate's contempt -and indifference, and all through the voyage the boys were made the -scape-goats for Mr. Morrison's sins against the captain.</p> - -<p>That evening the captain told me that if the night was fine he expected -to sight Cape Spartel, the point of the African coast at the entrance -of the Straits, before morning, as it was mountainous land and could be -seen sixty or eighty miles. At 2, <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span>, the lookout discovered -it on the starboard bow. I went into the cabin, and waking up the -captain said to him:</p> - -<p>"Cape Spartel is in sight, sir!"</p> - -<p>"What!" said he, in a very sharp tone.</p> - -<p>I repeated it, and went on deck.</p> - -<p>Soon the captain came out and after looking at the land, without -addressing any one, began to swear in a loud tone, saying, "I expect -my officers will take charge of the ship soon, for even the third mate -undertakes to tell me what land we make." A good deal more followed -about "making them know their place."</p> - -<p>When he had gone below I asked the mate, what all this breeze meant? -The mate asked me what I said to the captain when I called him, and -then said to me, "The old man must be raving because you said Cape -Spartel is in sight, instead of saying 'there's land in sight.'"</p> - -<p>"Well, I must say, he is stuck up," said I. "I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[Pg 91]</span> asked him the other -day what the longitude was, and I thought he was going to eat me up, -he gave me such a savage look, and all the satisfaction I got was the -information that it was the first time a third mate had ever asked him -such a question. He makes so free with me telling his dirty stories and -spinning yarns about Mr. Jones, that it didn't occur to me I was going -to insult his dignity by asking such a question."</p> - -<p>"I could tell him," said the mate, "that he is the first captain I ever -knew to spin yarns to his third mate. His dignity begins at the wrong -place. If he wants his officers to respect him, he must show himself -worthy of respect, instead of being the blackguard that every true man -must loathe."</p> - -<p>There was this peculiarity about the cabin, that sounds from the deck -could be heard there very distinctly, and as the mate was in the habit -of holding forth to me in a night-watch concerning the captain's -character, that individual often got the benefit of it. It was contrary -to his idea of discipline also to have any conversation carried on -between officers on duty, and only a few days before he had told me -that he did not wish me to talk with the mate.</p> - -<p>All these remarks just made found their way to the captain's opened -ears. To put a stop to it he came out on deck, and passing by us walked -aft without saying a word. Upon looking in the bin<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[Pg 92]</span>nacle he saw by the -compass that the ship was a point off her course, and jumping to the -rail he drew out a belaying pin and struck the man at the wheel two -or three blows on the head. He then went around the lee side into the -cabin, and the mate coming aft found the helmsman crying, and learned -the cause.</p> - -<p>The next forenoon brought the ship into the Straits of Gibraltar, and -the interesting scenery did a little towards relieving the ill-humor -which had settled on all both fore and aft, in consequence of the -events of the last twenty-four hours. The wind was from the eastward, -dead ahead, and as the ship beat from shore to shore through its length -of fifty miles, striking and constantly changing views were presented -by the rugged African mountains on one hand, the more fertile Spanish -hills on the other, and ahead, the noble and world-renowned Rock of -Gibraltar, three miles in length and 1600 feet high. Its outlines -well represent a crouching lion, an appropriate symbol of its silent -batteries, ready at a moment's notice to pour forth destruction upon an -approaching foe. A strong current runs almost always from the Atlantic -into the Mediterranean, though modified by an easterly wind, and this -helped the "Dublin" to windward, so that at night she passed Gibraltar -looming up high and dark against the starlit sky.</p> - -<p>That evening the captain tried his usual panacea upon my moodiness, I -being the only officer he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[Pg 93]</span> seemed anxious to propitiate, for reasons -best known to himself. His conversation comprised stories about "Mr. -Jones," and explanations of the "philosophy of the thing" as applied -to currents, which in this case he demonstrated, that as water cannot -always run into a place unless some runs out, there must be a hole -underneath the Isthmus of Suez to let it run through into the Red Sea. -And then he evidenced that he was not insensible to the influence of -the noble scenes and historical interest which had surrounded us that -day, by remarking how much of a charm it gave to sea-life to visit such -interesting localities, and he added: "How pleasant it is too, to think -that we are going to visit the land where our Saviour was born!"</p> - -<p>I was almost as much astonished by the fact of the captain's mentioning -that name calmly and soberly, as at the information that Christ was -born in Italy. I had already measured his stock of knowledge, and had -received many similar pieces of information before, which, knowing the -captain's conceitedness and temper, I thought it good policy not to -contradict; though even my usual reply of, "Is it so, sir?" sometimes -aroused his ire, as implying a doubt of his correctness in making -assertions; such, for instance, as, that Gibraltar belonged to France, -or that the clouds were six hundred miles above the earth, or that -the moon had no influence over the tides. I felt inclined to try the -experiment, if it was possible to convince him of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[Pg 94]</span> an error, or rather -to make him acknowledge one—a matter upon which I had great doubt. I -cautiously said: "Christ wasn't born in Italy, was he, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Of course not," said the captain; "haven't you read the Bible enough -to know that? I mean Europe; doesn't Italy belong to Europe?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," I replied; "but I've always understood that Christ was born -in Palestine, which is a country of Asia."</p> - -<p>"Of course he was," said the captain. "I know that very well; and -that's just what I meant to say. We're going to visit that part of -the world where Christ was born. Europe, Asia and Africa make one -hemisphere, don't they?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"And isn't America a separate one?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir: one is called the Eastern, and the other the Western -hemisphere."</p> - -<p>"Of course it is," said the captain. "I believe if you got two ideas in -your head at once, it would bu'st." He turned haughtily away as though -he had convinced me of the ignorance of not knowing either where Christ -was born, or which hemisphere the "Dublin" was sailing in; but for the -next few days I heard nothing more about "Mr. Jones," "philosophy," -Scripture or geography, but had a good share of harsh-sounding orders -and snarling rebukes when about my work, and the reason of it I well -understood.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[Pg 95]</span></p> - -<p>The winds were rather light and baffling in the Mediterranean, and the -ship made slow progress. But the weather was charming. Sea and sky were -of that deep blue which is world-renowned, and which make this sea -emphatically "the blue Mediterranean." Some days, so clear was the air -as almost to impress one with the idea of the vastness and emptiness of -space, and when, commonly speaking, the sky seemed to have disappeared. -But at evening little clouds would gather about and lend their bright -hues to adorn the sunset.</p> - -<p>For a week after leaving Gibraltar things went on quietly on board -ship, and I had great hopes that the passage would end peacefully. But -it must needs be that offences come at sea, and one more row had to be -passed through before the harbor of Genoa was reached.</p> - -<p>There was a man on board called Jake, a powerful "six-footer," and one -of the best sailors and most cheerful and active of the crew.</p> - -<p>One afternoon, the second mate pointed him out to the captain, and -said: "That's a good man; he's as smart as a steel trap, and a willing -fellow, too."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the captain, "I think he is; but don't you tell him so, for -if you do, it won't last much longer."</p> - -<p>"No fear, sir," said Mr. Howard, "I don't give compliments to sailors -very often."</p> - -<p>That night Mr. Howard had the first watch on deck, and at about 11 -o'clock the wind hauled aft<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[Pg 96]</span> a little, giving opportunity to set the -studding-sails. He gave the necessary orders at once; and Jake was the -first one to get into the rigging and mount to the foreyard to cast -the heel-lashing of the boom adrift. He was not ready with it when the -others came up with the ropes to reeve, and the second mate hurried him -up with frequent phrases, such as, "Bear a hand;" "Let's hear from you -there;" "What do you say, now?" and then asked: "What's the matter, -there?"</p> - -<p>"The heel-lashing's jammed, sir," was answered.</p> - -<p>"Bear a hand and clear it then," said he.</p> - -<p>"I'm doing it as fast as I can," said the man, in a sharp, surly tone.</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard was not accustomed to have sailors talk to him in that -style, and he gave him a round of curses, and asked him if he knew who -he was talking to.</p> - -<p>Jake made no reply, but worked away at the lashing.</p> - -<p>In a little while Mr. Howard hailed him again: "Are you most ready -there?"</p> - -<p>No answer came, and a repetition of the question followed, with sundry -additions, and, as the officer thought, embellishments.</p> - -<p>The reply this time came in the shape of a loud, clear "No!"</p> - -<p>It is considered almost as great an insult to an officer as a man can -offer, to omit the little word "Sir," in replying to him; and this is -at the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[Pg 97]</span> bottom of many a tale of severity, or even murder at sea.</p> - -<p>Only stopping to utter one oath, Mr. Howard sprang into the rigging, -ran aloft and swung himself with one hand on to the foreyard. Jake, -seeing him coming, had laid out towards the yard-arm, and called out to -him: "If you strike me I'll cut your heart out!"</p> - -<p>Ever since the stabbing affray, Mr. Howard had enlarged his stock of -pocket-tools, and now pulled out a slung-shot. Going out on the yard, -he stood on it holding on to the fore-lift with one hand, while with -the slung-shot in the other he attempted to strike Jake on the head. -He missed his mark, however, and the shot flew out of his grasp and -fell on deck. He had on a pair of thin and well-worn shoes; but with -these he kicked the man until they flew off his feet overboard. By -this time Jake had crawled in past him, and started for the deck. Upon -reaching it, he picked up a capstan bar and took his stand with it -over his shoulder, until the second mate was nearly down the rigging, -then he suddenly aimed a blow at him with all his force, intending to -knock him overboard. He was too much excited to take exact aim, and -the bar struck a ratline and broke it, grazed Mr. Howard's leg and -broke another ratline. Mr. Howard jumped upon deck, and the man turned -furiously upon him, striking at his head with the heavy oak capstan -bar, and swinging it about<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[Pg 98]</span> him in a most determined way. The second -mate dodged and retreated aft, closely pursued by Jake; and one of -the boys was so terrified that he ran into the cabin and called out -to the captain: "One of the men is trying to kill the second mate." -Capt. Streeter never slept in his bed at sea, or removed his clothes -at night; but always lay stretched out on a sofa in the cabin, with a -pistol near him, ready for a call. He at once sprang up and rushed on -deck, and there found Jake swinging the capstan bar from side to side, -and Mr. Howard eluding his blows and making vain attempts to close with -him.</p> - -<p>"Put down that handspike!" shouted the captain.</p> - -<p>But it swung as fast as ever; and the captain now showed more courage -than Mr. Morrison had given him credit for, by rushing at him just as -he swung his weapon to one side, and seizing it before he could return -a blow. With Mr. Howard's help he wrested it from him, and telling that -officer to hold on to him, he seized the end of the crossjack-brace -(a two and a half inch rope), and beat him over the back, until he -cried most piteously for mercy, and made many promises of future good -behavior. This did not satisfy Mr. Howard, who, as soon as the captain -had let him go, put his brass knuckles on his right hand, and striking -Jake a heavy blow, threw him to the deck. He then kneeled upon him, -clutched his throat with the left<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[Pg 99]</span> hand, and with the knuckles beat him -in the face. The man gasped out cries and entreaties, saying: "Take -him off, cap'n; take him off. Don't let him kill me." And at last the -captain had to catch Howard's arm and say to him: "I guess that'll do, -Mr. Howard. He's got enough for this time."</p> - -<p>Jake's face was a sorry-looking object the next day, and for some days -after; and he told the mate he thought one of his ribs was broken. But -he kept at his work as well as he could, and always was particular -about answering Mr. Howard with a "Sir!"</p> - -<p>Things went on again quietly, and in three or four days more we were -off the Gulf of Lyons. The prospect of soon reaching port cheered all -on board, and all but Jake seemed lively and even happy.</p> - -<p>We signalized the ship "Martha Dutton," Capt. Cheever, when a day's -sail from Genoa; and it immediately after came on to blow a heavy gale -from the south-west. Capt. Cheever was an old sea-captain, and adhered -to the prudent rule of not approaching a lee shore in a gale of wind, -within less than the distance of a day's drift (say sixty miles), and -after awhile he hove his ship to, and waited for a better chance to -make the land.</p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter kept the "Dublin" running before the wind into the Gulf -of Genoa; and as the next morning brought a head wind when he was in -sight of his port, he was very much the gainer for his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[Pg 100]</span> attempt. When -Capt. Cheever arrived three days after him, he shook his head and told -Capt. Streeter he had done the most hair-brained act he ever knew the -master of a ship to commit.</p> - -<p>The "Dublin" had yet one day more to wait before dropping her anchor. -The head wind lasted until she had beat up within two miles of the mole -of Genoa, and then it died away calm and continued so, with occasional -light airs from the shore. There was no anchorage, and as the ship -slowly drifted from one side of the bay to the other, we had a fine -chance to take a sea-view of the renowned city of Genoa.</p> - -<p>It is situated at the head of the Gulf of Genoa, and at the centre -of an amphitheatre of high hills, which rise quite abruptly from the -sea. On either hand the mountainous coast stretches away in a vast -semi-circle beyond the range of vision. The snow capped Apennines -tower behind and around it, making a noble background to the beautiful -picture. The city itself rises on the steep hills, whose tops for seven -miles are lined with forts, so that from the sea almost every street -can be seen, and the tall houses and palaces mount one above the other, -giving one an impression that a slight convulsion might send them all -sliding down into the sea.</p> - -<p>The harbor, or mole, is formed by a sea-wall extending across the -semi-circle made by the immediate hills, securing anchorage where the -vessels moor stem and stern with their own anchors.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[Pg 101]</span></p> - -<p>This evening as the sun went down behind the mountains, a scene was -formed never to be forgotten. The beautiful blue sky was lit up by -brilliant clouds which, reflected in the still waters, made the sea -almost as glowing as the sky. The mountain sides took every shade of -the darker colors, while their snow-capped peaks blushed with the -crimson tints of sunset. The next morning's sunrise was also a charming -scene, but with it came what was far more acceptable, a good breeze, -and the ship was pointed towards the city. A pilot came off to meet -us, but refused to come on board, as the health officers had not yet -ascertained whether the ship had any infectious disease on board; but -he told the captain to follow his boat, and leading the way into the -mole, pointed out the spot in the quarantine ground where she should -drop anchor. The captain went ashore in a boat, and was rowed to a -flight of steps, which led into a small room with no other egress than -the door by which he entered. A narrow window opened from it into -another room where were several officials, and one of them approached -the window with a pair of tongs, and reaching them out took from the -captain the ship's papers. After smoking them in the chimney for a -minute, he ventured to inspect them. Capt. Streeter was then ordered -to return to his ship, and after a visit from the health officer, who -found everything satisfactory, order was given to air all the bedding -and clothing, to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[Pg 102]</span> hoist the yellow flag, and remain in quarantine for -three days, when, if things still appeared well with regard to the -sanitary condition of the ship, she would be permitted to discharge. -Capt. Streeter's Yankee energy and impatience chafed a little at this -delay, but in spite of growling and swearing, he had to remain in -solitary confinement for three days, and when at last the order for -release came, and the ship was allowed to take her place in the tiers, -he went to work at discharging with an enterprise and will that created -astonishment, not only to the Genoese, but to all the fleet. Every -morning they were waked up by the song of the crew, as they commenced -at five o'clock in the morning to hoist out the tobacco, for it is -not customary in port to "turn to" until six, and all day long such -choruses as "Walk along my Sally Brown," and "Hoist her up from down -below," rang over the harbor, with all the force that a dozen hearty -negroes could give them. When the "shanty man" became hoarse, another -relieved him, and thus the song and work went along, and in a fortnight -the captain astonished and vexed the consignees by reporting his ship -as all discharged and ready for her outward cargo, whereas they had -allowed her a month's time for this, and the intended cargo of marble -had not yet arrived from the quarries at Carrara.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[Pg 103]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">VOYAGE OF THE "DUBLIN."—(Concluded.)</p> - - -<p class="drop">G<span class="uppercase">enova</span> <i>la superba</i> is renowned for its palaces, but, as seen from -the harbor, the buildings of the city, apart from their grand and -picturesque location, do not inspire one with much admiration.</p> - -<p>After a visit on shore to the palaces and churches I was so charmed -with what I had seen, that I was seized with an intense desire to see -more of the renowned wonders of Italy, and I proposed to Mr. Morrison a -plan for visiting Rome, and asked him what he thought of it?</p> - -<p>"I don't see why you can't go, if you want to spend your money in that -way," said Mr. Morrison. "The cargo is all discharged, and we've got to -wait two or three weeks for our marble, so I think you can be spared -as well as not. The only thing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[Pg 104]</span> is to get on the right side of the old -man, and you seem to understand that pretty well."</p> - -<p>The next day with some fear and trembling I made my proposition to the -captain, and excited the breeze I quite expected.</p> - -<p>"I thought something of that sort would be coming soon," he said. "I -believe nobody cares a curse for the ship except myself. I like to see -my officers take an interest in their vessel, but I suppose it's of no -use to hope for it. I was mate of a ship once for two years without -setting foot on shore but once, and that was when I was sued for -breaking an old shellback's head and had to go to court. I never knew -Mr. Jones to ask for liberty all the time he was with me. He was a man -who took pride in his ship."</p> - -<p>"I am sure I feel an interest in the ship," said I, "but I've often -heard you say yourself that going to sea is a dog's life, and I don't -see why a man should be blamed for getting clear of it when he can do -so without occasioning any disadvantage; and in this case I am sure I -shall not be missed much, for Mr. Howard and Mr. Morrison both say they -can get along without me."</p> - -<p>"How long should you want to be gone?" asked the captain.</p> - -<p>"About a fortnight, sir."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'll give you a week's liberty. You may start next Monday -morning, and be on board again the Monday after."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[Pg 105]</span></p> - -<p>"But that wouldn't give me time to visit Rome," said I.</p> - -<p>"I don't care where you go to, but that's all the time you can have," -answered the captain.</p> - -<p>The next day I went to the Consul, and got him to procure a passport -from the minister at Turin, and on the day appointed by the captain I -procured tickets through to Rome, although I found the steamers did not -connect at Leghorn and I should have to remain there three days. But -this would give me time to go to Florence; I also knew the captain's -only motive in limiting me to a week was the usual one of discipline, -and I felt no hesitation at transgressing a little, if the question to -be decided was whether I should see Rome or not.</p> - -<p>I went to the captain with my through tickets and told him that I -should not be able to return in time. He relented a little and said: -"Well, get back as soon as you can."</p> - -<p>I took this last remark for my instructions and starting on my journey, -visited Leghorn, Pisa, Florence and Rome, spending eight days in -the Eternal City, and rushing about over its ruins and through its -galleries in a way that astonished the more deliberate travellers whom -I met. On the seventeenth day I again entered the harbor of Genoa, -in the morning, and being a little in dread of an explosion of the -captain's wrath I used my knowledge of his character to concoct a -little<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[Pg 106]</span> plan for shielding myself. It worked admirably.</p> - -<p>I had made the acquaintance on board the steamer of a gentleman, the -U.S. Consul at Venice, and I invited him to go on board the "Dublin" -with me and take breakfast, assuring him of a cordial welcome from -Capt. Streeter.</p> - -<p>I walked into the cabin and found the captain seated there. "Good -morning, sir," said I.</p> - -<p>"Oh! you young blackguard," the captain broke forth, and pausing here -one second as he noticed the stranger in uniform who had followed, I -seized the chance to say, "This is the American Consul at Venice, sir."</p> - -<p>"Ah! how do you do, sir; I'm very glad to see you, sir. Welcome on -board the 'Dublin;' take a chair, sir," and in the profusion of his -attention to the consul the captain quite forgot the "blessing" he had -been hoarding up for poor me during the past week, and when he at last -had time to hear my story, he only said, "I thought you'd come back -with some old sailor excuse."</p> - -<p>I felt I had earned my visit to Rome at a cheap rate after all, and was -highly pleased at this finale. The trip made a good hole in my earnings -and at the end of a six months' voyage I found myself in debt to the -vessel.</p> - -<p>The ship was now taking in marble in blocks, weighing from three to -five tons each. These were hoisted on board from the lighters by a -large "pontoon," which had a great pair of shears and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[Pg 107]</span> immense tackle -at one end, and at the other a wheel and axle to heave with. The -blocks came up slowly, sometimes two or three at a time, one hanging -below the other, and as they swung over the ship and were lowered down -the hatchway, they were watched with almost breathless silence lest -something should give away and let them go down through the bottom. But -the five hundred tons were taken on board safely, and then the ship -filled up with bales of rags, cases of olive oil and boxes of maccaroni.</p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter managed to pick a quarrel with almost every man in port -that he had dealings with. He always seemed to act on the supposition -that those he dealt with were trying to cheat him, and was not at all -backward about telling them so. The consequence was that he was always -in hot water, had a lawsuit with the consignee of his cargo, and got -the reputation, as far as I could ascertain from those who had business -with him, of being either a fool or a liar, or both.</p> - -<p>But after all he was a shrewd man, and the result of his bullying and -lying was, that his owners had a moderate disbursement account, and he -thought that would cover a multitude of sins.</p> - -<p>His special antagonist on shore was a Mr. Pasamotti, and having a great -inaptitude for getting hold of names, he used to amuse me sometimes at -night by relating his grievances during the day, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[Pg 108]</span> giving vent to -invectives against "Mr. Smashempotter."</p> - -<p>There were a few American vessels in port. Every evening visits -were exchanged among the ships, and each officer became informed of -the exact character of every ship, whether she was a "wild boat," -"workhouse," or "good ship;" and of every captain, whether he was a -"hard ticket," "fool," "skin-flint," or "gentleman."</p> - -<p>There were three or four regular visitants to the "Dublin." The mate -of the "Eagle" came with long yarns about his captain's daughter, a -romping lassie, who had a flirtation underway with five different -captains, all supposed to be bachelors. The second mate of the -"Example" had curious tales of the means his captain was using to make -the crew desert the ship; and others brought stories of meanness, -tyranny, or debauchery, which made one blush for the honor of his -profession and nationality; while on the other hand, we sometimes were -favored with commendations of captains in the highest terms.</p> - -<p>"What was that man doing hanging in a bow-line over the side of your -ship, to-day and yesterday?" asked our mate of Mr. Winthrop, the second -mate of the "Example," as several of us were seated on the poop-deck of -the "Dublin" one evening, while the captain was on shore.</p> - -<p>"What! did you notice him?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[Pg 109]</span></p> - -<p>"Yes;" said Mr. Morrison, "I'm no friend to sailors, but I think it's a -shame to hang a fellow out all day long in that way."</p> - -<p>"When he's got a broken back, too, eh?" said Mr. Winthrop.</p> - -<p>"A broken back!"</p> - -<p>"Something of the sort. But I'll tell you all about it. We've been away -from home now about nine months, and the sailors get fourteen dollars -a month, so they've got near a hundred dollars due them. Sailors are -plenty here now, and wages are only twelve dollars. Our ship can't -get a freight at present. I don't know how true it is, but one of our -consignee's clerks told me that last time our old man was here, he -cheated his broker out of a commission; and this same man is now doing -all he can to prevent the ship from chartering. He gives bad reports -about the seaworthiness of the ship, I believe; but it's a lie if he -does, for she's as able a craft as there is in these waters; I don't -care where the next comes from. When the old man found he'd got to -stay here some time, he wanted to get rid of his crew, but the consul -wouldn't let him pay them off, unless he gave them three month's extra -wages, and he thought it would be a nice thing if he could make them -run away, and put a thousand dollars or so in his own pocket, or his -owner's, I don't know which. So about a month ago he began to work -them up. He made us cockbill the lower and topsail-yards, and then<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[Pg 110]</span> -the sailors had to scrub them with a piece of canvas and a bucketful -of salt water, beginning at the lower yard-arm and scrubbing above -them all the time as they crawled up. The water of course ran down on -them, and six of them he made us keep soaking and steaming for about -a week. This made most of 'em sick, and Saturday night four of 'em -came to the old man and told him if he'd give them ten dollars apiece, -they'd go ashore. This he did, and made four hundred dollars out of the -operation; and I tell you what, if ever men earned their wages those -fellows have done it since they've been aboard of that packet, for -they've been worked like jackasses day and night.</p> - -<p>"The next week we drove five more out of the ship by hard work and poor -grub. The old man was greatly tickled by his good luck, and he thought -if he could get rid of one more he'd let the rest stay, because he -thought the ship might get too bad a name if every one left.</p> - -<p>"The fellow he picked out was an English chap, and he told us to -"keep him going." One evening, after we had knocked off work and put -on the hatches, I sent him down in the 'tween decks to see if there -wasn't a stray broom left down there; and it being dark and the 'tween -deck-hatches off, the chap walked right down the main hatch and fell on -the stone ballast in the hold. We heard him singing out blue-murder, -and got the hatches off and hauled him up on deck in a bow-line. He<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[Pg 111]</span> -said his back was broken; but I guess it was only badly bruised. When -the old man got aboard, and we told him of it, he tore round as though -there was something to pay and no pitch hot. The man wanted to go to -the hospital; but the captain didn't relish giving him his pay and -three month's extra, so he let him lie in the forecastle a week and -have his back rubbed with soap-liniment. But the man swore there was -some bone out of place in his back; and the captain got mad and told -the mate yesterday morning to sling the fellow in a bow-line, and make -him scrub the copper all round the ship outside. I wish you could have -been aboard to hear the rest of the fun, for the mate stepped up to him -and said:</p> - -<p>"'Capt. Murphy, I've done enough of your dirty work; if you want that -job done you had better ship a new mate to do it.'</p> - -<p>"The old man cursed him a few, I tell you, but the mate stood his -ground, and at last the captain told him to go to an unpleasant -locality.</p> - -<p>"I've been there the last nine months," said the mate, "and got enough -of it; so if you please, I'll take my wages and leave."</p> - -<p>"You don't say your mate left?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; the old man tried to pay him off aboard ship, but the mate said -he wasn't going to be put down on the articles as a deserter, and -he made him pay him off at the Consul's with two months'<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[Pg 112]</span> extra for -himself and one for the Consul. I guess the old man won't smile again -for two weeks."</p> - -<p>"How about the sailor?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I got orders to do what the mate had refused, and I wasn't too -high-toned to do it, seeing I want to get put in mate. I pitied the -fellow, though I don't believe he's as much hurt as he tries to make -out. At knock-off time to-night the old man happened to be aboard and -the sailor came aft and said he was willing to go ashore, so the old -man gave him a few dollars and he cleared. We've only got six men -aboard now, just enough to keep her in good order."</p> - -<p>"We got clear of sixteen men out of our ship at Singapore," said the -mate of the "Tempest." "The whole starboard-watch left one night bag -and baggage and not one of us knew it aft till morning. We kept 'em -holystoning and scraping from dawn to dark, and licked 'em about every -other day on an average. They left about ninety dollars a piece, I -believe; at any rate I heard the old man say he had made $1500 by the -operation."</p> - -<p>"There's been a law passed lately," said Mr. Morrison, "which I suppose -is meant to put a stop to this driving sailors out of ships. When -a man deserts and leaves any wages due him, they have to be handed -over to the government when the vessel arrives home, that is, after -taking out enough to pay any extra expense the ship has been put to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[Pg 113]</span> -in getting other men. The wise heads in Congress thought that if they -could prevent captains from making any money by it, they would have no -inducement to run their crews ashore."</p> - -<p>"But they weren't smart enough," said the mate of the "Tempest." "They -might have known that if a man is rascal enough to rob sailors in that -way, for that's just what it amounts to, he won't make any bones about -telling a lie to save the stealings. Now our old man put down on the -articles about seventy dollars paid to each man, and fifteen dollars -expense incurred by the desertion, leaving about four or five dollars, -which may be the Custom House will get."</p> - -<p>"It seems rather hard," said Mr. Morrison, "that a ship shouldn't have -the benefit of what wages a runaway sailor leaves behind him. No matter -how well sailors are treated, some will almost always desert, just on -account of their love of change, and often will leave a little money -due them."</p> - -<p>"I expect it is hard for the captains to make up their minds to pay -it," said the mate of the "Tempest." "But sailors don't often run away -from a good ship, when they have much money due them, except when they -want to go to the gold mines, or some such thing. I've seen as much -of this driving men out of ships as most men a-going, and done a good -deal of it myself too, but I must say I think it's a shame, and the -sailors need some protection such as this law means to give, and I'm<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[Pg 114]</span> -not sure but this will come as near to doing it as anything can, except -abolishing the three months' pay law, which is the greatest cause of -sailors being driven ashore."</p> - -<p>Another evening three or four mates came visiting, and the burden of -our conversation was lady passengers.</p> - -<p>"It is always bad luck," said one, "to have either a woman or a -minister aboard. I never knew it to fail yet. It is either a long -passage, or getting dismasted, or short of provisions, or there's a -terrible row in the camp. It's bad enough to carry one woman, as the -'Eagle' is going to do, but when it comes to taking four or five of -them and two missionaries beside, as the 'Tempest' does it's the very -mischief. I don't believe she'll ever reach port."</p> - -<p>"You're an old owl," said the mate of the "Tempest." "There's no better -luck that can happen to a ship than to have a lady on board, mind I say -a <i>lady</i>. As to missionaries, I've nothing to say, for I never sailed -with any yet, but I stand up for the women. I'd be willing to go for -five dollars a month less wages for the sake of being in a ship that -carried them."</p> - -<p>"Tell us your reasons," said Mr. Howard, "before you expect us to -believe you. What good is there in having a woman on board? I don't -believe there's any bad luck in it, nor do I see why you should be -quite so enthusiastic about it."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[Pg 115]</span></p> - -<p>"I'll tell you my reasons. I've a great opinion of woman's influence -in keeping the edge on men's good manners and principles. A crowd of -men shut up together on a long voyage are continually degenerating into -barbarism. They need some restraint on their selfishness, and a curb -to their brutal natures. A woman's presence in some measure supplies -this. The captain feels bound to respect her, if there's anything of -the man about him, and he's careful how he swears or uses bad language. -The officers take their cue from the old man, and they're not as rough -with the crew, and the sailors in their turn feel the influence and -keep on their good behavior when they're around aft; it puts Jack in -good humor to see calico fluttering, and ribbons flying in the breeze, -for I believe every true sailor is at heart a ladies' man, though he -may not have much grace in displaying it. The man at the wheel keeps -his weather-eye lifting when she comes on deck to take an airing, and -has both his ears unbuttoned to catch any of her words, and when he -gets into the forecastle he says: 'Boys, what do you think the old -woman said this morning,' and then there's a long argument about it all -dinner time, whereas if they didn't have that to talk about, they'd be -growling about the ship, the work and their grub. The good influence -has begun already in our ship just from knowing ladies are coming."</p> - -<p>"How's that," said the mate of the "Example."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[Pg 116]</span></p> - -<p>"Why, my second mate is a great eye-servant. He's as mild as a kitten -when the old man's out of the ship, and doesn't care whether school -keeps or not; but just as soon as the cap'n gets hold of the man-ropes -to come up the side, he begins cursing and heaving belaying pins. The -old man steps over the rail and says to the captain that has come on -board with him, as they go into the cabin: 'That's the boy to take care -of 'em. He makes 'em toe the mark.' Last evening the cap'n came aboard -after knock-off time, when the men were at supper, but the 'shocking -dickey' wanted to shew off, so he went to the starboard forecastle -door, and began raving at somebody about leaving a marline-spike at the -main fife-rail. The cap'n heard him as he came over the gangway and -sung out: 'There, that'll do Mr. Brown; we've got to knock off all such -talk as that—we're going to have lady passengers.' I've sailed with -the old man three years, and that's the first time ever I heard him -find fault with bad language. So I think I've proved my case, haven't -I?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Mr. Howard, "you're a good champion for the ladies. You'd -do to present their cause before a meeting of shipowners."</p> - -<p>"If it's such a good thing for a ship to carry women, why is it that -shipowners are so down on it, and they so seldom allow captains to -carry their wives?" asked the mate of the bark "Vulture."</p> - -<p>"One reason," said Mr. Morrison, "is the extra<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[Pg 117]</span> expense; it costs -something to feed them on a long voyage, and they must have more -dainties. Another is that they sometimes cause detention to the ship or -occasion a deviation from the voyage. There was a ship belonging to a -Boston firm that I used to sail for, that was kept waiting in Calcutta -for a week after she was loaded, on account of the captain becoming -a happy father. When the news came home, one of the partners handed -the letter over to the other, and said, 'What do you think of that?' -'Think,' said he; 'I think we won't make baby-houses of our ships any -more.' They made the rule, and after that captains had the choice to -leave their wives at home, or leave the employ."</p> - -<p>"It's a hard place for a woman on board of a ship any way," croaked the -"owl" again. "It isn't natural for them to be shut up for months with -a crowd of rough 'barnacle backs,' without any of their sex to gossip -with, and no chance to go a-shopping, except two or three times a year."</p> - -<p>"A ship is a hard place for anyone," said I. "Going to sea is an -unnatural life and a hardship to everybody. It's pretty clear from the -Bible how its Maker regards it, for there it is frequently used as a -symbol of evil. 'The wicked are like the troubled sea,' and 'raging -waves of the sea;' 'he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea;' the -beast of Revelation is represented as rising out of the sea, and we -read in the description of the perfect state 'there was no more sea.' -It is not good<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[Pg 118]</span> enough to be allowed in heaven. But in spite of all its -trials and unpleasant features we all like to go to sea."</p> - -<p>"Vast heaving there, my friend," said the mate of the "Example." "I -don't like to go to sea, and I never saw a man yet that would own up to -liking it."</p> - -<p>"We must be judged by our actions, not by our words," said I. "Sea -life gets people into such a way of 'growling' that they never know -when to stop finding fault; and if you ask them about any of their -circumstances they'll generally give an unfavorable account of them. -But after you've been growling about sea life for a whole voyage, -you'll get on shore, and in three weeks' time you'll be fretting to be -afloat again, and if you don't find a ship pretty soon, you'll growl -worse even than you did at sea. But I'll meet you half way and say -we <i>prefer</i> to go to sea, in spite of its hardships. Against these -we have the offset of seeing foreign countries, the excitement of -constant change of place, and the great pleasure of arrivals at home. -Now, although what was said about the women may have some truth in -it, yet a woman, who loves her husband, may consider his company more -than an equivalent for the privations of life on shipboard; and then, -in foreign ports she's always made a good deal of, and gets a chance -to see everything that's to be seen, and enjoy all the pleasures of -foreign life, so that when you compare<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[Pg 119]</span> her life for a year's voyage, -with the hum-drum existence she would lead by herself in a small -country town; fretting about her good man every time the wind blew -hard, being the only excitement she would have in the whole time he was -away, and I tell you the seafaring woman has the best of it."</p> - -<p>"Pretty well argued," said Mr. Morrison, "for a youngster that knows -nothing about it."</p> - -<p>After two months in port the ship was again ready for sea; and after a -parting growl with Mr. Smashempotter, the captain came on board with -orders to get under way. With a fresh southerly wind we sailed into the -Bay, and the City of Genoa disappeared astern, just as the sun went -down behind the Apennines.</p> - -<p>Moderate breezes and pleasant weather brought the ship again in -sight of Gibraltar ten days after leaving port, and then a calm took -possession of the Straits, and the ship lay helpless at the entrance, -slowly drifting back with the current.</p> - -<p>During this time Capt. Streeter had been remarkably pleasant. He -spun long twisters to the second mate and myself, chiefly about his -experiences in fighting sailors, and even made advances towards -favoring Mr. Morrison in the same way; but was not very successful in -this attempt, for whenever the mate detected a lie or misstatement in -the captain's narrations, and this was not seldom, he always felt it -his duty to contradict it, whereas<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[Pg 120]</span> we appeared to accept everything as -gospel. Nothing provoked the captain so much as to have his veracity or -knowledge questioned, and this course of the mate's threatened to bring -on a relapse of the captain's "tantrums."</p> - -<p>Toward the close of the day on which we had sighted Gibraltar, a breeze -set in from the westward, dead ahead. By nightfall we got abreast of -the harbor, and all through the night we made short tacks across the -Straits, only to find ourselves in the same place in the morning; and -in the next few hours we rather lost ground, as the current gained -strength with the increasing breeze. So the captain abandoned the -useless attempt, and came into the harbor of Gibraltar and anchored.</p> - -<p>The harbor is on the west side of the rock, and is protected by a -sea-wall. On all other sides the rock ascends bare and steep from -the sea-level, but to the westward it presents a pleasant slope, and -on this is the town of Gibraltar with 16,000 inhabitants, besides a -garrison of soldiers; a narrow sandy isthmus connects the rock with the -continent.</p> - -<p>The next day I had to go ashore with the captain to get some -blacksmith's work done for the ship, and found a chance to take a hasty -glance at the place, and was surprised to find so much verdure, upon -what I had imagined was wholly a barren rock; but to the south of the -town is a very attractive esplanade. On the north side I stood within -a stone's throw of the base of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[Pg 121]</span> rock, and looking aloft, saw it -towering above me in almost a straight wall of 1400 feet. Through -port-holes near the top, the black muzzles of cannon pointed to seaward -from the excavated galleries in the rock.</p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter was told there was no chance for an easterly wind for -the next fortnight, and he must make up his mind to stop contentedly -until he saw the rock "put on it's night-cap," as they style the cloud -that hangs over it, as the certain precursor of a "Levanter."</p> - -<p>The prophets and signs failed this time, and the next morning a strong -easterly breeze was blowing, and getting under way, the ship passed -through the Straits under reefed topsails, and was once more in the -Atlantic.</p> - -<p>The ship was bound to Baltimore, and the direct course would have -been nearly west, but as westerly winds prevail in that latitude, the -longest way around was the shortest way home, and the ship was headed -to the S.W. in order to take advantage of the N.E. trades.</p> - -<p>We passed between the Canary Islands, enjoying their verdure and bold -mountain scenery, and saw the volcanic Peak of Teneriffe lifting its -head above the clouds, 12,000 feet from the ocean. Then with moderate -trades we ran down to lat. 22° N., and kept along to the westward, -having beautiful weather, but rather lighter winds than the captain -expected.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[Pg 122]</span></p> - -<p>The short detention at Gibraltar seemed to break up the captain's good -mood, and Mr. Morrison's provocation soon brought him back to his -former role of "sea-devil."</p> - -<p>The ship had carried sand-ballast on a former voyage and the "limbers" -not having been properly cleaned out, whenever the ship rolled heavily, -the sand washed to the pumps. As they were old-fashioned wooden affairs -they had not power enough to raise it, and it settled on the lower -boxes and choked the pumps. The vessel leaked a good deal and we -spent considerable time drawing the boxes with the pump hook, which -sometimes it was difficult to work through a foot or more of sand. -Then we had to hoist the pump on deck and ram out the box with an iron -rod. The captain prided himself on his skill in hooking the pump box, -and whenever he heard the warning sounds, he invariably came on deck, -mounted the fife-rail and took charge of operations. His patience would -soon be exhausted if not successful, and then his profanity was really -awful. Every conceivable phrase of bad language was summoned to express -his petulance, and once, when baffled for a long time by the sanded -box, he rattled off a string of twenty-three words which haunt my -memory as the worst utterance I have ever heard.</p> - -<p>In the fine weather of the trades the old suit of sails was bent, as -the captain said, "She must have on her old clothes to tar down in."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[Pg 123]</span></p> - -<p>The mainsail was bent one afternoon, and in the inevitable inspection -and criticism which followed, the captain informed Mr. Morrison that -the bunt-lines were clinched into the foot of the sail the wrong way.</p> - -<p>"How so, sir?" said the mate.</p> - -<p>"Why, they ought to be rove from forward aft," said he.</p> - -<p>"I don't think so, sir," answered the mate; "they ought to be rove from -aft forward."</p> - -<p>"But look at the philosophy of the thing," said the captain; "don't you -see there'd be more chafe on the sail your way?"</p> - -<p>"No sir, I don't," said the mate; "the philosophy is all the other way. -They've been bent after your fashion before, and the sail we've just -taken down is about chafed through in the wake of the clinches."</p> - -<p>"I've heard the thing argued by intelligent men and they all agreed -with me," said the captain.</p> - -<p>"If you want to have it done your way of course you can have it," -answered the mate, "but it's wrong, and no intelligent man ever said -differently."</p> - -<p>The captain, during this conversation gradually worked himself into a -furious passion, but there was something in Mr. Morrison's demeanor -which always kept him from giving the vent to his rage, as he did with -every one else, and after the conversation had been continued a while -longer in a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[Pg 124]</span> similar strain to the above, he quietly turned away and -walked towards the cabin, but as he passed me he muttered in an audible -tone, "I've never been insulted before in my life, as I have been by -that man."</p> - -<p>He worked off some of his spleen that evening by exercising the boys -with the watch-tackle, and giving them a bountiful allowance of his -favorite prescription, "rope yarn tea."</p> - -<p>But he did not get back into his pleasant mood very soon, and he -snarled at and picked on the officers and made them ugly, and they -relieved their wrath by growling at the crew, and the men in their turn -got cross, and pretty soon all hands and the cook were in hot water. -There was a great deal of work going on, and if any of Mr. Morrison's -men blundered they were very apt to get a rope's-ending, and if Mr. -Howard's men were at fault, and sometimes when they were not, they had -to dodge their heads for a belaying pin or stick of wood.</p> - -<p>Sailors, if they ever chew tobacco, always use it when steering, and -some can do without it at all other times, but must have a "chew" at -the wheel. One of Capt. Streeter's rules was that every man who used -tobacco should clean out the spittoon, when he went away from the -wheel. One forenoon the helmsman said to me: "The man that I relieved -didn't clean out the spit-box, sir." He called attention to it from -fear of being taken to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[Pg 125]</span> task for it himself. I asked who it was, and -was told it was Jake. I was about to call him out on deck to do the -job, when the captain who was standing near and heard what had been -said, called to me and said: "Let Mr. Howard regulate his own watch. -Give him a call and tell him about it."</p> - -<p>The second mate had just gone to sleep, having had eight hours on deck -the previous night, and when I waked him up, and gave him the captain's -message, he was not in very good humor. He understood in a moment what -the order meant, and stepping out on deck he saw the captain standing -by the weather mizzen-rigging, and so went forward to the weather -forecastle door. As he passed the galley he picked up a stick of the -cook's oak fire-wood, and holding it in his hand called for Jake. Jake -turned out promptly and came to the door to see what was wanted, and -just as he stepped on deck, Mr. Howard charged him with the neglect. -Before he had a chance to reply he aimed a blow at his head with the -stick of wood. Jake warded it off with his arm and acting on the -defensive was driven aft by the second mate, who aimed blow after blow -at him, which the man succeeded in avoiding or throwing off. He was -driven aft in this way until he reached the cabin.</p> - -<p>A sailor in going aft on the quarter-deck is always required to take -the lee side, and as Jake, rather against his will it is true, was -thus transgressing rules, the captain took the opportunity to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[Pg 126]</span> come to -Mr. Howard's assistance, and drawing a belaying pin from the rail he -stepped forward and said to Jake: "How dare you come aft on the weather -side of my quarter-deck," finishing his remark by a gesture, which -brought the belaying pin down on Jake's head with great force. Being -now between two fires, he was unable to defend himself, and had to take -a good pounding before he was released to perform the neglected work.</p> - -<p>In the middle watch that night Mr. Howard was sitting on the rail -leaning against the boat's davit, and he fell asleep. Jake perceived -his condition, and vowing to one of the men he would push him -overboard, started towards him to do it. The other man sprang after him -and held him back, and in the little struggle that ensued the second -mate was awakened, and sung out to them to "stop that skylarking." For -some time after this Jake was punished by being ordered never to walk -on deck, but always to move at a run; and it became a rather ludicrous -sight to witness Jake's half-gallop, as he careered around about his -duties.</p> - -<p>Great efforts were made to have the ship look well. The rigging was -set up, rattled down and tarred, the ship was painted, and every -morning the crew were exercised at holystoning the deck. To do this -the men knelt down, sprinkled sand and water on the deck, and then -rubbed the holystones to and fro to wear the deck smooth and white. The -stones that were used in this ship<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[Pg 127]</span> were of the shape of a brick, only -somewhat larger.</p> - -<p>One morning this work was going on, and the second mate found one of -his men had disappeared. He picked up his holystone and went in search -of him. Just as he got to the forecastle door the man, a young sailor -called Dan, was just coming out on deck with a plug of tobacco in his -hand.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing in there?" said Mr. Howard.</p> - -<p>"I've been to get a chew of tobacco, sir," said Dan.</p> - -<p>The second mate gave him a few rounds of curses, and then struck him -over the forehead with the holystone, which flew into pieces, breaking -in the middle from the force of the blow. Dan's head was not much the -worse for it though, and he went back to his work apparently unharmed.</p> - -<p>The captain came on deck soon after, and while overseeing the work as -usual, he spied the broken stone.</p> - -<p>"How did that stone get broken?" he asked of Mr. Howard.</p> - -<p>"I just broke it over that nigger's head, sir."</p> - -<p>"Did you, really? He must have a tough head. What was it for?"</p> - -<p>"Because he left his work and went into the forecastle," said Mr. -Howard.</p> - -<p>"That's right. Keep 'em up to the work; don't take a word from 'em, or -if one of 'em dares give<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[Pg 128]</span> you a black look, just pick up the cook's axe -and split his skull open!"</p> - -<p>All this was said in a loud tone for the benefit of the men, and the -second mate was so much encouraged by this endorsement, that the same -day he broke a deck-bucket against another sailor's head, who gave him -a "black look," and as a boy was coiling up a rope in a larger coil -than he fancied, he sang out to him:</p> - -<p>"What sort of a way is that to coil up a rope," and hurled an iron -belaying-pin at him with all his might. It missed its mark and made a -deep scar in the wood-work of the forward house. If the captain did not -value his sailors' heads very much, the same imputation did not apply -to his buckets or the appearance of the ship; and this last occurrence -was so manifestly unjust, and resulted moreover in such an injury to -the house, that it brought the second mate a mild rebuke from the -captain, who told him he ought to be careful or he'd kill somebody. He -seemed to forget that splitting skulls open with the cook's axe might -probably lead to that result.</p> - -<p>All these affairs, which are but samples of many others, made the -mate and myself still more unfriendly to Mr. Howard, and scarcely any -conversation passed between us. But the captain seeing this coolness, -befriended Howard all the more in private, though one night when all -hands were on deck, he got so furious at the mate's neglect to an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[Pg 129]</span>swer -his orders, that he hauled off his coat and offered to fight the second -mate, greatly to Howard's bewilderment, who thought it was rather poor -business to do all the "captain's dirty work" for him and then get paid -with the abuse, which belonged to the mate, but which the captain was -afraid to give him.</p> - -<p>Howard's cruelty and cowardice culminated in an act which even the -captain had to condemn. One of the two boys was named Taylor, and -had formerly been a servant in the house of a well-known senator in -Washington. If not one of the brightest boys in the world, he was one -of the most well disposed, and though he had felt the captain's "cat" -on his back pretty often, nothing seemed to interfere with his good -nature. It was he who called the captain when Jake was attacking the -second mate.</p> - -<p>One evening at clearing-up time, Taylor was sent aft on the poop with -a broom to sweep the deck down. But after sweeping a little while, he -rested his broom against the house, and commenced making some motions -for the benefit of the man at the wheel, which seemed to tickle him -very much. Just then the captain happened to look around the corner of -the house, and spying master Taylor's proceedings, he put an end to the -fun by shouting:</p> - -<p>"You imp, what are you doing there?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, sir," said Taylor, beginning to move his broom very -assiduously.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[Pg 130]</span></p> - -<p>"If that's what you call nothing, I'll teach you not to do nothing -again!" and taking him by the neck he hauled him along to where the -cat was hanging at the front of the cabin, and taking it down, gave -Taylor's back such a dressing as it had not received that voyage. -He was amply punished, to say the least, but not enough to suit Mr. -Howard, who followed the boy forward, and getting him forward of the -foremast said to him:</p> - -<p>"What did I send you aft for?"</p> - -<p>"To sweep the deck, sir," answered Taylor.</p> - -<p>"Yes; so I did," said Mr. Howard, "and instead of doing it you must go -to skylarking with the man at the wheel. The 'old man' has licked you -for fooling on the poop, and now I owe you something for not doing what -I told you to."</p> - -<p>Without further words he struck Taylor on the face with a belaying-pin, -and followed it up with several blows in the same place. The boy's -shrieks brought the mate forward; but by the time he had reached the -spot, the damage was done, and the boy lay fainting upon the fore-hatch -with his face covered with blood.</p> - -<p>The worthy mate, as soon as he comprehended the matter, burst out with -some expressions more forcible than elegant, and said to the second -mate:</p> - -<p>"Mr. Howard, there's nothing of the man about you. You're a disgrace -to the very name of a man. An officer that would treat a boy like that -ought to be keel-hauled."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[Pg 131]</span></p> - -<p>The second mate sneaked away aft, leaving the mate to take care of the -boy.</p> - -<p>The next day the captain missed Taylor from the deck, and hearing that -he had laid up, sent for him. He appeared with his face so swollen -and discolored that no one could have recognized him. Capt. Streeter -was quite shocked by the case, and gave him proper lotions from the -medicine-chest. He took a private opportunity to tell Mr. Howard -that he had been rather too severe this time; but avoided any public -reproach of him, not wishing to give any further encouragement to Mr. -Morrison's hostility.</p> - -<p>In all this time I was getting along pretty well. The crew had fighting -enough from the other officers to keep them in respectful awe of "the -powers that be" without much need of my using my fists against them, -though the captain kept up his system of alternate persecutions and -insinuating stories, all designed to make me such an officer as he -thought I ought to be.</p> - -<p>The mate was treated with all the contempt that the captain dared to -show him, and his naturally irritable temper was by no means soothed -by this feature of his situation. I sometimes had good proof of this -by receiving a snappish rebuke for some fault or omission detected by -the mate's keen eyes. But apart from a momentary exasperation, this -had no great effect on my spirits, for I accepted such occurrences as -the inevitable portion of a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[Pg 132]</span> third mate, and was only thankful that my -share was no larger than it was.</p> - -<p>As for actual pleasure in the course of my duties, that was something I -had learned not to expect on board the "Dublin." The sole idea of the -ship as the captain endeavored to direct it, was work, work, and every -job, whether of putting on a seizing or sweeping the deck, was to be -done with the interest and thoroughness which would attend a matter of -life or death. Nothing that was ship's duty could be called trivial, -and if a shaving took refuge under a spare spar, escaping the boy's -broom, it demanded as great an outcry as one would suppose belonged to -one, who had scuttled the ship. In fact it generally received it, for -if the shaving escaped the officer's eye, it was pretty sure to meet -the captain's glance, for he was very particular after clearing-up time -to search for something, which would give him opportunity to find fault -with his officers, and show them they had not done their duty.</p> - -<p>The second mate and I had a room in the starboard side of the after -house, opening out upon the deck. The weather being warm, I usually -left the door open when I turned in, and one morning at about five -o'clock I was awakened by a tremendous string of oaths, uttered by -the captain in a very loud tone just in front of my room. "That shows -the ambition of my officers," said he. "Nothing can be done unless I -see to it myself. I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[Pg 133]</span> believe if I should keep in my room one day the -ship would go clear to destruction," (only he used a more explicit -name,) and he went on with mingled curses and denunciations about the -ambition of his officers, in a way that made me tremble. The occasion -of this display, I learned, was the falling of a bundle of salt-fish -from underneath one of the boats, and it happened that I had sent a -man the evening before to see that it was well secured, as there was -an appearance of more wind coming during the night. Being before the -wind, the ship rolled a good deal, and the salt-fish fetched away in -spite of the sailor's effort at securing it. There was no damage done -to the fish, but it showed to the captain's mind that his officers had -no ambition, and he made use of it to let off the cross feelings which -mates know as a general thing attend a captain's getting up in the -morning, and seem to be a sort of morning bitters—an appetizer for -his cup of coffee. All these things gave me a vivid impression of the -meaning of the phrase "eternal vigilance;" for no matter how hard I -tried or closely watched, every little while there would be discovered -some job which a sailor had slighted, or a gasket would get adrift on -a yard while I was busied with work which required my whole attention, -and the captain, who had nothing else to do but look for such things, -would happen to spy it, and then would begin his taunting, aggravating -remarks: "Nobody sees anything, but me.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[Pg 134]</span> I don't know what they'd do -without the old man," and so on, in a way that sometimes goaded me -almost beyond endurance. When the captain saw this effect, in the -next leisure moment he would have a yarn to spin or a word about home -to soothe me again, for he seemed quite concerned about my ultimate -impressions of my captain.</p> - -<p>I philosophized over all this and comforted myself with the reflection -that it was good training for me to be under such strict surveillance, -and then I fell back upon the memory of pleasures which had been -the result of this voyage, my travels in Italy; and often in the -night-watch, I sought refuge from my intense broodings over the -captain's tyranny and harshness, by standing, in imagination, by the -Coliseum or under the dome of St. Peter's, or in gazing with memory's -eye upon the almost living figures of Raphael and Guido, or the statues -of the Vatican. The whistling of the wind recalled to me the beautiful -echoes of the Baptistry of Pisa, and the inclining masts, its leaning -tower; or, in more sober moods I remembered my sensations as I stood by -the tombs of Galileo, Michael Angelo and Dante at Florence.</p> - -<p>After passing the longitude of Bermuda the course was shaped more to -the northward, and losing the trades, southerly winds and variables -took their place, and helped the good ship along still further. A few -days more would end the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[Pg 135]</span> voyage, and I hoped the disagreeable features -of it might prove to be already ended.</p> - -<p>There was an old negro on board called Jenkings, who was nearly sixty -years of age. He had been to sea a good part of his life, but was now -not much more of a sailor than when he first started. Being in the -mate's watch, poor Jenkings was hauled over the coals every day for -some bad job or mistake; and the mate had expended more words upon him -than upon any two men in the crew.</p> - -<p>The captain was very fond of calling Jenkings to him and giving him -an errand at the other end of the ship, telling him to run as fast -as he could, and the captain stood and laughed at his movements; for -his feeble legs made strange work of it, and though they moved up and -down pretty often, made a slow business of forging ahead. One day, -while watching these movements, he remarked to me, as I was sitting on -the deck near him, strapping a block: "A man would be a wretch that -would strike that old thing." And I remembered it as evidence that the -captain had some tender mercies with regard to sailors after all.</p> - -<p>The mate never went farther with him than to pull his white beard, or -tie him up in the rigging by his thumbs. But it was very hard for him -to do anything to the mate's satisfaction; and every day Mr. Morrison's -shrill tones and Scotch accent were bestowed most liberally upon old -Jenkings, who always received his rebukes in perfect silence, but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[Pg 136]</span> with -his thick, pouting lips stuck out beyond their usual great prominence.</p> - -<p>In crossing the Gulf Stream we found unsettled weather, as is apt to be -the case in the region of this wonderful current, and were busied in -taking in or setting sail, as occasion required. The captain had given -orders in the afternoon to set the cro' jack; and having just had a -dispute with the mate, he went into the cabin in a cross mood, to get -out of the way while the sail was being set. When the work was about -finished, he was just stepping out of the cabin, as I sung out to old -Jenkings, who was on top of the house: "Let go that buntline; what are -you hauling it taut for?"</p> - -<p>"Aye, aye, sir," was the response, uttered in rather a testy voice.</p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter was just shutting the cabin door at this time, and did -it with a force that expressed his temper, and this prevented the "sir" -from reaching his ears. He sprang to windward, and seeing me standing -by the mizzen-rigging, called to me: "Get up on the house and knock -that old nigger's head off!"</p> - -<p>I stared at him in amazement, wondering if he had gone crazy.</p> - -<p>"Get up there," he repeated, "and give him a rope's-end over his back. -Don't take an insult from anybody."</p> - -<p>Instead of obeying his direction, I walked towards the captain and -passed him without saying a word.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[Pg 137]</span></p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter saw the work must come upon him if he wanted it done; -and with a few bounds was on top of the house, and snatching a rope -away from old Jenkings, that he was coiling up, gave him some vigorous -blows over the back with the end of it. "Will you ever speak to one of -my officers again without saying 'Sir?'" said the captain, as he paused -a moment for breath.</p> - -<p>"I always do, sir," answered Jenkings, who was wholly at a loss to -understand what all this meant.</p> - -<p>"You're a liar," said the captain, with a few more expressions -peculiarly Capt. Streeter's, and gave him another flogging.</p> - -<p>When he had finished, he turned and walked to the edge of the house and -said: "Mr. A——, if you ever let a man say aye, aye, to you again, -I'll serve you in the same way."</p> - -<p>"No one ever said it to me since I've been aboard of this ship, sir," I -replied.</p> - -<p>"Yes, there has," said the captain. "This man just said it."</p> - -<p>"You're mistaken, sir; he didn't," said I.</p> - -<p>"You call me a liar, do you?" said Capt. Streeter, in a furious -passion. "I'll teach you to know your place. I've treated you so well, -you think you can take charge of the ship; but I'll let you know -I'm captain of her yet." He continued with such a string of words -that there was no chance to reply, and I walked forward to set the -flying-jib, leaving him to talk to the mizzen-mast,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[Pg 138]</span> which he did for -some time after, to the edification of the man at the wheel, raving and -cursing about white-livered officers, religion, sailors, and ending at -last with an anathema on his own eyes.</p> - -<p>Two days after, the water changed from its deep blue to green, and the -deep sea lead found bottom at eighty fathoms. The wind died away as we -approached the land, and we lay becalmed for some hours; but at last -the ship began to move along, though there was scarcely a breath of -wind to be felt on deck. I hove the log in a little while, and reported -to the captain that the ship was going seven knots. He would not -believe it, and told me to try it again; but the same result was shown, -and having occasion to go aloft immediately after, I found a fresh -breeze blowing there. The top-gallantsails and royals were pulling -hard, and the topsails "stood" most of the time, but the "courses" were -hanging up and down, without taking a breath of wind.</p> - -<p>That night found the ship again in Chesapeake Bay, with a Baltimore -pilot on board, having been fifty days on the passage from Genoa, and a -little over five months and a half on the voyage.</p> - -<p>It was now the beginning of June. The weather was mild and beautifully -clear, and a pleasant westerly breeze enabled the ship to lay her -course up the bay.</p> - -<p>When the pilot comes on board, he is always supposed to take sole -charge of the ship; but Capt.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[Pg 139]</span> Streeter could not bear to think of any -one superseding him, and so kept about deck, frequently giving orders -about the sails or yards. The pilot was somewhat surprised by this -conduct, but said nothing. In the morning, while he was walking on top -of the house, the captain stepped out of the cabin, and seeing that -the wind was a little free, called out in a loud, pompous tone: "Mr. -Morrison, set the foretopmast studding-sail;" his manner implying that -he would show the pilot he didn't allow his ship to go loafing along, -when it could be helped. The pilot kept on with his walk, and the -sailors rove off the gear, rigged out the boom, and hoisted the sail -up. The captain promenaded about with a self-satisfied air, scarcely -deigning to notice the pilot. But a minute after the sheet had been -trimmed down and before the ropes were coiled up, the pilot altered -the ship's course a little, and sang out: "Haul down that topmast -studding-sail!"</p> - -<p>The captain disappeared into the cabin very suddenly, and let the pilot -take care of the ship afterward without any interference.</p> - -<p>A calm set in in the afternoon, and we anchored off Point Lookout, -at the mouth of the Potomac; but in the early hours of the morning, -a breeze enabled us to get under way again, and meeting a steam-tug, -the captain struck a bargain, and the little boat took us in tow and -brought us by Fort McHenry into the harbor of Baltimore, just before -the sun went down. As much as twenty miles<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[Pg 140]</span> below the city we met -sailor boarding-house runners, cruising in their boats, but refused to -allow them on board, and the refusal in each case called forth a volley -of curses and the foulest language. When near the city a perfect swarm -of boats had collected about the ship, hanging on to her channels or -sailing along by her; and every little while some adventurous person -would climb up the side and attempt to come on board, and if refused, -as they always were, would use most insulting language. One fellow, -who persistently took his stand in the main channels, and refused to -get into his boat, was accosted by the captain with a belaying-pin; -but he coolly drew out a revolver and threatened to blow the captain's -brains out if he dared to touch him. The pilot cautioned the captain -not to quarrel with these men, for they belonged to an organized gang -of rowdies called "blood-tubs," and his life would not be safe on shore -if he took any harsh measures with them.</p> - -<p>I thought Capt. Streeter had attained to the highest perfection -possible in the use of profane language, but these men quite equalled -him, using epithets and comparisons, shewing that human ingenuity had -been taxed to the utmost to invent new phrases and combinations of -oaths.</p> - -<p>After a good many threats of murdering the captain and officers when -they caught them ashore, they one by one pulled in to the wharves and -left the ship unmolested. The next day the "Dublin"<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[Pg 141]</span> hauled in to a -wharf, at Fell's Point. The sailors had formed great plans for sueing -the captain and second mate, and anticipated a sweet revenge in this -way; but unfortunately they had arrived in a slave state, where a black -man's testimony would not be taken in court, and where also a black -sailor could not be discharged from his ship, unless some white man -became his bondsman that he should leave the state within twenty-four -hours. So there was nothing to do but postpone their revenge to the -indefinite time, when they might catch them in New York or Boston.</p> - -<p>A tailor, for the sake of their custom, entered into bonds for the -men, and after making a pretty good bill out of each, shipped them by -railroad to New York.</p> - -<p>After the sailors were all settled with, Capt. Streeter called the mate -into the cabin and said to him: "Mr. Morrison, I suppose you want to -leave, since you've told me you're ashamed of the ship."</p> - -<p>"I'm not ashamed of the ship, sir," answered the mate; "I'm only -ashamed of the captain. I like the ship very much; I only wish she had -a master worthy of her."</p> - -<p>The captain brought about this conversation hoping that in their last -interview he might have the advantage, and pour out on Mr. Morrison -some of the hatred that had been boiling within him since they had -quarrelled off Gibraltar. But the shrewd, sensible Scotchman was too -much for him,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[Pg 142]</span> and he saw that if he got Mr. Morrison's tongue into -full course he should get a greater worsting than he had had during the -voyage, so he said:</p> - -<p>"Well, if you want to leave, hand in your bill. I've had talk enough -with you."</p> - -<p>"It's the captain's duty to hand in accounts," said the mate, "and I -should like to have you do it."</p> - -<p>Here he was cornered again; so he went into his room and got the -"portage bill," and paid down the wages due him without another word.</p> - -<p>The mate then packed up his things, bid me a hearty and feeling -good-by, and as he drove away from the ship his handkerchief went -up to his eyes to wipe away a few tears, which came in spite of his -self-control, as he thought of the contrast between the high purpose -and worthy determination to do his duty faithfully, which inspired him -when he joined the ship, and the disappointment and hatred which marked -the close of the voyage.</p> - -<p>The mate being disposed of, to the captain's great relief, and a deeply -muttered curse sent after him, Mr. Howard was summoned to his presence, -and received the reward of all his subservience and brutality, by being -asked to remain by the ship and go as mate the next voyage.</p> - -<p>"I should like to go with you, sir," he answered, "for I like you -better than any man I ever sailed with, but I don't know anything about -navigation."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[Pg 143]</span></p> - -<p>"That doesn't matter," said the captain. "I want Mr. A—— to go second -mate, and he's a good navigator, and if anything happens to me, he -could get the ship into port."</p> - -<p>I was then called in and to my great surprise was asked to remain by -the ship until she was discharged, and go next voyage as second mate.</p> - -<p>"I'm much obliged to you, sir," I said; "but I don't think I should -suit you very well, and I'm not sure that I shall go to sea again. I -dare say I can find something to do on shore that I am better fitted -for. I've been brought up to act as a gentleman, and an officer's life, -as it is here, would force me to be a very different character."</p> - -<p>"I've always told you, you know," said the captain, "that you've got to -give up your nice notions if you go to sea. But you'll come to it in -time. I'm not the worst man that goes to sea, and if you try to find a -better one, you may jump from the frying-pan into the fire. If you're -determined to leave, of course you can go. I never beg anybody to go -with me, but give me your address, and by the time we're ready for sea -again, I'll write to you and see if you haven't changed your mind. You -may think better of it after you've been ashore a few weeks. I want -you to understand there are plenty of second mates to be had, and good -ones too, but I've taken an interest in you, and think I can make a -good officer out of you, so for your own sake I'd like to have you go -again."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[Pg 144]</span></p> - -<p>I went home the next day. Mr. Morrison had preceded me by one day and -had reported himself at the office of the owner, who received him very -cordially, and, giving him a chair, told him he was very sorry he had -left the ship so soon, and asked what was the reason. Mr. Morrison said -to him:</p> - -<p>"I left because I was not willing to sail with Capt. Streeter, and I -consider no man with any respect for himself could sail with him a -moment longer than was absolutely necessary. His knock-down principles, -the language he used, and the example he set on board the 'Dublin' were -such as would shock even a Water-street bully."</p> - -<p>"Dear me, dear me," said the good man; "I'm sorry to hear that. I don't -like to have such a man in my ship. I'll talk to him and tell him he -must do differently if he wishes to stay in my employ. He never takes -an officer a second voyage, and I expect something is wrong. I'll look -into it."</p> - -<p>Mr. Morrison went into no details, but merely said enough to excuse -himself for leaving the ship, and having apparently satisfied the owner -that there was no blame attaching to him for not remaining by the ship, -he bade him good-morning.</p> - -<p>When I got to the end of the story, the passenger gave a sigh of relief -and said: "I'm glad I'm not on board the "Dublin." I think I prefer the -<i>Rocket</i>."</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[Pg 145]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">JOHN SHEPHARD.</p> - - -<p>After passing Amsterdam Island we gradually turned our course to the -northward, and without any delay in the debatable ground north of the -westerly wind region, we struck the south east trades. One evening the -vessel was slipping along at the rate of seven knots, with the wind two -points free and the sea so smooth that motion was scarcely perceptible. -A hush pervaded the ship, that seemed indicative of as much peace -within the vessel as without. At six o'clock John Shephard came to the -wheel, and the quiet sailing and steady steering inclined me to break -the usual custom—"no conversation with the man at the wheel." "She -steers well to-night, doesn't she, John?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[Pg 146]</span></p> - -<p>John blushed up to his eyelids, as was his wont when addressed by the -"old man."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, she steers like a pilot-boat."</p> - -<p>"This is pleasant sailing," I added, "if going to sea was all like this -we would have the old women for sailors."</p> - -<p>"It's the pleasantest going to sea ever I saw," said John, "and things -are first rate all the time now; I never in all my going to sea knew -things go on so well in the forecastle; we don't have any growling or -rows with each other, and if things could be like this I wouldn't mind -going to sea all my life."</p> - -<p>"You don't expect to go all your life then, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"No sir, I came near knocking off some time ago, but I had bad luck."</p> - -<p>"How was that?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"Well, sir, I'm most ashamed to tell you, but it was this way: I was -at Bombay in an English ship when the Sepoy war broke out, and I left -the vessel and joined the army. I was at Delhi, and when we took the -city I went through the palaces and got a good deal of plunder. I had a -diamond ring that was worth two or three thousand dollars and I got a -lot of gold coin and jewels that I sewed into a belt and wore around my -waist. When the war was over I was discharged in Calcutta and engaged -passage in a steamer for England. I meant to go home to Hanover, buy -a farm<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[Pg 147]</span> and live there with my old mother, and I had money enough to -keep us there in comfort. But the night before I was to sail I got on a -spree, and the next morning I found myself lying in a gutter. Somebody -had taken the ring off my finger and stolen the belt from my body, and -I hadn't a cent left in the world. So I had to give up going home, and -ship before the mast again. What little money I have earned since, I -have sent to my mother, but I can't get ahead any, and every hour in -the day I think about that awful night in Calcutta and what I lost."</p> - -<p>This explained the pensive look that John continually wore. I was much -touched by his story, told with child-like simplicity, his speech with -its slight German accent striking musically upon the ear.</p> - -<p>John was my favorite sailor. He was a Hanoverian by birth, and I -suppose had some German name, but what it was I never knew. "John -Shephard" was the false flag he sailed under. He had made a previous -voyage with me and afterwards sailed on a third. On the first voyage -he had been selected by the mate as the scape-goat for his ill temper. -Many mates who aspire to the reputation of being "bullies" thus pick -out a good-natured, inoffensive man, and hurrah, shout and curse at -him, while the men whom they know would resent such conduct are treated -mildly and their faults are overlooked. Soon reports came to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[Pg 148]</span> me about -that "green dutchman, John," "a perfect galoot," who didn't "know B -from a bull's foot," didn't "know enough to go into the house when -it rains," was "enough to make a minister swear," and so on. He was -sent to do all the dirty work, pound the iron rust, slush the masts, -do "rope-yarn jobs" aloft in a gale of wind, often being sent aloft -without any explanation of what he was to do, and when he got above -the top where he could scarcely hear, a volley of orders and abuse was -yelled at him with bewildering effect. He certainly at such times did -seem stupid, but all through the voyage I saw no resentment shown, -heard no "back answers" and only noticed the flush of the cheek that -betrayed the wounded spirit he so submissively controlled. I began to -love that quiet, faithful sailor and to protect him from abuse whenever -I could do so without disorganizing discipline.</p> - -<p>On the present voyage I noticed that John was always placed at the -best work. If a cringle was to be put in a sail, or a cloth let in, -a seizing to be squared, or a ratline to be straightened, John was -called on oftener than anyone else to do it. I asked the mate one day: -"How is it you put John at such good jobs; do you consider him a good -sailor-man?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," said the mate; "he's just as good a sailor-man as there is -in the crew. It doesn't do to watch him too closely though. If I stand -over<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[Pg 149]</span> him he often gets flustered and does things back-handed, but let -him try his own way and he'll do things shipshape."</p> - -<p>I was delighted to hear a good word spoken for John, and thought much -better of the mate for his perception and wise dealing. Often have I -said: "If all sailors were like John it would be only a pleasure to -go to sea." He lives in my memory as my model sailor, in spite of his -deficiencies.</p> - -<p>He was a well-formed man, of medium size, straight and compact, with -light, curly hair, good features, a very clean face with rosy cheeks, -and blue eyes that were really beautiful in their soft expression. -His cheerful smile and modest blush made it a pleasure to accost him. -He was always neat in his dress, and though four bells struck when he -was riding down a stay "up to his eyes" in tar, he would dive into -the forecastle and in a few minutes appear to take his trick at the -wheel with clean dungaree pants and hickory shirt. As his clear voice -repeated the course, "Nord, nord-east, half east," I would go below -saying to myself, "The ship will be well steered these two hours."</p> - -<p>Where is John now? Has he bought his farm yet in the Faderland? Or -has he fallen over board, or died in a foreign hospital? Has he been -disheartened by the harsh treatment of cruel mates and become degraded -in his habits on shore? May God bless him wherever he is, and through -all his wanderings bring him safely to the Fatherland!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[Pg 150]</span></p> - -<p>We attempted a Christmas dinner in the cabin, while the sailors had -their plum duff in honor of the festival. Our table bore a goodly -display of articles, as regards name, but probably their quality would -be less attractive to landsmen's palates. We dressed in our "shore -togs;" appropriate sentiments were uttered, and an original ode was -recited, as follows:</p> - - -<p class="center">ODE TO THE <i>ROCKET</i>.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 35%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="allsmcap">TUNE</span>: "<i>Van Amburgh's Menagerie</i>."</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The <i>Rocket</i> is our vessel's name,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A noble Boston bark.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Her qualities are known to fame,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As I need not remark.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For fourteen years she's ploughed the wave,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And sailed through every clime;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Though billows roar and tempests rave,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She always comes to time.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Chorus</i>: The <i>Rocket</i> now we'll praise,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 7em;">For she's as good a craft</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 6em;">As ever dashed aside the sprays,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Or at the storm-king laughed.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The captain, first and second mate,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A passenger beside,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Are lads as true as ever ate</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Plum duff upon the tide.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Straits of Sunda is our goal</span><br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[Pg 151]</span><span style="margin-left: 2em;">To which we're speeding free;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And now we fill the flowing bowl</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To life upon the sea.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Chorus</i>: The <i>Rocket</i> now we'll praise,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 7em;">For she's as good a craft</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 6em;">As ever dashed aside the sprays,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Or at the storm-king laughed.</span><br /> - -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">When with fresh wind and flowing sheet</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We're flying through the foam,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Our hearts with joy and gladness beat,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As round the world we roam.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or in the calm and tropic night,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The stars recall to mind</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The eyes, as beautiful and bright</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of girls we've left behind.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Chorus</i>: The <i>Rocket</i> now we'll praise,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 7em;">For she's as good a craft</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 6em;">As ever dashed aside the sprays,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Or at the storm-king laughed.</span><br /> - -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Roll on ye waves, ye breezes blow,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Swift speed us on our course,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And soon to Asia's shores we'll show</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Ensign and Black Horse.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And when we step on Java's strand,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our double toast shall be</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The glorious old bark <i>Rocket</i>, and</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Romance of the sea.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Chorus</i>: The <i>Rocket</i> now we'll praise,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 7em;">For she's as good a craft</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 6em;">As ever dashed aside the sprays,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Or at the storm-king laughed.</span><br /> - -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[Pg 152]</span></p> -<p>The vessel had received a liberal outfit from the owners, who expressed -the wish that the sailors should not be restricted to a diet of salt -beef and hard bread, believing this to be the most expensive way of -provisioning a ship, as well as an unsatisfactory one to the crew. -Accordingly the men were allowed "soft bread" every night; there was -a good supply of potatoes, onions, and beets on board, and mackerel, -herrings, tongues and sounds, dried apples, corn meal, and pickles -were provided, in addition to the usual supplies of rice, beans, split -peas, salt codfish and the inevitable beef, pork, and "hard-tack." -Molasses and vinegar were freely served out, these condiments often -making a plain meal quite palatable, and one evening in a week molasses -gingerbread was furnished in place of the "soft bread." In the cabin -we had a tolerable supply of canned provisions and had no reason to -complain. I find, however, the following entry in my journal:</p> - -<p>"I feel a strong desire to get ashore and have something new to eat. We -have a good supply of stores, but there is so much sameness necessarily -in our table fare, that the very thought of meal times takes away one's -appetite. We had a large stock of vegetables and still have potatoes, -onions and beets, so there is no fear of scurvy. I have sometimes said -that the only advantage I ever discovered in going to sea, was the -ability to eat onions, without fear of offending one's associates. But<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[Pg 153]</span> -after indulgence in this respect every day for three months, I feel -willing to renounce this luxurious privilege of sea life, and endure -the privations of civilized society for a while."</p> - -<p>Very small incidents become noteworthy at sea and one day was enlivened -by the appearance of the Malay cabin boy before me, with very solemn -face, exclaiming, in tragic tones: "Sir! the ginger won't live long." -It proved that a jar of preserved ginger, having been left open in the -pantry, the officers had treated themselves in a night-watch, thus -shortening its life.</p> - -<p>Some little anxiety was caused by some doubtful islands being set -down on the chart, but we sailed over their supposed locality without -striking anything, or seeing any sign of shoal water.</p> - -<p>Those who have examined charts of the sea, have noticed frequent -interrogation points, which indicate that dangers have been reported in -the localities designated. The charts of the Pacific Ocean especially -abound with these reputed rocks and shoals, and keep the navigator -in continual alarm, lest one should prove to be a reality. It was a -wonder to me how these false alarms, as most of them are now known to -be, could ever have been given, but an occurrence, by which I myself -was deceived, has suggested a plausible explanation of some of the -instances.</p> - -<p>I was sailing in the South Pacific (in the ship "California,") in lat. -24° 20´ south, lon. 125° 6´<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[Pg 154]</span> west. We were steering south, with the -wind north, the sky clear, and the ship going about two knots through -the water. At 1, <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>, the officer of the deck reported to me -that there were breakers ahead, and on the port bow. I went on deck, -and saw what appeared to be an extensive field of breakers, and also -a low island or sand bank, thirty feet high, and three miles long, -without trees or verdure, and with shoals, on which the sea broke, -extending five miles from it to the north and west. The island bore -south-east, eight miles distant, and the nearest breakers were two and -one half or three miles distant from the vessel.</p> - -<p>The mate went aloft with me to the mizzen-topsail yard, and with my -marine glass we took a good look, and were both entirely convinced that -what we saw were genuine breakers. The sea was very smooth and we could -see the swell rolling towards us, then cresting, and spreading thin -sheets of foam upon the water. The island also appeared very distinct -as seen through the glass. I went down on deck with the intention of -altering the ship's course, but deciding to run a little nearer to the -breakers, I went up to the fore-topsail yard to watch them and steer -the ship past them. I soon noticed that they changed their position -somewhat, that the ship drew no nearer to them, and that there was a -perfect calm where they prevailed. Finally I found the whole appearance -was an optical delusion, caused by the sun shining<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[Pg 155]</span> upon the glassy -swell of the sea, and a peculiar state of atmospheric refraction.</p> - -<p>I kept the ship on her course, and sailed through the spot where the -first breakers appeared, finding blue water there, but still observing -the breakers in the calm spots at varying distances for the next three -hours, until 4, <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>, when the breeze freshened at the west, -and the illusion was dispelled. The island vanished after being in -sight for an hour, and I presume was caused by the looming of the swell -of the sea in the horizon.</p> - -<p>The whole ship's company were deceived by this remarkable appearance, -and if circumstances had not favored my prolonged inspection of it, I -should certainly have made a report which would have added another to -the list of doubtful dangers, which are combined puzzles and terrors to -navigators.</p> - -<p>Fresh south-east trades brought us north at an average speed of over -nine knots, for a few days, and carried us to lat. 12° 30´ S. Here, -according to books, we should find the N.W. Monsoon, and anticipating -it I had followed the sailing directions and kept to the westward of -the direct course, in order to be sure of fetching into the Straits -of Sunda with the north-west wind. Instead of this, eleven successive -days of light south-east airs and calms attended us. Coming at the end -of the passage, this delay was very hard to bear, and we saw daily the -hopes of a "crack passage" dwindling away. The tropical sun poured -down upon us,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[Pg 156]</span> and with no breezes stirring to alleviate its effects, -discomfort of body was added to the distress of mind. The attitudes -assumed on one of these calm, hot days, are so expressive of the mental -emotions entertained, that the reader for further information as to how -we felt, is referred to our artist's portrayal of the scene.</p> - -<p>The <i>Rocket's</i> cabin was below the poop-deck, built in the style -called a "trunk," that is, sunk part way into the between decks. -My room was in the forward end, on the starboard side, and a small -window opening through the "break of the poop" admitted sights and -sounds from the deck. This was often very serviceable in keeping track -of what was going on when the "old man," as the captain is always -styled, was supposed to be safely out of the way. I also overheard -many conversations not intended for my ear, and was sometimes -entertained by the officers' yarns as they sat on the booby-hatch in -the dog-watch, six to eight o'clock in the evening. As this was the -passenger's first experience of sea-life, they very kindly supplied -him most liberally with information on that topic. Some of the items -were of considerable interest. The mate gave most of the stories, but -the second mate sometimes "put in his oar." One evening, I heard the -mate describe, in terms that would have done honor to a city-press -reporter, the construction of a new steamer that was to combine two -means of locomotion. A railroad was laid on her deck,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[Pg 157]</span> and when she -left New York, a train containing the passengers started from her -stern. When the bow of the ship reached Liverpool, the train would just -get to that end of the ship, having been rushing ahead all the time -that the steamer was crossing the Atlantic. If I remember rightly, the -passengers were only three days in crossing by this double method of -travel.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus04.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">Dead calm.—Thermometer 90° in the shade.</p> - - - -<p>The second mate followed this up with an account of a sailing-ship that -he was in, which had a gangway built around the ship, and the captain -used to ride around the vessel on horseback with a speaking-trumpet, -giving orders. The ship was lighted by gas. Pipes with hot tea and -coffee ran to the captain's state-room from the galley, and a small -railroad was laid on deck to carry the hands fore and aft, but it was a -horse-car affair, and so on.</p> - -<p>The most remarkable story, I felt worthy of record, and I will give it -in the mate's words.</p> - -<p>"When I was mate of the clipper ship "Nonesuch" (she had three decks -and no bottom) we were sailing in the Indian Ocean bound from Mauritius -to Calcutta, in ballast. One day, looking to windward I saw a great -splashing in the water, which rapidly approached the vessel. I ran -up the mizzen-rigging and discovered that a large whale was coming -towards us pursued by a swordfish, which made attacks upon it whenever -it could overtake the whale. As they neared the ship the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[Pg 160]</span> whale sank -a little below the surface of the water, and then, seeing the hull of -the vessel in the way, it rose to the surface, gave one twist of its -tail, and with a tremendous effort leaped into the air, and went clean -over the royal-mast head. I never was so astonished in my life, and the -swordfish appeared to be equally surprised, for he stopped and looked -aloft for half a second, and then making a dive he went under the keel -of the ship. As he rose to the surface on the other side, he pointed -his sword up straight in the air, and when the whale fell he caught it -on the point and whirled it round and round for nearly a minute. Then -the whale got off, the swordfish being wearied out, I suppose, and both -started on another race. After going a little distance the whale turned -towards the ship, and being too feeble now, from loss of blood, to take -another leap, he struck the ship and swung alongside, broadside on. The -swordfish came on with such force that his sword pierced the body of -the whale and we felt the jar as it struck the ship's side. There they -lay thrashing and bleeding. We were surprised that the whale didn't -move off, as we had been going five or six knots, and we also noticed -that our speed was reduced. The carpenter went down into the hold, -and found that the fish's sword had cut right through the side of the -ship, and whale and swordfish were made fast to us. He got his hammer -and bent the end of the sword so that it couldn't be pulled out; and -the whale soon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[Pg 161]</span> dying, we turned into a whale-ship for a while, cut it -up and tried out several barrels of oil. We shot the swordfish with a -rifle, but left his sword in the plank, and it was cut out when we got -home and put in a museum for a curiosity. We found the greatest lot of -trash in the whale's stomach that you can imagine—pieces of sailor's -shirts, old boots, tin pans, glass bottles and preserve-cans. There was -a very fine linen handkerchief with some queer letters in the corner, -which no one could make out. The captain carried it home and showed -it to a minister, who was a great scholar. He said the letters were -Hebrew and spelt Jonah! There seemed to be no doubt that this was the -very whale that swallowed the prophet, when he cut sticks off to sea -and got hove overboard in a gale of wind. It's said Jonah felt down in -the mouth after the whale took him in, and no doubt he cried and took -out his handkerchief to wipe his eyes. Then he came out pretty sudden, -and must have dropped it in his surprise. I've always believed in Jonah -since then."</p> - -<p>One afternoon, when ninety-eight days out, we sighted Java Head, the -south-western point of Java, and at sunset were just fifteen miles west -of it. This seemed almost like arrival at our destination. It is a -great relief to the navigator, after months of steering by the stars, -to find his reckoning proved correct by seeing the dry land appear, -just where his calculations lead him to look for it.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[Pg 162]</span> It thrills his -mind to think that he has been enabled to find his way through pathless -wastes, over half the circumference of the globe, to a little head-land -in the eastern seas. He feels a reverence for the noble science whose -deductions have led to this result, and also usually indulges in -some self-complacent emotions at his own successful application of -its rules. Having bearings of the land he now knows where he is by -sight, and gladly leaves his life of faith. He finds, however, that -this element of security is offset by a vast increase of danger. In -proximity to the land are rocks and shoals, and around them sweep ever -varying currents. Dark nights and storms envelope and assail him, and -hours of anxiety are passed, such as are wholly unknown in the deep sea -sailing.</p> - -<p>This night I was destined to experience the hazards of coast navigation -and to recognize the preserving hand of God in preventing our -shipwreck. Knowing my position so exactly, I felt emboldened to attempt -to work into the Straits of Sunda in the night. In the evening a fresh -breeze sprang up ahead varying from E.S.E. to E.N.E., accompanied by -heavy rain-squalls. The night was very dark and I remained on deck -the whole time, except for the few moments occasionally required for -marking the supposed position on the chart and planning the movements -of the vessel. We made several tacks and at three o'clock in the -morning, when I supposed we were well into the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[Pg 163]</span> Straits, after a -rain-squall had passed, the clouds broke away, revealing the old moon -just getting out of bed from behind a high hill directly ahead, towards -which we were hastening at a rate of speed which would have cast us -upon its shores in another quarter of an hour. The bark was immediately -hove to, while I tried unsuccessfully to verify my position. Daylight -revealed that we had been about running into Java Head, the current -having set us back S.W. by S. 32 miles in twelve hours. So here we -were, instead of being in the Strait, still at its entrance, not having -secured any gain from all the night's work, the insidious current -having robbed us of the fruits of our toil. I had been fretting all -the night because the wind would not haul and allow us to steer in a -certain direction. I was thrilled and instructed by noticing on the -chart that, if I had been permitted to take the course I desired, we -should have certainly been wrecked on the dangerous reef extending -from Prince's Island. How near we came to it I cannot say, but that we -avoided it was not owing to my own skill, but to Him whose hand led me -in the uttermost parts of the sea. Many a successful navigator in these -Eastern waters could join me in acknowledging that in some instances -his safety has been owing "more to luck than good management" as the -common phrase goes, or as one had better say, to a kind Providence. -This event gave me an illustration of "Prayer answered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[Pg 164]</span> by crosses" and -in later trials has helped me to say: "Thy will be done."</p> - -<p>The next night, being in very close quarters among islands and rocks, -I took bearings of a light to test my progress, the darkness hiding -the dangers from view. A light breeze was blowing, and the bark moved -at the rate of about two knots through the water. The light however -remained on the same bearing, showing that we gained nothing on it, and -I supposed the same strong current was neutralizing all the power of -the wind. I was about to come to anchor to avoid the peril of drifting -about in the darkness amid so many dangers, when a close inspection of -the light with the marine glass, showed it was not on the land, but on -board a vessel in shore, sailing with us, and on the other side we soon -discovered a rock, which we were passing quite swiftly, the current -evidently having changed in the opposite direction. This event supplied -another moral reflection: the importance of measuring by a right -standard.</p> - - - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> The owners' private signal.</p></div></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[Pg 165]</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">LIFE IN THE EAST INDIES.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 35%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"It is a goodly sight to see</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">What Heaven hath done for this delicious land."—<i>Byron.</i></span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"And, oh! if there be an Elysium on earth,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It is this, it is this."—<i>Thomas Moore.</i></span><br /> -</p> - - -<p class="drop">T<span class="uppercase">he</span> East Indies is a name generally applied to the archipelago lying -S.E. of Asia, containing the islands of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Celebes -and others. It was visited by voyagers from the Western World in the -16th century, and since that time Portuguese, Dutch, English and French -have controlled parts of its domain.</p> - -<p>I wish I could affect the reader's imagination as my own senses were -impressed, when, after the stormy night, in which we barely escaped -ship<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[Pg 166]</span>wreck, we sailed in the early morning along the shores of Java, -an island so beautiful in its aspect, so luxuriant in its productions, -and so delightful in its varied climates, as to have been claimed by -many as the veritable locality of the Garden of Eden. As we sail along, -monkeys chatter at us from the trees and rocks that girt the shore; -bright plumaged birds are seen on the wing, and the dewy air floats off -to us so loaded with odors suggestive of delicious fruits, that one -instinctively opens his mouth to devour it. This makes plain an idiom -of the Malay language. "To take a walk" is expressed in that tongue by -words meaning to eat the air. I can hardly recommend this chamelion -diet as a staple food, but it is most excellent for dessert.</p> - -<p>Sailing up the Straits of Sunda, the waters attract the notice by the -curiosities floated on their surface. Cuttlefish bones, such as our -canaries use, cocoanuts, a great variety of fruits and leaves, and even -floating rocks, which are found to be pumice stone, pass the vessel -in continued procession. Besides these an evidence of civilization is -usually noticed in the form of square-faced gin bottles, for these -abound in the neighborhood of the Dutch settlements.</p> - -<p>At Anjer, a little village nestled among dense foliage, "bumboats" come -off to supply the ships with fruits and provisions. One of these making -fast to a vessel, a man climbs up on deck, dressed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[Pg 167]</span> in jacket and pants -of striped red and yellow cotton and introduces himself as Paul Jones; -but if he visits an English ship he, perhaps, knows enough to select -a name less offensive in its allusions. This boat contains yams (the -eastern substitute for potatoes), cocoanuts, bananas, fowls, shells, -Java sparrows, and always monkeys. A sailor sometimes sets these last -loose, and they escape on board the ship and retain their liberty. The -last time I passed Anjer homeward bound, my previous experience with -monkeys led me to send word to the crew that they might buy as many -monkeys as they wished, but I should charge $10 for each one's passage -to New York. The consequence was that no monkeys were bought; but after -getting to sea, I found the crew had invested in squirrels, which had -the art of taking very long leaps through the air, so that one was -often startled by hearing a whiz, and feeling an animal alight on the -back of the neck. I resolved that in future squirrels should also be -excluded from the free passengers' list.</p> - -<p>Rounding St. Nicholas Point into the Java Sea, we sail among small -islands, each a perfect gem of landscape beauty. All have read of the -formation of these coral islands; how the little insects rear the -structure and die at the water's surface when their work is done. Then -the drift of the sea collects upon the coral, earth slowly accumulates; -cocoanuts are washed up, and taking root, send up<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[Pg 168]</span> the tall palm-trees; -finally, the whole island becomes a mass of luxuriant verdure. A -glistening white sand beach surrounds it, and at a little distance it -is encircled with a wreath of foam, as the sea ceaselessly breaks over -the surrounding reef. These are the jewels of the eastern seas—the -emerald brooch with silver setting, fastened upon the bosom of the deep.</p> - -<p>Anchoring in Batavia harbor, native boatmen row us ashore, giving -monotonous grunts as they ply their oars; and pulling up a long canal, -we land at the "boom," or Custom House. A carriage is secured, a sort -of barouche, having four wheels, and one seat with projecting hood. -A driver sits on the box, wearing a loose bright-colored frock, his -head covered with an enormous gilt hat, in shape like an inverted -wash-bowl. Two ponies are attached to the carriage; the driver cracks -his whip and beats them to enforce a start, but in vain. This carriage, -in the Malay tongue, is called a "crétur," but an Irishman would -certainly apply that term to the horses, for of all created animals, -donkeys not excepted, these East Indian horses are the most erratic -and unaccountable in their movements. In this case an appeal to the -bystanders brings a crowd to push the vehicle ahead, until the ponies, -through fear of being run over, decide to get out of the way, and -start off upon a gallop, which is maintained till the destination is -reached; unless they should happen to stop suddenly, stand<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[Pg 169]</span> on their -heads and kick their heels at the driver's wash-bowl hat; or else, -turning at right angles, dash off the road into a hedge. I was once -driving in Penang, in the Straits of Malacca, with a gentleman, in an -American buggy drawn by a Sumatra pony; a horse passing at a gallop -infuriated the animal, and he rushed at his utmost speed along a -smooth, wide road. At its sides were ravines fifteen or twenty feet -deep, at the bottom of which ran streams of water. No obstruction was -in sight save a solitary buffalo cart on the left hand side of the -road; and because that was the only point where he could not have the -freedom of the whole road, there that pony deemed the path of duty to -lie. As he approached the cart he bolted off to that side of the road, -tottered a moment on the edge of the bank, and over it we went. Flying -through the air, I struck my head on the opposite side of the ravine, -and rolled down into the stream under the pony, who looked as though -he wished he hadn't done it. Some natives helped me up into the road, -and when I appeared on board ship the next morning with my bruised and -battered face and soiled clothing, the sailors cast suspicious glances, -and I learned afterwards, were quite elated at having detected their -moralizing captain in the indulgence of a night-long spree with such -results. This injury to my reputation may account for my prejudice -against East India ponies; but now that I have given them a bad<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[Pg 170]</span> name -I have had my revenge. It must be admitted that they are indispensable -to comfort, with all their ills, for the fierce tropical sun forbids -noon-day walking, and some covered conveyance is an essential of life -in the East; so, in China, each person has his sedan chair carried -by two coolies; in the Straits' Settlements, his one-horse gharry, -and in the Dutch places his crétur. Some security is given against -the waywardness of the ponies by the frequent practice of building -embankments at the sides of the roads; and some escape their dangers by -using good horses from Australia, or, occasionally, fine Arab steeds.</p> - -<p>The hotel at which we arrive is a two-story building, and in the rear -extend lines of one-storied structures, with wide walks covered by -verandahs, upon which the rooms all open. Upon my first arrival at -this hotel I entered the office, but saw no person there, unless Mr. -Darwin's friends should insist that I applied that term to a large -monkey, who was seated upon the table engaged in pouring the contents -of a capacious inkstand upon the open pages of the hotel register. My -presence ended this evidence of a dawning fondness and aptitude for the -fine arts.</p> - -<p>Allow me to describe a day's life as a sample of the mode of existence -among the foreign residents. In the morning one is awakened by a -servant entering the room with a cup of tea; looking out upon the -verandah, another servant may be seen<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[Pg 171]</span> engaged in cleaning the shoes. -He plucks a flower from a plant close at hand, rubs it over the -shoe and then applies the polishing brush, with brilliant effect. -This is called the shoe-plant; and nature makes another appropriate -arrangement in producing the soap tree, with the fruit of which the -hands may be cleansed. Seizing the towels, one next proceeds, in his -sleeping costume, across the court yard to the bath house; this is a -room paved with tiles, containing a large tank of water. The mode of -bathing is that practised by the natives. Standing alongside the tank -the person dips out water in a small bucket and pours it on the head. -This becomes a very favorite method of performing ablution. Returning -to the room, the sleeping costume is laid aside for the habiliments of -the day; but it demands a description, for few things are more peculiar -or essential to a comfortable life in the East. It consists of loose -trousers, called pajamas, and a jacket, called bajou. The pajamas are -made of colored calico, the more brilliant in color and startling in -pattern the better. They are gathered about the waist with a string. -The bajou is of white calico, buttons closely about the throat and -reaches to the hips. This dress is worn not only at night, but whenever -in the day one is free from business or society. The first morning I -spent in Java I encountered a lady robed in white. I averted my eyes, -but saw another lady approaching, and then another; and finding them -uncon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[Pg 172]</span>cerned, I gained assurance enough to inspect their costume. I -learned that in the Dutch settlements in the East Indies ladies adopt -a dress corresponding somewhat to that of the native women, which they -wear during the heat of the day, and only appear in European costume -in the evening. This dress consists of the "sarong," or loose skirt -of colored calico reaching to the ankles, and the "cobaiya," a white -sack descending to the knees. Sandals are worn, but no stockings. The -first impression upon the masculine beholder is not pleasant. It seems -a decidedly slipshod attire; but we soon become accustomed to it, and -admire, at least, the good sense that leads to the consideration of -comfort, rather than fashionable appearance.</p> - -<p>After the bath the gentleman dresses for the day, either all in white -or with a loose black sack coat. Breakfast is served, consisting of -broiled fowl, eggs, fruits, &c., and at about ten o'clock the carriage -takes him to his office. Between twelve and one a lunch is served on -the business premises, the chief item of which is curry. This demands -description. We have all seen bottled curry powder, but what is used -on the spot is made fresh every day. The ingredients are ground upon a -stone and mixed together. The meat of a cocoanut is grated, moistened -with water and squeezed by the hand over the curry powder. Into this, -prawns, or bits of fowl or meat, are placed and the dish is ready. Rice -is first taken upon the plate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[Pg 173]</span> and curry is added. A tray is handed -containing a dozen little plates, each holding some kind of peppers, -pickles, spices or chutney, and one is supposed to take a little of -each, or else to make a judicious selection. A dried fish, called a -Bombay duck, is broken up over the pile and more meat or fowl may be -added, or else some fricadel, a delightful compound of bread, eggs -and minced fowl. Finally all is thoroughly mixed together and eaten -with the aid of a spoon or fork. This tastes better than it, probably, -sounds to the reader's ears, and there is no recollection of the East -more suggestive and fascinating to a former resident than the curry. It -seems strange, however, that in such warm climates nature should crave -such heating and stimulating food.</p> - -<p>If it is not steamer-day, the gentleman will probably drive home at -about four o'clock; the pajamas and bajou are donned, a book or short -nap occupy an hour; another bath is taken, and the evening dress is -assumed, which usually will be of white, with a short jacket, such as -is worn by waiters in our hotels. A walk or drive is taken in the cool -of the evening, ladies and gentlemen appearing without headdress or -hats; or if hats are worn, they are light articles, made of cork or -pith, with good ventilation. They meet where the band may be playing, -or drive along the charming suburbs, or saunter to the club-house. -Between seven and eight they sit down to dinner, and get<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[Pg 174]</span> up at some -indefinite period between nine and day-light. The men smoke their -cigars between the courses, drink liquors throughout the meal, and -afterwards take a night-cap of brandy and water. They retire finally to -beds covered with rattan mats, and devoid of bedclothes. A lamp remains -lighted all night in the room, and consists of a glass tumbler half -full of water, with cocoanut oil poured in, and a small wick floated on -top in the centre. This is the lamp of the East.</p> - -<p>The houses of the foreign residents are one-story structures, raised a -few feet from the ground, built of brick or stone, covered with plaster -and whitewashed. A broad flight of steps leads to a wide verandah, -which is supplied with furniture, especially easy chairs of luxurious -model, and this place is the sitting-room and reception hall of the -family. Within are parlor and bedrooms, and at the back of the house -is another verandah, generally used as a dining-room. One who takes -an evening's walk, and as he passes each house, looks through the -dark foliage at the brilliantly lighted verandah, with its family and -social groups, will get a series of most enchanting tableaux. When the -residents wish to be "not at home," they darken the front verandah and -get further into their houses, so callers are spared useless inquiries. -In the rear of the house, the servants' lodgings, kitchen and -bath-house are placed. The kitchens are a novelty. A raised platform -runs the length<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[Pg 175]</span> of the building, and on top of it, or in arches near -the top, several fires are built as needed, one for each dish to be -prepared. There is no chimney; the smoke not absorbed by the food, -escapes through the doors. The servants are numerous, and each has his -separate sphere. There is no "maid of all work" in the East. Every -person has his "boy," who hovers about him in all his waking hours, and -cares for him much as a nurse for a child. The boy is called for every -trivial service, and I have heard the master shout repeatedly for the -"suppada," as servants are called, and when he came running breathless -from the rear of the house, he was ordered to move a chair that stood a -few yards off, in order that the luxurious master could put his feet on -it.</p> - -<p>The vegetation of the East impresses the traveller with its luxuriant -growth and beauty of form and color. There is no "Fall;" all is -evergreen. The cocoanut trees abound, perhaps, most commonly. The form -of its straight stem, with branches spreading from the top, and the -fruit nestling at the summit, are familiar to all. It is interesting -to see the natives climb these tall trunks to gather the cocoanuts. -Sometimes they ascend by stepping upon notches cut in the tree, and at -others they put a loop of rope around both ankles, and seize another -loop with both hands, their arms encircling the tree; then alternately -grasping the trunk with feet and hands they ascend<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[Pg 176]</span> swiftly, and soon -the thump of the nuts on the ground is heard. Picking up a green one, -and cutting a hole, you may obtain a delicious drink of sweet water. -The "flame tree" attracts especial notice in Batavia. Its lower leaves -are of a dark green, and grow gradually lighter until at the top they -are straw-colored, forming a pyramid of light. Outside the limits -of the town one comes to the jungle, which may thus be described, -partly in another's words: Imagine a forest of gigantic trees standing -together almost like the stalks in a wheat field. They are smooth -and branchless for four-fifths of their height, and then spreading -out, interlacing, form a complete canopy. Then a growth of shorter -trees springs up, winding their branches in and out among the trunks; -then comes a growth of ferns, palms and plants, and finally, the -whole mass is woven together by a network of creepers and parasites, -from the slender rattan to the vine as thick as a man's body. In the -elbows of the trees are many orchidaceous plants thriving on the air -and sending down their shoots into the network below. This jungle is -absolutely impenetrable by man, but the tiger roams through it, and -lurks on its border for the unwary passer-by. Beyond the jungle may be -seen the "Paddy-fields," the light green color of the growing rice, -pleasing the eye in contrast with the copper-colored beeches and the -purple mountains beyond the plain. The graceful bamboo waves in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[Pg 177]</span> every -direction, and gains respect as being the most useful growth of the -East, though botanists term it only a grass. Its uses are innumerable; -but two extremes may be mentioned. With it the natives build their -houses and beat their children. The tropical fruits require a word of -mention. There is the durian, the favorite of the natives, smelling, -it is said, like a dead elephant, and tasting, to my palate, like a -mixture of nuts and onions. The mangosteen, the choicest of fruits; the -delicious mango, the pummalow, rambutan, ducoe, and banana,—all awaken -pleasant memories as the favorites of the table.</p> - -<p>The natives are short, homely and copper-colored, or, as they like -to describe themselves, "the color of gold." The men dress in jacket -and pants, with the sarong wrapped about the waist, or hung loosely -from the shoulders. The women wear the sarong and cobaiya previously -described, and their general appearance so much resembles that of men, -that it is sometimes difficult for an impartial eye to distinguish -the sexes. The teeth are filed and stained black from chewing the -betel nut, as it is deemed unbecoming to have "white teeth like a -dog." The houses are of bamboo, covered with a thatched roof, and -mounted on posts, and the front-door steps consist of a ladder. The -food is chiefly rice; but if report is true many revolting creatures -are devoured, and worms and white ants are occasionally taken "as a -relish."<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[Pg 178]</span> The buffalo is a member of society that deserves notice. A -hump on his back serves to hold the yoke, and he is driven by a string -tied to a ring of rattan passed through the nose. After work they -delight to stand in the river or canal, and with only their heads above -water, enjoy a cooling off. The Dutch Government requires every native, -who walks after dark, to carry a torch. This is composed of stems from -the cocoanut tree, and is fanned into flame as the holder hears an -approaching footstep. They vie with the fireflies in making the night -attractive.</p> - -<p>Many customs are striking to the visitor. The woman walks in front of -the man, so that she may regulate the pace as she desires, a refinement -we might copy. After marriage the husband goes to the bride's home and -resides. A man leaves his property to his nephews and nieces, not to -his own children, for he casts a slur upon female virtue by saying: "A -man may be sure his sister's children are of his own blood, but who -knows that his own are?"</p> - -<p>Descriptions of life so luxurious as that of the East Indies may seem -attractive and fascinating to dwellers in the harsh, northern climes; -but there are compensations. The enervated East Indian resident sighs -for the cold winter, the bracing sleigh ride, the animating change of -seasons, cultivated society, the intellectual stimulus of scientific -investigation and literary criticism, and though<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[Pg 179]</span> myself partial to the -East in many respects, I would say with England's poet:</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 5em;">"Better fifty years of Europe than a cycle of Cathay."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>In six days the cargo destined for Batavia was landed, and on a -Saturday the vessel cleared for Singapore. The wind was ahead and it -was a difficult and dangerous task to work out among the many shoals -that lie in the harbor. No pilot could be obtained, and every one -advised me to wait till Sunday morning, and start with the fair breeze -that was sure to blow in its early hours. I had scruples about sailing -on Sunday if it could be avoided, yet feared censure if I detained the -vessel, so I resolved to make a start. We got under way, shot between -the shoals and cleared the shipping in safety. We passed our Sunday -quietly sailing across the Java Sea with the fresh N.W. Monsoon.</p> - -<p>We had the task before us of beating up the Carimata Passage against a -head monsoon and an opposing current. It was a difficult undertaking, -often requiring weeks of fruitless labor, and a month was allotted -for the passage to Singapore by our friends in Batavia. On a previous -voyage I had found a disadvantage in having the crew engaged in -work, which sometimes prevented prompt attention to the manœuvering -of the vessel, indeed I considered once that I lost a day or two by -being prevented from tacking ship at the moment de<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[Pg 180]</span>sired. Now I gave -orders that no jobs on the rigging, that were unnecessary, should be -undertaken, but that the crew should be kept standing by to work ship. -This then received sole attention. The sails were always trimmed, the -yards braced, and with every favoring variation of wind we tacked and -retacked, fighting our way with incessant vigilance by day and night, -slowly gaining ahead in spite of the opposing forces. We steered by -rocks and shoals, shot through the narrow Panambanga Channel off the -west coast of Borneo, and then, with a steady beat through the Southern -China Sea, we gained the Singapore Strait, and anchored in the harbor -of Singapore eleven days and a half from Batavia. This was an exciting -passage. Sailing night and day in those narrow waters occasioned a -great tension of nerves and limited the opportunities for sleep. One -night in particular remains in vivid remembrance, when near dangerous -shoals, out of sight of land, and uncertain where the current might -have drifted us, the hours of anxiety seemed like years, and in the -morning I looked in the glass with a half-serious apprehension lest -my hair had turned grey, according to stories we read of such effects -being produced by strong emotions. But there were pleasant days, when -gliding slowly by the evergreen islands, through the smooth blue waters -full of minute objects of interest, with distant mountain ranges to -rest the eye upon, life seemed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[Pg 183]</span> as full of romantic enjoyment as the -imaginations of fabled story.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus05.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">The midnight catastrophe. -</p> - - -<p>Upon arrival at Singapore my first indulgence was in a good all-night's -sleep in bed, which one learns to appreciate after days and nights on -deck.</p> - -<p>On one of the few occasions during this passage, when I had an -opportunity to catch a nap on the cabin sofa at night, I was greatly -alarmed by being aroused from dreams of shipwreck, by water pouring -over me from a jug upset by the swinging open of a locker door. -Anything that happens to "the old man" is considered important on -shipboard, and this was deemed worthy of illustration.</p> - -<p>At Singapore we discharged the rest of our cargo and loaded a quantity -of tin, gambier and gutta percha. We remained twenty-three days here, -most of the time being spent in waiting for the merchants at Penang to -purchase cargo, as the vessel's appearance at that port while they were -buying would have made the native traders put up their prices. So we -hid away at Singapore, and a very pleasant hiding place it was.</p> - -<p>The first novelty that greeted our arrival was an assemblage of canoes -and boats. From the former small boys dived for coin, thrown from the -vessel, catching them before they descended far below the surface of -the water. From the latter were offered us fruit, birds, monkeys, -shells and corals, the last named being especially beautiful. A whole -boat load of these at "a hard bargain" was secured for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[Pg 184]</span> seventy-five -cents. The appearance of the town is very picturesque, luxuriant -foliage appearing amidst the collections of white houses, and hills -rise in the rear covered with nutmeg and fruit trees, while near by the -fertile jungle dips its abundant growth into the sea. Many pleasant -hours were passed on shore; the fascinating hospitalities of luxurious -homes were enjoyed; a picnic in the midst of the jungle nine miles from -the city afforded a splendid view of tropical scenery; and a drive -to a cocoanut plantation of five hundred acres showed how European -enterprise is economizing the fertile products of the East. One evening -especially remains prominent in agreeable recollection, when I dined -with an old Boston friend. The table was spread on the rear verandah -where the trees waved close to us, and the air was full of delicious -odors and the singing of insects, their differing notes seeming like -tunes. Truly life in Singapore is fascinating.</p> - -<p>There were a number of American vessels here waiting for freights -to improve in different ports of the East. In order to save expense -they desired to discharge their crews, but, three months' extra pay -being required by the consul, they either had to add to the lack of -employment the further infliction of supporting an unprofitable crew, -or drive the men to desertion by acts of cruelty and oppression. Every -day almost there was some row in the harbor on board an American ship, -and this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[Pg 185]</span> law and its results was a continual topic of discussion.</p> - -<p>In a work entitled "Among our Sailors," the author, Dr. J. Grey Jewell, -formerly Consul at Singapore, speaks at some length about the law -requiring three months' extra pay for seamen discharged abroad, and -concludes: "I am convinced that the law is a good one and that it -should stand."</p> - -<p>During some years' experience in command of vessels I formed the -opinion that this is not a good law, and further that there is no -enactment concerning our merchant marine so injurious to sailors, so -vexatious to shipmasters, so unjust to shipowners, or so corrupting to -its executors in its influences. I believe most of those familiar with -its operations will approve of my pronouncing it a great curse. This -law was made in the beginning of the century, when Americans manned -our ships, and when these vessels visited ports seldom frequented, -where the discharge of a seaman might often leave him in destitution, -with no means of returning home. Now our ships are chiefly manned by -foreigners, who are more at home in foreign ports than in those on our -own shores, where only we may discharge them; and commerce has become -so extended that few places are visited by ships whence ready exit may -not be obtained.</p> - -<p>Some instances of the operation of this law will<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[Pg 186]</span> best explain its -evils. A European crew were shipped in an American vessel at San -Francisco for a voyage to Liverpool, the shipping articles containing -the clause, made customary by the law prohibiting discharge of seamen -abroad, "and thence to a final port of discharge in the United -States." At Liverpool the men wished to leave and return to their -homes in Norway and Germany, or sail on other voyages. The ship was to -remain for several weeks in Liverpool and then sail for San Francisco -again, and the men had no desire to go in that direction. Wages in -Liverpool were lower than those paid this crew from California, so -the shipowner's interest demanded that he should not be obliged to -support and pay a useless crew for the weeks his ship was idle, and -that he should be allowed to man her for a new voyage at the lowest -rate of wages. On application to the Consul by the captain and sailors, -information was given that the crew might be discharged, but one -month's pay must be given to the Consul, and two months' pay extra to -each seaman. The crew, in order to be released, offered to return the -two months' pay to the captain, after signing a receipt for it, but the -captain, desiring to avoid the unjust imposition altogether, gave the -wages to the mate, who privately handed them to the sailors, and they -took their departure. The captain next reported to the Consul under -oath, that his crew had deserted without his knowledge<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[Pg 187]</span> or consent, -but the Consul, finding out that the men had received their money, -insisted on the payment of one month's wages at his office. Another -vessel shipped a crew at San Francisco to be discharged at Liverpool, -but still this extra payment was required.</p> - -<p>A few years since a dozen American ships, one of them under my command, -arrived at a port in Asia. The trade they were engaged in was depressed -and they were doomed to remain idle for several months. The ships were -manned by foreigners, and the captains deemed it their duty to the -owners to avoid paying and feeding full crews for several months, when -they had no need of their services. Steamers and vessels in various -trades were arriving and departing daily, affording opportunity for -the men to obtain employment and leave the port. Application was made -to the Consul for permission to discharge the crews, which was given -on condition of compliance with the three months' pay law. This no one -cared to do; and the "fair means" being deemed unfair to the owner foul -means were employed. The captain of the S—— told his men they had -better leave, but, hoping to secure the two months' extra pay, they -declined. Orders were given to the mate to work them up and drive them -out of the ship. He accordingly hung planks over the ship's side, one -foot under water, and made the sailors stand on them and scrub the -ship's copper with sand, keeping them<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[Pg 188]</span> always on the sunny side of -the ship. It was the month of June. The tropical sun poured upon the -men's heads, while their feet were in the water, and glanced upon their -bodies from the copper they were polishing, giving no small torment. -One man ventured to go on deck and complain, but the smart mate soon -thrashed him into submission. That night half of the crew deserted.</p> - -<p>Attached to the Consul's office was a shipping-master, who gave -personal attention to all details of business connected with crews, the -Consul merely expounding the laws to inquirers in his inner office, and -maintaining the dignity of the U.S. Government in a general way. The -shipping-master was in close alliance with the police of the place, and -the arrest of the deserters from the S—— was soon reported to him. He -thereupon informed the captain that the men must be received on board -again, but by mutual agreement a certain sum was paid to the shipping -master for each man, and they were reported to the Consul as deserters. -The remainder of the crew were soon got rid of, and the rest of the -ships followed suit, paying $10 to $15 per man to the shipping-master.</p> - -<p>My own crew were much attached to their ship and were unwilling to -leave. I would not allow them to be oppressed in order to drive -them away, and the owners were forced to submit to the expense of -maintaining a large crew, besides the loss occasioned by the idleness -of the ship. After<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[Pg 189]</span> some time, half of the crew, knowing that they were -not wanted, and were only a burden, consented to leave; but the Consul, -in reply to the application, held up the three months' pay law, and my -choice was to keep the men or pay sixty dollars each besides the wages -due.</p> - -<p>In this dilemma the shipping master offered to allow the men to -"desert," upon my paying him fourteen dollars apiece, which was to be -called "two weeks' board."</p> - -<p>I felt compelled in justice to my owners' interest to adopt this plan, -and connive at the rascality by which an unjust law was evaded by those -entrusted with its enforcement. The matter was arranged so as to do -no violence to my conscience in the matter of oath and declaration of -desertion.</p> - -<p>This shipping master, after a short term of service was able to -buy a half interest in a large ship, and probably approves of the -three-months' pay law. The previous Consul is said to have taken away -eighty thousand dollars after a few years' residence.</p> - -<p>The owners of the ship I commanded are a firm on whom Dr. Jewell, in -the above-mentioned work, has cast severe aspersions, and it is due -to them to say that at the close of the voyage, while admitting that -a less humane captain would have made a more economical voyage, they -thoroughly approved of my principles, and said they did not mind losing -a thousand dollars now and then in support of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[Pg 190]</span> them. They however -remarked that Capt. ——, who was a notorious sailor driver, sailed -his ships cheaper than any other captain in their employ, as he never -had a sailor remaining by the vessel in port. A few weeks after this -conversation it happened that news was received that Capt. ——'s ship -had put into Rio Janeiro with a mutinous crew, and some of the sailors -had been shot by the captain. Considerable expense and delay to the -voyage was caused by this, and the owners were overheard to say that -Capt. —— should never have another chance to put one of their ships -into port in distress. They saw that the question of economy was not -always against the "humane captain."</p> - -<p>The above facts, selected as samples from a multitude, illustrate the -assertion that the three months' pay law is:</p> - -<p><i>First</i>, An occasion for the exercise of much cruelty to the sailor, -and often obliges him to have the disgrace of desertion attached to his -name, in order to secure the release from his ship which his interests -demand.</p> - -<p><i>Secondly</i>, It obliges captains to resort to wrong or questionable acts -to secure their owners' interests, and involves them in many unpleasant -controversies.</p> - -<p><i>Thirdly</i>, It is a heavy tax on the shipowner, and is one among several -causes of the decay to our commerce.</p> - -<p><i>Fourthly</i>, It furnishes great temptation to corrupt<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[Pg 191]</span> action on the -part of consuls, and has, in too many cases, brought disgrace upon the -flag they represent.</p> - -<p>What remedy is there? will be asked.</p> - -<p>In 1840 an Act was passed authorizing consuls to use discretion in -enforcing the law in cases of discharge by mutual consent. This in 1856 -was repealed and the law is now strenuously insisted on. Some other -nations permit the free discharge of crews where good reason or mutual -consent is shown, and where the Government is assured of freedom from -expense. Let the present law be wholly repealed, and give consuls power -to discharge men freely, where satisfaction is given that they will not -become a burden upon the United States. This satisfaction should be a -proof of the employment or shipment of the sailors, or else a deposit -of money for a limited term, or a bond for the payment of any future -expenses incurred, which might be collected at the port of entry in the -United States.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[Pg 192]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">SINGAPORE.</p> - - -<p class="drop">L<span class="uppercase">eaving</span> Singapore in the early morning, we turned into the Strait -of Malacca, and with perfectly serene weather and light but varying -winds we slipped easily along through its smooth waters. The land was -always in sight, with its eternal verdure, and often we glided by gems -of islets that were beautiful enough to grace a paradise. "Eternal -sunshine gilds" these shores, and one who would enjoy the <i>dolce far -niente</i> to perfection, should have his easy chair on a good ship's -deck, with sheltering awning overhead, and sail in the N.E. monsoon -season in the Eastern Archipelago.</p> - -<p>Occasional puffs of wind favored us, and in the short time of four and -a half days we sighted Pulo Penang, and ran through the narrow South -Channel into its harbor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193"></a>[Pg 193]</span></p> - -<p>Penang may be described as lovely and hot. It is situated on a plain, -and to the westward and seaward rises a high mountain, shutting off -the sea breezes, which might refresh the heated brow. This mountain, -however, is a noted sanitarium, and on its top a cool climate may be -found, which is often eagerly sought for its bracing effects upon the -heat-debilitated frame. The American Consul, a worthy Scotchman, had -rented a bungalow on the summit for a month. He kindly invited the -passenger and myself to spend a night there in turn. The passenger went -first, but soon the sad tidings were brought that he had been thrown -from his horse and broken his neck. The authority for this statement -was that a soldier had told a sailor so. Both professions, fortunately, -were at fault and the passenger returned in due time with his neck in -good order. His only explanation of the report was the statement, that -his pony was so small that he placed his feet on the ground and let the -animal gallop away from under him.</p> - -<p>In my turn I ascended the hill, and spent the night, returning in the -cool of the morning. The deep ravines with their walls of verdure, the -beautiful views of the island, the sea and the main land beyond, the -delightful coolness of the air, the wonderful specimens of vegetation, -such as the air plants, hanging luxuriantly from the branches of -trees, fed by the air and rain on their surfaces, the traveller's -palms, with stores of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[Pg 194]</span> fresh water kept in their hollowed leaves for -the thirsty wayfarer, and the tree-ferns, twenty feet in height, all -these with the strangest bird melodies imaginable made the trip one of -enchantment. One bird and a beetle made noises like a sawmill, another -bird sang the scale descending—five notes at least, and still another -sang it ascending. One more imitated the sound of a bell. At the foot -of the waterfall that descends the mountain, baths are established. -The Europeans assemble there in the evening and after the external -application of water, too frequently take an internal application of -"brandy cocktails."</p> - -<p>The military band plays weekly on the "Sepoy Plain," back of the town, -and a pleasant gathering of the residents takes place.</p> - -<p>An orphan-house and mission was being carried on here by some devoted -English missionaries, who, like their friend Mr. Müller of Bristol, -working independently of Societies, looked to the Lord to provide. -Their Christian fellowship, and the hours spent in searching the -Scriptures with them, were precious privileges.</p> - -<p>We were a fortnight here, loading tin, nutmegs, mace, tapioca and india -rubber, and then sailed for Padang, where we were to complete our cargo -with coffee and cassia.</p> - -<p>We beat out from Penang against a head wind, and with a slant reached -across the Strait of Malacca. We then found light breezes to waft us<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[Pg 195]</span> -along the north coast of Sumatra, "the Pepper Coast," as it was known -to our East India merchants of Boston and Salem in earlier days. A -pleasing change here occurred in the landscape. It is so rare to see -ground not covered with verdure in these regions, that the sight of -Golden Mountain near the north-west point of Sumatra was quite a treat. -It is a finely-formed peak and has much bare ground on its sides, -which appears golden in the intense sunlight. This was an enjoyable -day, but an anxious night followed. We were sailing pleasantly, with -all studding-sails set, through the passage between Pulo Way and Pulo -Rondo, twelve miles wide, when at midnight the wind died away and -the current swept us toward the island. There was no wind to make -the vessel steer, a cast of the lead proved there was no bottom at -sixty fathoms, so we could not anchor, and an inspection of chart and -sailing directions showed that the rocks arose perpendicularly from -deep water. No human device could save us from shipwreck, and unless a -breeze sprang up off-shore our bark would soon break in pieces against -the rocks. For this breeze I earnestly prayed. All hands were called -on deck; a long length of chain was overhauled with the intention of -letting go the anchor at the last moment, in the forlorn hope of its -finding bottom, and then the crew were stationed at the braces ready to -trim the yards the moment a breath of air might be perceived. I stood -at the stern watching<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[Pg 196]</span> the nearing approach of the dread rocks, which -now loomed through the darkness in frightful proximity, and wetting a -forefinger I held it out to catch the first trace of a breeze, but in -vain; until, when the last hope was about to expire, and a few minutes -more were expected to seal our doom, I perceived the faintest air -imaginable breathing off the land. The yards were immediately braced, -and the effect was to turn the vessel's head from the shore. I dropped -a fishing-line over the stern, and watched to see if it would trail -out; but it hung up and down showing that the vessel had no headway. -Soon, however, an additional breath came, then a little puff, and to -my exceeding joy, I felt the line give a slight pull at my fingers -as it stretched out into the wake. Then the water rippled along past -the rudder and we slowly but surely glided away from the dangerous -coast. Among many recollections of peril and anxiety, that calm hour, -when in utter helplessness we looked destruction in the face, will -remain prominent for its intense emotion, and the occasion it gave for -thanksgiving to the Hearer of prayer.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus06.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">Despair.—Off Padang for six days. -</p> - - -<p>The West coast of Sumatra is faced by an innumerable number of islets, -rocks and shoals, outside of which lie a chain of larger islands. We -kept out in the open sea until off Padang, preferring a more circuitous -but safer route than the direct passage along shore. Here we could -sail day and night, without anchoring when darkness<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[Pg 199]</span> or squalls hid -the way. But our progress was slow and the passage became tedious and -trying. In the day time light airs and calms prevailed, the hot sun -poured down its rays with scorching intensity, and the air was so clear -that we once saw a peak one hundred and six miles distant. At night -heavy squalls of wind burst upon us, with torrents of rain and terrific -peals of thunder; the balls of fire, called by the sailors corposants, -blazed at the mast-heads, and the lightning was incessant. When sixteen -days out from Penang we sailed through Siberet Straits, and the next -evening just at dark we were within fifteen miles of our anchorage at -Padang. A dark squally night prevented our running in, and a heavy N.W. -gale and southerly current drove us a few miles south of the port. For -the next six days we were hard at work trying to make these few miles, -but as soon as we gained a little, a calm prevailed and the current -set us back again. The water was too deep for anchorage and we were -entirely dependent on the wind, which, however, coquetted with us till -endurance almost ceased to belong to our virtues. The captain's state -of mind as he descended bare-footed to the cabin after having stood on -deck in a rain squall, which was vainly expected to bring a breeze, may -be suspected by a glance at our artist's sketch of the posture assumed -upon the cabin sofa.</p> - -<p>Six days of this harassing work made me so des<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[Pg 200]</span>perate that I took -advantage of a long continued squall to run in a dark night along the -dangerous reefs, and guided only by the roar of the breakers gained -a position, from which the next day we were able to work into Padang -Roads and anchor inside of the beautiful Island "Pulo Pisang," or -Banana Isle.</p> - -<p>After safely anchoring at our long desired haven, a crew of native -boatmen manned the bark's boat and pulled me to the town of Padang two -miles distant. We rounded Apenberg, the hill to which its chattering -monkeys have given a name, and ascended a river a short distance to the -landing place.</p> - -<p>When the preliminaries of business were transacted, my consignee kindly -invited me to reside at his house, and I enjoyed the change from a -cabin to a luxurious home. At day-light I visited the vessel, returning -on shore after breakfast. The house was built of wood with wide -verandahs in front and rear. Posts about six feet high supported it -from the ground, leaving a space under the house for air to circulate, -and rogues also as it proved; for a few weeks before my arrival a -robbery occurred, and it is supposed, in this way. The thieves went -under the house and bored holes in the floor of the sleeping room, -through which they introduced the smoke obtained by burning the leaves -of a narcotic plant. The inmate being stupefied, the thieves broke in -at the front door,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[Pg 201]</span> robbed the house and took away an iron safe that -was chained to the bed of the sleeper. They were so sure of their work -that they stopped in the garden to open the safe, but being unable to -do this, they carried it to the beach and buried it in the sand, where -it was found the next day with its contents intact, except a few small -articles of jewelry, which the thieves had managed to shake out through -a small opening they had made. New York or London could hardly surpass -this. Many thought the house servants must have been abettors, as they -were accustomed to sleep on the verandahs outside the thresholds of -three entrances to the house, so that anyone entering must step over -them. Nothing could be proved against them, and we repeatedly had -occasion to step over their bodies at night and open the doors when -returning at late hours, and at such times entrance was often effected -without disturbing their sound slumbers.</p> - -<p>The first Sunday in port, I left the officers to conduct the services -and attended the Dutch church on shore. I asked the captain of a Dutch -vessel to accompany me, but he said: "No, it is not respectable to go -to church here, and I am ashamed to." I told him our Lord's words about -those who are ashamed of Him; but that didn't trouble him, so I went -alone. I found one European civilian present, but not one lady, and -some soldiers and half castes. They first sang with great deliberation -a Psalm from a book which had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[Pg 202]</span> the notes printed over each line; then -followed a prayer, hymn, half of the sermon, two contributions, the -remainder of the sermon a hymn and benediction. During the sermon any -one, who felt tired of sitting, arose and stood for a while. After -service I spoke to the minister in the ante-room. He and all the men -lit their cigars, and after a short chat and smoke they all went -puffing towards home. The next Sunday I gladly went on board and was -refreshed by the cheerful vigor with which the sailors sang the hymns: -"When I survey the wondrous cross," and, "Just as I am, without one -plea." The services were held on deck and the singing must have rung -over the harbor. Returning on shore, I called on board of a Dutch bark -and found a party assembled, among whom was the organist of the church, -all drinking brandy and smoking, the minister being absent from town -that day.</p> - -<p>One day I attended the ordination of a Malay (Mohammedan) priest. The -Mohammedan religion is here intermingled with many of the ideas and -practices of heathendom, and it is the custom to test the worthiness -of the candidate for the priesthood by placing around his waist a band -containing long needles with the points against his abdomen. He then -at a given signal runs toward an appointed goal. The people give chase -and endeavor to strike the needles inwards and kill him. If he escapes, -he is deemed to have established his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[Pg 203]</span> fitness for the office, thus -making legs and not heads or hearts the necessary qualifications. On -this occasion the Dutch soldiers were present in force to prevent this -barbarity, and the ceremony was restricted to a procession, praying and -reading the Koran.</p> - -<p>There are few places in the world as lovely as Padang. The evening -drives along the roads bordered by the tall arching "arrow trees," -with views of ocean and mountains on either hand, are amongst the most -charming recollections I retain of any land where I have wandered. -Kindly hospitalities join to heighten such charms.</p> - -<p>The interior of Sumatra is most wonderful. There you enjoy a temperate -climate, Swiss and tropical scenery combined, an eternal spring and -a fertility of soil almost beyond belief. The suggestion made to me, -of taking a plantation, raising coffee and leading a life of exile in -a paradise, might have been very tempting, but for the restrictions -the Dutch government imposes upon all trade and enterprises, and the -obstacles presented by the uncouth Dutch language.</p> - -<p>Here "every prospect pleases" and man is no viler than he is elsewhere. -Contact with the natives of Asia and the East Indies has raised my -opinion of "the heathen." The average of them appear as virtuous and -upright as the mass of men in Christian lands. I have really seen -less frequent display of vice than I have in our cities, and have -noticed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[Pg 204]</span> many pleasant exhibitions of family affection, kindness and -honesty. The people in the interior of Sumatra are represented as being -remarkable for virtue, temperance and integrity; and even on the coast -they must be admitted to compare very favorably with the foreigners -about them, whom it is said they speak of contemptuously among -themselves as "drunken Europeans;" but they readily contract their -vices. Christianity unquestionably elevates all whom it reaches, but -our civilization alone has proved no moral blessing to those who have -experienced its influences in the distant regions of the earth.</p> - -<p>After lying at Padang for a few days a bark appeared in the offing, and -with the spy-glass I discovered that she had our owner's flag at the -main. I started for her in my boat, introduced myself to the captain -and piloted him into an anchorage.</p> - -<p>Capt. Blowhard was a stranger to me, but I was much pleased to have the -companionship of a countryman in this far-off port. As we passed the -<i>Rocket</i>, he remarked she looked very well, only she was rusty outside. -We had finished painting her the day before, so this comment excited my -surprise; but I soon discovered the captain's eye-sight was defective, -and I had the pleasure of supplying him with a pair of spectacles. We -went on shore together, and I introduced him to his consignee; but the -polite Dutchman was startled at seeing the captain swing his legs over -the arm of the chair<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[Pg 205]</span> and monopolize all the talk with boasts about his -clipper bark and her performances. In the evening I took him to drive, -and attempted to point out the sights of the place and the beauty of -the scenery, but his attention was not to be secured; during the whole -of the drive he kept his face toward me, and poured forth a continuous -stream of narrative and self-adulation. I learned that he had resigned -the command of one of the finest ships in the world to serve his -country. He passed highest in examination on Navigation, was appointed -executive officer of a large frigate, and soon, for his valor, was -given the command of a gunboat. After a celebrated naval battle his -vessel was so riddled with shot, that she was sent to Alexandria for -the Government to inspect as a curiosity. President Lincoln and a -committee from the Senate visited her and gave the captain public -thanks for his brave conduct. Commodore —— remarked that there were -only three gentlemen in the Volunteer Navy: Smith, Jones, and Blowhard. -At the close of the war he was offered a position in the regular Navy, -with a splendid command, but he declined, saying he only had desired -to serve his country, and he wished no reward. I was much impressed -with all this information, and his invitation to breakfast on board the -next morning, with so brave, polite and magnanimous a man, inspired me -with gratitude and awe. I went on board to breakfast and was politely -received. His<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[Pg 206]</span> politeness was then exercised towards his steward, who, -being unable to find the napkins (which probably were not often used,) -was led around the cabin by the ear until they were discovered, the -captain remarking to me, "He's a good-natured nigger or he'd have been -killed long ago." The meal was enlivened by frequent abuse of this -poor darkey, and I was not sorry when it was time to go on shore. We -went in the same boat, and as the captain continually talked with his -face toward me, I perceived, what I certainly thought were the fumes -of whiskey; but I discovered the injustice I had done him, after a -while, when he remarked, "I bought some Cologne at Batavia, and it's -the queerest stuff I ever saw; it smells just like whiskey. I put some -on my handkerchief just before I left the vessel, and I thought I'd -mention it to you lest you might think I'd been drinking, which I never -do." This should be a warning to temperance men to be careful in their -choice of eau de cologne. We dined together at the hotel that day, and -the captain entertained the whole company with his conversation. At one -time, addressing a remark to a young Dutch officer, the latter replied: -"No speak Engleesh," when the captain rejoined: "Every <i>gentleman</i> -speaks English." The officer understood this and accepted it as an -insult. Withdrawing from the table he found friendly assistance in -concocting an English note, challenging the captain to fight a duel -with broadswords.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[Pg 207]</span> But this met with no response from the captain.</p> - -<p>Our friendship did not grow, and the sentiment of kindred nationality -failed to continue in its first ardor.</p> - -<p>On Sunday afternoons we had services on deck, under the awning. I -invited Capt. Blowhard and his crew; but the captain said he didn't -approve of letting the crews of different vessels mix together, so -we held our meetings by ourselves, with the exception of a few Dutch -sailors from a neighboring vessel. As the <i>Rocket</i> and the "F——" were -both homeward bound and in the same employ we felt much rivalry about -the passage and some interest was excited among the merchants over the -anticipated race. As the "F——" was reported the fastest vessel and -her captain was certainly the most dashing man, the bets were in her -favor. Having less cargo to take in, she was loaded first and got three -days start of us.</p> - -<p>One calm morning we drifted out of Padang Roads and slowly worked our -way southward in search of the Trades; but when obtained, pleasant -breezes and fine weather favored us. After passing Mauritius we took "a -streak" of strong S.E. and E. winds which put a new face upon matters. -Our dull start had made us feel hopeless about the race, but now we -seemed to be gaining time and the thought of the "F——" ahead kept -sail from coming in many a time when prudence suggested it. Every thing -was cracked on and two topmast<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[Pg 208]</span> studding-sail booms were carried away -within twenty-four hours. But they were immediately replaced, and on we -sped ten knots an hour, feeling we were going very fast, except when -now and then an English tea clipper came up astern and passed out of -sight ahead.</p> - -<p>I learned at sea that there had been one disagreement on board during -my absence on shore at Padang. A sailor, called Harry, being reproved -for something by the mate, gave a back answer. Then being threatened, -he said: "I'm not afraid; you ain't bigger than a pint of cider, -anyway." This was an insult that seemed warrant enough for a fight, and -few officers could have resisted it. I was pleased to learn, that in -spite of this great provocation, the mate had restrained his impulses, -in obedience to my orders, and had succeeded eventually in controlling -the man.</p> - -<p>When the cooler weather again drove us to the cabin in the evening, the -passenger lent his patient ear to the story of "Another voyage in the -'Dublin.'"</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[Pg 209]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">ANOTHER VOYAGE IN THE "DUBLIN."</p> - - -<p class="drop">A<span class="uppercase">bout</span> three weeks after I left the "Dublin" a letter came on from Capt. -Streeter, saying that the ship was going to load a cargo of tobacco -and staves at Baltimore for Amsterdam, and asking me to go with him -as second mate. I had almost hoped the offer would not come, for -whenever the scenes of the last voyage had been recalled to my mind, in -the midst of the delightful and elevated associations of home, I had -shuddered as though the veil of a lower world had been drawn aside, and -its enormities and fiendish spirit had been disclosed to me. I could -scarcely summon courage to return to it, and I also felt that it might -be my duty to avoid a sphere of such temptation and bad influences. On -the other hand, I had scarcely enough confidence in my abilities to -ship as second<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[Pg 210]</span> mate with a stranger, and felt from what I had seen and -heard of other ships that there was a great uncertainty as to whether -a change would be for the better, and this could only be proved by -experience. With some misgivings I decided to go. I liked the owner -so much, and was so pleased by the interest which he showed toward -me, that I thought it desirable to keep in his employ, even though I -found things were not just to my mind on board ship; and the owner's -assurances that the captain would improve, relieved my apprehension a -little, though I knew Capt. Streeter's smooth way of talking too well -to place much dependence upon it. Still the captain was shrewd enough -to know on which side his bread was buttered, and if the owner had told -him as he said, that his remaining in the ship was dependent upon his -good behavior, it was reasonable to suppose that his conduct might be -influenced somewhat by this motive.</p> - -<p>A week later witnessed my arrival on board the "Dublin." The captain -seemed glad to see me, but Mr. Howard was not so cordial, and appeared -very much under the weather.</p> - -<p>"I tell you what it is," said he, as we walked forward together to have -a chat, "I've been second mate of a ship a long time, but I never had -a man treat me so like a dog as Capt. Streeter's done since we've been -in port. He wanted the ship scrubbed around outside as soon as the -copper got out of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[Pg 211]</span> water; and a man offered to do it, and paint her -beside, for ten dollars, when the regular price that other ships pay is -twenty dollars. But the old man kicked up 'Bob's a dying,' and swore -he wouldn't pay no such price; and then he gave me so many hints, and -told me so many stories about what that cursed Mr. Jones of his used -to do in port, that at last I offered to do it myself. So he hired a -raft, and a boy to help me, and then I scrubbed the ship and painted -her bends all round. I thought that would satisfy him, but as long as I -had got my hand into dirty work, he thought he wouldn't let me take it -out, and he had the face to tell me to go over the bow and coal-tar the -bob-stays, and all the rest of the iron-work. I was just fool enough -to do it, and he's kept me going ever since at jobs that any decent -captain would hire a man to do; but it's about played out now. He's -so mean he'd skin a louse for its hide and tallow; and his soul is so -small you could punch the pith out of a horse-hair and put his soul -inside, and then it would rattle if you shook it."</p> - -<p>I did not try to soothe him very much, and rather hoped he wouldn't be -soothed; for the prospect of his leaving the ship, which was suggested -by the tenor of his remarks, was not at all unpleasant to me.</p> - -<p>The next morning Mr. Howard had a talk with the captain in the cabin -after breakfast, and then came out on deck to where I was standing and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[Pg 212]</span> -said: "Mr. A——, I'm going to leave the ship."</p> - -<p>"Are you?" said I, greatly astonished but equally pleased. "What is -that for?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I'll tell you why. One thing is, I've got sick of the old man, -and another is that I know I'm not competent to go mate of a ship, -for I don't know no more about navigation than that windlass does, -and the first time the old man got mad with me at sea, he'd heave it -up in my face, for all he talks so fair now about it's not making any -difference. But another thing I'll tell you, and I don't want you to -get mad with me for saying it, for I never met a man on board of a ship -that I liked any better than I do you; I don't think we can get along -together. I'm bound to make the old shell-backs toe the mark, and if -they don't do it I can't talk polite to 'em. I wasn't brought up to -that business. But whenever I've had a row at sea you've hardly spoken -to me for a week after. Now if I go in this ship again, I know we shall -be at loggerheads all the time, and it's a bad job for officers of a -ship if they can't sail alongside of each other. I've got a chance to -go second mate of the ship "Robert Stanwood," and the mate's a man -just like myself, and we can hitch horses. The fact is, I've too much -respect for you to sail with you. You're too good a man to go to sea. -It's a life only fit for a rascal, but if you're bound to go, I hope -you'll get along well, and have a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[Pg 213]</span> mate to your liking, though I think -they are scarce fish in these waters."</p> - -<p>I was certainly pleased at Mr. Howard's decision, but was much touched -by his way of announcing it.</p> - -<p>"I don't wonder that you want to leave, Mr. Howard," I replied; "but -it would be more for your interest to stay, and if you make up your -mind not to be quite so hard on sailors, I think we can get along -pleasantly. You must remember it isn't the most important thing in a -man's life to make sailors run the mile in less than three minutes, -when a four-minute pace would be just as good for the ship and the -owners. I believe in making sailors work and keep in their place, but I -don't believe in giving up all one's good principles to do it, nor do I -think it is necessary."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps not; you and me has been brought up very different, and we -must go our own way. I've got an ugly temper, I know; but it's there, -and it's got to come out. When you've seen as much of sailors as I -have, maybe you'll think the best way to deal with 'em is to knock 'em -down."</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard left the ship, much to the captain's sorrow; for he was a -man after his own heart, and he hoped he had at last found officers -that were willing to sail with him on a second voyage.</p> - -<p>The ship leaked a good deal even in port, and by the captain's orders -another man and myself had to pump her out, involving half an hour's -work morning and night on a straight wooden<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[Pg 214]</span> pump handle. After -the trouble we had on the last passage, I was astonished that new -pumps had not been procured, and as I was in correspondence with the -bookkeeper in the owner's office, in the course of a friendly letter -I slipped in a word about the pumps. By return mail a letter came -from the owner, telling the captain to get the best pumps that could -be obtained. He told me this without suspicion of my agency in the -matter, but remarked: "The owner is very ready to say get this or -that, but when the bills come in he would find fault about the heavy -disbursements." The ship went to sea without them and I felt very loth -to go in her, for the only explanation that occurred to me was, that -the captain wanted to get the ship into a port of distress, and have an -underwriter's job, which would give him a chance to enrich his pockets -with percentages.</p> - -<p>The person, who came to undertake the mate's duties for the voyage, was -a young man of twenty-five years, named Wright, a native of Baltimore. -He had received a liberal share of his education in the streets, and -was familiar with the peculiarities of "Blood-tubs" and "Plug-uglies." -But besides these questionable accomplishments he possessed a tall, -manly form, a handsome, expressive face, and a clear eye, which, while -it impressed one with its determination, also implied a nature that -despised meanness. His manners were quite gentlemanly, and after a -short intercourse with him I felt con<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[Pg 215]</span>vinced that he was superior in -natural gifts to any man I had yet sailed with; and I was much pleased -with the change of mates.</p> - -<p>The ship had loaded a full cargo of Maryland tobacco, which comes in -smaller casks than the Virginia, though still of good size, weighing -upwards of nine hundred pounds. Several thousand staves had also been -stowed away, to fill up all the spare room, and the ship's stores -and water having been taken on board, she was ready for sea, and -accordingly received the crew, and proceeded down the Chesapeake -towards the sea.</p> - -<p>The crew, as usual upon the commencement of a voyage, were for the -most part under the influence of liquor. The mate was very reserved in -talking about sailors, and told no fighting stories, which I thought -must be evidence that he was a peaceable man, and as they came over the -rail and staggered into the forecastle, he had remarked to me; "We'll -have 'em all straight in a day or two. I don't like a drunken row, and -we must shut our eyes to some things the first day."</p> - -<p>He carried out these precepts, except upon finding a young Irishman -sitting on his chest in the forecastle while all the other sailors -were at work, when the answer that was given to the order to come out -on deck was the brandishing of a sheath-knife and the declaration -that he wasn't going to work "on board the bloody hooker." The mate -settled this question by snatching away the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[Pg 216]</span> knife, hauling the man on -deck, and hitting him two or three cracks with a belaying pin, and the -captain seeing it showed some signs of reform by shouting: "That'll do, -Mr. Wright, that'll do till we get outside."</p> - -<p>Leaving the pilot off the Capes of Virginia, the voyage was fairly -begun, with a fresh S.W. wind, which increasing to a strong breeze blew -after us for seven days, and took us half way across the Atlantic.</p> - -<p>I now stood watch alone for the first time, and it seemed a tremendous -responsibility to be left in charge of the ship on a dark, squally -night. How a person could become so unconcerned as to fall asleep, as I -knew Mr. Howard had sometimes done, was more than I could understand. -I found a great difference between a second and third mate's position. -When I was in the latter, I had only to obey orders and see to the -execution of work designed by my superiors. But now I had to decide -upon such matters for myself, and it sometimes set me at my wits' ends -to find work to keep my eight men constantly employed, particularly -in wet weather when sails and rigging could not be worked on. It had -seemed easy enough when third mate, for whenever at a loss I could fall -back on the mate for a job. But now when the watches were changed the -mate would start me with some work and going below would leave me to -get along as well as I could.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[Pg 217]</span></p> - -<p>It is customary, as a general thing, for the mate to take special -charge of the foremast and jib-boom, and the second mate of the -mainmast and mizzen-mast, as far as keeping them in order is concerned. -But the mate keeps the general supervision of the work, and the second -mate would not make any changes of consequence without the mate's -approval. This obliges him to resort to small jobs to keep his men -employed when more extensive work fails, and they are apt to be of -the character denominated "humbugging" by sailors, and of which the -exponent is sawing wood with a hammer. It must be admitted that a great -deal of work is done on board ship, which will hardly bear the test -of necessity. But the men must be constantly employed, and if other -things fail the chain-cable will always have rust enough on it to -admit of cleaning, as a last resort; and if some who wonder "what they -find to do on board ship," could have spent a day in one of the flash -California clippers of a few years' ago, they would have seen a large -crew busied not only in the day-time, but through the night, scraping -eye-bolts and iron belaying-pins till they shone like silver, smoothing -off the paint work by rubbing with stones, scraping other parts bright, -as also the masts and yards, and wearing away the deck with holystones, -as well as the more legitimate work of making and taking in sail, -bracing yards and repairing sails and rigging.</p> - -<p>The rule of labor in such vessels is comprised in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[Pg 218]</span> the sailor's -"Philadelphia Catechism:"</p> - -<p>"Six days thou shalt labor and do all thou art able; and on the -seventh, holystone the decks and pound the cable."</p> - -<p>I found, too, that it was rather harder to get along with the sailors. -Having entire control of my watch I took much more interest in their -performance of work, and any laziness or stupidity excited my pugnacity -in the like greater proportion.</p> - -<p>The crew, with two or three exceptions, were a poor set of men; not -particularly ugly in disposition, but ignorant, thick-headed and lazy, -and very trying to an officer's temper.</p> - -<p>The captain behaved wonderfully well, and seemed so sincerely -endeavoring to restrain his usual sea indulgences, that I had no regret -at my decision in making the voyage.</p> - -<p>The mate got along rather quietly, and proved himself to be a very -efficient officer; and there was something in his calm, decided -bearing which gave the captain great confidence in him, and also kept -him somewhat from his customary interference with mate's duties. -He bestowed pretty liberal attention on the second mate's affairs, -however, and used to make me understand sometimes what Mr. Morrison had -endured the previous voyage.</p> - -<p>The mate was not harsh with the sailors, and carried on his work with -very little noise, giving ordinary orders in a mild tone. But still -he was strict, and the men had to move at a lively pace<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[Pg 219]</span> and be wide -awake; and sometimes when they failed to do this, he did not resist the -temptation of sending a curse and a belaying-pin after them, or perhaps -giving them a touch of a rope's end. There was nothing, however, like -Mr. Howard's abuse of men, and if a sailor did come in for a rap, he -was pretty sure to be in the wrong. His relations to me were very -pleasant. When relieving each other at night, if no work was going -on, we had a short chat, or the mate told some little yarn about the -Liverpool packet trade, which he had sailed in a good deal.</p> - -<p>There was no third mate this voyage, so we had to depend on each other -for sociability.</p> - -<p>Though it was the month of August the weather was blustering and -changeable. The S.W. wind which had favored us so well gave place to -northerly and easterly winds, with unsettled and squally weather. At -times nearly all sail would be set to a steady breeze, when suddenly -the black, threatening clouds would spring up from the horizon, and -with only a few minutes' warning, spread over the sky, bursting upon -the ship in a furious gust, while all hands would be at work clewing up -and hauling down the slatting, booming and rustling sails; and officers -and sailors increased the noise by what would seem to a landsman a -perfect Babel of harsh orders and shrill cries.</p> - -<p>Those are the times that try officers' souls, and the times that test -the sailors' merit. In fine<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[Pg 220]</span> weather a little laziness or ignorance may -perhaps be borne patiently, but in a squall there is no forgiveness for -a man who "hangs back," or "doesn't know what he's about."</p> - -<p>In the confusion attending these squalls some of the sailors seemed to -forget what little they knew, and were frequently letting go the wrong -ropes or running everywhere except to the place where they were wanted. -The captain's good resolutions succumbed to this pressure so far as to -allow his tongue to regain its old fluency at cursing; the mate was -pretty active both in words and deeds; and as for the second mate, he -used to bite his lips pretty hard to keep his tongue quiet.</p> - -<p>There was an old sailor on board who had greatly attracted my interest, -partly owing to the circumstances attending his coming on this voyage, -and partly because of his good nature and willingness to work as well -as his feeble energies would permit. He was now fifty-two years old, -and a confirmed drunkard. The day after leaving Baltimore he came to -the steward, as he was about going into the galley with a pan of dough, -and asked him if he knew where the ship was bound to.</p> - -<p>"Certainly," said the steward, "don't you?"</p> - -<p>He shook his head, and the steward told him: "We're going to Amsterdam."</p> - -<p>Old Harry's story was this: He was the son of a clergyman in Virginia, -and when quite young had run away to sea. He fell into bad habits<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[Pg 221]</span> -which prevented his rising in his profession, and for years he had been -drifting about, sometimes in the navy, and again in merchant vessels. -Though he had occasionally returned to his friends, his appetite for -strong drink had always overcome his good resolutions, and he had long -ago been given up as a hopeless case. He had a brother in Norfolk, -well to do, who, after several unsuccessful efforts of late years to -find traces of Harry, had discovered his last voyage. Upon the arrival -of the ship at Baltimore he had sent him a sum of money to defray his -expenses home, and offered to give him a shelter and support him for -the rest of his days. Old Harry was glad enough to accept this offer, -for he was now quite broken down in health, and in his sober hours at -sea had many anxious thoughts as to what would become of him in the -future. But he could not resist the inclination for another good drink -before he started, and his next sensible moment found him removed from -the den in Baltimore, where he had been carousing, to the forecastle, -out of sight of land, and with only fifteen cents in his pocket. These -he offered to the steward for a glass of whiskey, with most imploring -tones, but failed to obtain it. He had a touch of <i>delirium tremens</i>, -and after getting rid of the devils who, he fancied, were tormenting -him, he was in a most thoughtful and penitent mood.</p> - -<p>A twenty-two days' passage brought the ship into the English Channel. -Passing through the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[Pg 222]</span> Straits of Dover into the North Sea, the wind -hauled to the northward and increased to a fresh gale. The topsails -were double-reefed, and the ship slowly forged ahead, though making -some leeway, causing the captain to feel anxious about the lee shore, -which was in sight not far distant.</p> - -<p>The Dutch pilots usually cruise about Dungeness, at the entrance of the -Straits, but not happening to run across one, Capt. Streeter was in too -much of a hurry to wait, and so kept on. Now he became very anxious to -procure one, and being off Antwerp he ordered he me to set the "Jack" -at the fore royal-mast-head as a signal for a pilot. I gave the signal -halyards to one of the men, and told him to lay aloft and reeve them at -the fore. The man slowly climbed up the rigging, but when he got to the -royal-mast his courage gave out. The ship was lying over very much and -jumping heavily in the sharp sea, so that it was a matter of difficulty -to hold on, and much more so to shin up the long mast-head. I cheered -the man on, who made two or three unsuccessful attempts to reach the -truck, but after ascending a short distance invariably slid back to -the eyes of the rigging. Another man was now sent up to help him, or -do the work for him, and I travelled aloft also to drive them up. But -both men were thoroughly frightened; so much so that I feared they -might lose their hold altogether, and I did not like to force them at -this risk, so at last I took the halyards myself and soon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[Pg 223]</span> was at the -mast-head. Just at this moment Capt. Streeter came out of the cabin and -walked forward to see if his order had been executed. There he beheld -his second mate at the fore truck, and two sailors in the cross-trees -looking at him performing their work. This was rather opposed to his -idea of things, so he armed himself with the long unused cat, which had -been out of service since the negro-boys escaped from its tutelage, -and when the men reached the deck he gave them each a good flogging; -and when I appeared he said to me: "If I ever see you do sailors' work -again for them, I'll treat you in the same way."</p> - -<p>But the flag did not bring the pilot, though the wind moderated enough -to quiet the captain's fears of the lee-shore. Laying off and on during -the night, in the morning the spires and windmills of Holland appeared -rising out of the sea before the land was visible. A pilot boat came -along side and a rosy-cheeked little Dutchman clambered over the rail. -In his short sailor's jacket he looked like an overgrown boy; but he -proved himself a good pilot, by bringing the ship into the Zuyder Zee -and then entering her in the canal at New Diep, the port of Amsterdam.</p> - -<p>Vessels formerly sailed up the Zuyder Zee to Amsterdam, but were -often detained two or three weeks for water enough to carry them over -a certain bank. The enterprising merchants, to obviate this delay, -dug a canal fifty miles long, from Am<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[Pg 224]</span>sterdam to New Diep, making it -wide enough for two frigates to pass abreast, and the ships are drawn -through this to the city in about eighteen hours; or, if preferred, -they can discharge at New Diep into canal-boats, which convey the cargo -to the city. Another deeper and shorter canal has been made since then.</p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter chose the latter plan and speedily got to work at -discharging the tobacco and staves. With two men I worked in the hold, -breaking out and slinging the cargo, and the rest on deck, at the -tackle, hoisted it out.</p> - -<p>Though the ship lay alongside the quay, the captain refused permission -to any of the sailors to go on shore in the evening, saying all -they wanted was to get drunk, and the sailors not relishing this -restriction, and thinking they had done enough hard work on board the -"Dublin," took leave of absence on their own account, and for awhile -every morning found two of the crew missing, until only three or four -were left.</p> - -<p>In a fortnight the ship was all discharged and ballasted, the captain -went to the city, settled his freight and cleared for Cronstadt. I -had to curb my love of sight-seeing, as my duties would not allow me -to visit the city. In New Diep I saw the Dutch people, the women with -their gold bands hung across their foreheads, and metal head-dresses -ending in front in two little cullenders holding<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[Pg 225]</span> curls, and the men -with their pipes, even the minsters walking to church on Sunday smoking.</p> - -<p>The clean swept pavement and the white walled houses with their red -tiled roofs confirmed the reputation of that people for order and -cleanliness.</p> - -<p>The captain upon returning to the vessel shipped some men, and put to -sea, having a final "growl" at the captain of the steamboat that towed -him out, bestowed upon him rather because he was the last Dutchman -he should see for a while, than because of any special fault in the -person. But he had to take Capt. Streeter's opinion of his countrymen, -and to say the least they were not very flattering to his national -pride. "Slower than real estate in Chelsea;" "don't know enough to -go into the house when it rains;" "put two ideas in their heads and -they'd bu'st," were a few of the favorite phrases made to apply to the -subject under consideration, as many times before they had been applied -by Capt. Streeter to such unfortunate people as came into the world -outside of the limits of "free and enlightened America."</p> - -<p>In three days we rounded the north of Denmark and squared away through -the Cattegat with a fresh north-west wind. Before we reached Elsinore -we had a change of wind to the southward, and were all day beating up -the roads, where we anchored at dark. The next morning we started, with -a fleet of one hundred and fifty vessels, to beat into the Baltic. All -hands were on deck, and we<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[Pg 226]</span> tacked every fifteen minutes. As the Dublin -was flying light, and most of the fleet were coal-laden, she soon -distanced them all, and at sunset we weathered Falsterbo and squared -away up the Baltic.</p> - -<p>After leaving New Diep, a change came over the captain; the restraint -which he had seemed to impose upon his passions during this voyage, -vanished, and he acted as though intent upon making up for lost time, -and relieving himself of an accumulation of malice and profanity. In -a head wind or calm he would throw his hat on deck and jump on it, -pouring forth abundant curses, and once even went so far as to shake -his fist aloft and swear at "Him who made the calm." The sailors shook -their heads and remarked to each other that the old man wasn't helping -things much, and in the forecastle they told stories about ships being -becalmed until the crew starved, or until the grass grew so long on her -bottom that it took root at the bottom of the sea and held her fast -when at last a breeze came.</p> - -<p>The crew behaved pretty well, were very civil and prompt in obeying -orders, and proved themselves good "sailor men" withal.</p> - -<p>After the captain had about exhausted his vocabulary on the calm, he -felt the need of something or person else to vent his spite upon; and -as the crew, who usually received these attentions, hardly gave the -excuse in this case, he very suddenly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[Pg 227]</span> turned upon the second mate, -watched me every moment, and criticised every act that could be in any -way twisted so as to bear it.</p> - -<p>He had always appeared more friendly to me than to any one else, -and this sudden change took everyone by surprise. It could hardly -be accounted for except by supposing it to be the expression of his -displeasure at my failure to develop into an officer after his own -heart.</p> - -<p>It was soon evident that he had returned to the worst phase of his last -voyage. I, of all others, had occasion to notice it, for the captain's -peculiar attentions were bestowed upon me. His piercing eye was -fastened upon me during the greater part of the day, and often in the -night he crept stealthily on deck in hope of discovering some neglect -of duty, but always found me awake, and the yards and sails trimmed -as they should be, unless it happened that he came out within a few -moments of a little change of wind, and on one or two such occasions -he declared it had been so for half an hour, and taunted me with -inattention, or threw out a hint that he suspected me of having been -asleep—the greatest fault an officer can be guilty of. His principal -reason for the latter suspicion on one occasion was that he had a dream -about wild horses, which never occurred except when an officer was -asleep. He had proved it several times, and never knew it to fail. Mr. -Jones never went to sleep but once on deck, and that time the cap<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[Pg 228]</span>tain -woke up in the midst of this dream and caught him.</p> - -<p>These things were very galling, but I was able to avoid any -disrespectful response, until one morning his taunts were heaped upon -me beyond endurance, and I had to answer back.</p> - -<p>My watch came on deck at 8 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span>, and the captain told me to -take a pull of the main tack. He stood superintending the work as -usual, and as we hauled on the rope he shouted out what were supposed -to be encouraging orders: "Haul, you wicked rascals." "Lay out your -beef on it;—bend your backs to it; you wouldn't haul a mackerel off a -gridiron!" Finally, upon his calling out: "Haul away!" I understood him -to say "belay," and giving that order to the men the rope was made fast.</p> - -<p>"How dare you belay a rope when I'm looking out for it?" shouted the -captain in a rage.</p> - -<p>"I thought you ordered me to," said I.</p> - -<p>This was an unfortunate speech, as Capt. Streeter had a decided -animosity to anyone's using the word <i>thought</i>.</p> - -<p>"What business have you got to think, I'd like to know," he replied. -"You didn't ship for that. I'll make you know your place. I'm the only -man that's allowed to think aboard of this ship. You'll try to take -charge, if I let you keep on with your airs a little longer. You swing -about the decks now as though the ship belonged to you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[Pg 229]</span></p> - -<p>These phrases and several others were rattled off, one after the other, -and interlarded plentifully with oaths. Meanwhile I and the whole watch -stood gazing in wonder at the captain, scarcely knowing what to make of -this great ado about nothing. He walked aft a few steps and turned to -watch my movements as I set the men at work. The mate was standing by -the main hatch, and he told me to let one of my watch sew some canvas -on the foot of the mainsail, and directed me to let him sit in the -bight of a main buntline while he worked at it. I started the man at -his job exactly as the mate wished, but as the man caught hold of the -buntline to swing himself up to the desired position, the captain burst -out upon me again:</p> - -<p>"What kind of back-handed work is that? Why don't you lower the man -down in a bo's'n's chair? I believe if you got two ideas in your head -it would bu'st. I'd like to know what is the matter with you?"</p> - -<p>"The matter is," said I, "that I've always been treated decently till I -came here, and I'm not used to be cursed about and snarled at as if I -was a loblolly boy. Because I'm good natured you're trying to impose on -me, but I can't stand everything."</p> - -<p>"If you say another word I'll knock your head off," said Capt. -Streeter, shaking his huge fist in my face. "Don't undertake to dictate -to me what kind of talk I use. I'd swear if the owner<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[Pg 230]</span> and God Almighty -were here." Then he said: "No! I won't fight you, if you were a man of -my size I would, but I'll treat you like a boy that's beneath my notice -that way. But after this I'll keep you in your place. Go set your men -to work, and mind you behave yourself."</p> - -<p>That day Capt. Streeter paced the deck a good deal, evidently in deep -thought, and in the evening after supper he called me into the cabin.</p> - -<p>"Mr. A——" said he, "do you know that a man who has had any education -can give a slur that'll hurt a good deal more than another man can. -Now, I feel one word from you more than I do a dozen from any one else, -and I feel hurt at the way you spoke to me this morning."</p> - -<p>"I've always tried to be respectful to you, sir," I replied, "and I -think I've been more so than any body else would have been, because -I've been anxious that no one should think I put on any airs on account -of your familiarity with me. For the last week you've done nothing but -snarl at me and pick upon me. I know, of course, that I'm at fault -sometimes, but not as much as you try to make out."</p> - -<p>"You can't expect a sea captain to be as mild as a parson all the -time," said Capt. Streeter. "You must make allowances. If I'm not quite -perfect I want you to respect me as your captain!"</p> - -<p>"I always mean to respect you as my captain; but, if you'll allow me to -speak the plain truth, it's<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231"></a>[Pg 231]</span> impossible to respect you as a <i>man</i>, and -I'm not always able to conceal my private feelings."</p> - -<p>"If you can't respect me as a man, I want you to as your captain," said -Capt. Streeter, biting his lips and looking as though he had received a -slur that cut pretty deep. "That'll do."</p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter felt that the account stood rather against him, and took -continual opportunities to annoy me, and occasionally repeated the -sentence which closed his cabin conference, showing that my remark had -taken strong hold upon him.</p> - -<p>The night before we reached Cronstadt I had a good talk with the -captain, and he came to the conclusion he had better turn his -attentions to somebody else, and we gradually got to better terms with -each other.</p> - -<p>In Cronstadt we discharged ballast and loaded a cargo of iron and hemp. -The crew were called every morning at half past four, which of course -was not very agreeable, and one morning an Irish sailor growled so -much about it, the mate went into the forecastle and struck him two or -three blows with his brass knuckles. A half hour afterwards the mate -picked up a handspike and struck him a blow across the stomach, and -after breakfast he told the captain of it, and the man was called aft -and severely beaten on the back with the end of the main clew-garnet, -a good sized rope. No more complaints were made about early rising. -The mate had a row with another sailor one day,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232"></a>[Pg 232]</span> and receiving some -insolence, threw a heavy piece of wood at his head, which fortunately -missed its mark. The man was so frightened that he deserted that night -with one of his shipmates.</p> - -<p>The ship was loaded so deeply and was leaking so much, and moreover -had such wretched pumps, that many misgivings were expressed as to her -ever crossing the Atlantic safely. The superstitious among the crew -were still more disaffected when two Finnish sailors came on board, -for a Finn is believed to have dealings with the evil one, and to be -a dangerous shipmate. We sailed for Boston one September morning, -and beat down the Gulf of Finland. The crew that were shipped at New -Diep were to get fifteen dollars a month, but wages were higher in -Cronstadt, and the two Finnish sailors had shipped for twenty dollars. -They had signed articles to that effect, drawn up by the American -Consul. This grieved the captain's economic soul, and the day after we -sailed, he called one of the Finns into the cabin and summoned me for a -witness. He told the man that if he didn't prove to be a first-class, -able seaman, he should cut his wages down to ten dollars a month; but, -if he would sign the articles that the rest of the crew were on, and -accept fifteen dollars, he would say nothing about his seamanship. -The man was confident of his ability, and had every appearance of a -thorough seaman. He understood English imperfectly, and was somewhat -bewildered by this prop<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233"></a>[Pg 233]</span>osition, but he realized it was a scheme to -defraud him of five dollars a month, and he respectfully declined to -sign the new articles, saying, he had signed once before the consul -and that was his bargain. After a little useless argument, the captain -rose and shut the cabin door; then he caught the man by the neck with -his left hand, and gave him a blow with his right fist that knocked -him down. He jumped on his chest two or three times with his whole -weight; and then kneeling on top of him pounded his face severely. The -man cried out for mercy and promised to sign. He was then helped to -the table and wrote his name on the fifteen dollar articles. The other -Finn was at the wheel at the time, and whether he heard anything of -what was going on or not, he seemed to lose his head just then, and ran -the ship off her course. The mate, perceiving it, struck him and put -another man in his place. He was just coming forward as the captain and -his shipmate stepped out of the cabin. The bruised face of his comrade -startled him, and when the captain told him to go into the cabin he -refused, supposing he was going to be beaten for his bad steering. The -captain, without further words, seized a belaying pin from the rail and -hit him a powerful blow on the head, which cut a deep gash on the side -of his forehead, and in a moment his face was one mass of blood. The -steward and myself carried him into the cabin, by his head and heels, -and seating him on a stool in a state-room,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234"></a>[Pg 234]</span> bound up his broken head -with strips of sail cloth in lieu of rags. The captain brought a pen to -him and told him to write his name on the old articles.</p> - -<p>"What ish dis?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Do as you're told," said the captain, and the man signed.</p> - -<p>The captain then put a pair of handcuffs on the man's wrists, though he -was as quiet as possible, and he was left to meditate on the privileges -of sailing under that symbol of freedom and justice, the American flag.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235"></a>[Pg 235]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THE "DUBLIN"—CONCLUDED.</p> - - -<p class="drop">W<span class="uppercase">hen</span> eight days out from Cronstadt the ship was in the North Sea about -forty miles S. W. of the Naze of Norway. The weather was rainy and -the sky dark and threatening. The wind gradually increased to a gale -from the westward, and in a few hours the ship was hove to under the -close-reefed main-topsail, laboring heavily in the ugly confused sea. -Careful attention to the pumps showed that the ship was leaking more -than usual, keeping the pumps constantly going. The sand washed to the -well-room and choked the pumps, which had not force enough to throw it -out. It was blowing a living gale, the ship was leaking badly and the -pumps were useless, the alternative that was presented was to founder -at sea, or run for some port. Accordingly, in the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236"></a>[Pg 236]</span> afternoon, the -captain ordered the yards to be squared, and the ship scudded before -wind and sea towards the Cattegat. Getting one pump clear, the crew, by -constant work, kept the water from gaining rapidly; but a new danger -was now before us. The captain had not seen the sun for twenty-four -hours and was not very confident as to the ship's position; she was -running towards the land, and an error of a few miles in the reckoning -might result in the loss of all on board before the next day-break. -The Coast of Denmark is very low and cannot be seen far at sea even -in clear weather, and though Captain Streeter hoped to fetch to the -northward of it, still he felt very much concerned, as the distance -would probably be run before day-light. I shall never forget my -feelings as I stood by the wheel that night, in the middle watch, while -the ship scudded before the howling tempest in the pitchy darkness, -perhaps towards sudden and certain destruction.</p> - -<p>The negro steward had the best eyes of any man in the ship, and at the -first dawn of day he went forward and looked anxiously and earnestly -ahead. In a moment the cry, "Land, ho!" sounded, and he ran aft and -reported to the captain that he could see the land not more than five -miles off. Calling all hands the captain hauled the ship by the wind -and crowded all the sail possible in order to keep the ship off the -lee-shore and weather the northern point of Denmark, which, as the day<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237"></a>[Pg 237]</span> -broke, appeared on the lee bow. He found that he had missed his course -by only eight or ten miles, but had it not been for the steward's -eye-sight, or had day dawned fifteen minutes later, the error would -have proved fatal. The ship struggled bravely against the gale under -double-reefed topsails, a press of canvas that threatened "to take the -sticks out of her," but she seemed inspirited by the nearness of the -dangerous coast, and when she finally fetched by the Scaw and squared -away across the Cattegat, all on board felt that the question of life -and death was decided in their favor, and cheerfulness and thankfulness -took possession of them. One hundred and fifty vessels and three -hundred lives were reported lost in that gale. That afternoon the ship -took a pilot off the Swedish coast, and proceeding seven miles up the -River Gotha, anchored at Masthugget, a suburb of Gothenburg.</p> - -<p>The next day a survey was held and it was decided that the ship must -discharge and be hove down, though the leak was no more than good pumps -could have kept under. Here was a dismal prospect. It was October and -three months must pass before the "Dublin" could be ready for sea -again, and then it would be January, and probably the river would be -frozen over, so that she would be ice-bound till spring. The dreary -looking country and the low unattractive town which was in sight -presented little temptation to a long residence, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238"></a>[Pg 238]</span> great discussions -went on in the forecastle, whether the "old man" would discharge the -crew or not.</p> - -<p>By law, sailors discharged from an American ship abroad are entitled to -three months' extra pay, one third of which goes to the Consul. This -made the crew still more anxious to leave and they impatiently awaited -the decision. The Consul, with unusual liberality, told Capt. Streeter -that if his crew wished to be discharged and would at once take passage -in the steamer for England, he might let them go without any extra pay. -The men were a little disappointed at this, but were so dissatisfied -with the ship that they preferred to leave on these terms, and were -accordingly paid off and took the steamer for Hull, England. As they -passed the "Dublin" on their way down the river they waved their hats -and one of them shouted "Bad luck to the old hooker."</p> - -<p>One evening in New Diep, old Harry went into the between decks on some -duty, and as it was rather dark there he fell through the hatchway into -the hold and broke his right arm. Captain Streeter was too economical -to employ a doctor, and too strict a disciplinarian to allow the sailor -to go on shore to see one; he also believed that he knew more than all -the medical fraternity put together. He therefore set the bone himself, -but did it so badly that the arm was nearly useless after the bones -had knit. Harry was very downhearted about it, for now he could no -longer ship as an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239"></a>[Pg 239]</span> able seaman and, as usual, when he was discharged -at Gothenburg he sought relief from his sorrows in drink. In a few -days he was picked up in the gutter, one cold morning, penniless and -almost naked. The United States Consul kindly gave him some clothes, -and wished him to accept a very serviceable coat which had belonged to -his coachman. But the sailor said: "Old Harry is an old man-o'-wars-man -and he can't wear a coachman's coat. Cut those big buttons off and I'll -take it." In his buttonless coat he was put on board the steamer for -England and disappeared.</p> - -<p>One Sunday I went up to Gothenburg, in one of the little steam launches -that ply up and down the river. In the evening after my return I told -the mate of my visit; and after hearing my description of the city, he -said:</p> - -<p>"I wish you'd been aboard this afternoon when Capt. Mann of the brig -"Hong Kong" was down in the cabin, visiting the old man. They talked -so loud I couldn't help hearing all they said, though I didn't listen. -You know you told me Capt. Streeter never commanded a vessel before he -had this one; but if you had heard his yarns, you'd have learned that -he's had charge of a whole fleet of ships, and he had such a great -reputation that the Emperor of Russia wanted him to command one of his -"cravats," as he called it, but I suppose he meant corvettes. He told -the Emperor that if he took charge of her, the first thing he'd do -would be to run her into<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240"></a>[Pg 240]</span> action and get the crew killed off, in order -to make room for true-born Americans—the only men who could get two -ideas in their heads without bursting. The Emperor didn't like this -plan of disposing of his subjects very well, but he knew that Capt. -Streeter was such a smart man that he still urged him to accept, until -the affair ended by the captain telling him he wouldn't take one of his -ships if he'd give her to him.</p> - -<p>"That wasn't the yarn I started to tell you though. Capt. Streeter said -that he commanded the ship "Seaman's Bride." (I'm pretty sure he's -been second mate of her). He was loading teas at Shanghae on owners' -account, and they wrote to him to make the quickest passage home he -possibly could, and not to spare either spars, sails or rigging. In -eighty-four days after leaving Shanghae he dropped anchor off the -Battery; the quickest passage ever made. He had carried away a set of -top-gallantmasts, sprung the fore topmast, mainmast-head, and fore and -main topsail-yards, and blown away two suits of sails. On discharging -her, they found two of her deck beams broken, five knees started in -the between decks, and four hanging knees in the lower hold broken, -and so on till he ran up a list longer than a bill of repairs on an -underwriter's job. When he got the ship's damages told, he began on -the damages to sailors, and I tell you they were still worse. He -killed two men outright and in New York nineteen men went<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241"></a>[Pg 241]</span> ashore with -broken heads, all fixed to order by himself, for his mates didn't know -anything, and feared everything in the shape of sailors, and he had to -lick them too. I never heard a man tell a straighter story in my life. -I believe the old man would beat Tom Pepper at a yarn, and they say he -was more than a match for the Old Nick at lying. I'd like to be behind -the door when the match was going on, anyway. I never thought he told -the truth very hard, but I believe now he's forgotten how, if he ever -knew."</p> - -<p>"Why," I added, "you know he said himself one day, 'I never tell the -truth except when a lie won't answer,' and I thought he came nearer -telling the truth than usual when he said that."</p> - -<p>"My opinion of Capt. Streeter," said the mate, "is that he would be a -thundering rascal if he dared to be, but he hasn't got the pluck, and -he tries to get the credit of it by making up in lies what he hasn't -courage to do."</p> - -<p>"He's a pretty hard man though," said I; "I've seen him handle some -sailors very roughly."</p> - -<p>"Hard man," said the mate; "I wish you could have seen the work in some -ships I've been in. What courage does it take for a great two-fisted -fellow like him to handle a single sailor. There was old "Blower -Aiken," who used to keep a bucket full of coal on the poop to heave -at the sailors, and when they were at the main braces, if they didn't -haul hard enough to suit, and it wasn't<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242"></a>[Pg 242]</span> very often they did, he'd get -up on the after-house, and jump down on top of one of the men, and -then turn to and lick the whole watch. When I was in the packet-ship -"Mountaineer," along with 'Bully Nat Johnson,' I was with what I call a -hard man. If the man at the wheel got the ship a little off her course, -I've seen him pick up a boat-hook and run it through the man's cheek, -and keep him standing at the wheel till his trick was done.</p> - -<p>"We were coming home from Liverpool once, and went out of the North -Channel; but then the wind came from the northward and blew a living -gale. This brought the Irish coast on our lee, and the 'old man' -carried sail pretty hard to claw off. Our fore-topsail blew all to -ribbons, and while we were up bending another, a boy fell off the lee -yard arm. Only the man next to him noticed him, and it was blowing so -hard he could not make any one hear to windward. The mate, who was on -deck, saw it, and beckoned to me to come down. (I was third mate of -her). When I got on deck, he told me what had happened, and he had just -thrown a rope which the boy had got hold of; for the ship of course was -only just drifting. We tried to haul him in, but when he was nearly up, -he slipped his hold and fell into the water. He floated aft, and caught -hold of the main chain-plates; and just as I was going to get a rope -round him the old man yelled out to me: 'Go up on that fore-topsail -yard.'"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243"></a>[Pg 243]</span></p> - -<p>"'There's a boy overboard, sir,'" said I.</p> - -<p>"'I don't care,' said he; 'let him help himself. If we don't get that -fore-topsail bent we'll all be lost.'"</p> - -<p>"While I stopped for this talk, a sea had washed the boy away, so I -went up aloft.</p> - -<p>"The sailors were so frightened at the force of the gale and flapping -of the remnant of the old sail that they had all laid in off the yard, -and wouldn't go out again. The old man came up and kicked them, and -jumped on their heads as they stood in the rigging and top, but they -wouldn't stir, and at last the second mate and I crawled out on the -weather yard arm, and he lashed me on to the yard with a gasket, and -then I cut away the old sail and hauled out the head of the new one, -for the men came out when they found some one to take the weather -earing.</p> - -<p>"Old Johnson is dead now. They called him one of the smartest men that -sailed out of New York, and he could always command his own wages, but -I guess old Jimmy Squarefoot is putting him over the road now for—four -bells! you don't say an hour's gone a'ready; you must want to turn in."</p> - -<p>The cargo was discharged into lighters and stored on shore. Then the -"Dublin" was hauled into the shipyard and her inmates, captain, two -mates, cook and steward moved to boarding houses on shore. The ship -was hove down on her side,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244"></a>[Pg 244]</span> caulked and sheathed, and all day long we -stood on the rafts alongside and went through the form of watching the -workmen. We had a vacation from the captain's society in the evening, -except when I had to go up to his lodgings and write his business -letters for him.</p> - -<p>The beginning of January found the ship again loaded and ready for sea, -only waiting for sailors, who were very scarce; partly so, because the -captain had told so many fighting stories in the ship-chandlers' stores -that the bad reputation the old crew had given the vessel had been -confirmed and increased. The river froze over, and though a channel -was kept open by steamers, this might be expected to close any night, -and unless the ship desired to remain until spring it was time for her -to leave. So she was towed down to an outer harbor through seven miles -of ice and in a few days the captain joined her with a crew of young -Swedes—no old sailors being willing to join the vessel. The river was -now frozen entirely over, and even in this harbor ice had formed for -two miles out amongst the islands towards the sea. Accordingly the -captain made a bargain with the fishermen of the place to break out -the ship, and they assembled in force with their ice boats. These were -built with sharp bows which the men lifted and struck upon the ice, -and as it gave way they jumped on to the boat. When a space had been -cleared ahead of the ship, her fore-topsail was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245"></a>[Pg 245]</span> set, and she crashed -along until brought up by the firm ice, when the boats again went to -work while the ship held on by a line toggled into the ice astern. In -this way we worked all of one day, and at its sunset found ourselves in -open water; then we made sail and steered to the westward, delighted to -be at last homeward bound.</p> - -<p>Ten out of fifteen of the crew could not speak English and most of -them were young men and very poor sailors. But they were "willing" and -well disposed, and the knowledge of Swedish I had acquired in the long -winter evenings enabled me to work ship with them quite easily.</p> - -<p>The captain had not improved his opportunity to master the language, -and it nearly drove him distracted when the men ran to the wrong end -of the ship to execute an order. He tried on his "tantrums" at first, -and issued his volleys of curses and blackguardism from the top of the -after-house, but the sailors only turned and stared at him with their -mouths open in wonder. He gave this up after awhile and we had quite a -peaceable passage.</p> - -<p>The ship made good headway in spite of this, and soon again passed -Fair Island and the inevitable boat-load of beggars, and commenced -battling with the Atlantic. Lat. 60° N. in the month of January is -not a very agreeable locality to sail in, and gales of wind were -frequent visitors. We were about half way across the ocean, when one<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246"></a>[Pg 246]</span> -evening the captain, anxious to finish his passage, was "carrying on" -to the ship with the double-reefed topsails, steering west, with the -wind north. The ship was thus right in the trough of the sea and as -it blew a fresh gale, and the seas were beginning to roll higher and -higher, the men cast many uneasy glances to windward. At a little -before eight o'clock, while the watch was pumping ship, a sea broke -on board forward, and breaking down the bulwarks and tearing away the -water-casks from their lashings, swept aft, and catching up the crew -at the pumps carried them down into the lee scuppers. As I was washing -about with the surges of the water I at first thought I was overboard, -but after awhile managed to get on my feet and was pleased to find the -deck still under them. Half a dozen men were standing up to their necks -in water howling Swedish exclamations, declaring they had broken arms -and legs and so on, and when I got around to windward the moon broke -out through the clouds and showed a scene of the greatest confusion. -Boat, spars, and ropes had been washed off the house, and the decks -were piled up with the <i>debris</i> of water-casks and bulwarks. As soon -as the frightened sailors could be got to work sail was reduced, and -upon surveying the damage done, it was found that the ship's stem was -started away from the "wood ends" and the water must be pouring into -the hold. Some hands at once were set to work to prepare for throwing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247"></a>[Pg 247]</span> -overboard cargo from the fore-hatch and the rest sent to the pumps. To -the great relief of all, the noble pumps that had been furnished in -Gothenburg worked splendidly and freed the ship from water. As soon as -the mate could get time he began to count the men, fearing that some -had been washed overboard, and failing to make out the number he took a -look into the forecastle and discovered five sailors snugly ensconsed -in their bunks. When they spied the mate they all began to groan and -cry, and upon inquiry he learned that one had broken his back, two had -broken legs, and the other two broken arms. He called the captain, who -made a hasty examination which convinced him they were more frightened -than hurt, and he said: "I'll give you all just five minutes to get out -on deck, and if you ai'n't out in that time I'll come in and drive you -out with a handspike." This threat brought the broken legs and arms -into action and they all made their appearance within the prescribed -time, somewhat bruised but none of them seriously injured.</p> - -<p>Two days after this the water was quite smooth and the captain desired -to do something to stop the leak forward, which kept the pumps going -nearly all the time. It was necessary for some one to go over the bow -in a "bow-line," and as the weather was cold and the person would dip -in the water, it was an unpleasant as well as a dangerous task. The -captain disliked to order any one<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248"></a>[Pg 248]</span> to do it, but the mate volunteered -to the work. A bed-quilt was cut up into long strips, and being -lowered down over the bow in the bight of a rope with a stick, the -mate proceeded to stuff the quilt into the open seam and then nailed -canvas over it down to the water's edge. At every dip he was nearly -submerged in the cold waves, but manfully did his work until the last -nail was driven, and then the hammer dropped from his benumbed hand and -he was drawn on board thoroughly chilled. He was taken to the cabin -and treated to a stiff drink of whiskey. He soon recovered from the -immediate effects of his exposure, though for some time after he felt -the drain it made on his powers of endurance. The leak was reduced one -half by his labors and he was regarded as a hero.</p> - -<p>All felt very anxious upon approaching the coast, fearing to encounter -heavy weather while the ship was in this crippled condition. But in -spite of our hopes the gales were destined to come.</p> - -<p>A few days after this, another gale set in at midnight, and at one -o'clock in the morning all hands were called to double-reef the -topsails. It was a dark, wild night, blowing hard with rain and sleet, -and very cold. The crew were so worn out with exposure they were not -very lively, and we were an hour and a quarter before we got below -again. In reefing the fore-topsail we were aloft twenty minutes, the -sail being wet and stiff and the yard not<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249"></a>[Pg 249]</span> being properly braced to the -wind so as to "spill" the sail. The captain swore we had been up there -two hours, and said he would see if the main-topsail couldn't be worked -quicker. He got his rope's end, and at the order "lay aloft," he flew -around the deck and beat every man into the rigging; then he followed -them aloft, thrashing at every one he reached. When they laid out on -the yard, he walked out to each yard arm holding on to the top-gallant -studding-sail booms, which were triced up, and beat each man over the -head and shoulders. Standing in the maintop he struck at each sailor -as he passed down. We were five minutes longer than we had been at the -fore-topsail, but the captain flattered himself he had hurried matters. -In memory, this dark night, the fierce storm, the cold blinding sleet, -the weak and disheartened crew and the worst storm of rage, curses and -blows from the captain, form an abiding impression of a demoniacal -event.</p> - -<p>The ship was so deep her decks were always wet, and seas broke over her -continually when the wind attained to any force. Even if protected with -oil-clothing a sea would often knock one down and soak him. To stand on -deck four hours in a cold, stormy night, soaked to the skin and with -boots saturated and partly filled with water, makes one's life seem to -be oozing away. No wonder sailors are short-lived; sea exposure and -shore degradation soon use them up!</p> - -<p>When about in the longitude of Cape Sable we<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250"></a>[Pg 250]</span> took a fresh southerly -gale with warm rainy weather, and the same afternoon it suddenly -hauled to the north-west, increasing in force, and the weather -becoming very cold. The wet sails froze so stiff that it was with the -greatest difficulty that the crew could furl them, and while trying to -close-reef the fore-topsail five of the men had their hands frozen and -with difficulty got safely on deck. The "Dublin" had the old-fashioned -whole topsails and it was a dreadful job to handle them. The plan of -making two handy sails out of one large one as in the "Howe's Rig," -which is now almost universally adopted, is one of the greatest -blessings of the age to the mariner, and yearly saves numbers of lives -and a vast amount of hardship. Some of the men, whose hands were -frozen, restored the circulation by rubbing them in the icy water which -washed over the deck, but two of them were disabled, and upon arrival -in port had to submit to the amputation of some of the fingers and -toes. I had both hands frozen, but soon thawed them out in the cold sea -water.</p> - -<p>The ship was now hove to on the starboard tack, the gale was blowing -fiercely, and ice making on the ship. The clothes of the men were -frozen upon them, and when the watch was ordered to go below I took the -last dry clothes I had from my chest and turned into my bunk. I was -only just going to sleep, when above the noise of the gale sounded the -rustling and slatting of the fore-topsail, which had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251"></a>[Pg 251]</span> blown adrift, and -then came the mate's cry, "all hands ahoy! Rouse out here and furl the -fore-topsail." This was a moment of real hardship, and it required a -great deal of heroism to spring from one's bunk and face the freezing -gale aloft. I confess I shirked duty and waited for a second call, -which fortunately did not come. A few sailors soon appeared on deck, -and the rest too much terrified or too irresolute to meet the harsh -duty were dragged out of their bunks by the mate and driven aloft, with -threats of blows from a handspike he carried in his hands.</p> - -<p>For fifteen minutes the crew battled with the stiff icy sail. Again and -again they had it gathered up and the blast would sweep it from their -benumbed hands, but finally the gaskets were passed around it and the -order was given to "lay down." The sailors then turned in and rolled -themselves up in their blankets to try one phase of a sailor's life, -"turn in wet and turn out smoking."</p> - -<p>All the next day the gale raged with fury, the ice was a foot thick on -deck, and the ropes and rigging were masses of ice. It was impossible -to work ship or make sail and we let her lie and drift to the -southward. The day succeeding, the gale moderated and the thermometer -suddenly started up. Trying the temperature of the water alongside, -we found ourselves in the Gulf Stream. All that day we were employed -drawing up the warm water from alongside, pouring it over the rigging -and beating<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252"></a>[Pg 252]</span> off the ice. At night we got it sufficiently cleared -to allow us to make sail. Fine weather succeeded and in a few days -we found ourselves on George's Bank. The captain hailed the fishing -schooner, "Eliza A. Proctor," to find out our position, as he was -somewhat distrustful of the accuracy of his chronometer.</p> - -<p>"Schooner ahoy!"</p> - -<p>"Halloa," answered a shrill voice.</p> - -<p>"What is your longitude?"</p> - -<p>"We hai'n't got no longitude; we're after fish!"</p> - -<p>"How does George's Shoal bear?"</p> - -<p>"Nor' West by North."</p> - -<p>As we passed the schooner Capt. Streeter discovered that the skipper -was his mate of two voyages previous—Mr. Foster, whom he had -quarrelled with and discharged from the ship in Mobile. The bearing -he gave did not at all agree with the reckoning; the captain had some -misgivings as to the skipper's information and decided not to trust to -it. The schooner "Emporia" afterwards gave us another bearing and when -we sighted Cape Cod we found Foster had deceived us, and given a course -that would have wrecked the ship if it had been followed. He evidently -did it out of spite to his old commander.</p> - -<p>Capt. Streeter was weather-wise, and continually prophesied the changes -of the wind. Once when it had been blowing from the north-west for two -or three days, it began to moderate and give<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253"></a>[Pg 253]</span> evidence that this wind -had had its day. The captain said in the evening: "This wind is about -done now, it will haul around to the eastward, going by the north, or -it may die away calm and haul around by the south." At four in the -morning I called him and told him there was an easterly breeze.</p> - -<p>"Which way did it haul?"</p> - -<p>"By the north, sir."</p> - -<p>"Didn't I tell you so?" said the captain.</p> - -<p>The evening we made Cape Cod, the sky began to clear in the westward -and a light breeze came from that direction. "Now," said the captain, -"we are in for it. It's just my luck. It's going to blow a living gale -of wind from the nor'west; we shall be driven off the coast and not -fetch back here for a fortnight." This was rather disheartening and I -couldn't help replying: "If I thought so I wouldn't say it, for I think -we have had quite trouble enough without borrowing any."</p> - -<p>"I tell you what it is young man," said the captain, "there's a -difference between borrowing trouble and being weather-wise."</p> - -<p>A light westerly breeze blew all the next day. We beat up the bay with -fine weather and off Boston light took the steam-tug "R.B. Forbes," -which towed us quickly up to Lewis' Wharf, just as the day had ended. I -heard a familiar voice through the darkness, and the ship was no sooner -fast, than I went over the rail and for two days<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254"></a>[Pg 254]</span> abandoning myself to -the joys of home I tried to forget that there ever was a "Ship Dublin." -Then I visited the ship, and the captain at once inquired "Did you -notice how it blew last night? I knew it was coming; I'm not often -deceived about the weather." I received the compliment of being asked -to make another voyage in the ship and the black eyes snapped at my -rather peremptory refusal.</p> - -<p>The owner was offended with me for leaving, and finding that I had -suffered in his good opinion by doing so, I ventured after some days, -to excuse myself by saying just enough about Capt. Streeter to justify -my conduct. He was very indignant, wouldn't allow such a man to sail -for him, but didn't see how he could discharge him just then. He would -tell him to do differently though. One of the partners remarked, "Oh, -they all swear and fight, and Capt. Streeter is the smartest commander -we have ever had."</p> - -<p>He sailed again on another Russia voyage with the old instructions to -"use his best efforts to suppress all vice and immorality on board and -promote the welfare of his crew." How he did it the following letter -from Mr. Wright the mate, written from Cronstadt will tell:</p> - -<p>"I suppose you would like to hear how this old boat gets along and what -kind of a voyage we've had so far. When we left the wharf at Boston, -I called the men to come out of the forecastle and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255"></a>[Pg 255]</span> go to work, but -the answers I got weren't very polite. They called out, 'we want to -make our beds up; don't get your temper in an uproar; don't fret' and -some other remarks that you can fancy. I got pretty mad, and I just -picked up an iron belaying-pin and went into the forecastle and made -Rome howl. All hands turned on me, and I had all the fighting I wanted. -Things got too hot for me and I had to go aft and ask the old man to -come in and help me. I thought he would be very glad to have such a -chance for "spiflicating sailors" as he calls it, and some men I've -sailed with wouldn't have asked for better sport than to walk into -those sailors and make them take the measure for their coffins on deck. -The way the old man showed the white feather surprised me. He got on -top of the after-house, with a pistol in his hand, and called to the -men to come aft, and talked to them as mild as a sucking parson. They -were pretty sullen, and five men swore they wouldn't do a hands turn -of work on board. The old man told me to put them in irons, and I did -it without much trouble, for they had too much headache to make any -more fuss. I put a rope through between their wrists and triced them up -with the main lift tackles till their feet only just touched the deck. -It wasn't long before they wanted to turn to. One was hurt so bad that -we thought he would die, and he has been laid up the whole passage. I -have had several sprees with the men since, but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256"></a>[Pg 256]</span> now I only have to -hold up my finger and they mind me. The old man doesn't say much to -the sailors, but he's down on the second mate, who is a youngster, and -doesn't know much, and he hazes him when he wants to let off steam. We -are loading for Boston, and I hope we will get there soon, for I've -been about long enough in the "Dublin." I hope you'll get a good ship -and a captain that'll suit you, but they are scarce fish to find."</p> - -<p>The ship was sold on her return, and the captain entered another -employ. His vessel finally went to Australia. When riding horseback -he was thrown, and broke his ankle. The doctors declared amputation -was necessary. With his usual contempt for medical opinions he drove -them away, and thought he could apply to his own case the skill he had -exercised on Old Harry, but in a few days he died of lockjaw. His end -appeared significant to those who knew how his powers of speech had -been misused.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257"></a>[Pg 257]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">COAST OF MADAGASCAR.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 35%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"A strong nor'wester's blowing, Bill;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hark! don't ye hear it roar now?</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lord help 'em, how I pities them</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unhappy folks on shore now!"—<i>Wm. Pitt.</i></span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"In noble minds some dregs remain.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain."—<i>Pope.</i></span><br /> -</p> - - -<p class="drop">W<span class="uppercase">e</span> sighted the coast of Madagascar about Fort Dauphin, but at a -distance of nearly fifty miles, so that our view of it was not very -distinct. But it is always a pleasure to a sailor to see land, and a -great relief after many days of wearisome, changing, wave scenery to -let the eye rest upon the everlasting hills. The mountains symbolize -stability and unchangeableness, and as the aspirations of the heart are -ever towards those things most in contrast with present experience, -so the sailor's life of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258"></a>[Pg 258]</span> unrest and variableness disposes his dream -of happiness to be one of enduring repose. This idea the land as -contrasted with water expresses to his mind. A thrilling sensation -always accompanies the sound of "Land, ho!" and longing glances are -directed to the faintest loom of land in the horizon.</p> - -<p>Our easterly winds continued and took us to the coast of Africa, which -we sighted about Algoa Bay. Then the wind became light and variable and -with smooth water we sailed slowly along in sight of the land for four -days. One evening we sighted the light on Cape Agulhas, the south-east -point of Africa, and with the wind freshening at N.N.E. soon ran it out -of sight on the starboard quarter. Before this breeze sprang up we were -in company with a large ship showing Dutch colors. She sailed alongside -of us for a considerable time, then slowly gained ahead, crossed our -bow and in a few minutes disappeared from sight, though the twilight -gave a long range to the vision. Many were the conjectures about her, -and some of our crew will always believe they saw the veritable "Flying -Dutchman," the phantom ship that is supposed to cruise off the Cape of -Good Hope. The legend concerning her, as many will remember, is, that -a Dutch captain, who had encountered very severe gales, was advised to -put the ship back to a port of distress, but swearing a terrible oath -he declared he would beat around the Cape if it took him till the Day -of Judgment. In punishment for his sin he is doomed to battle with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259"></a>[Pg 259]</span> the -elements until that day, and his battered hulk, with threadbare sails -and skeleton crew haunts the southern sea.</p> - -<p>At eight in the evening we passed another ship bound the same way, but -under close-reefed topsails, whereas we had the royals set. We hailed -her and found she was the "Meteor" from Batavia, but whither she was -bound, or where she hailed from, we failed to learn, for we went by her -so fast there was no time for further questions.</p> - -<p>"What can she be doing under that sail?" asked the mate.</p> - -<p>"O, she has got a prudent captain," I replied. "The barometer has -been down low for the last two days and no doubt there is a gale of -wind coming on. I can't take in sail though in this country, with a -fair wind blowing, until I see the breeze coming. Every mile here is -precious and as long as there is a chance to gain ahead we must use it. -But you must keep your eyes peeled to-night for nor'west squalls."</p> - -<p>At ten o'clock I carefully inspected the wind and weather. It was a -bright starlight night, with not a cloud to be seen, except that ahead -in the horizon was a low streak that looked like a fog bank. A fresh -breeze was blowing from the northward driving the ship along nine -knots, with the yards just clear of the backstays, all sail being set. -The mate had the watch on deck, and I said to him, "This is fine, I -only hope it will last, but the glass says, No.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260"></a>[Pg 260]</span> However, very likely -we'll have good warning before the change comes. Keep a sharp lookout -and if it breezes on, or the weather looks threatening, get the light -sails off of her and give me a call."</p> - -<p>In half an hour after that, the mate shouted "clew up the fore royal," -but no sooner had they let go the halyards than a furious blast from -the north-west struck her flat aback. The helm was put hard up and -having a good deal of headway the vessel fortunately "fell off." None -of the watch below needed a call for every one was out of his bunk in -a few seconds as the bark, nearly on her beam ends, and the shaking -sails, gave their own summons. I was on deck promptly and shouted, -"Lower down the spanker;" but the mate had his men forward hauling down -the jib and flying-jib, for the sheets had parted and the sails were -blowing into ribbons. The second mate got his watch along aft as soon -as possible, and in the meantime I jumped on top of the after-house -to let go the spanker throat-halyards. As I passed forward of the -mizzen-mast to go to leeward, the wind and the inclination of the -vessel gave me a slide, and away I went head foremost off the house on -to the main deck. I had on rubber boots with my pants tucked into them, -and as I fell the belaying-pin of the main brace went up the right boot -leg and there I hung, heels up and head down in the lee-scuppers, while -the good bark was lying beam on to the hurricane, which threatened -every<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261"></a>[Pg 261]</span> moment to dismast her, and in the meantime was blowing to -pieces a number of her sails. The night was pitchy dark and the rain -poured in large drops which, with the force of the wind, struck like -hail, while the storm roared with a sound such as that with which the -express train affrights one who stands on the platform of a country -station past which it flies. I managed to extricate myself from this -awkward position, and crawling to windward renewed the directions for -shortening sail. The vessel was run off to the S.E. for two hours while -we took in and furled every sail except the close-reefed main-topsail -and then she was brought to the wind on the port tack.</p> - -<p>That was a night we long remembered, and a hard time the crew had -furling the wet sails in the cold rain, but there was one alleviation -to their discomfort, for I had the cook "roused out" and ordered him to -make coffee for all hands; and as soon as she was hove to, a mug of hot -coffee and a cake of hard bread gave them one of the greatest treats -they ever had in their lives.</p> - -<p>"The prudent captain got the best of it this time," I said to the mate.</p> - -<p>"I'm not so sure of that, sir," said he; "if he's been waiting two days -for the wind to blow we've gained enough distance on him to pay for a -good deal more damage than we've got."</p> - -<p>"But it's a lucky job we did not lose our masts," I said; "if there had -been a flaw anywhere<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262"></a>[Pg 262]</span> they would have gone. Things held on well. Didn't -it give you any warning?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," said the mate. "That bank that was hanging there ahead, when -you were on deck, was what did the mischief. It seemed to hold about so -and didn't look very threatening, but in five minutes it spread right -up over the sky. I made a start to get sail in before it struck her, -but I wasn't in time."</p> - -<p>The gale blew very hard through the night and continued for seven -days, but it moderated at times so that we set the whole topsails for -a few hours. Four different times we were obliged to heave to under -the close-reefed main-topsail and once it was "goose-winged." This -time it blew a fearful gale. There was a black overcast sky, hanging -so low down that it seemed not far above the mast heads, and driving -across with great rapidity. Hard hail-squalls now and then passed over, -and every face had to be shielded from the stinging violence of the -hailstones. The sea was tremendous. At times there would be but one -wave in sight, that, the whole ocean, and towering high up above the -rail almost even with the tops it would come rolling on seeming to -bear inevitable destruction; but as it approached, the good bark would -gradually mount up its side, and then be whirled up and lifted over its -summit like a little toy. As the waves broke, the wind lifted the whole -crest into its arms and bore it onward<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265"></a>[Pg 265]</span> mingling sea and air, driving -the spray in horizontal lines high aloft across the ship. At about two -o'clock in the afternoon a sea broke alongside and a good portion of -its top came tumbling in over the weather rail. Nothing could resist -its force. In went the galley and forecastle doors, the water-cask -lashings gave way, the pig-pen on the main hatch was smashed all to -pieces, the spare main-yard broke adrift, and the sea, having spent its -force, found a passage for itself through the lee ports.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus07.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">Fishing off the Cape. -</p> - - -<p>After this gale a calm prevailed for a few hours and we heeded -Horsburgh's praise of the fishing on the Banks of Agulhas, by -trying our fortune with the line. The only result, however, was the -accompanying sketch of the performance.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus11.jpg" alt="pic" /> - -</p> - - -<p>By these gales we lost eight days on our passage and only gained one -hundred miles in nine days, an inspection of our track for ten days -will show how hard it is sometimes for sailing vessels to make quick -passages.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266"></a>[Pg 266]</span></p> - -<p>When fifty days out we sighted the revolving light on Cape of Good -Hope, and the next day having a light westerly wind we stood along the -coast to the northward and enjoyed a fine view of Table Mountain.</p> - -<p>This turning of the corner was a joyous event. Now we pointed the -ship's head towards home and realized that we were actually bound -there, which it was hard to do while our course had any southing in it. -Fine weather regions lay before us, and an immense load was removed -from the captain's mind by the safe "doubling of the Cape."</p> - -<p>South-east winds set in next, and we went "rolling down to St. Helena" -before fresh trades, with very fine weather.</p> - -<p>The steady winds and settled weather of the South Atlantic are always -taken advantage of by the homeward bound ships to tar-down the rigging, -paint and "fix up" generally for port. It is customary to keep all -hands then, even in ships where it is not the continual practice. -That is, instead of having only half of the crew at work at a time -and alternating every four hours, all hands are kept on deck in the -afternoon from one o'clock until six. They all get dinner together at -twelve and no work is done from noon until one. At one all "turn to," -and either all hands get supper together at six, or one watch gets -theirs at half-past five and the other at six. Under the watch and -watch system a sailor is on deck ten hours out of the twenty-four on -one<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267"></a>[Pg 267]</span> day and fourteen hours on the next, making twenty-four hours of -work and twenty-four of rest in forty-eight. In the all-hands system -a man is on deck thirteen hours one day and fourteen and a half the -next, making twenty-seven and a half hours of work and twenty and a -half of rest in forty-eight. To the advocates of the eight-hour system, -this may seem an undue proportion of working hours, but it is to be -remembered, however, that half of these hours occur in the night time, -when, if the wind is steady and weather fine, there is no work to be -done, and if the helmsman and the lookout are wide awake and the crew -answer promptly to a summons, it would not be noticed in most ships if -the men stole a nap on deck between times. But in "hard ships" the men -are always kept moving. The officers of course at all times in their -watch on deck must be wide awake and, it is presumed, on their feet, so -that keeping all hands is more of a privation to them than it is to the -sailors.</p> - -<p>The mate asked me one night after we got past the Cape, if he should -begin now to keep all hands until the work was done.</p> - -<p>"Do you think you could get the work done with watch and watch?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose we could," said the mate, "but we shall have to keep driving -at it right up to Boston Light."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever go through the trades with watch and watch?" I asked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268"></a>[Pg 268]</span></p> - -<p>"No, sir, I never did," said the mate.</p> - -<p>"Well, I never did myself till last voyage, then I was so well pleased -with the result that I should like to try it again. The voyage before -that, I came on deck one night, while we were keeping all hands, and -found the second mate sitting on the bumpkin, his arms on the rail and -his head buried down in them, while he was snoring after the style -called 'driving the pigs to market.' The next day I had a talk with -him about his neglect of duty. He acknowledged his fault, but said it -occurred in spite of all he could do. He said he had tried every way -he could think of to keep himself awake. He had walked the deck until -he was compelled from sheer exhaustion to sit down, for it was a hot -sultry night, and he had been on his legs all day long. He assured me -very earnestly that he had not neglected his duty intentionally. Said -he: 'Cap'n, did you ever have any fault to find with the way I kept the -night watch before we had all hands?'</p> - -<p>"'No,' I answered, 'none whatever.'</p> - -<p>"'No, sir,' he said, 'and I am sure you had no occasion to. Excuse me,' -said he, 'I don't mean to growl at your way of doing things, but I -can't feel that an officer is greatly to blame if he is drowsy at night -in an all-hands ship. I was studying it all out last night while I was -dragging myself fore and aft the deck trying to keep awake, and this -was what I made out: I get nineteen hours to myself out of forty-eight, -and when you take out meal-<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269"></a>[Pg 269]</span>times, dog-watch, a little time for keeping -clothes in order and what time I give up to the ship in my watch below -to help things along, I can't get more than twelve hours' sleep in -two days. Six hours a day is thought a small allowance on shore where -a man can sleep it right through. But our rest is so broken I don't -believe it does as much good. Three hours and a half or four hours is -the longest sleep one can get at a time, and then he has to stand four -hours on deck before he has a chance to get another cat nap.'</p> - -<p>"I felt he had a good deal of truth on his side, though I didn't like -to tell him so, and I thought a good deal about it afterwards. The next -voyage I resolved to try how watch and watch would work, and when we -got into the S.E. trades, homeward bound, I told the mate to say to the -men: 'There's just so much work that's got to be done before this ship -reaches port; now if you can do it with watch and watch, you shall have -it, but if there's any 'sogering' or loafing you'll be kept up in the -afternoon.'</p> - -<p>"We began it. The men all worked with a will, and I am certain that -as much was done as on the previous voyage. I took special pains to -compare, and all through I noticed that there was more drive, and less -loafing, going for a drink, turns round the foremast, and long spells -at the grindstone. On some of the large jobs, too, I had a good chance -to judge. I suppose there's no job that ad<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270"></a>[Pg 270]</span>mits of as many 'soger -moves' as scrubbing ship outside. The men come up on deck every little -while to haul up or 'fleet' the stages they are working on, and then -they spin out the time before they get back by sharpening knives and -scrapers, or getting a drink, and a good many other moves that every -one knows, who has ever had to follow up old sailors.</p> - -<p>"When we had all hands we scrubbed the ship around outside in one day -and thought we had done a smart piece of work; but with watch and -watch we scrubbed her and cleaned the chain-plates below the channels, -beside, in the same time, and as far as I could see the work was done -fully as well. The difference was, that the men all felt an interest -in showing how the watch and watch system would work, and there was no -dodging, or loafing, or spinning yarns on the stages.</p> - -<p>"Now I should like to have you do the same thing this passage, and the -fact is, I want to see it proved a second time before I go over to it -altogether."</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus08.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">Second officer sitting for his portrait, belaying pin in -hand. -</p> - - -<p>The next Monday the sailors supposed that we should begin of course -to keep all hands in the afternoon, and when eight bells was struck -at noon, they all opened their ears and looked out of the corners of -their eyes at the mate, waiting for the expected and dreaded order, -"All hands get dinner." But nothing was said, and the men kept on with -their work, with their brains full of sur<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_273"></a>[Pg 273]</span>mises as to what it meant. -At one bell, when the watch came out, the mate mustered all hands at -the main-hatch, and said to them: "Men, the captain says he's willing -to give you watch and watch all the time, if you can get the work done. -But this bark has got to be put in just as fine order as any ship that -ever went into Boston harbor. Now we'll try you and see what you can -do. But if the work lags, or there's any hanging back, I'll have you -out."</p> - -<p>So we went to work with the watch, fitting the rigging, and tarring -down. The men did as well as we could wish, things went on quietly, and -the work disappeared day by day faster than we had expected.</p> - -<p>The crew presented a rather uncouth appearance on deck during this -period, for one suit of clothes was devoted to serve through the -tarring and then go overboard. The officers were not much more -attractive in appearance, as the second mate's portrait will testify.</p> - -<p>It had a good moral effect to secure one day's cleanliness out of -seven, the result of our system of services in the cabin on Sunday.</p> - -<p>The sailors in the <i>Rocket</i> were favored with good living, watch and -watch, and kind treatment. They were never cursed, nor called by hard -names. Instruction was given to those who desired it, and religious -influences pervaded the vessel. The voy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_274"></a>[Pg 274]</span>age was a pleasant one. Fine -weather and favoring breezes usually prevailed, and the fairest regions -of earth were visited. If sailors could ever be happy and contented, -these circumstances, which probably were in marked contrast to the -experiences of many, should have produced this result upon that crew.</p> - -<p>When the voyage commenced they had no praise too good to bestow. They -allowed they were in a good ship; the captain was the best man they -ever sailed with; the officers were perfect gentlemen; the "grub" was -first-rate. But, on the homeward passage, although everything was the -same as when outward bound, the sailors sat down on their chests in the -forecastle with their feast of "soft-tack" and apple-sauce in their -pans, and, as the saying is, they growled like bears with sore heads. -Their behavior on deck and manner of working was unexceptionable, but -if their life and talk in the forecastle were chronicled it would -convey the impression that they considered themselves an ill-used, -poorly-fed and oppressed set of men.</p> - -<p>The mate one evening practised an eaves-dropping in which he proved -the truth of the old proverb, "listeners never hear any good of -themselves." Old Nielson, a Swede, the best sailor-man in the ship, -with his mouth stuffed nearly full of molasses gingerbread, was leading -the growl. Said he, "I've been to sea thirty-two years and I never -sailed in a worse ship than this is. Nobody aft knows what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_275"></a>[Pg 275]</span> we get to -eat, and that nigger gives us just as little as he likes. Last ship I -was in the cap'n or mate went into the galley every day and saw things -were cooked right and plenty of 'em, but here we don't get any more -notice taken of us than though we were a parcel of dogs. If the old -man had <i>some</i> crews with him I bet he wouldn't impose on them. But -sailors don't seem to have any spunk now-a-days, same as they used to. -There's a whole barrel of vinegar down below, and yet we can't have but -two bottles full a week. What does he want to carry it home for? He's -keeping it back just to spite us. Do you call that being a Christian? I -call him a mean old skin-flint; if he's going to heaven, I don't want -to go there."</p> - -<p>Now what did all this mean? Why, just this. They had found some of the -gingerbread not done quite through. That was all. On board of most -ships they would have been hard at work with "all hands on deck," all -the afternoon, and had hard bread and beef only for supper. No doubt -they would have enlivened the meal by growling about that in just the -same way. In spite of all his mutterings in the forecastle, this man -Nielson would come out on deck and be a model man in his behavior. -His cheerful, "Aye, aye, sir!" would ring out to every order, and -his respectful manners joined to his good seamanship had made him a -favorite with captain and officers.</p> - -<p>The explanation of this unreasonable conduct is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_276"></a>[Pg 276]</span> that expressed in the -well-known lines of Dr. Watts:</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 35%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Let bears and lions growl and fight,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For 'tis their nature to."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>So it is with an old sailor, he must growl. Officers of ships often -say, they would not give a snap for a sailor that didn't growl, and -there is a good deal of truth in the remark. It by no means follows -that all who growl are good men, but it is certainly a fact that most -of the thorough-going old sailors are inveterate growlers.</p> - -<p>This growling is a natural result of the life they lead. Spleen enters -more or less into the constitution of every one's character, and all, -at times, desire an opportunity of exercising this latent spite upon -some person or thing.</p> - -<p>The man on shore has a wide range of objects upon which to scatter -it. There are his household and family arrangements, his employment -and business relations, the religious tenets of others, the affairs -of his city and the politics of the country. He comes home from his -day's business with an accumulation of spleen, resulting from numerous -annoyances. His good breeding and consideration perhaps keep him from -venting it upon his family, and he holds it in until after tea; then he -takes up the evening paper, glances over its contents and entertains -his patient wife or a friendly neighbor with a good, hearty growl about -the stupidity of the cabinet officers, the short-sightedness of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_277"></a>[Pg 277]</span> -President, the absurdity of the financial policy, and then berates a -politician for his foolish speech. Now his pent-up wrath has escaped. -He feels easier. Gradually cheerful conversation creeps in as his -shrewd companion notices his subsiding temper. Soon all his vexations -have escaped his mind or become far lighter burdens, and the next -morning he walks down town with a good courage and joyous heart.</p> - -<p>But as for Jack, what are his diversions of mind? What does he care for -politics or religion or finance? Or, if he does care, where are the -newspapers and the evening caller? Where are the public amusements or -the endearments and consolations of social life? There are almost no -occurrences to direct his thoughts away from a continual contemplation -of, and brooding over the unpleasant circumstances of his life, and for -lack of these he must continue to dwell upon the sole objects which -interest him, and as a natural result their importance is magnified and -the habit of such contemplation increases with every voyage.</p> - -<p>When the mate reported the "growl" he had overheard, I said, "If I -was a betting man I would lay a heavy wager that the day old Nielson -arrives in port he will say I am the best captain he ever sailed with, -and he never in his life sailed in such a good ship before." An exact -verification of this remark occurred on arrival. It happened that the -mate was riding in a horse-car, when old Nielson<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_278"></a>[Pg 278]</span> came in and sat -beside him. He began to talk over the voyage, and soon exclaimed, "I've -been to sea thirty-two years and that's the best ship ever I sailed -in, and if I go to sea all my life, I never expect to find another man -like our captain." This speech was very likely as far from the truth -as were the growls uttered at sea, but it illustrates a proverbial -habit of the sailor, to complain of his present circumstances and speak -well of the past. Amidst the growling of the forecastle it is seldom -that "last ship that I was in" is mentioned without praise. This fact -ought to be remembered to the sailor's credit. However ungrateful and -unappreciative he may appear with regard to his lot, in his memories -the bright things are uppermost, and he is not prone to speak evil of -old scenes and associates without good reason.</p> - -<p>Reflections upon the incident narrated led to the attempt to illustrate -the subject in rhyme, by verses, to be called "Sailors' Opinions," -which were to be divided into two parts, entitled "This Ship," and -"Last Ship." In this effort it was designed to portray a sailor's -comments upon the ship he was then sailing in, and the same man's -expressions concerning the same ship, uttered during his next voyage -in another vessel. They are produced here, as they may be recognized -as truthful by some who have lived in a ship's forecastle. It may be -premised that sailors in the watch below generally talk in the evening -from eight till half-past eight (one bell),<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_279"></a>[Pg 279]</span> and this is a favorite -time for "growls." When one bell strikes, pipes drop from the mouth, -growls cease and snores begin.</p> - - -<p class="center">SAILORS' OPINIONS.</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Part I.</span></p> - -<p class="center">"THIS SHIP."</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><i>SCENE.—A ship's forecastle—Crew in their bunks—Jack loquitur.</i></p></div> - -<p style="margin-left: 20%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I've followed the sea over thirty-two years,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In the Navy, hard Packets and wild Privateers;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But of all the old vessels that ever I cursed,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Just shiver my timbers if this ain't the worst.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The bloody old wall-sided cranky concern—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I think every squall she is sure to o'erturn,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And the way that she rolls and goes pitching about</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Would have made all the patience of Job fizzle out.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It's enough to provoke a good parson to swear,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To see the bad way her old rotten sails tear,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And I never go higher aloft than the top</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Without fear that the foot-ropes will give me a drop.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I wonder those owners are suffered to live</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Who send out a ship that will leak like a sieve,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Which every time that she gives a bad jump</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Makes fifty more strokes to be worked at the pump.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">We ought to arrest the old man as a cheat</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For bringing us here where there's nothing to eat;</span><br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_280"></a>[Pg 280]</span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">It's a terrible shame for an old Yankee tub</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To feed her good men with such horrible grub.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To be sure, he now and then gives us some flour;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But the mean dirty rat, it's because it's gone sour,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And as for his pies and the dried apple sauce,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I'd a precious deal rather have good old salt horse.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">We slave every week day on board of the craft,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But on Sunday the hypocrite makes us come aft—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He preaches an hour about Christian hopes,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Then sends us on deck to give swigs at the ropes.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">There's a heap of good sense in the famous old rule</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Always choose a big rascal before a great fool.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And one thing I promise, whatever may happen,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I'll not sail again with a psalm-singing Cap'n.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The ship must have been in amazing great straits</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">When she took such poor things as these men are for mates.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It worries one's temper beyond all its bounds</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To be bossed round the decks by such humbugging hounds.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Now! shipmates, you know I'm not given to growl,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And I hate a bad temper with all of my soul;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But worked and most starved till one scarcely can crawl,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A man that won't growl is just no man at all.</span><br /> -</p></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_281"></a>[Pg 281]</span></p> - - -<p class="center">SAILORS' OPINIONS.</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Part II.</span></p> - -<p class="center">"LAST SHIP."</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p style="margin-left: 20%;"> - -Last time I went to sea<br /> -I sailed on board the <i>Rocket</i>;<br /> -Those were good days for me<br /> -And money in my pocket.<br /> -<br /> -She was a perfect boat,<br /> -An easy one to handle—<br /> -For speed no ship afloat<br /> -Could hold to her a candle.<br /> -<br /> -She tacked just like a yacht<br /> -And lay to like a duck;<br /> -If others thrived or not<br /> -She always was in luck.<br /> -<br /> -The owners fitted out<br /> -In such a liberal way,<br /> -All things were trim and stout<br /> -From keel to royal stay.<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_282"></a>[Pg 282]</span><br /> -The captain was a trump—<br /> -A perfect "saint in boots";<br /> -He never gave a thump<br /> -To greenhorns nor galoots.<br /> -<br /> -The mates were tip-top men,<br /> -Gave us our watch below;<br /> -No oaths and curses then<br /> -Though it blew high or low.<br /> -<br /> -We mustered aft to prayer<br /> -And navigation classes—<br /> -We had the best of fare<br /> -And lots of duff and 'lasses<br /> -<br /> -I've sailed for many a year<br /> -And soon will have to dock it;<br /> -But while I've breath I'll cheer<br /> -And brag about the <i>Rocket</i>.<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>Even in the cabin there was a tendency to dissatisfaction, and the -passenger expressed his weariness of our simple and restricted fare by -composing a parody on the "Ode to the Rocket," in which she was abused -as heartily as any old sailor could have done it. His pencil was also -called into requisition, and the scantiness of fare on the cabin table -was graphically portrayed.</p> - -<p>Sea life is a severe test of disposition, and it must be a remarkable -amiability which can endure its vicissitudes without complaint. Lord -Byron's prescription for truly knowing a man: "Go to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_283"></a>[Pg 283]</span> sea with him," is -certainly correct, as regards knowledge of a man's temper.</p> - -<p>The first verse of the Parody will serve as an example of its sentiment:</p> - - -<p class="center">"IN THE DOLDRUMS—HOMEWARD BOUND."</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p style="margin-left: 20%;"> - -The <i>Rocket</i> is an old tub's name,<br /> -An aged Boston bark;<br /> -Her lack of speed is known to fame,<br /> -As I need not remark.<br /> -For fifteen years she's rolled and pitched.<br /> -And leaked in every clime,<br /> -She's worn out two old captains<br /> -And a young one in his prime.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Chorus.</i>—The <i>Rocket</i> we won't praise,<br /> -For she's a wretched bark,<br /> -Homelier than Joe Bowers' dog,<br /> -And slower than Noah's ark.<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>Our stock of conversation got low after so long a season of -intercourse, and many trivial arguments were sustained for lack of -better material. Perhaps the most frequent of these minor themes was -the question, whether the dish which sailors always call "Hash," was -properly hash or minced meat.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus09.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">Illustrated bill of fare:—"Spuds and Soft Tack." -</p> - - -<p>One of our greatest causes of annoyance, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_284"></a>[Pg 284]</span> a frequent occasion of -growls was the presence of cockroaches, in numbers which can only be -expressed by millions. The vessel for some time past, had been making -yearly voyages, which brought her home in the summer and kept her in -the Tropics in the winter, so this army had never been exposed to the -potent destroyer, cold weather. They were not the little creatures that -housekeepers are unpleasantly familiar with, but were almost more -like birds than insects, and carried out this resemblance in certain -conditions of the atmosphere, when they took to flying, tempting one -to jump overboard to escape their attacks against his head. They were -omnipresent day and night, alive, dead, whole or in parts. They eat the -bindings of books and everything that had paste in its composition, -and their especial relish seemed to be for pomade. In spite of all -precautions so many had encamped in the sugar, we had to pass our tea -through a strainer, and there was but little food free from their -presence or flavor, after it was sweetened. Were it a less disgusting -subject I could fill a volume with accounts of these creatures. I -will only add one of the many experiences with them. They were very -fond of frequenting my cabinet organ, and often while I was playing a -note would become dumb. An inspection would usually show a cockroach -leg caught by the reeds as its proprietor passed over them and left -it behind him. A ship at San Francisco had to pay twenty thousand -dol<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_287"></a>[Pg 287]</span>lars for damages done to the cargo by cockroaches. The organ on -leaving Padang had a more agreeable inmate, which remained in it for -several weeks, a cricket, who entertained us with his evening chirp, -and lulled one to sleep with the pleasing fancy that he was on shore.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_288"></a>[Pg 288]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">SAILORS' RESOURCES.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;">"Necessity, the mother of invention."—<i>Farquhar.</i></p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;"> "A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow."—<i>Dryden.</i></p></div> - - -<p class="drop">F<span class="uppercase">ertility</span> of resources is one of the most desirable traits of character -to the seaman. His limited means and appliances beget contrivance and -invention, and he naturally acquires a facility in accomplishing work -under difficulties. His whole mode of life is an exemplification of the -possibility of making much out of little. The sailor, with his "chest" -for a chair, his knees for a table, the sheath-knife and spoon his only -utensils, secures his food with all the necessary benefit. With the -scanty sewing materials, buttons, pins and knicknacks jumbled together -in his "ditty box,"<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_289"></a>[Pg 289]</span> he contrives to mend his clothes or rig the model -of a ship in his spare hours.</p> - -<p>The carpenter, with his hammer and hatchet, does an amount of execution -astonishing to the shore artizan, who has well filled tool-racks. The -cook would likewise startle, perhaps offend, the ladies sensibilities -by the manner in which his appurtenances do manifold duties, besides -those considered appropriate. The mate racks his brain daily to -discover how to repair a sail without canvas, mend a chain without -spare links, paint ship without brushes, or tar the rigging without -tar. The captain is as much put to it as any one in contriving for all -the departments under his care. So they become Jacks of all trades, -and too often masters of none. One incident of a personal nature will -illustrate the manner in which necessity often becomes the mother of -invention on shipboard. One day when off the west coast of Sumatra, -the carpenter was caulking and paying the deck-seams. I picked up a -little bit of his pitch and put it in my mouth, but soon removed it -with the gold fillings from two teeth attached. Severe toothache soon -followed. At Padang I enquired for a dentist, but to learn that none of -those kindly torturers had yet located there. The surgeon of the place -would extract the teeth for twenty dollars apiece, but the pleasure -of paying this moderate sum was no inducement to lose the "ivories." -But the cavities must be filled to exclude the air. Boy Frank had been -in a dentist's<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_290"></a>[Pg 290]</span> office, so he was summoned to the council on the old -man's toothache. He put in a filling of pitch and then of rubber, but -they were not destined to remain. Finally, at sea the pain induced the -resolution to part with the teeth. Frank was called again. There were -no forceps in the ship, and an investigation of all the implements led -to the selection of my spring-punch. The tooth of this was removed, -the carpenter filed the lips to make them tenacious of grip, the big -Webster's dictionary was laid on the cabin table, and resting my head -back upon this, Dr. Frank made a desperate effort to pull out teeth, -gum and jaw at one attack. He was speedily driven on deck, and warned -not to try that again. At last he thought of an amalgam filling, but -how should it be obtained? I possessed a silver "ten-cent piece, saved -from the obliterating ravages of the age of Greenbacks. This I filed -into dust, and after a serious consideration my thermometer-tube -was broken, the mercury was extracted and mingled with the silver. -Then laying my head once more on the dictionary, the cavities were -effectually filled, the only instruments used by the dentist being a -crotchet needle and a screw-driver. It was not till three years after, -that other fillings were substituted by an American dentist in China, -who laughed as much at my story of the previous operation, as I did -at his account of the way the King of Siam tested the set of teeth -made for him, by putting this worthy dentist's hand<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_291"></a>[Pg 291]</span> in his mouth, and -nearly biting off the fingers. He was not so much injured, however, as -to be unable to carry off the bag of a thousand dollars in gold, the -price of his work."</p> - -<p>Speaking of tarring without tar reminds me how this difficulty was -overcome. Having had a great deal of work, turning in and fitting -the rigging, the supply of tar gave out, and when we reached the -south-east trades in the Atlantic, and were rolling down to St. Helena, -an inspection of the tar-barrel showed it was only fit for a bonfire -on the next dark night. How should we make the rigging black and -shiny? was the query of thoughts, dreams and discussions in succeeding -days and nights. I will confess what I did, but do not recommend the -process. Two bundles of rattans were chopped up and consumed in the -cook's stove with the draft checked. The ashes were placed in a barrel -and pounded fine with an impromptu pestle, then linseed oil and varnish -were added, and with this production, well stirred, all the ropes were -"tarred" with such good effect that many old sailors admired the black -gloss of the rigging as they inspected the vessel at Central Wharf. -But using up the paint oil for this, brought about another crisis. How -should we paint ship? That was most essential to our good appearance. -After many experiments the kerosene oil was selected to serve as the -substitute, the sailors' whale oil was appropriated to cabin use, and -Jack was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_292"></a>[Pg 292]</span> invited to illuminate his premises with a slush lamp, a wick -floated in beef fat contained in a tin can. So the ship was painted! -These are samples of the makeshifts of sea life.</p> - -<p>The first moonless evening was appointed for the final ending of the -tar-barrel. It was sawn in two, the smaller half being chopped up and -deposited with the carpenter's chips and shavings in the remaining -part. A bit of old rope from the "shakings barrel" suspends it over the -side, while the cook with a fire-brand ignites the contents. As the -flames gather volume the barrel is dropped into the sea. The sailors -spring to the rail or into the rigging to watch it as it emerges from -under the ship's counter and is left astern in the wake. For awhile -it blazes fiercely and continuously, then it disappears—ah, it's -gone! No, the swell hides it. There it is again! Its disappearances -and reappearances occur at gradually lengthening intervals till it no -longer can be seen from deck. The second mate runs half way up the -mizzen-rigging and exclaims, "I see it." Soon he shouts "I can just see -it from the topmast cross-trees." Then it is given up, faces are turned -from the stern to the bow, for the gaze on shipboard is always forward, -seldom backwards, and as the ship presses on into the dark night, we -think with subdued feelings of the lost light, and fall to moralizing -or musing as the disposition of each inclines him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_293"></a>[Pg 293]</span></p> - -<p>The south-east trades took us to the line and then the doldrums raged -again, but instead of giving a repetition of the miseries of this -region I will relate the second mate's yarn about a "Wild Ship."</p> - -<p>One calm night in the doldrums I went on deck in the middle watch to -see if there were any signs of a breeze. The moon "had scoffed the -clouds," and shone brilliantly upon the glassy sea. The courses were -hauled up, jib and staysails hauled down, and the vessel made no motion -ahead. I felt that I could not sleep till a breeze came and thought -I would stay on deck and help the second mate keep his watch; so I -called him to me, and as we leaned over the rail, I said, "Mr. Bangs, I -believe you told me you sailed in the 'Bloodhound' once. I should like -to hear about your voyage."</p> - -<p>So he told the following yarn:</p> - -<p>"When I got home from Australia in the 'Grace Darling,' after I'd had -a lively time on the Cape, and my money began to get low, I went up -to Boston to the Sailors' Home and began to look for a ship. My chum -Bill Holmes and I made up our minds we would sail together again, and -as we cruised about the wharves, we came across the ship 'Bloodhound' -lying at India wharf. She was an extreme clipper, eighteen hundred -tons register, and the handsomest vessel I ever clapped eyes on. I -was told she was bound out to 'Frisco,' and that evening I asked the -Superintendent of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_294"></a>[Pg 294]</span> Home about her, for I felt rather shy of those -crack California clippers. I had been shipmates with a man who was with -Bully Woodman in the 'Sea Witch.' He had a fashion of shooting at the -men aloft with a revolver, or would let go the topsail halyards when -men were on the yard and shake them overboard. His owners paid him five -thousand dollars a year and fighting expenses, and sometimes these were -pretty heavy. They used to clear the ship out with another captain, and -put Woodman aboard at Sandy Hook, for it was hard to ship a crew to -sail with him. There were several men of that style in those clippers, -and I thought the Superintendent would know if the 'Bloodhound' was a -safe boat to go in. He said she belonged to Jones and Thompson one of -the most respectable firms in Boston. Deacon Jones was a member of Old -South church, a tip-top man. He often gave lectures to young men about -good principles and success in life, and it was certain he wouldn't -allow any 'bullyragging' in one of his ships, for he was a good friend -of sailors.</p> - -<p>"We went to the shipping-office next day and found the articles just -opened, and Bill and I were the first ones that signed. In a week we -went on board, and just as we hauled out from the wharf the mate came -over the rail with his duds.</p> - -<p>"'Halloa!' said one of the men; 'I'll be blowed if we haven't Johnny -Clarkson for mate, and he's the biggest rascal that ever walked a -ship's deck.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_295"></a>[Pg 295]</span></p> - -<p>"It seemed that the reason why the mate didn't join the ship any -sooner, was, because he was such a notorious scoundrel that it would -be very hard to ship a crew if it was known that he was to go in her; -so the captain or owners kept him out of sight, until the last moment, -when all the crew were on board, and the steam-tug alongside, and then -he made his appearance.</p> - -<p>"The ship came to anchor in the stream as the wind was ahead, and when -we got below that night into the forecastle, there were great yarns -a-going about the mate. The Dutchmen got scared half out of their wits, -and made up their minds to be murdered before they were a month older.</p> - -<p>"There was a man named Jackson on board, who was boatswain of the -'Flying Cloud,' in Hong Kong, when Clarkson was there, mate of the -'Black Squall.'</p> - -<p>"He was the chap that first spotted him when he came on board, and he -told hard stories about his carryings on and the number of sailors he -had murdered.</p> - -<p>"The old man stayed ashore, and that night the mate and passenger got -to drinking in the cabin, and about ten o'clock the mate came forward, -'three sheets in the wind, and the fourth shaking.' He couldn't find -any one on the watch, and while he was prying about forward, he tumbled -over the chain-cable, and hurt himself some, I guess, by the noise he -made. Then he called all hands, and got<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_296"></a>[Pg 296]</span> the whole thirty of us out on -deck. He gave us a lecture in rather a different style from the owner's -speeches. He called us all 'the sons of sea-cooks,' that he could twist -round his tongue, and cursed us in a way that made our blood run cold; -about all we could make out was, that he was Johnny Clarkson, and was -going to jump down our throats, drive us around, play the mischief, -and kill Injuns generally. At last, he set the watch and sent us below -saying, 'Remember, I'm Johnny Clarkson.'</p> - -<p>"We thought we'd got enough of an introduction, and if we could have -helped ourselves we wouldn't have continued the acquaintance; but there -was no backing out then.</p> - -<p>"The next morning the captain and his wife came off in a steam-tug, and -we got underway and towed out past the light.</p> - -<p>"The 'old man' was a Dane, or some kind of a Dutchman, named Johnson; -that's all I know about him or his wife, except that the passenger told -me in 'Frisco,' that he wrote home to his friends, that the captain was -a demon and his wife was a she devil.</p> - -<p>"While we were making sail on the ship, the mate travelled about the -decks, raving like a madman. He thought one man didn't haul hard enough -on the main-topsail halyards, so he cursed him and called him a bad -name. The man gave him a 'black look' in return, and Clarkson knocked -him down senseless, with a big gash cut in his head,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_297"></a>[Pg 297]</span> with an iron -belaying-pin. When the yard was mastheaded he sung out, 'haul that -thing out of the way and belay.'</p> - -<p>"All hands were kept up in the afternoon and, if there was any excuse -to be found for doing it, the watch below would often be called -out in the forenoon. Every order was accompanied by an oath, and -belaying-pins, and leading-blocks were hurled about the deck at any one -that didn't move on the 'clean jump.' Things went on this way for about -a fortnight, without anything very particular happening, except that -somebody got licked nearly every watch, and then we had a little the -biggest row that ever I saw aboard of a ship.</p> - -<p>"We were running down the north-east trades with all our port -stu'n'sails set, and at eleven o'clock one night in the second mate's -watch, a very heavy squall struck her. The mate jumped out on deck and -called all hands, without saying anything to the 'old man.' We didn't -get out of the forecastle quick enough for him, and he and the third -mate stood by the door on one side, and the second mate and boatswain -on the other side of the deck, and every man as he came out got struck.</p> - -<p>"Jackson said to me, 'Hold on, Bangs, don't you go out till I do.'</p> - -<p>"Just then the mate looked in and said, 'Bangs you hurry, get out on -deck!'</p> - -<p>"'He's coming out when I do,' said Jackson.</p> - -<p>"'Jackson,' said the mate, 'when you're ready<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_298"></a>[Pg 298]</span> -come out on deck,' and -he went away. He never tried to impose on Jackson, and I thought I'd -keep close to him to secure my own safety. As the third mate struck one -of the sailors, the man drew his sheath-knife and cut him slightly. -Then there was a race. The man ran aft and the third mate after him. -Away they went around the poop and forward again, until the third mate -tumbled over a man that the second mate had knocked down, and so lost -the chase.</p> - -<p>"When Jackson and I got out there was a general fight going on; some -of the watch on deck had pitched in, and belaying-pins and handspikes -were flying round at a lively rate. The 'old man' got on deck in the -midst of all this, and I guess he thought the Old Nick was let loose, -or else his officers had gone crazy. The man at the wheel had run her -off before the wind to save the sails, but there hadn't been the first -thing done about taking in anything.</p> - -<p>"'Haul down that main-topmast studding-sail,' shouted the captain; for -the tack had parted and the sail was blowing all to pieces.</p> - -<p>"The fighting stopped now, I hardly know how. But several of the -sailors were 'ended over' on deck with broken heads, and some of us -were at the main-hatch keeping clear of the 'muss.' I believe the rest -gave it up and ran forward of the foremast.</p> - -<p>"The 'old man' kept singing out his orders, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_299"></a>[Pg 299]</span> at last the mate went -aft and had some words with him, while we went to work and saved the -pieces. The man at the wheel said the mate cursed the 'old man' all up -in a heap, and told him to go below and he'd look out for the ship, and -after a little jaw, the captain backed down and went into the cabin. We -blew away a lot of sails that night; one topmast and two top-gallant -stu'n'sails, a flying-jib, main-topmast staysail, fore royal, and broke -off the foretopmast stu'n'sail-boom, which tore an awful big hole in -the foresail. I guess if the owner knew how much that fight cost him he -would be still more of a sailors' friend. I never could quite account -for the officers not taking in sail sooner, unless it was they had been -drinking.</p> - -<p>"Besides having all hands, we used to be kept going all night long in -the watch on deck, and after we got round the Cape into the south-east -trades we had to work every minute, either doing necessary duty, -or else performing military drill with handspikes, or something of -that sort. Night times our principal work was polishing the iron -belaying-pins and eye-bolts, for when we went into 'Frisco' every piece -of iron-work about deck shone like silver. We all had our stations -rubbing the iron with our sheath-knives, and every half hour, when the -bell struck, we had to call out like sentinels. This is the way it -would go: First, the man on the forward house, who was polishing the -cook's stove-pipe, would sing out:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_300"></a>[Pg 300]</span> 'Cook's stove-pipe, one bell and -all's well!' Then would come, 'Starboard main-topmast staysail sheet -iron belaying-pin, one bell and all's well;' 'starboard eye-bolts -main-rigging;' 'strap of main-topsail halyard block;' and so on. When -all the workmen had sung out, you'd hear, 'Starboard handspike gangway -sentinel, one bell and all's well;' and then the port side the same. -These were two men that had to walk with shouldered handspikes on -the bridges that went from the top of the after-house to the boat's -gallows. At the last the mate would hail the skysail-yard, and a voice -would come down, 'Man in the moon, one bell and all's well.' This would -be some unlucky chap who was lowest down in the mate's good graces, but -got kept highest up in the air.</p> - -<p>"That was the way every half hour at night when we were not pulling and -hauling. You wouldn't think men would stand such nonsense? I assure you -they did though, and they didn't dare to growl even in the forecastle, -for there was some one prowling about outside, pretty often, listening -to what was said; and if a man growled he was very apt to get licked -next watch. The second mate gave one man an awful thrashing, for no -other reason I believe than because he overheard him saying in his -watch below, 'This is a humbugging old workhouse.'</p> - -<p>"There were lots of other moves they put up with. There were five -or six men in our watch<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_301"></a>[Pg 301]</span> that didn't know much, and the mate took a -particular fancy to hazing them. One morning he came forward with some -canvas for fools' caps, and made these men sew them in their watch -below. Then he took some empty flour barrels, knocked the heads out, -and cut holes each side of the top. We all wondered what was to pay -now, and at night we found out. He called these men aft, made them -put on the fools' caps and dismount one of the guns that stood by the -after-hatch. Then each man got into a barrel and ran his arms through -the holes, so that he had a kind of wooden shirt on. The mate made -a rope fast to the gun-carriage, and taking his seat, he made the -men grab the rope and haul him fore and aft the deck. He sat on the -carriage, holding a long stick with a sail-needle in the end, with -which he pricked up all the men he could reach, wherever the barrels -didn't protect them, and he cursed the rest in a way that hurt most as -bad."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bangs, didn't the captain have anything to say to all this?" I -asked.</p> - -<p>"Not that I know of. I believe it just suited him. He didn't do any -fighting himself, but he'd get on top of the house and everlastingly -curse us."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever get struck?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"No sir."</p> - -<p>"I suppose not," said I. "I never heard a man<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_302"></a>[Pg 302]</span> tell a yarn yet about a -wild ship, but he always went clear himself."</p> - -<p>"But it's a fact," said the second mate, "Bill Holmes and I were about -the only ones in the crew, except Jackson, that didn't get a rap on the -head before the ship got to 'Frisco.' I expect we got spared because we -were Yankee boys, but I came pretty near catching it once or twice.</p> - -<p>"Some of the men were shamefully beaten for no cause whatever, except -that they were good-natured Dutchmen. The mate used to fight with a -belaying-pin, or else use his fists, but the second and third mates -always carried brass knuckles in their pockets, and when they cut a -man's face open it sometimes made an ugly sore. But the fighting didn't -worry me as much as the blackguardism, for sometimes we'd go along a -few days without a blow being struck. There was no let up, though, to -bad words. Every order was followed up with oaths and vile language. -All the officers from mate to boatswain were tarred with the same -brush, and when all hands were on deck shortening sail, or tacking -ship, I don't believe hell could have furnished worse talk. I often -wondered what Mr. Jones would have thought if he could have dropped -down aboard, and Bill Holmes used to say that he thought Mr. Jones -would have done service to the cause of humanity if he'd taken a little -pains to pick out a decent captain and mate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_303"></a>[Pg 303]</span> to oversee his sailors in -the 'Bloodhound,' in addition to his speech-making.</p> - -<p>"We had a quick passage of one hundred and five days, but we didn't -get to Frisco any too soon to suit us, and we all cleared out bag and -baggage as soon as the ship got to the wharf.</p> - -<p>"The ship anchored in the stream first; the mate got a boatman to take -him across the Bay, and he hid up country somewhere for awhile, to keep -clear of the police. Then he got aboard of a ship, just as she was -going out of the harbor, and went second mate of her over to China.</p> - -<p>"When we hauled into the wharf on a Sunday afternoon, there were about -a thousand people down to see 'the blood boat' as they called her, for -the boarding-house runners had reported her character. The men got out -warrants against the officers, but none of them were arrested, for they -kept out of sight for awhile and the sailors all had a good drunk, and -what didn't go up to the mines were all shipped off again in less than -ten days, and the affair blew over.</p> - -<p>"The next I heard of Clarkson he was mate of the ship 'Fantail' with -Capt. Harry Saunders, and went from Boston to Frisco in her. One day -he punished the 'galoots' by making them jump overboard in a calm, and -straddle a long plank made fast at one end by a rope from the ship. -He had made them some paddles and they had to work them as though -they were towing the ship<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_304"></a>[Pg 304]</span> ahead. Another time he lashed six of them, -head and heels together, laid them along the deck in a line, lashed -the heels of the last one to a ringbolt and putting a rope around the -shoulders of the first one he took it to the capstan and made some of -the sailors heave taut till the poor fellows on the stretch cried out -blue murder.</p> - -<p>"Clarkson could always get more wages from the religious shipowners of -Boston than any mate sailing out of the port; he was considered such a -smart officer.</p> - -<p>"They complain that there are no American seamen to man our ships, -and if the truth were known it would be found that the decent lads -are driven out of the service, in disgust, by the brutality of the -officers, or if they get through the forecastle they find it useless -to become officers unless they are qualified to be prize-fighters. The -boys on Cape Cod are going into stores in the cities, or on to farms -out West, instead of going to sea as they used to do.</p> - -<p>"I've often wished I could have a word with Mr. Jones about that -voyage. I don't profess to love sailors much and I think sometimes that -the better you treat them the worse they are. But if a man really wants -to do them good, I should think he would do it at sea as well as on -shore."</p> - -<p>"Rather," I said, "he should do more at sea than on shore. A sailor -spends three-fourths of his life on board ship and, if one wishes to -subject<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_305"></a>[Pg 305]</span> him to good influences, it would seem reasonable to bring -them to bear upon him where he passes most of his time. But Mr. Jones' -style seemed to be to build bethels and homes for him to benefit by in -the two weeks he is on shore, and then leave him for months in entire -neglect to hear only curses and blackguardism, and suffer tyranny.</p> - -<p>"Besides, a sailor is more open to good impressions at sea than he is -ashore. There, his mind is full of novelties and pleasures and has -little room for good counsels, but on board ship in a long dreary -voyage, he reflects upon his past life, sees his follies and is -disposed to make resolutions of reform."</p> - -<p>"Well," said I, "that yarn seems to have raised the wind; there appears -to be a light air on the port-quarter. You may square in the yards."</p> - -<p>The second mate assured me so positively that his story was true, that -I wrote it out while fresh in my memory, word for word as he told it.</p> - -<p>The last day of the "doldrums" brought about an event which had a great -effect in reviving our spirits. In the morning we made a ship ahead, -bound the same way, and at noon we caught up with her and spoke her. -It was the "Renown," from Calcutta bound to New York, ninety days -out. After dinner we spied a sail on our starboard bow bound to the -southward. She slowly drew down towards us and at two o'clock we saw a -boat put off from the "Renown" to board her. It was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_306"></a>[Pg 306]</span> now nearly calm -and I thought I would imitate the example. So our quarter-boat was -lowered, and the mate and four men pulled away towards the stranger. -They reached her in about an hour and at four o'clock were again on -board, with a large roll of Boston newspapers, and what was still -better in the sailors estimation, a few pounds of tobacco. The mate -reported her to be the bark "Nonantum," from Boston, bound to Buenos -Ayres, twenty-six days out. He said the captain was in a dreadful stew -about falling to leeward of Cape St. Roque. He had only had E.S.E. -winds in place of north-east trades and had been unable to gain any -longitude. Now he expected nothing less than a fortnight's dead beat. -This had not put him in very good humor, and our men were told by his -sailors that one of the crew had just upset a tar-bucket on deck, and -the "old man" had been making the mate clean it up himself. The mate -said the captain had his wife aboard and that she was cross-eyed and -"as homely as a hedge-fence," but for all that he enjoyed making his -best bow to her, and asking her how she liked going to sea, which he -said was the only polite speech he could think of.</p> - -<p>"What a little world a ship is," I thought. "There they are in that -bark shut up by themselves and engrossed with their own concerns as -though there were nothing and nobody else in existence. They have their -trials and growls and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_307"></a>[Pg 307]</span> disagreements, just as we do and as the "Renown" -does, but each of us as isolated as is one star from another. Well, -poor fellow, I hope he'll fetch by St. Roque!"</p> - -<p>There were fifteen newspapers in the bundle, and for the next week we -all took something of a vacation from our little world and enjoyed -a view of the larger one. A multitude of topics were discussed both -aft and forward, and had a good effect in stimulating our minds, and -diverting our thoughts from their well-worn channels, in which they -were moving with but a sluggish drift.</p> - -<p>The same evening that we boarded the bark, the north-east trades -came in a squall, and started us again on our homeward course. They -brought with them also a more bracing air, which had a great effect -in restoring the elasticity of our spirits. On we sped, averaging two -hundred miles a day until we reached lat. 26° N. in lon. 65° W., where -the trades left us and the variable winds of the "horse latitudes" set -in.</p> - -<p>The bark was now in fine order. She had been tarred down, painted -inside and out, and her masts and yards were all scraped bright and -had received good coats of oil and varnish. The yards we had scraped -in Padang when the sails were unbent, but the masts were done on the -passage. We all declared she looked as fine as a new fiddle. But there -was still plenty of work to be done in the way of small jobs, and -in keeping in order what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_308"></a>[Pg 308]</span> was finished, though the main work being -completed we all felt easier in mind and more pleased to see her move -rapidly towards port. The sailors were very lively and every occasion -was seized for a song at their work.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_309"></a>[Pg 309]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">SAILORS' SONGS.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;">"Odd's life! must one swear to the truth of a song."—<i>Matthew Pryor.</i></p></div> - - -<p class="drop">T<span class="uppercase">he</span> songs of the sea offer a field for research, and one who could -trace the origin and use of some of them would doubtless discover -interesting, romantic histories. No information can be obtained from -sailors themselves on this point. No one knows who their favorite -"Reuben Ranzo" was, or whether "Johnny Boker" ever did what he is -so often requested to "do," nor can any one say more concerning the -virtues and vices of "Sally Brown" than is declared in song.</p> - -<p>Sailors' songs may be divided into two classes. First, are the -sentimental songs sung in the fore<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_310"></a>[Pg 310]</span>castle, or on the deck in the -leisure hours of the dog-watch, when the crew assemble around the -fore-hatch to indulge in yarns and music. Dibdin's songs, which the -orthodox sailor of the last half century was supposed to adhere to as -closely as the Scotch Presbyterian to his Psalter, are falling into -disuse, and the negro melodies and the popular shore songs of the day -are now most frequently heard. The second class of songs is used at -work, and they form so interesting a feature of life at sea, that a -sketch of that life would be incomplete without some allusion to them. -These working songs may be divided into three sets:</p> - -<p>First, those used where a few strong pulls are needed, as in boarding -a tack, hauling aft a sheet, or tautening a weather-brace. "Haul the -Bowline," is a favorite for this purpose. The shantyman, as the solo -singer is called, standing up "beforehand," as high above the rest of -the crew as he can reach, sings with as many quirks, variations and -quavers as his ingenuity and ability can attempt, "Haul the bow-line, -Kitty is my darling;" then all hands join in the chorus, "Haul the -bow-line, the bow-line <i>haul</i>," shouting the last word with great -energy and suiting action to it by a combined pull, which must once -be witnessed by one who desires an exemplification of "a long pull, -a strong pull, and a pull altogether." This seldom fails to make the -ropes "come home."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_311"></a>[Pg 311]</span></p> - - -<p class="center">HAUL THE BOW-LINE.</p> - - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/311a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Haul the bow-line, Kit-ty is my dar-ling; -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/311b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> Haul the bow-line, the bow-line <i>haul</i>. -</p> - - -<p>Then the song is repeated with a slight change in words, "Haul the -bow-line, the clipper ship's a rolling," &c., and next time perhaps, -"Haul the bow-line, our bully mate is growling."</p> - -<p>Great latitude is allowed in the words and the shantyman exercises his -own discretion. If he be a man of little comprehension or versatility, -he will say the same words over and over, but if he possesses some -wit, he will insert a phrase alluding to some peculiarity of the ship, -or event of the time, which will cause mouths to open wider and eyes -to roll gleefully, while a lively pull follows that rouses the sheet -home and elicits the mate's order "Belay!" A good shantyman is highly -prized, both by officers and crew. His leadership saves many a dry -pull, and his vocal effort is believed to secure so much physical -force, that he is sometimes allowed to spare his own exertions and -reserve all his energies for the inspiriting shanty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_312"></a>[Pg 312]</span></p> - -<p>Another common song is:—</p> - - -<p class="center">HAUL AWAY, JOE.</p> - - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/312a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Way, haul away; O, haul away, my Ro-sey. -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/312b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> Way, haul a-way; O, haul a-way, <i>Joe</i>. -</p> - - -<p>And another:—</p> - - -<p class="center">JOHNNY BOKER.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/312c.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Oh do, my Johnny Boker, -Come rock and roll me o-ver, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/312d.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> Do, my Johnny Bo-ker, <i>do</i>. -</p> - - - -<p>In both of these, the emphasis and the pull come at the last word of -the chorus: "Joe" and "do," as they end the strain, put a severe strain -on the rope.</p> - -<p>In the second set of working songs, I would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_313"></a>[Pg 313]</span> place those that are used -in long hoists, or where so large a number of pulls is required that -more frequent exertion must be used, than is called for by the first -set, lest too much time be occupied. The topsail halyards call most -frequently for these songs. One of the most universal, and to my ear -the most musical of the songs, is "Reuben Ranzo." A good shantyman, who -with fitting pathos recounts the sorrows of "poor Reuben" never fails -to send the topsail to the mast-head at quick notice, nor to create a -passing interest in the listener to the touching melody:—</p> - - -<p class="center">REUBEN RANZO.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/313a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Oh, poor Reuben Ranzo, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/313b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> <i>Ranzo</i>, boys, <i>Ranzo</i>! -Oh, poor Reuben Ran-zo, -<i>Ranzo</i>, boys, <i>Ranzo</i>! -</p> -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh, Reuben was no sailor,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Chorus, and repeat with chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He shipped on board of a whaler,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Chorus, &c.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He could not do his duty,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Chorus, &c.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The captain was a bad man,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Chorus, &c.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He put him in the rigging,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Chorus, &c.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He gave him six and thirty,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Chorus, &c.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh, poor Reuben Ranzo.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Chorus, &c.</span><br /> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_314"></a>[Pg 314]</span></p> - -<p>In this song the pulls are given at the first word "Ranzo" in the -chorus, sometimes at its next occurrence in addition.</p> - -<p>Of all the heroines of deck song Sally Brown's name is most frequently -uttered, and a lively pull always attends it. She figures in several of -these songs; one has as its chorus "Shantyman and Sally Brown." But it -is used more frequently, I think, in connection with the song:—</p> - - -<p class="center">BLOW, MY BULLY BOYS, BLOW.</p> - - - - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/314a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Oh, Sal-ly Brown's a bright mu-lat-to; -</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/314b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> <i>Blow</i>, boys, <i>blow</i>! -Oh, she drinks rum -</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/314c.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"> and chews to-bac-co, <b><i>Chorus.</i></b> <i>Blow</i>, -my bully boys, <i>blow</i>! -</p> - - - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh, Sally Brown's a Creole lady,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Chorus, and repeat with chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh, Sally Brown, I long to see you,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Chorus, &c.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh, Sally Brown, I'll ne'er deceive you.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Chorus, &c.</span><br /> -</p> - - -<p>It will be noticed that neither rhyme nor senti<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_315"></a>[Pg 315]</span>ment has much place in -these songs. Each line is usually repeated twice, even if there be a -rhyme impending, for the shantyman's stock must be carefully husbanded.</p> - -<p>A favorite and frequently used song, in which Bonaparte's fortunes are -portrayed in a manner startling to the historian, as well as to those -who may have the fortune to hear it sung at any time, is:—</p> - - -<p class="center">JOHN FRANCOIS.<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/315a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Oh, Bo-ney was a war-rior, <i>A-way</i>, hey way! -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/315b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Oh, Bo-ney was a war-rior, <i>John Fran-cois</i>. -</p> - -<p> - -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh, Boney went to Roo-shy,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh, Boney went to Proo-shy,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He crossed the Rocky Mountains,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He made a mistake at Waterloo,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He died at Saint Helena.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_316"></a>[Pg 316]</span></p> - -<p>Where Tommy actually proceeded to when he went "a high low" nobody -knows, but the fact is related with continual gusto nevertheless:—</p> - - -<p class="center">TOMMY'S GONE, A HIGH LOW.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/316a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">My Tom-my's gone and I'll go, too; -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/316b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"> <b><i>Chorus.</i></b> Hur-rah, you high low. For with-out Tom-my I can't do. -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/316c.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> My <i>Tommy's</i> gone a <i>high low</i>. -</p> - -<p> - -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">My Tommy's gone on the Eastern Shore,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">My Tommy's gone to Baltimore,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -</p> - - -<p>A person who knows a little of geography can send Tommy around the -world according to his own discretion.</p> - -<p>One of the best illustrations of the absolute nothingness that -characterizes the words of these songs, is given by the utterances -attending the melody called "Shanadore," which probably means -Shenandoah, a river in Virginia. I often have heard such confusing -statements as the following:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_317"></a>[Pg 317]</span></p> - - -<p class="center">SHANADORE.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/317a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Sha-na-dore's a roll-ing riv-er, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/317b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> <i>Hur-rah</i>, you roll-ing riv-er. -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/317c.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"> Oh, Sha-na-dore's a roll-ing riv-er, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/317d.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> <i>Ah hah</i>, I'm bound a-way o'er the wild Mis-sou-ri. -</p> - - -<p> - -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shanadore's a packet sailor,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shanadore's a bright mulatto,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shanadore I long to hear you.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -</p> - - -<p>and so the song goes on, according to the ingenuity of the impromptu -composer.</p> - -<p>Sailors are not total abstainers as a rule, and one would suspect that -a song like "Whiskey Johnny" might find frequent utterance:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_318"></a>[Pg 318]</span></p> - - -<p class="center">WHISKEY JOHNNY.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/318a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Whis-key is the life of man, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/318b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b><i>Whis-key</i> John-ny. We'll drink our whis-key when we can, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/318c.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b><i>Whis-key</i> for my John-ny. -</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I drink whiskey, and my wife drinks gin,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And the way she drinks it is a sin.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I and my wife cannot agree,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For she drinks whiskey in her tea.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I had a girl, her name was Lize,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And she put whiskey in her pies.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whiskey's gone and I'll go too,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For without whiskey I can't do.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Chorus.</span><br /> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_319"></a>[Pg 319]</span></p> - -<p>Another popular song is:—</p> - - -<p class="center">KNOCK A MAN DOWN.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/319a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">I wish I was in Mo-bile Bay. -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/319b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b><i>Way</i>, hey, knock a man down. A-roll-ing cot-ton night and day. -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/319c.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b><i>This</i> is the time to knock a man down. -</p> - - -<p>The words already quoted will enable a person to sing this and nearly -all the songs of this set. He can wish he was in every known port -in the world, to whose name he can find a rhyme. If New Orleans was -selected, he would add, "Where Jackson gave the British beans." At -"Boston city," his desire would be, "a-walking with my lovely Kitty." -At "New York town," he would be, "a-walking Broadway up and down," -or at Liverpool he would finish his education, "a-going to a Yankee -school."</p> - -<p>The third set of working songs comprises those used at the pumps, -capstan and windlass, where<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_320"></a>[Pg 320]</span> continuous force is applied, instead of -the pulls at intervals, as when hauling on ropes. Many of the second -set of songs are used on such occasions, but there are a few peculiar -to this use and of such are the following:</p> - - -<p class="center">RIO GRANDE.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/320a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">I'm bound a-way this ve-ry day. -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/320b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> Oh, you Ri-o! -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/320c.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">I'm bound a-way this ve-ry day, I'm bound for the Ri-o Grande. -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/320d.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> And a-way you Ri-o!<br /> -Oh, you Ri-o, I'm bound a-way this ve-ry day, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/320e.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">I'm bound for the Ri-o Grande. -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_321"></a>[Pg 321]</span></p> - - -<p class="center">PADDY, COME WORK ON THE RAILWAY</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/321a.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">In eigh-teen hun-dred and six-ty three, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/321b.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">I came across the stormy sea. My dung'ree breech-es I put on -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/321c.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption"><b><i>Chorus.</i></b> To work up-on the rail-way, the rail-way, -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/321d.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">To work up-on the rail-way. -</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/321e.jpg" alt="music" /></p> -<p class="caption">Oh, poor Pad-dy, come work on the rail-way. -</p> - - -<p>Many other songs might be named, some of which, peculiar to the -Liverpool packets, are of a rowdy nature.</p> - -<p>One cannot but regret that a more rational set of words has not -been introduced to this service of song. A sphere offers for some -philanthropic poet<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_322"></a>[Pg 322]</span> to provide a more elevating style of composition. -On the old theory, the ballad-maker may accomplish more reform than the -law-giver.</p> - -<p>In addition to these songs are the unnameable and unearthly howls and -yells that characterize the true sailor, which are only acquired by -years of sea service. There is the continuous running solo of "way-hey -he, ho, ya," &c., &c., accompanying the hand-over-hand hoisting of jibs -and staysails. Then for short "swigs" at the halyards, we have such -utterances as "hey <i>lee</i>, ho <i>lip</i>, or <i>yu</i>," the emphasis and pull -coming on the italicized syllables on which the voice is raised a tone. -Then comes the more measured "singing out," for the long and regular -pulls at the "braces." Each sailor has his own "howl" peculiar to -himself, but fortunately only one performs at a time on the same rope. -The effect, however, when all hands are on deck at a time, and a dozen -ropes are pulled on at once, is most suggestive of Babel. One learns -to recognize the sailors' method of singing: when lying in his berth -in the cabin he can tell what man is leading and by the measure of his -cadence can judge what class of ropes is being pulled. He thus can -often divine the changes of wind and weather without going on deck. The -wakeful captain with nerves harassed by contrary winds will recognize -the hauling in of the weather braces by the cry, and with only this -evidence of a fair wind will drop off into the slumber he so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_323"></a>[Pg 323]</span> greatly -needs. At other times he will be impelled to go on deck by the evidence -that the outcries betoken the hauling of clew-lines and bunt-lines at -the approach of a threatening squall. By attention to these and other -sounds, and the motions of the vessel, an experienced mariner knows the -condition of affairs above deck without personal inspection.</p> - -<p>The songs of the sea, as I have said, invite attention and research, -and I shall be glad if this brief sketch may incite another to more -thorough investigation.</p> - -<p>How do you get along with your sailors? is a question often asked, to -which I will now endeavor to give a practical answer. The first captain -that I went to sea with remarked to a gentleman in my hearing: "If it -were not for sailors it would be only a pleasure to go to sea." Many -a time have I heard this echoed since and perhaps have repeated it -myself. No one has ever suggested how to do without sailors, so the -most rational question is, How shall we manage them? The only approach -to a quarrel on this passage was with "Little Hans," a diminutive -Swede, who was very great in temper and irritability. He was ordered -to do some work, but pleaded illness in excuse. Some passionate words -ensued, as the mate doubted his sincerity, but in the end Little Hans -made most ample apologies and confessed with tears what a bad temper he -had.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_324"></a>[Pg 324]</span></p> - -<p>There must be these frictions on shipboard. They occur in every vessel. -They cannot be prevented entirely, and the only question is how to -deal with them. Shall authority be maintained on the instant by the -assertion of brute force, or shall the man by patient, judicious, but -firm treatment be in time subdued. The latter is the course I advocate. -It involves momentary mortification and great self-control, but gives -more abiding peace and great self-satisfaction.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Who overcomes by force</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hath but half o'ercome his foe.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>An officer once said to me, "There are only two ways to treat sailors; -you must either bully them or coax them." Accepting this definition of -my theorizings I would say:</p> - -<p>"By all means, coax them!"</p> - -<p>But our success in controlling the men was not due alone to the method -of discipline adopted. In many ways they were made to feel that a -friendly spirit existed towards them, and that a desire to benefit them -ran through all the rules and customs of the ship. Some of the methods -I have tried successfully are the following: Saturday afternoons -were given up to the crew as a time for mending clothes and cleaning -themselves, and on Sunday morning when called aft to attend religious -services they had no excuse for not putting in a neat<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_325"></a>[Pg 325]</span> appearance. The -effect of this was often noticeable in creating more cleanly habits, -and I have repeatedly been complimented upon the unusually good looks -of my sailors when on shore or attending services. Wednesday evenings -a Bible Class was held, at which the men were encouraged to read aloud -the passages in the Bible which they were directed to search out, -illustrating the topic in hand. The valuable libraries furnished by -the Seamen's Friend Society, with other reading matter, were placed -at the disposal of the crew. Frequently on Saturday evenings lectures -were given upon matters of interest to the sailor, as, The Winds, The -Currents, The Stars, The Sea Serpent, &c. In the afternoons, when -weather permitted, the young men of the crew in their watch below -attended a navigation class, and took the first lessons in a science -which many of them will practice when commanding vessels in time to -come. I never found that such familiarity bred contempt, for all this -intercourse was dignified. On the contrary it rather heightened their -respect for the captain, as was evidenced by the remark of one after a -lecture, "I tell you when a man sees what a head our old man's got, it -makes him feel what a little pimple he's got on his own shoulders."</p> - -<p>I have narrated methods of control which I have used with tolerable -success, but I am well aware that government cannot be reduced to an -exact science. With the help of the best systems<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_326"></a>[Pg 326]</span> some will fail to -control those under them, and others from the simple character and -energy of their natures, without extraneous aid, will command the -respect and obedience of those subject to them.</p> - -<p>While human nature is what it is there will exist a conflict between -service and power. As the mind and heart are elevated and renewed these -conflicts will decrease, but it is only to a higher and purer sphere, -where sin will not exist and where all is perfect as God is perfect, -that we can look for continued and entire harmony.</p> - -<p>Lest my reader should be tempted to yawn at this rather prosy effusion, -I append our artist's sketch of the result of such an indulgence on -shipboard.</p> - -<p>When near the latitude of Bermuda, one afternoon when it was nearly -calm, we spied a schooner ahead drifting toward us. Visions of Nova -Scotia potatoes excited our enthusiasm; the boat was got ready and when -the vessels were near each other, the mate, passenger and two sailors -went off to board her in search of news and supplies. The passenger -had on a new cap of white duck made in naval style, and his imposing -appearance perhaps accounted for the trepidation of the captain of -the schooner, who stood on deck in his stockings trembling, as though -he might be fearing the attack of a pirate. When the mate politely -presented my compliments and asked for a few potatoes, his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_329"></a>[Pg 329]</span> assurance -returned and he was enthusiastic in his desires to serve us.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus10.jpg" alt="pic" /></p> -<p class="caption">The effects of a yawn. -</p> - - -<p>The schooner was the "Jane" of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, ten days out for -Barbadoes. The supplies obtained were salt-fish and a few potatoes. -But the captain, in the kindness of his heart, sent me a jar of -preserved wild strawberries gathered and prepared by his wife, which he -repeatedly assured the mate were "real nice," and, as though he might -not be believed, he turned to the man at the wheel and said, "Ai'n't -they, John." They certainly proved deserving of his encomium. We got -a little country newspaper, that gave a few items of news, and a "New -York Ledger," which proved to be a year old.</p> - -<p>She reported a heavy gale two days before, when we had been in calm -weather.</p> - -<p>Discussions of this event, the news obtained, and a salt-fish dinner -enlivened a few days.</p> - -<p>The last Saturday afternoon of the passage, the decks were washed down -early and at four o'clock all hands were called aft. The captain took -his stand at the capstan and the crew sitting on boards laid upon -deck-buckets, listened attentively to a temperance lecture, and some -warnings and instructions about the dangers of life on shore soon to be -encountered. Several signed the pledge afterwards, "Old Brown" among -them.</p> - -<p>The first sign of our approach to land was the meeting with some -fifty schooners mackerel fishing,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_330"></a>[Pg 330]</span> south of Nantucket Shoals. As we -came among them one put his helm up, and running down on us till his -bowsprit seemed nearly to touch us, he sheered alongside and shouted, -"Cap'n, do you want some fish?"</p> - -<p>"Aye! aye!" I replied.</p> - -<p>Then the air was filled with mackerel aimed at my head by a half-dozen -men, and some of them came near the mark. Three schooners in succession -paid us this compliment, and all hands had a good supper and breakfast -of mackerel in consequence.</p> - -<p>We generally expect a gale when coming on the coast and always promote -our fears by recalling the old rhyme:</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"If the Bermudas let you pass,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh then beware of Hatteras;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">If safely you get by Cape May</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">You'll catch it sure in Boston Bay."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>This time our fears were not realized.</p> - -<p>We bent the chains and put the anchors in the shoes, and on a Friday -evening were almost within range of the Highland Light when a dense -fog set in and deferred our hope of seeing it. The wind was moderate -from the southward and we rounded to every two hours for soundings, -and then kept on the course. A man was stationed on the top-gallant -forecastle with a fog horn, which he sounded vigorously, and now and -then received<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_331"></a>[Pg 331]</span> similar responses from neighboring vessels. The blast of -one horn continued to draw nearer until it seemed close by us, then we -heard a dog barking and a hoarse voice sounded through the fog, "How -are you steering?"</p> - -<p>"No'th by west," said I.</p> - -<p>"I'm heading east south east," said the stranger.</p> - -<p>Then close alongside of us we saw a schooner.</p> - -<p>"How does Cape Cod bear?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"Nor' nor' west thirty miles," replied the skipper, as his craft -vanished in the fog.</p> - -<p>"Just agrees with the chronometer," said I to myself. "That's doing -well."</p> - -<p>"Pretty soon came another approaching blast of the horn, and in time -came the same question, "How are you steering?" and a voice shouted, -"Keep her to the no'th'ard and east'ard; I'm just going in stays."</p> - -<p>"Hard a-port," I shouted to the man at the wheel, and just as the -ship's head began to answer to the helm, a cry sounded from right under -our bow, "Hard a-starboard, or you'll run into me." I sprang to the -wheel and lent the man a hand to shift the helm over, and then we saw a -large three-masted schooner with her jib-boom almost grazing our fore -channels.</p> - -<p>"All right, Cap'n, you'll go clear; I've got my jibs aback," shouted a -cheery voice, and then he, too, drifted away into the darkness.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_332"></a>[Pg 332]</span></p> - -<p>In the morning the fog lifted and the wind came out dead ahead. Two -pilot boats came running down from the Cape Ann shore, and the leading -one, being intent on securing both our vessel and a ship to leeward, -dropped a pilot in a "canoe" while sailing ten knots an hour, and sped -on to the other ship, thus successfully cutting out her rival. The -pilot pulled alongside of us, and we took both himself and his boat -on board. Many eager questions were asked, one of the first being, -if the "F——" had arrived? We were told she had not, and we had the -satisfaction of beating her eight days on the passage. All day we were -beating up the Bay, and at 10 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span> took a tow boat off Boston -Light which soon brought us alongside Central Wharf, where we made -fast early on a Sunday morning after ninety-three days passage from -Padang. In the morning I stepped on to the wharf to take a survey from -a new point of view of what had been my home for so many months. As I -was standing near the stern I noticed some sailors belonging to the -Revenue Cutter, sitting down with their backs toward me and their legs -hanging over the edge of the wharf. They were discussing the looks of -the vessel, and I heard one of them say, "I wouldn't want to go to sea -in that bark. She must be a regular workhouse. Everything aboard of her -is scraped bright from her trucks to her fenders. Just see how that -royal-yard shines!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_333"></a>[Pg 333]</span></p> - -<p>I walked up to them and said: "Boys, does she look well?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered the one that had just spoken; "a neater looking vessel -than that never came into this harbor."</p> - -<p>"Well," said I, "her crew haven't lost a watch below the whole voyage."</p> - -<p>"Oh! that's a different thing then," said he; "if a man has watch and -watch he's got no right to complain. Of course he expects to work in -his watch on deck."</p> - -<p>The next day the crew were paid off, all being sober except Murphy. I -handed him his money and said, "Take good care of that and don't throw -it away." Murphy was already well past a condition to take care of -anything. He had indulged in one good spree the night before, and was -now what would be called "ugly drunk." His thick black hair was tossed -about in confusion over his head, and his dark eyes fairly snapped -with passion. Holding his money in his clenched fist he brandished it -aloft and said, "Cap'n, all that's going for rum," and off he went -with a waiting land-shark, who no doubt sent him to sea within a week, -penniless and ragged. But everybody else was sober, and on the whole -the crew made a very creditable appearance, so much so that it excited -remarks from many who saw them.</p> - -<p>As I went on shore I met the shipping master, old Capt. Harding. "Your -crew make a good<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_334"></a>[Pg 334]</span> show for themselves to-day," said he. "I never saw -a more orderly set, or heard any crack their ship up quite so much. -There was one man standing by me while I was talking to a gentleman, -and hearing me say something about the bark he put in his handspike and -said he, 'That's the best ship that sails out of this port. The captain -of her is a gentleman and a sailor and a Christian. We obeyed him just -out of the respect we had for him. There's nothing of the humbug about -<i>him</i>. He doesn't go round the decks trying to scare up work just to -haze men. The officers were good men, too. They've kept us at work -pretty sharp, but we had watch and watch the whole time, south-east -trades and all. She's in fine order and we did all the work up except -to scrape the belaying pins. We had to let those go. I'm sorry we -didn't have time to scrape <i>them</i>.'"</p> - -<p>"After he went away the gentleman said, 'That sounds well, doesn't it? -That's better than broken heads and curses and lawsuits.' I told him I -thought I knew all the ins and outs of a sailor, but it was something -new to me to hear one regret he 'didn't have time to scrape the -belaying-pins.'"</p> - -<p>The crew all went to the Sailors' Home, except Murphy, and behaved -well. Old Brown was a well-known character in Boston, and I was told -this was the first time he had ever kept sober in port. His friends -were quite astonished at such good conduct. He went to San Francisco on -his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_335"></a>[Pg 335]</span> next voyage, and I heard afterwards that the mate of the ship had -selected him as a good man to "bully," he being quiet and inoffensive. -He beat him and drove him about the decks in a way that completely -disheartened him, and on reaching port he took to drinking again and -was "beastly drunk" all the time he was on shore.</p> - -<p>In a few weeks the crew all scattered on different voyages, excepting -four who waited to sail again with me in another ship. I remember -them with affectionate interest and am sure they hold fast a pleasant -recollection of the days</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Pronounced Frans-war.</p></div></div> - - -<p class="center">ON BOARD THE <i>ROCKET</i>. -</p> - - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 10em;">THE END.</p> - - - - - -<p style="margin-top: 10em;"><span class="smcap">Judge Burnham's Daughters.</span> By "Pansy" (Mrs. G.B. Alden.) -Boston: D. Lothrop Co. Price $1.50. The multitude of readers of Mrs. -Alden's stories will remember <i>Ruth Erskine's Crosses</i>, and will be -glad to meet its principal character once more in her new character of -wife and mother, ripened by experience and strengthened by trial. Her -marriage will be remembered, and the radiant prospects of the future -which attended it. Her husband was kindness itself, but he cared little -for religious matters, and could not sympathize with what seemed to him -the very ridiculous and puritanical ideas of his wife regarding many -things. Still he always gave way to her. The great trouble of her new -life, however, was the disposition evinced by her two step-daughters -to resist her authority and cause her pain by their recklessness and -disobedience. Her husband, Judge Burnham, was wealthy, and occupied -a high social position. He was exceedingly proud of his family and -sensitive as to his reputation. He was strongly opposed to Ruth's being -actively connected with religious or temperance movements, and this -fact sometimes brought them dangerously near serious misunderstanding. -The pressure was constant, and made many unhappy hours for her, -especially when questions of right and propriety arose between her and -her step-daughters and an appeal was made to the father. Suddenly a -blow fell upon the house. The younger daughter fled from home to marry -a gambler and forger, and was disowned by her father and forbidden the -house. A few months later the other daughter fell a victim to quick -consumption, but in her later days turned to the mother whom she had -disliked and disobeyed, and finally died in her arms. The story with -its later incidents is a sad one, but its darkness is lighted by the -surprise which awaits the reader at the close. It is written in Mrs. -Alden's usual fascinating style, and like all her books, is transfixed -with a purpose.</p> - - - -<p><span class="smcap">The Secrets at Roseladies.</span> By Mary Hartwell Catherwood. -Boston: D. Lothrop Company. Price $1.00. This charming story of the -life on the Wabash, which originally appeared as a serial in <span class="smcap">Wide -Awake</span>, will be read by boys and girls with equal pleasure, for -the action of the story is pretty well divided between the two. The -boys will be immensely entertained with the adventures of the four -young treasure-seekers, particularly with that which ends in their -capture by the crazy half-breed Shawnee, who proposes to cut off their -thumbs to bury in the excavation they have made in the burial mound. -The girls' secret, which is of a very different character, is just as -amusing in its way. Mrs. Catherwood has a wonderful fund of humor, -and a talent for description which many a better-known author might -envy. The character of old Mr. Roseladies is capitally drawn, and the -account of his journey to the depot after Aunt Jane's trunk is really -mirth-provoking. Cousin Sarah and "Sister" and little Nonie are all -charming, and the reader will close the book with regret that there is -not more of it.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Brownies and Bogles.</span> By Louise Imogen Guiney. Ill. Boston: D. -Lothrop Co. Price $1.00. This little volume might be fitly styled a -fairy handbook, as in it the author describes every kind of the "little -people" that is found in traditions or literature in all the countries -of the world. There are the brownies and waterkelpies of Scotland, the -troll and necken of Sweden, the German kobalds, the English fairies, -pixies and elves, the Norwegian and Danish dwarfs and bjergfalls, the -Irish leprechauns, and a score of others, some of whom are mischievous, -some malicious, some house-helpers, and some who are always waiting to -do a good turn to those they like. The author mingles her descriptions -with anecdotes illustrative of the different qualities and dispositions -of the various fairy folk described.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Story of the American Sailor.</span> By E.S. Brooks. Ill. Boston: D. -Lothrop Co. Price $2.50. Although several volumes have been written -descriptive of the rise and development of the American navy, this is -the first and only work of which we have knowledge that takes wide -ground, and deals with the American sailor. In its preparation Mr. -Brooks has not been actuated by a desire to merely make a readable book -for boys; he has given it the attention which the subject demands as a -part of the history of the country.</p> - -<p>It would be a difficult matter to get at the first American sailor, or -to even guess when he existed, but that our continent was once well -populated, and that its prehistoric inhabitants sailed the lakes and -seas as well as trod the land, is a matter of certainty. Later, when -America became known to Europeans, the new comers found Indians well -provided with excellent canoes, built of bark or fashioned from logs, -but they were "near shore" sailors. The author quotes one instance -where a deep sea voyage was undertaken by them in the early days of -the English settlers. Certain Carolina Indians, he says, wearied of -the white man's sinful ways in trade, thought themselves able to -deal direct with the consumers across the "Big Sea Water." So they -built several large canoes and loading these with furs and tobacco -paddled straight out to sea bound for England. But their ignorance of -navigation speedily got the best of their valor. They were never heard -of more.</p> - -<p>The early white navigators of our waters can hardly be considered -American sailors. The new found continent was to them of value only for -what could be brought away from them in treasure or in merchantable -produce, and it was only when an actual and permanent colonization -began that a race of native-born sailors was developed on the Atlantic -coasts.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Old Concord: Her Highways and Byways.</span> Ill. By Margaret Sidney. -Boston: D. Lothrop Co. Price $3.00. Of all the books of the year there -is not one which carries within it such an aroma of peculiar delight as -this series of sketches and descriptions of the highways and byways of -that most picturesque of towns, Old Concord. Concord is like no other -place in New England. There may be other places as beautiful in their -way; there are others, perhaps, of more importance in the Commonwealth, -and we know there are hundreds of places where there is more active -life to the square foot, but with all these admissions Concord still -remains a place of special charm, the result and consequence of more -causes than we care to analyze. Its picturesqueness and a certain -quaintness of the village has always been noticed by visitors, no -matter from what part of the globe they may have come. Added to this -is the flavor of Revolutionary history, and the atmosphere created by -the daily lives and presence for years of three or four of the giants -in American literature. Here lived Hawthorne, and Emerson, and Thoreau, -and the Alcotts, father and daughter, and the work that they did here -has made it a literary Mecca for all time.</p> - -<p>These sketches have all the accuracy of photographs, together with -that charm of color and life which a photograph never possesses. The -author is a resident of Concord, and a dweller in one of its historic -mansions, and is thoroughly acquainted with every nook and corner of -the town as well as with every legend which belongs to them. The task -which she assumes of guiding readers to the places made famous by pen -and sword, is a labor of love. She tells us how the pilgrimage should -be undertaken, and what should be seen. We visit with her the ancient -landmarks which belong to past generations, and the more modern ones -which have even more interest to the multitude.</p> - - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ON BOARD THE "ROCKET" ***</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>This file should be named 64171-h.htm or 64171-h.zip</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/1/7/64171/</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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