T 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, ■i- , y-' T " • . ■ -4«*- // h BOSTON^ ^^ D. LOtHROP COMPANY, OOPTRIOHT BT RoBEUT C. Adamu, 1879. "fc-.S ..rV- ^-^■^.-^.-^^ :,. .■■■&■ 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. ■^-■'i .,'■ (MI.) CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The 12ocA:e« — The Cargo — Shipping the Crew— The Start— Rolling — Discomfort — Quiet — Gale — Storm Music — Disci- pline — Northeast Trades — Aye I Aye I — Doldrums — Sharks — A Shark Story — Southeast Trades. CHAPTER n. ASaucy Sailor — Sailors' Treatment — An Easy Ship— Three Kinds of Discipline — A Good Run— Proving the Reckon- ing— Sea hirds. ^ .^; ..::v,>.;;,.;i^:,:^XHAPTER in.^:,;;^^: ■--; The Voyage of the"Duhlhi"— Capt.Streeter— A Darkey Crew —No Profanity — The Mates — A Bully— A Tobacco Cargo — V. ▼L CONTENTS. Owner's Instructions — A Blower — No Sitting Down — Pomposity — Brass Knnclvles — Flogging — Tlie Third Mat-e — Reefing Topsails — Mr. Jones — A Smart OlDcer — The Brick-wall Theory — Reflections —Good Advice — Land, ho! ' — Porpoises — Mother Carey's Chickens — Captain and Mate — Land In Siglit — 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 iJocA^ef — Grub — Doubtful Islands — Becalmed off Java — Officers' Yarns— Off Java Head — Narrow Escape — A Float- lug Light. ,- - , ' '■ ■ ,"'.''"■">" "■''"'-,- -- ■ ■ ' '■■''■''. -V ; ■■ . ... ■ .',■■■ : :s,- - - - : ,v^. . - :■ CHAPTER VL ri::--' ~ ----^^- -: ^ -,-■■■■ ,.: . -; -f- ■" ' '--■ ' "V^ "\--. _■ \y' .*...■■ V .■ ' ' ■ " - Life in the East Indies — Carimata Passage — Singapore —Throe Months' Extra Pay. CONTENTS. • TlL CHAPTER VIL Penang — Penang IIlll —Nearly Wrecked — Deliverance —West ' Coast of Sumatra — Padang — Padang Thieves — Padang Church — Malay Ordination — Padang Drives— Native* — Captain Btowhard — Insolence. CHAPTER VIII. Another Voyage in the " Dublin" — Second Mate— Mr. Howard'i 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 Ilarry — Captain's Yarns — Bullies — Gothenburg —Another Start — Decks Swept— Stopping the Leak — Hurrying the Crew — A Hard Life — A Freezing Gale — A False Bearing — Weather wise — Leaving the "Dublin" —Mr. Wright's Letter— Capt. Streeter' 8 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. vill. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XL Sailors' Resources — The Tar Barrel — A Wild Ship — Board- ing a Vessel — Ready for Port. CHAPTER XII. Sailors' Songs — Bully or Coax — Treatment of Sailors — 5 • ooner " Jane " — A Mackerel Shower — Fog on the Coast —Taking a Pilot— Arrived— Paying off — Scraping Belay- ing Pirn. ■;.■ '■',' . « V "Once more upon the waters, yet once morel And the waves bound beneath me, as a steed That knows his rider." — ByrorCi Childe Harold. '*Who would not sell a farm and go to sea ? ^*^8ailar Proverb, -.>'•''.,:» •-«.'♦' / ■■ / . . "S •;;"":;; h ON BOARD THE "ROCKET/* CHAPTER I. IN Lloyds Register is recorded : — " Rochet^ Bk. 884, 135, 25, 16.5, 1851, Medford, W. O., icf.," which being interpreted means, Bark Rocket^ 384 toDs, 135 feet long, 25 feet beam, 16| 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 com- pared by an old sailor to " a plank set on edge." Tljs caused her to be reputed, and not unde- servedly, 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 13 14 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. she had gone and come, and though occasionally threatening to capsize, she had never really per- formed this undesirable manoeuvre. The builder and the subsequent owner were two of the most practical merchants of Boston. She must there- fore 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 Rochet was lying at Central Wharf in Boston, loading a cargo for the East Indies. Bar- rels of beef, pork, tar and pitch were stowed in the bottom ; then followed in miscellaneous order, lumber, sewing machines, kerosene oil, flour, bis- cuits, preserves, ice pitchers, carriages, oars and many other articles. - ' j As the sailing day drew near, the important mat- ter of choosing officers and crew had to be consid- ered. 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 I 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 yoimg captain to manage, and was not engaged. Soon a young man applied, with more modest THE CREW. 16 demeanor, and he was secured. The rest: of the crew were soon picked out. Wishing to choose for mj^self who should sail with me for so many montlj.s, the shipping master was told to send on board any good men who -^^pplied to him, giving the preference to Norwegians and Swedes, these being, in my opinion, both in seamanship and docil- ity, 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 endiu^e privations without grumbling, and are too strong republicans to be always sub- missive subjects of a despotic government such as that of shipboard. American sailors unfortunately are not often in the choice. They are soon pro- moted 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 mov- ing 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 16 ON BOAED THE ROCKET, sailing fast, had not the yacht '' Vesta " overtaken us, crossed our bow, and boomed away down Broad Sound, under jib and raaiusail. 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 topgallantsails were loosed, and leav- ing 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 eiglit 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 wiad had dvawi) more northerly, becoming? BOLLIKG. 17 rather "scant" for a course north of George's Shoal, so we squared away down South Channel. Being light before wind and sea, the bark, having a large proportion of her heavy cargo m the lower hold, began to roll most distressingly. She seemed to nearly dip each rail alternatelj'' in quif*.k succes- sion.. 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. 0, the miseries of that night I 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 18 ON BOARD THE EOCKET. circle. What have I done ? Renounced them all for a year. For what? To be shut up in thia dismal den, with a crowd of rude vagabonds, de- prived 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 voy- age. A pilot boat came under our stern to satisfy her curiosity as to our identity. As she disap- peared, 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 ita connection with the equinox was not clearly estab- ':•„:..._;;■•,■: GALE. \.:1 --.r'^^ --.-— ^^rl9 lished. It blew fiercely enough, however, to de- serve that respectable title, and forced the vessel to lie to under a close-reefed maintopsail, which finally had to be " goosewinged " (one side of it furled.) The mate went aloft himself to encourairo 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 daybreak it began to moderate and we escaped with no other damage than splitting a jib and foretopmast stay- sail. A gale of wind at night is a sublime, though •earful, scene. The ship plunges wildly in the darkness, and skies and waters are equally black, only relieved by the foaming crests of the moun- tain waves. But perhaps the most impressive feat- ure is the music of the gale, nature's grand organ, or, if any prefer the simile, its bagpipe. The sub- )ass of the storm, as it sweeps over the waves igainst the hull and through the lower rigging of ihe ship, forms the great volume of sound, and ibove, in constantly changing variety, come shrieks, creams, wailings and whistlings of every pitch -nd intensity, sounding from aloft as the wind irives through sheave-holes, against the small rig- jing, and into cracks in the spars. Few listen to I 20 ON BOAKD THE ROCKET.. 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 liowlings of the midnight gale unite with the roar- iiig and dashing of the breaking waves. For the next three days we tumbled about in the subsiding waves, and experienced the most un- pleasant part of a storm, which is not positively dangerous. The excitement and touch of romance jjertaining to the gale have gone. The disagree- able 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 tlie poop-deck, and privately instruct them in my ideas of discipline. ■ ^ >: !^ This was the drift of my remarks: jr For some years past I have made it a rule that there shall be no cursing or blows used or given on board of ni}^ ship. In saying this, I do not mean tliat 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 curs- ijig the men and throwing belaying pins at them, DISCIPLINE. 21 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 tlieir luty and made no effort to keep the crew in proper irder, saying, " If the old man doesn't care, I'm sure I don't.'' Let me tell you my plan of keep- jiiig discipline. When we start on a voyage the crew generally Icome on board more or less under the influence of iliquor. Some of them are all ready for a fight and do their best to bring it on. If you choose to Lave a row, it is the easiest thing in the world to find opportunity for it, and you know how fre- Iquently the occasion is seized, and the ship's deck s stained with blood before she is clear of the land, ow at the start, I say. Shut your eyes and ears to |iiistances of personal disrespect, and do not use ■Qice to exact the performance of duty, unless as last resort when the interests of the ship posi- ively require it. As soon as you can spare men :rom work, get into their bunks those who are so ilrunk as to be troublesome and let them sleep hem selves sober. You will often, or indeed gen- rally, find that these are the best "sailor men " in lie ship. It was the rum that made the trouble, [Hid I believe the only successful way of fighting um is to attack it before it gets inside of men. 'riinken men are more easily controlled than we ;hink, but it requires tact to deal with them, and, bove all, kindness. I had a sailor last voyage 22 ON BOAKD THE ROCKET. wlio was roaring about the deck, brimful of fight, using his insolence to gain a chance to work it off. 1 stopped up to him, and he straightened back to return tlie expected blow. To Iiis evident sur- prise 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 re- spectful 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, DISCIPLINB. V SB tlicy 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 chock him for it in a manly way, and give him to understand that such things will not be allowed on Ijoiird of this vessel. Do not curse him, nor strike ; him, nor threaten him in a way to make him ugly, bnt rather seek while maintaining your authority to give an impression of its justice. If he con tin- * ues 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 tliQ 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 judg- ment, the case requires. Very often a simple re- proof from him will be all that is necessary, as showing his decided espousal of his officers' cause, 24 ON BOARD THE BOOKBT. and determination to stand by them. When this is proved, Jack will be apt to give in, but in au obstinate case irons may be the necessar}^ resort. Of course I don't wish to be annoyed with the report of every little misdemeanor or sign of in- subordination ; bnt 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 firfc:t 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 Satur- day afternoon was allowed them for mending and washing clothes. Sunday at 9 A.M. services were held in the cabin. Attendance was not compul- sory, but as a rule all hands were present, except the man at the wheel and the ofBcer of the deck. We made tolerable runs down to hit. 30° N , whicli we crossed in Ion. 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 tlie noithoast trades, and the log line, as it markei KOBTH-EAST TRADES. - 26 nine knots over the taffrail, enabled us to be pa- tient without further effort. Kunning along by the wind at the rate of eight and nine knots an hour, with a regular sea tliat 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 beauti- ful lleet 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 lile 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. 1 watched to see if the mates attempted to correct it, as 1 desired they should control the men in minor matters, and I was re- lieved 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 tho matter of 26 ON BOAKD THE ROCKET. 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 separ- ately 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 disthict for a while. The sailors seeing that they were kept up to the mark in these little matters, natur- ally 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 " dol- drums " 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.. . ., V.-- 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 prog- ress 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 I.Vi' Im continues ! Utter disgust ! Captain's growl, " a sea life should be avoided and excrated by all sensible Men. It is an utter stag- nation of intellect and heart and only .Icvelopes hatred toward our fellow-men and murmuring at God's Providence. I have tried it from beginning to end and I solemnlvand deliberatelv pronounce It a dog's life. D0IJ)RUM3. 29 n disposition that can be applied. As he walks the quarter-deck, whistling through his teeth, search- ing in all corners of the horizon for signs of a I 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 cap- tain, watching the rate of speed as he leans over the lee-quarter, exclaims, "That's the breeze I go it, old boat! good-by to the doldrums I" 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 Happed 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 tlirows his hat on deck and jumps on top of it, cursing every- tliiiig " from an inch high and a year old upwards." Ho now casts his eye aloft and snarls out at the mate, '^ Why don't you keep those gaskets made Eip ; nobody seems to care anything for the ship, he would go to destruction if it wasn't for me." The mate gives an order to a sailor, and as in the leat and dullness of the time he is not dis- osed to move very briskly, the angered mate 80 ON BOABD THE EOCKET. 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 dinner- time 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 sensi- bly freshened. The great " cloud belt " overhangs this region of gloom. The air is sultry and oppres- sive, making the body weary and the spu'it de- pressed. I believe no region on the surface of the globe sends to the Ear above such a volume of murmurings, blasphemies and strife. .r Concerning this place Lieut. Maury quotes from the journal of Commodore Sinclair: "This is cer- tainly 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 rven the sea-batlung wliich everywhere else proved DOLDKUMS. 81 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 sooia found I had sur- mounted all the difficulties consequent to that event; that the breeze continued to freshen and draw round to the south south-east, bringing witii it a clear sky and most heavenly temperature, renovating and refreshing beyond description. Nothing was now to be seen but cheerful counte- nances, 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 tlie children and tlie passengers who are of delicate health suffer most. It is a frightful graveyard on tlie wayside to that golden land." The memory of days, nights and weeks repeated at intervals through many years, when disappoint- ment, 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 ror ing gales of Cape Horn than the sluggish, damp, provoking airs of the Doldrums. k 82 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. But there is sometimes mirth in the Doldi'uma, and one afternoon the capture of a shark gave us diversion and amusement. A dead cahii 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 throv/n 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 Bailors 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 sai«i A rain squall in the Doldrums. J SHABKS. ,. .^1^ 1 86 '' He'd make a good Northern soldier, he's so long dying," The common theory, that a breeze always fv)llows the killing of a shark, made everybody more light-hearted, and the expectation was ful- iilled after awhile. 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 hei^^ 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 86 ON BOARD THE EOCKET. a pretty kettle of fish then. Tlie main yard was throv/n aback, though the ship wasn't making much headway, and everything handy about decks w^as tossed overboard — gratings, life-buoys, and planks. Most everybody threw something, and tlie 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 passenger^ 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-liook and put a big junk of salt pork on it, and soon the shark took hold. We slipped a running bowline 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." f^ 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 SOUTH-EAST TRADES. 87 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 hit. 3^ N., and the day after, we sailed swiftly across llieliue hi Ion. 31° 30', thirty-four days out. Pass- i:i;; to windward of the Island of Fernando Nor- onlui, we sped along through the most charming region of the sea, that of the south-east trades iu the South Atlantic. CHAPTER II. A SAUOY SAILOE. 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 morn- ing 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 par- 88 A SAUCY 8AIL0B. 89 ticular about giving an answer. I thought that was treating him pretty kindly ; I never conde- scended 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 foi'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 ; Tve got all over fighting now ; if you liit me on one cheek I'll turn the other to you." Peterson had the wheel that forenoon from eiglit to ten o'clock, and when I went up on the poop-deck lie 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 be- liavior to be erroneous ideas upon religious mat- ters. He had led a wild life and always sailed in roiigli ships, and at the commencement of the voy- age he was greatly impressed by the treatment adopted, and by the instructions given at our Sun* day service. He professed to have been converted wlien 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 Ave are Christian brethren we are all equal and 40 ON BOAKD THE ROCKET. we ought to get along easily together." He evi- dently thouglit this sentiment should level the inequality of our stations, and there should natur- ally follow a relaxing of discipline, and more famil- iar 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 wliatever, 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 J 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 con- sider 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 faitliful to the owner's interests, and to guard the trusts com- mitted 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 tlicrefore the mate does right to notice any disre- spect that is shown him." s ^:^|. 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 sailors' TBEATMEiST. 41 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 sec- ond 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 I 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 42 ON BOAKD THE liOCKET. 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 A\ liich 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 repu- tation 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 vei:^sel for an example. We are not treated with the strict def- erence 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 sailors' treatment. 43 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 tliat can be said of what I have named is, that our dis- cipline is not as rigid as that of ships where men ;i re abused; but no one can deny that we have ^M)od discipline. As to your remark about Chris- tian ofiBcers^ 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 re- sources as he? " The mate took exception to one part of my admissions and paid me the compliment of say- ing, " 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 aa passenger in the ship " Volant." She was a fuU-built vessel of about six hundred tons register and car- 44 ON BOARD THE EOCKET. ried a crew of fourteen before the mast. The captain was a Swede named Nelson, a good nat- urpd, worthy man. Mr. Smith, the first mate, was an Englishman, a man with a very kind lieart and easy disposition. The second mate, Mr. Kumj), 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 char- acter 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 "Dutch- men," two English, two American and two from Nova Scotia. They were of rather a low grade, but Avere 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 peacable, 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 ; AN EASY SHIP. 45 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 riglit 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 sup- per. The evening was cliiefly 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 box- ing gloves or fencing foils. When half way across the Atlantic the captain went on deck one evening to take a look at tha 46 ON BOARD THE TwOCKET. weather before " turning in." Casting his eye to windward he saw that a heavy sqnall was about to strike the ship, and looking around for the second mate, he discovered that wortliy fast asleep on the after bitts wholly unconscious of the two squalls that threatened him. The captain showed the pos- session 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 watcli were in there as well as the watch below, and all were soundlj'- 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 topgallant 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 low- ered and the ship was got off before the wind. The rain poured in torrents and the work of short- ening sail was certainly not very agreeable. Through all the work Brock's voice could be heard swearing and grumbling, — '"-If any ono ever asks me to go another Russian voyage," s;il-•■■ -■:-.-- -. ^-^"-: ■■■.- -,-& 74 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. " 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 cap- tain'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 knockdown was only pre- vented by the mate's interfering between the sec- ond 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 BKASS KNUCKLES. 76 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 topgallant-brace " said the oflScer. 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 hia 76 ON BOABD THE BOCKET. 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 ofHcers, and it had the effect of making tlie 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 execu- tion of the mate's orders, and look after the little details of work. I must know the place for every- thing 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 marlinespike or serving- board, it was the third mate who had to answer for it. If a sailor wanted spunyarn or seizing- stuff to work yyith, 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 thu sailors, but that was rather poor satisfaction, and he had not filled his office many days before he came to tlie 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 onl}' nineteen j^ears old. The sailors looked upon me as a }'oungster, and were not inclined to be particularly respectful, thinking I wouldn't dare to use foice with them. llEEJblNG TOI'SAILS. 77 The captain watched me very closely, wisHing to traiu me up in the way I should go, and many a liarsh-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 feel- ings. 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 ^A'ouldn'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 th^, 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 78 ON BOABD THE ROCKET. 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 talk- ing 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 atten- tion. 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 liis 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 belay- MB. JONES. 70 ing pin stuck into the leg of liis boot, lie 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 liave 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 par- cel of monkeys, and once a Dutchman, who hap- pened 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 get- ting down from aloft." '' It paid though, after all," answered the cap- tain, " 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." 80 ON BOAJiD THE ROCKET. *' If that is being a smart officer I hardly think I shall become one/' said I. *' ril tell you what it is, you'll never make one unless you give up some of your conscientious scruples. 1 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 youi* 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 rhey are good for ever}^^ thing," 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 occupa- tions, 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 prin- ciples 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- THE BRICK-WALL THEOllY, 81 Side of US. Just look at Mr. Howard's watch there. Every time he opens liis 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, lie'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 lot 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 hira over the head. He never had to spej\k 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 w^atch that there was in the second mate's, and the captain's comparisons galled me ; but it seemed to me that the discipline in oiu- watch wajf 82 ON BOAED THE ROCKET. good enough ; the men did their duty well and were respectful, except that they were not always particular about answering «n.nd sometimes walked along the deck to ordinary work, whereas the sec- ond mate's men always ran, knowing that a belay- ing pin or stick of firewood 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 b}' 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 inhumanit}^ 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 se- lected 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 main- tained on board the " Dublin," and the course which was required of the oflQccrs, 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 LAND, no! 83 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 govern- ment, and that the ways in which God treats us may often safely be adopted. Men are very sensi- tive 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 ordi- nance ; 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 influenc- ing 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 8-i ON BOARD THE KOCKET. miles at sea. In the afternoon we passed to tlie 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 moun- tain 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 sec- ond mate laid aside their accustomed scowl, and not an oath polluted the balmy atmosphere. St. Michaers was passed on the starboard hand in the evening, and the next day we came up with an Encrlish schooner bound from London to St. Michaers, 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 dash- ing 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 estab- lished f u: t 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 MOTHER CAREY'S CHICKEN. 86 time. The wind gradually hauled around by the N. to N.E., and by night tlie ship was braced sharp up on the port tack. The Mother Carey's chickens were flitthig 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 gah). 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 maintopsail. Speaking of the Mother Carey's chickens, the captain asked me if I ever had smelt one, and said: r " 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 oLie 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 aud 86 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. smell of it, yotj much to my disgust. I found its odor was, to say the least, rather disagreeable. The afternoon before making the land, the cap- tain 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 turn ing 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 111 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, CAPTAIN AND MATE. 87 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 tlie expediencj' 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, lie 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 88 ON BOAED THE ROCKET. just as fearless, in fact, as the captain in his harangues to his officers pretended to be. As soon as he got aft tlie 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 inter- fered 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 fore-yard." " 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 any- thing. 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 cap- tain ; " you can't expect a man always to be smooth- ROPE-YARN TEA. 89 tempered. When Mr. Jones was with me, I — " "Mr. Jones was a fool, if all you say of him i« true," interrupted the mate. '* No one with any respect for himself can make allovrance enough tor 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 re- treat by noticing that the sails were lifting, and he gave tlie order to brace forward the yards and take in the lower-studdingsail. Going to the cabin he for once left the mate to work alone, and after- wards 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 iin excuse for beating them to his heart's content. He found this such a good relief for a pent-up 90 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. temper that lie frequently put it in practice, wlien galled by the mate's contempt and indifference, and all through the vo3^age 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 Spartcl, 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 tlie 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 (3ven the third mate undertakes to tell me what land we make." A good deal more followed about "mak- ing 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 T 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 OVEBHEiVED. 91 asked hi in the other day what the longitude was, and I thouglit 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, lie 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. '- 1 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, histead 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 vvithout saying a word. Upon looking in the bin- 92 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. nacle he saw by the compass that the ship was a point off her course, and jumpiiig to the rail he drew out a behiying pin and struck the man at the wheel two or three blows on tlie 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 alwaj^s 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 WHERE CHRIST WAS BORN. 93 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 alwa3's 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 im- plying a doubt of his correctness in making asser- tions ; 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 94 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. an error, or rather to make him acknowledge one — a matter upon which I had great doubt. I cau- tiously said : " Christ wasn't born in Italy, was he, sir?" -r'^y-:..:.^ ., ■ v.- ; .:.■.;•,. "' 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 under- stood that Christ v/as 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 1 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." Re- 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 1 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, ^nd the reason of it I well understood. JAKE. 96 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 empjiatically " the blue Medi- terranean." Some days, so clear ^vas the air as almost to impress one with the idea of the vast n ess and emptiness of space, and when, commonly speak- ing, 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 tilings 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 o^e more row had to be passed through before the harbor ot Genoa was reached. There was a man on board called Jake, a power- ful "six-footer," and one of the best sailors and most cheeiful 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 at't 96 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. 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 j^ou 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. '' Vm 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 hiiu in that style, and he gave him a round of curses, and asked him if he knew who he was talking (o. 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 JAKE. 97 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 him- self with one hand on to the Ibreyard. Jake, seeing liiui coming, had laid out towards the yard-arm, and called out to him : " If you strike me I'll cut your heart out I '' Ever since the stabbing affray, Mr. Howard had enlarged his stock of pocket-tools, and now pulled out a slung-shot. GoiPig 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 cap- stan bar and took his stand with it over his shoul- der, 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 over- board. He was too niuch 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 98 ON BOARD THE KOCKET. 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 cap- tain. 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 GULF OF GENOA. 99 lumd, 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 vv^nd when he was in sight of his port, he was very much the gainer for hia 100 ON BOABD THE ROCKET. 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 Avithin two miles of the mole of Genoa, and then it died away calm and con- tinued 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 liills, 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 imme- diate hills, securing anchorage wh^re the vessels moor stem and stern with their own anchors. QtrAHANTlMff. 101 This evening as the sun went down behind the mountains, a scene was formed never to be for- gotten. The beautiful blue sky was lit up l.>y 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 healtli 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 niirrow window opened from it into another room whore 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 in- spect 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, iQ 102 ON BOARD THK KOCKET. hoist the yellow flag, and remain in quarantine for three daj^s, 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 ordor for release came, and the ship was allowed to take her place in the tiers, he went to work at discharging with an en- terprise 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 cus tomary 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 tlie captain astonished and vexed the consignees by reporting his ship as all dis- charged 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 superha is renowned for its pal* aces, but, as seen from the harbor, the build- ings 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 Beized 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 Bpend 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 103 104 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. is to get on tlic 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 sup- pose 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 ine. 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 foi 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 ^vithout me." - " How long should you want to be gone ? " asked the captain. ^^ ^ " '. " About a fortnight, sir." I " Well, I'll give you a week's liberty. You may start next Monday morning, and be on board again the Monday after." ON SUORE IN ITALY. 105 ** But that wouldn't give me time to visit ilome," said I. " 1 don't care where you go to, but that's all the line you can have," answered the captain. The next day I went to the Consul, and got lilm to procure a passport from the minister at Turin, and on the day appointed by the captain I procured tickets through to Rome, altliough 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 1 felt no hesitation at transgressing a little, if the question to be decided was whether I shoi'ld see liume or not. 1 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 mj'' journey, visited Leghorn, Pisa, Florence and Kome, spending eight days in the Eternal City, and rushing about over its ruins and tlu'ougli its galleri^>8 in a way that astonished the more deliberate tivvellers whom I met. On the Beventeenth day I ;igain entered the harbor of Genoa, in the mornii g, and being a little in dread of an explosion of the aptain's wrath I used my knowledge of his character to concoct a little 106 ON DOAKD TEE ROCKKT. plars for shielding myself. It worked admirably, I had made the acquaintance on board the steamer of a gentleman, tlie U. S. Consul at Ven- ice, 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 mornings sir," said I. " Oh ! 3^ou 3^oung blackguard, " the captain broke forth, and pausing here one second as he noticed the stranger in uniform who had followed, I seized the chanee 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 ai 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 sheatis and LOADiKG AlAKBLE. 107 iininense 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 luuiging below the other, and as they swung over the ship and were lowered down the hatchway, tiiey were watched with almost breathless silence lest something should give away and let them go down through the bottom. But the five hundi'ed tons were taken on board safely, and then the ship tilled 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. Pasa- niotti, 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 108 ON BOABD THE ROCKET. giving vent to invectives against " Mr. Smashem- potter/' * " 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," "skinflint," 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 some- times were favored with commendations of captains in the highest terms. " What was that man doing hanging in a bowline over the side of your ship, to-day and yesterday ? " asked our mate of Mr. Winthrop, the second mute of the " Example," as several of us were seated oii the poop-deck of the "Dublin" one evening, wliile the captain was on shore. " What ! did you notice him?" . DRIVING SAILORS ASHORE. 109 "Yes;" said Mr. Morrison, "I'm no friend to Bailors, 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 or the sort. But Til 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 lie 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 cod Id 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 110 ON BOAED THE ROCKET. 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 even- ing, 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 bim singing out blue-murder, and got the hatches off and hwled Jiiiu up on deck in a bowline. Ii<' DElvrNQ SAILOES ASHORE. Ill said liis back wai3 broken ; but T 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 Ke 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 ill a bowline, 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, FU 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' 112 ON BOAKD THE EOCKET. 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 re- fused, 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 lie 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 opera- tion." .. ''There's been a law passed lately" said Mi. Morrison, " which I suppose is meant to put a stop to this driving saiiors out of ships. When a man deserts and leaves any wages due him, they have to be handed over to the governnient when the vessel arrives home, that is, after taking out enough to pay any extra expense the ship has been put to DRIVING SAn.OKS ASHORE. 113 in getting other men. The wise heN BOARD THE KOCKET. _"^"_ 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 abun- dant growth into the sea. jNIany 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 af- forded a splendid view of tropical scenery ; and a drive to a cocoanut plantation of five hundred acres showed how European enterprise is econO' mizing the fertile products of the East. One even- ing especially remains prominent in agreeable recollection, when I dined with an old Boston friend. The table was spread on the rear veran- dah where tho trees waved close to us, and the air was full of delicious odors and the singing of in- sects, 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 port? 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 in- fliction of supporting an unprofitable crew, or drive the men to desertion by acts of cruelt}^ and oppression. Every day almost thfere was some row in the harbor on board an American s])ip, and this THREE months' EXTEA PAY. 185 law and its results was a conHnual topic of tlis* cussion. In a work entitled " Among our Sailors," the author, Di. J. Grey Jewell, formerly Consul at Singapore, speaks at some length about the law requiring three months' extra pay for seamen dis- cluirged 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 1 formed the opinion that this is not a good law, and further that there is no enactment con- cerning our merchant marine so injurious to sailors, so vexatious to shipmasters, so unjust to shi^)- owners, or so corrupting to its executors in its in- fluences. 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 fre- quented, 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 com- merce has become so extended that few places are visited by ships whence ready exit may not be ob- tained, — Some instances of the operation of this law will 186 ON BOARD THE ROCKET, ^ best explain its evils. A European crew were shipped in an American vessel at San PVancisco for a voyage to Liverpool, the shipping articles containing tlie 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 Norwaj'- and Ger- many, 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 Liver- pool 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 applica- ' tion to the Consul by the captain and sailors, in- formation was given that the crew might be dis- charged, but one month's pay must be given to the Consul, and two months' pay extra to each sea- man. 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 TUREE MONTHS' EXTRA PAY. 187 or consent, but the Consul, finrling out that the wen had received tlieir money, insisted on the pay- ment of one month's wages at his ofBce. Another vessel shij^ped a crew at San Francisco to be dis- cliiirged at Liverpool, but still this extra payment was required. A few years since a dozen American ships, one of them inder my command, arrived at a port in Asia. The trade they were engaged in was de- pressed and they were doomed to remain idle for several months. The ships were manned by for- eigners, and the captains deemed it tlieir duty to tlie 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 oppor- tunity for the men to obtain employment and leave tlie port. Application was made to the Consul for permission to discharge the crews, which was given oil condition of compliance with the three months' • pay law. This no one cared to do; and the "fair moans" 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 Reciire 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 188 ON BOARD THE KOCHET. 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 upoA their bodies from the copper they were polishing, giving no small torment. One man ventured to go on deck and complain, hut the smart mate soon thrashed him into submis- sion. 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 tlie U. S. Government in a general way. The ship- ping-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 re- ceived 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 soou got rid of, and the rest of the ships followed suit, paying $10 to $15 per man to the shipping-master. My o\vn crew were much attached to their sliip and were. unwilling to leave. I would not allow them to be oppressed in order to drive them away, r and the owners were forced to submit to the expense of maintaining a large ci*ew, besides the loss occasioned by the idleness of the ship. After j THREE months' EXTRA PAY. 189 some time, half of the crew, knowing that they were not wanted*, and were only a burden, con- sented 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 six^ 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 ser- vice 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 190 ON BOARD THE ROCKET, 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 hap- pened 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' in- terests, and involves them in many unpleasant controversies. Thirdly, It is a heavy tax on the ship-owner, and is one among several causes of the decay ot our commerce. Fourthly y It furnishes great temptation to corrupt THEEB months' EXTRA PAY. 191 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 dis- charge 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 collect«^d at the port of entry in the Um'ted States. CHAPTER VIL 8INGAF0BE. LEAVING Singapore in the early morning, we turned into tlie 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 para- dise. " Ete/nal sunshine gilds " these shores, and one who would enjoy the dolcefar niente to per- fection, 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 Archi- pelago. 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 Chan- nel into its harbor. 192 PENANO. 193 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 pas- senger and myself to spepd 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 ani- mal 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 bi^nutiful 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 ihcir surfaces, the traveller's palms, with stores of 194 ON BOAliD THE ROCKET. fresh water kept in their hollowed leaves for tlie thirsty wayfarer, aud 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. Miiller 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 NEARLY SIIIPVVrwECKED. 195 along the north coast of Sumatra, "the Pepper Coast," as it was known to our East India mer- chants 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 de- vice could save us frcu 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 bracea ready to trim the yards the moment a breath of air might be perceived. I stood at the stern watching 196 ON BOARD THE EOCKET. the Hearing 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 l^reeze, 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 recollec- tions 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. The West coast of Sumatra is faced by an in- numerable number of islets, rocks and shoals, out- side of which lie a chain of larger islands. We kept out in the open sea until off Padang, pre- ferring a more circuitous but safer route than the direct passage along shore. Here we could sail day and night, without anchoring when darkness C vrC;-' Despair— Off ru(lun- &■ i Oh,poor Keuben Ranzo, Eanzo, hojSfEanjso / /CN Oh, poor Reuben Ran-zo, BanzOj boys, Banzoi Oh, Reuben was no sailor, Chorus, and repeat with chorus. He shipped on board of a whaler, Chorus, &o. He could not do his duty, Chorus, &0. The captain was a bad man, Chorus, &o» He put him in the rigging, Chorus, &o. He gave him six and thirty. Chorus, &o» Oh, poor Reuben Ranzo. 814 ON BOAED THE KOCKET. 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. ■^ Oh, Sal - ly Brown's a bright mu-lat - to \ Chorus. m X 1^-^ ^ -e^ -^' Blow^ boys, hloiv! Oh, she drinks rum Chorus, /Tn -^- and chews to-bac-co, Blow, my bully boys, blow! Ob, Sally Brown's a Creole lady, Chorus, and repeat with chorus. Oh, Sally Brown, I long to see you, Chorus, &c. Oh, Sally Brown, Fll ne'er deceive yoiu Chorus, &c. It will be noticed that neither rhyme nor senti SAn^OES* SONGS. 816 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 care- fully husbanded. A favorite and frequently used song, in which IJonaparte'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 FEANCOIS.^ N- -0- Oh, Bo-ney was a war-rior, A- way, h^y^Viyl i i: e- Oh, Bo - ney was a war - rior, John Francois. Oh, Boney went to Eoo-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, * Pronounced Frans-war. 316 ON BOABD THE BOCKET. 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. My Tom -my's gone Chorus. — N — I N' — N'T — N" and I'll go, too 5 -iV— N— N-— I- i g— # ■a- M: ^ ^ — i g Hur-rah, you high low. Chorus. For with-out Tom- - my I can't do. My Tommy^s gone a high low. My Tommy's gone on the Eastern Shore, Chorus. My Tommy's gone to Baltimore, Chorus. 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 foUow- uig: — 8AIL0BS BONOS. 817 SHANADOKE. ■N N- -*? — Sha - na - dore's a Chorus, roll - ing riv - er, N— N— N— ^• Hiir-rahj you roll - ing riv - er. Oh,Sha-aa-dore's Chorus. —\- ~N- "*— i' a roll - ing riv - er, Ah hah, Vm bound ]\ V~^ ^ — wt—:^ a - way o'er the wild Mis - sou - ri. Shanadore's a packet sailor, Chorus. Shauadore's a bright mulatto, Chorus. Shanadore I long to hear you, Chorus, 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 : — 818 ON BOABD THE ROCKET. WHISKEY JOHNNY. m X -c Whis-key is Chorua, ^ ^ the life of man, 3. p; ■(^-T ^•- Wliis . key John - ny. We'll drink our whis Choru». key when we can, 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 Til go too, Chorus. For without whiskey I can't do. . Chorus. SAILORS* SONGS. 819 Another popular song is :— KNOCK A MAN DOWN. n /C\ Chorut. V •! h. - ' Ik ^ y fS ^ r iN "V ■ » fe^3^ :i=f: ij-* M • ^* 1 w I wish I was in Mo - bilo Bay. Way, hey, N— -V-~N- ji=i=ji t=:^ ^— ¥ knock a man down. A-roll-ing cot-ton night and day. Chorua* This is the time to knock a man down. The word^ 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 820 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. continuous force is applied, instead o^ 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 : mo GRANDE. /^ Chortia, 1^:^ ■^-! *=i I'm bound a-way this ve-ry day. Oh,youRi-o! rm bound a-way this ve-ry day, I^m bound for the /T\ Chorus, N -N— N- \— is Hi-- ".iT -^ ^^" -^f Ri - Grande. And a - way you Ri - o ! Oh, you -N— >■ N-n -tf- a^ -N— N- Ri - o, I'm bound a - way this ve -N-\- ^_^_^ N— N- #— ^ m ry day, I'm bound for the Ri - o Grande. 'eAILOBS' SONGS. 821 PADDY, COME WOEK ON THE KAILWAT I — \- H- Q ^-- ' I # In eigh - teen hun-drcd and six - ty three, -N- X v4 •# I i \=M. ? ? 9^ I came across the stormy sea. My dung'ree breech- Chorua* ft E I • es I put on To work up-on the rail - way, -H « ^ the rail - way, Toworkup-on the rail - way. iV — N g N— N ^ Oh, poor Pad-dy, come work on the rail- way. 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 80ng. A sphere offers for some philanthropic poet 822 ON BOAUD THE BOOKET. to provide a more elevating style of composition. On the old theorj'-, the ballad-maker may accom- plish more reform than the law-giver. In addition to these songs are the unnaraeable 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 ?yw," the emphasis and pull coming on the italicized sylla- bles 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, v/hen 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 harrassed 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 BULLY OR COAX. 823 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 buntlines at the approach of a threatening squall. By atten- tion to these and other sounds, and the motions of the vessel, an experienced mariner knows the con- dition of affairs above deck without personal inspection. The songs of the sea, as I have said, invite at- tention 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." Maiiy a time have I heard this echoed sinca and perhaps have re- peated 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 ap- proach to a quarrel on this passage was with " Lit- tle 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. 824 ON BOAED THE EOCKET. There must be these frictions on shipboard. They occur in every vessel. They cannot be pre- vented 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 overcome 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 1 " 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 ser- vices they had no excuse for not putting in a neat CLASSES AND LECTURES. 825 appearance. The effect of this was often notice- able in creating more cleanly habits, and I have re- peatedly been complimented upon the unusually good looks of my sailors when on shore or attend- ing 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 mat- ter, were placed at the disposal of the crew. Fre- quently on Saturday evenings lectures were given Mpon 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 les- sons in a science which many of them will prac- tice when commanding vessels in time to come. I never found that such familiarity bred contempt, for all this intercourse was dignified. On the con- trary 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 826 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. • some will fail to control those under them, and others from the simple character and energy of their natures, without extraneous aid, will com- mand the respect and obedience of those subject to them. While human nature is what it is there will ex- ist 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 after- noon 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 ■mwrn- i'i " « J »i P»»WWB11^|W ^Jw ' ^ ' .^ ' -J- ' J ' t. ' . l I. I WJ I .I»/ i J ^P' » »i iJJ I .-, I ., l ^..- 'f -i" ' ." llt ' lH ' - ^^i^i)^i» The effects of a yawn. r.\ -*;.yiBr- SCHOONER JANE. 829 assurance returned and lie was enthusiastic in his desires to serve us. 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 in- structions 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 achooners mackerel fishing, 830 ON BOABD THE EOCKET. 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. Tlien the air was filled with mackerel aimed at my liead by a half-dozen men, and some of them came near the mark. Three schooners in suc- cession 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 Foa. 831 similar reaponses from neighboring vessels. The blasfc of one horn continued to draw nearer until it seemed close by us, then we heard a dog bark- ing 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 skip- per, 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 jibboom 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. 832 ON BOAED THE ROCKET. 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 him- self 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 whigh 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 hom« 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 '■ PAYING OFF. 833 I walked up to them and said : " Boys, does she lookweU?" " 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 I 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 hira his money and said, " Take good care of that and don't throw it away." Murphy was already well past a condi- tion 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 pas- sion. Holding his money in his clenched fist he brandished it aloft and said, " Cap'n, all that's go- ing 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 cred- itable appearance, so much so that it excited re- marks from many who saw them. As I went on shore I met the shipping master, old Capt. Harding. "Your crew make a good 834 ON BOARD THE ROCKET. 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 stand- ing 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 tliat 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 does'nt 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 belay- ing pins. We had to let those go. I'm sorry we didn't have time to scrape thp/mJ* " " 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 h^ar 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 IN PORT. 835 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 jhore. In a few weeks the crew all scattered on differ- ent 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. THE x^iND.