 15 On the first of June, 1815, in company with two of my townsmen, I engaged passage on board a Connecticut sloop bound for Boston, a vineyard pilot accompanying us, as the captain was not familiar with the waters of Boston Bay. A heavy gal with the most vivid lightnings and deep muttering thunders overtook us, when, to add to our discomfort, the pilot was taken suddenly ill, and compelled to leave the deck. The captain, as already stated, being a stranger in these parts, became greatly alarmed for our safety. But on my assuring him that I could take the craft safely in, he very readily gave up the charge to me. The wind soon favoring us, it was not long, air safe, and sound. We ran alongside the wharf, and instead of my passage costing me eight dollars, as per agreement, he offered to pay for my services, which I refused to accept. Without loss of time, my companions and I visited the shipping, and an offer was soon accepted to join the ship Maria, of three hundred tons berthin, bound to Charleston, South Carolina, for a cargo of cotton for Liverpool. After getting out, finding the ship very crank, not being sufficiently ballasted, we put away for the nearest port, which was Norfolk, Virginia, got what was required, and proceeded to Alexandria for freight. Took in three thousand five hundred and sixty-four barrels of flour, and cleared for Barcelona and Spain. It was now July, and we were very glad to exchange the hot weather of that climb for the cooler breezes of the ocean. We were not long in finding out that a tyrant, instead of a gentleman, was in command of the vessel, for before we left the Potomac River, he seized up and flogged to the crew. Getting out to sea, the pilot was discharged, just as Cape Henry was receding from our view. But hardly had he bade us farewell, when all hands were ordered aft, arranged in line on the port side of the quarter-deck, and told to look over the vessel's side. Said the brute in command, What do you see? Our reply was, Blue water. Yes, replied he, We are now on blue water, and it will be a word and a blow, and the blow will come first, go forward. Think side of myself, that is a strange arrangement, anyway, and as to that blow coming first, it is a prospect difficult to regard with any degree of complacency. Upon joining my shipmates in the forecastle, I found it was a system that heretofore had never come under their nautical experience, and was not calculated to impress men of any spirit with any very ardent feelings of reverential awe, or even passive respect. Four o'clock on the third day out, the order to rig pumps was given. On trying them, found her to be leaking badly, and continued pumping all night, without being able to free her. A strong breeze right aft made it useless to attempt to regain the port we had left, but, in order to ease the vessel, sent down the top hamper and close reefed the lower sails. The pumps did not stop for eighteen days and nights, the whole of the time being passed upon deck by the crew, who, spell and spell, kept the vessel afloat, while without going below, the eating and drinking, and the little sleep and indulgence from exhaustion took place on the booby-hatch. As yet, the captain, mate, and stevedore had made no exertion in this direction, but quite frequently endeavored to punish as much of the ardent as they well could. We concluded that the important business in which we were then engaged should be more equally divided, as we respectfully communicated, and informed the captain that unless we were assisted the ship might sink, and with one accord ceased our labours. He then asked if she sucked, or why did the pumps stop, and whose spell it was. That reply was that the spells were all out. The hint was taken, and speaking to the stevedore, and mate, he told them he suppose we wanted spelling, and addressing us, told us to keep the pumps in motion, or we should sink. To which we replied, let her sink. We can afford to sell out as cheap as you can. They immediately turned on. You can judge of our condition, when by standing on deck we could see, with every motion of the vessel, her whole upper deck frame open and shut, exposing seams wide enough to thrust the whole hand in. Fortunately, having on board a lot of tallow candles, the wicks were removed, and the tallow mixed with ashes from the cook's galley, making a cement, which was crowded into the cracks of the upper works, by a man slung over the vessel's side. This kept out much water and smooth weather, but as soon as it was any way rough out it would come, and our labour would soon drift far away in our wake. After a prolonged and tedious passage, arriving at Lisbon, she was thoroughly corked, and proceeded on her voyage to Barcelona. When Gibralto was on our lee-quarter, and a fair wind was giving us a noble run, as we came near an Englishman-a-war, a shot was fired to heave to. Not regarding the hint, it was not long before the firing was repeated, sending a shot under our bow, which somewhat startled our commander. As he judged they met business, and the order was given to haul aback. This being done, and the sails clued up, we were boarded by the ship's boats in command of an officer, who told us if we had not stopped the next shot would have riddled us. Our papers being found correct, permission was granted us to proceed. Fair winds and beautiful weather enabled us soon after to reach the offing, where for thirty days we lay in quarantine, being from a foreign country. The inhabitants, getting hungry for our inviting cargo, took ashore nearly one quarter while below the city, each barrel receiving a quart of water upon it ere they dared to touch it. This they ignorantly imagined would secure them against the danger of infection. Custom-house officers were constantly on hand, and every movement was watched by them. Large boats, road by ten or more full-grown Spaniards, were used for transporting our cargo to the city one-and-a-half miles distant. To me some of their capers appeared very simple. In approaching the vessel, a line thrown to them was sure to be kicked overboard, unless first they had seen it thoroughly cleansed by being washed alongside. On thirty days expiring, the ship was taken up to the harbour, or mole, as it was called, which was formed by a breakwater. Three boats, one on each bow, and one out ahead, well manned by robust natives and the pilot, served to take the ship to her moorings, where, in a tier of seventy or eighty vessels of different kinds and nationalities, we discharged the remainder of our cargo. The city is walled in, having but two passes. No one is allowed to come in the same gate they go out. Sentinels armed to the teeth guard each gateway. No person is allowed to take out of the city over ten dollars at a time. At night all passing in or out is prohibited. Judging from observation, strict honesty was not proverbial among them. Even among those placed on guard for the security of life and property, a propensity for stealing from one another prevailed to a great extent, while the avariciousness manifested was almost parallel with a rum-seller. A pisterine was sufficient to bribe a century on almost any occasion, which our crew, who brought the proceeds of our sails on board, often practiced. The buildings of the city are beautiful, many rearing their richly polished walls seven stories high. But tis to be hoped that, unlike Boston, their roofs are not mansored. The material used in the construction of these noble monuments of architecture is a light-colored granite. The streets of the city were literally unfitted for walking, by the accumulation of mud, and so narrow that one vehicle could hardly pass another. It was very manifest, however, that there was much wealth, which, in sad contrast, with the squalid wretchedness also apparent, did not argue well for the government by which they were controlled. Our cargo was discharged as speedily as possible. In the meantime, a complete suit of new sails being required, a man was sent on board to take the measure of our spars, which, being done, the sails were placed in the hands of females who cut and made them in the best shape in an incredibly short time. Quite frequently, when not engaged with ship duties, we visited the different places of note, among them various scenes of amusement, seeing much that to us was entirely new and strange. The stores were usually well stocked with goods of the finest texture, the productions of most every country, which would make one's mouth water to possess. On Sunday, that, of course, being a gala day, our ship's company were desirous to see the sites. Accordingly, half a day was given us for liberty. One watch in the forenoon, the other in the afternoon, and the captain furnished us spending money. In my wanderings I observed among the endless variety that took my eye two very nice silk shawls. Remembering my sister and sweetheart, I left my money in exchange for them, investing some little in trifles for myself. Goods here were very cheap, and I found that my investment could not have been nearly as favourably made in other parts of the world. Soon after, as our flower was all disposed of, ballasting the ship was in order, a trip to the island of Avika, a few days sail to the southward being contemplated. We sailed the next Sunday morning, with a free sheet wind, studying sails alo and aloft. It getting to be breakfast time, I repaired to the galley for a pot of cocoa, our favourite beverage about that time. A shipmate, who went with me for a similar purpose, bailed from the coppers his well-filled cup, boiling hot just as I was in the act of reaching for some, passing his out over my back. As I stooped to get it, a loose rope dangling under his cup caught it, capsizing its contents full upon my back. I thought all hands were called, and so they were. My comrades gathered round and soon relieved me of my flannel shirt, taking with it the skin from the whole surface of my back. I didn't want any more cocoa that day. The captain, standing by, saw the accident, falling afoul of the careless fellow, beat him without mercy, while vainly I cried for him to desist, as the fatal turnover was unintentional, and the man no more to blame than myself. I intend, said the captain, to teach him to have eyes about him. To help the matter, the captain brought from the cabin a cup of rum, with which was mixed the coarsest of brown sugar, and poured it over my lacerated body, nearly depriving me of what little sense I had left. A good passage to the island was favourable to me, and upon arriving was furnished by a Spanish lady with a quantity of cotton bats, which she told us should be laid on after being saturated with sweet oil. For fourteen days and nights I could only lie with my face downward. The weather was extremely hot, and the flies so troublesome I was almost driven to desperation, and I improved so slowly it was six months before I went on duty. After the wounds were healed, the cotton stuck out all over my back. If put upon exhibition, I am quite unable to decide what kind of bird I should have been taken for. But to me I bore a striking resemblance to a cotton plantation, of which I was the sole proprietor. During the day our sand ballast was deliberately discharged by boating it ashore. But when darkness shielded us from observation, the shovels flew lively in throwing it over the side, a thing strictly prohibited by harbour regulations. Soon the work of reloading began. Our cargo was brought to us in lighters, and consisted in part of one hundred tons of salt, forty or fifty cords of cork and sheets as large as a good-sized door, a quantity of wines, brandies, sweet oil, almonds, figs, raisins, philberts, grapes and olives, also a lot of doormats, brooms and brushes manufactured from the grass which grew very abundantly in some parts of the island. The casks of liquor, like the rest of our freight, were first landed between decks, and afterwards stowed in their appropriate place. While engaged in stowing the lower hold, the person hooking on to the casks, neglecting to chock the next one to that just lowered away, was the cause of no little trouble as well as loss. The vessel healing a little, the cask between decks fetched away, and crashing down into the lower hold, stove two on which it fell. All hands jumped to the spot, and succeeded in saving half a cask by heading it up. Night soon coming on it was left. A short time after, the mate discovering only a pair of feet and legs hanging outside of the broken cask concluded there must be a head somewhere, which on further search he found in close proximity to the spirits. He took him by the heels and assisted him into proper position, asking the man if he was not weaned, told him he looked like too old an individual to be sucking, and if he didn't take more care of himself he would be drunk as the devil, being a native of Nantucket, he was unable to say devil. It was this sucker who was to take the first anchor watch for the night, and as readily presumed, before he called the next man to release him he was pretty well smashed, from the effects of another pull at the wine-cask. At daylight all hands were called, and as no morning watch appeared on deck, inquiries were made as to who stood that watch. It appeared no one was called. On search being made, Mr. Faithful Guardian of the Night was found in the vicinity of the previous day's accident. He had the appearance of a man who had been in close confinement for a number of years, and looking on the surroundings in amazement. Being asked why the watch to relieve him was not called, he replied, I intended to speak to him, but thinking a little wine for the stomach's sake had better be procured first, went below, and for the life of me was unable to find my way up again. I have been looking around half the night for the stanchion to climb up by, but think someone has taken it away, or there never was one on this ship. It was three days before he got straightened out so he could walk a crack, which he practiced, usually fetching up in the lee scuppers. After that little spree he was a weaned child, never afterward evincing the least inclination to indulge. He was one of our very best men, generous to a fault, and kindly disposed to everyone with whom he came in contact. With my long experience of the ups and downs of life, I am firmly of the opinion that, nine times out of ten, the victim of intemperance is naturally of the same easy and generous disposition of him of whom we have told the wine story. But in this case, of our captain, there was a grand exception to a general rule, for to have found in his whole machinery a single redeeming quality, a microscope of the greatest power would have been required. He, however, agreed with us in one thing, which was, to get to sea as quickly as possible, and we very soon completed the cargo and started for home. With a fair wind, we got along nobly the earlier part of the passage. Our ship, running off before the wind, had a wonderful faculty for yawning about, sometimes shaking the studying sails first on one side and on the other, endeavouring, as we used to say, to turn round and examine her wake to see how straight she went. One day, with a strong breeze and all sail on her, myself and one other at the wheel, vainly doing our very best to keep her steady, while the captain stood by cursing us roundly, said he, Nam your infernal souls, let go the wheel, I will steer within half a point. We let go, but stood by ready to take hold again when required. He allowed her to shear, shaking the studying sails on one side, when he said he had not got the run of her yet. Directly he had her almost aback the other way, when a sea struck the rudder under the starboard run. The first we saw was the old man flying, but not waiting to see him land, and grab the wheel, and in an instant got her all right. That was more than could be said of the skipper, who had learned the lesson that it was a soft thing to fly, but extremely hard alighting. He gathered himself up, and a most indignant manner cursed the ship, the man who built her, her owners, and the place where she was constructed. No more was said that day about bad steering or crooked wakes. Kicks and cuffs were the order, for and aft, wherever his pious footsteps led him. Every man on board the ship received a flogging some time during the voyage, with the exception of a townsman of mine and myself. We had agreed, if any one escaped his chastening rod, as a forfeit to the crew, and oyster supper should be furnished. I endeavored to keep clear of the flogging to the best of my abilities and succeeded. Not that I feared being killed or seriously injured, but did not fancy the name of it. On one occasion, as I well remember, it was a lift and a go, or just fetched clear. For some trifling neglect, the captain, in company with his mate, called me aft. A dark frown gathered on his brow, as he commenced to jaw me, like the head of an old fiddle, said he, You want a damn good thrashing? I replied, No sir, I can do better without it. Turning to the mate, who was laughing, to hide his own smile, he ordered me to go forward. I went, and very glad was I to improve the opportunity. Well, for so uneasy a ship, we got along tolerably. One night in the gulf, heavy weather, under single reef top sails, fore and aft, our watch, which was the starboard, bringing twelve o'clock, called the larboard and went below. Had hardly gained the forecastle before all hands were called to double reef. It was raining hard and blowing great guns. I was on the weather of the foretop sail, and could hear the captain speaking sharply, but could not understand what he said. Directly heard his voice again, but still unable to comprehend his order, was in hopes that those nearer to him, and the bunt of the sail, would be able to answer him. The third time he spoke, made up my mind, that it was time somebody replied, and judging that he was only making use of a favorite expression of his, Viz, hurry down there. I replied, aye, aye, sir. Finished reefing, and came down. All hands were summoned aft. What damn rascal was it that answered me from that yard arm? It was me, sir, I replied. Why did you answer me as you did, and how many times did you hear me? I heard you three times, but did not understand what you said, and waited for the men and the bunt to reply, till thinking you would get out of patience, I answered, as if you had said, Bear a hand down. Well, said he, I will teach you to reply to me, only when you get ready. Now don't one of you damn scamps put your head below decks tonight, and you, Mr. Mate, take your station on the forescuttle, and if you permit a man to go below, I will make you suffer for it. As we had no duty to perform, we made a lee under the long boat that was in her chocks on deck, and kept out of the rain. A few minutes before the time arrived to go on watch again, the captain appeared on deck, said he. If you have come to the conclusion to answer me the next time I speak, you can go below. I told him it had always been my intention to answer him when he was understood. I thanked him for his offer, now made to us, but as only a few moments remain, I thought it barely worth while to go at all. Furthermore added that I guessed we might be able to stop on deck a couple of weeks, if he said so, and by that time might be important. A few days after, under three top sails, jib, spanker, and foresail, it becoming moderate, our wine-weened shipmate was ordered to loose the top gallant sails. While in the performance of this duty, while crossing from one yard arm to the other, the ship lurched, and he pitched over the yard. The accident was unobserved at the time, but a loud report on the water attracted the attention of the stevedore, who was walking on the lee quarter-deck, which was discovered to be the striking of a tarpaulin hat. The property of the individual aloft. Where, upon looking up, his shadow was seen through the wet sail. The captain immediately catching a rope quickly got into the main top, to find the man clinging to the reef points of the main top sail. The rope was thrown over him, and in safety he was rescued from his perilous situation. He was so strained from his overexertion, that it was a number of weeks before he recovered. Fortunate was he in being so late waited, or his voyage would most probably have been ended about that time. For had he missed the points that were so illy calculated to bear a heavy burden, no boat that we had was in condition to be lowered for his rescue. While we kept jogging along, sailing dull, for the sea-clams covered our bottom, which in those days was uncovered, until the 25th of November, when we made the capes of Virginia. Took a pilot up the Potomac River, and on the last day of the month arrived at Alexandria, Virginia, where as soon as the ship was secured at the wharf, she was seized, and her hatchway and gangways sealed with red wax and white tape. For what cause have never yet been able to learn? I never trod her deck again, nor did I care to, was paid off receiving my discharge. Our cook on the voyage just ended was a white man who had been liberally educated, and for many years had taught school. His inveterate love of strong drink was the cause of his turning sailor, and in arriving at Alexandria, his former home, we found the desire still strong upon him. Now, boys, said he to us, you are in want of a boarding-house, shall I procure one for you? We accepted his kind offer, and case he found a neat and clean one. The money in which our wages were paid was the old southern, quite valueless at the north, which we intended to get exchanged before leaving for home, as the chances might favor us. How well we succeeded this sequel will show. Upon hearing that our friend had engaged quarters for us, our donage was conveyed to the place designated, four composed our party, who were to pay three dollars per week. Arriving at the boarding-house, the landlord was consulted in regard to the disposition of our baggage, etc., when a small room used for such purposes was pointed out to us, and we left it there. It was between 10 and 11 in the forenoon that we entered the reception room of our hotel, finding it already pretty well filled with lewd women and profligate men, black and white, sailors and landsmen, some drunk and fighting, others coarsely swearing and singing the vilest productions of vice and ignorance, altogether having a jolly good time as they termed it. It might have been in their estimation, but I thought it the toughest crew I had ever put up with, and rather guessed the man could not keep a hotel. After waiting till about three o'clock, the landlord's wife appeared three seas over and announced dinner. Taking our places at the table, we found that the food was either burned badly or raw entirely, for which the wife was rebuked in no very refined language by her amiable companion. It did not take many minutes to satisfy my appetite, or at least to finish my attempt to do so. When the hour for retiring approached, hoping to meet with better success in our lodgings than with our table fair, we asked the boss to show us our room. He pointed to a garret hole, where, tumbling up a rickety stairway, we found two beds. Pairing off, feeling pretty well played, we were soon under the rags of which the bedding was composed, remembering that it was late in the fall and observing that the roof overhead was unshingled so that moon and stars were plainly to be seen, imagine that before morning we might possibly be able to keep cool. This, however, was not the case, for scarcely had we composed ourselves with the reflection that we were out of the company so loathsome to us, ere we were made aware of the presence of other enemies whose friendship they were determined uninvited to thrust upon us. Who that has ever enjoyed the luxury of trying to sleep in a place infested with bedbugs has not some little idea of our situation. With one accord four men assembled themselves in council, and agreed that to try to sleep was a useless undertaking. Accordingly we dressed ourselves in order to be ready for a skedaddle in case affairs grew any worse, and after a long and sleepless night we left the apartment with the serious intention of finding accommodations of a superior order. Asked the landlord for the bill of our indebtedness as we were going to leave. He only charged us three dollars each, which, taking into consideration the fact that we still lived, was not very extravagant. I observed on going into the street, and crossed the way, a small sign on which, on close inspection, we read, Civil Boarding. Here, said I to my companions, is where we must try to get. That sign suits me much better. Over we went, and knocked at the door, which was opened by a man who might have been sixty or seventy years old. We informed him that we were in quest of a boarding house, and his sign indicating that he took boarders we had called to see about it. What is your occupation? said he. Sailors, we replied. Oh, no! On no account can I have sailor boarders. Cannot think of it for a moment. Dreadful stories are told of them, and I have two daughters in my house. It is impossible to accommodate you. You must look further. But, said I, what do you take us for? Do we look like very bad men? We stopped last night across the way, but we don't fancy such a place. We can behave as men. Only let us have a trial, and you shall have no reason to regret it. Well, said he, you are leaving the other house as a good spoke in your wheel at any rate, not supposing any place too bad for sailors. He called his wife. We repeated what we had said to the old gent, and assured her, if she should take us on trial, if anything went wrong we would leave. She should be sorry, she told us, to have bad men in the house where she had daughters, but thought if we would be very civil she would take us. Very glad that we made the change, and remained there until we started for our northern homes. On one occasion was pained and surprised to see one of our men somewhat elevated in a grog shop. We took him out and got him home, fearful that our fat was now all spilled over. I told him as we entered the house to quietly lean on me, that we might get him to bed without the knowledge of the inmates. But just in the wrong time he fetched away, tumbled against the door, creating quite a sensation, and bringing one of the girls to the hall, seeing that it could not be hid from her. I told her the story, promised her there should be no trouble, and asked her in kindness not to let the old folks into the disagreeable secret. To this she assented, and it passed off all right. This was the last time he was induced to take a treat from his shipmates. We enjoyed our stay very much, the people were very kind, and everything was made as pleasant for us as possible. At this early period few steamers and fewer railroads were in use for the accommodation of travelers, and the season at that particular time was so far advanced that sailing vessels even were hard to find on which a passage could be secured. But after some delay we found a brig of one hundred tons loading with flour and flax seed for New York, and two of us agreed to work our passage to that port. As the money we received from our late voyage, as already intimated, was hardly redeemable at the north, and a dollar of it and script would nearly fill one's hat, and it was policy in us to exchange what we could, getting one dollar northern for two dollars of the southern. As so large a discount was unprofitable, we concluded to invest a part in flour, which I did, putting it on board the ship on freight. As the time drew near for sailing, the girls of our household were wishing us the good fortune to get frozen in so that we should have to remain through the winter. Alas for poor human nature, they were destined to disappoint, the weather remaining moderate until we were ready for sea. As a parting gift, however, they baked up a lot of nice cakes for us to take along, which, though not required for the purpose, was a constant reminder of dear friends in a strange land. They accompanied us to the ship, and when our moorings were taken in, and the farewells exchanged, the tears were seen to course down their cheeks like seaweed on a clam. Under headway, passing out of hearing, with fitting regrets, we looked back to the white handkerchiefs that waved a final adieu. For we never again met, but their kindness has never been forgotten. End of Chapter 15 Chapter 16 of 80 years a shore and a float, or the thrilling adventures of Uncle Jethro by E. C. Cornell. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 16 On the Homestretch We had a good run down the river, a fair wind and plenty of it. Coming to anchor off Port Comfort, a captain and two men went up to Norfolk, and in the fore part of next day came on board, bringing with them a small quarter of beef and half a barrel of peach brandy to wash it down with, wade anchor bound to Sandy Hook. The wind was free, and instead of giving the vessel the proper course, she hauled out to Seaboard, pretty well out at that, when I made bold to ask the skipper his object in steering such a course, when he was bound for New York. For you will never get there at this rate. I am going to get an offing. I do not wish to fetch up on the Jersey shore, in case the wind comes to the eastward. Said I, you will be glad to get hold of the land. The next change we will have in northwestern. Towards night it began to breeze on quite smartly, and it was not long before we had orders to send down the top gallant yards, reef top sails, and take-in-jib, and the four men before the mast had something to do. Before morning the gale took us but end foremost. For three days and nights we held on as best we could, making but little headway. It was extremely cold. Our vessel was an old bottom that had been re-topped. The new work was too stout for the old, and badly worked where the parts met. Consequently leaked badly. And before we were aware of the fact any quantity of water was in the hold, which caused the flaxseed to swell by getting wet, bursting the casks which contained it, and choking the pump boxes. Quite often we were obliged to draw out the boxes and wash down the pumps in order to work them at all. The ice and seed together about the deck made it very difficult to keep our feet. So shorthanded were we and the pumps going without cessation, even when a fair wind came up we could not be spared to make extra sail. On the fourth day one of the four at the pumps and attending to other duties about the ship was taken sick, leaving two besides myself, while our brave captain and his mate as drunk as beasts were lounging in the cabin. One of the three would usually get a little rest, while the pumping, steering, and shipwork generally were performed by the other two. When one became cold at the wheel he would exchange work and get warmed up pumping, so changing back to the helm to cool off again. Fires were not often kindled, for but little cooking was done. Peach brandy seemed to answer every purpose for the officers, and hard tack and raw meat was good enough for the sailors, especially as we didn't have much labor to perform. The captain tried once to get an observation, requiring two men to keep him on his feet, but I guess the use the attempt was applied to you might put into your eye without in the least obstructing the vision. Twice we made Long Island, but from lack of assistance in increasing the sail we were blown back. The last time we nearly approached Montog Point, of which we informed the captain and asked if we had not better put into Newport. No, he growled out. I know your plan. You want to leave me. And then where should I be? He ordered us to let her run into fifteen fathoms and tack ship. Be sure you do not get into less than fifteen at any rate. Sick of such a cruise and about used up generally, we desired to use our own judgment and get in as soon as the wind would allow us. We spoke to the man who went below sick to come and take the wheel while we put her on the starboard tack. The wind, favoring us, we lashed the wheel, gave her the jib, shook reefs out of the top sails, hoisted them up and let her run a little while, then hover aback to sound, not that we were very anxious to get the exact soundings, for we could guess near enough to suit us without trying, but to mislead those below and keep their suspicions quieted. Our orders were given in loud and exciting tones, so that the captain and mate, if awake, might imagine everything correct. Clear away there, pass the lead, twenty fathoms, all right. Fill away, brace the four top sails, etc. We let her run nearly another hour, backed four top sails again and sounded. Got eight fathoms, it kept it to ourselves, and as the depth was passed aloud, no less than twenty was reported. The next four noon land was seen on the larboard bow, proving to be the highlands of Neversink on the Jersey coast. The captain came on deck and was surprised to see land so handy to us, said he. Where are we now? How in the damn did you get here? We did not inform him that we had been keeping in smooth water along shore. Soon a sandy-hook pilot boat discovered us, ran quite near and hailed us to see if we wanted a pilot. Informing the captain, he replied, if he has a branch he can board us. If not, I don't want him. Rounding, too, he asked again if we wanted a pilot. Yes, come aboard. Gaining the deck, his first words were, Call all hands and get up to gallant yards. We told him all hands were called. How long have you been out, he asked. Sixteen days, and for twelve of them, three constituted all hands. Leaking as you do, I should rather guess you have had a drag of it. The wind hauled to the eastward, and finally flattened out calm. I told the pilot we had been reefed for the whole passage. He replied that it was tough, but couldn't you get up to the main top gallant yard. We thought we could, and did so, and set the top gallant. Just at night, got in by the hook. Wind very light, but fair. A little packet-sloop passed us about this time, having on board an excursion party of ladies and gentlemen. Our captain, being in the condition of the Philistines on a certain occasion, pretty well slewed, commencing to use some slang and black guardism for his special benefit, was told by the pilot that he had better keep his jaw to himself, or he would get more than he bargained for. And in Bach answers from the company, he was soon made to feel like the fool that he really was. The tide was about making against us. The pilot was pretty well forward, and ordering someone to drop the end and ascertain what the vessel was made sternway, so that he might drop the Kedge anchor underfoot and hold what we had made. I hoved the lead and found we were going but little, throwing again and again until all headway was lost, and it was not long before she fell a stern trifle of which I informed the pilot. The captain looked over the side, and observing bubbles passing along in the current said, It's a damn lie! She is going three knots! The pilot came aft on the double-quick, as soldiers say, grabbed him by the shoulders, and pitched him head and heels down the cabin gangway, telling him he never wanted to see his face again. Do you think the man with the lead line in his hands don't know when the vessel is going ahead or a stern? I am manager and pilot of this craft, and if anything happens to her, the responsibility is mine. Furthermore, I don't wonder these poor fellows have been sixteen days getting from the capes of Virginia. My greatest surprise is that you have ever reached where the services of a pilot are required. Next day we arrived at New York, and now the first thing in order was to hunt up a chance to get home, and falling in with a Nantucket sloop, I agreed to take passage on her. The next thing was to secure my flow. A part of it was all we could get at, and the sloop could not wait for us, so still remained until the balance was discovered. Precured another chance on board a New Bedford vessel ready to sail in a few days. Found by selling my flower here, I should save freighting it, but would have to lose one dollar on each barrel, and so concluded to take it to New Bedford. Did so, and arrived the next night, but to learn that no packets, or sailboats even, were soon to leave for Edgerton. After a fruitless search for such a craft as seemed desirable, we fell in with an old gentleman who was owner of a fish boat, with whom we concluded a bargain, to be carried with our baggage to Edgerton if we would wait for a favourable time, as his boat was quite old and rickety. We rather urged him to start immediately, as our expenses were accumulating, and our anxiety to get home was not diminishing. He told us that it was altogether unsuitable to attempt to cross Buzzard's Bay with so strong a breeze, for, said he, after getting out of the lee, it is both blowy and rugged. We still hung on for a trial, finally telling him, that if he could not go then, we should try what we could do with some other boatman. Not being a man of means, dependent on his daily earnings, it was hard to sacrifice the ten dollars in prospect, and, preferring to run some risk rather than do so, said he would try it, but did not like the idea of drowning us. Well, it didn't seem to us, who had roughed it so strangely on the ocean, that there could be much danger of our drowning after getting so near home. Yet many a poor sailor we might have called to mind, had perished when his own fireside warmth could almost be felt. The flower I was compelled to sell at a loss of one dollar and a quarter a barrel, concluding that my speculative genius was not of the most brilliant grade. We got under way, headed for Woods Hole, wind heavy, and about northwest. We had proceeded but a short distance, before it was necessary to shorten sail, quite a sea running, and the gale right after us. It did not require much time to make us sick of our bargain, and then we began to think what fools we were for starting. Wished ourselves high and dry where we came from. Every exertion was made by balling to keep the boat from sinking, while the old gent held out the cheering assurance that as we had not yet seen the worst of it, our minds might be made up that we should go down, that it was impossible to weather it. To get back was out of the question. We could carry no sail, and were at the mercy of the waves in a boat unseaworthy in every particular. I asked them if there was no point to leeward, at which we might possibly find a shelter by letting her drift. He replied, If the boat can live to reach it, put her dead before the wind, and kept on bailing. We now had a foresail on her to steadier. The spreet was taken out, and the sheet let go entirely, while the sail was allowed to blow straight out over the bow. We got to the entrance of a little bay, nearby the remains of an old wharf, falling, however, to the leeward of it, and the boat being unable to bear the sail necessary to reach it, and seeing a house quite near shore, about two miles beyond, we thought best to attempt to reach it. We kept on until within a musket shot of the place, and fetched up on a point surrounded by porridge ice, which we were unable to penetrate. Wet and cold as we were, it was certain that we could not live long on board the boat. Taking the tiller, I sounded, and found the ice and water would reach about to my waistband. Overboard I went, took the old gentleman of seventy years upon my back, and landed him safely on shore. Returning, conveyed one companion in the same manner, and then the other. We then made tracks for the house, quarter of a mile away, the snow eighteen inches on a level, and the thermometer ranging in the vicinity of zero. Before I arrived was as white as a tallow candle, and about as stiff. We went in. The lady of the house was an acquaintance of our old skipper, Anne said she. For heaven's sake, Captain Pease, where in Marcy have you come from? Well, said he, these young men would leave me no peace till I would start for the vineyard with them. A monstrous fire was in the old-fashioned fireplace, crackling and roaring in a masterly manner, and I can assure you it was the sweetest music to which I ever let my ears. It melted me completely, as the floor around most plainly indicated, but for which the old lady protested she didn't care a wit so long as we were making ourselves comfortable. That old fireplace, though, I never shall forget. Like many others of olden times it should have been preserved, laid up in the archives of the nation as a relic of its greatness, and the inexpressible comfort it afforded. Even now, as I behold its generous dimensions, capable of taking at one time a good half-court of wood, which was piled in without any regard to expense, I am led to say, and the words of a very dear friend, your kindness, I never can forget, is only exceeded by your extreme good looks. The good man of the house, soon after entered, and with no little surprise, asked where under the sun we came from, receiving about the same reply from our old gent as did his wife. These crazy young men over persuaded me to start for Edgertown, but as we could get nowhere else we are compelled to throw ourselves on your hospitality. And now, as we are in a good condition from the redeeming virtues of warm drink and a generous fire, we would like to have your oxen yoked. Immediately, repairing to the barn, the cattle were hitched into the cart, and to the shore we proceeded, got a line from the boat, made fast to the team, and with GEO, get up along there, ashore came the boat with all our baggage, which was put into the cart, and after turning the boat over, for better preservation, was taken to the house, anticipating a tarry there from the general look around us, it still snowing hard and freezing fast. The old gentleman was feeling uneasy, fearful that his board would more than overrun the amount to be received, thinking strongly of footing it the next day around the foot of the bay, frequently calling himself a fool for getting into such a scrape. His better judgment prevailed, and it was considered worse than useless to attempt it. Thus do the aged sometimes learn that experience is a teacher still. We told him, however, to make himself comfortable, that his expenses would be attended to by us, whereupon he became more reconciled. In a few days the weather became tolerably good, but still blowing something of a breeze. We told our hospitable friends not to do for us anything out of their usual way, as we would like moderate fare, on account of the length of our purses, but that we wished to pay them for all the trouble we caused. Rising very early, a short time after, was pleased to find a bright starlight morning, with not a breath of wind moving. Called all hands, got ready for a start, conveyed our donnage to the shore, re-ballasted the boat, hitched on the cattle, and soon, after paying our bills, which were much less than we expected, were rowing for dear life towards home, with our skipper at the helm. The prospect of soon greeting the loved ones lent additional strength and muscle to our efforts, and over the water we flew like a thing of life, almost forgetting the old hulk which had so nearly proved our coffin. It continued calm, until near the harbor entrance, when the wind hauled out northeast, and a snowstorm set in. We kept on, and struck her on the shore, between the wharves, got out our property, and with the help of friends at hand, hauled the boat up, and turned her over, sent our skipper to the tavern, promising to settle his keeping. For a month or more the weather was about as bad as needs be, cold, blowy, snowing, and a considerably bad time, generally. About this time a man was landed from a vessel who wanted a passage to New Bedford. We waited upon Captain Pease, paid him for the services rendered us, and engaged him to take the passenger. When ready to start, by our assistance the boat was put into the water, and all preparations for sailing generally attended to. We then bade him farewell. Learned afterwards that he arrived safely, but I never saw him again. Glad enough to be once more at home, had saved some money, by which I was enabled to make a few little presents, to the friends I so often had entertained fears of never more meeting. Home again, home again, from a foreign shore, and oh it fills my heart with joy to meet my friends once more. End of Chapter 16 Chapter 17 of 80 years ashore and afloat, or The Thrilling Adventures of Uncle Jethro by E. C. Cornell. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 17 A Trip to New Haven After remaining about home, attending to the spring fishing at the south side of the vineyard, on the first day of May, started after a ship which was to be fitted for a whaling cruise, being the first one that our islanders had ever put into that business. I was already under partial agreement to go as mate of a coaster, when I met Captain Jethro Daggett, who informed me that they had concluded the bargain for a ship, of which he was to have the command, and he wished me to go the voyage in her. First I refused, telling him of my engagement, and that my wages were to be twenty-five dollars per month. His reply was, You had far better go with me, and you will realize much more on a voyage whaling than in the coasting business. He talked so much that finally, like a great fool, I said I would go. Said he, I wish you to be on hand to go to New Haven and assist in bringing the ship here. Accordingly, on the first of May, 1816, in company, with a boat's crew, took a whaleboat, our second mate in charge, and started. Got up to Vineyard Haven, or, as it was then called, Holm's Hole, and a fresh westerly wind, drawing down the sound, thought best to land, which we did, near the entrance of the harbor, at a place called Frog Alley. Stopped with a man named David Dunham, as too much wind prevailed to proceed. After getting dinner, some of our party concluded to go up to the village to see the fashions and have a chat with the girls. For at that time, as now, they enjoyed the reputation of being quite sociable, intelligent, and agreeable. Changing our clothing, a little ambitious to make as favorable an impression as possible, we fancied, scanning our good looks, that we would pass in a crowd. Whether it was the hope of meeting such a reception as I had pictured, or wish to show my companions my agility has never been fully decided in my own mind. Yet, from some cause, I did undertake to try an experiment, which proved both very silly and extremely injurious. For the benefit of you who are listening to me, I will relate how it turned out. Hoping from experience, a lesson may be imparted, leading you in all the affairs of life to look before you leap. In front of the house, on a line with the hill running parallel with the shore, was a high board fence. Thinking the nearest way round was to jump over it, gathering myself for a good start, I dashed along, throwing my full strength into the leap. The fence was cleared, but not so the crumbled wall of an old cellar on which I landed. Instead of the green sword on a level with the fence, as I imagined, I went to the bottom of a pit, fifteen feet deep, and found the rocks hard and flinty. My ankle bone was split open, and numerous other slight wounds on various parts of my body led me to postpone my intended visit indefinitely. I didn't care for any new clothes that day. Was helped up to the house, and the old lady kindly fixed me up as best she could. My comrades told me I might as well give up the crews and take a carriage home. But I told them no. I had begun it, and was going through if I lived. A salve was furnished me, and in the morning we started, the men helping me along. Quite reluctantly, however, for as the foot was quite badly swollen, they were fearful of the result if I kept on. With my foot elevated to the thwart in front of me, I assisted in rowing the boat, until getting out of the mouth of the sound, saw a schooner ahead, we sailed and rowed together, and gained up with her considerably, when we fired several muskets, as a signal for her to heave too. When near enough to hail, was asked what we wanted. We asked where he was bound. He replied, New York. Being asked for a tow, yes, come aboard, said he. We did so, dropping the boat of stern. Found that the captain was a cripple, as well as myself, having a broken shoulder received from the main gaff the night before. We were towed to Block Island, then left the vessel in a calm. Our boat reached Black Point, a little west of New London, where we landed. The provisions laid in for our cruise consisted of a bag of hard bread. Taking some of it, we went up to a house, where we were invited in by a young lady, who informed us that her parents were at church at being Sunday. Told her we would like some milk to go with our bread, where upon she set out the table with a large pan of rich-looking milk, with bowls to put it in for each, and started for what appeared to be the parlor. Forgetful that bread and milk was difficult to eat with one's fingers. She apologized and brought on the spoons, but when we afterwards perceived a young man, doubtless her lover, sparking Sunday afternoon, she was readily excused. We finished our meal and asked her charge. After holding a consultation with the young gent, she informed us it was two dollars. Didn't dispute the bill, but thought it rather steep. Started afresh, not much wind, but rode until night, then put into a little harbour and lodged on board a coaster. Next morning made another start, still using white ash for a breeze. Stopped next about noon in a nice little harbour called Satcham's Head. Here we found a public house and had a good meal, the first since leaving Holmes Hole. Thence continued on, arriving at New Haven just at night. The ship was in sight, all rigged, very nicely painted, her main deck chrome yellow, quarter deck prussian blue, and as gay as a ribbon all over. She did look about the nicest of any vessel I had then ever looked upon. I am thus particular in describing her outward appearance, so that as you find out more of her qualities, you may be able to judge how very deceitful appearances are sometimes found to be. The new purchasers paid fourteen thousand dollars for her, and supposed they were buying a new vessel. Found the main mast had to be taken out, on account of being rotten, the original owners paying the expenses. We took thirteen cords of wood for ballast, and most of the casks for our whaling voyage. They were of very poor staves, thin heads too small, whoop so thin the rivet heads would draw out while being driven. Started for home in one week, and arrived after three days passage. She was fitted at Mayhew's Wharf. Few days before we were ready for sea, while at work on the quarter deck, I overheard a conversation between Captain Daggett and Mr. Peter Coffin, who was going our chief mate. Captain Dee, said Mr. Coffin, we are too old to go whaling, we ought not to go. It says Captain Dee, oh no, I feel smart and active. I'm only about sixty, just in my prime. But, said Mr. C, I am obliged to go. If I had your property, I should remain on shore. Captain Dee said, well, neither you nor I will stand any watch on the voyage, unless some time when we may be running in for the land or in some other special emergency, we shall have plenty of younger men and boys to do the watch standing. Mr. C replied, I shall always stand my watch. He did, and stood it like a man, keeping wide awake himself and all the rest of us. There was no sleeping in his watch on deck, nary time. In farther conversation Mr. C observed, we have too many green boat-steers, I don't like them, they lack experience. They are just what I wanted, said Captain Dee. I wish to break them in my way, and they will be good for something. Strange idea, thought I. A few weeks passed, and in such order as she was, we were ready to sail for the coast of Africa, on a fourteen-months cruise. Having cleared from the Custom House the night previous, we set sail on 5th of July, 1816. End of Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Part 1 of 80 years ashore and afloat, or the thrilling adventures of Uncle Jethro by E. C. Cornell. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 18 Whaling Voyage of the Ship Apollo Part 1 As previously stated, the Apollo was the first ship of a long list subsequently sent out by the people of Edgerton. Feeling quite independent from the effects of the previous day, our national anniversary, it was decided not to take a pilot, our mate being competent to act as such. As the wind was from the westward, it was deemed best to go through the ship channel, over the shoals, making our course to the eastward of Georgeus Bank. Got along finally, the wind and tide both, favouring us, the wind increasing in the afternoon of the first day, but still fair. At eight o'clock, pumped ship, found plenty of water in the lower hold, pumped a long time without freeing her, and after a while the pumps became choked with chips and gravel. We hoisted them out, drew the boxes, and with long poles drove out the snags, replaced them, but it was not long before they were again choked, when they were again taken out and served as before. Slung a man under the arms and lowered him into the pump well, with a basket to gather up the kindling stuff. He reported any quantity of it, while bucketful after bucketful of all kinds of dirt was sent up. Directly, he sang out for the end of a rope to be sent down, as he had found something as large as a man's body. He bent on to it, and we hauled up a good-sized piece of rotten timber, sent down the rope again, as he ordered, and away came up another of the same kind. In great surprise it was asked, where can they have come from? Is he going to bend on the ship's bottom? We thought we were in a new ship, as it had been so represented, and now timber, thirty years old, was making its mysterious appearance. But the secret was soon out, when we learned that she had been an old horse-jockey, formerly known as the Henry, had made forty voyages to the West Indies, and was afterwards fitted up for the purpose of selling. And those who bought her did get most egregiously sold. After a while, having got the well all cleared, we in pump, and to pumping again, but did not gain much on her, headed her for Boston, sharp hauled on the wind, soon began to lessen the water in the hold, which proved the leak high up, somewheres forward. Kept off again, thinking that perhaps the next day we might find the leak, let her drive, going all first rate. Ten days out, early in the morning, raised a large sperm whale, and lowered for him, but being all green hands in the boat, the whale was gallead. He would have stowed down eighty barrels, but escaped us. About noon another large fellow was raised, and now the captain was going to show the greenies how to do it. He soon got up with him. The whale had some white spots on him, and as he took a notion to whirl round that he might have a fair view of the captain and his boat, opening his mouth at the same time, probably to laugh, the old gent was terribly frightened and sang out, stern all, stern all, boys, to the rogue whale, and he will eat the boat, see the white spots on him. Having seen all he cared to of us, he went down, and we saw no more of him while we returned to the ship again. Had hardly got alongside when the mate said, for God's sakes, Captain Daggett, why didn't you strike that whale? You were near enough. He replied, the whale didn't act as I should have liked, but if my boat-steerer had been a man of experience I should have tried him. Mate replied, that is just what I told you. We didn't want any of your damn green boat-steerers. Towards night the third whale was in sight right ahead. We, down with two boats, I bowed the mates, the other boat came up to the whale first. Give it to her, was the word. The boat-steerer let go his iron, striking a place of slack blubber, which bent the iron, but did not enter. Darted again, and his iron entered just enough to cover one flu, and the line coming taut it drew out. The mate's boat now came alongside, and he sang out to the boat-steerer, Dart! He did, Dart, who rather pitch-pulled his iron about halfway to the whale. Told him to give him the other iron, he did, and away it went, twenty feet into the water beyond. By this time, the greasy fellow thought it about time to make himself scarce, thinking perhaps by and by somebody might accidentally hit him. So off he went. Four irons hoved at him, and not a blood-fetched. The boat-steerer, Lem Kelly by name, was as stout as a giant, and as clever and lazy a fellow as ever lived. When we got on board, the boats hoisted up, another row among the officers, and Kelly followed. Says the mate to Kelly, why didn't you fasten to that whale? When I stood up, I was so scared I didn't know whether I was darting an iron, or was being chawed up by an alligator. Said he was an old sea-dog, had been in the merchant's service, but had never been whaling before, and never was frightened as that monster frightened him. I never wished to see any more whales, and what is more, I want my discharge at the very first part we enter, for I shall be of no use here, I am perfectly satisfied. We cruised near the coast of Guinea some little time, but saw no whales, and as the land did not appear more than eight or ten miles distant, a boat was ordered on shore for fruit. Throwing into her a part of a porpoise caught the day before, some old spikes, hoops, and worn out knives, a few old cast-off duds, started for the shore. The wind was light, and the ship did not have much way. We rode and rode until the ship was hulled down, the land being over twenty, instead of ten miles away when we left her. Getting in shore, saw a little village of huts or wigwams toward which we polled. It was rough landing on account of the surf. An old man, who proved to be the chief, came out, and made signs for us to land more to the eastward. Finally he belched out in very loud tones, which was interpreted by us to mean come on. The boat striking the beach, a simultaneous rush was made by the natives, numbering from three to five hundred, who came from over the hill, and taking the boat up bodily, men and all, conveyed us to the woods, quite a distance from High Watermark. These people were as naked as they were born into the world, except the chief, who had some rags tied about his body. He inquired of us if we were a warship crew, making himself intelligible to us by pointing to the ship, and then imitating as best he could the noise of a cannon. So happened that near where we landed was the bleached scalp of an old whale. We replied to his question by calling his attention to it, and then, taking the attitude of striking him with an iron, he appeared satisfied, fully comprehending our axe. Trading then commenced. There was an abundance of fruit of different kinds, and as the natives made their selections from the valuables displayed, we had only to indicate by marks in the sand how much we wanted of the different fruit, which was immediately placed in the boat. We were probably the first white persons ever visited them. They inspected us closely, shoving up our sleeves and pantaloon legs to see if we were white, thinking our faces were painted. They would not suffer any of us to go to the village. It was now calm, the ship had drifted entirely out of sight, and we were beginning to feel rather uncomfortable among the horde of savages, and perfectly helpless just at night our eyes were gladdened by a view of the ship approaching with a liperese. We made signs that we wished to leave, but the old chief would not let us. We kept an eye on our boat hatchet and knives, determined if they did attack us to sell our lives at a good price. Meanwhile, could hardly make out their intentions toward us. These people were finely formed, straight as an arrow, the men very tall and massive in their build, black as jet, the skin shining like a piece of ebony. All ages were represented, from the papoose a few days old, to men and women who might have been a hundred and forty, with heads as white as the driven snow. The children were carried in a sort of basket formed by the bark of a tree doubled up and attached to the shoulders, from which position, from the peculiar formation of the female, the little ones could easily receive from their mothers their nourishment. The ship ran in as near as it was safe, hauled back, ran the colors up and down, while we were endeavoring to get away. At last we made signs to the chief, if he would let us go on board, when the sun arose again, would return with lots of good things. This seemed to suit his ideas very well, and telling us to get in on top of the fruit, such a gathering to get a hand on our boat, was never seen before. Up she was taken, and toward the shore was being quickly born, when a scream from one of the girls caused each one to let the boat drop. It appeared that Lem, the fellow who didn't like Wales, attempted to kidnap the girl, and was trying to frighten her. But it came near turning our fat all into the fire. They appeared greatly exasperated, and for a while we didn't know how to turn out. With considerable coaxing, however, the boat was again raised and launched, and taking our oars, we made the best time possible toward the ship, glad enough to be out of their reach. We did not go ashore when the sun arose next morning. The captain was badly frightened and never expected to see us again. Seemed real glad when we were safe on board, but no more than we were, to be there ourselves. Soon left the coast, not having seen a spout. Although previous to leaving home, the mate had been told by Captain D. that he would not be required to stand watch, yet so far he had, just as regular as clockwork. But to show how much was meant by the captain's pretensions, a little incident will suffice. I was in the mate's watch. He had just asked how much the hourglass lacked of being out. In those days no clocks were used. I told him ten minutes. Said he, I believe a few minutes rest before going below will not hurt me, and taking a stool sat down on it near the cabin's skylight, which was open. The captain, observing it, came out of the cabin in a perfect tempest, and charged him with being asleep in his watch on deck. Mr. C. denied that he had slept a wink, saying that was only five minutes by the glass since it was consulted for him. If I have been asleep, it was a damned short one. He got up, and gave the chair a hurl against the bulwarks that completely demolished it, whereupon the captain threatened to land him the first port he made. After leaving the coast, cruised along toward Rio Janeiro. One day, about noon, had been taking the sun. I was alone in the steerage, a small door between that and the cabin being open. Captain and mate came down. Captain asked Mr. Coffin what his latitude was. He told him, when the captain said, You are wrong, Mr. Godfrey's is so-and-so, and yours must be incorrect. Some mistake, somewhere. I tell you, said Coffin, I am right, damn Godfrey, I don't go by his reckonings, I go by my own. The next thing I heard was the clattering of the crockery, and somebody fall on the floor. A table for dinner was spread out, and the chests occupied most of the floor-room. I thought I would go and see what the matter was. There they were, having a nasty hook. Captain and mate clenched. The mate crammed down behind the chests. Mr. Coffin had one hand on the captain's breast, and with the other had him by the ear. I thought I would go and see what the matter was. The other had him by the ear, both looking rather savage. Mr. C gave a pull on the ear, which split it up about an inch. The blood flowed freely from it, saying, I'll never give up to no old dogged, so long as there's a drop of old Betty Martin run through my veins. Captain Daggett, seeing me standing by the door, cried out, Take this damn rascal away from me. But as no names were called, I left suddenly, not caring to get mixed up in the affair. About this time, the captain's son came down with the dinner, and seeing the encounter, set it on the table, and called the second mate and boat-steers to the assistance of his father, and soon they were separated. At about two o'clock p.m., another row was kicked up between the second mate and a boat-steerer on the port-bow, which the captain saw and put a stop to. I began to think that fighting was better attended to than wailing, and wished that I had gone coasting rather than on this voyage. Not long after, in the latter part of the day, a large ship was seen bearing down to us, seeming to want to speak us. We hove aback our main top sail, and he passed our stern, running under our lee, and parted his wheel-rope. She left right up alongside, stove two of her boats, but the yards did not get foul. She proved to be an English transport loaded with immigrants, who crowded her sides and rigging to get a sight of us. She fell off to Leeward, striking our fashion piece into his quarter-galley, which was stowed with crockery. An opening was made, out of which at least two cartloads were dumped into the ocean. As she was bound into Rio, we agreed to keep company, both arriving three days after. Our ship still leaked badly in heavy weather. The captain told Mr. Coffin to get his duds ready to leave as he was going to discharge him. Mr. C told him that he did not like to leave there, as all were strangers to him, and he had no money. He was told that it made no odds. If he did not go of his own accord, he would have a file of soldiers to help him along. Mr. C replied, Rather than be dragged by soldiers, I will go. He got ready and put his things in the boat. Before he left, he told us we would have to go either to Brazil Banks, right whaling, or Cape Horn, sperm whaling, but by all means to be in favor of going to the Cape. The captain then ordered him to leave, adding that if any other man or boy wished to go, he was at liberty to do so. The boat left with Mr. Coffin. One boat steerer said, as there was to be so much fighting on board, he thought best to leave, for if he remained, he should be obliged to do his part. The captain replied, If you are a fighting character, you had better, for I prefer to do all the fighting done here. Accordingly, he left. The next day I applied for my discharge, but after some hard words passing between us, finally gave it up, preferring to suffer some myself, rather than, as he said, be the means of breaking up the voyage. For if I left, the rest of the ship's crew were determined to follow me. Afterwards, one on shore made another attempt to hold him to his agreement in regard to discharging any who wished to go, but he protested so that I should ruin him, and that he would be compelled to sell the ship, etc., the tears filling his eyes on account of it, that my naturally sensitive nature was touched, to such a degree that the thought of leaving was abandoned, with his promising to act more as a man should toward his fellow man. I have no doubt that had I left the ship, when I got home every old woman would have been down on me. In the afternoon all hands were taken to the Custom House, the captain trying to prove Mr. Coffin a very troublesome man, and wishing us to give in evidence to that effect. I imagined his object, and told the boys, if they had to make any statements, to say as few words as possible, and be holy on their guard. Underneath the Custom House was a grog shop, and to which we were all invited by the captain, who called for all kinds of liquors, and told all hands to help themselves, as it was his treat. Come on, my boys, now don't be shy, because the old man is free with his rum. Here, Ripley, step up, don't refuse. I took a very light glass, but not so with quite a number. Before their craving was satisfied they were ready for most anything. A few were allowed to go into the office at a time, while the others were making merry at the old man's expense. When not observed I slipped out, and dodged round the corner, and forgot to report myself until the business was all finished, keeping shady till there was a mustering in the vicinity of the boat, when I went down to return with the rest to the ship. The captain asked me where I had been. I answered him evasively by telling a white lie that I stepped out and got lost, and could not find my way back until it was too late. Captain D. said he was very sorry, as my boat had already left the shore. Told me to get into his, and go on board with him. Said I, I don't belong to your boat, or do I ever wish to put foot on that ship again? After a while we shoved off. For recruits, twenty-five bushels of corn was purchased, also some fresh beef. The corn was inhabited, every kernel was a tenement, and every tenement had a good-sized white worm in it. The beef was in an awful condition. Being killed the night before, it was brought to market on the greasy backs of naked women, while the perspiration of their overheated bodies, and the blood of half-dressed bullocks were beautifully mingled together, and was enough to make a sensible dog sick to his stomach. In a few days went to sea, a constant lookout being kept at our mastheads for whales, but did not raise any. The next landfall made was the Island of Ascension, near St. Helena. We went in, and sent a boat ashore for green turtle. But as the season was rather late, we were disappointed by not getting any, they having laid their eggs and returned to their ocean home. But if the turtle had not been any better than we got in the earlier part of the voyage, it would have been no great loss. I neglected to state, in the proper place, that we made for our first port the island alluded to. We ran in there, stopped only a few hours, landed, and captured five very large turtles. Got them off to the ship all right, cooked one, and found them as tough as a shark and as strong as Goliath. The others were left to roam about underfoot on deck. To prevent them from getting overboard, iron rails were lashed along where the ship was not sealed up. In those days it was not the practice to seal the bulwarks the whole length of the vessel. As it was saying, irons were used as rails to prevent the escape of our animals. One dark night somebody left the lower rail down, and in the morning they were among the missing. We did not cry over it, but our captain was considerably grieved, thinking no doubt if they were too tough for cabin use they might do for sailors. But to return to ascension, a war brig, called the Leverett, belonging to the English navy was anchored there, and thirty men belonging to her had taken possession of the island. The night before we got in it was blowing hard and a rough sea running. Our lower bob-stay, an eight-inch rope, was pitched in two pieces. When we came to an anchor, a number of spars were secured under our bow for staying, from which necessary repairs could be made upon the stay, and search made for the leak. After unserving the end of the bob-stay leading into the stern, and examining the hole from where it came out, an auger hole was discovered leading into it, which proved the place that had caused us so much trouble and hard labor, for pumping is no holiday amusement. This hole had been overlooked when the ship was undergoing repairs previous to her being sold for a whaler, and the secret was out in regard to her only leaking one before the wind. It then being slack, the water could find its way in, but when a strain was on the opening, was closed up by the stay. With a good lot of oakum we made it all right, and it didn't trouble us any more. Fitted the stay and tethered it, shaved the inner end and rove it, and set it up taut with a watch tackle, then had a chance to go on shore. We found the island very rocky, and every foot of land seemed infested with rats, who did not appear to be at all alarmed by our presence. Guess they were not aware what uncivil things men could be. They acted as if they enjoyed themselves hugely, sometimes hiding their eyes in the crack of the rocks or under a bunch of parsley. Thinks I, what a delightful country for John Chinaman. We came very near getting a large lot of goats should have succeeded, but they were more accustomed to the method of traveling about there, and rather outwitted us on several occasions. Once we had, as we supposed, a number cornered already to put our hand on them, but as in the case of the Irishman's Flea, we put our hands where they were, and they weren't there. Up they went, out of reach, where on a rock not much larger than a man's hand, they looked and grinned at us in defiance. With a fair wind soon started for Cape Horn. Cruised along without seeing any whales, winds variable, no regular gales, but quite strong blows, and little of all kinds. As we neared the Cape, the weather grew worse. Set down top gallant yards and masts for an aft, rigged in jaboom, took in the spreet sail yard, unrigged the spanker altogether, and bent a small storm mizzen. Getting pretty well up to Staten Island, the weather moderated. One day, about two o'clock, a large sperm whale was seen about a third of a mile distant off the starboard beam. The captain, as usual, was taking his siesta and the bunk below. The mate called and informed him that a whale was quite handy to us, and asked if he might get out a couple of boats. Yes, he replied. We began to unlash when he came upon deck, ordered us to hold on as it was of no use. We're in too high latitudes to kill whales. If we should strike a whale before morning, we should be forced to give him up. So we gave up the chance, the whale remaining in sight till dark. Fine weather all night, and a beautiful day followed it. We kept dragging along, and at last weathered Cape Horn. Ran down on whaling-ground on the coast of Peru, having enjoyed quite a quiet time, only an occasional dispute arising which was settled without resorting to kicks and cuffs. For some time saw no whales, and were getting out of patience. But as I was on the lookout a loft one day, I caught sight of a fellow right ahead, and sang out, There she blows! Where way? was asked, and I replied. There goes Flukes, right ahead, sir! Clear away the boats! the captain ordered. Two boats lowered, which were commanded by the captain and the mate. The captain's boat got fast, and instead of killing the whale himself, as he should, he let the boat steer through the lance which was boned, the whale rolled, the line came taut, and the boat was capsized. The mate immediately fastened, and soon the whale was spouting sick blood. We felt better as we beheld his corpse. Toed him to the ship, and went to work cutting him in. It was now the first of March, 1818, nine months from home, and we hadn't taken oil enough to burn in the binocle lamp. After this whales were quite plenty, but only two at a time were allowed to be brought to the ship, and only one if it was near night. All hands being green, it made very bad work cutting in. Large wooden wedges were used for the purpose of keeping the blubber lifted, resembling those used in splitting large logs of wood. It took us a greater part of a day to get a fifty-barrel fellow in. Here we took about three hundred barrels in three months, lived hard, short rations, and of the meanest kind. A common dish was corn and worms pounded up together, made into soup, with a very small piece of salt meat cooked in it. Had some fish, which we cooked when the opportunity was afforded, refusing none except sharks. But sometimes we were sharkish enough to try them. We took out on the voyage forty-three barrels of meat, while in later days three hundred is not considered extravagant. Many a time when it was served up, I have taken my allowance at a single bite. Yet I never had the reputation of having a very large swallow, and several times in my life have come quite near choking to death, because my swallow was so small. The bread was very good, but less than half a pound was to go with our morsel of meat for twenty-four hours. The only fault with the bread was not enough of it. We soon got sick of samp, it was sour and musty, and often the top of the pot in which it was boiled would be covered with the worms. One day it came down presenting its usual appearance, not fit for a decent hog to eat, I was detailed to take the kid in which it was to the captain. I asked him if he thought it was fit to feed men on. I had told the men, prior to my going aft, that it would kick up a row, but if every man would follow me I would go. Instead of that not a man stood by me, but I kept on with it. He replied to my question by saying it was good enough. Said I, we cannot agree with you. He called me a mutinous rascal, and asked why I was the only one to find fault. I told him they had all agreed to follow me and defend their rights, but had deceived me. The bread was usually served out, fourteen cakes per week, but not unfrequently we were cheated out of a part of our allowance by not getting it until the eighth day. This was the case on the present occasion, our bread being due the day previous, and I told them so. He denied the assertion, and ordered me forward, promising me, not the bread, but to land me on the first desolate island they arrived at. I told him that did not frighten me. Then, said he, I will put you on board the first man of war we speak. Said I, that will be better than remaining here to starve, for I shall get something to eat. He got pretty well out of humor, and scolded dreadfully. I told him all that we wanted was our rights. What do you want? Sir, if we are to have fourteen cakes of bread per week, we want it, and want it when it is due. Said he, you are not on allowance? I replied that he was correct. You do not give half an allowance. I wish to know, sir, if we are to have such a quantity dealt out at a stated time, and the time is allowed to overrun twenty-four hours, if there is not an occasion for complaint? All this time not a man came aft to my assistance. I told him finally that I was hungry, and wanted my bread and must have it. The bread was usually headed up on the quarter-deck, and at this time a number of casks stood there. He spoke to the mate, who had taken Mr. Coffin's place, asking if that was the day for serving out the bread. Not wishing to disagree with the captain, he replied, I believe it is. At last, finding that I was not to be scared, or beaten out of it, he ordered the Cooper to get his tools and open his cask, for this gentleman, as he sarcastically called me. I often laughed when thinking about it, but it was provoking. Now, said he, you can get your bread bag and call the others for theirs. I replied that, as forgetting mine, I was ready to, but the others might stay and starve if they choose to. I should not call them. A boat steerer usually did the counting. The captain asked if I had not better watch him, for fear of being cheated. I replied that there would be no harm in it, and did so. He completed the task for all the crew, and a large sack was passed up for the cabin supply. Previous to this time, the bread for the cabin always held out much longer than hours forward, and we judged the reason why was that they drew a much larger quantity, which without doubt was the case. Now, said the captain, had you better have an eye out to see that he doesn't put in more for the cabin than belongs there? Yes, sir, I responded. There is need enough of doing just that very thing, for it is not doubted that it has been done more than once. I did watch, and that time it went in all correct, when I said, for one, I agree that no bread will be required for the steerage, or asked for, till the cabin allowance is gone. And sure enough, theirs was all gone two days before we were out. I was in the mate's boat and watched. We always agreed quite well, and a short time after the circumstances just alluded to occurred, and our watch on deck, the mate told me that not a great while before, the captain told them that I was just right about the bread, that he know it all the time, meant to give it to me, but was only trying to see if he couldn't make me back down, and that the crew were as mean as the dam to back out, and leave me in the scrape alone. But he hung well, he added. That acknowledgement made him look to me worse than ever. What good it did him to tease me, even against his own convictions of right and justice, was a puzzle to me.