 Chapter 18, Part 2 of 80 Years Ashore and a Float, or The Thrilling Adventures of Uncle Jethro by E. C. Cornell. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 18, Part 2, Whaling Voyage of the Ship Apollo To proceed with the cruise. The captain, thinking a supply of wood and water necessary, had a door for Tom Bez, Mr. Godfrey, who was chief navigator and shipkeeper, was sick below. After several days made the land, and not being familiar with the coast, ran by the port thirty-three miles to Leeward. Came to anchor off the mouth of a river, and went ashore, but soon found by its being salt that it was not the one we were in quest of. Found several others, but still none that answered our purpose. Spent the day roaming around, and at night went on shipboard. This day was also used up in fruitless attempts to find fresh water. But there was no lack of mosquitoes and sandflies, they almost devoured us. Disheartened and hungry, joined the ship again late at night. At noon of the past day, Mr. Godfrey had been on deck and taken an observation, and informed us that thirty-five miles to the southward lay the river we wished to find. We took a boat and started for it. Unreaching it, in order to enter, had to cross a very rugged sandbar. The boat broached to and partly filled with water. The steering oar broke off the stern post, but steering with the other oars we finally got over and entered the river all right. Still doubtful whether it was Tambes or not, until tasting the water was convinced. Had we been acquainted with the kind of animals it furnished, we might have known it once, as the alligators were as thick as dune bugs. The next morning, with a pilot, returned to the ship. Water under way, and at night of the following day let our anchor go off the mouth of the river. Our boats were sent for wood and water. There was any quantity of wood of various kinds, the mangrove most common. Our casks were filled, rolled into the river, lashed together and towed by the boats. Some of our oil was sold here for sweet potatoes and sugar. The sugar was pressed in large cakes, and had the appearance of maple sugar, being quite dark-colored. It was packed in flags braided together. The pilot, who brought us up the coast, was owner of a small brigantine, and did some trading along the coast. For that purpose, we sold him two sixty-gallon casks of black fish oil, though he supposed it was sperm, as it had been represented to him as such. Also sold him fifty fathoms of second-hand tow-line for a cable for his craft. By doubling it was all sufficient, as his vessel was only about ten tons. He immediately started for a Guayaquil for a market. He did not go up to the wharf, but anchored outside. Humpback whales were very plenty about there. In the night it was discovered that his vessel was on the move, which proved to be one of those saucy fellows who had got a fowl of the cable, and was making off with the vessel. But the line crossways of the craft brought her on her beam ends. When the line parted, he taking the greater portion of it for his part. But this was not to be the end of our pilot's misfortunes. He afterwards went up to dispose of his oil, and was landing, or getting it hoisted to the land, when, high enough to swing off, the tackle parted, letting the cask fall on the one beneath it, staving both and saving but little which was scooped up with dirt and water. When he returned from the unprofitable cruise, his lamentable story was told, and our sympathies were expressed in the only way that was in our power. Such as we had gave, we unto him, while the captain replaced the tow-line with a new one. After procuring all the wood and water required, we shipped a man by the name of Young, who said he was a carpenter, and had been cast away, was just able to work his way down from Panama, and was anxious to get away from Tambaz. We left for the offshore ground, and took a few whales. One afternoon, raised a large English whaler running down for us. The man recently shipped was standing at the masthead, looking for whales. As the ship neared us, he came down, complained of an attack of fever and ague, and Moscow below. The ship hoeved her yards aback, and our captain was invited on board. One boat's crew boarded her. It was near night. The English carpenter we had shipped was only pretending sickness, and he began to own up that he, with five others, had run away from that ship with everything they could take with him. Said he, they have seen me with their spyglass, and no doubt recognize me while aloft. He was in a pack of trouble, for fear of being returned to that ship he had deserted, thinking he would be carried to England and hung. The English captain asked if we had been in port of late, and was told that we had just left Tambaz. Did you ship any man? He continued. Yes, was replied, one who calls himself an Englishman. What kind of a looking man was he? Our captain thoughtlessly gave a good description of him. He is my man, replied the Englishman. Our officers saw him aloft and recognized him. I shall come after him to-morrow. Well, sir, said Captain Daggett, if he belongs to you, I suppose you will have to get him. I cannot prevent you. Late at night the boat came back. Captain D. called the man up and questioned him, asked him why had he lied to him. To which he replied, You are gentlemen, and if I had owned up to being a runaway sailor you would not have shipped me. Well, said he in reply, He is coming after you to-morrow. We pitied the poor fellow, knew it would go hard with him, and it was determined to avoid his going back if it was possible to prevent it. The boat-steers on our ship were gentlemen boat-steers, not having any watch to stand and doing generally about as they saw fit. The crew were divided into three watches, usually four men to each. I told the boys in our watch if it were possible we must run away from the English ship. At eight o'clock took my trick at the wheel, and soon after a little squall of rain and mist made it so dark that the other ship was hid from view. After seeing this the helm was clapped up and kept her dead before the wind without starting the sheets. Were under short sail and had been on the wind. When we kept off were only about a third of a mile apart, kept the yards braced as before so that she would show up as little as possible, supposing that the Englishman would keep on his course and pass us. To our disappointment when it lighted up his jaboom was almost over us. He had missed us and judging that we were to leeward had made his calculations just right to outwit us. But we came the square on him in the end. I still let her run as I had done, steering pretty widely to lead him to think we were indifferent what course was made. No chance offered for us to escape him. When we were relieved by the other watch I told them to get away from him if they could. No chance offered during that watch. The third watch took the deck, and the wind died away to a calm. In the morning he was two or three miles on our lee quarter, wind-light, and we out-sailed him. But in the afternoon a breeze sprang up when he began to draw upon us. I am by up when his colors as a signal for us to heave to. At first no notice was taken of them, but after he kept making signals thought best to heave a back and let them come up. Was now only half a mile off. Now, said I to our new man, you haul off your duds in less than no time and put mine on instead. He wore a red shirt and blue pants, and for a hat he had a patty with a brim of foot wide. Tell me, said I, just the same story you told the captain when he shipped you. He did so, and then I told him to make himself scarce, down to the kielsen of the hold if he liked. I was now Matthew young. Turning to the captain, said I, if you want Matthew young I am he. The whole was clear to his vision, and judging from his appearance he approved of it. After young went below, I busied myself in the waist, planing a broken oar for a lance pole. Just before the boat arrived I left it and went aft. Told the boys not to betray me. I was going to turn in, had a severe attack of fever and ague. It was not long before the old Englishman rolled in over the lee quarter rail, most essentially smashed. He was a very large man, would weigh two hundred and thirty pounds. His first words were, Why didn't you heave, too? Our skipper replied, You were gaining so fast I did not think it was worthwhile. You have a great sailor. His compliment, rather please, Johnny Bull, said he, I have come after my man. Where is he? He was told that he was below sick. He would like to have him called up. Orders were given for young to be called, and I came on deck. He looked at me very severely. Scrutinized every feature said, Do you know that ship? I do not sir, don't think I ever saw her before. You do, replied he. You and five others stole my boat and ran away and carried off our ship's tool. Now don't deny it. I did not sir. Well, did you come on board this ship at Tombaz? I did sir. How came you there? I then repeated the story as the runaway had told it to me. While the conversation was taking place, our crew and the other ship's crew were having a gam together. Some of them thought I was the man, as my size corresponded very well. But my voice caused a diversity of opinions among them. I was somewhat amused, as much of their talk was had in my hearing. Finally turning to our captain, said he, Captain, is this the man who came on board your ship at Tombaz? He came on board there, on my honor as a man. It was no lie, I did, several times. My officers all saw him and recognized him, when he was on the top gallant masthead. I think we will take him along. Well, said our captain, if the man belongs to your ship you must have him, of course. But you will have to furnish better proof than you have before you get him. Now that's certain. He again looked me in the face, asked a few additional questions, and turning to the captain, said, That be damned for a yarn, he is not my man. My officers don't know as much as they think they do. He was then asked below to get something to drink, and was not long and accepting for fear the captain might forget about it. I was dismissed, and went into my bunk again. I was getting about supper time, both crews were below, and soon a plenty of rum was passed into the steerage from the captain and passed round. They said it was a good time, but I was getting hungry as well as tired of my position. All that I got out of it was what I saw and overheard. Some of the English sailors wanted me called, being hardly convinced but that I was the man. But as I was sick they would not disturb me. They got to be pretty jolly. Yarns were spun and songs sung, and the evening was passed in good humor by all on board, accepting myself, for my mirth had to be kept under. At eleven o'clock the Englishman, with considerable assistance, reached his boat, and they shoved off. I turned out, called the carpenter, and if my clothes didn't look nice. Dirty water, grease, and iron rust beautifully displayed to the very best advantage. Together the carpenter and myself sucked. He feeling some better than he did a few hours previous, the shakes having left him when he discovered the Englishman had taken his departure. A laugh went through the ship from stem to stern, while we all felt very much as people do nowadays when they utter the slaying phrase, sold again. Only afterwards I had to answer to the name of Matthew Young. Next morning the other ship was far away, and soon out of sight entirely. About a month after fell in with ship Boston, an antucket whaler, under the command of a cousin of mine, one clasby. He visited our ship, and after being on board a while, Captain Doggett told him the story of the Englishman's experience looking up runaway sailors. He had me called aft, and asked me how I dared to play it on the old fellow in that shape. I told him for two reasons. One was pity for him, meaning young, and the other from pity for ourselves, as we were shorthanded. He said he should hardly have thought I would have dared to, but it was a pretty slick caper at any rate. He afterward saw and conversed with the carpenter about it. Not a great while from that time Captain Clasby fell in with the Englishman, and during a visit to his ship introduced the story, as I have told it, by telling the captain that he had been on board, the little Yankee ship, as our vessel was usually called. The English captain said he too was on board of us, not a great while before. Yes, said Clasby, they served you a pretty slick caper, didn't they? Oh, no, no caper was served me, it was a mistake. I thought he had a man belonging to us, but found the officers to be mistaken. There was no trick, however. Said Captain Clasby, it was your man, for I saw him and conversed with him. The man you saw belonged to the ship. I knew him well, as he was a cousin of mine. He changed clothes with your man, and while representing him before you, the other man was in the hold. Is that so? exclaimed the captain in much surprise. I have heard before of Yankee treks, but that beats all creation. He might have added, and Johnny Boll in the bargain. Clasby replied, it was just as I tell you, that boy always was a big rogue, and he played it pretty well. Yes, that is a fact. I often have heard of Yankee capers. Is it possible I have been made a fool of by one of the same species? Well, I rather think I have, and as he is not here to take a drink, won't you do it for him? But I want to live long enough to see him once more. He died, not a great while after. Not, however, from the effect of the joke played, for no man who was intended for a self-murderer would ever die from any other cause. About these times we fared much better for grub. The bread was headed up, and sweet potatoes were dealt out. Two middling-sized ones, or one large one, to a man for each meal. We caught several blackfish, and had a good store hanging to the mainstay. Sometimes had what sailors called duff, flour and water mixed and boiled in salt water, after being placed in a bag. If a part of it was allowed to get cold, it answered the purpose of a whetstone. Now and then the favorite dish of samp, seasoned as before with the fresh meat of worms, was served out. Quite a moderate day, shortly after. All the boats went out after a while. He ran to Windward, and before they succeeded in striking him, he was ten miles from the ship. He was an ugly fellow, the captain's boat turned him up and took him in tow. The ship, still remaining far off, instead of trying to approach the boats, was observed to be acting strangely, sometimes heading on the wind at another time running free. We hardly knew what to make of it, and some fears were entertained for the safety of the shipkeeper in charge. The captain picked a crew of his best men, and pulled for the vessel, boarding which he found things not exactly as he would have liked. In a few hours the boats with the whale reached the ship, and early next morning all hands were engaged cutting in, trying out and stowing down. He made us fifty barrels. He said to the captain that it was unsafe to leave the ship, as we had done previously. We thought it as well to put some other person in charge. He replied that it was his intention to select a new shipkeeper, and calling me aft told me I was needed in that capacity. I told him that was not what I shipped for, nor did I desire the position. It is your duty to do anything that is for the interest of the voyage, he replied. An answer to this told him I was fearful of not being able to suit him, that he had better select some other person. No, said he. You may keep the ship. I then asked if I was not entitled to a shipkeeper's lay. Certainly you are, and you shall have it. Well, sir, I would like to have it in writing, for something to show will be required in settling the voyage. He showed some little anger, and asked me if his word was not to be taken. I replied, it is to be hoped, sir, that it may be good, but there is no disputing what is shown in black and white. He gave me no writing, but the position was accepted on his promise to do so, which he failed to fulfill. Soon a good opportunity was offered for showing my abilities and my new cast of character. A large wail had been raised, all the boats were in pursuit, when they struck were well to winward of the ship. With the assistance of a boy twelve years of age, the ship had to be worked against the wind, and before they succeeded in fetching the wail, too, he had run still further off. The ship was anciently rigged, every rope of hemp mostly stiffened with tar, and consequently exceedingly clumsy. I hauled ropes, braces, sheets, and tacks, till from my eyes flashed streams of fire as protracted as herring-sticks. At last got the ship up, hove a back, and the wail was taken alongside. When the captain came on board, he complimented me in unmeasured terms, perfectly satisfied with my first attempt at shipkeeping. Well, he might have been, thought I. We cut the wail in, and he stowed down forty barrels. Our water casks, getting low, concluded to put away for Tambes once more. We had a good spell of quiet on board, but little growling, pleasant weather, and short passage. Dropped anchor off-bar, soon filled our casks, and replenished the woodpile. Mr. Godfrey, a townsman of ours, was quite sick below. Captain D. ordered me to go down, and pass up everything which belonged to Mr. G., as he was intending to put him on shore. I told him that I did not care to comply with his request, when he gave the order to another, who attended to it. The captain picked out six of us, who he said were afflicted with the scurvy, saying that he had made arrangements with a planter to fresh provision us on his plantation in the interior for a while. I told him that no indication of that complaint was on my body, nor in my system. But the boat was lowered, and for the plantation we started. Had a good time eating country produce for four days. On the morning of the fifth day our boat landed for us, the one in charge informing us that the ship was soon to leave port. These being made for Mr. G., were told that the other boat had gone on to the village for him. When we reached the ship, the other boats were there, and had not been to the village for the sick man. Captain Daggett and Matthew Young, during our temporary absence, had been having a little bit of a row in relation to the immoderate use of corn served out to the hogs about deck. I allude to the four-legged ones. The captain told them he fed them too high, to which accusation he pleaded not guilty, and enforced his words by the use of some considered, in cabin circles, rather insulting. It finally resulted in Young's getting his ribs stove in, by an unlucky hoist given him, by our not over-very stiff-jointed captain. This was in the afternoon. Next morning a little drogar anchored near us, just in from the coast. Our mates sung out, man the boat, calling Young to get in with the others. We pulled off and boarded the craft, found plenty of wine and aguardiente on board, which was passed around quite freely. Directly looking toward the ship, saw that she was getting under way. Mate cried out, man the boat, and we jumped in and shoved off. You noticed that Young was missing, but the mate said no matter, we could send a boat for him. The ship was headed out to sea, all sail on her. We caught up, and took in the boats. Mr. Godfrey and Matthew Young were left behind. The place was soon lost to our view, and I have never seen it since, nor do I expect to. None of us expected to ever see Godfrey again, but we did, for when we arrived home at the end of the voyage he had reached there in advance of us. We soon arrived on whale-ground, two hands shorter than we were before entering port, had been cruising only a few days when a large ship was seen bearing down towards us. She came close aboard, bounded to under our lee and hove a back. We soon recognized her as the same formerly commanded by the old Englishman, who we afterwards learned had died, and the command devolved upon his former mate, who manned his boat and boarded us. Almost the first words he muttered were, Where's our ma'am? He was informed that we left him on shore at Tambes. The statement was received with some doubt. He said, I don't want him, I wouldn't have him on board the ship if I could as well as not, but would like to talk with him. He is not here, for certain. Well, said he, then allow me to see the person who represented him in such a rascally manner, I had the whole story from Captain Clasby. I was called aft, and of all the mad men I ever saw, the old man was the maddest. When I was introduced by our captain as the chap he inquired for, I looked him in the face, hardly able to restrain my laughter. Said I, How do you do, sir? He replied, You are the fellow, who so deceived Captain Graham, are you? How dared you do it! Had you known him as well as I did, you would have hardly considered it safe. Well, sir, I replied, I should not think so trifling an incident worth speaking of. He replied that it was pretty well done, none but a Yankee would have thought of it. I will give you the credit of carrying out a good joke in pretty nice shape, and if you are as good a sailor as you are a Yankee trickster and friend to Matthew Young, the runaway English tar, you must be a valuable man. Upon inquiring particularly about Captain Graham, we're told he died of delirium tremens. He was a most inveterate drinker, and the verdict rendered in his case was, Rum did it. We parted company with the ship soon after, and saw her no more during the voyage. The next day raised another large whale. As before I was left in charge of the ship, all the boats in pursuit, and the whale far too windward. The captain got fast, but lost a good chance to landsome, by allowing his boat-steerer to practice the profession of bleeding, the business being new to him, he failed to do much execution. The whale sounded, took out all the line in the boat, when the second mate's boat came up, and Mr. Airy, the boat-header, bent on another one. He still sank deeper, taking a good part of the second line. Presently began to haul line, and gradually he arose to near the surface of the water. The captain, seeing Mr. A. getting ready to lance, told him not to kill that whale, for he wanted Mr. Boat-steerer Norto to kill him. Here, let me remark, boat-steerers on board the old ship Apollo were always addressed as Mr. A. replied, If the whale comes up near to me, I will throw a lance into him, if someone comes out of the grave to forbid it. He did come up all right, and all he had to do was to start the claret on him, which he did, turned him up in less time than required to tell it. When the old man saw the blood flying, he sang out, Well done, my good lad, you have done it nicely. Yes, said Mr. A., but if I hadn't killed him, Toffett would not have been enough for me, according to your views. My best endeavours were used in getting the ship convenient to the boats. Got the whale cut in, which stowed us down between fifty and sixty barrels. We did not pretend, in those early years of wailing, to make any account of the teeth, only saving them occasionally for the purpose of scrimshawing, as sailors termed the making, of fancy articles from the parts of the whale. After this, business was dull for some months, but an incident occurred in a few days which served to give a little variety to the monotony of sea life. The day was moderate. Hardly a ripple disturbed the broad expanse of water which surrounded us. The lookout, at the four top gallant masthead, saw something in the distance making for the ship. Some curiosity was manifested, until from its near approach it was discovered to be one of the larger species of turtle. Mr. Norton immediately ordered the captain's boat cleared away for lowering. A number jumped in, and Chase was given him. As they pulled up behind, Norton stood ready with the boat-hook, intending to enter it into the jaw, or forward of the fore-flipper. Made the attempt, but as the skin was unyielding and the hook rather dull, missed his aim, which only had the effect of waking him up from the little nap he was quite innocently enjoying. He dove underwater, about ten or a dozen feet. Mr. Norton saw where he was, saying, Mr. Turtle, you are not to give us the slip quite as easy as you imagine. Slat his hat into the bottom of the boat, overboard and under after him. Grabbed a maft, bearing down, pointed him upward. The old turtle came up near the boat, under full pressure, when he was secured and safely lodged on board. Do not know how he liked boat sailing, but probably he had never before enjoyed such a luxury. The turtle was after the hawk-bill species, his mouth and head very much resembling the bird of that name. She weighed two hundred pounds. It was a foolish experiment for a man to try. Had the animal been disposed to draw his hind flippers up, Mr. Norton could never have been extricated himself, and consequently must have been lost beyond the hope of recovery. I imagine that was the first, and probably the last time that Mr. Norton ever became so attached to one of those naturally ugly quadrupeds. Our cruising for whales was attended with but little success, though one was taken occasionally. When the boats left early in the morning, no cooking was done for the day. But if the doctor had time to put a dinner on to cook, it was usually attended to its completion in its absence. About this time, our skipper thought, he would put away for a paiti, a seaport of Peru. Had to beat against trade winds, and in about ten days made the land. Standing into a bay, saw curious-looking craft coming out. Soon coming together, it proved to be what was termed a catamaran, constructed of fourteen logs, thirty-five feet in length, secured by train owls. It was very light wood, the large ends were aft, each log sharpened in front like a wedge, a platform four feet high, a little abaffed to the center, with a thatched house upon it, the water passing over the logs and under the house. On boarding her, ascertained that she had a cargo of fruit, and quite a number of passengers. Were informed that they were bound to paiti also, and her commander said he would keep our company. The idea seemed so ridiculous that we laughed, for we had considered our ship a very superior sailing craft. We purchased some fruits. The catamaran had two masts, on each of which was a large square sail made of grass mats. We were told that we were two miles to leeward of Pea. Stood out of the bay in company, sharp hauled on the wind. We noticed that the man who was steering our fancy neighbor stood knee-deep in the water, tacked several times, but no great difference was discovered in the sailing qualities of either vessel. All day we kept within a quarter of a mile of each other. She held us very good play, her center board holding her up to the wind. Just at night a smart breeze sprang up. We reefed but one top sail at a time, keeping our headway. The other lowered both sails at once, and was a great while taking in the reefs. And by that means she got some distance to leeward of us. Soon the darkness hid her from our view, and we have not seen her since. We worked along until we judged ourselves all right to go in by daylight, stood off shore under short sail, with orders to keep that course until two o'clock, and to tack and run in. It was my trick at the wheel. Just before the hour of two the captain and mate came on deck, the captain saying he had altered his mind and should not enter Pea-80 for fear of detention if there was trouble between the patriots and loyalists. I think, said he, we had better go to the Galapagos Islands. There we can get some Terrapin if nothing else. The charts were soon spread on the cabin table. The course traced and distance estimated down to the islands, and for them the ship was headed. Light winds prevailed, and our progress was very slow. With no oil on the passage, after many days reached Charles Island, where we fell in with two Englishmen whalers and an Antucketer. We came to anchor close by them, and everything being secure went on shore after Terrapin. Went far into the interior over to Black Beach, so called from its cindery appearance. These called cabbagewood and prickly pears were scattered here and there, only one spring of water was found, and that on the extreme south end. We succeeded in taking a good lot of Terrapin, usually selecting those most convenient to carry on our backs, the usual way of transporting them. End of Chapter 18 Part 2 Chapter 18 Part 3 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 18 Part 3 Whaling Voyage of the Ship Apollo. Here we remained about one week, occupying ourselves daily in the same manner. Frequently, it required some time to enable us to find the sized ones best suited to our ideas. They were all the way from as large as a silver dollar to the size of a Henry Clay cook-stove. Some were so large that they could easily travel with four good-sized men on their backs. Their chief article of diet, when on land, is the cabbage tree leaves, which are broken down by the force of the winds, but sometimes, when no high winds lay their food on the ground for them, a large number will congregate, and with one accord, gnaw into the bark of these trees till, coming to the pith, which is soft and tender, the tree falls before them. The trees grow to the size of a half-barrel. I have often taken them from their work and pointed them in another direction, but if allowed, they will return to complete their job, never leaving it until it is completed. Though they appear to enjoy eating as well as other animals, yet they will live and thrive on ship-board for months or more, with nothing on which to subsist. Three hundred were put on board our ship, stowed between decks or anywhere out of the way. They were a strange kind of birds, did not seem to care whether they stood on their head or heels. Their meat was most excellent, usually made it into stifles and soups. It was so fat that half a bucketful of grease could be taken from their upper shell when butchered. The fat was sometimes used to shorten those favorite duffs, previously alluded to. More or less, scamming was attended to, from one ship to another. On one of these occasions, Captain Coffin of the Nantucket ship told us one of his men, an Indian from Gay Head, had been missing for some days. Did not know but that some accident had befallen him. He was nowhere to be found, and as he was going down to T. Bay, wished us, if he turned up, to bring him along with us when we came down. That was our intention to leave in a day or two. On the night previous to our leaving, our mate ordered the boatman. Said he was going to visit the English ship. I started to get into the boat with others belonging to her, when the mate told me it was the captain's orders that I should remain by the ship. I did not believe it, however, and while the mate went to the cabin for something he had left, I jumped into her and hid myself under some old jackets in the bow. The boat went alongside the ship, all hands, including myself, scrambled up, it was quite dark, and I escaped the notice of the mate. I went into the forecastle, and there saw the Gay Head Indian, whom I recognized from the Nantucket Cursey of which his clothing was composed. He was very composedly taking his supper. Looking him in the face, said I, Hello, Gay Head, how came you here? He replied, I belong to this ship. Well, said I, you have belonged to her only one day. He left and discussed, and I saw him no more for the night. Soon after it was man the boat. The mate, catching sight of me, said, How the damned came you here? And reply told him that he brought me. Did you come off in the boat? I did not see you. I did, sir, but didn't intend you should see me. I was covered up in the bow of the boat. It passed off, and nothing more was said about it. The next morning, preparations being made to go out, and I asked the captain if he wasn't going to take, Captain Coffin's Gay Header to him. He replied, if he knew where he was, should do so. Well, said I, he is on board the English ship. I saw him, and conversed with him when on board the ship last night. As no comments were made regarding my visiting the ship, it satisfied me that the mate lied to me the night before. The object he had in view I never learned. The boat was lowered, and I was ordered to accompany the crew for a visit to the ship. Upon reaching her, the captain was informed that we had come after Captain Coffin's runaway sailor. He replied that he knew nothing about him. He was not on board his ship that he knew of. I was then asked if I didn't see him in the forecastle the last night. Replied that I did, and going down found him still there. He was ordered up, and we took him aboard with us. He was rather sulky, didn't wish to go. He was told that it was Captain Coffin's wish for us to bring him to his ship, and we intended to do so. When we got down, set our signals for Coffin to board us. The mate came and took him into his boat. When they shoved off, the Indian took an oar, as if to assist in rowing, but instead darted it through the planks of the bow, making a hole in her which required stuffing with old rags to prevent sinking. The mate told him he would sweat in him, and no doubt he did. It was not characteristic of the race to be very evil-minded. This case was an exception, rather than an example of the general rule. Perhaps no class of people on the globe have won a fairer reputation for bravery and seamanship, or the enviable qualities of superior wellmen. No better recommendation was required by those engaged in the wailing interest, than to be assured that an individual belonged to the gay-head tribe, or was the descendant of such. The full blooded of that race have become almost extinct. Deacon Johnson, an old and much-respected Baptist veteran, is, I believe, the only living representative. The Terrapin we had taken were stowed in different parts of the ship. Some among the casks between decks, some on deck, it mattered little to us, and apparently less to them what their accommodations were, so long as they kept out from underfoot. With the food they afforded, and that of the blackfish constantly on hand, we fared quite sumptuously. We continued our cruising in company with the ships, but with little success for some time. The captain thought best to return to his old whale-ground. Headed her off that way, always maintaining a lookout at Masthead. Got pretty well back. At this time the carpenter, Mr. B. Smith, was sick and unable to go in the boats. It was my lookout. As at the main top gallant head, discovered a very large spout of a sperm whale, a long way to Leeward, saying out, There she blows, a sperm whale of the beam. The wind was light, kept off for him. The whale went down and stayed down an hour, then spouted again and started to Leeward, kept up one hour by the glass. Captain said he must be a large fellow. We're going so slowly, concluded to chase with the boats. All three boats were lowered and off after him. I was left with the sick man, who was just able to walk, had to sit down to steer. Well for us that the whale was so far to Leeward, it was my intention to keep him so, as long as possible. Didn't run down very fast, for fear he would turn to Windward. I went aloft with the glass and judged that the whale was about three miles away. Very soon saw white water, and concluded they were fast, which was the case. About the same time I observed an ugly-looking squall rising to the Windward. And I knew, if sail was not shortened, before it shut us in from the boats, they would cut from and loose the whale. I hurried down, set the bearings of the whale by the compass, and told the sick man we must contrive to rake in the light sails. First the mizzen, and the four and main top gallant sails were taken in. All the foresail up snug, and slew the ship broadside to the boats, that it might be seen that it was unnecessary for them to cut. That sail had already been shortened ready for a squall. It was observed just in time to prevent them from cutting. The squall struck, but not so heavy as was anticipated, though she groaned for a while. After it passed, headed her for the boats. The whale had acted pretty ugly, and was still spouting thick blood. One boat was badly stove, but pretty soon the whale was dead. Run the ship down and hover back, a line was ran to the ship, and the whale taken alongside quite late in the day. The captain was much pleased with our management on board the ship. Said he couldn't have done better himself, adding, You saved the whale for us! Cut him in the next day, that is, what the sharks didn't carry off. We stowed down ninety barrels, and probably ten or fifteen barrels was pilfered by the sharks, many of whom during the night became the victims of our displeasure, for we disliked to feed them on such expensive food, and gave them cold iron instead. Our four-top sail now beginning to look pretty black on account of places worn thin, a man was sent aloft to remedy the evil by making them blacker, by giving them a coat of tar, an entirely original method of mending old sails. Several times this was resorted to. By the time our voyage was accomplished it had a most singular appearance. Had used the four-sail for the whole voyage. Whales were scarce after this time, and it was judged best to try our luck on the inshore ground, accordingly put her away for the coast. Our cook, or doctor, as he was usually called, used to parboil a sufficient quantity of terrapin overnight for next morning's breakfast, when not obliged to be in the boats. At this time had some already prepared. Quite often in his absence I would do it for him, during my deck-watch. The sweet potatoes had now become so scarce they were only served up in the cabin, but during the day a boat-steer had contrived to hook a bucketful. It was our watch from eight o'clock to twelve. Our caboose stood forward against the bowsprit-bits, the four-castle gangway being on the port-bow. The boat-steer told me he wanted the potatoes boiled. I told him that as we were heading for the land the old man would be around and had better be put off for another time. It was a pleasant night, and I went below and took a little nap on my chest. Presently one of the watch came down and woke me, saying, Come on, deck! We have a good fire in the galley, and the potatoes are boiling, nearly done. But the captain is in the smoke, and we dare not take him out. What did we better do? I replied, It is a mess of your own cooking. I am sure I don't know what to prescribe. Just at this time the captain growled out, What is all this fire doing here? With a lie already on the end of my tongue, I replied, We have terra-pin on par-boiling. Who has the care of it? He asked. I have, sir. I replied. Well, come along and attend to it, then. There is a good fire, sir. Yes, I see there is enough to roast a bullock. Throw some water on it. You don't need so much. Glad of the opportunity of shedding less light on the subject. Soon extinguish the flames to his satisfaction, and no less to our own. The rest of the watch were well aft, hoping he would come to them. Now, he said to me, Go aloft and see if any land is in sight. I started up the weather-rigging. He was on the lee side of the vessel, reached the four-yard, and perceiving him going toward the men aft I crossed over, and came down the lee side, dodged into the galley, and before he could say Jack Robinson, relieved the coppers of the potatoes, but found the captain coming forward again. Not having time to remove them without his knowledge, slid the door too as far as it would slide. He appeared to be heading for the galley, said I. I think, sir, the land is in sight. Gosh, souls, wear away! said he. I pointed off the lee bow to a heavy bank in the horizon. Come this way, lads! he ordered, and tell me what you make of this. As quick as his attention was directed toward what I very well knew was only a cloud, I started into the forecastle with the potatoes in a little less than no time. My next maneuver was to place the kid of parboiled Terrapin, where he could not fail to see it if his attention was given in that direction. It being decided not land, the captain wheeled round and asked, Isn't that Terrapin done yet? said I. Yes, sir, it's here in the kid, but he didn't feel of it, and I was glad he did not, for its coldness would have betrayed me. Well, out with the fire, then! We have no wood to throw away, he added, and went aft. It was now nearly time for the next watch to be called. The old, darky cook slept in the forecastle alone, and when he slept he did it very soundly. I attempted to make him understand how things were in regard to potatoes, told him if the old man'd questioned him, to let him think I had been assisting him with the Terrapin, etc. He appeared to be drowsy, did not seem to comprehend the situation, and in order to arouse his faculties I sawed his legs across the edge of the birthboards till he began to swear when I knew he was awake. I told him where the Terrapin were stowed, but he, of course, was to know nothing but Terrapin if any enquiries were made, and promised him if he carried it out slick he should have the next glass of grog that was served out to me. I knew this would make a short pop with him, if anything could. The next morning the cook went into the hold for wood, had thrown quite a pile up on deck, when the captain ordered him aft. He went, said the captain, such work as this won't do, cook. What work? asked he. Well, said the captain, it takes half the night to prepare Terrapin for breakfast. The cook said it couldn't be helped, he didn't always have time, and so got others to help with it. Who had the care last night? Ripley replied the cook. What, do you trust that fellow with the fire at night? Yes, sir. He said he would have a good look out and do it all right. I should say he was as good as his words, he had a roar. I'm afraid he will burn us all up yet, he's all over the ship in an hour. You must try to attend to it yourself in the future. The cook replied that he always had, when he could. Now wound up the affair except eating the potatoes, which relished remarkably well, tasting all the better for the trouble taken in securing them. The captain turning to the pile of wood said, Look here, cookie, you know we are getting short of wood. You must heave part of that into the hold again. Here, admin, addressing his son, go below and get a glass of grog for the cook. The woodpile diminished rapidly, and so did the grog, sure enough, shortly after. The boy had been in the habit of bringing liquor into the steerage for the cooper and carpenter, both having through life been accustomed to it. The captain thought it too bad for them to be denied it now, when it was almost second nature to them. On one occasion of the boy's spiritual visit, in fun, I remarked that I wished I was a cooper, carpenter, or some other mechanical devil, that I might have a little once in a while. The boy left, but soon returned and said, Ripley, father want you in the cabin. What is the matter now, thought I. What I had done of a serious nature to offend, I was unable to conjecture. Told the boy, when they had done their dinner in the cabin, I would come and see him. He carried my reply, and immediately returned, saying, Father want you now, Ripley. This time I went, and as I approached the table, Captain Daggett asked me if I was a cooper. No, sir, said I. Are you a carpenter? No, sir, but I can make a box that will hold sweet potatoes. Gosh souls, he exclaimed, a favorite expression of his. Well, Ripley, said he, repeat what you said to the boy when he brought the grog into the steerage. Said I. There was no harm intended, sir. Having often seen the boy on his mission, I uttered the expression referred to. The bottle was on the table, which, with a tumbler, he shoved over to me, saying, Now take a good drink yourself. Knowing how much you have knocked around the world, I had to have considered you in connection with the others. But help yourself. Don't be afraid of it. Not knowing its contents, I replied that to drink after him was manners. A moderate drink was poured out, which I drank, while he insisted that as there was a plenty of it, I must not slight it. I remarked that a little suited me best. In the future, said the captain, when the cooper and carpenter have their grog, yours will be sent also. But as to the boys, they're better without it. It was true to his word, but it didn't often occur, and so my constitution was not injured by excessive indulgence. About this time, fearful that our skipper would not know the circumstances of the potato cooking, I told the story as it was, in the presence of a person who had won the reputation of being a mail carrier on board the ship. The same day, the captain came to me and said, Ripley, I understand you are good hand to boil potatoes in the night. I replied that I was, if while so doing, I could lead him to suppose the land was in sight. Yes, said he, that was all that saved your bacon. It was a nice caper, and I will give you credit for it. Well, said I, suppose you had found it out at the time. He replied that it would have gone hard with me. Most every day, more or less, patches of tar were made on the foretop sail. Still, we cruised for whales, sometimes for weeks without seeing a spout, and then raised a whale only to chase the whole day without getting them. A week later, no land in sight, saw a large school of sperm whales going to windward very fast. Lowered all the boats, one boat got fast to a little fellow, the others kept on in the hope of catching up with the others, but gave it up, and returned to assist in towing the other whale now dead. He had acted quite strangely before the thick blood was fetched, turning round and round. On examining him, was found to be blind in one eye, and his object in turning to the right was to bring his left to bear upon the boat, which as the boat turned with his movement, he was unable to do. The difficulty under which he laboured was not obviated. The whale was taken to the ship, making only thirty-five barrels. Saw no more chances for ten days or a fortnight. A few more patches of tar were added to the top sail. Not long after, saw a large school of fine seal asleep on the water. One boat put off in pursuit, paddling up to Leeward, that they might not sent their pursuers. Killed one with the spade or lance, as about as large as the body of a small horse, hoisted him in, and hauled him into the lee waste. One of the officers requested me to skin him. I went at it, while the most of the crew acted as spectators. Was at work about the head, and lifting the skin, opened his mouth, and displayed two jaws of very black teeth. The captain, wishing for a good sight, said, Ripley, open his mouth again. I did so, when the captain exclaimed as usual, Gosh souls, what do you suppose ails the critter? I replied that without any doubt he had eaten so much salt meat, and had brought on the scurvy, and that must be the cause of his teeth being so black. He made no more comments and walked aft. The Cooper said it was a wonder I didn't get my brains knocked out, answering the captain that way. I told him it was no easy matter to knock out brains when there was a general scarcity of them. The skin of the seal was used to cover chafed parts of the rigging, the blubber was tried out, and found to yield an excellent oil. The balance was given to the sharks. We had frequently taken seal, but none so large. As the Terrapin had become nearly exhausted, having given many to other ships, Blackfish was chiefly served out to us for meat. The bright, waist-looking, rather tarnished, thought best to give it a coat of paint, for which, from the lack of anything better, we took porpoise oil, mixed with tar, and soot from the cook's funnel, which looked very well when first put on, but during the night the sea was rough, and before morning the paint was washed off, leaving it in a still worse condition than before. That was all the painting done for the voyage. We're now working up the coast toward Cape Horn. Saw one loam sperm whale. He was moving very slow. Put after him with two boats, and soon fastened and killed him. A good reason was manifest why he was so moderate in his movements. His tail was nearly rotted off, and his body was covered with eruptions, was a sight to behold. He was as large as a fifty-barrel whale, but we got only twenty. This was the last sperm whale taken during the voyage, making eight hundred and eight barrels altogether. As the prospect now looked bad for getting more, concluded to put away for the Brazil banks, in quest of right whale. With a fair wind and plenty of it, soon got around the Cape. Three days we scud under a reefed top sail alone. Saw a number of ships, but spoke none. Occasionally a whale was seen, but as it was quite rugged and did not put the boats out. And due time arrived at the banks. Found whales to be quite numerous. One day lowered two boats, the rugged weather requiring a boat's crew to remain on board the ship. They struck, but not being acquainted with right whaling he was not secured. Not long after it was lower away again. Managed to get one this time, a very large fellow. It was cold and rough whaling, and it didn't take us long to get disgusted with it. We well knew the oil was hardly worth boiling out, and frequently would chase a long time. Strike and part our lines, or the whale would sink. Luck seemed to be against us. We were about disheartened, and wished to leave the business. Just after taking another whale, it began to blow. We had to take in the fore and mizzen top sails, and close reef the main. When we came to furl the fore top sail, it required all hands, and took an hour to roll it up. The thick patches of tar, and it being extremely cold, it was like handling a side of sole leather. The roll was as large as a four-barrel cask. Shortly after, had pleasant weather again. Saw whales quite often, killed and sank half a dozen, only saved one, for our lines were getting very rotten. A few days after, we were again compelled to reef as fast as we could. We were laying on the starboard tack, it was my watch on deck, and the sea was getting very rough. She fetched a deep roll to leeward, struck the waist-boat on the water, and unhooked the forward tackle, partially filling her with water. The gripes were parted, and when the ship rolled to windward, the boat struck her with great force and considerable racket. We were in hopes she would break away and clear herself from the ship, for fear the captain might be disturbed. But as we concluded to get her in, called all hands, and got her in on deck. The officers went below. On account of the roughness, the cabin lamp was left on the floor, burning dimly. The mate undertook to increase the flame by picking up the wick, neither he nor the captain, meanwhile, being in the best of humor. The captain angrily asked him what he was trying to do. Said he, I'm trying to coax this lamp to burn. Your damned lazy boy hasn't trimmed it to-night. By that he clenched the mate, but by some means, tumbled against a chest, which knocked from his cheek a piece of skin as large as a silver quarter of a dollar. They had quite a squabble, but I did not see who came off best, but I did not see who came off best, or did I much care. Next day it was rugged, no whales in sight. The captain and mate were on deck. All hands were called aft, and the captain, addressing the crew, said, Do you see my face? Mr. Loose struck me last night. Mr. Loose denied the assertion. Said that the scar was made by the captain, falling against the corner of a chest. To which the captain replied, Mr. Loose, you are no longer an officer aboard this ship. I break you, and it is my orders that hereafter the crew do not regard your commands, neither men nor boys, under penalty of having their voyage stopped when we get home. The crew all liked Mr. Loose, and preferred him for mate. Did not know whom he would appoint, and it was very evident that a general dissatisfaction existed with the present arrangement, by the little squads of men scattered here and there about the vessel in earnest conversation. The captain perceived this to be the case, calling the cooper one side, asked him to inform him just how things were in relation to it. Said he, Are the fellows going to mutiny and take the ship? Well, said the cooper, they don't like your proceedings, are not satisfied with your breaking the mate, they want no other one to take his place and will not stand it. Said the captain, I have forbidden all hands obeying him, I disliked to take back my words, but if he will make acknowledgment, and take his place like a man, they may obey him as here to fore. We asked him to take the place of mate on the conditions named. He replied he would see him damned first before he would acknowledge. He had nothing to acknowledge to him for. He took his place, and things went on as before. All hands still sicker of wailing than ever concluded the best move next made would be toward home. Headed her that way, had a good run, with fair winds, made the coast of North America first off Montauk Point. We took no pilot, as one of the boat-steers used to follow the business, and was familiar with the coast. He was given charge. When we reached the flats opposite the harbour of Edgertowne, a lot of boats came to us, they having heard of our approach. The captain jumped into one of the sailboats, and went on shore. The wind, now being ahead, we had to beat into the harbour, and the pilot, allowing his attention to be given too much to the visitors, the first thing we knew, the ship fetched up on the northeast end of Chapaquitic, on Stony Point, Cape Pogue. It was now near night, and we sent up town for a smack. Sent down the three top gallant masts, and in the evening, the vessel arriving, got out a large anchor with a long scope of cable. At high water, hover off, and ran up to Deacon Mayhew's Wharf. Almost the first man we saw was Mr. Godfrey, whom we supposed long since dead and buried in Tambes. Left penniless, as he was in a foreign country, he had managed to pick his way from one land to another, swimming rivers, penetrating forests, sometimes getting a short lift from one conveyance by land, at another by water, at last arriving before us. He was a good navigator, and this must have done him good service. We tied her up, furled the sails, and if anyone wished to see a rough-looking vessel, they had only to visit Mayhew's Wharf to do so. The oil turned out one thousand and eleven barrels, which was sold at the rate of thirty-eight cents per gallon for the sperm, and twenty-two for the right whale. My wages, after settling the voyage, amounted to seven dollars per month. It was absent twenty-two months, and I was perfectly satisfied that I had seen all the experience I desired in the whaling business. My outfit cost me thirty dollars, and on my return brought back in good condition twenty dollars' worth. This ship afterwards made two quite successful voyages sperm whaling, and was finally condemned and hauled into the shore below the residence of her chief owner. Here, for many years, her Hulk lay, a fitting memento of the early enterprise of those who sent her out. Recently the naked timbers over which the tide ebbed and flowed twice in twenty-four hours for so many years, were removed for the sake of the copper fastenings. But a knee, termed the deadwood, which was a part of the stern work, may yet be seen on the premises belonging to the town poorhouse, and although it cannot be less than eighty-five years old, no sign of decay is visible upon it. This should, and doubtless will be, preserved by some of our enterprising citizens as a relic of the first vessel engaged in this interest by our townspeople, as well as a memorial perpetuating the names of those who performed the voyage, two of whom only survive, V's Captain G. A. Bailey's, and the subject of this narrative. CHAPTER XIX Uncle Jethro goes coasting. After remaining at home a few weeks, spending my leisure time in the society of my friends, finding that my long absence had not diminished the interest I had felt in them in times past, from intimations I received from parties concerned, in regard to lawsuits about to be instituted between different parties who were on board the old Apollo, thought to avoid appearing as evidence by making a voyage south. Shipped on board a coaster called the Native, we proceeded to Boston, took in a load of salt for Gloucester, delivered it without any particular incident attending us, with the single exception of a little bit of romance with which I was connected. We were lying alongside the wharf, just as the sun was going down on a Sunday evening. A young man in company with two young ladies came to the vessel, and asked me for the use of our boat, to take a little moonlight excursion. I told him if he would moor the boat under the bow as he found her, I had no objection to his using her. He took the girls into the boat, and started down the harbour. Soon after dark I turned him. Leia Spell, who was very restless, thought all the mosquitoes and flies in creation were about me. I turned out, and went upon deck, to get some fresh air, as it was warm. Took a seat on the quarter deck. Soon perceived the boat was returning, and near at hand. The young man laid the oars down, and took hold of one of his companions, and said, Now Marianne, I'm going to dip you. Oh, said she, don't James, these are my best clothes. He replied, I don't care, overboard you go. And pushed her head long into the water. She turned and clutched the gunwell of the boat. Ah, said he, that won't do. You are going all under. A Baptist shall be made of you. Well, then please let me remove my combs. Which, being done, he unclasped her hands and pushed her entirely from sight. I had been observing the moments, unseen by them, and could not determine what to think about it. When he was ready he hauled her in, and sculled the boat to the boughs of the vessel, and darted the oar upon the wharf. The lady who was dry landed in safety, although the boat was not secured by her warp. While the other lady, in attempting unaided to gain the wharf, reached it with her hands, but in the act shoved the boat off, so that before she could get out or recover her position again, went plump into the water. She sank out of sight. The other lady, who was her sister, screamed out, Marianna's drowning. Soon the drowning girl rose to the surface, raised one arm, screeched in agony, and disappeared again. While her male companion, bewildered and half drunk, stood quite motionless and stupefied. Said I, jump and catch that woman, or she'll never rise again. Thus aroused, over he went, caught her, and held her head out of the water. With a long pull I reached the boat, pulled it in, jumped into it, and went to rescue them. First pulled in the girl, afterwards got the man in. By this time a dozen or more, who had heard the cries of the sinking girl, had appeared in their sleeping apparel to witness the scene. Sent the excursion party home, telling them I would take care of the boat. I never saw them after, but learned that they were the daughters of a widow lady, one of whom was receiving the attentions of their brutal companion. He was an intemperate fellow, and this little circumstance ended the courtship. Our craft returned to Boston, took in an assorted cargo for New York, where we arrived in safety, and discharged it all right, loaded with corn and flour for Boston. Contrasting our present manner of living with Wellman's fare, we considered ourselves in clover. Fair winds prevailing, got along nicely. Sometimes the tide or wind heading us, we would run into Edgertown for a harbor, stopping a day or a night, giving me the opportunity of going out on the Great Plane, where a certain young lady would receive my friendly visits quite naturally by this time. On arriving at Boston, a cargo of plaster awaiting our transportation, a gang of Irishmen very vigorously discharged our grain, by the aid of a spiritual manifestation which they had furnished very liberally, with the promise of remuneration and proportion to their diligence. It was lively work until the cargo was stored. Next day, loaded for Richmond, Virginia, sailing the following day. Soon arrived, finding the weather so extremely hot, could hardly breathe. Took in a load of sea coal for Albany, arrived and discharged, took in grain again for the Boston market, and continued making these trips until sometime in November, when the vessel was laid up and all hands discharged. We returned to the vineyard, as usual glad to get home, and perhaps a little more so. My mind was now occupied with a very important circumstance, the anticipation of which I had treasured for five years past. Only a few days more, and I hope to realize the consummation of all my cherished plans. The young lady, whom I have already introduced to you, would be twenty-seven on Christmas, and preferring to be married before reaching that age, the wedding was appointed to take place at the residence of the bride's father, on the afternoon, of December 24, 1818. On that occasion, we received the cordial greeting of many dear friends, not forgetful, of course, of good old Aunt Debbie. As there was no lack on the provision made for the entertainment, it was considered a gay and festive time. As the fashions of olden times warranted, and rather expected, a generous supply of cake and wines were furnished, without any regard to anything, but the wishes of our guests. All appeared to enjoy the occasion. The merry laugh passed around, and jokes were indulged in, until, at a reasonable hour, with the congratulations of our friends stamped upon our united hearts, we saw them take their leave. Merry Christmas was celebrated by the second edition of our wedding party, given at my mother's, much after the fashion of the previous day, leaving out the marriage ceremony, which did not require repeating. As Parson Thackster had a way of doing such jobs, that it never, or rarely, happened, that it had to be performed the second time to make it strong. After our union, until the first of February, remained with my new bride. The weather was as mild as May, and it was thought winter had broken. On the first of February, in company with Captain Ripley, started for Boston, by crossing the sound, and then proceeding by the route over land. He was to take charge of the vessel we laid up in the fall, and I had agreed to go his mate. Reached Boston the next night, a heavy gale with a regular northeast snowstorm, blocked up our doing anything for a number of days, but tried to make ourselves as comfortable as possible at the hotel, where we got entertainment. As the weather became settled, and the snow so leveled we could get about, went on board. We took in a cargo of new rum, and bar iron, also a few passengers. One lady, and a number of other men, and started. We got down to George's Island, the wind coming out to the eastward, and at beginning the snow, we came to anchor under the lee of the island. It was a very tough storm. We lay four or five days, when the wind coming fair, we had a good run as far as Chatham. I was called at eight o'clock in the morning, to take my watch, the land being not far off, and we headed for it. The wind changed to the eastward, and it commenced to snow again. I awakened the captain, telling him he'd better come on deck. Said he would, but as he did not, thought best to get the bearing in distance of Chatham. Soon after, it shut in. I went below, found the captain fast asleep, awakened him, by giving him quite a rough shake, and told him he must come on deck. He came up, said he, Why didn't you call me before? I replied that half an hour ago I did call him, and he should have turned out. He said he knew nothing about it, and was now at a loss to know where we were. I told him how the light bore, and the distance I judged it was away. He didn't appear more than half awake, but thought we had better try to get back. Didn't like to cross the shoals. Oh, sir, I replied. I will not consent to the fact that I am not here. I will not consent to attempt returning. Our sails are too poor for that, and they will not stand the gale. And we shall unavoidably get on a lee shore, and stand a good chance to lose our lives. The only chance is to run before the wind, get over the shoals. We shall fetch up somewhere. We put her before it, ran awhile, and I went along to see if any land was in sight. But instead of land, discovered breakers right ahead. The captain had the helm, and I went aft and told him quietly, so as not to alarm the passengers. I took the helm, while he went into the rigging, to see what to make of them. It was still snowing thick. He had hardly got up thirty feet, before she struck the bottom hard. Another sea lifted her, and bang, she went to the bottom. I sang out to him, what shall we do? Said he, we must tack ship. I replied that she wouldn't stay, we must wear. I spoke to a man standing near the mast, to drop the peak, and clap the helm hard to port. The tide running strong to the eastward, slewed her around broadside to the wind and sea, which set her off to the windward of the shoal. Then trimmed the sails aft, kept her to the windward half an hour, and tacked ship in hopes of weathering the shoal. Directly it was breakers ahead, and on both bows quite handy. Did not think it possible to get her about. She was so dull a sailor and it was so rough. The captain sent me aloft to look out the smoothest place, for he was going to put her on. Seeing but little difference, I told him to hard up. She struck heavy and went over. She now leaked badly, and we set both pumps going. Supposed it to be Pollock Rip, and gave her the course over the shoals. The wind moderating some and hauling to the southward, it soon stopped snowing, and came in a thick fog. Past Cape Pogue without knowing when, kept sounding constantly, and soon began to shoal in the water very fast. Sighted the shore and saw a very large rock. By this time, tacked ship, stood offshore, could not make out where we were, nor did we know any such rock along the coast. Tacked and stood in for another look at it, but were no better satisfied than before. Stood offshore and ran awhile, then let the anchor go. It soon began to break away, and clear up and behold, here we were right off East Chop. And this terrible large rock was no larger than a hundred-pound haystack, but in the fog loomed up the size of a meeting-house. The wind hauling to the westward, got underway and ran into Edgertown. Lay here a few days, then started again, arrived safely in New York. But the cargo out, took another in for Boston, made one more voyage to East Port Main, took a cargo for Richmond, Virginia, and a return freight for Boston, leaving their light from the scarcity of freight. Took a pilot for East Port, at favorable winds, and got down a piece below Mount Desert. Wind struck out northeast, a strong breeze and thick weather. Our captain thought best to try to make a harbor. Soon made the land off the starboard bow, at a place called Long Island. Sounded often, and found deep water, running under easy sail, in the hope of finding a cove or bay in which to anchor. It seemed to light up a little, and a smoke ahead attracted our attention. We concluded somebody inhabited there, was not far off, kept sounding, plenty of water, saw a little passageway between two rocks ran in, found a nice little basin, and let go our anchor in the middle, our vessel just swinging clear of the shore on all sides. Seeing a small hut, landed and inquired where we were. The old gent who occupied and formed us, the place was called Burnt Coat, a place familiar to down-easters. When the wind came fair, put out and had a good time down. A plenty of vessels were in waiting for plaster, taking it as fast as it came from upriver, and when a vessel hove in sight, the boats would boarder and engage it. One day saw a schooner coming down, and I was instructed to go to her. Did so, and engaged her cargo. She dropped her anchor near us, but on the English side, while we were lying on the American side. It was now near night and low water. The tide here ebbed and flowed thirty feet. He gave his vessel a moderate scope of cable. I told him to come alongside by daylight the next morning. We were around early, making preparations, etc., but our expected plaster droger was nowhere to be seen where the previous night she had lain, nor anywhere among the fleet. It was calm the four part of the day. Toward night saw a craft coming in from the seaboard, which, from her having no top-masts, we correctly judged was the missing vessel. I boarded her, as she came up, and learned that during the night, as the tide came in, her anchor was tripped, and the wind blowing out to sea with the current setting the same way, while they all slept, she quietly took her departure, without any legal clearance, and much against the wish of her crew. We soon after took in the bulk of the plaster a number of tons more than we should have done, which brought the vessel very deep in the water, two planks of the deck on each side being submerged, even in smooth water. Eight passengers, the families of two Germans, came on board. Our water for vessel use was in two large casks, lashed against the quarter-deck bulkhead. I told the captain we should have a barrel filled and placed below in case of accident. But he insisted that it was not necessary, and consequently went to sea without any additional. We came along very well to the vicinity of Cape Cod. It was our intention to land the passengers at the vineyard that they might the more readily procure passage for New York. Judging ourselves between Cape Cod and Nantucket, it came in thick with a strong breeze from the eastward. The pilot, objected to run, thought best to heave two for a while in hopes that it would clear up. It was now about noon, and we lay two for an hour or more. The gale increased, and the mainsail was close reefed after a severe struggle. The sea would fill up the bunt, and then we would empty out, and before hardly a point was knotted, it would have to be repeated. Most of the afternoon was used up before it was properly secured. Got that, and the bob-jib on her, and shaped our course for the channel. Did the best we could to weather the shoal. The surf rolled over the decks, and it was not safe to leave the quarter-deck at all. During the night one of the water casks was stovan, and the water left in it was salted, and soon after the lashings of the other parted. The cask went to sea, and we haven't seen it since. We thought we had passed the shoal, but on account of the breakers on every side were unable to decide with any degree of certainty. We were glad to get her before the wind. Halled down the reefed mainsail and furled it, also the bob-jib was taken in, and we headed for Cape Henry. We now felt the need of fresh water. Thirteen of us all told, and several babies crying with thirst, and none to help them. The wind was dead aft, and we scud under bare poles. We had but little to eat, had made a fire once only. Boiled some meat, but it was so salt, and our throat so husky, it was almost impossible to eat it. A sea struck the stern, stove the boat to pieces, started in all four deadlights, and set her to leaking badly. By and by noticed that the vessel steered hard, requiring the whole lee or weather-helm to make her mind it. Looked over the stern and found half the rudder was gone. The gale continued with unabated fury, and not a drop of rain had fallen. We knew we were getting handy to the capes of Virginia, and if the wind did not fall off we should soon be on the beach. The captain was below. I went down to get something from an under-birth, and heard the water rushing down in a torrent. Soon discovered that the seam was open on deck, under the edge of the bulkhead, and that the quarter-deck was working considerably. With a case-knife lashed to a pole, tried the opening, and found it was quite bad. Happening to have a quantity of okamon board, with the point of the knife-blade ran at the length of the seam a number of courses which the descending current sucked in, afterwards pressed it in solid, stopping most of the water out. It had to be done from the quarter-deck. We were fearful that we should have to scud her on shore. I went below and told the captain that we must be well, in as the water had a slight colored appearance, that he had better come up and see what was to be done. I told him that in my judgment we had better heave, too. It was too risky running longer. This, he said, he dared not to undertake, for fear the heel of the mast would jump out, rip up the deck, and we would all go to the bottom. It was now the fourth day since putting away, and the wind had not varied a single point of the compass. In the afternoon it began to thunder and lighten, lit up some, the wind and sea going down a trifle. The land was but a short distance to Leeward, eight or ten miles to the northward of Cape Henry. It now moderated, and we hove the vessel to under a reefed four-stay sail. Lay awhile, when the wind hauled to the northward, and we put away for Cape Henry. We soon saw a pilot boat running in from seaboard. He came up and asked if we wanted a pilot. We replied that we did, but that water was wanted more, for we had been out four days. He replied that he had ten gallons only, for it was some day since he had been up, that we should have part of it. Our boat was gone, and his little skiff would not live a moment in so rough a sea. What was to be done? As often quoted, necessity is the mother of invention. They took a fender from the pilot boat, attached a rope, and threw it overboard. We got our vessel dead to Leeward. It drifted to us, took the end of the line in, then a keg was bent on, and we hauled it on board. It came in a good time, for we were thirsty enough. Not able to weather the Cape came to anchor under its lee, company with the pilot boat. The next day got under way and attempted to beat up. Seeing a top-sale schooner from Norfolk bound to Baltimore, we forlaid to speak him, and set a signal for him to heave too. He did so. We asked for water, telling him we were in a suffering condition for the want of it, and asked if he had any to spare. He replied that he had, and ordered our boat to come after it. We told him we had no boat, that he must launch his yaw, and bring it to us. Said he, I cannot stop to bother with a fair wind, squared his yards, and put her off for Baltimore. Not long after, saw a little negro droger coming down James River. We spoke him, and asked if he had plenty of fresh water, for we were short. Had been for some days. He replied, yaw, Massa, me got half-barrel. We then asked if he would sell or give us some, if so to launch his log canoe, and bring us a part of it. He brought us all he had, with his face shining, and grinning with laughter at the prospect of doing a kind act. He said, here, Massa, be all the water we have, take a Massa. No, no, I replied, we will not take it all, you will need it. No, Massa, you take the water, weas be up to Norfolk for night, and you be no dar, take the whole. We forced him to keep a bucketful, and some bread and meat were added. Our grateful thoughts followed the generous soul, colored ma'am, as he left us in the enjoyment of his gift. Now, let me ask, which of the two men showed the most of a civilized nature? The old Darkie had a black face, but his heart was, we thought, far whiter than the pale face brute who didn't like to bother. The next day reached Norfolk, purchased a new boat, and employed the services of a caulker and carpenter who repaired damages. When the caulker began his job, he asked what fool had been at work on the seam. Hearing this, a little sprung, I hastily replied, you poor devil, had you been on board when that job was done, you would have thought your last day had come. On my knees from the quarter-deck that seam was caulked, three feet underwater. His views were suddenly changed, said that being the case, it was well done. From there we went to Richmond, discharged our cargo, which weighed 119 tons, while the vessel only measured 75, and returned light to New York, when a freight was loaded for Boston.