The native American., 1838-07-14
From The Ne,u Yorf Star.

i, \ 81 4 n
From The Ne,o Yorh Star.
THE SPIRIT BIRD.
Some twenty years ago. | sailed from Boston
in the good brig Nightingale. Of abou, 200 tons
burthen, commanded by Nicodemus Melville,
Esq, and bound Oh voyage TO Demerara. The
foremast hands consisted Of sixsablc seanlen, be-
sides myself; but this beng only my second
voyage, was rated as an ordinary seaman. We
We're all strangers to each other, and being but
young in years, and still younger in knowledge
|ol the world, and human nature naturally felt
socitous to learn something Of the characters of
the men with whom | was destined in all human
probability to associate, almost exclusively, for
several months. | soon ascertained, however, to
my satisfaction, that my shipmates, with one ex-
cepon, were real jovial, honest, single-hearted
tars, men Of rou frames who could crack their
Joke, toss of their glass Of grog spin a long
yarn, and handle marlingspike or handspike
rs knowingly and gracefully as any 'od salts that
ever sailed on blue water.
But there was one man on board, who shipped
under the name Of Jim Thompson, whose appear
ance and conduct puzzled me exceedingly, and in
a short time became the theme Of conversation
among all hands. He did not seem inclined to
associate with the rest ofthe crew, he never asked
a question, and when addressed, he answered
only in monosyllabes. He was never seen to
smile, and from his paid cheeks, his restless
eye, and sombre countenance, it evident
that anguish was preying on his heart.
But Thompson was thorough seaman. lie
was athletic and active, and interchangeable in the
performance of his duties. If all hands were
called, Thompson was on deck in an instant;
and if the word was passed to reef topsails, he
sprung aloft like a cat, and was at the weather
caring before the yard was Glued down on the
cap. If top-gallantsail was to be lurled, or a
top-gallant-yard or mast to be sent down III a
gale of wind, Thompson was in the cross-trees
before any other man was in the rigging. Indeed
he seemed always desirous to be employed about
something, and the more laborious or hazardous
his occupation, the better he seemed pleased
| IIe partook Of the ships fare but sparngly and
neuer ,irunk his grog. The first day after leav-
! ing port, his allowance was handed him by the
steward, and much to the astonishments of that
sable f,mconary, he seized the glass, and hurled
| it with its contents overheard, muttering some
thing between his teeth about poisonous, mur-
derous liquor
ga queer chap, that" said Jack Robine, ito
toss his grog overheard. Ifhe had only passed it
| this way, would have slowed it in snug locker,
where it would never have come athwart his haw-
SER say, steward, It's pity such good stuff
should be lost So in future, Just hand me over
that fellows allowance Jack Robine sagely
concluded that something was wrong in Thomp-
sons upper works, otherwise he would never
have refused his grog-and as temperance ships
were not in vogue in those DAYS, the rest of the
crew were pretty much Of Jacks opinion.
| In about fortnight we reached the "horse
lattudes," and 'Thompson's demeanor was still
I.l.z
| He was seldom known to turn into his berth in
his own watch below, and when he caught a
nap on chest, or on the windlass-end, he would
mutter some incoherent sentences to himself,
and in few minutes awake with convulsivc
start. Although he still envnced strength and
aclvty in the performance of his various duties,
yet his flesh had gradually wasted away, and he
|resembled an animated skeleton, more than be-
I ing of flesh and blood.
One day before we got into the regular trade
winds, we were steering to the southward with d
Hight air on our quarter. The sea was smooth,
with the exception of long rolling swell which
Icome every now and then from the northwest.
Every rag was hung out to catch the scanty
breeze, but the sails tapped heavily against the
mast, and the brig moved through the water only
| at the sluggish rate of about a knot and half.
/ Thompson was at the helm. The mate and the
remainder OF the watch were varlOusy employed
in different parts Of the ship, the captain was sit
ting reading OH the quarter deck, under the shade
Of the trysail. Suddenly, Thompson heard
to exelaim, '.Great God! he has come for me at
last!" The captain, on looking up, saw large
Bird somewhat resembling man-of-war-bird, but
having head like an owl, lowering over tie
\ quarter deck. He told the steward to pass him
his fowling piece; but before this could be done,
the bird was no longer within shot, having flown
about quarter of mile ahead Of tie brig, and
then quietly alighted on the water. The captain
went forward hoping to get shot at the bird
from the forecaste. He ordered the helmsman