Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-03-03
From Browns Whaling Cruise.
Etchings of a Whale Cruise.
A WHALE CHASE

APRIL 9Th, l843.-We were running dow
Tor the Albarada Islands, with fine stead
breeze. The morning was bright and cleai
and the water of that peculiar color wbic
wnaiesmen regard as the fayorite resort 70
whales. had the forenoon watch below. an
was just congratulating myself upon gettin,
through with my double attitudes when tn
loud, clear voice of man at the mast hea,
came ringing down the forecastle.
There she blows % was the thrilling cry.
that's once" shouted the captain.
''There she blows"
"Thats twice, by jingo."
"There she blows"
od dsiee tlmes Where away, Tabor"
allow far %
"a mile and half. There she blows"
''Sperm whale. Call all hands,"
There was a rush on deck, each man trvino
to get to the scuttle first. Then came halfa
dozen loud knocks and hoarse voice shoutinp.
"Larboard watch ahoy. Turn out nv lads
Sperm whale in sight Heave ont Lash
and carry Rise and chime Bear a hand.
my lively hearties !''
Those who were rolled In rolled out as soon
as possible, and buckled on their ducks. in less
than two minutes were all on deck, ready for
orders. The tubs were put in the boats, and the
main yard hauled aback. We all now perch
ed ourselves in the rigging, and kept sharp
lookout on every side for the whales next ri
sing. Twenty minutes had elapsed since the
spout was first seen; twenty-five passed, and
the captain began to get in state of nervous
anxiety. We strained our eyes in all directions
to make spout Half an hour few by. and
no spout was seen. 1t began to look like a
hopeless case when Tabor whose visual or
gans appeared to have the power of ubiquitv,
sang out:
"Ihere she blows there she blows
"Where nowP' roared the captain.
'Offthe weather quarter Two large sperm
whale, sir. Go it, boats
Clear away the boats. Come down from
the mast-hcads all you that don't belong
there. Bear hand we'll take them this ri,
sing! shouted the captain, in fierce sharp
voice.
'All ready, SIR
Lower away, then.
The waist and larboard boats were instantly
let down ready to bend on Capt A-and
some OF his boats crew being too ill to man the
other boat, we struck of for the whales without
them. l pulled the aft oar, as usual: and nv |
his time | was as tough and muscular as nv
comrades the boat danced along the water in |
inc style. Although the larboard boat was much |
easier pulled, and had the oldest and stoutest
'f the whole crew we contrived by unusual ex-
'rtions, to keep ahead her, till the real tue of
var came. Then was our mettle put to the
est. One of the whales was leisureiy to win
ward, not more than half a mile off.
Lay back, my lads = P-pale with excite
nent. keep the larboard boat astern. New
r say die. That's our whale oh, do sprinr-l
o spring No noise-steady and soft's the
We replied to this appeal by spiling I'D the
gony on our oars. Away sprang our boat.
rembling and puivering as she darted through
ne water-she really seemed to imbibe the
eneral excitement as she parted the clear blue
7aves and dashed it foaning from her bows
inward she few. The larboard bow was hard
pom our stern; the whale rolling laziIy in
he trough of the sea few darts ahead.
ooh lay back, lay back' whispered p
embling with eargerness not to be outdone bv
le mate, Dospring my boys, if YOU love Gin.
ow your time Now or never Oh see
m.-see him! how quiet he lies. Pint the
eef on your oars, every mothers son of Won
lie It on--pile it on! That's the way to tell
Our whale this time.
Stand up Tabor cried Pin low voica
Peaking his oar, Tabor sprang to his feet. =
ID grasped his har2oon..
Shall give him two irons
'Yes; he may be Wild
Another stroke or two, and we we were hard
on him. Tabor, with unerring aim, let Ay y