The southern press., 1851-07-26
NavIgation-Astroneny.

Upon the shores Of the Chesapeake there
once lived man whose occupation was trading
along the coast, which he carried on in schooner
called the Nancy Ann, and his voyages usually
extended as far as Norfolk, himself and an old
negro named Sam, forming the crew.
One night, on return voyage from Norfolk,
the Nancy Ann danced gsiIy over the ripplsd
surface of the bay, before gentle breeze, our
trader standing ut the helm, rs was his Gus
tom-for though he had occasionally trusted
Sam with that place in pleasant weather during
the day time, yet he had not sufficient conf
dence in Sans seamanship to allow him the
guidance Of the vessel at night The weather
during the voyage down and returning, up to
this time, had been exceedingly rough, aud the
trader was quite exhausted for want OF sleep,
and his incessant labor at the helm. The night
was one Of exceeding beauty-all the stars
seemed to be on dress parade, the planets play
ing generals, and the meteors as aid-de-camps
not speck of cloud was visible from horizon
to zenith, and borne before the breeze, the Nancy
Ann gided smoothly along on her homeward
course, without requiring motion of the tiller.
Everything seemed SO silent and fine, and our
trader. as we have said, being much exhausted,
concluded that this was good opportunity to
obtain little repose, and that for once he would
give Sam the tiller. So calling him aft-for
Sam, true to the characteristics Of his race, de-
lighted in s'eep, and was then enjoying snooxs
among the coils Of rope forward-thus he
spoke
Sam, am very sleepy and tired--I must
have nap. The weather is SO fair that TIL
give you the ter. But you must follow nv
directions strictly. Do you sec that star up
there! g
Yes, massa, said Sam.
swell, then, that is the north star Nov
take the tiller, and keep her head towards that
star; don't let her fall off, you black rascal, Or
I'll whale you. If anything happens, rouse me
Immediately. Now mind your eye"
"Aye, aye, massa!" said Sam
Down went the trader, and soon he was
wrapped in the arms Of Murphy" as the Irish
have it, while Sam kept the Nancy's head to the
star. Time wore apace, and the schooner
SKINNED along. Aboard ship many things in.
duce drowsiness-the loneliness of the situation.
the monotonous washing of the waves against
the sides of the vessel, the rushing of the rip
pies astern, and the mournful singing of the
breeze through the cordage-all Of these had
their influence upon Sam; added to which was
the mesmeric effect of gazing fxedly at any par.
tcular object, as Sam did ut the north star
Yielding at last TO the somnOrific influences
which surrounded him, Sam closed his eyes, and
commenced basso accompaniment to the alto
snore of his master. Whilst they slumbered.
old Eolus, who is always breazng about, re-
solved to play prank upon the careless seaman !,
so ne let loose Norwester, which no sooner
struck the Nancy, than she wore round, and
started off before the wind like wild horse
Meanwhile the sky became o'ercast, the dress
parade was over, tattoo bea, lights put out, and
the stars snug in their quarters.
Away went the Nancy, as if frightened at her
snoring crew. Presently. the spray washing
over the side, gave Sam drenching, and awak-
ened him to sense of duty. Quite bewildered,
he looked about him, all was dark Forward.
larboard, and starboard, he gazed in search of
his beacon light-not star was to bu seer.
Suddenly he turned to look astern, and there,
far away in the North, where the clouds had left
strip of blue sky, he saw Capricorn flickering
just above the horizon. Pleased at his discovery.
he rushed below, seized the trader by the shoul.
der, and shaking him violently, cried, out
"Massa massal Git up git up! and show
me'noder star! am pass dat 'un ,'-Nep YORK
Slira uf the Times.