White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1858-03-18
Stlttt Galt.
ADVENTURES OF A CANNON BALL.
A TRUE NARRATIVE.

The United States sloop-of-war Ontario, re-
turned from a cruise in the Archipelago, put in
to Smyrna, Turkey, in the month Of February,
1881, on the eve of Washington's birthday
The Ontario dropped anchor in the spacious
harbOr, outside the immense feet Of shipping,
which is always to be found in that great east
em mart. In the distance was TO be seen the
city, its port enlivened BY merchant vessels of
almost every nation, and between them and the
Ontario, number of British, French and Dutch
ships-of-war.
On the morning of the I'd, the sloop was
dressed out with flags flying from every mast
head, in honor of the Father of His Country; and
Captain S. went ashore to transact business with
the American Consul Mr.. 0ffley, leaving orders
for the customary observance of the day. The
hrst lieutenant accordingly directed that prepa-
rations should be made for the birthday salute,
by drawing the shot from the guns. In execH-
ting this service, the routine is to draw the shot
and lay it alongside Of the gun, so that the Off
Ger, in passing alsng to see that the duty has
been performed, observing the shot, is satisfied
of the fact. On this occasion it happened that
the cabin guns were drawn first, and to avoid
numbering the cabin, were directed to be carried
away. One of these shots, it seems, from care
lessness or hurry, was laid alongside of ono Of
the guns in the waist, before the gun had been
drawn; and to this slight circumstance were ow.
ing the mischances of the day.
While the salute was firing, the attention Of
the first lieutenant was attracted by the report
of one Of the guns, and he Immediately called
out
Gunner! that gun had a shot in it."
"No, sir" the gunner replied, there is the
shot alongside the gun"
"NO matter for that" said the lieutenant
4" am satisfied from the sound, that the CUR
was shotted."
81 do not think SO, sir,' reioined the gunner
but at any rate the guns are so depressed tina
the shot could do no harm"
The guns had been depressed to prevent dam
age to the neighboring shipping, from the wad
ding.
Ihe salute was fired, and the first Lieutenant
had gone below, leaving the second licutenan
in charge of the deck. While the officer va.
pacing the deck, unconscious of impending evil
he observed boat putting of from a Dutcl
gun-brig, their nearest neighbor, and steerin.
Tor the Ontario. She was soon alongside, anC
Dutch lieutenant stepped upon the deck viii
strong symptoms of CONSERVATION in his demea
nor.
Mein Got, sir" was the first salutation
you fired shot into US just now, which car
NED away our main peam, and almost kilt .
man."
Ihe American officer expressed his deep re
gret at the accident and requested the Dutcl
oihceF to be seated, while he communicated tn,
circumstance to the first lieutenant.
H, do you know we've shot Dutch
man this moningl"
Shot Dutchman.-impossible," cried tht
lieutenant.
It's fact-here's an officer from the Dutcl
gunorg on board Of Us, and he tells me we'v,
carried away some Of his tackle and almost Kill
man."
Then for Gods sake, my dear fellow, &c
ooat' 60 on board, explain the accident, an
make every proper apology; ascertain wha
damage has been done, and offer suitable repa
ration"