The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1860-01-16
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DAY BOOK.
U. S. SHIP "LANCAsTER,"
flag Shap Of the Pacific Squadron,


Flag Shap Of the Pacific Squadron,
Panama, N. e., Dec. 30, 1851
DEAR DAY Book IL doubt not but that
several of your readers remember the time
when the Lancaster" left her mornings at
Norfolk, bound for the Pacific. Well, here
we are at last, at anchor in the bay Of Pan
ANA, employing all possible means to keep
cool with the aid of fans &C., while all you
Virginians seek the warmth and comfort of
your cosey parlors. Presuming that tew
items might prove interesting to your read
ers about Naval matters, you are welcome
to them, so here goes.
On the 9th of July we bid farewell to the
Capes, and stood out to sea, bound for Rio
de Janeiro, at which place we arrived after
fine passage of forty days. We enter
ed the harbor in style, steaming at the rate
of twelve knots per hour, fairly beating a
Brazilian mail steamer, reported to be the
fastest boat on the coast. Passing Fort
Santa Cruz, we saluted the Brazilian flag
with twenty one guns, which compliment
was Immediately returned from the Fort
Here we found the u s. sloop of war "John
Adams" which left Norfolk last May, bound
for the East Indies; also the brig dolphin
During our stay here we replenished the
different departments of the ship with pro-
visions, water and coal, and on the 28th of
September weighed anchor and steamed
out, our destination being Valparaiso, Chill.
Before reaching Cape Horn. our noble vessel
encountered several gales and very rough
weather, through all of which she has prov
ed herself to be a thorough staunch vessel
She lays to in gale, according to sailors
term,) like a duck.
Passing through the Straits of LIE Marie,
with fair breeze the following day we dou-
bled the Horn, after which we had contin-
uation of beautiful weather, and on the 18th
of November arrived in Valparaiso, after
heightened passage of forty-four days from
Rio de Janeiro. Entering the harbor under
steam, we were welcomed with three hearty
cheers from the crew of the "Merrimac,"
which compliment was returned by our
tars.
The Lancaster being the Merrimac's re-
lief, she being all ready for sea. and on the
l4th OF Move mber, salird from Valparaiso
for Norfolk, so you may expect her towards
the end of February.
Commodore Montgomery having left Val.
paraiso in the "Levant" for Panama, left
orders for us to proceed after HIM with all
possible dispatch, so after giving he ships
company a run on shore, we lett on the 2lst
of November, and after fine run of fifteen
days arrived at this place.
A rather melancholy occurrence happened
on our passage down here. While off the
Coast OF Paytto, the weather being remark
ABLY calm, the ocean was like one sheet o.
glass, and our frigate going at the rate of
from twelve to thirteen knots, young man
by the name of Manuel Pomozin, was in the
act Of trcking up starboard lower half p ort,
when he ever-baanced himself, and fell
overheard. simultaneously with his splash
in the water, the stirring cry of oman over
board" rung through the ship. The engines
were instantly stopped, and life-boat low
cred, and though all possible efforts were
resorted to, the poor fellow not being able
to swim, sank to rise no more.
Our engines work admirably, and reflect
great credit upon the builders, Messrs. Rea.
ney, Neify Il Co., of Philadelphia.
Matters in general are quiet along the
Coast, with the exception OF Guayaquil'
which port still remains blockaded by the
Peruvian war vessels.
The Saranac left here on the 2lst instant,
for San Juan del Sur, to relieve the Cyane
The Wyoming is expected in here daily
from Valparaiso. flow long we are going
to remain here is uncertain.
The mail bag being about to close, must
conclude. remain yours,
HARRY BLUFF.