Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-08-12
Gales aud Sketehes.
THE STRICKEN SHIP.
An Adventure that can-be vouched for.

An Adventure that can be f0uched for.
On fine morning in the fall Of 1861, the
frigate "Melpomene," one OF her Britannia
Maiestys finest screws, in which l was
lieutenant, left Halifax, n. S., under orders
for the Bermudas, there to rett, prepara-
tory to proceeding to the coast OF America,
to watch over English interests; her APP
pointed headquarters to be Fortress Mon
roe, her captain being allowed to take his
time on the passage.
What change it was. getting into the
quiet monotony, the regular routine OF
man-of war ut sea, after several exciting
months spent in Halifax where there was
as much interest taken III the great strug-
gle going on between North and South, as
in New York, Washington or Richmond;
it being still doubtful question what
course England and France would pursne
towards the two parties OF beiligerants.
Indeed, there were two parties in the capt.
tai of Nova Scotia, whose feelings were
as bitter against one another as those OF
the Federals and Contederates.
We had entered the Gulf Stream, and
We're sailing quietly along, when our sig
nal midshipman reported to Capt. t-w-t.
"a Danish bark in distress on the wealth
er bow,H
MIR Haines," commanded the captain,
task her name, and how we can assist her. y
ave, ave, sir answered the officer.
In a few minutes the bunting huttered
at our mast head. and all eyes were
brought to bear on the stranger.
There was some delay, as merchant YES
sells are not generally, very smart at com
munications by signal; ut last however,
the midshipman reported -
The Copenhagen-in ,want, OF water
Martin" said Capt. E-w-t. address
ing our first lieutenant, ''let Mr.. Edwards
take my galley. and board the bark to see
what she may require, and have the cutter
ready to send what he finds may be want
ed DR.. Trimble had better accompany
him, and see to the sick. Tell Edwards to
come to me for orders, before starting
VERY good, sir" replied Martin.
These orders directed me to go on the
duty, which led to the events | am about
to narrate.
In accordance with them the captain :
private six-oared boat was manned, and
/ the assistant-surgeon and myself, having
received instructions from our respective e
chiefs proceeded to board the COpenha-
back to the ship, when the necessary arti-
cles would be sent after US in one Of the
large boats.
i carried with me, however, few
pounds OF pork, some biscuit, a little rum
and lime juice, as well as some vegetables
from the officers mess, the doctor taking
also along with him u tew medical COM
forts.
The Copenhagen was about two miles
off, and as we had our fires banked, and
were under canvas only, our captain made
no attempt to ''close" the merchant YES.
SELL besides, it was only il short pull in
his fast galley.
{ As we rode towards her we were aston
ished at the Dane making no attempt to
close US.
Have YOU ever been in this part Of the
world before, Edwards ?" asked Trimble
I Of me, as we were nearing the bark.
"No, why9 returned.
Then YOU have never experienced the
effect OF the Gulf Stream?"
mo, have not; though have read
good deal about it,"
II have seen its evaporation so great as
to become thick fog, though you could
| hardly call it fog, for it was more an i'm
mense vapor bath. and very handsome
mirror in our mess-room was completely
destroyed by it."
As he said this, we had reached the
Danish vessel, and gave no more thought
to the subject OF our conversation. Once
on board, a most wretched spectacle
came under our eyes. The vessel was Il
fine well-tound craft. On the deck lay
the helpless crew, in the last stage OF
starvation, her captain being apparently
the only man with sufficient energy to
speak to us.
have seen starvation in many forms ;
in poor Ireland during the famine OF '4o,
wien aiueriva So nubiy anu generously
sent assistance in the irigate Macedonian
and again, at the Cape of Good Hope,
when the Caiires destroyed their cattle
and would not till the ground, because a
prophet had told them that mighty
spirit would come amongst them, to lead
| them to victory and the determination ol
the white men l witnessed these ant
other scenes of famine suffering, bu
nothing to compare with that presented
by the scurvy-stricken crew OF the Copen
hagen.
"Hand up the provisions, quick! quick :
| cried. and began myself serving out the
small supply We had brought with US
There was a strange, eager silence as eaeh
mans wants were attended to.
The doctor went on to examine tue
wretched crew, and apply such remedieS
as he chaneed to have, while | signailed
the ship for what provisions were needed
So much taken up was with these oc-
cupations that paid no attention to any
thing else, till, having completed what
was about, my attention was drawn to a
strange haze forming to windward. Then
recalled the conversation which had been