Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1872-04-18
MurisT on TIE OCEAN Qrssx, IN 1864

| MrrlSE on THE OcEAx Qrxsx, IN 1864.
This event. though of recent date.
has been literally spongcd from the slate
OF the general memory. though still! pre-.
served among the records of the navy
A con,ingen; Of 200 men. most of thcm
''roughs' who had served in the army,
and had volunteered for naval service on
the Pacific coast. were shipped for their
destination on board the ..Ocean Queen, "
In charge Of Commodore Daniel Ammen
and q subordinate officer. There were
over thousand other passengers, inclu.
ding many ladies and children. Justice
Field. Of the United States Supreme
! Cearsf4sas among thn cabin passengers.
The vessel, itself. was commanded BY a
fine old seaman, Captain Tinklepaugh.-
On the FIRST day out, the new recruits be-
gan to show dissatisfaction with their ac-
cemmoda ations and food. and il was soon
evident that. under the counsel Of two or
three desperate leaders, they were prcpar-
ing 10 seize and rifle the steamer and the
passengers. The Captain proposed to run
into ene ofthc nearest ports and get rid OF
the ca geroas conspira,ors. but this was
resisted by Commodore Ammcn, who had
the turbulent men in charge He quietly
reasoned with them. ana assured them
that as he was responsible for their good
conduct, he would see TO their proper
comfort. but that if they resortcd TO vio-
lence, they would be severely punished.
He was 50 cool and kind as he made this
statement. that they did not think him in
earnest, aud proceeded with their plans.
Their chief. Kelley. was young fellow Of
SIX feet four inches. very athletic and de-
termined. When the first demonstration
was made. Commodore Ammen was in a
distant part Of the vessel, and on hearing
the noise. proceeded to the scene of action.
There he found Captain Tinklepaugh in
the hands OF Kelley. who was surrounded
by the other mu;lneers. all evidently un-
der bis orders and ready to proceed 10 the
worst cxtrcmitils. The crisis had come.
and Ammen. seeing ,ha, prompt action
was necessary to save the steamer, and
perhaps the lives ofthc female passengers,
drew his revolver and shot Kelly dead on
the spnt. One OF his immediate followers
was killed at the same time The effect
on the others was instantaneous. Thcy
saw that the quiet man who had them in
charg". was resolved to enforce his autho-
rity and they quailed. He then briefly
addressed them, telling them Of his deter
mnation. exhorting them to remember
their duty and their flag. and was greeted
with three hearty cheers. After which. un-
der his alvicc. they went to their dinner.
There was. of course. great CONSERVATION
among tie cabin passengers. but they were
soon rcassurcd by the calm demeanor Of
Commodore Ammen. His next step was
to 20 straigh; among the remainder of the
mutinecrs, III to call oa, the leaders and
order them in irons One or two attempt
cd 10 resist. but when they saw that they
would so9n be made TO follow their dead
companions. who bad. by thi. tim. been
sewcd in canvas and ca>; overheard, they
submitted. The whole affair occupied
very little time: and the commander.
crew. aud passengers were So impressed
By the rcsolute courage Of Commodore
Ammen that they joined in hearty COM
mcndation of his course Justice Field
himself addressed strong letter to the
department in earnest viniication Of the
wisdom and energy ofhis action. The Press