Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-09-27
The Steamship MononSahela.


The United States steamship Monongahela
went into commission at Kttery Navy Yard,
Maine, on Monday, Sept. 90, at l o'clock 7.
NJ. She was the unfortunate, and yet fortu-
nate slip which almost miracnlously survived
that internal CONFUSION of land and sea at the
island of st. Croix in 1867. 1t was denomi
mated at the time tidal wave, believe, or
hurricane-but whatever name men gave to
1t, 1t was receding of the sea, first, to such a
distance as to leave the Monongahela which
lay in four fathoms of water, high and dry,
aad she careened on her side to such an ex
tent as to throw rifle gun from her forcastle.
There were three waves each less in size and
force the first took her from her anchorage
and carried her two hundred yards above
high water mark upon the land, and the re-
turned waters, met by the incoming waves of
less power, turned her almost entirely around,
bringing her stern into the street.
She was entirely disabled and much broken
in her hulk, yet skilful men went from this
station and got her back into her native ele-
ment and she sailed to this station where she
has been thoroughly Oyerhauled and repaired.
She is about a thousand tons carriage. Her
propulsion is screw, and her compliment of
men is two hundred and thirty, with twenty
four marines. And as the sailors two and
two marched on board, each man carrying his
hammock, they presented a novel and yet
noble sight, strong, courageous, and able to
discharge the several duties which shall be
required of them on board of the beautiful
vessel which is to be their home for weeks,
and months, fnot for years to come. AS the
marines marched on board the flag of our
country was run up to the mizzen peak, and
the MOnongahela was ready for sailing or
ders. She carries some of the finest officers
that ever graced the quarter deck of a man
of-war. Capt. James S. Thornton is the
commander, the hero with Comma dore Wins
low of that unparalleled naval combat between
the old-tashioned gunboat Kearsarge and the
piratlcai craft Alabama, superior in tonnage,
n lumber Of guns and of crew. He well de-
served his advancement Of ten numbers in his
grade, which he carries with gentlemanly
modesty. Many good wishes and warm heart
ed prayers attend him and the good old re
constructed ship as she leaves the tranquil
waters of the Piscataqua. The next officer
in command is Lieut.. Commander Ncott
Ludlow, and Chas. V. Grdley. Then come
the Lieutenants, four in number, Messrs
Bridge, Miller, Knox, and Breed then next
in rank are the Ensigns Messrs. Murdoc,
Merriam, Tyler, and Leach; then come the
Midshipmen, Messrs. Muse, Cowley, and
Lenby; there are two Boatswains, Sinclair
and Furgerson; there are also ir the ships
company, Surgeon, Hockey; Paymaster,
Wight; and Henry l.. Snyder as Chief Eng-
neer Crawford, Assistant Engineer; Waugh
Assistant Surgeon; Sailmakcr, Franklin;
Carpenter, Robinitt; Captains Clerk, j. G.
Williamson; Assistant Clerk, w. S. Ogsden;
and Paymaster, ID. Woodruff. She warped
into the stream to-day, "wednesday noon)
and will soon drop below to take in her am
munition, then to Annapolis to receive the
KIN owledge impaired no where else, that of
using torpedoes.
There was beautiful launch here to- day
of new merchant ship named Frank Jones'"
the second launched since July. Ship and
boa. building is in active operation here.
KIrTERY, Sept "a. =. c. NJ.