The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-02-20
THE MANIAC SEA C4P1.iTY

an american packet ship IL tbs Liverpool
trade left the anchorage in the lower hay
of New York, and went on her way to the
sea. She was deeply laden with an aasOrt-
ed cargo, Jut being a staUnch, fast ship,
and having experienced officers and full
crew, it was expected that her voyage
would be safely and speedily performed
Captain Benson, the commander, Was an
''old sea dog" as the saying is Bov and
man, he had spent the best portion of his
life ON the ocean, and there was no captain
sailing out of port who was regarded as
more thoroughly reliable in every particu-
lar. lie was now, however, advanced in
years, and he declared that after few
more voyages lie would retire He had
made money, and besides interests in Other
vessels, owned one half of tho ship which
he commanded. During the previous voy-
age there were some peculiaiities in his
conduct which attracted the attention of
his mates and was mentioned to the agents;
but nothing further was thought Of it.
The gallant ship passed Sandy Hook,
and when well off tie shore the pilot left
her. The wind was fair and every sail was
up, and a willing crew were putting every
thing IN order for ocean navigation. When
the pilot went over the side he remarked :
Captain Benson, will report you as hay-
ing a fair wind, and going like racer
''Ay, ay," shouted the captain ''let all
New \ ork stand 10y and look. I'm bound
10 beat everything that floats or ever viii
float. Look out for ny report from Liver
pool OF from the bottom of tie Atlantic-I
don't know which. Ua, la, ha"'
The language, its tone, and the laugh,
were all SO strange that the pilot could not
help turning to give a look of surprise at
the face of the captain. This was all,
however, and the next moment he was in
l,s l., il,
the ships sails, under orders from the cap
tain, were again filed, and she fairly few
on her way.
The captain of vessel is a king at sea.
His orders are law, and any interference
with him or them Is mutiny-a crime pun
lShablc with death. Hence it can lie seen
that when the other officers Of this New
! orll packet found Captain Benson saying
and doing very strange and dangerous
things, they had little else to do but sub
nit and obey. This course Of action began
as soon as the pilot left, add it continued
increasing from day to day. 1T length
they became convinced that lie was either
actually insane or bordering upon it. BY
hls orders sail was kept on his hip to most
alarming extent. She was driven not only
over but through the monster waves. Great
mountains Of water fell upon her decks,
and 1t frequently seemed as if she would
great strain upon the hill, and the nGStS
bent and twisted like reeds Sails and
Epars were blown away. but again and
again came orders from the captain to re-
pair damages and set the sails anew. The
officers were in the greatest distress of
mind, and the crew were muttcriug and
threatening to 90 in a body to the captain
and demonstrate in regard to this state of
alairs. But still no one dared to act, fear
ing the terrible consequences OF a conflict
with the commander.
Captain Benson said little to anybody,
except to issue orders. He looked pale.
a I'd his eyes had the dead, CLASSY look OBJ
seIVaGle in those affected with insanity.
lie walked the cabin and deck with hands
lind him. and at intervals mHttered to
eughed. 1t was fact that
=. The malads had been
on him for some time. aud
va, making it more deci-
ded and uncomfortable. For ten days the
ship had been navigated by a madmaa.
One afternoon the weather looked very
threatening, and it was evident there was
to be a severe gale. Still the captain made
no preparation for it. In fact, he crowded
more sail on as the day advanced. Stand
ing on the deck he shouted You sea
dogs, put on every rag. Winds, blow
blow-blow. We are going no faster than
n New York lighter. Look alive, men.
Ha, ha, ha! Now she jumps. Blow, We
Tinds-blow. blowr'
The sail was put on. 1t was the order
of the commander, and to refuse might be
death. The ship rushed onrard with her
hui shiveling TO tie very keel and her
maSts threatening to snap asunder.
''Ha, ha, haH laughed the captain, as
he lashed himself to the rail. for there was
danger of his being washed overheard.
Captain Benson" said the first mate.
coming up with a serious countenance,
1.-The wind Is increasing, and we are going
to have heavy blow. 1t is the Judgment
oI all your officers that sail should be taken
in, ros made
''Sir," said the captain, with a wild
glance, Il know my business and my duty:
and you are a set Of towards. aud do not
want to do the ship or the owners Justice.
She is no harbor lighter-no coaster-but
an ocean racer. BegOne, sir TO your duty.
] shall not take in any sail. Ha, ha, ha!
Blow, ye wiuds-blow, blow
n crisis was at hand. On-on flew the
ship. The clouds grew black and blacker
the sea looked Wild aU-, ugly. Down
went the ship into the vortex, aud then she
rose, shaking the torrents Of water from
her, tn rush again on her desperate way.
4 short consultation OF the officers was
ted to the crew who received it with a
cheer. The first matc then gave an older.
which was reported, aud in an instant the
crew set about taking in sail. As soon as
the captain saw it he began to gesticulate
fearfully, and cried out ''Mutineers vii
luns IN hang every one of you! Atyour
peril take in single sail! Come down on
deck, sayr'
lth Wild screams and threats he hasfi
iy loOsened himself from the rail, and STAR.
I'd for the cabin. All knew that lie was
going to arm himself. Consequently two
OF the mates intercepted and seized him.
In moment more lie was securely bound.
hat little reason there was left, de
parted forever from this moment. His
screams oaths, threats and laughter were
heard above the roaring wind. He rug
gied until completely exhausted, and then
lay with his giaring eyes wide open.
The ship was taken safely into port
under the command of the first mate The
action with the captain was fully recog-
nized as proper and Opportune for the sal
walton of the ship and all on board Cap
tain Benson was taken back on her return
To H'ew York III a most dangerous condi-
ton of madness, and was consigned on her