Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-06-13
fConcluded from first page. J

Won p- Then old East India captains like
10 Get into the West India trade. There
thew can own in their vessels and be more
independent, carry their families. or the
voyages being shorter they can be at
home oftener. And many one showing
a long file of toll in the East India trade
have got nothing for it. 1t is hard, but
it's true.
The old Down East shippers tell of
where they can get the best vessel for the
least money; what wood will last best,
and how they should be fastened, etc.
The Jerseyman will tell of how much he
made in the war out of the Government.
And, vet, here you can learn everything
about trade. Then they will talk of their
homes, their neighbors and farms. How
Capt. John got along after he knocked
off going to sea. These men never hold
any position in government, though among
the first to fly to her defence in the war,
and manning our ships with stalwart men.
Though they know of trade, OF maritime
law. of custom houses, OF protection and
free trade better than any other men, they
never are sought for to fill the many Off
ces on shore. Many of them ''sink into
the wave with bubbing groan. unwept,
O'Clock gun has fired long ago.
The moon has risen and made broad
shining track across the water, to US
filled with golden fecks by the ripping
tide. Captain Booster calls his water
horse" (his boat,). oars are apeak, "let
fall, give way" and Goodnight" Cap
tain Rightman," "rll see you in Down
River,n and away we 60 along the golden
Va n1oSa IN tina iron
clad, and the sentry calls, Gel bote.'
Amigos Americanos,' we reply.
"Beuno," "passu," and we are once more
in the dull, quiet city outskirts, vending
our way to the hotel. The history OF these
men is never written. Only in the daily
events OF life do they appear, are swal-
lowed up. But the place they fill is be-
yond all account important, and ever Will
be.
SOCIAL MEETINGS.
On spit of land making out into the
bay from the Regla side, near where the
ships lie, is the refinery of an American
oil company. The proprietor, Mr.. Mum
son, and his estimable lady are from Con-
necticut. Their house is by the water
side, and is ever open to their American
friends, the masters of vessels and fami-
lies. Once a week during the winter they
throw their house open for social inter-
course. and was my privilege to be present
at many enjoyable occasions. AS night
darkened down DER the water, and the dis
,ant lights of the city glimmered like so
many footlights of a stage, and the lam
terms of the anchored vessels hung higher
and nearer, than the guests began to come.
The stately Indiaman, in his four Dared
boat, with his lady; some downeast skip
per pulling his skiff and bringing his wife
and daughter; some half dozen shippers
without wives or daughters, and others
with their passengers, making goodly
company, soon fill the cool and pleasant
rooms. Social conversation begins the
evening, all the chit-chat of home. Soon
cards are brought, and tables cleared,
while those who like engage in whist. A
number of singers draw around nice
cabinet organ, and entertain the company
with the best songs of the day, among
which is sure to be 'Silver Threads among
the Gold" or Hold the Fort" Old bach
elors will get out on the balcony and talk
of freights end dull times, and so the time
goes on till the tables turn and are put out
of the way, to make room for some ludi-
cous games of forfeits. etc. Finally,
funny Cape skipper starts dance and
gets the partners" arranged on the bal
cony. But where is the music to come
from? A jolly fellow from Philadelphia
orders up fiddle-box from his boat. and
soon hands are clasped. "balance to part
ners." and the happy couples dance the
Virginia Reel to the tune of "Old Zip
Coon" or the Arkansas Traveller" 1t
would do anybody good to see some old
fellow balance. Well, it is soon over.
''Soon. too soon, we part in pain; to sail
these silent seas again" Boats are called.
'Mabtrs away" Ernestine's away"
AYE, aye. SIR" is the response. Then,
where's my waterprOopP" my rubbers;
our boat leaks" Then, "Sarah, put this
sAawl over your shoulders, the night is
getting damp" "Hold on moment"
We gather round the organ. A nice
young wife from Connecticut, perhaps,
sits down to the organ, and then Americans
and English for their national anthem is the
same, Join the grand old america. 1t rolls
far out to the Spanish man-of-wa and the
wondering Cubans peer into the inclosure
with delight. And then, Good night,
dear Mrs. Munson; Mr.. Munson. We
shall never forget you" And the oars
splash, and the boats disappear, one after
another, in shadows of the ships. the
masts and yards, and jutting headlands;
and we think. All New England; beau
tiful New England; beautiful at home;
beautiful on the shores of your fair South
sister Cuba.--BoSton Journal.