The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-08-21
THE CRUISE OVER.

THE CRUISE OVER.
THE LATEST ExPgRIsNcEs OF THE OLD DOyIy-
ION FISHING AND YACHT CLUB-TARGET-
FIRING AND POOR SHOTS AT OLD POINT
COURTEsiEs TO THE RICHMOND CLUB-H0w
TO ENJOY SUMNER VACATION. aC., &C.
Correspondence OF the Richmond Dispatch.I
In JAMES RIVER BOUND Up,
August 10, 1880.
Wednesday afternoon we left Ocean View
and sailed up to Old Point in forty min
utes. just as we started some one who had
the glasses remarked, "We'd better look
out, boys; they are practiciDg at Old
Point; which meant that the artillery class
was firing at bush-target about two miles
distant from Fortress Monroe. We were
then sailing under fine breeze from the
east the leewaid side OF the vessel was al
most under water; we were skipping along
nicely and almost in line OF the solid shots
from the heavy piece with which the class
was praetieing. All hands were on the qai
uive. We still kept our course. Soon we
were in range-thit Is, the shots would
about snap our mast heads; but we still
kept our course. There was great puff
of smoke. Then came the old familiar
sound, Where are you; where are you
where are you ?" and the solid shot went
on over our vessel, the old soldiers
on board opr vessel coming down 10 the
deck as gracefully as though they were in
front OF Petersburg and being sheled by
Batteries l and 8. We couldn't help
laughing, however, at the poor shots. They
went far Of the mark, and some one Yen-
tured the unpatriotic remark that they
a how Htfn
lt rebel monitor or brigade OF soldiers.
The first shot was indeed a very poor
one. and so were the other four that | no.
ticed as we came inside. Just as we got in
front OF the Hygeia there was fifth shot,
even that was bad one.
OFF NEWPORT NEWS.
Having reached Old Point, one OF the
most important and useful OF Onr members
was sent ashore for the mail, while the
vessel "lay to" ont in the channel. He was
not long absent, and. taking advantage OK
the continuing good breeze, we sped along
In our gallant craft until we were inside
The point at Newport News, where, in
good harbor, we made anchor, opposite the
old wharf, for the night, so as TO be ready
for the morning tide and wind OF to-day,
when it was proposed we should start home
ward.
FINE SAILING, ETC.
This cruise will be remembered by our
Club for the many fine sails we have had
notably one up Mobiack bay and North
river, one from Ocean View TO Norfolk,
two or three moonlight sails with hne
breezes, and the one from Ocean View to
Hampton Roads yesterday. The wind, 1t is
true, has been from the east or northeast
nearly every day, but that has hindered us
but little, aud altogether the cruise has been
successful from every point OF view. We
have never had moonlight nights on our
cruises since the organization OF the Club
until this year, and they have been fully
appreciated; but the nights have been so
cool that as a general thing 1t was uncom-
Portable TO remain on deck without thick
clothing or an oyercoat. l have watched
the thermometer pretty closely in our
cabin, and have not yet seen 1t higher
than TAO. We can stand that pretty well.
| had almost forgotten TO add that this
very evening, as we neared Jordan's Polht
lighthouse, a stiff breeze sprang up, ana
we went whizZing past City Point, ENJOY
ing one OF the finest sails OF the whole trip.
CoURTEsIEs TO THE CLUB.
We are beginning to think that the Old
Dominion Fishing and Yacht Club is quite
an institution. We hope our friends in
Richmond think so too. Everywhere we
90 we are kindly received aud more than
the ordinary attention and courtesies eX-
tended 10 Us. III we are at sea, the coasters
recognize our colors, and have several
times changed their course to give us the
soIutation customary in. the maritime
world. and only once has our sal
utation been disregarded. Perhaps the
dpping OF our colors and the waving
OF hats and handkerchiefs may not have
been seen by our friends on the Ariel,
Friday, as she turned to go down towards
Old Point from near Newport News, for
we thought that at least our Richmond ac'
auaintances would not disown us. We
have been entertained twice by our friends
OF the Wyanoke, Captain Couch in particu-
lar. We have had repeated invitations from
the oiher ships of the same lire. We have
had attention after attention shown us by
Woodfn and Phoebus at Hampton and Old
Point. as well as by some OF our friends al
Cubb's Island ADD in Gloucester; and we
return home with the gratifying news to
TO our friends there tnat no
accident has befallen us, and that we nave
been kindly and Hospitality received where
ever we have been.
NEARING HOME.
But need weary your readers no longer
with recital OF the successes of this cruise.
II Is at an end. We have passed City Point
and are now nearing Richmond. We leit
our anchorage off Newport News early this
morning with light south wind aud CLOUDY
weather. The sail has been slow one, Dut
nevertheless pleasant. Plans have already
been projected for next years cruise, ana
many suggestions made as to where there
can be improvements in our arrangements |,
but they are not to be detailed here. Let
me say TO our Richmond friends-tbe gen.
tlemcn, / mean-if they want real eniey-
ment and recreation at small cost let them
organize one or two more clubs and accom-
pany US.
We parted with the Bachelors, Cub on
the Kate several days ago at Old Point, ana
have not seen them since. l suppose they
are at home; and as we, 100, are almost there
I,l, say ,,ood-bye until next year. y. ID.