Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-11-23
AHarrihIe Rexenre.

SAN FRANCISCO, November 22.-The life
of a whaler at best is an unenviable one.
Visiting the cold regions of the Arctic,
exposed to all the hsrdships incident 10 his
life, when he is in contact with officers pos
sessing even ordinary feelings of humanity
he has TO do that TO which one can become
Injured only after many years OF service.
lnasmuch as whaling vessels reach far into
the frozen North, and are for months away
from all communication with the outer
world, it has been found that ordinarily the
mutual seclusion of officers and men gener-
ates in both a feeling of friendship which
might not otherwise be exerted. Ithas here
tofore been the case in consequence of this
that the cruelties practiced upon American
ships have not been reported in the history
of the whaler, but are confined to the mer-
chant sailing service. The arrival of the
fleet OF the present season in this port seems
TO have overthrown all presidents and ex-
pectations, for on over half dozen Of them
cruelties have been enacted which merit the
severest punishment. The horrible story
told by the sailors of the Rain
bow. however, overreaches all the
others, and, if true, presents revolt
ing case of barbariiy. The vessel in ques-
ton is New Bedford whaer, and has been
engaged in the Pacific Arctic for several
years, wiutering in this hsrbor. In company
with the other ships Of the fleet she left at
the outset OF the season just completed, hav-
ing on board a crew of experienced mel, The
greater part of whom were Norwegisns. On
January 29th last one of the men, Edward
Lee, had a difficulty with the second mate,
and thereafter became an object Of hatred
and abuse from him and his brother officers.
The members of the crew are unanimous IN
their story of the cruelties perpetrated
against the sailor, who, they say, was inno-
| cent of all fault in the matter. The officers
| continued 10 heap insult upon ipjur against
| the poor man until his life becam almost
| unbearable. He submitted, withou retalia-
| ton, to the hardships he wss compelled TO
| undergo, and although forced to dothe most
humiliating work-that which wa wholly
unreasonable Iabored faithfully Trough
| out the season and performed alhhat was
required of him. On June 11th thale was
| sighted by the mast watch and Sboat or
| dered lowered. As member of he crew,
| Lee took his position with the res and the
vessel started in pursuit of the lviathan.
| The sea was dotted with icebergs,znd be-
ing unable 10 follow the whale fastenough
| the little craft was mooFed aloagae foe
| and the men stepped out. They parated
| in different directions, going about Ie frozen
| island in groups, the mste, John orrigan,
| rem aiming in the boat. Nothing VS. heard
1 for several momects except the Dyenents
| of some walrus and other animalslutil the
4
rests in the bow Of the boat, was diflrged.
| The men are unable to account font firing
of, but upon their return we're toll hat it
had exploded accidentally. WheI al had
gathered in the boat they foundtht Lee
| was missing and glancing over lie ce-foe
they saw him lying bleeding near y. They
assert that they distinctly heard hn call
upon them not to leave him alone an that
thev could discern his motions sntrating
them TO the same effect They all lrose
with the intention of rushing to the in
jured companion, but were sierny orered
by Corrigan to proceed without dday the
ship. They at FIRST refused 10 do this but,
inundated by the brutal Language the
mate, acquiesced in his inhuna de- |
msnds and pulled for the eseel. |
Upon arriving there they say tascom-
plsipts were made 10 the master, irney |
| Cogsn, but ne paid no heed to them. Third |
mate LAvelle sought the captains ross and |
likewise counseled with him agaiI such