The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1883-07-20
The Egis and Intelligencer
BEL AIR, Md, JULY go, 1883.
How Some Brave Birds Weathered n
Gale.

Last Thursday cordial invitation from the
skillful and large-hearted Captain Byrd, of the
schooner Annabe, (Which has been lying of
Valiant Park, near the mouth of Swan Creek,
waiting for grain.) came to the pastor OF the
Grove Church, Aberdeen, and to his family and
some relations now visiting at the Parsonage, to
take little broad" on a convenient day, be-
fore the schooner received her cargo. This very
acceptable invitation was accepted Tor Friday
Accordingly on Friday afternoon the Parson,
his wife, daughter and four r. boys and Mrs M L..
ter, relatives of the Parsons wife, from Prince
Georges county, went to Valiant Park to take
passage on the Annabe. Captain Byrd and his
wide-awake son, Gusts, who was first mate of the
vessel, had already hosted one sail and made
other preliminary preparations when we arrived
at the park. sable American of African ances-
try was, at the start, the only remaining member
of the schooners crew. We dubbed him Stepdrd.
At the Park our company was very aereeably in
his daughters Molie, Willanna and Clara. Al
though our progress was moderate alter weigh
ing anchor, we moved along pleasantly towards
the main water of the Chesapeake until it became
evident that gale was imminent The change
from calm to storm was surprisingly rapid
From leisurely sailing before gentle breeze,
were soon precipitated into swift flight over
ruflied waters. AS the crew was too small for
stormy voyage il soon became evident that there
were more efficient sailors on board than the 0tst-
tors had at first supposed. Three more prompt,
brave. skillfu heroines than the Captains pleas
ant daughters never walked schooners deck
Rain, wind, lightning, thunder were alike I'M
needed by these mariners as they flew to posts
volunteered our services instantly, and no service
was withheld that could be of value.
For II little while things did look somewhat
squay." Possibly to the experienced Captain
and his trained crew, more danger existed than
the passengers knew Of But after some incredi-
bly, rapid and effective work the sails were low
cred and the anchors securely cast. At one time
it looked as IL the Parson was bent on following
one of the booms overheard. But after some rap
id climbing on the boom-rope, aided by the timely
arrival of the Captains baby" Clara, who, by
the way, is no baby except In her fathers loving
heart, the Parson concluded that he would dis
pense with bath until some more agreeable Oc-
casion. But it was ludicrous to see the lively
way i'll which a usually sober-steppng parson
could be moved around when the motive power
was sufficient. 1t was equally pleasant, however,
to notice how Il small crew could be reinforced
in an emergency, and how great perils are some
times escaped by unexpected but efficient aid.-
When the masts were stripped and the anchors
east it was easy to wait the passage OF the storm
II was over at last, and again weighing anchor
and hosting sail we soon came TO our mooring at
Valiant Park
AS we were discriminating an incident occurred
that might have proved serious. As Mrs. Thomp-
son was stepping into the yawi it in some way
moved from the schooner and Mrs ". fell on the
edge of the boat. But the Captain presence in
the yawl and his cool head and strong arm com
ing to the rescue, no accident occurred. In pre-
venting it, however, the Captain was thrown VIC
lently on the seats of the yawl and was severely
bruised. He is now himself again, we are glad
to say. After n safe scu to shore all parties
landed, having voted hearty thanks to captain
and crew, and were soon safely back to the par
sonage, where our obligations to the Ruler of the
winds and waters were not forgotten.
In conclusion, if any one wishes to see pleas
ant home and group of loving ones with brave
hearts cool heads and skllfn hands, lot him call
at the "Byrd's Nest" rightly named, at Valiant
Park, and spend an hour with Capt VIM. Byrd,
of the schooner Annabel, and his three daughters,
Moie Willianna and Clara, and his manly son
Gusts. Long may they live and prosper. Capt.
Byrd has hcrn waiting ut Valiant Park until after
harvest for consignments of grain for Messrs.
Bay Getty the successful and obliging Com
mission Merchants of Baltimore He hopes To
secure Il cargo within week or ten days at the
farthest. ] ought not to omit to say that the
W AIRY voyugers were much refreshed, after the
storm and excitement, by the ample lunch which
the thoughtful ladies' Of the party had provided.
Just like them. A PASSENGER.