Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-08-02
WESrwoRIH House.

uGS Tor the naval reception IN Tue hdToor
The program as arranged for Saturday will
be substantially carried out
PORTSMOUTH, n. H., August l.
Mrs. Lieut.. Greely arrived al noon with
Gen. Hazen and party. Lieut.. Greely's
mother Is also here.
PORTSMOUTH, n. II, August /.
The United States steamer Alliance which
had been stationed without the harbor in ex
pectancy OF the earlier arrival of the Arctic
fleet than mad been generally anticipated, dis,
cerned the unusual appearance Of Il double
line of black clouds of smoke and steaming
out soon became aware of the arrival OF the
Greedy Arctic fleet. Then the armament of
the Alliance was brought ipto action, and
gun after gun rang out during peal, OF wei
come to which the cannon of the Greedy fleet
responded with grateful roars of recognition.
Shortly after the Alliance came within sight
ing distance of the approaching steamers and
with bells ringing and whistles screeching,
the Alliance hailed the Bear and lhetis,
shortly after sunrise. The Bear, Thetis and
Alliance steamed to point of the Island OF
Shoals. They came into the harbor with
yards squared and stacks pouring forth clouds
of smoke at that early hour in the morning
aud fully a hours before the Arctic fleet had
been expected to arrive.
There was little discernible about the three
vessels to denote the severe experiences
which two of them, at least, had passed
through When it became known that the
squadron had arrived outside the harbOr, the
excitement on board the men-of war lying al
anchor was intense. Shortly after eight
o'clock the welcome news of the safe arrival
of the Greedy fleet sounded through the city.
and when the Bear and Thets had arrived OIL
- 4 4, IA,
steam launch to Commodore Schley with
orders that the Bear and Thetis should remain
in the offing until preparations for their re-
ception should be completed
The secretary of the navy then proceeded
to the Talapoosa and orders were at once
issued for the entire squadron OF war vessels
to prepare for the reception of the Arctic
heroes. All were then decorated with the
American flags at tOpmasts. At noon press
boat steamed down the river with numerous
press reporters on board. 1t came to anchor
where good view of the ceremonies might
be obtained.
As the tug steamed down the river the men
on board the old naval veteran Constitution,
whose name is a synonym of former naval
victories, ascended the shrouds, and with
lifted hats, waved cordial welcome. Other
vessels in the lower harbor were decked out
in the gayest colOrs. Then the flagship Ten
nessee, with the acting admiral flying broad
pennant, and the Tallapoosa with the color
of the secretary of the navy got under way
and ploughed down river. At noon the pre-
parations for the reception of the fleet were
almost finished.
The Thetis, Bear and Alert. comprising the
Greedy relief squadron, arrived off Newcastle
before daylight this A. NJ, by two o'clock in
the 2. NJ, the squadron had dropped anchor
in the harbor off Portsmouth. The L. S.
steamer Alliance had been stationed outside
the harbor to watch for the squadron, although
the Arctic vessels were not expected to arrive
till Saturday. The arrival of the fleet to-day,
made a change in the programme necessary,
and as the result to-days ceremonies were
more or less of an impromptu character. The
news quickly spread all through the city that
the Greedy feet were outside, and at an early
hour this A. NJ. the river was fairly alive
with all manner of crafts laden with people
eager to greet the arrival of the Arctic hero
Greely and the remnants of his brave band.
War vessels at anchor in the outer harbor
were Joined at noon by the Tallapoosa, with
Secretary Chandler and Chief Signal Officer
Hazen on board numerous company of
invited guests including many distinguished
persons and families of naval officers, were
conveyed by naval steam launches to the ship
Tennessee on the quarterback of which, the
chief ceremonies were held at two o'clock
The Alliance rounded Fort Point and came to
anchor some distance astern of the Tennessee,
the Thetis followed l5 minutes later, and an
chored abreast of the Alliance. As the Thetis
anchor went overheard. tde yards on all the
ships in the hsrhor were manned flags run to
the mast head and three rousiug cheers were
tbo hap MI a1f fha yrall
melody Home again" and among the assem-
bly, few there were whose eyes were not be-
dimmed with tears. 1t was an affecting
scene, and many of the sturdy and bronzed
men of wars men, were seen to brush tears
away with their coat sleeves. as if music mad
indeed touched their hearts.
Ten minutes after the Thetis had anchored
the Bear rounded the point and came to an
chor in the wake of the Thets. Again the
wards were manned and the gallant seamen
gave three cheers, which were repeated when
the Alert steamed slowly around and dropped
anchor abreast Of the Bear Secretary
Chandler was waiting on board the Tennes-
see to receive the commanding officers of the
relief squadron and within half an hour of
coming to nnchOr the officers were standing
on the deck of the flagship. 1t was remarked
at this time by many that not a single gun
had been nre1 on tue aEIlFai OF tue squadron
and gallant Lieut.. Greedy and the Quietness
of the demonstration was commented on. To
avoid publicity as much as possible Secretary
Chandler arranged to receive the officers of
relief ships in the cabin. Acting Admiral
Luce escorted them to the presence of the
secretary of the navy. As Commander
Schley entered the cabin he was greeted BY
Secretary Chandler, who clssped his hand
with much fervor and passing one arm over
his shoulder said in a voice almost smothered
with emotion: "1od bless you sir, l am
glad to welcome you home" Commander
Coffin of the Alert was next Introduced and
in answer to a query Of Secretary Chandler,
he said Il never was in better health in my
life, it seems to have agreed with us" 1t.
Emory of the Bear was next ushered into the
presence of the secretary and received a
cordial welcome from the representatives of
the navy department. After brief and in
formal conversation between Secretary
Chandler and Commander Schley, the lat
ter looked anxious around the cabin and
gradually his countenance became overcast
with gloom. Surgeon General Gunnell, no.
ticing the look of disappointment which had
overshadowed the commanders face, stepped