Connecticut western news., 1884-09-10
BULLY WATERWAYS WAYS
A NOTED COMMANDER IN THE DAYS OF THE FAMOUS OLD CLIPPER SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES.

The announcement of Capt. Bob" Cor as he was more familliarly known Bnlly) Waterman's death in California recalls host of well-nigh forgotten "reminiscences of this noted sailor.
 It was never disputed in Capt. Water mans lifetime that he was most tyran- nical sailing master. Certainly, he neveE disputed it, but, on the contrary, seemed to glory in the distinction.
 Yet, hard man as he was on board ship, people who knew Cap. Waterman on shore and came in frequent contact with him declare that he was sound and good at heart. At sea he had no mercy; on shore he was among the first to con- tribute to the relief of poor sailors widow. r~
 When a mere boy, in the little town of Fairfield, Conn.,, more than 50 years ago, Capt. Waterman manifested that strong love for the sea and the adventur- ous life of sailor which remained with him through life. His uncle, Capt. John W. Sterling, was master of one of the finest packet ships of that day, and his young nephew was allowed to &C., company him on one or two short voy- ages. Each trip but increased young Bob's passion for the water, and. finally, in hope of curing him, his father put him on his uncle's vessel and sent him before the mast on voyage to China. He came back second mate, and with the reputation of being able to get more work out of 20 men than most mates could out of 30.
 When he was promoted to first mate he had already won considerable mo- toriety as disciplinarian and s'driver. !" Sailors were afraid of him. While lot of seamen were discussing his merits and faults at 8 sailors boarding house in London runner for the house by the name of Tom Muligan said he should like to measure arms with him. The next Sunday morning, while Waterman was supervising a gang of men who were washing down the decks, Mulligan came on board with one or two friends toshow them the vessel. Whether Intentionally or not, they tramped with muddy boots over the clean, white decks, which were drying in the sun. The mate got angry.
 "Come," he shouted, "you three fel- lows get right ashore; quick, now"
 ssNot much, said Mulligan, standing his ground; 'the Captain told me that I could show my friends this vessel"
 He was small, wiry-looking fellow, with big limbs, strong muscles and 8 face as resolute as Waterman's himself Withal, he was scientific boxer, not yet out of training. The mate. who was on the poop deck, jumped over the rail and rushed single-handed to the encoun- ter. For five minutes afterward the sailors couldn't tell just what he did do. Little Mulligan put him through a most bewildering series of physical contor- tions and tossed him painting on the wet deck. The sailors stood by, with broad grins on their faces, and none lifted a hand.
 s'If any of ye had," said Waterman, addressing them as he struggled to his feet, "I'd have thrashed you within an inch of your life. Now, mate," turning to Mulligan, lyon can take your friends anywhere you want to on this ship"
 ''l expect every man to do his duty 5 he was accustomed to saying, but the captains ideas of mans duty were so rigidly severe that not one in ten could all the bill. A young Frenchman who once sailed with him on the Water Witch was the special object of his wrath. He was at best poor sailor and, to make matters worse, could not understand half that was said to him. Half way to Hong Kong, or whereabouts, he was troubled with an abscess on his leg. For days he limped around the deck in agony. but the Captain refused to let him go below. Nor would he send his medicine forward to him, but announced that If any othe,