The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-07-08

now only about mile astern; occa-
sionally shot from her forecastle gun
came over or near us. They hoped to
disable the ship in spars or rigging, but
their aim was uncertain, owing to the
heavy sea. However, more than once
the shot went through sails and rigging,
fortunately doing no material damage.
Noticing a commotion ON deck, l
called the mate to ascertain the cause
He informed me that the crew were
frightened, or pretended to be, at the
shots from the privateer, and expressed
determination to take in sail and let
tine Alabama come up with us to prevent
further risk of their lives. Fortunately
l had good officers, on whom / could
rely. ordered them to get their revol-
vers, and told the steward to get mine.
Then, mastering the crew on the quarter
deck, told them they were engaged in
serious mutiny, and the first man who
refused duty or attempted to interfere
with the orders of my officers would be
shot on the spot. They realized the
situation, and promised obedience.
Half the afternoon was gone. The
sea was rising all the time and both
ships strained heavily as they rolled to
windward with the press of canvas they
were carrying. The steamer could no
longer stand the strain. and in came
her light sails. When saw this felt
sure of our escape if the wind would
only hold its strength. We therefore
took in our skysails and royals, and the
ship felt easier-in fact, we could not
have carried them longer, for the wind
increased and blew id titful gusts. sure
sign that gale was brewing. The sea
continued to rise, and now felt safe in
keeping the ship off a couple of points,
to bring the wind and sea on our
quarter. The steamer followed my ex-
ample. both vessels rushing through the
water at their highest speed, and both
doing their level best But she no
longer gained on us.
kept off dead before the wind on our
course-due east This brought the
steamer abeam, she altering her course
as we did. hoping to keep US in sight
until the wind and sea moderated. She
now closed up with US as near as safety
would permit. and. hailing US, asked
where we were bound. and demanded
the surrender of the ship to the confed-
crate government / answered through
my trumpet: :'Come and take me-"
Conversation being too straining for the
lungs amid the bowling of the winds
and rolling of the huge pillows, and the
proximity of the vessels too dangerous,
we separated a little and had recourse
to blackboards to carry on our converse
| ton. Semmes asked where we were
bound. l answered without a blush
Melbourne" thinking possibly he
might try to intercept me if he knew
was to pass through the Straits of Sunda.
Then he had the cheek to order to Haul
down your flag and surrender. escape
or no escape" on a kind OF parole,
suppose, he meant / wrote on the
board: "First capture. then parole"
The answer vexcd him, am sure, for
he Immediately wrote: Surrender or
l will sink you" l wrote: THAT would
be murder. not battle" Call it what
you will, will do it." he wrote. SAT
tempt it. and by the living God will
run you down, and we will sink to-
gether," wrote in reply. knew his
threat was vain, for in that heavy sea,
rolling his sails under, he did not dare
free his guns, which were already
double lashed. They would have car
ried away his tackle and gone through
the bulwarks overheard. Conscious
that he had made empty threats, he said
no more, but doggedly kept on our
| course.
Sail was still further reduced on both
vessels, as the wind kept increasing. and
was now blowing gale. We were
gradually and surely drawing ahead of
the steamer. 1t was now growing dark.
Rejoicing at my fortunate escape, gave
the valiant Semmes u parting shot by
hoisting the signal "Good-by." Dipping
hauled it down. and the steamer was
never @ saw saw her after our @ escane but in
directly, she forced me to sell my ship
in China soon after.-B. +. s., in the
ArgonGut.