Smyrna times., 1891-04-01
The Midnight Sun.

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Arctic coast of Alaska, some five hun.
dred miles above Behring Straits, are
extensive coal ..mines. The coal is cas-
lily lmined, and whalers make these
mines a rendezvous.
In midsummer there is a period of a
few weeks when little or no whaling
can be done on account of the ice.
During this period a "tender" arrives
from San Francisco, with supplies of
fresh provisions, the mail, etc., and
carries back whatever whale bone and
oil the whalers way have secured.
The arrival of the tender is the most
important and looked-forward to
of any event of the season, as she is
the only link that connects the whale.
men with the outside world during a
period of eight or nine months.
This midsummer period is the time
of the midnight sun, when there is
continuous daylight for about six
weeks.
In 1887, twenty-three whale-ships
lay at anchor off these mines. Shifts
of men were working during the "a
hours of continuous daylight, laying
in coal for the coming cold days and
nights of Autumn. Every one of the
eight hundred and fifty or more men,
frequently scanned the horizon, eager
for the appearance of the tender for
it was the middle of July, and not a
word had been heard from home since
the middle of March. Day after day
the sun had coursed around the horizon
but not dipped below it. One vessel
after another laid in a supply of coal,
and was anxious to be off, but still no
tender came. She was due the first
week in July, but the 18th, 18th, 14th
and 18th of the month came, and yet
no news from her.
Regular watches were kept on
board the vessels, as if the sun rose at
five o'clock in the morning and set at
6 at night. Even our rooster clung to
his old habits, and slept through the
night of daylight, not deigning to
crow until between four and five
o'clock in the morning, The various
masters, anxious to be off, met first on
this vessel, then on that, to discuss the
delay in the arrival of the tender, and
to decide upon a united course of
action, in case she did not appear
soon. Toward noon, on the 10th, a
faint mirage was seen off the cape.
Very little air was stirring, and the
mirage became more and more dis
tinct, until the tender was seen in
every spar and sail, as clearly outlined
in the smooth sea as if drawn upon
glass. But she was keel up!
Three hours later, the vessels hull
was in full view above the horizon.
She was under full sail, with flags and
cOlOrs at the mastheads, bearing the
joyous signal of news from home.
1t was nearly IL o'clock before she
reached her anchorage. Not to waste
any time the captain had boat low
cred, and before the tenders anchor
was let go, we were alongside.
No words can describe the situation
or our feelings as we reached the deck
Hands were shaken, a few anxious
inquiries hurriedly made, and then
each man betOOk himself to some quiet
corner with his letters, to read the
messages from the loved ones at home.
AS I sat on the rail, looking astern of
the vessel, dreamily picturing scenes
at home, I looked out over the vast
expanse Of ocean. Here and there
hoated a cake of ice. All was so still
90 solemn, yet in tune with my
thoughts. The short, choppy sea
kept the rudder creaking. The sun,
far above the horizon, cast clear,
yellow light-so clear that the distant
hills on shore were distinct in every
cOntOur-and the rigging of every
vessel on the short, rolling sea was
sharp in Ontline.
With my camera resting on my knee
1 took an instantaneous photograph, as
the sun came out from behind veil
of clouds, and cast its sheen over the
sea, from the horizon almost to the
stern of the vessel.
Entirely wrapped in my revery, I
sat watching the ceaseless sea, and the
glow of the sunlight, thinking only of
the world, so many thousands of miles
away. Four months of hardship and
danger were yet ahead of us. This
little craft would carry our messages
home, but with her would go all CON-
munication with the world until we
ourselves entered port. What changes
might those months bring forth !
"Man the 'Lucretia's' boat, " was the
rude intrusion upon my revery, and
five strong oars were soon carrying us
to our own vessel.
As the captain and 1 came over the
side, the man at the wheel struck eight
bells.
"Just midnight" said the captain.
"And here is the midnight SUM-"
added. Suiting my action to my
words, I took another picture, looking
off toward the vessels, that lay gently
straining at their anchor cables.
Yellow as the light was, both pic
lures came out we'll. Fine detail may
be lacking, but the pictures bring back
q food of recOllectiOns, as they recall
the dangers Of that season in the Arc
tic, and our entire isolation from home
civilization and the world. Herbert L.
AIdrich in March 81. Nicholas.