Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-04-10
The Midnight Sun.

extensive coal mines The coal is cas-
lily mined. and the Arctic whaleships
make these mines a rendezvous.
In midsummer there is a period of
few weeks when little or no whaling
can be done on account OF the lee.
During this period tender arrives
from San Francisco with supplies OF
fresh provisions, the mail, etc, and
carries back whatever whalebone and
oil the whalers may have secured.
The arrival Of the tender is the
most important and most looked-for-
ward to of any event of the season,
as she is the only link that connects
the whalemen with the outside world
during a period of eight or nine
months.
This midsummer period is during
the time of the midnight sun, aud
there is continuous daylight for about
six weeks.
In 1887, twentv-three whale-ships
Law at anchor of these mines. Shifts
OF men were working during the
twenty four hours Of continuous day
light, laying in coal for the coming
cold DAYS and nights OF autumn.
Every one of the eight hundred and
fiftv or more men frequently scanned
the horizon, eager for the appearance
of the tender; for il was the middle
Of July, and not a word had been
heard from home since the middle ot
March. Day after day the sun had
coursed around the horizon, but not
dipped below it. One vessel after an
other lai d in its supply OF coal and
was anXio us 10 be off, but still no
tender came. She was due the first
week in July, but the l2th, 18th, l4th
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
night Even our rooster clung 10
his old habits and slept through the
night of daylight, not deigning TO
crow until between four and i've
o'clock In the morning. The various
masters, anxious to be of. met first
on this vessel, then on that, 10 dis
| cuss 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 of the Cape. Very
little air was stirring, and the mirage
gew more and more distinct until the
tender was seen in every spar and
sail. as clearly outlined in the smooth
sea as if drawn on 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
iovous signal OF news from home.
1t was nearly eleven o'clock before
she reached her anchorage. Not TO
waste any time, the captain had
boat lowered, 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 hi. letters, to
read the messages from the loved
ones at home.
AsI sat on the rail, looking astern
of the vessel, dreamily picturing
scenes at home, | looked out over
the vast e1panse OF ocean. Here and
there floated a cake OF ice. All was
so still so solemn, yet in tune with
nv thoughts The short, choppy
sea kept the rudder creaking. The
sun. far above the horizon, east
clear, yellow light-so clear that the
distant hills on shore were distinct
in every contour-and the rigging oil
every vessel riding at anchor on the
short, rolling sea was sharp in ont.
line
With my camera resting on my
knee.,I took an instantaneous pho
tograph as the sun came out from be-
hind veil OF clouds and cast its long
sheen over the sea from the horizon
almost to the very stern OF the YES
sell
Entirely wrapped in my reverie,
watched the ceaseless sea, and the
glow OF the sunlight, thinking only
Of the world SO many thousands OF
miles away. Four months OF hard
ship and danger were yet ahead OF us.
Thi, little craft would carry our mes
sages home, but with her would go
all communication with the world un-
til we ourselves entered port. What
changes might these months bring
forth,
Man the 'Lucretia's boat" was
the rude intrusion upon my reverie,
and FIVE strong oars were soon carry
ing us TO our own vessel
As the captain and | came over the
rail. the man at the wheel struck
eight bells
Just midnight, said the captain.
And here is the midnight sun, !
added. Suiting my action TO my
words, took another picture lock
ing of toward the vessels that lay
straining gently at their achor cables.
Yellow a. the light was, both pic
lures came out well. Fine detail may
be lacking; but the pictures bring
back flood Of recollection as they
recall the dangers OF that season in