The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-09-22
"LINCOLN IS KILLED"

A Striking Incident i'm .fidocean After the
Presidential Assassination.
[St Methodist
Early one morning the Mate was startled by
the cry from sloft, Black smoke ahead, sir A
big steamer standing to the southwark"
The Captain was called and in a trice
bounced on deck, whore applying the glass to
his eye, he took long look at the stranger
who had pushed so suddenly out of the early
mist hanging low upon the horizon.
Whatever her character, We had but little
chance Of escape If she had rihed guns. Many
a glance of apprehension was directed toward
the soU,ber hull and pair of slopiug smokestacks
with the twiriing smoke trendiug far astern.
Show him our colors, sirl Bend on the en-
sign; we may as well be banged for sheep as
a lamb II that fellow is rebel the sooner we
know it the betterl" exclaimed the Captain
somewhat excitedly to the Mate.
1t was close upon six bells q o'clock when
the steamer revealed her nationality.
We fairly yelled when the blood-red cross Of
st. George danced up aloft from the steamers
signal yards. She was evidently a trOopship
bound for the Cape, trifle out OF her course,
but we did not stop to consider that.
She was too far distant 10 speak, but, in
obedience to gesture from the Captain, the
Mate emptied bag Of gaily-colored signals
On the deck, and the boys were called aft to
man the halyards and lend a hand to bend on the
magic flags. Upward huttered the parti-colored
bits of bunting glasses were legeled and breath
less expectancy marked the sunburnt features
Of the clippers crew; for the inquiry flying
from our mizzen royal mast was, w bat news
of the American WARP"
The flash of foam cast up by the huge pro-
peller greeted our strained vision, the great
steamer glided onward but no responsive sig
nails gladdened the anxious hearts OF those
yearning to hear news from home.
With passionate exclamation Of disappoint-
ment the Captain closed the joints Of his long
glasses with a savage snap, saying, as be turned
away "He hasn't our code. It's no use."
Look at thatp' suddenly exclaimed the
Mate, pointing. What is he going TO do'"
{" He is coming about" shouted the Captain,
his bronzed features fairly paling- Can it De
possible he has played US trick and is the
Alabama2 Stand by all hands, for -
A deep blast of the steam-whistle rumbled
over the flashing waters, followed by number
of quick toots as the steamer ranged to lee
ward then an expanse OF white canvas was
lowered over the side.
Glasses were directed upon that bright patch
amidships. upon which dark lines could be dis
cerned with the naked eye. The glass showed
these were letters.
al have itl' shouted the Captain. leaping
excitedly into the rigging. Spread the news
fore and aft 1t says: The American conflict
u OS0T. LAWS u iuRltLfS bhdt !
Heavens, uo-yes-' Lincoln is killed."
Strike the colors half-mast, SIR" continued
the Captain to the Mate in subdued tone.
Then he added Hoist the signal Thank you
to the steamer"
At that moment the rich. full tones of a reg
mental band were waited across the heaving
swells, and many an eye glistened with emotion
as the well.known strains of Hail Columbia
were family heard. The steamer slowly fell
off and resumed her course, while, as if actua-
ed by one impulse, officers and men sprang
into the weather rigging, giving three times
three and waving their hats in return for the
kindness of the courteous Englishmen. The
Stars and Stripes were dipped three times, the
hoarse whistle rang out In return, the meteor
flag" slowly and maestically returned the
salute and the greeting in midocean was over.
1.-THE Commander of that craft is gentle
man-every inch Of him." was the admiriug
remark of the Mate as he glanced astern at
the t-fading troopship.