The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-10-08
GALLANT OLD DICK BROWN
The Yankee Skipper who Gave rs The
Americas Cup.
A WE'LL REMEMBERED PILOT
He was always Modest over his Great
Achievements and was Typical
American Sailor.
A WE'LL REMEMBERED PILOT

There are many of the Astorians
readers who have become gray-bearded
since the cup to be raced for on Octo-
ber 5, by the Valkyrie and Vigilant was
won at Cowes, England, by the Amer
lea, on August 21, 1851, over forty years
ago. There are also many more who
have come upon the scene of affairs
since that occurrence. All of these will
undoubtedly be pleased to know some
thing about Captain "Dick" Brown,
who sailed the America and added so
much to the fame of Yankee boatman-
ship.
Captain "Dick," as he liked to be
called, came by his maritime art legit-
imately, having been born in New Lon
don, Conn.,, one of New England's great
nurseries of expert commanders and in
trepid seamen.
A number of watermen can still re-
member when Captain Brown in his
the old Spring Street Market of Brook
lyn, N. Y. In this business he acquired
much of his knowledge of the intrica-
cies of Sandy Hook and the harbor, and
became one of the self-made pilots of
that time. Deep-sea fishing was effect
i've in making him feel at hoie in any
part Of the Atlantic, and possibly had
good effect in the contest on the 9TH
er side in 1851.
A pilots career affords valuable prac-
tice for developing sailing talent. The
constant and varied handling of mis-
cellaneous craft is productive of skill
not to be otherwise obtained. The pilot
thus becomes a ready sailing master of
either fore-and-aft or square-rigged
vessels. But few remain of the old
school pilots, who in former times had
to guide nearly every vessel between
the Hook and the wharf, aided only
by wind and sails. The latter pilots are
necessarily prime sailors, but their
comparative duties are considerably
modified by the better system of lights
and other warning devices, and the
help Of powerful seagoing steam tugs.
Brief intercourse with old-time pilots
soon discloses the sentiment which pre-
walls among them for the man who OBJ
tanned his great fame while a member
of their fraternity The elder pilots af-
fectionately recall his constant good
nature, untiring generosity, and also
the modest estimation he placed upon
his vast skill. The writer, who knew
him long as citizen and neighbor new
er heard him allude to his great
achievement over the English yachts
with the least emphasis. He would qui-
etly converse on the subject, but his
remarks were chiefly brief responses to
questions, and his descriptions were
usually summed up in: "But you see,
we had a good boat" He was, of
course, personally gratified with his
victory, but in his sturdy off-hand way,
he seemed specially pleased because he
had taken part in a success which so
delighted his countrymen.
According to those who were profess
sionally associated with Captain Brown,
he had marked popularity of close
supervision of the details on shipboard
on all occasions. The least appurten-
ance of q vessel in his charge had to be
promptly put and kept in working con-
dition, while the soundness of standing
rigging, freedom Of running rigging, in
tact sails, trustworthy spars, and ap-
propriate distribution of ballast were
always considered on a strict principle
of better be sure than sorry" Many
Incidents of his steadiness of nerve and
ingenious resources in overcoming adj
verse contingencies in a contest are
spoken Of by the diminished group who
were his early companions and had the
opportunity to witness his exploits dur
ing his life.
1t was his custom to personally Sc
lect every man of his racing crews, and
the best sailors were always ready to
accompany the kindly, unostentatious
chief who, if it became necessary,
would throw off his coat and Tend a
hand" to practically explain maneu-
vre.
For time he commanded a coast
wise steamship. but the place was not
"salt" enough to suit his early acquired
taste, and he soon returned to his pre-
vious enchantments, the tiller, and the
treeze.
An admirer Of the great yachtsman,
who knew him in many races, said: 1T
was grand sight to witness his con-
duct in the excitement Of a race. The
rsual careless, easy-going behavior all
departed. and with the tiller in his
hands. and his deep-blue eyes seeming
to flash upon every shred Of canvas
and fastening of rope. he appeared to
be a majestic master Of all his sur
foUndings."