The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1895-11-21
his dotage and had a holy horror Of slow

his dotage and had holy horror Of slow
trips.
When the schooners and other craft
have reached an anchorage on the east
side OF the channel, quarter of mile
order the small boat over the side and
proceed to the office at the superintendent
of the works. This office is built at the
highest point on the structure, and neces-
states long walk and hard climb
The writer was with Capt. Davis when
he made his report. The clerk took a
large book from the safe, and recorded
the time given. By reference to the
figures, it was learned that the schooner
must remain idle at least ten DAYS before
receiving cargo. The charter was hand
ed over to the superintendent, who was
kind enough to ask the party if they
would prefer to go down the trestle on a
locomotive. Of course they would, and
they climbed aboard one of the huge
machines. 1t went down the steep grade
and out among the cars in the freight
yard before the locomotive was stopped.
That suited, for they were going in that
direction for the schooner's mail. 1t is
customary for the officers and crew of
these coastwise vessels to order their let
tiers forwarded to some convenient point,
and letters were expected at Lopez S
grocery store. This mart Of trade is a
marvel Of simplicity. The building is
located in the freight yard in wilderness
OF Stag, tall grass, and shanties occupied
by colored people.
Lopers store was in the hands of a
sheriff and Lopez himself was down at
the heel But the store was opened, and
a group OF sailormen tished in a cigar box
on the counter for missives directed to
their vessels. In looking over the letters
several were found addressed to sailors
who lost their lives at sea during the
winter Three of the vessels in whose
care mail had been sent to Lopez were at
the bottom of the ocean and four more
We're reported as missing.
Returning to the schooner, it was found
that the Ames' anchorage had been shift
ed by the harbor master, and that string
OF coal barges, just arrived from Boston,
was being left on the flats by tug.
Next morning little steamer came
alongside. and her captain asked if any
body wanted to go to Norfolk. Capt.
Davis had business to transact, and The
Herald man went with him. After the
ferry steamer had made the round of the
fleet, picking up score Of captains, it
started for the city. This steamer is
owned by firm of ship chambers, who
are very progressive. The steameris sent
out to the fleet each morning and evening,
and, OF course, the vessels are supplied
from the store that extends such conven-
lent courtesies. In the back office of the
store stands a row Of comfortable chairs,
and in these chairs the captains sit and
spin yarns. If money is needed, it is
supplied from the firms safe, drafts on
owners being given as security.
During, 10 days the Gov. Ames lay in
the stream, the men now and then going
up to the city for the papers and supplies.
Finally the vessel was towed alongside the
trestle, and the matches in the deck were
opened. -Four iron sllutes on the side of
the structure were lowered until the ends
were over the hatchways. Cars of coal
were run upon the trestle, and a constant
stream Of coal poured into the schooner.
At times 100 tons were loaded in five min
utes. When a car was pushed into posi-
ton over the big hopper, with its shute
attachment, a man opened the dumping
doors, while others Of the gang prodded
the coal in the car with iron bars. A
gang Of trimmcrs was in the vessel hold,
and as the coal was being loaded these
trimmers spread it evenly, so the schooner
rested upon an even keel.
During the operation extreme care was
exercised to keep the cabin and other
parts Of the vessel almost Theoretically
sealed to prevent ingress Of dust. The
sails We're covered, and as much as posi-
Die of tile willie paint was protected with
canvas.
At the trestlc. when the Gov Ames was
there, Law the Boston brig Stacy Clark and
the British ship Cypromenc. The Clark
has since been stranded at Cuba and the
Cypromene was recently dismasted en-
route for Calcutta When the Ames went
into the pier she took the berth OF the big
four masted schooner George A. McFad-
den, which was abandoned at sea during
the gale Of last February. She was taking
her first cargo after being found and
brought into port.