West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1896-12-03
LINCOLN is KILLED.
HOW The SAD NEWS WAS RECEIVED
~ MlDOcgAN.

An English Troopsfip's Courtcsy 60 On
American Clipper-''strihe tho Flag To
Half tIast7-Dayis "a FuGitIve and ths
War Faded Sorrow and Joy Mingled.
Early ono morning the mate was star
tied by the cry from aloft: "DlaclI
smoke ahead, sirl a big steamer stand
ing to tho southwark -
The captain was called and in n trico
bounced ON deck. where, applying tho
glass to his eye, he took long look at
the stranger who had pnshod SO sudden
ly out OF the early mist hanging low
upon the horizon.
Whatever her character, we had but
little chance of escape if she had rifed
guns. Many glance Of apprehension
was directed toward the sombor hull
and pair OF sloping smokestncks with
the twisting smoke trending far astern.
''Show him our colors, sirl Bend on
tho ensign. We may as we'll be hung for
sheep as lamb. If that fellow is q
rebel, the sooner we know it tho bet
terv' exclaimed the captain somowhat
exoitodly to tho mate.
1t was close upon six bells(7 o'clock
whom the steamer revealed her national
fly.
We fairly yelled when the blood red
GROSS of st. George danced up aloft from
the steamers signal halyards. She was
evidently troopship bound for the
cape, a tritie out of her course, but we
did not stop to consider that
She was too far distant TO speak, but
IN obedience TO gesture from the cap
tain the mate emptied bag of gayly
colored signals on deck, and the boys
were called aft to man the halyards and
lend hand TO bend on the magic flags.
Upward futterod the particolorod bits
OF bunting, glasses wero leveled, and
breashless expectancy marked the sun
burned features Of the clippers crew,
for the inquiry flying from our mizzen
royal mast was, "What news OF the
American war;"
The fash of foam cast up by tho hugo
propeller greeted our straining vision,
the great steamer glidod onward, but
no responsive signals gladdened the
anxious hearts of those yoarning to hear
news from home.
With "A passionate exclamation of dis
appointment the captain closed the
joints of his long glass with savage
snap, saying rs he turned away: "He
hasn't our code. It's no use. Z"
Look mt thatl" suddenly exclaimed
the mate, pointing. "What is he going
to do?'
He is coming about" shouted the
captain, his bronzed features fairly pal
ing. Can it be possible ne has PLAYED
as trick and is the Alabama? Stand
by. ali hands, for''-
A deep blast Of the steam whistle
rumbled over the flashing waters, fol-
lowed by a number of quick toots as the
steamer ranged to loeward. Then an
expanse OF white canvas was lowered
over the side
Glasses were directed upon that
bright patch amidships upon which
dark lines could DO discerned with the
naked eye. Tho glass showed these wore
letters.
Il have it'll" shouted tho Captain,
leaping excitedly into the rigging.
Spread the news fore and aft 1t SAYS:
The American conflict is oyerl Davis
fugitive'-and what's that? Heavens,
no-yes-' Lincoln is killedP
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 steam
en-. "
AT that moment the rich, full tones
OF a regimental band were waited across
the heaving swells, and many an eve
glistened with emotion as the well
known strains Of "Hail Columbia
were family heard. The steamer slowly
fell of and resumed her course, while,
as If actuated by one impulse officers
and men sprang into tho weather rig.
ging, giving three times three and wav.
ing their hats in return for the kindness
Of the courteous Englishmen. The stars
and stripes were dipped three times, the
hoarse whistle rang ont In return, the
Meteor flag slowly and majesticalIy 70
turned tho salute, and the greeting in
unidocean was over.
The commander Of that craft is p
gentleman-eyery inch Of himl" was
tho admiring remark Of the mate rs he
glanced ssteru at the fast fading troop.
ship st. Nicholas.