The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1897-06-17

DIS dt any NUucuG d pIOWl0T from the
squadron patrolling the coast might
have made us out. We had not been ~
ing thus very long when on the star
beard bow we nade out cruiser steam.
ina toward us, evidently on the prowl.
It was critical time. All hands were
on deck, a man standing by to knock
the shackle out Of the chain cable and
the engineers at their stations. Thanks
to the backing Of the coast, our friend
did not discover u.s.
''After this all was quiet during the
remainder Of the night, which, fortu-
nately for us, was very dark, and about
two hours before daylight we quietly
raised our anchor and steamed slowly
on, feeling our way cautiously by the
lead and hoping when daylight fairly
broke to find ourselves inside the feet
opposite Galveston and able to make a
short dash for the bar. We had been
under weigh some time, when suddenly
we discovered launch close to us on
the port bow filled with northern blue
jackets and marines. Full speed
aheadP shouted Captain Steele Of the
Banshee, and we were within an ace of
running her down as we almost grazed
her with our port paddle wheel. look
ed straight down into the boat, waving
them a parting salute. The crew seemed
only too thankful at their narrow es-
cape to open fire, but they soon regain
ed their senses and threw up rocket aft
er rocket in our wake as a warning to
the blockading fleet.
daylight was then slowly breaking,
and the first thing we discovered was
that we had not taken sufficient account
Of the effects Of the 'norther' on the
current. Instead of being opposite the
town, with the feet broad on our star
board beam, we found ourselves down
three or four miles from it and the
most leeward blockader close to us on
our bow. It was moment for immedi-
ate decision. The alternatives were to
turn tail and stand chase to seward
by their fastest cruisers, with chance of
capture, and in any case return to Ha-
vana, as we had not sufficient coal for
another attemptvor to make dash for
it and take the fire of the squadron. In
an instant we decided to go for it, and
orders to turn ahead full speed were
given. But the difficulty now to be
overcome was that we could not make
for the main channel without going
through the fleet. This would have been
certain destruction. So we had to make
for sort of swash channel along the
beach, which, however, was nothing
but a cul-de-sac, and to get from it into
the main channel shoal water and
heavy breakers had to be passed, but
there was now no other choice open to
us.
"By this time the fleet had opened
fire upon US and shells were bursting
merrily around as we took the fire of
each ship which we passed. Fortunate
ly there was narrow shoal between US
which prevented them from approach
ing within about half a mile of US.
Luckily also for US they were in rough
water on the windward side of the shoaJ
and could not lay their guns with pre-
cision. And to this we owed our escape,
as. although our tunnels were riddled
with shell splinters, we received nc
damage and had only one man wound
ed. But the worst was to come. We saw
the white water already ahead and we
knew our only chance was to bump
through it, being we'll aware that if she
stuck fast we should lose the ship and
all our lives, for no boat, even if it could
have been launched, would have lived
in such a surf.
with two leadsmen in the chains
we approached our fate, taking no no.
tice Of the bursting shells and round
shot to which the blockaders treated US
in their desperation. It was not ques-
tion of the fathoms but Of the feet we
were drawing. Twelve feet, 10, 8, and
when we put her at it, as you do horse
at jump, and her nose was entering
the white water, Eight feet was sung
out. A moment afterward we touched
and hung, and thought all was over,
when big wave came rolling along
and lifted our stern and ship bodily
with a crack which could be heard a
quarter Of mile off, and which we
thought meant that her back was broken.
''She once more went ahead. The
worst was over, and after two or three
minor bumps we were in the deep chan
mel, helm hard a-starboard and heading
for Galveston bay, leaving the disap-
pointed blockaders astern.''
Mr.. Taylor is credited with having
been pioneer in having cargoes ship
ped from England to island ports and
consigned to parties there. These goods
were then transferred to the blockade
runners for short trip to the Confeder-
ate coast. While on the way to the
islands the ships carrying them sailed
under the English flag and were not
molested by Uncle Sans watchful
cruisers. GEORGE l.. KILMER.
Verses on q Dictionary Maker.
The following verses were addressed
to Professor Skeat by DR.. Murray in the
London News as congratulatory effu-
sion on profnssor Skoat'S HAVING fin ishod