The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1898-07-20
Nerve in the Navy.

IL
with Spain, when the ships company
was drilled in preparing the ship for
action, the men all took their stations
promptly, and each part Of the ma
chincry of the great engine of war was
quickly manned, aud in very few
minutes everything was ready for ac-
ton. TO an onlookcr the quickncss
and precision with which each man
took his station seemed marvellous.
IL these same people could sec
the actions Of the same men when
general quarters is sounded and
there is reason to believe an engage
mcnt is imminent, they would scarcely
believe their eyes. Now enthusiasm
and spirit dominateeverything. Each
man knows that on the way his work
is done depends i'll a measure the out
come Of the conflict.
When everything is made ready.
ammunition hoistcd, guns loaded and
manned, there comes a period or sus-
pcnse, calm before the storm. so TO
speak. Looking around the decks no
sign of fear can be discovered there
are no pale or anxious faces to be
seen; nobody seems to be thinking Of
home; every thought is for the pres
ent. Here and there the ''jackies" J"
are cracking jokes; the men at the
guns that will be engaged seem the
most contented Of all; their compan-
ions on the uncngagcd side look sor-
rowful in comparison, and many a lit
tie oath is dropped about hard luck by
them.
\ period Of expectancy now ensues.
The nerves assume state of tension,
which is relieved as soon as the gun
is fired. The crew now settle down to
work. The first few shells from the
enemy cause comment: when puff
Of smoke from an opponents gun is
seen there are some that stop momen-
tarily and watch for the destination of
the shell, and feel relieved when they
see a column Of water rise out of the
sea. When the first she'll whizzes
overhead almost everybody can be
seen to duck. This is entirely re-
fex act, and is no sign Of fear. Soon
all thought Of the enemy's shells
passes away, and the men at the guns
have eyes for their own shells only.
They know that the best defence is a
we'll directed fire. Each shot from
the guns is noted, and when the range
is accurately determined the Yankee
craftsmanship becomes evident.
At Santiago the shooting from the
New York was wonderful in its accur
acy, shell after she'll being dropped
exactly in the right spot, and the
gunners and others sent up shout
each time cloud composed of guns
and dusty Dons arose out of Spanish
battery. The excitement of action for
those who can see what is going on
dispels any nervous strain that may
have existed.
Below the decks, down in the en-
CINE and fire rooms, in the coal bunk
ers and magazines. there are many
men working away, seeing nothing
and hearing only the reports of the
guns and exploding shells. If the
engagement be with ship they can
not tell at what moment torpedo
will come crashing in through the
vessels side, or if the ship be enter
ing a harbor atwhat instant the ship s
bottom will be blown upward by a
mine. These are the people whose
nerves are put to strong test. But
they never murmur, and so far no man
in the American navy has given in to
fear.
Tho action over and the enemy S
Notifications reduced, there is an air
Of satisfaction visible everywhere.
Men can be heard discussing the diff
fercnt shots and talking about the
target practice, and wondering when
they will get some more. When
secure has sounded and retreat
has gone the mcngo about theirduties
as if nothing had happened. Looking
around they can be seen writing,
playing cards, reading and sleeping
quietly.
One of the best examples of the
pluck and nerve in the American
squadron was made manifest when a
crew was wanted by Ilobson to take
the Merrimac into the harbor at San
tiayo and sink her in the channel.
The fate of the men who were to so on
the expedition seemed to be sealed,
as the chances of getting through