The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-05
STORIES OF SAMPSON.
Readable Anecdotes OF the Comman.
der in Cuban Waters.

4 writer I'm Ieslie's Weekly says;
only once in his naval career was Samp-
son heard to use an oath, and then the
exDletlve was called forth by an excess
of the emulation ne had himself Inspired
among his command, which was occa-
siOning temporary disregard or orders
From the FIRST the captain had encouraS-
ed boat racing. and the record made BIZ
both the barge and the Gig Of the 'Fr.s'
co was exceptionally fine. Two OF the
men who composed the crews which won
the prizes at the international regatta
held at Norfolk in 1898 now lie buried
beneath the wreck OF the Maine. One or
the numerous trial races which the cap
tain encouraged was IN progress of Mare
Island between the captains gig and
boat belonging 10 the United States
steamer Alert. when orders were received
10 bring the san Francisco into dock Tor
cleaning. The tide was strong ana II
was only by hard pulling against II tnat
the operation OF bringing the vessel IN
could be accomplished. In vain the cap'
tain reiterated the orders 10 Pun In.
There was no time 20 be lost, but excite
mcnt over the race was at a high pitcn,
and all hands were leaning over the ship
rail. watching and cheering the battle OF
oars. The imperturable captains pa
thence was al length exhausted. 'D--a
IT," he exclaimed, "the ship is athwart
the tide and I cannot get man 20 pun
or an officer 10 give an ORDER Just then
"a shout was borne TO his ears. 1.-THE
Alerts boat is ahead"
"Whatw exclaimed Sampson, his own
deep interest in the race. breaking
through his Irritation at the prevalent
lack Of discipline Il don't believe ~
And when the Joyous applause on
tofl fs1F Francisco
held the palm Of victory, the captain
turned TO his first Lieutenant saying,
Il told you so; / knew our men would
win"
Another incident which evidenced his
interest in these trials Of speed occurred
while the San Francisco was stationed
az Coouimbo Chill The Fourth Of July
had been celebrated by q regatta, and
the crew OF Captain sampson gig had
beaten the English boatmen or Her Ma
iestys ships MelpOmene and Liney. y
few weeks after the Garnet another
English vessel, arrived and II was deter
mined to take the Americans down
a little. The Garnet carried boat OF
slperior equipment. built IN Malta for
racing purposes. which had never been
beaten. but. as II 10 make the victory
more certain, the crew practiced daily,
and the challenge 20 the san Francesca
was not extended until the very morning
before the English vessel was TO SAIL
thus leaving no time for practice 10 the
intended antagonists. 80.
But the challenge was accepted with
the stlpuhtion that the race was TO eS-
tend as Tar as Pelicanos Island around
IL. and back again 70 shore-a distance
of four miles. After some heshauon the
English boats crew agreed. On the az
81
Sampson was seated IN MS Cdolh WIN
his coxswain entered.
"Cantain." he began. with deep earn
estness do Won want US TO win this
racer"
"Why. certainly" responded Sampson.
'eWeu. captain, one OF my men Is under
arrest / have spoken 10 the hrst heu-
tenant, pad he says ne can't be re-
leased"
THAT being the case-the man pris-
oner-I don't see what 1 can do for YOU
returned the captain. gravely'
'But I can't do without him. pleaded
the coxwain, with an insistence rarely
shown TO a naval commander. II you
don't let that man go. captain the En-
glishmen will beat US.
Sampson turned suddenly and touched
his bell. and. as his orderly entered, he
said. briefly: Tell Lieutenant - that
I release the prisoner until this race
won. " And the race was won, for, al
though the British racer looked extreme
Iv formidable. and a ringing shout went
nm from the Garnet at the splendid drill
of the rowers and their fine appearance
in holiday attire. # was Americas plain
boats crew. IT. every day working garb
Who. dropping into position without a
cheer Of admiration, waited silently TIL
the signai-shot then did their utmost
struggled through the rough water
around to island goal and returned 20
the shore. leaving the English racer
far behind even out OF sight The
United States steamer baltimore slgnl-
fed her appreciation by hring her Cat
ling.