The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-06-21

Interesting Items About our Sailor
Boys Of the Nantucket.

Yesterday we were kindly furnished
with the following extracts from a
private letter from the Nantucket.
viz:
Dear Jim:
The weather has been much cooler
for the past eight Ct ten days
and the naval reserves aboard the
more remarkable things a the boys
ever expected %. In fact they have
now done every detail OF work aboard
an American warship. except one thing.
and that Is to fire al an enemy. The
crew heaved anchor Thursday. n the
old ship, under full steam. put majeS-
tically 10 sea. When outside the gun
crews, composed OF three men each,
and the powder and she'll divisions, the
former division in the turret al the
two Is inch guns and the powder and
shell divisions below extending from
the magazine TO below the turret so as
TO pass ammunition, were piped for
and in almost an instant were at their
post. A strang feeling passed over
some OF the crew. more, however. from
curiosity than fright, while others
passed ~jocular remarks among them
selves. Lieutenant r. H. Mckoy was
in command of No. i, gun and Ensign
H. L. Miller of No. ,. After loading
them with schrapnel orders were given
by lieutenant Moore, who stood above
AA AAS ko4 ~ ~ ~ A4.N "a WV 49,
and the two weighty explosives went
crashing through the air and when
some distance they exploded sending
missiles in all direction. When they
exploded the crew could see huge col
m or cloud Of smoke. The ice being
broker the boys are now eager TO try
it over again but are only allowed one
practice with the large guns ones ev-
cry three months By the way, l for
got to mention that the clearing decks
for action before the practice was very
quickly and efficiently done. You can't
imagine the amount of hard work
which can be accomplished when they
have discipline and are willing TO work.
The fire system of the ship is almost
perfect. One evening last week when
the crew were resting on the hurricane
deck, the regular fire gong was rung
by Lieutenant McIfhenny and no one
had an idea that it was sounded for
practice, but on the other hand thought
the ship was really on fire. Every
man eager to comply to the call by be-
ing at his numbered station. a rush was
made some absolutely jumping from the
hurricane deck to the main deck. The
hose was Immediately stretched and a
stream sOon issuing from the nozzle.
The aXemen We're with the executive
officers to await his orders and the
boats all guarded. In fact our home
ire department, under Chlet SchnlD-
ben and Captain Billie Monroe will
have an excellent addition from our
ship. Or anyway we will give them a
few "POinters." HoWs that?
To the surprise Of the ships fire bri-
gade it was only a false alarm sent in
to test our efficiency. Our side are
workers and that's no joke" Some of.
the boys who are druids were sorry
they could not be with their brother
at the nua meeting held.
An hour each afternoon is devoted
to teaching the men the signals and
Lieutenants Atkinson, Navigator
Morse and Ensign Coleman are usually
the instructors. In the Messengers
article in regard to the snap shot pic
ture of some Of the Tars on board the
Clifton Con liberly) the ones not
mentioned were Rob Morse, of South
port, and Jack Clements of Whining
ton