Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1898-06-09
STORIES OF SAMPSON,
Readable Anecdotes of the Commander in
Cuban Waters.

A writer in Leslie's Weekly says: Only
once in his naval career was Sampson
heard to use an oath, and then the exple-
tive was called forth by an excess of the
emulation he had himself inspired among
his command, which was occasioning
temporary disregard for orders. From the
first the captain had encouraged boat
racing, and the record made by both the
both the barge and the gig of the Fran
cisco was exceptionally fine. Two OF the
men who composed the crews which won
the prizes at the international regatta held
at Norfolk in 1893 now lie buried beneath
the wrecl, of the Maine. One of the nu-
merous trial races which the captain en-
couraged was in progress off Mare Island
between the captains gig and boat be-
longing to the United States steamer Alert,
when orders were received to bring the
San Francisco into dock for cleaning. The
tide was strong and it was only by hard
pulling against it that the operation OF
bringing the vessel in could be accom-
plished. In vain the captain reiterated
the orders to "Pull I'M" There was no
time 10 be lost, but excitement over the
lace was at high pitch, and all hands
were leaning over the ships rail, watching
and cheering the battle Of oars. The I'M
perturable captains patience was at length
exhausted "D--n it," he exclaimed,
''the ship is athwart the tide and cannot
get a man to pull or an officer to give an
order" Just then shout was borne to
his ears. '"The Alert's boat is ahead!"
"What" exclaimed Sampson, his own
deep interest in the race, breaking through
his irritation at the prevalent LACK Of dis
cipline, 81 don't believe it.
And when the joyous applause on board
told that the San Francisco again held the
palm of victory, the captain turned to his
first lieutenant, saying, 81 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 at
Ooouimbo Chill. The Fourth Of July had
been celebrated by regatta, and the crew
OF Captain SIMPSONS gig had beaten the
Engliah boatmen of Her Majesty's ships
Melpomene and Liffey. A few weeks af-
fer. the Garnet, another English vessel.
arrived and it was determined to "take the
Americans down. little. The Garnet
carried boat of superior equipment, built
in Meta for racing purposes, which had
never been beaten; but, as if to make the
victory more certain, the crew practiced
daily, and the challenge to the San Fran
cisco was not extended until the very
morning before the English vessel was to
sail, thus leaving no time to practice to the
intended antagonists.
But the challenge was accepted, with
the stipulation that the race was to extend
as far as Pelicanos Island, around it, and
back again to shore-a distance of four
miles. After some hesitation the English
boats crew agreed. On the afternoon of
the day of challenge Captain Sampson was
seated in his cabin when his coxswain en-
tered.
Captain, he began, with deep earn
estness, ''do you want to win this racer"
"Why, certainly, responded Sampson"
"Well, captain, one of my men is under
arrest. 1 have spoken to the first lieuten-
ant, and he says he can't be released"
''That being the case-the man prs
oner-I don't see what can do for you,
returned the captain, gravely.
''But can't do without him." pleaded
the coxswain, with az insistence rarely
shown to a naval commander. "lf you
don't let that man go, captain, the Eng
lish1nen will beat us!'
Sampson turned suddenly and touched
his bell; and, as his orderly entered, he
said, briefly: ''Tell Lieutenant = that
l release the prisoner until this race is
won." And the race was won, for, al
though the British racer looked extremely
formidable, and a ringing shout went up
from the Garnet at the splendid drill OF the
rovers and their fine appearance in holi-
day attire, it was Americas plain boats
crew, in every day working garb, who,
dropping into position without cheer Of
admiration, waited silently till the signal
shot then did their utmost, struggled
through the rough water around the island
goal and returned to the shore, leaving the
English racer far behind, even out ofsight.
The United States steamer Baltimore sig
nifed her appreciation by firing her CAT