Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-21
FIRST REAL PRACTICE
DISTRICT NAVAL MILITIA IN A
REAL STORM.
Boys Are Having Fine Outing-Sur-
geon Has Had Little
to Do.
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star

YORKTOWN, Va, August 10, 1908.
When the U. S. S. Fern left her anchorage
In the Elizabeth river near Norfolk this
morning 1t was the expectation Of all on
board that the vessel would steam to a
POINT just outside the capes, or perhaps to
a wide spot in the Chesapeake bay, and the
Naval Battalion of the District National
Guard given their first practice and instruc-
ton at the six-pounders; but soon after
passing out of Hampton Roads dark clouds
appeared in the eastern and southern skies
and gave every evidence of rain and wind
Awnings were furled and stored, boats
and guns were secured for sea, ports closed
and matches lowered and battered down,
sea gaskets were passed on the life boaIs
and all loose gear was made fast in an
ticipation of heavy weather.
Rain Fell in Torrents.
The wind arose quite rapidly and very
soon rain began to fall in torrents.
The storm was by no means one cal
culated to unsteady the nerves of seamen,
but Capt. Brummett took advantage of the
opportunity to give the boys a thorough
drill in this phase of seamanship. and there
was just enough assistance on the part of
the elements TO make the Fern roll con-
siderably and to make the drill realistic.
One innocent recruit on Lis first voyage
inquired of the captain:
Sir. are there any sea legs aboard?"
who sent you to me-" inquired the cap
tain with a smile.
lone of the chief petty officers, sir"
The recruit was Informed that there were
no extra ones on board and he returned to
the forward berth deck to discover in the
smiling faces of his companions that he
was the victim of joke.
Storm Continued Three Hours.
The storm continued for fully three hours,
during which time the Fern kept to a
northerly course. and at 2:3O entered the
mouth of the York river. At $3.50 anchor
was dropped near Yorktown in close prox
unity to the CORVALLIS monument.
Following the policy inaugurated at the
outset of the cruise of keeping the boys
constantly on the alert as soon as the
been restored to the usual conditions Capt.
Brummett had the fire bell sounded and
without moments hesitation every man
fastened to his assigned position.
Lieut.. Dempf, commanding the ID d.
vision, and long trained In the regular
service. made his appearance on deck In a
costume that would not have passed for
bathing suit at some of the Atlantic re-
sorts, and for the next minute he was don
ming clothes and issuing orders at the same
time.
Excellent Discipline.
Excellent discipline prevailed and in less
than a minute and half stream of water
was playing on the imaginary fire.
AS this was the first drill of this kind
under the new assignments the result was
considered very gratifying by the officers.
There was much disappointment among
the crew when the Fern came to anchor
yesterday and 1t was learned that none Of
the men or officers would be granted shore
leave. Instead all hands were mustered on
deck and new station BILL which had been
previously prepared by the executive officer.
under the supervision of the captain, was
put into operation.
By this plan every officer and man was
assigned to a designated position and in
structed in their individual duties under the
various orders.
Little Work for Surgeon.
Thus far the ships surgeon has had
plenty of time for rest and recreation, as
there has been no illness and but one slight
accident.
Landsman Norton was struck on the head
with hand lead, and while the injury was
by no means a serious one. after having it
carefully dressed he was sent ashore. He
went to Washington on the Norfolk and
washington steamer.
At $50 this afternoon all drills were sus-
pended and the booms were rugged out and
the crew given chance to rest.
Many of the boys went in bathing; others
spent the time fishing and Grabbing meet
ing with considerable success A limited
number were given shore leave.
Off for Old Point.
The Fern will leave here tomorrow for
Old Point Comfort to receive supplies and
mail sent there by prearranged plans.
From there, if the weather conditions are
favorable, the trip outside the capes will be
made.
Capt. Brummett has not made known his
further plans, but it is probable that tho
remaining days Of the cruise will be spent
cruising In the Chesapeake bay north of
the mouth of the Potomac river.