The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1905-11-02
''wHsrLISG uoK."
A ReminiscSkc.
fBy Jas. A. Greer Rear-Admiral, u.
s. NJ

One day in May. fsts. while Gen.
Grant was completing the Investment
of Vicksburg, the Benton, an ironclad
gunboat belonging to the Mississippi
Squadron. was lying at the bank of the
river on the Louisiana side. An army
officer was ushered into the cabin of
the commanding officer of the vessel,
and after a courteous reception stated
that he was a member aof the staff of
route to the crossing point of the river:
that several hours would elapse before
the crossing could be effected, and that
the General, being very much fatigued,
had sent him with his compliments to
ask If he could come on board and have
Il few hours rest. Reply was made
that the commanding officer would very
gladly receive him and such officers as
he chose to bring, and would do all in
his power to make them comfortable,
but. he was about to start up the river
to ascertain the position Of Confederate
batteries.
The Aid replied that he was sure the
General would like to see how they did
things in the navy. Shortly afterwards
the General. with one or two other Off
GERS. went on board. The vessel imme-
diately proceeded up the river. all hands
being at quarters There was no one
on the upper deck but the commanding
officer, his two Aids. Quartermaster
and the army officers.
In action no one should have been
exposed on that deck, but sometimes,
when at long range and with the firing
slow, risks were taken. There was q
good for those times) pilot-house very
solfdly built and sheathed with iron, in
shape nearly a truncated cone. The
outside was thoroughly creased. as an
idea prevailed that it might cause shot
to defect. Presently the Pilot called
out TO the Captain ito look out" as the
vessel would soon be abreast Of a large
tree, which on former visits up the
river had been found to be range
mark for heavy gun in the Confed
crate works to which had been given
the name of "Whistling Dick Those
on deck belonging to the vessel imme-
Giately placed themselves on the lee or
off-side of the pilot house, ready. when
they should see the flash Of the gun, to
stoOp down and find at least some pro-
lection. There were pieces of canvas
handy for use in protecting ones clothes
from the grease, which was black with
coal dust.
The Captain told the army officers
what his custom was, and advised them
to follow his example Upon this there
was a deal of snickering and nudging
among the guests. but not i'm an Often
sive manner. One remarked in a some
what facetiOuS tone that they did not
dodge in the army This is something
new" etc, etc.
No reply was made. Soon the Quar-
termastor called out, There she comes"
and the Captain said, Down" Quickly
those belonging to the vessel took cam
vas and crouched down behind and
close to the pilot-house. In a few mo-
ments was heard the whir-r-r-r-plunk
of the heavy long seven-inch shell from
Whistling Dick as 1t came toward and
passed over the vessel. Striking the wa
ter not more than 60 feet beyond.
CHANGING up. the Captain observed that
there was an addition to the number of
those seeking protection behind the
pi1Ot-house. In fact. SO rapidly did the
army officers join their naval friends
there that they neglected to- protect
themselves from the grease, but
crouched down SO closely that some on
them bore the marks upon their fore
heads noses and chins, not to- count
their clothes. AS all rose, the Captain,
laughing little spftefuIly, said: "Well,
General, what do you think now of the
way they do these things in the navy"
fish accent: II didn't know the -
things made such a NOISE"
1t is proper to state that the General
had probably never heard anything
heavier than 12-pounder shot coming
toward him, and he before, as he did
frequently after this incident, proved
himself to be one Of the bravest of men.
The next time "Whistling Dick" was
fred the army gentlemen were very
prompt i'm seeking the same shelter as
their friends of the navy.