Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1908-05-28
VOYAGE TO THE PACIFIC.
Interesting Letter from Pacific Fleet
by Vermont 6Iuejacket.

Interesting Letter from Pacific Fleet
by Vermont BIuejacket.
MagdaIena Bay, Mexico, March IL, 1908.
Mr.. Editor:-On board U. S. 3.
Georgia, as most of the readers of the
Chelsea Herald are aware. The splendid
North Atlantic fleet of our navy, which
is destined to encircie the globe before
returning, hoisted colors and departed
from Hampton Roads Dec. 16 of last
year. The fleet comprised sixteen large
battleships and was manned by $4,000
sailors, and to bid farewell to them there
were 100, 600 people along the banks and
in boats, including the president and
most of his cabinet.
On Dec. %, we dropped anchor at
Trinidad, Port of Spain, B. w. l. We
werc given shore leave here and, al
though it was excessively warm, sight
seeing was enjoyed to its fullest extent.
The people of Trinidad entertained the
bluejackets royalty and thousands visited
our fleet during the stay. While here,
some of our newly made friends present.
ed the crew OF the Georgia with a young
goat, but his first night aboard the vessel
was also his last, because Ham, our mas
cot, massive bull dog, objected to divid-
ing the affections of the crew with
ssBilly'' and dispatched him during the
night.
On the 10th, we weighed anchor for
Rio de Janeiro, crossing the equator Jan.
4. There is saying among those in the
navy that a man is not full-f1edged
sailor until he has passed over the line,
and as most of our crew had never
crossed before, we were subjected to an
ssinitiation'' by the old salts, which
while severe, was taken with rare good
nature. Imagine a number OF the older
tars dressed fantastically to represent
'sDavy JONES'" compelling the "fresh-
men, to submit to close hair cut, after
which they were required to digest pill,
the formula of which was soap, onions,
tar and red pepper. Those who submit
ted without murmur were given certi-
ficate by Neptunus Rex stating that they
were entitled to membership in the An
cient Order of the Deep.
The second day after we crossed the
line the sea became very rough and as a
consequence many Of the fiedglings were
unable to eat food of any description for
nearly a week.
On the night of the tenth, the whole
feet was aroused by the cry ofstman over
board" Immediately all the ships
brought their searchlights into action
and one of the most brilliant displays
ever seen on the ocean was witnessed.
Fortunately the alarm proved false and
after short delay the vessels again
moved on in their stately manner.
A run of fourteen days brought us to
the beautiful bay at Rio de Janeiro on
Jan. II. Several miles outside the harbor
we were met and escorted in by the Bra
lillian cruiser Barruso, which signalled a
hearty welcome on behalf OF the govern
ment The fleet remained at Rio for
ten days and the sailors greatly enjoyed
the shore leave, visiting the magnificent
parks, of which there are several, and the
various places of amusement. During
our stay here, the weather was all that
could be desired.
Departing from Brazil on Jan. %, We
arrived at Punta Arenas, Chill, on the first
of February. The climate here was sur
prise to most of us. The air was raw and
chilly and we were compelled to wear
our pea jackets all the time. Before leav-
ing, our crew augmented the ships
menageries by two little monkeys and a
parrot.