Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1913-07-09
ABOARD A GUN BOAT,
Jay Goodman, a Rowan Boy, Writes Inter.
estingIy Of His Experience.

"G'J " ''s shfos'S"eos
U, S. s. Wheeling, N. Y, July
5-We are in Portsmouth Navy
Yard, arrived on 11th day of May
and since we have been here we
have had many delightful fea-
lures, Every man living outside
the limits of Portsm outh, who de-
sired leave of absence had it
granted, together with months
pay, though 1t was many days be-
fore pay day, they went on their
way rejoicing. This vessel not
having any repair period this year,
the leave granted was special
favor for she grand work the crew
performed since the Wheeling was
commissioned. Of course the
great event was the ships grand
ball and reception held on We'd
nesday evening of last week. This
being the second grand ball and
reception given by the ships com.
pany in twelve months which COW
ers the entire commission period
of the vessel. 1t certainly speaks
highly of the entertaining spirit
of the crew and shows how
strong pull and a pull altogether
will develop and attain good re-
suits, and it is a goal which all
commanding officers strive to have
their crew reach. A few days be.
fore the ball, though a bit of good
natured joshing, a handsome man
contest was started, Offering as a
prize free membership to the ball,
an automobile for the night,
large bouquet for his lady, ten
dollars expense money. The day
will be long remembered by all
who were privileged to attend the
ball as one of the most enjoyable
evenings. The large and magnifi-
cent ball room was brilliantly
lighted and decorated just enough
to show it's vastness. Over the
captains reception room was
hlazed ont in elantrlc lights,
"Welcome, U. S. S. Wheeling. 3"
As the guests entered the hall
each gentleman and lady received
a most suitable and handsome
souvenir and each lady beautiful
bouquet. The uniforms of the
membe and officers made spec
tacular appearance. Pretty girls,
we'll it seemed that the Wheeling's
crew must have known all the
beauties in the vicinity of Ports
mouth, for they were right there
under that roof, laughing, jolly
girle, bright eyes and rosy checked
girls, and the boys enjoyed their
society and the dancing.
My letter is getting little long.
l like the guLboat better than one
of the battle wagons. Although
small as compared with our
27, 900 ton dreadnaught. Her di-
mensions are: Length, 361 feet;
beam, a feet; draft, % feet. Her
displacement is 81 tons and she
has a speed of about 12 knots.
Her complement, under the com
manding officers consists of the
hospital department with one sur
geon, one hospital steward and
one hospital apprentice; and a
ships complement with a master
as navigating officer, deck officers.
engineers, clerks, electrician,
wireless operators, quartermasters.
oilers, seamen, firemen, stewards,
etc. The total number of officers
and men of all grades and classes
is 1853, not including Bobby. the
goat, who Is an important MEM
ber of the ships company. though
not carried ON the muster rolls.
She carries six fcur-inch guns and
four three-pounders, also rifles
aud revoIvers for every man.
We sail July 18th for Key West,
Fla. We will remain south until
trouble calls US away. I will write
again JAY GOODMAN,
U. S. S. Wheeling,
Care P. M, New York, N. Y.