Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-02-08
PHANTOM SHIPS.
Record Of the Flying putchnlan--
Vessels That Sailed on Land.


1t would be surprising if among sail
ormen and fisherfolk, whose supersti-
ton is proverbial, large amount OF
legendary narrative connected with
their calling did not exist. A little re-
search proves that this is so and that
the sea possesses its quota of uncan-
niness, but which, with enc notable
exception, is seldom heard Of
This of course is the famous Fly
ing Dutchman" or phantom ship of
Vanderdecken. How the story origi-
mated Is doubtful, but it has been as
certained that there was a seaman of
repute who many years ago sailed from
Holland to the East via Cape Of Good
Hope, but was never again heard Of
Some authorities say that, meeting
with contrary winds off the cape, he
swore a terrible oath, in consequence
eff which the Divine wrath decreed
that he should be occupied till the
crack of doom in endeavoring to wea
tier the headland. Others state that
this punishment was melted out to him
in retribution for a terrible murder no
ccrrr''tted before commencing his
fateful voyage
Whatever the cause of this ancient
gentleman's monotonous wandering
: IS plouapiy in connection
with him. says the London Globe that
the most authentic and cold blooded
record of any phantom exists either
afioat or ashore, for 1t Is stated that
in the log of H. III. S. Bacchante. while
on voyage around the world with
the little princess in 1881 there appears
on. July II. the entry: Flying Dutch
man crossed our bows The log booli
of one of the then largest of her Ma
jestys warshlps is certainly the very
last place to expect to find that which
is generally associated with tile hyster-
zeal Of either sex.
In the chronicles of the ST. Law
renee" by lie Maine 1t is recorded
that on q certain day in the year 0.
phantom ship is seen off Cape d Es-
poir in Gaspe Bay, Lights are seer
aboard of her and her decks are
crowded with men. BY the foot Of the
bowsprit mar is c9nsplcuously stand
ing and facing toward the shore, with
a lady clinging to his arm. Gradually
the lights go out and the vessel sinks.
1t Is said to be the ghost of the flag
ship of Il feet which was sent out to
reduce the French forts. the vessel be-
ing lost with all hands. There is also
related among the lumbermen of the
same great river of an antique caravel
which sails up the Codolia Falls where
no other vessel dare or could follow
To come To our native waters, there
are numerous instances related in local
history to the vistations OF ghostlJ
vessels, the west of England. as might
be expected. being most prolific in these
records. Indeed, Cornwall boasts of u
goblin ship probably unique the world
over, as she not only sails the water
but proceeds most unconcerned by
seine good distance inland.
The personal narrative says: On
came the craft. II passed steadily
through the breakers, glided on over
the sands. steadily pursued It's conrs'
on the dry sand as If il had been wa
ter. On it went to Boldelan. where st.
Leveu formerly dwelt. 1t then steered
its course to Chygwiden, ard there
vanished like smoke
Bottrell also tells us tlat In, anotnar
Cornish bay during an incoming fog
the noise of falling spars, guns flrins
and so forth is heard as il an action
Were in progress. Many instances can
be given Of how ships themselves are
said to be haunted. especially when
murder has. occurred on board. And
of the West Indies gruesome stories
are told of the restless spirits of the
ancient pirates, who presumably are
too wicked to leave this sphere. but
visit their old quarters and provide any
unfortunate shipwrecked seamen with
a fund of horrors which he eventu-
ally relates to gaping audience OF
brother salts.