Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-06-25

and general din and noise which
meant God Speed, good trip and
safe'trfp. A small feet of motor boats
and of larger boats followed the
BOWdoin long way down the
Sheepscot river towards Boothbay
Harbor. All along the way, the cot
tages and the villagers rushed to the
shores to add the bit Of good wishes
and cheer.
Bring me home some canned bear
meat was the message one enthus-
last called out as he swung along
side the ship. About 40 guests of
Captain Macmillan and crew made
the trip down river. For the most
part. everybody staid above deck.
Captain Macmillan was at the wheel
as the Bowdoin circled around and f.
nally headed toward Boothbay Hafbor
Responding to greetings along the
shore. the captain would leave the
wheel and start business on the fog
horn. "There-are those kiddies who
were up yesterday and 1 promised to
salute Them" said the Arctic explorer
as he left the wheel and nimbly scram-
bled over the boxes and barrels to the
horn in the stern of the boat. Boyish-
ly and with great enthusiasm he an
swered the signals of the score or more
Of girl campers who stood far out on
a point.
The steamer Wiwurna, loaded with
members of the Portland order of
knights Templar. hove into view near
Five Island and the band played mer-
rily. Calls were made for Captain
Macmillan until he again left the
wheel and appeared at the side of the
boat. Greetings were exchanged and
finally the Portland boat went along
her course with the strains Of "Auld
Lang Syne" floating back. behind.
While the, Portland boat was there
Sheldon Fairbanks. the newspaper man
who will go on the Bowdoin towards
the north. going as far as Labrador,
went aloft, perched himself on the rig
ging and proceeded to take pictures of
the scene with his graflex.
In the crows nest" was Thomas
J. McCue. the mate, who halls from
Brigus. N. S. He had made his way
up there as quickly and as cleverly as
any sailor lad
General Adolphus Washington Gree
ley. the famous Arctic explorer, was at
the wheel by times. And he was an
imposing figure as he stood there tall
and erect with keen eye. ahead. Then
at the wheel by times was Ralph p.
Robinson of Merrimac, Mass. chief as
SiStant, one of the busiest men on the
boat. He stood on the wheel box and
stcered with his feet, looking ahead
for buoys and markers.
The whole crew was busy. In the
wireless room was Donald Fl. Mix of
Bristol. Conn. the radio operator, who
sent MESA ges from Captain Macmillan
and General Greeley. These messages
were received by the wireless which
1f Lo V;e0a
wharf roof. There was another oper-
'ator and Hiram Maxim. the son of the
inventor of the Maxim silencer. and
who is head of the Radio Relay
League.
The first wireless message sent from
the Eowdoin was from the pencil of
Captain Mac Millan and was as follows:
ITO the People Of Wiscasset:
II thank You for your great interest
in my work and all your good wishes
for "a successful voyage. The boys
realize more than ever that the people
of Wiscasset open their hearts and
homes to the Arctic explorer and there
fore are looking forward to our return
to Your beautiful town in the fall of
1924. Goodbye to all.
DONALD MCMILLAN"
The message from General Greeley:
ITO the People of Wiscasset:
Il congratulate this historic town
on its contribution TO the science and
advance of civilization through it's in
telliSent support of Macmillan in his
devoted labors for our nation
"A. w. GREELEY"
The guests included relatives and
friends. Austin Mccormick. alumni
secretary of Bowdoin. was among the
guests. as well as other Bowdoin men.
There are no pets on the Bowdoin as
yet. but there isn't doubt but what
in time pets will appear. because what
sailors life is complete without one?
The eyes of the world are focused
on the Bowdoin, her captain and her
crew.