USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Freeport > Three centuries of Freeport, Maine > Part 8
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An item appeared in the Freeport Sentinel of February 15, 1901, the basis for which was laid during those war days, when Confederate privateers preyed on Federal shipping. It states that:
"In May, 1871, a tribunal of arbitration was appointed to meet at Geneva to confer with England in regard to damage done American ships and shipping on the high seas during the twenty-two months of privateering by Confederate vessels. In September, 1871, England was assessed about $16,000,000 for damage done. The ship Shatemuc, owned by Capt. John H. Oxnard, of Freeport, was captured during the war by a Confederate cruiser about one hundred and fifty miles out of Boston. The captain of the privateer was a friend of Oxnard's and the United States vessel was allowed to go on her way after giving bonds of $150,000 to the Confederate captain. Thus it came about that in the settlement of the famous Alabama claims a portion of the money awarded by the English government to the United States came to Captain Oxnard, of Freeport, owner of the bonded ship."
XX CAPT. JOSIAH A. MITCHELL
F REEPORT sea captains have experienced many remarkable adventures, but one of their number was the hero of a feat which had not been equalled in maritime history. Charles Nordhoff and James Hall, joint authors of the historical novel Mutiny on the Bounty, which was followed with Men Against the Sea, describing the thirty-six hundred mile voyage of the de- posed Captain Bligh in a ship's small boat, could find no more fitting name to which to dedicate this tale of the sea than that of the man who had taken his men four thousand miles under more unfavorable conditions than even Captain Bligh en- countered.
This dedication was to Captain Josiah Mitchell, who was born in Freeport, made his home here and, doubtless, re- ceived his training in Freeport ships, under Freeport captains. He is still remembered by the older citizens, although his re- markable feat was accomplished seventy-three years ago. One of the first of Mark Twain's writings was this story, which he had firsthand from Captain Mitchell and other survivors whom he interviewed at Honolulu, where he happened to be when they arrived at the Sandwich Islands.
Captain Mitchell's clipper ship the Hornet, sailed from New York in January, 1866, bound to San Francisco via Cape Horn. The passage was quick and uneventful until the equator had been crossed, bearing northward in the Pacific for San Fran- cisco. Then on the third of May the carelessness of a member of the crew set a cask of varnish on fire and doomed the ship, which burned with such rapidity that it required quick action to save the lives of passengers and crew, leaving but scant time for provisioning the boats.
There were three of these boats, each equipped with a com- pass, a quadrant, a copy of Bowditch's Navigator and a Nauti- cal Almanac, while the captain and first mate each took one of the chronometers. There were thirty-one men for whom the following supplies had been saved: four hams, about thirty pounds of salt pork, half a box of raisins, one hundred pounds of bread, twelve two-pound cans of oysters, clams and various meats, four pounds of butter in a keg, twelve gallons of water
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in a forty-gallon "scuttle butt," four one-gallon demijohns of water, three bottles of brandy (belonging to the passengers) a few pipes, with matches and a hundred pounds of tobacco, but no medicines.
In addition to the captain's log, the two passengers, Samuel and Henry Ferguson, kept journals which will be largely drawn upon to complete this account of occurrences during the forty-three days that they were in the boats. Samuel Fer- guson, twenty-eight years old, was ill with consumption and he had taken Henry, aged eighteen, on the voyage with him.
May 3 At 7 A.M. fire broke out down booby hatch. The boats got off safe, and all hands. Compute our latitude at 2° 20' N., and longitude 112° 10' W. The ship burned very rapidly. Two hours after the fire broke out the main-mast fell over the side, and dragged the mizzen-topmast with it. Saved nothing but what we had on, except our over-coats. Got in as much provi- sions and water as time would allow. Staid by the burning ship all day and night. Divided forces - fourteen in the long-boat, and nine and eight men in the two quarter-boats. Our boat - the long-boat - was in command of Captain Mitchell, and the other boats were in charge of the first and second mates. Ra- tions, one-half-biscuit for breakfast; one biscuit and some canned meat for dinner; and half a biscuit for tea, with a few swallows of water at each meal.
May 4 The ship burned all night very brightly; and hopes are that some ship has seen the light, and is bearing down upon us. None seen, however, this forenoon; so we have determined to go together north and a little west to some islands in 18° to 19° N. latitude, and 114° to 115° W. longitude, hoping in the mean time to be picked up by some ship. The ship sank sud- denly at about 5 A.M .. We find the sun very hot and scorching; but all try to keep out of it as much as we can. The men stand it so far well, though we have three or four on board who have been sick and disabled for some time. Though we have had none yet, we hope, in this latitude, to have plenty of showers, which will work two ways, however; as they must wet our pro- visions, and also kill the wind. Our course today has been north-by-east. Our water rations are increased while we are in the "Doldrums," where we have too frequent showers.
Capt. Josiah A. Mitchell
Capt. Mitchell's Home as it Appears Today
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May 5 Last night was a very unpleasant one; it rained very hard, and it was mighty hard stowage. We all got some sleep. Today has been overcast, so we have not suffered from the burning sun as we otherwise should. We caught a good deal of water last night, and have now more than we had when we left the ship. The Captain computes our latitude at about 4º N. The Captain, my brother Henry, myself, the third mate, and nine men lead in the long-boat, which, having most sail (Hornet's main-top-gallant studding-sail) tows the other tow - the first mate's coming next, and the second mate's last. We made a good run till about midnight, when the wind lessened a good deal. So far every thing goes on as well as can be expected. The men are in good spirits, though we all have a pretty hard time. We were enabled to keep on our course until showers and squalls headed us off.
Sunday, May 6 This morning began very stormy and squally; it rained very hard, and one time the sea was very wicked - the waves broken and dangerous - what sailors call a "cobbling" sea. Every body became soaked, of course; bread got wet - with fresh water, however. Wind very light until one P.M .; then a rain squall. We keep on the look-out all the time for a sail. In the evening it rained again, making every thing very disagreeable. This boat is a very disagreeable one. What with a large water-cask, the bag of bread, and the bags belonging to the men, there is hardly any room left. [NOTE: This boat was only twenty-one feet long, six feet three inches wide and three feet deep.] We naturally thought often of all at home, and were glad to remember that it was sacrament Sunday, and that pray- ers would go up from our friends for us, although they know not our peril. We read and said our prayers as best we could for the rain. Not much wind. First part of the night very rainy and uncomfortable.
May 7 Henry got the best sleep last night he has had yet; the Captain also got a few good cat-naps, the first he has had during the four days and nights since we lost the ship. Wind light un- til seven or eight o'clock, when it freshened up and gave us a high and cobbling sea - much worse than any we have seen in a good while. The other boats get on well, and are much better sea-boats than this chunk we are in - not that I have any reason
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to complain of her action. Upon consultation the Captain thought best to steer more easterly to an island called Clipper- ton Rock, which is decidedly the nearest. Suppose we do not find it, we shall still stand in the highway of ships, and also make a good deal of easting, by which we are better able to make the isles further north, they being in latitude 18° to 20° N., and longi- tude 111° to 131° W. About ten o'clock we headed east-north- east, and hope to find Clipperton Island in latitude 10° 28', and longitude 109° 19'. The bread department of our provi- sions is decidedly our weak point. The Captain places no re- liance upon the chronometers on account of their constant dis- arrangement by the plunging of the boat; but he means to take sights now and then, as they keep together tolerably well.
May 8 Last night a series of calms and light breezes, during which we had wind in all directions; rained, but not hard, till morning, when about six it began and kept it up pretty regu- larly - wet every thing and every body again. No wind all day. About noon it cleared off and came out hot. Second mate's boat desiring to row, we went to the rear and each boat took to the "white-ash"- that is, to the oars. Saw plenty of dolphins, but could not catch any. I think we are all beginning more and more to realize the awful situation we are in. It often takes a ship a week to get through the Doldrums - how much longer, then, such a craft as ours, which can not sail within seven to eight points of the wind. We are so crowded that we can not stretch ourselves out for a good sleep, but have to take it in any way we can get it. I am glad I managed to get aboard my three bottles of brandy - it will do us good service.
May 9 Last night was a pleasant one - no rain of any account - so most of the day was spent in drying our wet clothes and blankets. Early in the evening the second mate's boat took the lead, rowing when shortly a breeze sprang up, and they made sail, continuing to row. We reefed our sail and set it, and so soon caught up that we took the lead; then shook out the reef. We have been highly favored in being able to keep together so well. The sun is very hot indeed, and gave me a warning to keep out of it as much as possible, in a very peculiar doubling of the sight when looking with both eyes, while with either one the vision was unmarred .... Lying down in the shade of the
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sail soon banished the trouble, however, and I am all right now. Henry keeps well, but broods over our troubles more than I wish he did. Caught to-day two dolphins; had part of one cooked in a pan; it tasted well. Turned in about 71/2 o'clock and slept pretty well till 12; then turned out to give Henry a chance. Had a good breeze and no rain. The Captain believed the compass out of the way, but the long-invisible North Star came out - a welcome sight - and indorsed the compass.
May 10 Latitude 7° 0' 3" N .; longitude 111° 32' W. Drifting in calms all day. Even as the Captain says, all romance has long since vanished, and I think most of us are beginning to look the fact of our awful situation full in the face. We are still in a good place to be picked up, but seem to make little or nothing on our course toward the isles. We are so cramped up here that it makes it more trying than all else. They are not as provident as they should be in the third mate's boat. They have eaten up all the canned meats brought from the ship, and now are grow- ing discontented. The men in the first mate's boat are care- ful and contented, however. The chronometers are going, but differ somewhat, and so they can not be depended upon. We have been mercifully guarded against the destructive effects of these sudden and violent squalls. We have all the water we want. Today Joe caught some more dolphins and a small turtle. Charley cooked a portion of the former.
May 11 Latitude 7°; longitude 110° o' 3". Standing still! Or worse; we lost more last night than we made yesterday. Caught some little rain, but not enough to fill up the water-butts. The sun in the middle of the day is very powerful, and makes it ne- cessary to cover one's head. To-day the mate's boat caught a turtle; so we have some meat, though we have to eat it raw. The cock that was rescued and pitched into the boat while the ship was on fire still lives, and crows with the breaking of dawn, cheering us all a good deal. The second mate's boat again want water to-day, showing that they overdrink their allowance. The Captain spoke pretty sharply to them. From appearances they ought to be able to catch enough to-night. Have no re- ported sights of sails yet. In this latitude the horizon is filled with little upright clouds that look very much like ships. The men keep up well in our boat, and the Captain serves out two
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table-spoonsful of brandy and water - half and half - to our crew. I offered one bottle of the brandy to the chief mate, but he declined, saying he could keep the after-boat quiet, and we had not enough for all.
May 12 A good rain last night and we caught a good deal, though not enough to fill up our tank, pails, etc. Our object is to get out of these Doldrums, but it seems as if we can not do it. To-day we have had it very variable, and hope we are on the northern edge, though we are not much above 7º. This morn- ing we all thought we had made out a sail; but it was one of those deceiving clouds. Rained a good deal to-day, making all hands wet and uncomfortable; we filled up pretty nearly all our water-pots, however. I hope we may have a fine night, for the Captain certainly wants rest, and while there is any danger of squalls, or danger of any kind, he is always on hand. I never would have believed that open boats such as ours, with their loads, could live in some of the seas we have had. We are all right, so far, and as comfortable as can be expected. I feel the fatigue of the lack of exercise, together with the insufficiency of food, considerably. Henry seems to bear up pretty well, though looking at times pretty miserable.
Sunday, May 13 Last night was one of the finest nights we have had - no rain or squalls, though a variable set of winds. This morning finds us all pretty cheerful. During the night the cry of "A ship!" brought us to our feet, but it proved to be only a star rising out of the water. Thought often of those at home to-day, and of the disappointment they will feel next Sunday at not hearing from us by telegraph from San Francisco. To-day our rations were reduced to a quarter of a biscuit a meal, with about a half a pint of water. We hope to catch more turtles and fish to eke out our small stores. The men, I am sorry to say, are improvident; they don't waste what they have, but would take three times as much as is necessary, if they could get it, and eat it instead of keeping it.
May 14 To-day very showery, though last night was the most comfortable we have had. In the afternoon had a regular thun- der-storm, which toward night seemed to close in around us on every side, making it very dark and squally. With great grati-
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tude we saw the clouds break and stars once more appear. Our situation is becoming more and more desperate, for we have very little steady wind to make northing, and every day dimin- ishes our small stock of provisions. We want to get to 18º N., and make some of the islands put down as lying thereabouts, but will have the northeast trades to contend against; they would be a good steady breeze, but with our sail and boat I doubt if we could sail within eight points of the wind - cer- tainly not while towing the other boats. We have one large compass, and the second mate another; my little compass that H- gave me I have loaned to the first mate. The time must soon come when we must separate.
May 15 From 10 P.M. last night we had a more comfortable night, though every thing was in a perfect sop. Wind baffling and very light - made but little progress. Spirits keep up, and I trust all will be well; but it is a terrible thing for us all so cramped and with no change of clothes. Sun out again hot; drying our wet things, but making it very scorching. We man- age to head about north, but make very little progress. One blessing we have is a continued supply of water, which, as we must soon take the trades, is very important. The Captain took a longitude sight this morning, but noon was too cloudy for latitude. This afternoon wind headed us off to nearly E., and threatened squalls and showers late in the evening. Joe caught another dolphin to-day. In his maw we found one flying-fish and two skip-jacks. Had a visit from a land bird to-day, which perched on the yard for a while. This shows that we can not be far from Clipperton Rock - but whether we shall make it or not is very doubtful.
May 16 Last night was a very quiet and comfortable one as re- gards rain, though our limited space makes it very hard sleep- ing for any length of time. We all keep well as yet, thank God, but are growing weaker. To-day we have a wind from the northeast, which we hope will settle down to a good steady trade, and take us either to the islands or across some vessel's track. The first mate's crew are in good spirits, but they have lived very close and are pretty weak. The cock still lives, and daily carols forth His praise. We have yet eaten neither of the turtles; when we do we must eat them raw, for want of means
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to cook them. No more fish caught to-day. Bids fair for a rainy night, which I do not mind if we can fill up our water-butts.
Captain Mitchell's Log: "Only half a bushel of bread crumbs left."
May 17 Was stopped writing last evening by the rain, which continued steadily all night, with a heavy and dangerous sea. All day yesterday till 2 P.M. rained steadily, and a more un- comfortable set of wretches one can not imagine. To-day, how- ever, we are drying a little. To-day we were fortunate enough to catch a dolphin and a bonita - the latter, in its distress, took shelter under our rudder from a large sword-fish that was hov- ering around, and which we dared not for our lives try to catch or even molest. To-day we have been two weeks in these egg- shells, and it certainly seems as if we are to be saved. God grant that an end to our captivity may soon be sent. The men in all the boats seem pretty well - the feeblest of the sick ones (not able, for a long time, to stand his watch on board the ship) is wonderfully recovered. A great increase of birds about us this morning.
Captain Mitchell set down: "Most awful night I ever wit- nessed."
May 18 Latitude 11° 11'. Last night no rain of any conse- quence; had a pretty good night. Drifted about till 2 A.M. when we got a good breeze, which gave us our course. Mate came aboard today and reports all well with him but Peter, who has again got the fever, poor fellow! The third boat cooked the turtle the second boat caught, and mate reports the meat first- rate. We talk of separating, and must soon do so - we can tow one boat, but not two. It seems too bad, but it must be done for the safety of the whole. At first I never dreamed; but now hardly shut my eyes for a cat-nap without conjuring up some- thing or other - to be accounted for by weakness, I suppose. Very likely we would have been in to San Francisco tomorrow or next day, had not our disaster happened. I should like to have sent B- the telegram for her birthday. At 2 A.M. we took a brisk little breeze from southwest, which allowed us to run our course north by east.
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May 19 Calm last night - rested pretty well. This morning Captain called up the two quarter-boats, and said one would have to go off on its own hook. Second mate would not go, so the first mate took his boat, and with six of the second mate's men who volunteered to go, with two of his own (in all nine); started early, and by 5 P.M. were out of sight to windward. Was all very sorry to have the mate leave us; but all considered for the best. This morning we have had a most scorching and burning sun, making it almost intolerable. Very calm all day to about 4 P.M. when a slight breeze sprang up. It did not last very long, however. The mate's boat nowhere to be seen this morn- ing. I hope he was more successful in catching water than we were. Water will now be a scarce article, for as we get out of the Doldrums we shall only get showers now and then in the trades. This life is telling severely on my strength. Henry holds out first-rate.
Sunday, May 20 Latitude 12° o' 9". Very little rain last night - none that we could save to put in the cask. No breeze to speak of. It is very strange that we do not get the trades, which usually come at 8° to 10°. We all watch anxiously for a sail, but have as yet only had visions of ships that came to naught - the semblance without the substance. God grant that the time is not far distant when we shall be picked up, for that is my greatest hope! The turtle which Joe caught served us for din- ner yesterday and to-day, and very good it was. No fish about us to-day. We are daily in hopes of catching something, for it helps out our stores wonderfully. The second mate, this after- noon, succeeded in catching a "booby"- a bird as large as a wild duck. As they have no other meat it will go well.
May 21 Fine breeze all night, about east - quite as much as we could well stand. It soon brought up a sea, but we made a good night's work of it. No rain to-day; more squally, and the wind not steady. The second mate has been fortunate enough to catch three more boobies, and gave us one. For dinner to-day we had half a can of mince-meat divided up and served round, which strengthened us somewhat. Just after dinner, during a little squall, and rolling very much, we sprung our mast so badly that it had to be taken down, cut off, and reshipped. The sail also was altered. We may now be said to be on our trade-
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wind. Our rigging, like ourselves, is rather weak, however. I be- lieve I have not before stated that, in getting this long-boat off the ship's deck, a large hole was stove on the starboard side of the keel; it has been calked the best we could, but still we have to keep one man bailing all the while. One of the quarter-boats also had an oar-handle stove through her. We have headed to- day about northwest, which is perhaps well, for we hope we have easting enough to make some of the isles; if not, we are in better position to be picked up.
May 22 Last night wind headed us off, so that part of the time we had to steer east-southeast, and then west-northwest, and so on. This morning we were all startled by a cry of "Sail ho!" Sure enough, we could see it! And for a time we cut adrift from the second mate's boat, and steered so as to attract its attention. This was about half past 5 A.M. After sailing in a state of high excitement for almost twenty minutes we made it out to be the chief mate's boat. Of course we were glad to see them and have them report all well; but still it was a bitter disappointment to us all. Now that we are in the trades it seems impossible to make northing enough to strike the isles. We have determined to do the best we can, and get in the route of vessels. Such being the determination it became necessary to cast off the other boat, which after a good deal of unpleasantness, was done, we again dividing water and stores, and taking Cox into our boat. This makes our number fifteen. The second mate's crew wanted to all get in with us and cast the other boat adrift. It was a very painful separation. This afternoon caught a booby.
May 23 A good breeze all night, allowing us to head about northwest or a little better. Took a longitude observation this morning, but the sun was overclouded at noon, so we could make out neither latitude nor longitude. Our chances as we go west increase in regard to being picked up, but each day our scanty fare is so much reduced. Without the fish, turtle, and birds sent us, I do not know how we should have got along. The other day I offered to read prayers morning and evening for the Captain, and last night commenced. The men, although of various nationalities and religions, are very attentive, and al- ways uncovered. May God grant my weak endeavor its issue! Sea much gone down, and altogether a comfortable day; wind
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regular trade, allowing us to head about northwest. Sun ob- scured nearly all day. We want a few good showers to fill up our cask, now twice heavily drawn upon in supplying the depart- ing boats. These, however, I hope and trust will be sent in good time. We as yet suffer little from thirst, having as a ration about half a tumbler a meal; besides, since the trades set in it is not so hot or languid. No boobies nor fish today. I am afraid our chance for fish after this is small, as few here bite at a trolling hook, and we have a fresh wind almost all the time. Turtles will be scarce also. However, I hope for birds.
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