Phantom Blooper
11-28-07, 09:03 AM
U.S.S Susquehanna Alexandria, Egypt. February 10th , 1861
Dear Friends: The beautiful Island or reef of Key West, from whence I wrote last, is about five or six miles long and some two miles broad; it contains about 3, 000 inhabitants of mixed character. The private residences stand back from the streets and are surrounded on all sides by large pine, cocoanut, and orange, Lemon Bananas, plantain and other trees. The breeze coming from the sea during the day, and wandering like spirit voices through the waving branches of these trees make and keep up a solemn, melancholy, like music. There are several species of flowers and plants highly priced with us at home, as the “Cactus” and so on, growing wild and abundantly they’re in the very streets. It is delightfully to wander along the beach and see the innumerable quantity of beautiful shells and stones, corals, sponges and other curiosities that wash up on shore.
On the first of November we hoisted anchor and stood out for sea once more, bound for Madeira. Looking back over the lovely Island. I felt half sorry to leave it. Everything was so fresh and green, so full of life and motion, while with you at home the myriad leaves have fallen; the sweetly singing birds had fled to more genial climate. The glorious sun seemed cold and distant and the earth was wrapped in a snowy mantle. The first day at sea passed pleasantly. On the second day we had a sharp wind and troubled sea, causing the old ship to heave and roll like a drunken man: the waves dashed in through the hawseholes, completely wetting the berth deck. In the morning we passed the lower part of Florida and all, as they cast a long and lingering look behind, farewell to Yankee Land.
On the third day we however, had guite a time of it. The sun arose in all its effulgent magnificence. I then for the first time really enjoyed the grandeur, sublimity and glory of a sunrise at sea. You should have seen it. It is suggestive of great thoughts. The wind was still blowing furiously; the waves were rolling and tumbling grandly and the gallant ship was tossing and pitching and reeling from side to side, now up, now down, causing many ludicrous scenes and grotesque attitudes on here unsteady decks. The sky was however, clear and beautifully blue with the exception of here a mess of fleecy clouds. Towards evening the wind changed and all sails were set, and by the combined power of wind and steam we traveled along right smartly.
The fourth day was Sunday and we enjoyed another Sabbath at sea. In the forenoon we had church then a hearty dinner and a good smoke, after which bible class, and in the evening, prayer meeting. On the fifteenth at sea we met, spoke and passed the U.S. Steamship “Release” sent by our Government to convey provisions and things to the Christian sufferers in far of Syria. On the eighteenth we arrived and cast anchor at the Island of Madeira to coal the ship again. The lofty, cloud capped peaks, the deep ravines and vine-clad hills of far famed Madeira presented a magnificent sight. I have taken a sketch of Funehal, the Capital and shall bring it home with me. On the second day in Port one of our men, a Boatswain mate died, and was buried the following on the Island.
Friends it is awful, terrible to die away from home, from friends and loved ones. No kind face to gaze upon during the last moments; so gentle, friendly hand to close the glassy eyes to smooth the corrugated brow, to straiten the icy stiffening limbs. But how much more sad and terrible is that death bed or death Hammock, no matter where it may be at home, at sea, or abroad where the presence and power and saving grace of Jesus Christ is not felt. Dear Friends, stand up for Jesus even unto the last convulsive struggle of the death embrace. The rough coffin was aft on the quarter deck” All hands were piped to “Bury the Dead” an affecting funeral sermon was preached; the coffin lowered into a boat, rowed ashore and buried by the mess mates of the deceased: the band meanwhile, playing the dead marches.
Thus ended the career of a rough, daring, good-natured honest, blaspheming man-of-war-a-man. He lived and he died; what more can be said of him? His death produced not the least effect upon his shipmates.
Madeira is a fine Island, fifty-four miles long and twenty miles broad. It was first discovered by the Portuguese in 1419, being at the time uninhabited and covered with magnificent forests. It derived its name Madeira signifying “Timber” Prince Henry established a colony on its own the following year and furnished it with vine from Cyprus and the sugar from Sicily.
On the 27th of November we left Madeira and after speeding along its coast for several hours we stood out for sea again bound for the rock of Gibraltar. The passage was quite a short one, but full of interest. We had fine weather and saw quite a number of whales and other inhabitants of the deep oceans. On the 20th we anchored at Gibraltar. Early in the morning we saw the stupendous rock looming up out of the water and growing larger and huger as we approached it. Almost immediately after we came to anchor. The news was brought on board that Lincoln was elected.
On the 2nd of December we left Gibraltar very early in the morning and during the rainy and stormy weather. The storm continued through mostly the whole passage, which however, was short at best. For on the ….we arrived and anchored at Speszia, the American headquarters of this station. We were almost immediately “quarantined”. The next day our mail was on board. We lay several weeks at Spessia, which by the way is only a small country village. We enjoy on board on this ship advantages almost equal to those at homes. That is the beauty of this ship. We have enough to eat and drink, and sleep comfortably, have time to read and write, glorious opportunity for thought and reflection. We visit the shore and enjoy the privilege of hearing good sermons and attending bible classes and prayer meetings weekly. Here however our good old chaplain was transferred to the Flag Ship “Richmond”. The first Lieutenant now occupies his place conducting services and our meetings.
But to continue, On the 25th of December we left Speszia. For Naples. Christmas day was spent on the sea. After dark on Christmas evening we came in sight of Mount Vesuviuis and about four bells in the first watch (10 o’clock) we entered the bay of Naples and anchored close to the city. This was, without exception the finest site I ever saw. The weather was delightfully warm and a splendid moonlight night. The bay was very calm the beautiful city extending all around the bay. lamps brightly burning …rockets and other fire works flying up, up so far, delicious music floating on the air. Burning Vesuvious on one side, large and terrible looking men-of-war all around us; all this made magnificent picture and seemed more like a romance than reality. Naples is one of the finest cities in the world.
Mt. Vesuvious is some30 miles in circumference at its base and is 3,700 feet high. The top is divided into points. There are ever burning fires at its side and a continual cloud of smoke issues from its crater.
While strolling through the city, after having had a fine carriage ride through the grotto into the country. I experienced a sensation of approaching hunger and consequently, like a sensible fellow, I went into a café or saloon was full of richly dressed officers, beautiful ladies, soldiers and also some of our own men. I enjoyed a glorious meal, a few glasses of excellent wine and a good cigar. I understand enough to know that they were talking of Garibaldi and his bravery. Some of them turned to me and commenced a conversation which was however considerably one sided, but during the course of which I proposed “Three cheers for Garibaldi and Emanuel>” Such cheers you never heard.
February 12th 1861. On the 11th of January 1861 we left Naples and on the next morning by sunrise arrived at Messina on the Island of Sicily. The short passage was also a pleasant one. While going out of the bay we passed an English man-o-war, when our band played” God Save the Queen.” And in return their band struck up the “The Star Spangled Banner” The whole was grand and imposing. Messina is an important seaport of Sicily, very strongly fortified. The harbor is one of the best and safest in the Mediterranean. A shipmate bought a bucket of oranges and forty cigars and six strings of figs for an English Shilling (21 cents)
On the 19th day of January we left Messina for the coast of Syria, it becoming our duty to take gifts to the Christian families in Syria. On the 21st we passed the Island of Candis or Crete. On the 21st we arrived at Beirut, Syria.
On the 21st of January, quite a large party of well armed officers and men from our ship started from Beirut with the intention of making a journey through the Holy Land as far as Jerusalem and its vicinity. Our party was a unique looking one. The tout ensemble of the party was sufficiently formidable and terrible to inspire hordes of Turks and Arabs with an overwhelming sense of fear and dread. The officers were well provided with swords and revolvers, the men, with pistols, carbines, cutlasses, battle-axes and the ever-present sheath knife. At noon we left our ship and went on board an Italian steamer to go as far as Caiffa by water, from whence we took an overland route. Early the following morning we came in sight of Mt. Carmel. We landed at the base of the mountain.
The surf rolled heavily over the beach and there was considerable excitement as well as amusement in trying to affect a landing. The beach was full of staring natives in all manner of dress. We concluded to remain there until the next morning whereupon the party separated, some strolling about town, others playing billiards, or walking along the beach, and others visiting Carmel the cave, where the prophets lived, and the convent, now built on the top of the Mount.
Next morning we started for Nazareth, some were mounted on horses, some on mules and some on asses: the baggage and provisions being carried by camels. I won’t forget to say I rode an ass all the way. The scenery was magnificent. We traveled along the foot of Mt. Carmel and over a plain when we stopped to dine. The American flag was planted and under its colors we partook of a good substantial meal and drinking the water of Kishon. After a good rest and smoke we started off again. We passed numbers of caravans and a solitary horseman, and troops of flying steeds and mounted Arabs. We passed through several Arab villages, which looked more like a large collection of beehives built of mud and stone. Night came on us before we ascended the mountain at the foot of which lies Nazareth. So we crowned the mountain and an awfully craggy and precipitous one its too. And entered Nazareth by dark. We heard jackals, foxes, and other wild beasts around us and at one time supposed we had lost the right path. The advance guard with the guide, were halted, when they cried out “come on” which inspired us with new courage and we pressed on and at last reached the convent in Nazareth where we to lodge while we were in town. You can imagine how tired we were after riding all day on small, poorly fed though amazingly sure footed. After supper we turned in. Next morning a fresh supply of horses, (we were tired of asses) could not be obtained in time to start the day, so we remained in Nazareth.
On the 4th of February we packed once again and made our return to Caifon . Our ride back was a pleasant one we arrived late in the evening and stopped in the convent until morning when we back on board ship. In the morning we left for Egypt. On the 7th Egypt came in site and are now lying off Alexandria.
So much for this letter, next time I hope to take you to a different place.
S.S.B.
Here is the link to the story..... :evilgrin:
<!--EZCODE LINK START-->
http://schuylkillcountymilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2007/11/simon-stein-bassler-us-marine-1860-1864.html (mhtml:{D17178DD-5484-4FB6-9762-59CD35177C7C}mid://00000009/!x-usc:http://schuylkillcountymilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2007/11/simon-stein-bassler-us-marine-1860-1864.html)
Dear Friends: The beautiful Island or reef of Key West, from whence I wrote last, is about five or six miles long and some two miles broad; it contains about 3, 000 inhabitants of mixed character. The private residences stand back from the streets and are surrounded on all sides by large pine, cocoanut, and orange, Lemon Bananas, plantain and other trees. The breeze coming from the sea during the day, and wandering like spirit voices through the waving branches of these trees make and keep up a solemn, melancholy, like music. There are several species of flowers and plants highly priced with us at home, as the “Cactus” and so on, growing wild and abundantly they’re in the very streets. It is delightfully to wander along the beach and see the innumerable quantity of beautiful shells and stones, corals, sponges and other curiosities that wash up on shore.
On the first of November we hoisted anchor and stood out for sea once more, bound for Madeira. Looking back over the lovely Island. I felt half sorry to leave it. Everything was so fresh and green, so full of life and motion, while with you at home the myriad leaves have fallen; the sweetly singing birds had fled to more genial climate. The glorious sun seemed cold and distant and the earth was wrapped in a snowy mantle. The first day at sea passed pleasantly. On the second day we had a sharp wind and troubled sea, causing the old ship to heave and roll like a drunken man: the waves dashed in through the hawseholes, completely wetting the berth deck. In the morning we passed the lower part of Florida and all, as they cast a long and lingering look behind, farewell to Yankee Land.
On the third day we however, had guite a time of it. The sun arose in all its effulgent magnificence. I then for the first time really enjoyed the grandeur, sublimity and glory of a sunrise at sea. You should have seen it. It is suggestive of great thoughts. The wind was still blowing furiously; the waves were rolling and tumbling grandly and the gallant ship was tossing and pitching and reeling from side to side, now up, now down, causing many ludicrous scenes and grotesque attitudes on here unsteady decks. The sky was however, clear and beautifully blue with the exception of here a mess of fleecy clouds. Towards evening the wind changed and all sails were set, and by the combined power of wind and steam we traveled along right smartly.
The fourth day was Sunday and we enjoyed another Sabbath at sea. In the forenoon we had church then a hearty dinner and a good smoke, after which bible class, and in the evening, prayer meeting. On the fifteenth at sea we met, spoke and passed the U.S. Steamship “Release” sent by our Government to convey provisions and things to the Christian sufferers in far of Syria. On the eighteenth we arrived and cast anchor at the Island of Madeira to coal the ship again. The lofty, cloud capped peaks, the deep ravines and vine-clad hills of far famed Madeira presented a magnificent sight. I have taken a sketch of Funehal, the Capital and shall bring it home with me. On the second day in Port one of our men, a Boatswain mate died, and was buried the following on the Island.
Friends it is awful, terrible to die away from home, from friends and loved ones. No kind face to gaze upon during the last moments; so gentle, friendly hand to close the glassy eyes to smooth the corrugated brow, to straiten the icy stiffening limbs. But how much more sad and terrible is that death bed or death Hammock, no matter where it may be at home, at sea, or abroad where the presence and power and saving grace of Jesus Christ is not felt. Dear Friends, stand up for Jesus even unto the last convulsive struggle of the death embrace. The rough coffin was aft on the quarter deck” All hands were piped to “Bury the Dead” an affecting funeral sermon was preached; the coffin lowered into a boat, rowed ashore and buried by the mess mates of the deceased: the band meanwhile, playing the dead marches.
Thus ended the career of a rough, daring, good-natured honest, blaspheming man-of-war-a-man. He lived and he died; what more can be said of him? His death produced not the least effect upon his shipmates.
Madeira is a fine Island, fifty-four miles long and twenty miles broad. It was first discovered by the Portuguese in 1419, being at the time uninhabited and covered with magnificent forests. It derived its name Madeira signifying “Timber” Prince Henry established a colony on its own the following year and furnished it with vine from Cyprus and the sugar from Sicily.
On the 27th of November we left Madeira and after speeding along its coast for several hours we stood out for sea again bound for the rock of Gibraltar. The passage was quite a short one, but full of interest. We had fine weather and saw quite a number of whales and other inhabitants of the deep oceans. On the 20th we anchored at Gibraltar. Early in the morning we saw the stupendous rock looming up out of the water and growing larger and huger as we approached it. Almost immediately after we came to anchor. The news was brought on board that Lincoln was elected.
On the 2nd of December we left Gibraltar very early in the morning and during the rainy and stormy weather. The storm continued through mostly the whole passage, which however, was short at best. For on the ….we arrived and anchored at Speszia, the American headquarters of this station. We were almost immediately “quarantined”. The next day our mail was on board. We lay several weeks at Spessia, which by the way is only a small country village. We enjoy on board on this ship advantages almost equal to those at homes. That is the beauty of this ship. We have enough to eat and drink, and sleep comfortably, have time to read and write, glorious opportunity for thought and reflection. We visit the shore and enjoy the privilege of hearing good sermons and attending bible classes and prayer meetings weekly. Here however our good old chaplain was transferred to the Flag Ship “Richmond”. The first Lieutenant now occupies his place conducting services and our meetings.
But to continue, On the 25th of December we left Speszia. For Naples. Christmas day was spent on the sea. After dark on Christmas evening we came in sight of Mount Vesuviuis and about four bells in the first watch (10 o’clock) we entered the bay of Naples and anchored close to the city. This was, without exception the finest site I ever saw. The weather was delightfully warm and a splendid moonlight night. The bay was very calm the beautiful city extending all around the bay. lamps brightly burning …rockets and other fire works flying up, up so far, delicious music floating on the air. Burning Vesuvious on one side, large and terrible looking men-of-war all around us; all this made magnificent picture and seemed more like a romance than reality. Naples is one of the finest cities in the world.
Mt. Vesuvious is some30 miles in circumference at its base and is 3,700 feet high. The top is divided into points. There are ever burning fires at its side and a continual cloud of smoke issues from its crater.
While strolling through the city, after having had a fine carriage ride through the grotto into the country. I experienced a sensation of approaching hunger and consequently, like a sensible fellow, I went into a café or saloon was full of richly dressed officers, beautiful ladies, soldiers and also some of our own men. I enjoyed a glorious meal, a few glasses of excellent wine and a good cigar. I understand enough to know that they were talking of Garibaldi and his bravery. Some of them turned to me and commenced a conversation which was however considerably one sided, but during the course of which I proposed “Three cheers for Garibaldi and Emanuel>” Such cheers you never heard.
February 12th 1861. On the 11th of January 1861 we left Naples and on the next morning by sunrise arrived at Messina on the Island of Sicily. The short passage was also a pleasant one. While going out of the bay we passed an English man-o-war, when our band played” God Save the Queen.” And in return their band struck up the “The Star Spangled Banner” The whole was grand and imposing. Messina is an important seaport of Sicily, very strongly fortified. The harbor is one of the best and safest in the Mediterranean. A shipmate bought a bucket of oranges and forty cigars and six strings of figs for an English Shilling (21 cents)
On the 19th day of January we left Messina for the coast of Syria, it becoming our duty to take gifts to the Christian families in Syria. On the 21st we passed the Island of Candis or Crete. On the 21st we arrived at Beirut, Syria.
On the 21st of January, quite a large party of well armed officers and men from our ship started from Beirut with the intention of making a journey through the Holy Land as far as Jerusalem and its vicinity. Our party was a unique looking one. The tout ensemble of the party was sufficiently formidable and terrible to inspire hordes of Turks and Arabs with an overwhelming sense of fear and dread. The officers were well provided with swords and revolvers, the men, with pistols, carbines, cutlasses, battle-axes and the ever-present sheath knife. At noon we left our ship and went on board an Italian steamer to go as far as Caiffa by water, from whence we took an overland route. Early the following morning we came in sight of Mt. Carmel. We landed at the base of the mountain.
The surf rolled heavily over the beach and there was considerable excitement as well as amusement in trying to affect a landing. The beach was full of staring natives in all manner of dress. We concluded to remain there until the next morning whereupon the party separated, some strolling about town, others playing billiards, or walking along the beach, and others visiting Carmel the cave, where the prophets lived, and the convent, now built on the top of the Mount.
Next morning we started for Nazareth, some were mounted on horses, some on mules and some on asses: the baggage and provisions being carried by camels. I won’t forget to say I rode an ass all the way. The scenery was magnificent. We traveled along the foot of Mt. Carmel and over a plain when we stopped to dine. The American flag was planted and under its colors we partook of a good substantial meal and drinking the water of Kishon. After a good rest and smoke we started off again. We passed numbers of caravans and a solitary horseman, and troops of flying steeds and mounted Arabs. We passed through several Arab villages, which looked more like a large collection of beehives built of mud and stone. Night came on us before we ascended the mountain at the foot of which lies Nazareth. So we crowned the mountain and an awfully craggy and precipitous one its too. And entered Nazareth by dark. We heard jackals, foxes, and other wild beasts around us and at one time supposed we had lost the right path. The advance guard with the guide, were halted, when they cried out “come on” which inspired us with new courage and we pressed on and at last reached the convent in Nazareth where we to lodge while we were in town. You can imagine how tired we were after riding all day on small, poorly fed though amazingly sure footed. After supper we turned in. Next morning a fresh supply of horses, (we were tired of asses) could not be obtained in time to start the day, so we remained in Nazareth.
On the 4th of February we packed once again and made our return to Caifon . Our ride back was a pleasant one we arrived late in the evening and stopped in the convent until morning when we back on board ship. In the morning we left for Egypt. On the 7th Egypt came in site and are now lying off Alexandria.
So much for this letter, next time I hope to take you to a different place.
S.S.B.
Here is the link to the story..... :evilgrin:
<!--EZCODE LINK START-->
http://schuylkillcountymilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2007/11/simon-stein-bassler-us-marine-1860-1864.html (mhtml:{D17178DD-5484-4FB6-9762-59CD35177C7C}mid://00000009/!x-usc:http://schuylkillcountymilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2007/11/simon-stein-bassler-us-marine-1860-1864.html)