Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 January 1892 — JACK TAR’S WORK. [ARTICLE]

JACK TAR’S WORK.

H* Has Anythin* but an Kasy Time on Uncle Sain’* Cruisers. If hard work is a preventive of mischief, Jack ought to be as harmless as a lamb, for every hour brings its especial duties. The day begins at five o’clock, when “teveille” is sounded, and the boatswain’s mate passes the word, “Up all hammocks.” The bedding is lashed up and stowed in the netting, and early coffee is served. At three bells—half-past five —the morning work begins. Water from the steam pumps is turned on, and, armed with hickory broom and holy-stone, Jack bends his back and scrubs the deck until it is as white as can be. With sand he removes from the ladders and gratings every particle of dirt. No matter whether they were clean before, they must be scrubbed again. It is part of the routine. Then the decks are flooded

with water from the pumps and every particle of sand washed off. Meanwhile, the quarter-gunners are cleaning up their guns and washing off the paint work of the shields. ' Those working below are cleaning their stations. When this is all finished to the satisfaction of the officers, the men have breakfast. This meal generally comes at half-past seven (seven bells) and is a light one. Jack then hurries to get a smoke before “turn to” is again called. At a quarter past eight “bright work” is sounded and all brass work or unpainted steel must be polished until it shines like a mirror. By nine o’clock everything is polished and in its place. The men are in uniform and ready for morning quarters. Each division is inspected by its senior officer on the quarter deck. The men are mustered to see whether all are present. After quarters comes drill, which continues for about an hour, then “retreat” is

sounded and the men are marched to their stations and dismissed for dinner. Smoking follows this, and until one o’clock beer is served out by the master-at-arms. Bumboat Women are also on board to sell their wares, which consist of pipes, tobacco, thread, writing paper and envelopes, combs and nearly everything else that a sailor needs. At one o’clock smoking is stopped and what work there is to be done begins. Afternoon duties are not usually very hard, there being little besides hauling up boats or overhauling the anchor chains or some such work. On Saturday and Sunday smoking is allowed from dinner time until quarters in the evening and again after that until bedtime, and nothing but absolutely necessary work is done. During Jack’s leisure moments he manages to mend all his clothes. Supper is served about half-past five, and after it, except during quarters, smoking is allowed. Quarters last but a few minutes, the men being mustered and dismissed. All boats which have been in use during the day are hauled up and secured to their davits, and until nine o’clock Jack’3 time is his own. Then tattoo is sounded and the anchor watch for the night mustered. The bugles sound “Goodnight,” the boatswain whistles “pipe down,’’and everything becomes quiet. Only those on duty for the night remain on deck The day is done.