Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 October 1898 — Had Steered Before. [ARTICLE]

Had Steered Before.

A member of the crew of the Yankee tells the Electrical Review of an Incident that happened aboard that vessel during the recent cruise. Said he: “We were out at sea, and one of the boys—you know him—was doing his trick at the wheel. Commander Brownson came up alongside him, and, after watching him a few minutes, said: ‘You steer very well, my man.’ Billy just saluted—being up on naval etiquette. ‘Been practising since you joined the ship?’ asked Brownson. INo, sir; I haven’t been practicing much,’ said Billy. ‘Well, you handle this ship as if you’d steered before,’ said Brownson. ‘Yes, sir,’ said Billy; ‘I have.’ ‘Where?’ said Brownson. ‘All along the Atlantic coast,’ says Billy. ‘What did you steer?’ says Brownson. ‘My own steam yacht, sir,’ says Billy. ‘How big is she? 1 says Brownson, after a pause. ‘About a thousand tons, sir,’ says Billy. ‘I—I see,’ says Brownson. ‘Thank’ee, sir,’ says Billy, saluting. And the ‘old man’ went to his stateroom,”