Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 109, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 May 1910 — WOKE UP A TOWN. [ARTICLE]

WOKE UP A TOWN.

When Commodore Thomas Macdonough entered the United States navy at sixteen as a midshipman, in 1800, he drew nineteen dollars a month pay and was entitled to one ration a day. In the “Life” of this brave officer Rodney Macdonough says that so great were the exactions and so unceasing the strain on a boy’s nervous temperament that only the most rugged and determined could remain In the service for any length of tifhe. Nevertheless, the records show that the young Maodonough found some amusement, and paid for his mischief. Boys are boys, in all ages, and the midshipmen of that day were as fon’d of fun and as full of life and spirits as are healthy boys of to-day, and sometimes, no dpubt, were sore trials to their superiors and others. While the ship Ganges was lying-at New Castle, a skylarking party of midshipmen oi shore leave conceived the idea of waking up the sleepy place. One of their number climbed into the belfry qf the Venerable Episcopal chtirch, drew the bell-rope up through a hole in the floor and let it down outside. Then the entire party tailed on to the rope and gave the old bell such a ringing as roused and startled the whole town. - The supports of the bell, unused to such a severe strain, presently broke, and the bell crashed to the floor, while the midshipmen took to their heels. Before the Ganges left, the worthy dominie received an unsigned letter expressing regret for the damage done, and containing a sum of moaey which, It was hoped by the senders, would cover the cost of the repairs. The letter was In existence until recently, and from the writing it was always supposed to “be the work of Midshipman Macdonough.