Thursday, November 21, 2024

Page 74

March 27, 1899. Got up early expecting to get mail – mail came on board, but I was disappointed. Rather cloudy and cool and heavy dew. Crew started to take bags of coal from upper berth deck and stow in port upper deck bunker. Found in port at daylight the Peruvian men of war Lima, Constitucion and Santa Rosa; the English man-of-war ‘Lender’ and the French Cruiser ‘Papin’. Very foggy about 8:00 AM. At 8:00 fired a salute of 21 guns with the Peruvian flag at the main. Was answered by the fort. Received a boarding visit from each of the men of war, and returned same, excepting the Leander, which put to sea about 9:00 AM. The Peruvian flagship Lima played "The Star-Spangled Banner" at colors. But played the French National Ant. first, because the Papui was senior. At 9:00 WB Dickie Esquire – US Consul came on board and upon his departure at 10:40 at salute of 7 guns were fired in his honor. J. O’Leary enlisted in the Naval service for a period of 3 years, not exceeding five. Four coal lighters came alongside this afternoon and the boys began coaling ship. Captain and aid left ship to visit the U. S. Minister at Lima. About 2:15 the Argentine man of war Presidente Sarmiento arrived in port. Made usual boarding call, which was returned. Knocked off coaling at 5:00. Captain and aid returned at 6:00. Heavy dew towards evening, and overcast. Served out monthly money. Was surprised immediately after supper upon receiving three letters – 2 from J - 1 from L - first mail I've received in almost 2 months. Sat down and answered all of them, and tearing up the one I had began writing in Valparaiso. Sealed and address them and sent ashore.

Side note:

When a foreign ship, enters a port, and if there is a band on the man of war that belongs to the port, they generally play the National air of each foreign man of war, that visits the port. This is done all over the world.




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