An Iowa boy around the world in the navy

Preface

FT IS, perhaps, a man's duty to write of such experiences as are related in this book, for the benefit of young men, who, knowing not what they want, want everything.

Those who may feel skeptical as to the truth of these writings are respectfully referred to the following newspaper article and letters:

The Davis County Republican, Bloomfield, Iowa, Thursday, January 16, 1902.

Happy Reunion at Ottumwa— John W. Swift, a Davis County Boy, Returns After Service in the Navy.

AS ANNOUNCED in these columns last week John W. Swift has returned home after three years' service in the United States navy. He was interviewed in Ottumwa by a Courier reporter after which the following appeared in Saturday's paper:

A happy family reunion took place in Ottumwa last night when J. D. Swift and family, a stock farmer whose home is near Bloomfield, met and exchanged greetings, for the first time in four years, with his son, John W. Swift, late chief yeoman on the United States cruiser Brooklyn and confidential stenographer to Admiral George C. Remey, commander of the Asiatic squadron. The son was married at Whitney's Point, N. Y., last week to Miss Edythe M. Allen, of that place, and they spent yesterday in Ottumwa, meeting his relatives in this city last evening. They are now at the Swift homestead in Davis county and will make their future home in or near Bloomfield.

Mr. Swift left Bloomfield about four years ago and joined the First Ohio Volunteer cavalry. This regiment did not get nearer to the seat of war than the camps in the southern states and this did not satisfy the Davis county volunteer; who had enlisted because he wanted to see service. After being discharged from the cavalry, Mr. Swift enlisted in the navy as a landsman, the lowest rating in the service. He requested to be sent to the Philippines and the request was granted.

The trip to the far east was made via the Suez canal route, and when Mr. Swift arrived in Asiatic waters he was assigned to the Bennington as captain's writer. About this time President Schurman of Cornell University, chairman of the peace commission, made a visit to the Philippines for the purpose of investigating conditions there. The Bennington was detailed to take President Schurman on his tour of the islands, and on this trip Mr.

Swift visited all the important Philippine ports and obtained a splendid insight into the affairs of the Filipinos.

During his service on the Bennington, Yeoman Swift was afforded some exciting experiences during engagements with the Filipinos. The Bennington was regularly used as a cruiser, with instructions to watch for contraband of war. Daily it hailed and stopped Filipino boats, some of which showed fight and some refused to stop. These were sunk. The Bennington also took part in the bombardment of San Jose on the island of Negros, and near Albay, on the island of Luzon, the cruiser conducted another successful bombardment in which a number of Filipinos were given a good understanding of the ability of the Americans to shoot accurately.

Just before the siege of Peking, Yeoman Swift, who had meanwhile been promotedin turn to the positions of third, second and first class yeoman, was made chief yeoman and transferred to the Brooklyn, Admiral Remey's flagship. He was on the ship off Taku, China, the naval base during these exciting times, from July 8 to October n, 1900. Here messages from Minister Conger and others who were in the besieged capital city at the time were received, having been carried through the native lines by faithful Chinese who managed to make their way without being killed.

Six or seven copies of each message were entrusted to as many faithful Chinese and these heroic men would make a dash through the lines for the coast. One or two of each group would get through while their comrades would be killed in the attempt. The messages were received on board the vessels of the allied powers in the bay of Taku, the ones from the Americans going to the Brooklyn, where it was Yeoman Swift's duty to transcribe them into cipher and make them ready for the cable operators at Chefu, where the China end of the trans-Pacific cable was located. This was the work which was done by the Davis county man during the months at Taku, in addition to other official and confidential work for Admiral Remey.

Mr. Swift wrote the order which sent the Vicksburg on her voyage in the Philippines to support Gen. Funston when that famous Kansan captured Aguinaldo, and the admiral's chief yeoman handled much other official business of importance and national moment. So satisfactory was his work that on leaving the service in November, 1901, at the expiration of his term of enlistment, Mr. Swift was given two letters, one from the chief in the clerical department, and one from Admiral Remey himself, commending the yeoman for his excellent, painstaking, faithful work. These documents are naturally valued very highly by Mr. Swift.

While on board the Brooklyn, Mr. Swift made the voyage to Melbourne, Australia, when the first Australian parliament was opened. Here the Brooklyn was the center of attraction, and it was estimated that during her stay in the Australian harbor she was visited by thousands of people who desired to inspect the ship which had helped to bring about Admiral Cervera's defeat in Santiago harbor.

Mr. Swift announces that he has quit the navy for good and all. He will go into business somewhere in Davis county and spend the rest of his life in the United States. He expects soon to write a book regarding his experiences and his views of the country's navy, something of which has been given in the preceding.

Office of the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCE ON ASIATIC STATION FLAGSHIP BROOKLYN.

Yokohama, Japan, Nov. 15, 1901.

Jno. W. Swift, Chief Yeoman U. S. Navy, has served in this office under my immediate supervision and direction, for sixteen months, and leaves now only because his term of enlistment is about to expire.

As a stenographer and typewriter he has fully proved himself to be capable, careful, industrious and willing. The work in this office has required long hours, with little regard to Sundays and holidays, and the conditions of climate and shipboard life have been at times very trying. I have good reason to recommend Swift for zeal, interest and faithfulness in his work; and would be glad to have his services again.

Lieutenant, U. S. Navy,

Aide to Commander-in-Chief.

Office of the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCE ON ASIATIC STATION FLAGSHIP BROOKLYN

Yokohama, Japan, Nov. 15, 1901.

J. W. Swift, Chief Yeoman, U. S. Navy, has served as a stenographer and typewriter in my office for nearly eighteen months. I have no personal knowledge of the details of conducting the work of my office, but my aide in charge of it has repeatedly spoken in approving terms of the yeomen; and the papers prepared by them as they came before me testify to their competency. The work has been voluminous for the small force to handle it, and has had to be done with dispatch often under trying conditions. I consider myself fortunate to have had such capable men in my office as Swift has shown himself to be.

As he leaves the station now, going to the United States for discharge, upon the expiration soon of his enlistment, I wish him success in his future occupation.

(Sgd.) Geo. C. Remey, Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy, Commander-in-Chief.

. CHAPTEK I.

GREAT BROADWAY, NEW YORK MEN WANTED TO GO TO WAR

CHUM WANTED TO EIGHT ENLISTED ILL IN HOS- PITAL PROMOTED TWELVE THOUSAND MILES

VOYAGE VIA SUEZ CANAL ROUTE TO THE ORIENT.

IN THE EVENING of December 1, 1898, the bitter cold northern wind whistled down great Broadway, hacking the faces of rich and poor alike as they flitted about the corners of the great buildings, intent, as New Yorkers always are, each on his own particular mission, but all familiarly akin in that mad turmoil of business.

The streets of the city were filled to overflowing with the multitude of jostling, tired and hurrying people; natives of every country on earth intermingled in one great seething mass of humanity, moving constantly onward in two streams — from the city to suburban homes, and from suburban factories down town to lodgings. There were men, women and children from every walk of life, scurrying onward, their faces set in all the varieties of expression peculiar to mankind. In sympathy with this endless double stream of humanity completing the scene of great Broadway, came the thundering rattle of traffic intermingled with the roaring commands to "move on" of those greatest of earth's peacekeepers and life savers, the Broadway police.

How sad it is to tread great Broadway and read the separate story of each pedestrian in his or her face as we pass ; to note the great majority of unhappiness. I was studying these people, and, as we often do, comparing the history seen in their faces with my own ; and, as I thus witnessed the panoramic view of lives, it slowly dawned upon me that my lot was a fair one ; that, after all, it was tolerably happy, almost without my knowing it.

Chum inquired the reason of my protracted silence, remarking that life in ISTew York made him dull, and wished that we might hit upon some plan for excitement. I reminded him that, as long as we had health and good positions, we should be satisfied with well enough, and censured him for his discontent.

As we turned off Twenty-second street in the direction of our lodgings we noticed a large placard reading, "Men Wanted to Fight." We stopped and read all about it. Uncle Sam wanted men in his navy to go to the Philippines and "lick" the natives. Chum immediately wanted to fight. I laughed at him, reminding him of our unsatisfactory experience during the war with Spain, fighting mosquitos in Chickamauga, Florida and Alabama camps, merely to earn the appellation of "tin soldier,' 1 but he would not listen; said he was looking for just such excitement, and if I would not go with him he would go alone, and I might go to the dickens. I told him I had no great desire to go to the dickens, wherever that might be, but thought possibly that was better than the Philippine Islands.

Now, Chum was a good fellow, but he had one very, very, bad habit — he wanted to "run things." This was all right in

Enlisted."

itself, and interesting, but for one fact — I had the same habit. Consequently his determination to fight the "wily Filipino'' led to a heated discussion that evening when we reached home, with the usual result — I got the worst of it and had to give ia a little, because he could talk louder. In brief, we decided that: he should enlist in the navy and I should go my own way ; but withal we continued friendly.

Promptly at nine o'clock the next morning we were at the recruiting office .at the New York Navy Yard, on the old United States receiving ship Vermont. I can see now, in fancy, ithe entrance of two dudish looking young fellows on that old vessel which has taken so many boys from home, and can, now that I understand the customs of men of our navy, imagine with what amusement we were looked upon by these jolly boys of the sea. To an old sailor it is one of the funniest sights possible to witness the awkward embarrassment of a "rookie." They appear to be unaware that anyone from the outside world is about to enter their realm, their faces remain calm and apparently disinterested, but all the while they are watching with the deepest cunning for "green remarks" or "blunders" of this "rook," so that they may attach a nickname that will be characteristic .and follow him to the end of his service. They are very friendly, however, and when once the "rook" gets into uniform, will assist him in every possible manner with regard to lashing his hammock, packing his clothes in the queer canvas bag used in the navy, and other duties necessary in the education of a man-of-war's-man.

After standing in line for about two hours, waiting our turn in the recruiting office, we were finally admitted. The recruiting officer looked, us over and remarked that there were "too darn many kids running .away from good homes to see the world, and for us to get hack to dad as fast as our legs could carry us." He said they did not generally enlist boys who wore good clothes and looked under age except with their parents' consent.

It was with no little trouble that we finally managed to make this gentleman understand that Chum really wanted to fight, and had the right to enlist in Uncle Sam's navy. However, it was finally settled, and, as he stooped over to sign his name for three years' service, pausing with uplifted pen, with all the honest affection of a thorough chum, he said : "S.ay, John, you are not going back on me now, are you ? After all we've been through together for years ?"

I hesitated, and thereby was lost. I, too, signed my name for three years' service, and we went below to the doctor for physical examination, each with the grandest feeling of proven affection that man can understand.

When a mere man so far forgets others as to imagine he is vastly superior because he wears good clothes, it would be a kindness like unto the love of God to send him to a recruiting doctor's office. There he will learn just how much of a man he really is ; stripped to the skin, standing in a row of sturdy figures, all his fine raiment gone, the overwhelming fact appears that the poor, ragged, dirty, unkept, miserable tramp, that he felt the deepest heartache for a few moments ago, is, in fact, a man beside whom his own poor, miserable, ill-shaped, shivering figure can make no possible comparison.

Though the latter description is most accurate of my personal physique, the doctor passed me into the navy, but of all the ridiculous pranks of circumstances here appeared the worst, Chum was found to have defective teeth and debarred from enlistment.

We said a few things that would look ill in print ; the doctor said other things that would look worse in print; and, finally, between the doctor's desire to impress upon us the dignity of his office and our desire to have Chum enlisted, a few words were spoken that could not be printed at all. But, after much persuasion, he was finally admitted, defects being waived.

After nearly a day's attendance on various officials, Ave were finally able to walk on deck with a fine outfit of sailor "togs," and forty-five dollars in debt for them, with salaries of sixteen dollars per month with which to settle the account.

The next morning we were promenading the gun-deck, trying to imitate the old sailor walk and manner, so that we might not be considered "rookies" or green men, as the term "rookie" is the most galling title a "Jackie" can have. A't night amid strange surroundings, in a hammock swung between two beams, had given us ample opportunity to realize the magnitude of the step we had taken. To feel that you have given up all independence of action or speech is to look with the deepest regret upon the days of freedom, and to yearn with all the power of daily increasing eagerness for the return of such independence.

Sailors in the navy are kept from the terrible state of insanity by constant employment of body and mind, regardless of the necessity or importance of the work performed, so that it was nothing extraordinary when a big brute of ,a Dutchman seized me by the .arm, roared out a terrible oath, and asked "who the devil" I was; then before I could frame a reply to such an .astounding approach, gave me a push and ordered me in no gentle manner to "take them 'spit-kits' out and clean them." Choking back wrath desperately, I contemplated first the "spit-kit," as he called it, and then the "spitter," and, though it was half a keg and six inches deep in tobacco mixed with other ingredients too numerous to mention, I concluded that of the two the "kit" was preferable, and accordingly stooped over to lift it, when some one sang out my name. I answered at once, of course, and was told to "lay below" to the "captain's office." I promptly left bolth tlhe "kit" and the "spitter," and "layed."

Stepping over the threshold, I at once recognized instinctively the .atmosphere of culture and refinement. Having read of the education and refinement of Annapolis graduates, and of the brutal coarseness of common sailors, I jumped to the conclusion that the captain's clerk must be an officer. However, we must all learn by experience, .and it was not till many months later that I thoroughly learned that gentlemen are born, not made. Mr. Doyle had been just a common sailor for many years, and was then holding .a warrant position of mate in the navy, and had never seen Annapolis officially. With what patience, kindness, and encouragement that good man led me into the knowledge of the duties it w,as my lot to perform during the next three years! Carefully, gently, firmly, he guided the "rookie" until very soon that appellation of unhappiness ceased to be connected with me.

Dear old Chum was sent in two days to the cruiser Chicago for duty as berth-deck cook, while I remained temporarily in the office of the captain until, at Ithq end of a month, the doctor pronounced me contagious with erysipelas of the face and ordered me to be transferred to the Brooklyn Navy Hospital. Among a great number of men disease runs rampant, and my case was nothing out of the general rule.

With all baggage I was at once ambulanced to the pesthouse, ,as the contagious ward is called, where I made the sixth patient. In accordance with the run of my luck during that period of life, the nurse, who had been detailed to take care of us, became quite ill, and it was necessary for me to volunteer to nurse myself and all the others. All clothing was sent to the fumigating room except what we wore, making it necessary to either wear soiled clothing or wash it and remain in bed until it was again ready to wear, as "Johnie Jones" is said to have made shift while his "Ma" mended his one pair of trousers. Two cases of measles, two of scarlet fever, the nurse with la grippe, a case of my own ailment and myself, made the position I occupied one of no little danger and responsibility.

To aggravate one's mental torment, under the situation, the dead house was just outside the window, where its ghastly occupants could be seen ; the naval cemetery near by held daily receptions, and military death salutes reverberated with painful regularity through the air; and last, coffins were stored in the garret, their carriage to and fro making one of the daily encouraging sights for the sick — encouraging, but not to recovery.

It was necessary, however, to get well if one wished to leave, therefore my recovery was quite rapid, and four weeks later found me back on the Vermont under orders to proceed in the United States steamer Solace, to Manila, to join Dewey's fleet, where I had requested to be detailed.

In 'the evening prior to my departure, Gaum came over from the Chicago to bid me good-bye, and the conversation between us will always remain clear to my mind. Through many trying situations that carried us, sometimes very near death's door, this capital fellow had proven himself true and it was with deepest sorrow and regret that we each bade farewell to a comrade dearer than men usually become, and could we have known at that time what later events have brought forth, our sorrow would have been ten-fold; for we have never met again, and his trials and adventures if related in detail would be heartrending. A noble man persecuted, it sometimes seems, by circumstances.

In the afternoon of February 1, 1899, the United States steamer Solace, laden with supplies of provisions, ammunition and a draJt of 180 petty officers and seamen, steamed out of New York harbor on her long voyage to Uncle Sam's new possessions, the Philippine Islands.

Deep down in my heart, beyond the point of forgetfulness, lies the memory of that parting from my native land. Vividly as though it were but yesterday, the scene with .all attendant partings and affections recurs to make me live again, in fancy, this sad leave taking.

Imagine a boy among strangers, in dress and surroundings unfamiliar, leaving home, friends, country, to take part in war, an unknown and an untried condition, with no kind relatives or friends to bid him a last farewell and wish him Godspeed, and you can guess, perhaps, my feelings on that eventful day. There is no certainty of returning from such ,a mission, and as I gazed upward at the great Brooklyn Bridge arched high over our heads on passing out of the anchorage, and looked, perhaps, for the last time upon the panoramic view presented before me, hot, rushing tears that would not be kept back came to relieve me. There were very few dry eyes on the ship.

One felt instinctively that some of his friends and relatives, perhaps the dearest ones of all, would not be there when he returned if he, through God's providence, should be spared. I will add that such has been the case, some are gone.

Joining the boys on deck I enjoyed some very pleasant scenery, and before long forgot pain for the time being in looking at the great forts, whose awe inspiring guns peeped down upon us from both sides of the harbor. Steaming down opposite Thompkinsville, the Solace dropped anchor for the night and to see that everything was in perfect order before trusting herself to the great treacherous Atlantic.

There was considerable fun going on that evening. All hands started in to make themselves comfortable for a forty day voyage, and not being acquainted with the rules of the ship many laughable occurrences took place. For instance, one young man approached the officer-of-the-deck and requested to be informed of the number and location of his room.

The look of disgust that came to that old sea officer was something comical. Calling his messenger, he ordered him to show the young man down to hook number two-thirty-four on the berth deck. The young man thanked him very graciously but asked the messenger as they went below, why the officer-ofthe-deck had looked so queer when he asked him for a room. But when the messenger pointed out to him hook number two-thirty-four, and finally made him understand that his room consisted of two hooks on cross beams, a hammock and eighteen inches space in which to swing it, among a hundred other men, he understood. At least I think he did, by his language, and I believe he was actually homesick and wished for his trundle bed.

However, one soon becomes accustomed to the privation of ship board life and long before our voyage was ended we were thoroughly comforltable as to sleeping accommodations. Food was another question. We were ill-fed, and it occurred in this manner : The draft of about one hundred and eighty men was composed largely of rookies who had never been to sea. They did not know that to live well it is necessary to lay in sea stores, and with the navy ration then in use the cooks should be experienced. Unless handled by experienced cooks, the c

DO

o navy ration then used would not make a man uncomfortably fat. Of course, the naval officials having had experience should look out for new men in such cases, but to the best of my knowledge, during that voyage, the paymaster simply served out the regular allowance and let the men look out for themselves. I can testify even now that I was hungry for the next forty-four days, until arrival at Manila where, on being transferred to regular cruising ships, we fared better. On the Solace fights occurred nearly every day, .at meals, among men, and I credit their ill-humor principally to their lack of good wholesome food and plenty of it.

The next morning came clear, bright and majestic, with a sea smooth as glass. After the cold weather and disagreeable thoughts of the previous day, you may well believe that it was with much better spirits that we weighed anchor and started for the broad Atlantic.

To our rear the Goddess of Liberty, standing with upraised hand, seemed to bid us a pleasant voyage and safe return. Looking to the left I espied the Chicago World's Fair wonder, the "Ferris Wheel," standing high over Coney Island, and it recalled to my mind the greatness of the country I was leaving which was so well exhibited during that exposition. Then came the entrance to the harbor with strong fortifications on either side, standing silently by in all their greatness, whilst the representatives of all friendly nations pass through. On that morning we found the Atlantic as calm as the bay had been, and it remained so for several days.

22 AROUKD THE WORLD IN THE NAVY

It was the Navy Department's orders for the Solace to stand along the coast to Hampton Roads, where she arrived the next day. This place is quite pretty as seen from the sea. The greatest object of interest to me was the magnificent hotels on the beach. They are so arranged as to accommodate several thousand people, and are built in sections, which can be taken down and removed, it is said, without injury, in three hours, disclosing in their rear a long row of disappearing rapid fire guns. Just opposite the hotels across the bay on an island stands the old Fort Monroe, partly in ruins.

The most inspiring thought to me at that time wasi that I was on the exact spot where that great fight of the Civil War took place between the Monitor and the Merrimac.

Here the vessel was coaled, all hands assisting in that operation, and when I found myself passing baskets of coal in the hold of the ship, it was with a feeling of considerable disgust and a faint regret that I had undertaken the service.

Before leaving ISFew York I was promoted from the lowest position, Ithat of landsman, in which rating I enlisted, to yeoman, third class, a clerical position, and a third class petty officer. At Hampton Roads I was informed that third class petty officers must coal ship, but that those above that class were exempt, so I made up my mind at once that third class could not hold me long. There were eight of us promoted at the same time, all rookies. Of this number two of us, during the next three years, reached the position of chief yeoman, one yeoman second class, two died, two deserted, and the eighth was court-martialed and disrated.

This is a fair per cent of good luck in the navy, T believe. There were no vacancies on the Solace for so many clerks, as she carried a regular ship's company, so we were not required to perform any duty after the first co.aling at Hampton Roads until the completion of our voyage.

After a two days' stay in Hampton Roads, the Solace headed directly across the Atlantic for Gibraltar. Though quite chilly, the weather continued fair until the seventh day out, when a high wind arose which whipped, tossed, and tumbled, the mighty waves in a fashion that seem to try severely tjb.e powers of the Solace. She creaked and groaned while the tremendous waves pounded and slushed against her sides, or rolling at her stern lifted it entirely out of the water, sometimes lifting the great ship bodily on) the crest of a wave, permitting her to slide down into the hollow of -tthe sea bow on, until the decks were washed from bow to stern.

Many were ill, pots .and kettles becoming loosened from their racks, clashed and clattered about the decks; hatches were baittened down, and tables could not be set because of the terrible rolling and pitching. Several ridiculous mishaps occurred to give mirth to the occasion. One fellow succeeded, by holding on to the bag rail, in reaching the mess chest where his cook gave him a plate of "salt-horse," beans, a pickle and a tine up of coffee. With both hands full he attempted to cross the deck, during a lull in the motion of the ship^ but a sudden lurch landed him fifteen feet away in the scupper, with the food and coffee on top of him. I took my plate and coffee and sat down on the deck at once, iholding it safely between my knees, when an unusually heavy roll simply slid me, victuals and all, nearly .across the deck. Then as she rolled back the other way, I returned to my original position safe and sound, not even spilling a drop of coffee.

To aggravate those suffering from sea sickness, it is an old, custom of sailors to tie a piece of fat pork on the end of a string and go about the decks proffering the use of it to various victims of the sea. The idea intended to suggest, I believe, is that it would be ,a pleasant pastime to have the meat pulled up and down one's (throat.