CAPTAIN DE SADE

By HERMAN F. JOHNSON

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2009 Herman F. Johnson
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4389-4565-1

Contents

Forward.................................................xiChapter I - The S/S Ulysses.............................1Chapter II - Rust Spot..................................5Chapter III - Anchor Chain..............................9Chapter IV - Winch Cables...............................13Chapter V - Shore Leave.................................18Chapter VI - Homeward Bound.............................23Chapter VII - Armed Guard Quarters......................26Chapter VIII - More Indignities.........................30Chapter IX - Crows Nest.................................33Chapter X - Voyage End..................................42Chapter XI - Trial......................................44Chapter XII - Defense...................................57Chapter XIII - Closing Arguments........................66Chapter XIV - Jury......................................70Chapter XV - Verdict....................................75Chapter XVI - Sentence..................................78Chapter XVII - All's Well (Perhaps).....................84

Chapter One

THE S/S ULYSSES

It was the third week in June, 1961, young Timothy Erickson was strolling nonchalantly along New York's waterfront. He was carrying a medium size suitcase containing mostly work clothes and necessary personal toilet items. He had been to the National Maritime Union hall the day before and received a temporary permit and assignment papers for the position of Ordinary Seaman to serve aboard the steamship Ulysses.

Tim had just graduated from high school and just turned eighteen years of age. His mother wanted him to sign up for college and he assured her that he would, but he just had to get away from books and studying for awhile.

He spotted the Ulysses and walked up the gang plank. He was met on deck by a young man who asked him what business he had aboard the ship. Tim showed him his papers and he said, "So you're the one. Now we have a complete crew". He said, "Come along and I'll show you to your cabin and you can stow your gear". As they approached the cabin he explained to Tim that it was referred to as the 8 to 12 fo'csle. Of course this was all new to Tim so he explained that he would be occupying this cabin with two AB's (that's Able Bodied Seamen). That is because all three would be on the same watch together. Of course watches had to be explained to Tim also. This was all new to him.

And so he explained that he would work from 8 AM to noon and from 8PM to midnight, seven days a week. When Time looked surprised, he explained that a ship does not stop in the middle of the ocean on week ends, but that he would receive overtime pay for Sundays. He went on to explain that the watch is divided up into three one hour and twenty minute sections. They are on the helm (steering the ship), on look out {at the bow in good weather or from the bridge in bad weather), and on stand by. Stand by means being available for emergencies such as one of the other deck hands on watch needs to "hit the head", that's go to the washroom.

Tim was shown where the washrooms were (small, but adequate) and where the mess hall was. In due time, he would see the bridge, and become familiar with other parts of the ship. He would eventually even get a tour of the engine room (the very heart of the ship).

Tim was also advised that sleep was important and probably the best time would be when he gets off watch at midnight until going on watch again at 8 AM. He was also advised to have breakfast before going on watch and, of course, the noon meal when he comes off watch. The evening meal is usually around 5 PM.

He was also given another bit of advice that he figured he would have to work on if and when such a condition should arise. And that was simply how to handle rough weather. He was told that he would learn to keep his balance when the ship rolls from side to side as it is hit broadside by wind and waves.

Cargo loading was completed and the hatch covers were secured. With the aid of a pilot the Ulysses moved to another dock area where they proceeded to take on oil and water under the direction of an engineer. Fuel oil and water for the boilers and, of course, water for domestic purposes, the galley and wash rooms (sinks and showers), toilets are flushed using sea water, or naturally whatever water the ship is in at the time.

The following morning the pilot brought her out of the harbor. Then she stopped long enough for the pilot to climb down the rope ladder on to the waiting tug boat that would take him ashore. Then the Ulysses continued on her way in the open sea.

Prior to sailing, as a must, all hands had to sign ship's articles. This is standard procedure in which each officer and crew member agrees to make the voyage and do the job they are assigned and for which they are to be paid. The captain checked the list along with the first mate making certain there was a full crew. The first mate couldn't help but notice that the captain observed all the names on the list and noted aloud that the last minute arrival to complete the deck crew is Timothy Erickson. The first mate made a mental note of that observation, but passed it off , at least for the time being. .

Because the Ulysses had cleared the harbor in the morning and was in open water it was during Tim's watch. It was all new and exciting to him and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

After the watch he had his noon meal and was surprised that it was excellent. Then he had time to become more acquainted with the ship and even spend some time with his shipmates in the mess hall. They seemed friendly enough and willing to help him with things he needed to know about sailing on a merchant vessel.

Tim got in some nap time and looked forward to his next watch. The next couple days went well and he was getting used to the routine. The sea was calm and the ship was cruising along at its usual 12 knots. They told him it would be quite different when they ran into rough weather, but he figured he would worry about that when the time comes. As for now, he was content and feeling good about himself. Fortunately he had no way to foresee the future.

Chapter Two

RUST SPOT

Captain, Henry Miller, summoned the first mate to the after end of the boat deck on the port side. "Mr. Larson", he said, "as you know for the last few years I have had an on going battle with the ship owners to keep this ship afloat. They want to put her in the bone yard and have her cut up for scrap".

"I know", said the first mate, "and so does most of the crew who have made many voyages with you. And we commend you for your efforts. She's a good ship and deserves to keep going. And, I might add, she has one heck of a history".

"Absolutely, Mr. Larson", said the captain, "and that is why I intend to keep her in tip top shape always. As you know every time we arrive back in New York company inspectors come nosing around looking for any defects as an excuse to send her off to her final destination".

"We are all aware of that, captain", said the first mate, "but why the sudden concern about that at this particular time?"

"Because", said the captain, "I noticed a rust spot on the hull on the port side about three feet down opposite number four hold".

"I'm sure the shore crew missed it when we were in port", said the first mate, "because as you recall we were tied up with our starboard side to the dock. I'll see that it is taken care of when we dock back in New York".

"That's not good enough, Mr. Larson", said the captain, "that spot is nearly two foot square and it is an eye sore, and I refuse to enter any port with that condition". "So what are you suggesting, captain?" asked the first mate in fearful anticipation.

"Mr. Larson", said the captain, "I want you to turn to the 8 to 12 watch and have them rig a boson chair and lower young Erickson over the side to scrape and paint that spot".

"Captain", said the first mate, "that is unnecessary and most certainly extremely dangerous and why young Erickson? He is not an experienced seaman".

"Because", replied the captain, "he is green and needs to be toughened up to become a man, a real seaman, and further more, Mr. Larson, are you questioning my authority?"

"No", replied the first mate, "just your common sense".

"Well", said the captain, "if you refuse to carry out my orders, I'm sure you know that I can confine you to your cabin without pay for the rest of the voyage and back in New York I can prefer charges against you for insubordination and in all likely hood you will lose your first mates license. Do you understand that, Mr. Larson?"

"Yes, captain", he replied. He understood full well that the captain meant what he said and he also knew that if he refused the captain would most surely get the second mate or the third mate to do the job, so he was left with no alternative.

So he had the two AB's rig a boson chair and gently lowered Tim over the side with a scraper and he started to work. This was certainly a new experience for him. Of course he was a little scared and he certainly did not look down at the sea rushing past just a few feet below him. He was determined to do a good job.

Then the completely unexpected happened. The line on the left side broke. Tim instantly dropped the scraper and grabbed onto the line on his right with both hands and hung on for dear life. The two AB's used all the strength they possessed and slowly were able to haul him up over the rail and onto the deck. He lay there, breathing hard, and looking white as a sheet. "You alright, kid?" said one of the AB's "man, that was close, we dam near lost you".

I'm O.K.", said Tim, "thanks guys".

The first mate came over right away and was shown what happened. Then the captain called the first mate over for an explanation. "Captain", he said. "That was old line that should have been discarded. We nearly lost young Mr. Erickson".

"Well", said the captain, "get some new line and rig another boson chair and finish the job".

"Captain", said the first mate, "after what the kid has just been through, do you expect him to go over the side again?"

"Yes, I do, Mr. Larson. You know what they say about riding a bike?"

"Very well", said the first mate, "but I think it is a bad idea"."

Are you questioning my authority, Mr. Larson?" asked the captain.

"No, captain," he replied, "just your sanity".

"You are getting dangerously close to insubordination, Mr. Larson", said the captain.

"And might I remind you, captain" replied the first mate, "that this is a merchant ship, not a navy ship. You cannot control my thoughts, and at this moment I'm sure you would not like to know what my thoughts are".

So a new line was rigged with a boson chair and the first mate explained to Tim that the captain insists that the job be completed. In a way, he was almost apologetic. "It's O.K., Mr. Larson", Tim said, "I understand and I'll do it"

"You're a gutsy kid", said one of the AB's.

So once again Tim was lowered over the side and this time he successfully completed the job. It was soon time for the evening meal and there certainly was a lot of discussion about this latest incident. Everybody was wondering what the heck was going on with the Old Man (slang expression for the captain). So now it was back to standing watch, as usual, and hopefully a regular routine. Tim slept well that night as he was young and resilient. He was pretty sure the Merchant Marines would not be his career (after all he had promised his mother), but it certainly was an intriguing life, in spite of the captain's idiosyncrasies. Out on deck on his own time he enjoyed the smell of the fresh salt air and the feel of a cool breeze on his face. This is a pleasant change, he thought, I better not get to like it too much.

Chapter Three

ANCHOR CHAIN

The next couple days were pretty much routine. Tim stood his watches and during his off time he enjoyed standing at the bow and watching the porpoises and sea gulls. Especially at night the porpoises seemed to glow in the dark as they lined up five and six abreast and seemed to lead the ship. The sea gulls were a delight to watch when garbage was thrown overboard.

Tim also had time to sit in the ness hall and get to know some of the other crew members. The word was out about his ordeal with the rust spot on the hull. They were accepting him as a real gutsy kid and he liked that. There was general speculation about the captain. They all knew that he had fought to keep the Ulysses afloat, but this latest concern seemed a little extreme even for him. Obviously they didn't know him as well as they thought they did. And that wonderment was about to become even more so.

The captain called the first mate to the bridge. "Mr. Larson", he said, "Do you remember the last time we set at anchor?"

"Yes, captain, I do", he answered.

"As you recall", said the captain, "we were sitting in really muddy water at the time".

"Yes, sir", said the first mate, "there had been a storm in that area a day or so before and it stirred up the water pretty good".

"Also, as I'm sure you recall", said the captain, "the reason were at anchor was because no docking was available at the time".

"That is correct, sir", the first mate replied.

"Then", said the captain, "you also recall that when there was docking available, it was a hurry up situation with a tug boat already standing by".

"Yes, sir", replied the first mate, "I remember that".

"Then", said the captain, "You are also aware that there wasn't time to string out the fire hose and notify the engine room to start up the pump to give us water on deck so that we could wash down the chain as it was being hauled aboard".

"Quite right", replied the first mate, "but I am sure that the next time we need to drop the anchor, hopefully in cleaner waters, that will take care of it. "

"Not good enough, Mr. Larson", said the captain, "it all needs to be cleaned now. When the 8 to 12 watch is finished with their noon meal, put them to work on it. I want young Erickson on the hose and the other two can assist him. I want a thorough job on all the chain and the starboard anchor. And I don't want any muddy stains left on deck or on the hull. That is an order, Mr. Larson. Do you understand?"

"Yes, captain", answered the first mate.

So after lunch he gathered Tim and the two AB's together and explained what the captain wanted done. One of the AB's spoke up. "Mr. Larson" he said, "we appreciate the overtime, but why does Tim get the worst of it?"

"I don't know, fellows", said the first mate, "I just know it's the captain's orders".

"It's O.K. guys", said Tim, "I know I'm the greenhorn here, and I don't mind".

"You're O.K., kid" said the AB. And Mr. Larson nodded in agreement. And the AB added "I still think there is something strange going on here".

So the engine room was notifies to start up the pump for pressure to the fire hose and Tim climbed into the anchor chain enclosure with the nozzle while one AB fed him hose and the other AB stood by the valve. It took awhile and it was really cramped quarters but he worked his way around and got that part of the chain clean. Then he hosed down the deck area in the enclosure. Then, of course, he washed off the chain leading to the gunnel. It was hard work because the mud was really dried on. Then came the rather dangerous part, with both AB's holding his legs he had to lean over the rail with the hose, and thoroughly clean the starboard anchor and making sure there were no muddy streaks on the hull. But he wasn't done yet. He had to completely hose down all the muddy water from the deck out through the scuppers. Then, again, the AB's had to hold his legs while he leaned way over on the port bow and washed the muddy streaks off the hull. Finally the job was done. The engine room was notified to shut down the pump. The hose was drained and properly secured.

Yes, Tim was done with the job but from the looks of him, the job was not done with him. He was a pretty muddy mess from head to foot. He headed straight for his fo'csle and shed those clothes and hopped in the shower. He put on a clean set of work clothes and took the dirty ones down to the laundry room and put them to soak in a bucket of soapy water. He thought to himself, I'll get back to them later, but right now I need a nap before the dinner hour and more rest and recuperation before going on watch tonight. Again there was discussion in the mess hall about this latest assignment. Tim was determined to take whatever the old man dished out without complaining. No one could figure out what was going on, but there was a general consensus of opinion that it was strange and not characteristic of the captain they knew and had made many voyages with.. Tim was the one catching the brunt of it and, of course, he had no idea what was going on, if indeed anything was. Maybe it was just what the captain said, "The kid needs to be toughened up if he wants to be a merchant seaman". Will there be any more? He wondered. Time will tell.

Chapter Four

WINCH CABLES

Things seemed to be getting back to normal, although Tim wasn't quite sure just exactly what was normal. He did manage to do his laundry. He had no choice; his mother was not with him to take care of such incidentals. So once again he was back to the routine of standing watches, but he couldn't help but wonder, what next. As it turned out, he didn't have to wonder for long.

The captain met Mr. Larson on the bridge. He said, "Mr. Larson, when is the last time our winch cables were inspected?"

(Continues...)

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