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THE WRECKERS OF FLORIDA.
LONG before I reached the lovely islets that border the south-eastern
shores of the Floridas, the accounts I had heard of " The Wreckers1' had
deeply prejudiced me against them. Often had I been informed of the cruel
and cowardly methods which it was alleged they employed to allure vessels
of all nations to the dreaded reefs, that they might plunder their cargoes,
and rob their crews and passengers of their effects. I therefore
could have little desire to meet with such men under any circumstances,
much less to become liable to receive their aid ; and with the name of
Wreckers, there were associated in my mind ideas of piratical depredation,
barbarous usage, and even murder.
One fair afternoon, while I was standing on the polished deck of the
United States' revenue cutter the Marion, a sail hove in sight, bearing in
an opposite course, and u close-hauled" to the wind. The gentle rake of
her masts, as she rocked to and fro in the breeze, brought to my mind
the wavings of the reeds on the fertile banks of the Mississippi. By-andby
the vessel altering her course, approached us. The Marion, like a
sea-bird, with extended wings, swept through the waters, gently inclining
to either side, while the unknown vessel leaped as it were from wave to
wave, like the dolphin in eager pursuit of his prey. In a short time, we
were gliding side by side, and the commander of the strange schooner saluted
our captain, who promptly returned the compliment. What a
beautiful vessel! we all thought; how trim, how clean-rigged, and how
well manned ! She swims like a duck ; and now with a broad sheer, off
she makes for the reefs, a few miles under our lee. There, in that narrow
passage, well known to her commander, she rolls, tumbles, and dances,
like a giddy thing, her copper sheathing now gleaming, and again disappearing
under the waves. But the passage is thrid, and now, hauling on
the wind, she resumes her former course, and gradually recedes from the
view. Reader, it was a Florida Wrecker !
When at the Tortugas, I paid a visit to several vessels of this kind, in
company with my excellent friend ROBERT DAY, Esq. We had observed
the regularity and quickness of the men then employed at their arduous
tasks, and as we approached the largest schooner, I admired her form so
well adapted to her occupation, her great breadth of beam, her light
WRECKERS OF FLORIDA. 159
draught, the correctness of her water-line, the neatness of her painted
sides, the smoothness of her well-greased masts, and the beauty of her
rigging. We were welcomed on board with all the frankness of our native
tars. Silence and order prevailed on her decks. The commander
and the second officer led us into a spacious cabin, well lighted, and furnished
with every convenience for fifteen or more passengers. The former
brought me his collection of marine shells, and whenever I pointed
to one that I had not seen before, offered it with so much kindness, that
I found it necessary to be careful in expressing my admiration of any particular
shell. He had also many eggs of rare birds, which were all handed
over to me, with an assurance that before the month should expire, a new
set could easily be procured, " for," said he, " we have much idle time on
the reefs at this season." Dinner was served, and we partook of their
fare, which consisted of fish, fowl, and other materials. These rovers,
who were both from " down east," were stout active men, cleanly and
smart in their attire. In a short time, we were all extremely social and
merry. They thought my visit to the Tortugas, in quest of birds, was
rather " a curious fancy;" but, notwithstanding, they expressed their
pleasure while looking at some of my drawings, and offered their services
in procuring specimens. Expeditions far and near were proposed, and
on settling that one of them was to take place on the morrow, we parted
friends.
Early next morning, several of these kind men accompanied me to a
small key called Booby Island, about ten miles distant from the lighthouse.
Their boats were well manned, and rowed with long and steady
strokes, such as whalers and men-of-war's men are wont to draw. The
captain sang, and at times, by way of frolic, ran a race with our own
beautiful bark. The Booby Isle was soon reached, and our sport there
was equal to any we had elsewhere. They were capital shots, had excellent
guns, and knew more about boobies and noddies than nine-tenths of
the best naturalists in the world. But what will you say when I tell you
that the Florida Wreckers are excellent at a deer hunt, and that at certain
seasons, " when business is slack," they are wont to land on some extensive
key, and in a few hours procure a supply of delicious venison.
Some days afterwards, the same party took me on an expedition in
quest of sea-shells. There we were all in the water at times to the waist,
and now and then much deeper. Now they would dip, like ducks, and
on emerging would hold up a beautiful shell. This occupation they
seemed to enjoy above all others.