CAPTAIN DE SADE

AuthorHouse

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

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

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...