USS Badger Spanish American War Ship's Log

Bahia: Sometimes called San Salvador, was founded in 1549. The city is divided into two parts, the upper part, or Citital Alta, is built on a ridge, and access is had to it from the lower part, or Citital Boxa, by elevators, and an inclined railway; also by inclined streets for driving. The principal merchants have their residences in the upper town, while in the lower, there are most of the warehouse and stores, handling inland produce and foreign goods. The Cathedral, built of marble in the upper town, is said to be the handsomest building of its kind in Brazil. The palaces of the Archbishop and the Governor, and the theater, are among the best buildings in the city. The city has about 162,000 inhabitants, counting the suburbs; the majority are negro, and a mixture of negro and Portuguese, and the minority pure Portuguese forming the higher class of society. The Portuguese language is spoken. Very few foreigners live in the city. The city has not many modern improvements. No electric...

On the land side, the town is protected by forts, and other fortifications. Plenty of fruit can always be obtained, the best being the oranges, mangos, alligator pears, limes and bananas. Fish and vegetable are abundant. Coal (Cardiff) can be obtained in large quantities. We coaled for 5 lighters: each containing about 50 ton, and took in 350 ton in 3 days. A large number of natives (negro) half naked, some only wearing coats, come off in lighters, and handle the coal in small open baskets, about a foot in diameter – (just large enough for one shovel full of coal-) - a slow and primitive method of coaling. Several lines of railways connect Bahia with other parts of Brazil. Three lines of British steamers call here, also French, German, American, Spanish and Brazilian steamers. 12 in all. There is no dry dock here, but there is a Navy Yard where small repairs can be made. The Navy Yard joins the Arsenal. Certain anchorages are set apart for men of war, and also for merchant vessels. Feb...

February 18, 1899. Partly cloudy to overcast, and squally weather with thunder and lightning, accompanied by heavy rainstorms, with a moderate breeze from E. to E.N.E. French steamer left harbor. At 5:00 AM, all hands were called. Began coaling at 5:30, and quit at 7 for breakfast. Resumed coaling at 7:45. Held a Summary Court Martial beginning at 9:45 of which Lieut. Griffin was Senior member. – Convened for the trial of L. Schamberg. At 11:55 American Bark J. H. Ingersoll got underway and stood out of harbor. The Comd’g Officer left the ship to pay an official visit of the Governor of Bahia. The Comd'g Officer of the Brazilian Corvette,  Parnahere M. Virtulino de M. Moreira Sampaio,  came aboard to return the visit of the Captain, but he has left the ship. The Captain returned at 3 PM – Made official calls on the Governor of the Province, the Captain of the Port; and the French Consul, to offer to the latter, and to the French Republic, on behalf of the Government of the Uni...

February 19, 1899, Cloudy weather with hard showers and very light breezes from S.S.E. Barometer falling. A small Brazilian steamer, arrived, and anchored. Raining continuously, with, occasional bursts of thunder and lightning. At 9:30 had quarters – The Articles of the Government of the Navy were read to all hands. At 10:00 AM the American bark, which left the harbor yesterday, returned and anchored, owning to gales blowing outside. An Austrian steamer, anchored close aboard – About 3:45 Austrian shifted anchorage, for one closer inshore. Brazilian steamer came in and anchored. Still raining at 8:00 PM – Feel blue this evening – and have a severe headache – sent J's letter.   February 20th 1899. Partly cloudy – occasional squalls. Barometer steady – temperature 101°. A court met to try J. Mulcahy with a Summary Court Martial. The Secretary and Aide to his Excellence, the Governor of Bahia, returned an official call made by the Captain of this ship. Lawrence, on being released from...

February 21, 1899, During the early part of the morning, weather was partly cloudy, with passing showers of rain. Slight meteoric shower in NW. Barometer falling very slowly. At 6:00 AM called all hands, and have up anchor. At 6:30 started ahead full speed in engines, standing out of the harbor. My station at engine communicators and whistle - close at hand. Blew three long blast as a parting salute. Set course S1/4 W. Exercised at Company drill. Crew employed cleaning ship. At 1:40 PM, changed course to SW by N. The sentence of the Summary court-martial which tried Louis Schamberg, on a charge of leaving his post without being regularly relieved, was promulgated and is as follows. Solitary confinement for 15 days on bread and water, with a full ration every 3rd day, and to lose one (1) months pay. At 3:30 passed a two masted schooner going N’d. Course SW by N. Bright moon light - Clear, fine evening. Lat 14° 03’ S at noon DR.   Long 38° 20’ W at noon DR.   Wrote a few lines t...

February 23, 1899. Clear and pleasant. Hazy around horizon. At 4:00 AM, changed course to S by N3/8W. N.Ely breezes, accompanied by a long N Ely swell. At 7 :00 AM, passed a Felucca standing to E'd. Loaded with fish and laboring heavily in the head sea. Lawrence was released from confinement and restored to duty. Went to General Quarters - all divisions ready in four minutes – set the clock back 9 minutes. The Comd’g Officer had us all mustered aft, and told us 4 revolver belts were missing and someone stole them, what for he did not know. Had a careful search of the ship, but failed to find them. He also said, "Men, there's a thief on board this ship, and a thief on board ship is worse than a thief on shore. On numerous occasions, I have had complaints of articles of wearing apparel, etc. being missed. My icebox was, by some overthought on the part of my steward, left open. Some dastardly sneak steals all the fruit in it. It isn't for the fruit I'm speaking, but f...

Februar y 24, 1899, clear and pleasant. Arose at 4:00 AM. Light breeze from W by N banking to SW by W.   Smooth sea. Exercised at physical drill. Tested flood cocks and found them in good condition. Passed a German steamer bound North.   In the afternoon, hazy and passing showers. Barometer steady. At 5:40 changed course to SW3/4W. Between the dog watches, the barometer rose.   Lat 26° 21’ S at noon, DR. Long   44° 29’ W at noon DR Distance made good since noon February 23 - 279 miles.   Wrote to J   February 25, 1899. Cloudy and pleasant. Heavy seas from SSW. On course SW3/4W. Wave length 400 foot. Rained continually during day, but cleared about 4:00 PM – at 6:00 raining again and blowing hard. Very foggy. Kept blowing whistle at intervals. Captain inspected crew at quarters. Changed course to S. 47° W and at the 6:00 PM changed to S 44° W. Passed a steamer at 8:30 bound north. Saw Doctor this morning, on account of sore throat. Claims it is tonsillitis –...

February 26, 1899, continued.   Changed course to S 43° W. Swinging ship 2 or 3 points, in order to get azimuths with port helm. Took another sounding and found gray sand in 20 fathoms of water. Sighted two sailing vessels bound South. Toward evening, heavy dew. Sighted St Maria light. Barometer steady.   Lat 33° 19’ DR at noon.   Long 42° 7’ DR at noon Distance made good since noon Feb 25 -   289 miles.   Wrote to J. 4218 gallons of water on hand.   Hurt left hand punching bag. February 27, 1899, Generally fair and pleasant. Course S 61° W. At 7 AM sighted Flores Island, and at 8 it was pretty well abeam - distance about 19 miles. Signal station at Flores Island run up international signal BPG meaning "did you call at ___?" At 8 o'clock stood in to Montevideo anchorage, passing a large Italian man of war on way in, flying Admirals flag. Some delay in getting Italian flag and failed to salute as is customary, when one meets another, flying pennant of Senior...

February 28, 1899. Arose at reveille (5 : 00 AM). Clear and pleasant. Light NE'ly airs. Resumed coaling at 6 : 00 AM. Started reading "The Scarlet Letter" by Hawthorne. The Commanding Officer made official calls to H.M.S. Basilisk and to the Capt. of the Port, also to the U.S. Minister and U.S. Consul. Took in 20,000 gallons of water for boiler use. Everybody coaling ship. The men working on the forward cargo deck, stowing coal, struck for liberty and would not work. Making a terrible uproar and shouting for liberty. At 9 : 30 German Steamer "Mendoza" came in. Wrote to J. February 29, 1899, this shows how absent-minded I am getting. March 1, 1899, arose at usual time. About 3 : 00 AM, a manhole gasket in boiler “F” blew out. Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from E.S.E. Crew engaged coaling ship from lighters alongside. Colonel Carlos Gaudencio, Commandant de Marina,...

Montevideo is the capital of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Stands on a gently rising ground on the east side of the bay, occupying a peninsula, extending E and N 1/4 by 1/2 miles in breath. The warehouses, the wharves, and the lofty custom house buildings produce a favorable impression on landing. The principal building is the Cathedral, an imposing structure with its dome and two towers, which may be seen from a long distance in the offing. The trade is considerable; the exports consist principally of wool, hides and tallow; and the imports of cotton and woolen fabrics, hardware, wine, etc. A large transit trade is done in provisions. The population of the city and the immediate neighborhood is 215,000. The U.S. Minister to Uruguay and Paraguay resides here. The U.S. is also represented by a Consul and vice Consul. It is intersected with tramways, and is a telegraphic communication with all parts of Brazil and by submarine cable with England. Water is brought by pipes fro...

March 2, 1899 – Clear and pleasant. Barometer steady. Resumed coaling at 6 AM. The Italian cruiser "Calabria" came into port and anchored.   The "Messageries Maritimes" steamer "Portugal" came in and anchored. The gigs crew were placed in single irons for five days for disobedience of orders. Finished coaling at 3 PM. Went in swimming. The Captain called on Don Juan L Cuestas, President of the Republic of Uruguay. Made the usual boarding visit to the "Calabria".   March 3, 1899. Clear and pleasant, but rain later in the day. Everybody cleaned ship. Italian Cruiser left harbor. Mail left the ship at 1 o'clock. The Royal Mail steamer took mail to US. Making preparations for sea. All fires and boilers in readiness. Got in all stores for trip to the Falkland Islands. Muster crew at quarters. Received a visit from the Comandante de Marina, and fired a salute of 21 gun in honor of the President (who was just elected) of Uruguay, in whose behalf the...

March 5, 1899, overcast and foggy. Kept whistle going all night. Very little sleep. Very damp. A hermaphrodite ling sighted on port beam. Swing ship at 8 o'clock to get sun azimuths (O) Finished at 9:00 and at 9:30 mustered at quarters. Passed a brigantine at 9:30. Course S1/4W. Set clock back 4 minutes. Very foggy during day. Barometer falling. Lat DR at noon 39° 18' S.   Long DR at noon 56° 54' W. Distance made good since March 4; 252 miles. March 6, 1899, overcast and foggy – Heavy rain which cleared fog somewhat. Gentle breeze from E. S. E. A summary court-martial, of which Ensign Beekerah was senior member, was conveyed for the trial of Harvey Archer. At 10 o'clock, court adjourned to await the action of the convening authority, for being asleep on duty. On course S1/4W until 9:44 when changed to S 13° E. Sighted a whale. Crew overhauling anchor chains, and fitting new shackles where necessary. Passed one of HM ships at 3:30. At 4:00 slowed down to swing ship and a...

March 7, 1899, Fair and cool. Gentle breeze from S. S. W.   Barometer steady. Course S 13° E. Moderate sea, but very rough during day. At 9:30 mustered crew at quarters, and exercised at Battalion drill. Published before the Marine Guard, the Summary Court-Martial sentence of Harvey Archer, which as mitigated by the Commanding Officer, was as follows. Solitary confinement in single irons, on bread and water for fifteen days – full rations every third day – (just enough to keep one from starving) and to lose one month pay. Made Archer a prisoner at large, to wait for a vacant cell. During the roughness Archer fell down latter, falling against steam captain and cut his head quite badly, was sewed by ship's doctor. The Court was dissolved. Slowed down to 60 revolutions a minute.   At 3:30 stop engines 8 minutes, to get an old bucket that fell between the worm and worm wheel, on the main shaft.   Overcast and cloudy towards evening, with increased dampness.   Wrote to J....

March 8th 1899. Overcast and cloudy, with a drizzling rain and smooth sea. Barometer falling. Took soundings and got fine, gray,   sandy bottom at 65 fathoms. At 7:10 Volunteer ___ rocks sighted.   At 8:45 stood into the harbor of Port Stanley. Had American Jack at foremast. (Signal for pilot) and fired one gun – No pilot came, and Navigator took ship in. At 9:30 came abreast of the city very suddenly owing to the turns on entering. Fired a salute of 21 guns with British flag at main, which was answered gun for gun by HM. Flagship ‘Flora’; also fired 11 guns, in honor of the Commodore on the ‘Flora’   which was answered. An officer from the ‘Flora’ visited this ship. The Captain of this ship made an official call to Com. Norcock [Charles James Norcock] on the ‘Flora’ ; also to the Comd’g Officer of the H.M.S. ‘Swallow’ at 11:20 the US Consul came on board and left at 2 o'clock, a salute of 7 guns being fired in his honor. Barometer falling slowly. The Comd’g Officer made ...

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands, belonging to Great Britain, form a group in the South Atlantic, consisting altogether of above 100 islands. They lie off the coast of South America, about 350 miles east’d of the Strait of Magellan. Only two of the islands, namely East and West Falkland, are of any considerable size, and these are separated from each other, by a sound from 2 1/2 to 18 miles. The whole group comprises an area of 6500 square miles, and is indented in a remarkable manner by bays and sounds, which form excellent harbors, and these, together with the varied outlines of the mountains, constitute the principal features in the general aspect of the country. They were owned by the French and Spanish, but were finally taken by the English. The government is administrated by a governor, who resides at Stanley, aided by an executive and legislative Council. The members of both councils are appointed by the Crown. Nearly all the islands of size are inhabited. Th...

The tussac grass, a gigantic sedgy grass, having blades 7 foot in length and 3/4” in breath, was formally abundant on the masses, but since the importation of cattle, has disappeared, except where fenced, and on the detached islands. Anti sevalutic   plants are very plentiful in a wild state, such as celery, savory grass, sorrel, etc. There are also cranberries and what the settlers call strawberries, a small red fruit growing like a strawberry but in appearance and taste more like a half ripe black berry. A little plant which grows like a heath in many parts of the island, has long been known and used as a tea plant, but it has a peculiar effect at first and on some people, which is of no consequence as it soon goes off. Potatoes and other vegetables are grown, but are not usually plentiful. Animals increase here and rapidly, and the quality of their hides and furs improve. It must be remembered that cattle are no longer wild, but are the property of some owner, and there is a pen...

...severe squalls, or from gales which blow heavily, though they do not last many hours. The entrance to Stanley Harbor is less than 200 yards wide. The U. S. is represented by a Consul and Vice Consul, what is very scarce. Very fine mutton and beef costs 8 cents a pound. Vegetables are scarce. The harbor is excellent.   There is monthly communications by the steamer of the Kosmo Co. between Stanley and England. The place is full of kelp, and on entering great care should be exercised.   The steamers call at Stanley on their way to Callas six times a year, and on their return voyages six times a year. Communication between the islands is kept up by two small steamers – Crime is unknown. Horses or cattle caught grazing on the highways are caught and sent to a pound, just as they do dogs in the U.S.

Diagram - Map Stanley Harbor Borrowed chart of the harbor from HMS Basilick, as we hadn’t any. Traced copy and sent to Navy Dept. About 300 houses in all Population about 600   Kelp hanging on rocks