Although to-day is the Sabbath--writes Captain Semmes, in his journal of
the following day--I did not consider it any violation of Christian duty
to continue coaling, as we are liable to be surprised at any moment, and
to have our purpose defeated.
So, too, thought the Alabama's crew, who worked cheerfully on throughout
the day, completing their task by half-past eleven on the Monday
morning. The Alabama had now on board about 285 tons, nearly 200 tons
having been received from the Agrippina. Estimating her consumption at
sixteen tons a day, which would give a moderate rate of steaming, she
had, therefore, in her bunkers fuel for about eighteen days.
This important matter arranged, the next thing to be done was to send
down the mainyard, which had been carried away in the cyclone, and
roughly fished together, and to supply its place with the second new
spar taken from the ship T.B. Wales. This occupied the greater portion
of the 25th, and Captain Semmes then proceeded to "break out" the hold,
for the purpose of taking stock of his provisions, no opportunity having
yet offered, since the hurried shipment of stores off Terceira, to
ascertain the precise amount in hand of salted provisions, and other
necessaries. Batches of liberty-men were also sent on shore to recruit
themselves with a run upon _terra firma_--an amusement in which such of
the officers as could be spared were but too glad to join.
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