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Updated: May 11, 2025
"It is a chart of these waters, which appears to have been considerably improved with a pen and ink," replied Christy, still examining it. "That is the work of Captain Pecklar. They call him the best pilot for Mobile Bay there is about here, though he has been here but two years." "Here is the inlet, or river, where we passed the night; and the captain has marked the wharf on it."
"Perhaps he suspects you are. He probably sent ashore to obtain information in regard to you. But we don't know." Just then a cannon-ball made the splinters fly all around them. Christy rushed out of the engine-room followed by Captain Pecklar, to ascertain what damage had been done to the tug by the shot.
"But I have got about to the end of my chapter of life; and there is not more than a year, if there is as much as that, left for me. You are a young fellow, and the pride of your father, I have no doubt; at any rate, you ought to be. Give me that place, and you will be safer in the engine-room." Captain Pecklar insisted for some time, but Christy obstinately refused to leave his post.
"What shall we do with this tug?" asked Christy, who had some doubts whether or not he ought to leave the Leopard in condition for further use by the enemy. "We have no time to bother with her, and she don't amount to any thing. Come on board as quick as you can," replied Captain Breaker. "Go on board, Captain Pecklar," said Christy, pointing to the gangway.
Captain Pecklar looked astern of the tug, and saw that the Dauphine was rapidly approaching. She had come about, and her captain did not appear to be satisfied with saving his own vessel from the collision, and intended to make another movement. But he had gone some distance before he came about, though he was now rather too near for the comfort of the Bellevite after she had stopped her screw.
Linscott was at his side almost as soon as Christy, and the sufferer was borne to the cabin, where he was placed in one of the vacant state-rooms. "Who is that man, Christy?" asked Captain Passford, as soon as the invalid had been cared for. "That is Captain Pecklar; and he is a Union man, though he has been in charge of that tug in the service of the forts.
"Percy has not been as reliable as Captain Pecklar; but he has done well, and has rendered good service. He has steered the tug for some time," replied Christy, calling to him the subject of the last remarks. "I am glad to see you again, Mr. Percy," said the owner, giving him his hand. "I am under obligations to you for all you have done to assist my son on board of that tug."
"Decidedly not: she is disabled for the present, and that is all I care for. We are not in war trim," replied Christy, as he turned his attention in the direction of the other vessels. "As I told you, the Dauphine is fast; and she will be down upon us in less than five minutes more," said Captain Pecklar. "I wonder that she don't fire upon us," added Christy.
This was not so difficult and dangerous an enterprise as it became later when the channel was obstructed, though even now the feat could not be accomplished without great difficulty and danger. In the course of the day, Captain Pecklar left his berth and came on deck. Captain Breaker decided to leave the piloting of the steamer to him, after he had conversed for hours with him.
"But I must stay here, all the same," replied Christy, who felt too proud to desert the post of duty because it happened to be the post of danger at the same time. "But let me take your place, Christy," continued Captain Pecklar, finishing the ascent of the ladder. "No, no, captain! Don't expose yourself," protested Christy. "It is as safe for me as it will be for you."
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