WORK OF THE STEAMER ALBATROSS. 307 



nel, and equipnieiit, was delivered to the collector of customs. The 

 papers of the whaling bark Lydia were turned over also, that vessel 

 having been seized for infraction of the revenue laws. 



A small quantity of coal was taken on board and preparations made 

 for the run to Departure Bay. We were nearly ready for sea, when, on 

 the morning of the 17th, a boat came alongside from the whaling bark 

 Lydia with a message from Lieutenant Dodge, TJ. S. Eevenue Marine, 

 in charge, saying the vessel had been drifting helplessly ott" the coast, 

 becalmed for four days, and asking assistance. We had steam on one 

 boiler, fortunately, and went out and brought her into a safe anchorage. 



Our preparations having been completed, we left Sitka at 4 p. m. 

 August 18, and, after a smooth and uneventful run, entered Goletas 

 Channel at 2 p. m. on the 21st, arriving at Departure Bay on the morn- 

 ing of the 23d, when the bunkers were filled with coal. At 9 a. m. ou 

 the 24:th we left for Port Townsend, arriving at 10 p. m. the same day. 

 The boilers had again become badly salted, the back connections being 

 filled in places with solid masses, which had to be cut out with hammer 

 and cold chisel. 



A telegram from the • Secretary of the Treasury was received on the 

 24th, as follows : 



Telegraph Department extent of repairs necessary to tit Albatross for two montlis' 

 cruise, estimating time and cost of expeditious work. 



To which I replied, August 25 : 



Temporary repairs can not be made. Time to tit vessel for two months' cruise, 

 four mouths. Expense, $15,000. 



This estimate was based on the renewal of tube sheets and other 

 rei^airs on the old boilers, including necessary work on the engines 

 which would be largely of a temporary nature. The following telegram 

 was received from the Secretary of the Treasury, dated August 27 : 



Steamer Albatross will be returned to Fish Commission on 31st instant. Submit 

 without delay vouchers for all bills payable by Revenue-Cutter Service to that date 

 inclusive. 



At 8.50 a. m. August 30, we got underway and i^roceeded to sea, en- 

 route for San Francisco. We were off" the coast of Oregon at midnight 

 on the 31st, when, by the telegram of the Secretary of the Treasury, 

 the Albatross reverted to the control of the Fish Commission. Her 

 service under the Treasury Department extended over a period of 

 5.^ months, during which time she visited 26 ports and steamed 14,848 

 miles, mostly in northern waters. 



The trip down the coast was uneventful; fair winds and pleasant 

 weather were the rule, sail being carried most of the time. We reached 

 the navy-yard. Mare Island, at 10.05 a. m. Septembers, with machinery 

 and boilers, particularly the latter, in wretched condition, and we con- 

 gratulated ourselves upon reaching our destination without serious 

 disaster, which was liable to occur at any moment while the vessel was 

 ui«iijr >ste^iiyi. 



