: WORK OF THE STEAMER ALBATROSS. 307 
nel, and equipment, 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, U. S. Revenue Marine, 
in charge, saying the vessel had been drifting helplessly off 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. on 
the 24th 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 fit Albatross for two months’ 
cruise, estimating time and cost of expeditious work. 
To which I replied, August 25: 
Temporary repairs can not be made. Time to fit vessel for two months’ cruise, 
four months. Expense, $15,000. 
This estimate was based on the renewal of tube sheets and other 
repairs 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 proceeded to sea, en- 
route for San Francisco. Wewere 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. September 3, 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 
under steam. . 
