FEBRUARY 9TH, 1864:
The Alabama's crew was really looking forward to getting a rare port call to go ashore and let off some steam on this date when the ship put in at the island of Johanna between Africa and Madagascar for provisions.
Captain Semmes later wrote: "I gave my sailors a run on shore, but this sort of 'liberty' was awful hard for Jack (his sailors). There was no such thing as a glass of grog to be found in the whole town, and as for a fiddle, and Sal (women) for a partner-- all of which would have been a matter of course in civilized countries-- there were no such luxuries to be thought of.
"They found it a difficult matter to get through with the day, and were all down at the beach long before sunset-- the hour appointed for their coming off-- waiting for the approach of the welcome boat.
"I told Kell (his lieutenant) to let them go on shore as often as they pleased, but no one made a second application."
What, No Alcohol, Music and Women??!! Might As Well Stay On the Lousy Ship!!! --Old B-Runner
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