Page:Federal Reporter, 1st Series, Volume 10.djvu/774

 763 FEDERAL REPORTER. �saw the pilot of the tug make this change of his wlieel, and that he thereupon ported his helm and let go the Bpanker, so as if possible to pass to leeward, and that the collision occurred just as the schooner began to pay off ; that she -was making about three knots per hour, and the tug about two and one-half knots. The mate and wheels- man testify to the same effect; and all on board say that the schooner was making only about three knots. The captain also says that when passing Eobbins Eeef light he was about one and one-half miles to the east of it, over towarda the Long Island shore. The mate testi- fied that he was acting as lookout; that he had given directions in regard to the sails; that jast prior to the collision he had been walk- ing fore and aft to keep warm; that the schoonet, sailing close- hauled, would not come into stays in less than 300 yards, nor pay off much in less than 200 yards. One of the hands testified that when within about two or three lengths of the tug he could see clear under the stern of the tow on the port side. �On the part of the tug it was testified by the pilot and engineer that there was no change of course, and no change of the wheel except such as was necessary to keep the tug straight upon her course. The pilot said that he saw the schooner in the Narrows nearly astern; that he did not notice her again until about two or three lengths off, when he turned around and saw her nearly directly astern, and coming directly upon him ; that he blew several blasts of the whistle twice. These blasts were recognized by several persons on the tow as signais of danger, and their attention thereby immedi- ately directed to the schooner. They all say that the schooner was then two or three lengths off ; that she was almost directly astern of the tug, a little to starboard, and coming nearly directly upon them. Those on the starboard beats testify they could see most of her star- board bow; a witness on the extreme port boat said he could see most of her port bow. The lookout on the tug says the schooner was at this time a little off his starboard quarter, coming straight upon them. The captain, mate, and wheelsman of the schooner do not, on the whole, contradict this statement, but rather confirm it. The captain says that the tug, at the time her course was changed, was right ahead of him; he saw two of the boats on the starboard bow, and one on the port. The mate says when they got close up, pretty near, she was right straight ahead, and that they were "heading pretty near right ahead onto her;" could see some of her boats on each bow. Drowne, the man at the wheel, says the tug was at that time about ��� �