[3]Before giving an account of my proceedings in reference to theeclipse, I think it only right, in justice to our party, to statethat the arrangements were made very hastily, as it was not untilthe last moment that would admit of my reaching the station allottedto me by the American astronomers, viz., Jefferson City, that I wasinformed that $400 had been appropriated for the purpose of takingmy telescope to Iowa.
The party consisted of Mr. Douglas, Mr. Falconer, and myself.
As we had only three days to get ready, there was much to be done,dismounting the telescope and making cases for the several parts,and carefully packing photographic materials. Instead of the stonesupport for telescope (eight inches aperture and 9 feet focus) Ihad one made of wood, but as the centre of gravity was raised sohigh by using wood, I had to take great care in the formation ofthe base; however, the stability was excellent. Our arrangementswere all complete by the 26th of July, and we started that eveningby the Montreal boat.
For the benefit of those who may undertake an expedition of a similarkind, it may be well to mention a few incidents that occurred duringour journey, which, although trifling in themselves, may prove usefulto future eclipse parties. I may mention that two of the cases,containing parts of the telescope, were directed “Eclipse Expidition,”with three i’s in Expedition. This was pointed out to me at Montreal,but the mistake is excusable, for evidently the more eyes we havein an astronomical expedition the better. With regard to originalspelling, I will relate the following anecdote, which would havesuited “Artemus Ward.”
[4]The boatswain of a man-of-war has to keep a rough expense book ofthe different stores that he uses, and this is checked by the master,who on one occasion sent for Mr. Parks, and when lie came, he said:“Oh, Mr. Parks, you have expended too much rope for those ‘jib guys;’it will surely be found fault with; you had better reduce thequantity;” and on handing him the book, he said: “By the bye, b-l-o-xis not the way to spell blocks.” The boatswain took the book verysulkily; and after he had taken two steps towards the door, he turnedround, and said “Well, sir, if b-l-o-x don’t spell blocks, what doit spell?”
We started on our journey by the evening train. When we arrived atPort Huron our first difficulty occurred; the Custom-House officerswould not pass our baggage, although we pointed out the great importanceof our party, and also, that the moon would not wait an instant forus. They did not see it; so our baggage was locked up for the night.We took rooms at a small inn, and then Mr. Douglas and I went by railto Huron, to see the head of the Customs. After going up two flightsof stairs, we were shewn into a room which two gentlemen occupied.The chief was smoking, with the chair resting on its two hind legsand his resting on the table. We told our story, and shewed him acertificate from the American Consu