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RAT DESERTED TUT SiTwo Hays Later the Portland Was Lost tiff New Kurland's Coast.A Kl'PFJWTirtoN VEKIFIKIIFrank Belt, a Member of Uncle Sam's Navy, Relates a Singular Incident Tbat Occurred Two Days Before iho Terrible Disaster.A singular coincidence' has come to light since the wreck “of the Portland, which is of local interest for the reason that it was witneSfcd by Frank Belt, a nephew of Z James Bell, dniggist, while lying alongside the Portland ill the gunboat Vixen, well known in this city as the Josephine.Mr. He't is now visiting in this city, and the story as related by him is as fol-1 lows:••We were lying in Boston harbor two IJ days before the Portland left on her fatal | voyage alongside of her. when I noticed a big rat leave the Portland and board the Vixen. I had often heard the sailors say that when the rais leave a ship she is’doomed, but never thinking of the saving, I called to one of the steamer's crew, saying: ‘Mate, I just saw a big rat leave your ship and come aboard ns.'“The man looked startled and said: ‘mate, I wish vou had not told me that, for It will worry me.’Two days later the Portland sailed although, it is said, that the captain had orders not to sail, and madly rushed to destruction off Cape Cod sod thus the sailor’e superstition was verified.The exact number ol pen-ime who wen* cairied from toston by the Portland wi’l probably never be known, as no complete list of passengers was retained on sho-e when the vessel left Saturday.Frank Belt has been in the U. H navy for 18 years and during, the Span i»lI and American war se-ved on the Vixen, formerly the Josephine bouglii from P. A. B. Widener. When purchased by the government slie was lying at the wharves of the Harlan Hollings worth shipyard.The Vixen has done excellent service during the war and Mr. Belt will receive shortly about $2,800 prize money.Mr. Belt leaves this city today to join the gunboat Wilmington, which vessel he has been transferred.
Newspaper Details
Wilmington Sun
Wilmington, Delaware, US
Sat, Dec 03, 1898
Page 1
Full Page
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Anonymous
CA, USA 11 Jun 2022
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