Maritime work song in general

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Oct 22 - 11:25 PM

““Man the bars,” now sonorously resounded from the speaking trumpet of our first lieutenant. The word was electric. Each one was at his station in a moment; the fifer thrilled off two or three notes to show that his instrument was in complete order for the occasion––the after-guard stationed at the capstan bars, took up their positions with distended arms, to give the greater force to their first movement––the mizen-topmen seated themselves comfortably upon deck close to the messenger, blessing their stars for having such a sinecure, and every one was awaiting as impatiently for a commencement of the busy scene, as an audience at the Bowery or Park before the rising of the curtain ever waited for the appearance of the inimitable Forrest, when anticipating his entré in one of his favourite characters. The order to "heave round" was now given; the fifer made the gun deck re-echo with the lively and applicable tune of "off she goes," the men at the bars kept unerring time with their feet, as they made the capstan obey the impulse of their vigorous nerves, the incessant clink of the chain was heard, as it flew through the hawsehole with a quickness scarcely to be equalled, and in as short a time as can well be imagined our ponderous anchor was short apeak.

"All hands make sail," was now thrillingly proclaimed by the boatswain and his mates, and a scene rife with bustle and liveliness immediately took place; the several sail-loosers were already in the rigging, panting with eagerness for a display of their agility; the topmen watching each other with jealous eyes, to see that no advantage was taken on either side: at the next order all were in motion, scrambling aloft with the dexterity and nimbleness of monkeys, and spreading themselves along the several yards at the word "lay out," with exact regularity, forming altogether a pleasing and imposing picture. The topsail-sheets and halliards were stretched along and manned, and the first lieutenant enquired if they were all ready aloft? "all ready, sir," was the response from half-a-dozen eager voices: "stand by; let fall." The heavy sails, as if by magic, now burst from the gaskets that had held them in such secure and graceful folds, and as the merry notes of the shrill fife re-echoed amongst the adjacent hills, sail after sail was made, the anchor was catted and fished, the yards were trimmed to the wind; our old frigate began to feel its influence—and she was soon "walking the waters like a thing of life," leaving the happy shores of Columbia in the distance.”
[Life in a Man-of-war: Or Scenes in "Old Ironsides" During Her Cruise in the Pacific. Mercier, Gallop, 1841]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:07 PM

“Having filled the ship up, in this way, to within four feet of her beams, the process of steeving commenced, by which an hundred hides are got into a place where one could not be forced by hand, and which presses the hides to the utmost, sometimes starting the beams of the ship, resembling in its effects the jack-screws which are used in stowing cotton.” [Two Years Before the Mast]


“JACK-SCREW. A purchase, used for stowing cotton.

...In well-disciplined vessels, no conversation is allowed among the men when they are employed at their work; that is to say, it is not allowed in the presence of an officer or of the master; and although, when two or more men are together aloft, or by themselves on deck, a little low conversation might not be noticed, yet if it seemed to take off their attention, or to attract the attention of others, it would be considered a misdemeanour. In this respect the practice is different in different vessels. Coasters, fishermen, or small vessels on short voyages, do not preserve the same rule; but no seaman who has been accustomed to first-class ships will object to a strictness as to conversations and laughing, while at day's work, very nearly as great as is observed in a school. While the crew are below in the forecastle, great license is given them; and the severest officer will never interfere with the noise and sport of the forecastle, unless it is a serious inconvenience to those who are on deck. In working ship, when the men are at their stations, the same silence and decorum are observed. But during the dog-watches, and when the men are together on the forecastle at night, and no work is going forward, smoking, singing, telling yarns, &c., are allowed; and, in fact, a considerable degree of noise and skylarking is permitted, unless it amounts to positive disorder and disturbance.”
[The Seaman's Manual, Dana, 1841]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:09 PM

“Celeuma, a vozeria ou cantiga da gente do mar quando trabalha – celeumear.
Celeumear, v. celeuma.
Saloma, v. celeuma.
Salomear, v. celeumear.
[Diccionario de Marinha, Amorim, 1841]


“SALÉMA, s.f. rèvérence, salut respectueux, salamalec. Fazer a ––, faire un salamalec. (t. de mar.) V. Celeuma. (t. d'hist. nat.) Saupe: poisson du genre du spare.
†ZALUMÁR, v.n. (t. de mar.) donner la voix, chanter. V. Celeuma.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Portugais-Francais, Roquete, 1841]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:12 PM

“Suivez du regard, si vous pouvez, ces petites embarcations qui vont et viennent dans tous les sens; voyez arriver ou partir les gros navires, les uns laissant tomber l'ancre avec un bruit retentissant, les autres retirant péniblement de l'eau cette lourde masse de fer. Quel mouvement, quelle vie, quelle variété sur cette scène mobile!... Mais que signifie ce concert joyeux? C'est le chant des matelots, qui se confond avec la voix des pilotes; singulière musique, mais si bien d'accord avec tout le reste! car ce cantilène caractéristique, ou, si mieux aimez, ce bruit cadencé des matelots, n'est pas sans intérêt. Voyez-les pendant qu'ils parcourent le port, armés de leurs aussières, qu'ils attachent et détachent de navire en navire avec une adresse qui étonne les ignorants et charme les gens du métier...”
[Un Port De L'Ocean, Revue Britannique, Vol.100, 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:15 PM

“CELEUSMA, or CELEUMA, in Antiquity, the shout or cry of the seamen, by which they animated each other in their work of rowing. The word is formed from [...], to call, or give the signal.
CELEUSMA was also a kind of song or formula, rehearsed or played by the master or others, to direct the strokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labour.
CELEUSTES, in ancient navigation, the boatswain or officer appointed to give the rowers the signal when they were to pull, and when to stop, He is also denominated epopius, and by the Romans portisculus, sometimes simply hortator.”
[The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol.6, Issue 1, 1842]


“...or the more distant sounds from the ships in the harbour getting under weigh to the cheerful accompaniment of the sailors' chorused chaunt….”
[The Young Officer's Death-Bed, The N.Carolina Standard, Raleigh, 1 June 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:16 PM

“CELEUMA, Gr. [...], vóz nautica de exercitar a maruja aos trabalhos, grita confuza dos marinheiros. Pronuncía-se com o som de (s), e se escreve com hum (c) por cauza da ethym. s. f. (Vej. Saléma, com que de algum modo se confunde.)
SALAMALE. (Vej. Salema.)
SALEMA, t. Naut. por celeuma, vozaría da gente do mar a bórdo. t. Turco, cortezía, salamalé, comprimento pondo a mão no turbante, reverencia profunda com submissão, e isto misturado de palavras; peixe vulgar da feição de fanéca; pedra com este nome (mármore) it. appellído. (Vej. Celeuma.)
[Diccionário da Maior Parte dos Termos Homónymos, e Equívocos da Lingua Portugueza, Antonio Maria do Couto, 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:18 PM

“CÉLEUSME ou KÉLEUSME. s. m. (ant. gr) L'air que l'on jonait ou que l'on chantait sur les vaisseaux, pour encourager les rameurs. || Kéleusme se disait aussi Des commandiements du pilote.
CÉLEUSTE. s. m. (ant. gr) Il se disait de Ceux qui chantaient dans les navires pour encourager les rameurs.
CÉLEUSTIQUE, adj. et, s.f. (art. Milit.). Il se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
CÉLEUSTIQUEMENT, adv. (art milit.) Par le moyen de la celeustique.

NIGLAROS. s.m. (ant. gr.) Chant des matelots, sur la mesure duquel on réglaot le mouvement des rames. ? Petite flûte sur laquelle on jonait det air.”
[Dictionnaire de l'Academie Francaise, 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 09:57 AM

Hi Phil,
Does that Dana Seaman's Manual have any useful info on chanties?

Regarding the discipline and lack of verbal communication on the stricter merchant ships, this was very likely because many of the men and officers would have been ex RN and old habits die hard.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:04 PM

The last of Reidler's three: The sound of the crew’s sea shanties echoing off the cliffs as the Thetis sailed through a fjord along the southern coast of Norway struck Wagner as “an omen of good fortune,” and became the inspiration behind the theme of the Sailors’ Chorus in Act I of his opera, Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman). [Reidler]


“Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), WWV 63, is a German-language opera, with libretto and music by Richard Wagner. The central theme is redemption through love. Wagner conducted the premiere at the Königliches Hoftheater Dresden in 1843.

Wagner claimed in his 1870 autobiography Mein Leben that he had been inspired to write the opera following a stormy sea crossing he made from Riga to London in July and August 1839. In his 1843 Autobiographic Sketch, Wagner acknowledged he had taken the story from Heinrich Heine's retelling of the legend in his 1833 satirical novel The Memoirs of Mister von Schnabelewopski (Aus den Memoiren des Herrn von Schnabelewopski).” [wiki]
Der fliegende Holländer

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:05 PM

c.1870
“Ein unsägliches Wohlgefühl erfasste mich, als das Echo der ungeheuren Granitwände den Schiffsruf der Mannschaft zurückgab, unter welchem diese den Anker warf und die Segel aufhisste. Der kurze Rythmus dieses Rufes haftete in mir wie eine kräftig tröstende Vorbedeutung, und gestaltete sich bald zu dem Thema des Matrosen-Liedes in meinem «fliegenden Holländer», dessen Idee ich damals schon mit mir herumtrug und nun unter den soeben gewonnenen Eindrücken eine bestimmte poetisch-musikalische Farbe gewann.”
[Mein Leben, Wagner, 1911]


“A feeling of indescribable content came over me when the enormous granite walls echoed the hail of the crew as they cast anchor and furled the sails. The sharp rhythm of this call clung to me like an omen of good cheer, and shaped itself presently into the theme of the seamen's song in my Fliegender Holländer. The idea of this opera was, even at that time, ever present in my mind, and it now took on a definite poetic and musical colour under the influence of my recent impressions.”
[My Life, Wagner, Gray trans., 1985]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:07 PM

A Lexicon of Wagnerian Gibberish
or
Non-lexical vocables in music

eg:
Heia
Interjection
1. aha! come now! come on! (expressing delight, playful remonstrance, encouragement)
2. you don't say?

Heu
Interjection
    oh! alas! ah!, ay! (expressing dismay, grief, pain, indignation)

Wagnerian:
Opzanger Brünnhilde's heiarop ––
Hojotoho! Hojotoho!
Heiaha! Heiaha! Hojotoho! Heiaha!

See also: Columbanus & Heia Viri (above.)

PS: The Latin word for “work” is: opera.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:16 PM

“HALER, v. a. C'est tirer un cordage, et faire force dessus, pour le bander ou raidir. Plusieurs matelots se mettent ensemble le long d'une manœuvre pour la hâler, et l'un d'eux, chante à haute voix de temps en temps, quelque refrain pour leur donner le signal, afin qu'ils tirent tous ensemble, et qu'ils donnent une forte secousseau cordage. Ils ont d'autres cris pour hâler différentes manœuvres; par exemple: OH! BORDE! pour aller ou border l'écoute; OH! SAILLE! etc. C'est ce qu'on appelle donner la voix. Se hâler dans le vent. C'est la même chose que s'élever dans le vent. Voy. au mot ÉLEVER.

VOIX, s. f. Donner la voix se dit d'un certain cri fait de temps en temps par un des hommes qui travaillent à une manœuvre, comme: Ho! Hisse! – Oh borde! Oh hâle! – Oh saille! – Bouline, oh! pour avertir et donner le signal ensemble, à tous les matelots qui bâlent sur un cordage, de tirer tous à la fois, et en mê. me temps, pour faire un plus grand effet.

A LA VOIX! C'est un avertissement donné aux matelots qui travaillert, de faire attention à ce cri, et de faire effort sur le cordage, etc, tous ensemble.”
[Dictionnaire Moderne des Termes de Marine et de la Navigation à Vapeur, Leméthéyer, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:18 PM

“Celeusma et Celeuma, atis. n. Cri qui sert à régler les mouvemens des rameurs. Quem nec rumpere nauticum celeusma. (Phal.) M. PHR. Nauticus exoritur clamor. V.
V. Qui voce alternos nautarum temperet ictus,
Et remis dictet sonitum, pariterque relatis
Ad numerum plaudat resonantia cærula tonsis. Sil.
Nauticus implebal resonantiá littorá clamor,
Et simul adductis percussa ad pectorá tonsis,
Centeno fractus spumabat verbere pontus. Sil.
[Gradus ad Parnassum, ou Nouveau Dictionnaire Poétique Latin-Français, Noël, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:19 PM

“Quant au triplici versu, il exprime, à mon avis, un chant trois fois répété, un cri, un hourra! une espèce de celeusma dont la tradition est vivante encore dans les bâtiments où, pour tous les travaux de force, et, par exemple, quand on hale les boulines, un matelot, le véritable hortator des anciens navires, chante: Ouane, tou, tri! Hourra! (one, two, three! hourra!— angl.). La tradition antique était pleine de force au moyen âge, à Venise, où la chiourme du Bucentaure, toutes les fois que le navire ducal passait devant la chapelle de la Vierge, construite à l'entrée de l'Arsenal, criait trois fois: Ah! Ah! Ah! donnant un coup de rame après chacune de ces acclamations. Virgile prétendit consacrer par deux vers le souvenir d'une coutume observée sans doute de son temps par les rameurs, dans de certaines occasions: et voilà tout ce qu'il voulut.”
[Annales Maritimes et Coloniales, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:29 PM

From the Advent thread: "Corn-shucking in South Carolina--From the Letters of a Traveller" - William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:31 PM

“†Celeusma, atis, n. El grito de los marineros para animarse á la maniobra.
Celeustes, æ, m. El còmitre de galera.”
[Diccionario Latino Español, Losada, 1843]


“CÉLE-UMA, s.m.. (Dal. gr. Celeome io comando, io esorto.) Questa voce significava quel grido col quale esortavansi presso i Greci i rematori ed i cocchieri, accio raddoppiassero i loro sforzi - Sin. Celeusma.
CÉLEU-SMA (Lett.), s.f. Lo stesso che Celeuma. Voce grecca.
CÉLEUSTA-NORÉ, n.pr.m. (Dal gr. Celeustes esortatore, e da Henorea fortezza: Esortator di fortezza.)
CÉLE-USTÉ, s.m. (Dal gr. Celero io comando.) Cosi chiamavano i Greci il capitan della nave o moderator della navigazione, il quale, or con la semplice voce, or con una specie di cantilena, ed or col suon della tromba, regolava il naviglio.”
[Dizionario Universale Portatile di Lingua Italiana, Nicola De Jacobis, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:31 PM

“C'est sur un navire ainsi encombré, repeint à neuf, goudronné du matin, au bruit du chant des matelots, que les passagers s'entassent, s'apprêtant à souffrir et résignés à la mort; car, une fois l'ancre arrachée à la vase et le vent dans la voile, vous seul, ô mon Dieu! savez où vont ces hommes, suspendus sur l'abîme, et séparés de l'éternité par une planche fixée avec un clou!”
[Voyage aux Antilles, Cassagnac, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:33 PM

“BOULINA-HA-HA! int. Mar. (Chant des matelots français pendant qu'ils halent sur les quatre principales boulines). Boulina-ha-ha!
CÊLEUSTE, m. (anc.) Mar. (Se disait de ceux qui chantaient dans les navires pour encourager les rameurs). Celeuste, voorzanger, opzinger, m.
CÊLEUSTIQUE, f. et adj. Mil. (Se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique). Celeustiek, toonseinkunst, f.; daartoe, behoorende.
CHANTER, v.n. Mar. (Faire certains cris de convention, pour donner le signal de l'instant où plusiers hommes, employés à une même opération, doivent réunir leurs efforts et agir tous ensemble). Opzingen.
CHANTEUR, m. Mar. (Ouvrier ou matelot qui a la voix forte, et qui par un cri de convention, donne le signal du moment où les gens qui travaillent à une même manœuvre, doivent réunir leurs efforts). Opzinger, opzanger, m.
CHANTEUR MILITAIRE, m. (anc.) Hist. Mil. (Se disait des musiciens qui chantaient à la tête des troupes, comme les musiciens actuels y jouent de leurs instruments). Krijgszanger, m.
DONNER LA VOIX, v.a. Mar. (Marquer par un cri de convention le moment où plusiers hommes doivent agir ou réunir leurs efforts pour produire un effet quelconque). Opsingen, fluiten.
HELCIAIRE, m. (anc.) Mar. (Matelot employé à haler des cordages). Helciarius, matroos, m. Le chant des ––s, Het opzingen der helciarii.
HISSA, HO, HA, HISSE! Int. Mar. (Cri ou chant d'un matelot, qui donne la voix pour faire réunir les forces des autres metelots dans le même instant, afin que tous les efforts réunis fassent un plus grand effet). Hijschen! Ho! Ha! Halen! Halen er aan!
NIGLAROS, m. (anc.) Mar. (Chant de matelots, sur la mesure duquel on réglait le mouvement des rames). Roeizang, riemzang, m.
SAILLER, v.a. (Chanter, donner la voix à des hommes qui travaillent ensemble). Opsingen bij het hijschen en halen.”
[Dictionnaire Universel, Historique et Raisonné, Français-Hollandais, Gocvic, Jansen, 1844]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:34 PM

“CELEUSMA. Jest wyraz, znaczacy krzyk wielu osób, zachecajacych sie na wzajem do bitwy albo pracy. Nequaquam Calcator Uvae.... Celeusma cantabit. Jerem. Cap. 48. Celeusma quasi Calcantium concinetur adversus omnes habitatores terrae. Jerem. Cap. 25. To jest jako ci, co wyciskaja winne jagody, czynia okrzyki zachecajac sie do pracy, tak Babilonczykowie dodawac sobie na wzajem beda serea, do wywarcia sil swych przeciw Jeruzalem i ucieszenia sie ze zguby jego.”
[Dykcyonarz Biblijny z Ksiag Pisma Swietego Starego i Nowego Testamentu, Vol.1, 1844]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:35 PM

“CELEUSMA, Atis. n. (…) The cry of the … or person placed over the rowers, and the action with which he beat time as it were to them, in order that they might raise and drop their oars together; Mart.”
[A Complete Latin-English Dictionary for the Use of Colleges and Schools: Chiefly from the German, 1844]


“Il se trouvait en rade un brick vénitien prêt à mettre à la voile. Tandis que je réfléchissais à tous mes sujets de plainte, la brise du soir se leva , et le chant des matelots qui étaient à bord m'annonça qu'on levait l'ancre.”
[Anastase ou Mémoires d'un Grec Écrits à la fin du XVIIIe Siècle, Hope, Defauconpret, 1844]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 05:35 PM

Also well covered in the Advent thread: Twenty Years at Sea; or, Leaves from My old Log Book," a story for boys, Hill, Frederic Stanhope, 1898.

“The cotton had already been subjected to a very great compression at the steam cotton presses in Mobile, which reduced the size of the bales as they had come from the plantations. fully one half. It was now to be forced into the ship, in the process of stowing by the stevedores, with very powerful jackscrews, each operated by a gang of four men, one of them. the "shantier," as he was called, from the French word chanteur, a vocalist. This man's sole duty was to lead in the rude songs, largely improvised, to the music of which his companions screwed the bales into their places. The pressure exerted in this process was often sufficient to lift the planking of the deck, and the beams of ships were at times actually sprung.

A really good shantier received larger pay than the other men in the gang, although his work was much less laborious. Their songs, which always had a lively refrain or chorus, were largely what are now called topical, and often not particularly chaste. Little incidents occurring on board ship that attracted the shantier's attention were very apt to be woven into his song, and sometimes these were of a character to cause much annoyance to the officers, whose little idiosyncrasies were thus made public.

One of their songs, I remember, ran something like this: —”
Note: Lyrics to Hie Bonnie Laddie follow.

Caveat: Twenty Years... is typically cited as 1840s nonfiction. It is 1890s young adult fiction. Hill is coming from the same side of the pirate opera hokum aisle as Martial, Wallack & Wagner. Based on a true story, but not the truth.

More than a few of the previously posted chanteur references above also appear in the Advent thread. However, none linking to the older salomare, celéustes &c (Landelle, Lorenzo et al.)

The one other Hie Bonnie Laddie return from a Mudcat search, also from the American Gulf Coast as it happens, there may well be others: Lyr Req: Let the Bulgine Run - New York fire?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 05:37 PM

More on the author:
“Frederic Stanhope Hill.
Frederic Stanhope Hill, author and publisher, and who formerly had served in public office, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Lake View avenue, in his 84th year. He was born In Boston on August 4, 1829, the son of Frederic Stanhope and Mary Welland (Blake) Hill. He received an academic education in Brattleboro, Vt., and the Friends' Academy in Providence, R.I. He went early in life to sea. Mr. Hill went to California in 1849 and remained there for two years. From 1852 until 1856 he was employed in the Boston post-office and in the United States custom house in Boston from 1856 until 1860. During those years he was a correspondent for the Boston Post and The New Yorker. He entered the United States navy and was an officer in service from 1861 till 1865 and was with Admiral Farragut at the capture of New Orleans and was at Vicksburg. He also served in command on the coast of Texas and in the Mississippi squadron , where he was on the "Benton" and "Tyler ."

In 1886 he bought the Cambridge Chronicle and in the early '90's Mr. Hill became editor of The Cambridge Tribune, continuing as such until January 1, 1902. He served as secretary of the Massachusetts Nautical Training School Commission from 1892 until 1908 and it was while he was acting in that capacity that the famous investigation of the conditions of the training ship "Enterprise" took place in Boston, lasting for several weeks. At that time the commander of the schoolship was the late Hear Admiral Joseph Giles Eaton, who was then a lieutenant-commander in rank.
Mr. Hill was treasurer of Christ Church for many years. He married on September 3, 186", Caroline M. Tyson, of Philadelphia, who survives him. His daughter, Gertrude Blake, married Dr. Lawrence M. Stanton, of New York City.

As a writer. Mr. Hill was the author of "Twenty Years at Sea; or, Leaves from My old Log Book," a story for boys; "The Story of the Lucky Little Enterprise," "The Continuity of the Anglican Church," "Twenty-Six Historic Ships" and "The Romance of the American Navy."

Mr. Hill was a member of the Loyal Legion, the Naval order of the United States, American Historical Association and other organizations,

The funeral will be held today at 11 o'clock at Christ Church.”
[The Cambridge Tribune, Volume XXXVI, Number 31, 27 September 1913, p.8]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Dec 22 - 02:40 PM

“CELEUSME ou KÉLEUSME. s. m. (du gr…., ordre; ce qu'on dit pour exhorter). Mar. anc. Air que l'on jonait ou que l'on chantuit sur les vaisseaux, pour encourager les rameurs à l'ouvrage. || Signal que le pilote donnait aux matelots pour passer d'une manœuvre à une autre.
CÉLEUSTE. s. m. (du gr…., celui qui donne le signal aux matelots.) Mar. Celui qui donnait les ordres aux matelots, aux rameurs et aux autres employés d'un bâtiment, au moyen d'un instrument.
- Celui qui chantait dans les navires pour encourager les rameurs.
CÉLEUSTIQUE, adj. (ét, V. CELEUSTE). Se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
CÉLEUSTIQUEMENT, adj. (ét, V. CELEUSTE). Art milit. Par le moyen de la celeustique.”
[Dictionnaire National ou Grand Dictionnaire Classique de la Langue Française, Bescherelle, 1845]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Dec 22 - 02:41 PM

“CELEUMA, or CELEUSMA, from..., to call; in antiquity, 1. The shout or cry of the seamen, whereby they animated each other in their work of rowing. 2. A kind of song or formula, rehearsed or played by the master or others, to direct the strokes and movement of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labor.
CELEUSTES, in ancient navigation, the boatswain or officer appointed to give the rowers the signal, when they were to pull, and when to stop.”
[London Encyclopædia, Or, Universal Dictionary of Science, Art, Literature, and Practical Mechanics, Vol.5, 1845]



“Calomar, sm. Cri des matleots pour s'encourager.
Saloma, sf. Chant des matelots m.
Salomar, va. Chanter en manœuvrant.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Portatif Français-Espagnol et Espagnol-Français, Berbrugger, 1845]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Dec 22 - 02:45 PM

“HISSER, hi-sa, v. a. v. 3, (mar.) to hoist, to sway, to heave up, to haul up, to pull up any thing by a tackle. — promptement, to trice. Hisse, hisse! hoist away!, hoist heartily. Hisse à courir, a run, a run!

?, s. m. an o; (interj.) O! ho!C'est un o en chiffr?. he is a mere cipher. (Prov.) Les ? de Noël, Christmas anthems beginning with ?. ? çà, now. O! Du navire, hola! hoa, the ship ahoy! O!’ d'en haut! yoa hoa, aloft there! man head there! O! hisse, ô! hale, ô! saille, ô! saque, ô! ride, (method of singing out as a signal to hoist! haul or rouse together on a tackle, or to push a beam.

SAILLE! Oh, saille! Interj. (mar.) rouse together!

UN deux, trois! (mar.) haul-in, haul-to, haul belay! (song used by seamen when hauling the bowlines.)

VOIX, V. Port. —, (mar.) the song (of sailors in hoisting, etc.) Donner la —, to sing out. A la —! mind the man that sings!”
[A New and Complete French and English and English and French Dictionary, Fleming-Tibbins, 1845]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Dec 22 - 05:50 PM

More Ben Brace & Scrapewell:

“You must n't sit on the roof' said the coachman to me and Bill and Scrapehard, who had got on the quarter-deck of the coach, the old fiddler playing 'Moll in the Wad,' and slewing round on his stern like a fifer in the capstan when it's 'up anchor!'”
[Ben Brace, the Last of Nelson's Agamemnons, Chamier, 1836]



“...It has been the practice, time out of mind, in getting the anchor up on board ship, to have the marine drum and fife play those beautiful airs, “Moll in the Wad,” and “Off she goes,” while the sailors heave round the capstan. This noise serves merely to give a cadence of step to the men, but has small power as an excitement. Give them, in place of this monotonous rattle, a couple of good warlike musical instruments, well played on, and there could be little doubt that the messenger would travel faster.”
[Wilkie, On Military Music, Colburn's United Service Magazine and Naval and Military Journal, Pt.II, Vol.48, 1845]
Note: Lieut.-Colonel David Wilkie was the nephew of Scottish painter Sir David Wilkie.

Lyr Add: Moll in the Wad
Moll in the Wad (2) - Traditional Tune Archive

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Dec 22 - 03:08 PM

“At this instant the topsails of the brig began to rattle; a fresh of wind had come down upon us, circling in eddies round the Sugarloaf. Bang! went a gun, and away aloft went “66” again from the Admiral “Up anchor,” shouted Fabian; the bars were shiped in the capstan, and the messenger brought to before the call of the Boatswain's Mate was heard “Heave round,” roared MacCreery, and the men danced off as if they were mad, the fiddlers struck “Off she goes;” but, though they played in quick time, the men got far a head of them in the step. In an almost incredible short period, not only was the anchor at her bows, but a cloud of canvas spread upon the masts––the jib-boom rigged out, and the jib set.”
[Oldjunk, My Own Recollections of the River Plate, The Anglo American, Vol.6, March, 1845]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Dec 22 - 03:11 PM

“Chanter, v.n. chan-té. Cantar; mover la voz con inflexiones ordenadas segun las reglas musicales…. || Mar. Zalomar; voces que se daban por los marineros para uniformar la fuerza y que están absolutamente prohibidas en los buques de guerra.”
[Diccionario Universal Francés-Español, Vol.I, Dominguez, 1845]


“Next morning the hallooing of the sailors weighing the anchor, gave him to understand that the Sphinx was about to sail; he saw her spread her snow-white canvass, and with three cheers from her British tars stand from the bay.”
[The Irish Legend, M'Sparran, 1846, p.28]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 06:37 PM

“This is commonly called the dull season of the year but really, in a walk made along the Delaware front of the city, from the navy yard to the upper part of Kensington, we cannot find the epithet dull at all applicable to the various occupations carried on. At every boat yard, there were several boats being built: every anvil resound-ed to the blow of the smith; every steam engine, whether driving saw mills or machine shops, are puffing away as if in earnest. Drays were busy carrying away the large amount of products, with which our wharves are loaded; and the loud "yo heave ho" of the arriving mariner, spoke of foreign lands. Indeed, it was a scene full of pleasurable emotion to a citizen of Philadelphia-it spoke of better days to come….”
[Trade and Commerce, from the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Niles' National Register, Vol.66, 1844]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 06:39 PM

“LXIV.
When the bright morning streaked the east with red,
“All hands unmoor!” passed hoarsely through the ship;
Manned was the capstan, and the steady tread,
With the loud “Yo, heave, ho,” from many a lip
Soon brought the word “the anchor is atrip.”
The loosened sails in fluttering festoons hung,
The stripes and stars at the topgallant's tip
Their beauties to the early zephyrs flung––
“Heave in!” “Sheet home!” “Ay! ay!” now through the vessel rung….”
[Fitz Clarence: A Poem, French, 1844]
Benjamin Brown French (1800–1870)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 06:41 PM

“...The steamer moves––the paddles plash––
And soon upon their way they dash.
As is the custom of the crew,
When they approach, or bid adieu,
To large town or to city,
O’er wave and wood––o'er glade and glen,
Rung forth a merry ditty;
And Joe, caught quick, with flying pen,
This song of western steamboat men.

                SONG.
                1.
Ye mariners, who sail the seas,
I'm told you've made the boast,
Of all who go upon the waves,
You hold yourselves the toast;
But list to me, ye mariners,
As bounding on ye go,
A-cracking up your merry ship,
With your wild yo! heave ho!

                2.
I'll not deny, ye mariners,
It is a joyous thing,
To see ye dashing on your way,
Like bird upon the wing;
Ye wave a farewell hand to home,
And then away ye sweep,
To where the blue sky rests upon
The bosom of the deep.

                3.
But mariners—but mariners
When loud the storm doth blow,
Ye have a toilsome time, my boys,
With your wild yo! heave ho!
And when at last the calm comes on,
And ye swing upon the sea,
How sad are then your thoughts of home,
And sadder they must be.

                4.
Oh, how ye at the sweepers tug,
And how ye have to tow,
And faint and weary comes the cry
Then of your yo! heave ho!
Ye say ye hate to hear our noise,
Our puffing, and our buzz;
But don't forget, ye mariners,
That 'pretty is that does!'...”
[The Beechen Tree: A Tale: Told in Rhyme, Thomas, 1844]
Frederick William Thomas (1806–1866)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 06:47 PM

“The chief mate gave his orders in a voice which made itself heard in the most distant portion of the ship. The boatswain and his mates were summoned; the crew gathered round the mainmast; a long shrill note from the boatswain's whistle sounded through the air.

“All hands up anchor, ahoy!” shouted the chief mate.

The handspikes were in the capstan as instantaneously as if they had been conveyed thither by an electric shock. The silence of the grave succeeded. “Heave round!––Heave round, my lads!––Heave round !” rung from the lips of the mate. Instantly a dozen throats cheerily sent forth the song of “Yo, heave ho!” with other merry sounds, and the anchor was slowly raised above the blue water; while several hands aloft were already freeing the sails from the yards and opening them to the wind. The topsails were sheeted home in a trice; down fell the courses and top-gallant sails. The staysails were run up; the royals set; foresail, jib, and spanker spread their bosoms to the breeze, the mainsail curved and tightened as if about to burst, and our gallant bark, yielding gracefully to the light gale, swept past the vessels at anchor, and held her way towards the great German Ocean.”
[The Quarter Deck, Cook, 1844]

Note: Author - C.J.R. Cook, M.R.C.S., L.A.C., &c. &c. &c. and the fictional vessel the Earl Moira an East Indiaman of eight hundred tons.

There was a Charles John Robert Cook, Surgeon Supt., on the barque Mary Anne, 600 tons, New Zealand Company, c.1841-2.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 10:55 PM

RE: Illinois Monthly Magazine, Vol.1, 1831 & Michel de Coucy (above) –– The real world author was: Judge James Hall (1793–1868,) also the source of:
Origin: Way Down in Shawneetown lyric and
much of the Americana/folklore behind: Mike Fink.


Unrelated: The Dictionary of High and Colloquial Malayalim and English dedicated by permission to His Highness the Rajah of Travancore by Benjamin Bailey in 1846 has an entry for “boat song.”

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 10:56 PM

“The deck tackle was then stretched fore and aft, the fore-topsail was sheeted home, and hoisted to the mast head, the yards were braced so as to cant the Cruiser to port, and the anchor was hove up to the bow in great spirit, inspired by laughing Jimmy's fife with the national air of “Yankee Doodle.” The Cruiser was now under way, and the numerous spectators on the Battery returned three times three to the hearty cheers given by the crew, and soon, very soon, the sound was lost by the increased distance of the Cruiser.”
[The American Cruiser's Own Book, Little, 1846]
[The American Cruiser; or The Two Messmates. A Tale of the Last War, Little, 1846]
[The American Cruiser; A Tale of the Last War, Little, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 10:58 PM

“Celéustica, s.f. Mil. Arte de trosmitir las órdenes por medio de sonidos marcialmente músicus.
Celéusticamente, adv. De mod. Por medio de la celéustica.
Guiriote, s.m. Especie de tambor que úsan los negros.”
[Diccionario Nacional ó Gran Diccionario Clásico de la Lengua Española, Tom.I, Domínguez, 1846]


“...the ships's fiddler therefore mounted the capstan and scraped away, while the anchor was getting up, and in a little time we were again out to sea.”
[Camp and Barrack-room, Or, The British Army as it is, McMullen, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jan 23 - 11:04 PM

“EERAM, s. A boat-song; a rowing song; apparently the same with Joram. Saxon and Gael.

JORRAM, Joram, Jorum, s. 1. Properly a boat-song, slow and melancholy. Heart of Mid-Lothian. 2. Sometimes used with greater latitude, though with less propriety, to denote a song in chorus, although not a boat-song. Saxon and Gael. 3. Improperly used to denote a drinking-vessel, or the liquor it contained in it, S. Hence, Push about the Jorum is the name of an old Scottish Reel, or tune adapted to it.”
[A Dictionary of the Scottish Language, Jamieson, Johnstone, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jan 23 - 11:06 PM

“*CONSONAR, a. ant. SALOMAR. || n. Sonar un cuerpo sonoro, instrumento músico ó bélico, dando el mismo tono á la tercera, quinta y octava del [octava que el] que da otro con quien esta acorde.
CONTRAMAESTRE. m. Náut. Oficial de mar que manda las maniobras del navío, y cuida de la marinería bajo las órdenes del oficial de guerra. Navis, nautarumque subpraefectus. || En algunas fábricas de seda y de lana cierto veedor que hay sobre los maestros de tejidos. Textrinae subpraefectus.
SALOMA. f. La accion de salomar. Nautica opera canendo acta.
*SALOMAR. n. [a.] Náut, Gritar el contramaestre ó guardian diciendo varias retahilas, para que al responder á ellas, tiren todos á un tiempo del cabo que tienen en la mano. Operam canendo praescribere in navibus.
XINGLAR. n. p. Ar. Gritar, pronunciando ó sin pronunciar voz alguna, en demostracion de regocijo. Clamare, vociferare.
† ZALOMA. f. SALOMA.
† ZALOMAR. a. SALOMAR.”
[Nuevo Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana, Salvá y Pérez, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jan 23 - 11:08 PM

“...I stopped for a minute to take another look at the lovely picture: beautiful lights and shades lay on the soft landscape; and now, scarcely audible in the distance, the song of “La Claire Fontaine,” came still from the little canoes. The gentle scene fixed itself on my mind, and remains stored up in the treasury of pleasant memories.

A couple of little canoes, two women in one, and a man in the other, lay on the calm lake under the shadow of a rocky knoll covered with firs and cedars, the occupants leisurely employed in setting fishing lines. They were at the far side from us, and soft and faint over the smooth surface of the ater, came their song,––“La Claire Fontaine,” the national air of the Canadian French.”
[Hochelaga: Or, England in the New World, Vol.1, Warburton, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jan 23 - 11:10 PM

“Voyage up the Nile, From Alexandria to Cairo
Monday, November 3d, 1838.––
...At night the wind failed, and the germ was alternately dragged along by a rope, or wafted by a breeze in the sudden turns and angles of the river. The moon shone magnificently on the low banks of the Delta: we seemed to glide within an arm's length of the shore, while a fountain of silvery light fell upon the rich carpet of green, the tufted palms, and other trees of less height, but more graceful outline. The occasional note of the Arab pipe sounded from the village solitudes; the plaintive boat-song just roused from deep repose a bevy of aquatic birds that squatted on the newly deposited mud; our mariners in their national costume, with their turbans of red and white, all fierce and bustling in their aspect, as they ran along by the water's edge, pulling the boat, and joining in one full, vigorous burst of song; all these novelties blended wildness with beauty, and gave a scene bordering on romance.”
[Sketches by a Resident in Cairo, The Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 23 - 04:21 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7OZUce-E-U It works quite well as a work song. i sang it yesterday while harvesting seaweed

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 12:04 AM

“SCOTLAND
...Entering a boat at the end of Loch Katrine, we were soon joined by four stout rowers, who started off in fine style, singing with tolerable melody the well-known boat-song, and “Hail to the Chief.”
[Summer's Jaunt Across the Water, Smith, 1846]

Advent of steam trivia, same volume: "The attempt to establish a steamboat on Loch Katrine, in 1843, frustrated by the boatmen's sinking it, to prevent interference with their trade, is about to be renewed; but the rowers seemed to think the effort would be attended with like success."

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 12:06 AM

Note: Greek text omitted. Entries for keleusma, keleustes &c. ––
“–– a command, order; cheering cry, shout of encouragement, exhortation to sailors, soldiers, charioteers; … at a signal.

–– a commander, one who exhorts; particularly, he who raises the [keleusma], or animating shout or cry; the signal officer, who, by signs or voice, gives the time to the rowers; the boatswain,… Thucyd. vii, 70; compare Silicus Italicus, vi, 360; pointed out by Bloomfield in his Gloss, in Pers. 403; he sung a tune, or boat-song to the rowers, to make them keep time with their oars. See Arnold's Thucyd. I. 365...”
[A Comprehensive Lexicon of the Greek Language, adapted to the use of colleges and schools in the United States, Pickering, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 05:07 PM

See also: James William Wallack (above) ––

“NAUTICAL LECTURES.
THE union of amusement with instruction has become such a very popular notion that the Admiralty has, we understand, determined on adopting it. In order to introduce among the junior members of the Naval service a knowledge of their profession, an arrangement has, we believe, been entered into with MR. T. P. COOKE*, to give some of those faithful representations of the character and habits of the British Seaman for which he has long been eminent. It is in contemplation to obtain his attendance at the various sea-ports in succession, for the purpose of going through a series of semi-dramatic lectures, in the presence of the officers and crews of the ships at the different stations. The following is a slight sketch of the programme of the first of these performances, which will take place at Portsmouth, as soon as the necessary arrangements are completed:

PART I
Introduction to Naval Life––The deck of the Daisy––Anecdote of a Thames Stoker––Young BEN, the pride of Putney––Song: “I'm Afloat”––Yeo heo-heo!––Abaft the binnacle once more––Life in a paddle-box––Hip, hip, hip, hurrah!––“Jack's the boy”––Naval hornpipe, and Off she goes.

Between the Parts, a Naval Hornpipe.

PART II
“The Sea, the Sea––Epsom salts and salt water––Neptune out of tune––Rigs in the rigging––Anecdote of GEORGE ROBINS––A Sail! A Sail!––A Dance on deck––“To the Pumps, to the Pumps”––A Quadrille in the Channel––Channel sole Shoes––Who's for the Shore “The Shark and the Shrimp”––The Learned Pig and the Sow Wester––A Sea Fight––Hornpipe in character––concluding with RULE BRITANNIA.

It is intended that the lectures shall be varied as the marine pupils advance, and the whole science of navigation, illustrated by songs, anecdotes, and hornpipes, will be laid open to the student. It is confidently anticipated that a perfect British Seaman may be turned out in half-a-dozen lectures. The room will be fitted up with a mast and rope ladder, so that the illusion in office,-though we do not mean to say they will be as complete as possible.”
[Punch, Or, The London Charivari, Vol.10, 1846]

*see following for bio.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 05:10 PM

*Thomas Potter Cooke (1786–1864)
Mr. T. P. Cooke as Ben Backstay

“He was born on 23 April 1786, in Titchfield Street, Marylebone, London; his father was a surgeon, who died when he was six years old. He sailed, under age, on board the sloop HMS Raven to Toulon, and was present at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1797. After escaping drowning off Cuxhaven, where Raven was lost and the crew had to take refuge in the rigging, he reached England. He sailed again on board HMS Prince of Wales, carrying Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Calder, to the blockade of Brest. The Peace of Amiens of 1802 deprived Cooke of his naval occupation.” [wiki]

...'the best sailor out of all sight and hearing that ever trod the stage,' praise in which all authorities have concurred.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 10:40 AM

Hi Phil.
Can you relate anything here or by Cooke that relates to Mwsig?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 12:54 PM

Steve: "Yeo heo-heo!"

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 04:40 PM

In keeping with the rest of the piece it would be more likely a quote from one of Dibdin's songs, thus not a work song. 'I'm Afloat' by Eliza Cook of course.

Cooke's set up reminds one more of Paddy West's methods of making a seaman, but much more upmarket. No doubt the same effect obtained though.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 06:43 PM

Steve: Yup, see 1779, above. And Dibdin's inspiration was? And Aristophanes? &c &c.

Also in 1846, The Ohio Boatman's Song which I'll be posting here until we learn more: River Songs

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 06:45 PM

“We were steering for the Jetty, and the junk having way enough on her, had lowered our huge mat-sail, when a chop-boat ran foul of us, and we were constrained to hoist it again.

This was done by us Europeans; and the task which would have taken the Chinese crew some time to perform, we dispatched in a few minutes.

The young American sailor brought the clumsy halyards to the windlass, and manning a handspike, gave the cheering song to Mr. Dobbs and us Middies, of –

“Heave-ho-ye-o!”

Into which he threw a falsetto, with a voice of such force, fervour, and beauty, that it suspended the performance of a band of music in a pleasure-boat floating at a distance in the moon-light, who were working their bugles at the vulgar tune of Paddy O'Carrol.

It was really glorious to behold the sail go up the junk's mast, as it were by the transporting magic of the young sailor's chant.

“Heave and paul,” [sic] cried Mr. Dobbs; “we have got a taut leech on the sail–if a mat deserves the name….”
[Jack Ariel or Life on Board an Indiaman, v.III, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 06:46 PM

“» British sailors have a Knack
        »Haul away! Yeo, ho, boys!
» Of pulling down a Franchman's lack
        » Gainst any odds, you know boys.

» I marinari Ingelsi hanno un'arte. Oh, Eh, Ih, oh ragazzi! D'abbattere un marinaro francese, qualunque sia la disparità. Voi lo sapete ragazzi! »

È questa la canzone che cantano, allorchè a bordo fanno qualche fatica che richiegga la simultanea convergenza ed applicazione delle forze di tutti allo scopo medesimo. La qual terminata, intuonarono l'altra.”
[I Marinari Inglesi, Poliorama Pittoresco, Lauria, 1847]