Chromo

Chromo (#126804) (1891-1895), two-masted forty-foot junk built by Chinese fishermen in San Diego and used in the guano trade. In August 1895, Chromo was seized in Ensenada under piratical Captain William ‘Billy’ Gerald for the illegal poaching of Mexican guano, but Gerald managed to escape with Chromo.

In the News~

August 20, 1895 [SFCall]: “The schooner Chromo, skipper William Gerald of this port, gave the slip to officers at Ensenada in a novel manner. Gerald has had trouble with the customs officials, but thought it smoothes over. He took down a cargo of powder and was preparing to discharge it, when he learned that the papers were being prepared to arrest him and confiscate his schooner for a former infraction of the law. He went on board and found a watch had been placed on the beach to keep the schooner in sight. The night was very dark, and he lighted a lantern as usual, hanging it to the foremast. The sentinel on shore saw it burning and thought all was well. At daybreak the next morning he saw his mistake, as Gerald during the night had quietly got out a skiff and moved the lantern to a buoy near by, where he tied it to a pole at the proper height. Then he weighed anchor and stole out of the harbor. The watchman gave the alarm and a man was sent to the top of the hill with a glass, but no schooner was in sight. Gerald is expected in this port hourly with his cargo of powder.“

November 13, 1895 [LAT/SB]: “A southeaster has been prevailing all afternoon, accompanied with dust. This is the storm that was brewing yesterday, and caused the capsizing of the Chinese junk, Chromo, which was on the way to the Hollister estate at Gaviota with a load of lumber. The junk capsized off More’s Landing. At the time of the accident there was one man on deck and two below asleep. Fortunately they escaped drowning… The Chromo had been here some time transporting guano from San Miguel Island, and Captain Ellis engaged her for this trip. He, Captain Jars and two sailors were aboard. All succeeded in reaching shore. The Chromo was drifting at the mercy of the waves at last report.”