The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-06-05
TANoTHER LETTER.f
Garrretstown, 2od y7p1il, l8:

dWfctStU<NH, %-u SIpfH, IO-~s
Honoured Sir-At some time before
four O'Clock this morning, was inform
ed that ship was east on the rocks at
the bottom of your dairy farms, to which
place | Immediately repaired and at a.
bout the centre of the two farms, found
vessel on the rocks, under a very
high cliff At this time, as it blew a
dreadful gale, with a spring tide and
approaching high water, the sea ran
mountains high: however, | descended
with some men as far down the cliff as
the dashing of the sea would permit us
to go with safety, and there had the
horrid spectacle of viewing five dead
bodies stretched on the deck, and four
other fe!low-creaturcs distractediy call
ing for assistance, which we were una
bic TO afford them, as certain death
weHld have attended the attempt to
render them any. Of those in this per-
iiOus situation, one was female, whom,
though it was impossible from the wind
and roaring of the sea to hear her, yet
from her gestures and the stretching out
of her hands, we judged to be calling
and inploring for our assistance. At this
time, the greater part of the vessel lay
on rock and part ofthe stern, where
ttis poor woman lay, projected over
narrow creek that divides this rock from
another. Here the sea ran over her
with the greatest fury, yet she kept
firm hold, which much astonished me,
that she could do; but we soon perceiv-
ed that the vessel was broke across,
where she projected over the rock, and
after many waves dashing against her,
this part of the vessel rolled into the
waves, and we had the heart-rending
scene of seeing the woman perish
The 8 men lay towards the stern of the
vessel, one of whom stuck to the mast,
which projected towards the cliff, to
whom, after many attempts, we succeed
ed in throwing rope, and brought him
safe ashore. Another we also saved;
but the constant dashing of the waves
put an end to the sufferings of the 9th
ers. This vessel proves to be the Abb
on, of New-Yo rk, packet, Capt. Will
liams, which place she left on the 1st
inst. for Liverpool, with cargo Of cot
ton, raw turPentine, rice, sc. and with
about 90 passengers. Her crew consist
ed of "a and of the whole, there have
only 8 been saved, making the sufferers
amount to 43. Out of the passengers
there have but 9 been saved. The bod
les of men and 2 women have been
picked up. After doing every thing pos
sible for these poor creatures, | exerted
myself with Mr.. Gibbons in saving the
private property of the poor sailors and
passengers, and succeeded in saving
some of their trunks. have brought
four of these poor creatures here. Mr..
Gibbon has taken three, and two more
remain at the dairyman's houses, from
whence they were too weak to be re-
moved. Capt Williams is among the
sufferers. As | know your feelings to-
wards those thus situated, have taken
the liberty Of preparing some thin
boards, to make collins for these seven.
She is now completely gone to pieces.
She was, | think, as fine vessel of her
description as could be SEEN My situa-
ton does not allow me to say more at
present, as | never was more fatigued !;
and remain, Honoured Sir, your grateful
and faithful servant,
JOHN PURCELL.
To Thomas Rockford. Esq