The Wilmingtonian., 1823-10-30
THE CREWLEsS BARK.

THE CREWLESS BARK.
These stanzas are founded on the followlne|
Very singular relation, which was published III q
New Brunswick paper considerable time since
"About sixty years ago the inhabitants OF the
sland of Rhode Island had their attention attract
kd by the appearance of a square rugged vessel
bnder full sail, coming in from sea, from south.
as,ery direction, with the apparent intention OF
kuttng into Narraganset Bay The vessel was
cen early in the morning at great distance. As
HE came near the Island about IL A. NJ, num-
Ter ofthe inhabitants collected on the shore, to
scertan her name and character. But, instead
4 making good harbour, the vessel came UNDER
hull sail, directly on shore. No persons we're
Ieen on deck, nor had any persons, from the time
he vessel hove in sight, been seen TO leave her,
ome ofthe inhabitants from the shore went i'm
pediaely on board when, to their great surprisel
md establishments they found a tea kettle over
he fire in the cabin, the fire burning, the table
et for breakfast, as if for number of hands, and
set not one of the crew on board; nor was one
kon, of them ever after heard OF. No living crea
@ure was found in the vessel, except slut and
Der litter Of puppies. The boat OF the vessel was
missing. The truth of the above story, cannot,
With propriety, be tloubted.--1he writer of this,
had his information from gentleman who had
he particulars OF the history of Mr.. Lawton, a
man of unquestionable yeracity, who (being then
u bow saw the vessel come in, and went on board
Iii her. Mr.. Lawton lives on the Island Other
Rersons also testify the same thlng-The place.
8noreover where the vessel was run aground has
bteD
EA3THE WRECK. The vessel belonged TO owners IN
Eewport Papers and writings were found IN re
ular order.'
How gay before the morning breeze,
8 The gallant vessel breasts the foam;
ss From wandering over distant seas,
IM How proudly she approaches home.
n lie rising sun has tipp'd her shrouds,
m Far, far beyond the azure bay,
HUI Ind all her swelling canvass crowds
a To urge her on her destin'd way.
a3 The seems, at first, feather hung
Upon the red horizons verge,
3r like distant sea fowl flung
& Along the undulaing surge.
u But, as she wanders calmly on,
IN And nearer halls the NOR. beam,
lhe glows like some majestic swan,
/ 4N Gliding in beauty DER the stream.
F#ggNell-well she speeds-the gallant bark!
E& She hasens up the channel now;
ier sails shine glorously-and bark
M% How the waves murmur round her Prov
@8k carer and nearer on she rides
m So grand, SO gaily, and go fair,
That, as she treads along the tides,
EK She almost seems form of air.
but whittier goes she now--before
E# The breeze, direct still flying on,
Eee-see-she hastens to the shore,
E# She strands-she strands-why was this done
he vessel seems in goody plight,
@4% Her cabin fire burns bright and clear,
Ind all that meets the wondering sight,
E$sss Oilers trace offestye cheer.
ut no one now her action guides,
E Or leads her DER the yielding wave;
8nd, where was recent life, presidcs
The desolation Of the grave.
nd where is all that noble crew,
For whom tins feast so late was spread.
9ho formed this little world a few
Short hours ago--where are they Aed
/, las alas! for them-pcrhaps
Some blast of death has swept them by,
> nd now the wetering billow wraps
n Their forms in oceans cemetry.
erhaps their little boat has run
TN some wild errand o'er the wave,
: nd faithless, ere its task was done,
!, oohslgnd them to a waery grave.
!. erhaps some cause unknown might urge
e heir sudden partng-and have made
d 'la' bark less welcome than the surge
i. winch round its PROV i'll murmurs playd.