Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1825-10-29
Id YOU already he was pressed. We

told You already he was pressed. Well
he vas drafted on board of Us, and his
dear Nancy permitted to he with him.
The evening before the action, she was
sitting on the carriage of the bow gun,
with her baby Graded in her arms, and
William by her side--they were viewing
with admiration and delight, the beaute-
Gus scenery displayed by the sinking
clouds, in a thousand fantastic shapes,
tinged with liquid gold streaming from
the setting sun,and caressing the little in
nocent, while all their parent kindled in
their hearts. But bark hoarse voice is
heard from the mast head-all is hush d..
I" Halloo." said the Captain. "a sail
on the larboard bow, SIR" d" What does
she look like !" 81 can but Just see
her, sir, but she looms large" "Mr.
Banks" said the Captain, stake your
glass aloft, and see il you can make what
she is call the boalswain-lurn the
hands up-make sail" In moment
all was hustle the topmen were in their
station, and every man employ ed; aud
in few minutes every stitch OF canvass
was stretched upon the yards and booms.
/ he officer that was sent aloit reported
it ship oil the line, which looked like a
foreigner. Every heart vas now elale
but Nancy might be an enemy !.
oh that thought was 100 dreadful Aud
as " liilam conducted her below, the
tears chased each other down her pale
face, and the heavy Sigh burst from her
gentle bosom. William mildly re-
proved her, and again pointing 10 hoa-
ven, flew to his post. The stranec rs had
hauled 10 The wind, fired gun, aud hoist
ed French colors. Up went ours, with
three cheers: and there's seldom a mo-
ment o! greater pride 10 British tar than
when he displays the ensign Of his coun-
Try IN the presence of the enemy. Three
cheers resounded through the ship,
and broadside upon broadside shook
her groanlng tmbers. Where was
Nancy William was first IN every
danger. Three nmes we bosrded the
Toe, but were repulsed. Dreadful grew
the scene OF blood and horror through
The darkening shades Of coming night.
No one bore lldings OF the fight to Nan
cy, none, save tue poor sailor whose
shattered limb came TO suHer anpuia.
ton, CT the wounded wretch TO be dress
ed, at which she assisted with fortitude.
Two hours had passed IN this awful sus-
pense and heart reDding anxiety, when
deep sroan and piercing shrek from the
lower Deck convuised her frame, She
knew The voice and snatching tie infant
IN her arms, rushed to the spot. Soon
she found the object al her search: his
manly form maBsled and shattered !;
that lace once ruooy with the glow oil
health, now pale and confused the
blood streaming from his side and breas, |!
He saw her too. Nancy said he, and
raising his iceble hand, poip,cd TO hea-
ven--it feil--aod William was no more !!
Sinking CD the lieless body OF her hus-
band, Nancy iaIp,ed with The dear babe
sun IN her arms; when, O u ysterious
providence at that very moment, while
senseiess and maHimate, al that very mo.
ment, bail entered through the vessels
side--,t pierced her bosom Need
tell the rest! They were pleasant and
lovely IN their lives, and in their death
they were moi dividad."
This pathetic s1ory is founded on facts
which actually occurred, and we have
reason 10 believe that ,he orphan is still
alive Ed