Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-08-06
AFFECTING NARRATIVE.

American SlNCS luC iOiioWhhS PeSANS
narrative oft overseeing of a boat in
the harbor of N. York, on Saturday last.
happened to be one of the passen-
esrs on board the Brooklyn ferry boat
on Saturday last, when most melan-
choly accident occurred, of which for
several reasons, / shall give you a de-
tail. In the first place it is due to the
heroism Of some of the parties concern
ed; it is an act of justice towards the
helmsman of the steam boat, to excul-
pate him from any blame in this un-
happy business: and also hope it may
serve as caution to persons who may
be rowing close along the wharves, not
10 pass steam boat wharf without first
ascertaining the situation of the boat
The steam ferry boat was just doub-
ling the end of the pier, at Fulton slip,
when a small barge shot from behind
it, and Immediately came in contact
with the head Of the boat. The alarm
was instantly given, and the machinery
stopped about the moment when the
barge came in contact with the bar
supporting the fudder Of the boat
This bar upset the small boat, owing
TO the impetus of the ferry boat, and a
heavy tide which began to set down
the river. The boat contained two Ia
dies, three children, two gentlemen and
one servant, besides the two oarsmen.
%In moment one gentleman who was
a good swimmer, appeared at the op-
posite end ofthc boat having dived un-
der the wheel, which he says had still
a slight motion. One Of the sailors
soon appeared nearly drowning, at
distance down the stream, and was re-
lieved by small boat near him; while
at the same instant, an infant child was
seen, on the waters edge, Immediately
beside the boat. The little innocent
Just discovered signs of life, aud as
plainly showed that il was fast fleeting.
Never did wish for the powers of an
experienced swimmer until that mo-
ment, and am now convinced that it
is duty TO attain them. l had read
of casualties, shipwrecks and drown
ings, but never did l feel such thrilling
agony as that moment occasioned. Oh
God! it is fearful sight to behold the
thread Of human existence severed-to
see the tender and the helpless pass, by
a single step, from time to eternity,
without the power Of extending the
smallest assistance. In moment, ere
these conflicting and agonised feelings
could shoot through my brain, color
ed man a noble fellowD dashed into
the gaping waver and presently rose
with the little helpless burthen in his
arms. A shout of JOY welcomed him
from the spectators, but this feeling
was soon changed on observing that
the brave fellow appeared to be inca
pable Of sustaining himself and his lit
tie charge, and was gradually losing
strength.
We. instantly threw overheard a
bench, which falling near him, he would
IN moment have gained it, and saved
the child: but it was otherwise ordered.
A boat from the shore, rowed by two
seamen, pulled rapidly for the spot, and
encouraged by the shouts of the be-
holders, strained every nerve for fear
of being too late. The head of the
poor black was turned towards the
floating bench which he had nearly
gained; the backs of the rowers were
towards him, and in their haste they
took no time to look round at his stu
alton. Shrieks were sent out to warn
them, but too late. When they sprang
TO their bow, it was upon the dro,cning
they seized by the hair the generous
black (now almost stunned by the
blow the boat passed quickly oeer
the spot where they had struggled, and
we never saw the poor babe again.
A slight gurgling noise, with faint
discoloration of the water showed, as
thought, where it had jus, sunk to
rise no more.
In the mean time, servant woman
was saved on the other side of the boat;
with the two elder children,-one by
the prowess of sailcr boy, who was
an oarsman in the unfortunate boat,
and who deserves something more than
mere encomiums. After saving the
boy, he espied the body of the sinking
lady, and still clinging to his little
charge, sprang at and caught her by
the string of her hat. But the faith
less garment parted in his hand, and
It's helpless tenant sunk beneath him.
AT this moment | saw at nv side
the frantic mother, who had been else
where picked up and put on board
without my observing it. Her despair
was enough to have melted the heart of
pirate. She had no tears, for grief
and despair had drank them dry
oh! give me my children ?" was her
ery-"if you have any pity, give me
my children !" She was shown one
oil them just arrived with her maid
servant. Scarcely observing them,
The heart of the mother yearned after
Ihose that were gone; and she cried
h,,t al N tSS