Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-23

hack to the wreck, but could not, and were driv-
on away to sea. In the situation just stated, the
passengers remained nearly one hour, calling on
Him who alone could save them, and endeavor-
;no to comfort themselves and each other with
the prospect Of a blissful eternity, when the
waist Of the vessel gave way, and preclpi1ateo
all who were clinging to the rails OF the quarter
deck into the sea; viz: Mr.. and Mrs. White,
with the ir three children; Mr.. and Mrs. lrus-
cot. and child, two servants, and Mrs. Jones'
Mr.. Jones being next TO his wife, saw her de-
nerate situation, and made an effort to lay hold
Of her, in which he proyidentially succeeded,
and drew her up so far that she got hold OF that
nart of the wreck on which he hung, and was
saved. The children, as they loated on The
surface Of their watery grave, cried much, but
the brethren and their wives calmly met their
death. -,
"The captain now exhorted all who were sui
on the wreck to come nearer to- her head, as she
was fast breaking up, and that part OF her was
likely to hold together longest, adding, "hoid on
if YOU possibly can until the morning, and then
we shall be seen from Goat Hill Battery, and
be rescued" With this advice they were ena-
bled to comply, though with considerable dIttl-
Guilty. The sea was tremendous, and the night
dark! Wave followed wave in quick succession,
and they had frequently but just recovered their
breath from the past wave when the next took
il from them again. At length the wished Tor
morning arrived, but alas! it was not to be the
morning of deliverance 10 them. They made
the best signals Of distress they could, but they
were not seen. They on the wreck could see
people walking OH shore, but no one saw them;
there was SC llt,le for the naked eye to dlstin-
guish them from the reef, and the waves ran
high. Vessels and boats passed at some dis
lance during the day, and they %unitedIy, and
with one voice, endeavored to hail them; but
he beating Of the sea on he rocks drowned
their voices, SO that they could not be heard.
Two of the crew died this day on the wreck ex-
hausted. Night again came on apace, and soon
enveloped them in all its drearlest gloom! Seat
ed on a piece of the wreck; up to their breasts
in water; without a crurnb of bread, or a drop
Of water having passed through their lips: the
sea very rough, and the waves passing over
| them, each wave threatening immediate death!
In this condition they held TO each other. Ii
one yentured 10 sleep a little, another watched,
lest The wave should sweep him away. 1t was
a night like the last, full of horrors. When
day appeared, it was welcomed with praise to
God, tina, their eyes were permitted to see 1t,
and with prayer that it might be the day oil
rescue. Vessels and boats passed again, but
they were not seen. Some time IN the alter
moor, this day, (Thursday,) Mr.. Hitler said he
thought he could swim ashore, and thus, by the
blessing Of Good, rescue himself, and be the
happy instrument Of saving them. He struck
off well, bur in about ten minutes sunk. One
or two of the sailors also attempted TO reach
the shore on pieces Of the wreck, but failed
Thus the survivors passed through another day
of sorrows.
sThe bodies of some of the sufferers were
seen floating to-day, and the rain fell in showers
around them; but Mrs, Jones says, eagerly as
they wished it, only one slight shower fell on
them. She put out her tongue, and caught a
few drops of rain, which refreshed her, for
which she felt thankful 10 God. Night now
approached once more, but with every appear
ance Of its being the last; for the joints OF the
piece of wreck on which they were began to
open fast, and there was every appearance OF It's
soon falling 10 pieces, and putting an end to all
| their affection; however, they were spared TO
see another day. The sea was much calmer to-
day, (Friday) than ii had before been; and about
noon, MI. Oke said he would endeayor 10 swim
ashore. Mrs. Jones was asleep when he made
the attempt, but was informed afterwards by
Mr.. Jones that he was drowned soon after he
got into the water, being too weak 10 swim far.
Mrs Jones was seated on what was called the
bits; her husband was beside her, with his head
leaning on her shoulder, while her hand held
him by the collar. He began to lose the use OF
his legs, and his wife called the Captain to help
her TO raise him, if possible, out Of the water.
The Captain made the effort, but was too weak
10 come TO her help. Not long afterwards, he
died, with his head leaning upon Mrs. Jones
She then called to the Captain, but received no
answer; for he, too, poor man, was dying For
a few minutes she hel3 the remains OF her hus-
band TO herbreasl; but soon a wave washed him
from her unnerved arms, and ne fell at her feet.
For a few seconds, she saw the body floating,
and then fell into a state CT lnsehslbilily. In
this state she remained until rescued by Mr..
Ken,ish and Mr.. Ashford, two gentlemen, who,
hearing Of the wreck through an American
Captain, went quickly to her relief. That she
lives, is a great wonder. She says, that 1t APP
pears to her, as if boats saw them three times.
They pulled or sailed towards them a conside-
rable way, and their hopes, on such occasions
were strongly excited. They now rejoiced over
approaching deliverancc; but alas! 1t was JOY
Of but short continuance; for they all either
turned back or passed them unobserved. ask
% L-zl, H. NI:or,.no,ac who Of