Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-12
pRovxDHNcr.
THE LOG BOOK.


Many of those, who have ever taken an inter-
est in nautical affairs, have probably often look
ed over ships Log Book, with degree Of
curiosity, and perused with deep interest, the
plain and unvarnishcd productions Of the dsci-
Piles of Neptune, who, when on the ocean, in
their simple, yet eloquent language, carefully
note down the proceedings, and incidents Of
their voyages.
few days since, whilst looking over
bundle ofpapers, belonging to some deceas-
ed relative Of the family, we stumbled upon
an old Log Book, purporting to have been
kept on board the ''good brigantine Rolla,
John l.. Clarkson master, by Seth Mcdonald
mate" whilst on her voyage from Lisbon ~
st. Jago de Cuba. Turning the pages care
lcssly over, our eye caught the following mem.
orandum:
"July z, 1875. Lat. by observation, 2l
North, Lon. 6S West. These twenty four
hours commence with fresh gales from the
East and East South East. At l O'Clock the
wind increased to a gale called all hands to
reef topsails, took in the courses, slowed in the
lib and reefed the trysai At o'clock, the
wind increasing, and considering it dangerous to
scud any longer, took in all sail, set the storm
staysail and lay her TO. Tried the pumps,
and found they made but little water, set all
hands at work between decks, mending sails.
This day, an event occurred which will ever be
remembcrd by the writer Of this Log Book
I Matilda Antonettc Gonsolvo, a young lady,
apparently about the age of seventeen, a ma
ti,an nf I hn ;,h
der mysterious circumstances, about one o.
clock this day, was taken suddenly i'll, and all
efforts to dissipate the disease which had too
evidently possessed her, proved fruitless, and
she EXPIRED and in her last moments, offered
up to Heaven, prayer III behalf Of some
one, whose name she could not articulote.-
She was young, lovely, intelligent and inter-
csting, and during the voyage, until a few
hours previous to her death, was cheerful
communicative, anil apparently happy. We
knew not of her illness, till few moments
before she expired and as she breathod her
life out, she smiled complacently upon
those around her waved her hand in token
of last farewell, and slept in peace. could
have wept,--I could have prayed, if either
would have spared the lovely girl from the
grasp of death and when we saw her sink
| into eternal slumbers, pang o'ercome me,
the lovely maid, was shroudcd in the habili-
mcnts Of doath placed upon the quarter
deck, when the last sad tribute of respect was
paid to her rcmains-a twenty four pound shot
was fastened 10 the shroud, and the lovelest
OF girls was consigned to the bosom of the
deep. And as she feel into the dark blue wa
tcrs Of the ocean, tear dropped from the eye
of each of our gallant tars, and each and all
involuntarily bade the hapless girl last and
long farewell.
1t was but too evident, that she had COM
mittcd suicide /; though we knew of nothing
that should have driven her TO the commits
sion of so rash an act and her melancholy
fate was mantlcd by deep and uniathomablc
mystery. >SOn removing the bed clothes from
the birth in which she died. the steward found
note addressed to Captain Clarkson, which
read as follows -
To Captain Ciarkson.
"Ths note will inform Captain Clarkson
that his female passenger Matilda Antonette
Gonsolvo, weary with life, has put an end to
her existence. The cause, which led her
to this rash act, must not be known sufficient
will it be for the world to know, that she was
weary with life, and no longer capable Of
bearing its fortunes. She cOmmends her soul
to the beloved Saviour, and hopes for absolu-
ton and forgiveness. Her untnely end she
as she has voluntarily taken away that life,
which was given her, but about the accept
ance Of which she was not consulted, she hopes
that the curious will not enquire after her
history.--To Captain Clarkson, and his officers
and crew, Matilda Antonette offers her last
farewell, and flies away TO realms Of bliss.
MATILDA.
Never have met with one, in whose well
fare have felt SO deeply interested, as in this
young lady, and can truly say, in the language
of Ferdinand in the Tempest.
- many a lady
have eyed with best regard and many a time
The harmony ofther tongues have into bondage
Brought my too dilisent car ; for several virtues
Have | hk'd several women; never any
With so full soul, but some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she ovid,
And put 1t to the foil: But you, O you,
SO perfect and so peerless are created
OF every creatures BEST"
At O'Clock, p. NJ. the gale abated, the wind
chopped round to West South West; made oil
sail and proceeded on our voyage. At I2o
clock p. M. caught Porpoise. So ends these
twenty four hours, with light winds and pleas
ant weather, all hands employed in perform
ing ships duty.-Latitude by observation II
40 North Longitude 20 81 West.
THE MEMORIAL. In compliance with
wish very generally expressed, the Editor and
Publishers Of THE MEMORIAL give notice TO
those who intend forwarding communications
for the premiums already offered that the ex-
animation Of the contributions will be deferred
TO the 18th of of June. The prizes are,
For the best original Poem, Prize of $50.
For the second do. prize Of $40.