Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-11-08

saw through the piece of ice, the cause OF
this fresh misfortune, and some ran to the
pumps.
With unremitting labor they continued
these. fatiguing but indispensable operations
until five o'clock on the morning of the l4th
when the men were so totally exhausted
and dispirited by their incessant exerfions
that they could work no longer, having TO
this period cut through within ten feet.
They were then called in for rest and re-
freshment. They had not been more than
quarter of an hour removed from the
work, when a sudden disruption of the ice
took place, and, the mass separated
from its bed, crashed with terrific violence
against the ships side. tearing to pieces the
lashes and spars that interviewed to protect
her from this casually, which had, in some
degree been foreseen; the strong shores. or
logs, and three and half inch ropes, were
snapped like pack thread, and but for the
merciful nterposition of Providence, not
single being out of the entire ships crew
would have lived to narrate the circumstan-
for, had they rot been called in but a
few moments before, all would inevitably
been crushed by the mass of ice on which
they had Just been Ia5oring. AS the ice
separated from her she righted and drifted
along. A temporary rudder was fitted up,
her stern posts having been carried away
from the six foot mark, as well as the dead
wood broken of, her stern frame SO shaken
that her run had to be secured by 81 ard
81 inch ropes, stores and screw bolts. mr.,
when fairly got TO sea, a stream chain was
passed round her three feet before the
mizen mast, and archer abaft the mizen
mast. In the ecriy part ofthe voyage home.
across !ao Atlantic, they fortunately expe.
riencel mild weather, but subsequently il
became rather unfavorable, and the ship
began to leak very fast. At one period
when it became necessary to take the men
from the pumps for about twenty minutes
during which they were shortening sail
the carpenter reported six or seven feet o.
water in the hold. In an instant there was
rush made for the pumps, and all hand.
were busily engaged at them until they ar
rived at their destination. AT first they di
rected their course to the Orkneys, bu
the wind proving adverse, they bore up fol
Tough Swilly, where they arrived on Sun
day night,after hardships and dangers almos
unparalleled.
They had but twice seen the natives
once on their entrance to the frozen strait
} and once at their departure. On both &C
casions they trafficked with them, and t.
, profitable account it would seen-an oil
} piece of iron producing skins in abundance
and those who had not this commodity 4
offer were willing to barter their children
} Cor even less article Of value, if possible
! When first immured up in the ice, they 60
up some plays and masquerades, but tn
J cold and dangers which momentarily threat
ened them with destruction. put all idea o
amusement out of the question; and as tn
ship was hourly exposed to shocks that lei
} her continued safety matter of the ut
; most surprise, the provisions were kept Of
} deck, and the boats lowered ready for eve
, ry emergency. On entering the har
Dor of Tough Swilly, the exhausted ere,
could scarce remain one moment longer q
) the pumps, their unremitting labor at whic
, had secured their safety. The coast guar
on being apprised Of their distressing con
, dition, Immediately boarded the vessel, an
afforded most timely relief to the worn.ou
, mariners; and her Majesty's cutter Wick
: o"', entorod coon after. sent twenty nf h.
men for the same purpose. They endeu
vored to beach her, but, unable to effec
} their purpose, were obliged to leave hel
, having her main deck housing thrumme
under her bottom. Seven of the sick wer
, sent Immediately on shore, where they ar
being treated with the utmost attentio
and care by the hospitable and generous is
anders.