Litchfield enquirer., 1838-09-06

ed from the wreck of the Pulaski, which we
will endeavor to repeat in a few words.
Among the passengers was Mr., Ridge
young man of wealth and standing IRON
New-Orleans. who, being stranger to an on
board, and feeling quite as much interest III
his own safety as in that OF any otneI PSEs SI
was, in the midst of the confusion whlcn Iol-
lowed the dreadful catastrophe, about nelp-
ing himself to place in one OF the Ooais,
when n Young lady who had frequently ell
cited his admiration during the voyage, Out
with whom he was totally unacquainted, at
tracted his attention, and he immediately
stepped forward to offer his services, and to
assist her on board the boat; but in his gen.
erous attempt not only lost sight OF the young
lady, but also lost his place in the boat. Al
forwards when he discovered that the part OF
the wreck on which he hoated would soon
go down, he cast about for the means OF pre-
servation, and flashing together couple e., OF
settees and an empty cask, he launcheo nit'-
self upon the wide ocean.
His vessel proved better than he expected
and amidst the shrieks, groans' ana oeatn
STRUGGLES which were uttered around him, he
began to feel that his lot was fortunate, and
was consoling himself upon his escape. such
as it was, when person struggling in the
waves near him, caught his eye. 1t was
woman, and without taking the second tho't'
he plunged into the water and brought her
safely to his little raft, which was barely suf-
fcient to keep their heads and snouiaers
above water She was the same young lady
for whom he had lost his chance in the boat,
and for a while he felt pleased at having at
fected her rescue but moments reflection
convinced him that her rescue was no rescue,
and that unless he could find some more SUBJ
stantial vessel both must perish. Under
these circumstances he proposed making an
effort to get his companion in one OF the
boats, which was still lowering near the
wreck, but the proposition offered SO little
chance of success that she declined, express
sing her willingness at the same time to take
her chance with him either for life or death.
Fortunately they drifted upon part OF the
wreck which furnished them with materials
for strengthening their vessel, and they soon
sat upon a float sufficiently buoyant to keep
them above the water and when the morn
ing dawned they found themselves upon the
broad surface of the Vastly deep" without
land or sail or human being in sight-with-
out morsel to eat or drink, almost without
clothes, and exposed to the heat of the sun.
In the course of the next day they came in
sight of land, and for time had strong
hopes of reaching it, but during the succeed
ing night the wind drove them back upon
the ocean. On the third day sail was seen
in the distance, but they had no means Of
making themselves discovered. They were,
ter several days of intense suffering, starved
and exhausted, but still in possession of all
their faculties, which it seems had been en-
ployed to some purpose during their solitary
and dangerous voyage.
We have heard of love in cottage-love
in the deep green woods-nay even of love
on the wild unfurrowed prairie; but love up
on a plank in the midst of the ocean with a
dozen frightful deaths in view, is something |
still more uncommon. And yet it would |
seem that love thus born upon the bosom of
the deep-cradled by the ocean wave-and
refined under the fierce beams of an almost |
vertical SUMS, after all, the very thing
There is about it the true spice of romance
the doubts, the hopes, the difficulties-aye |
and the deaths too, to say nothing of the
signs and tears. Mr.. Ridge must, therefore,
be acknowledged as the most romantic of !
lovers, for there upon the deep, deep sea-
he breathed his precocious passion, mingled !
his signs with the breath Of old ocean, and !
vowed eternal affection. Women are the |
best creatures in the world, and it is not to |
be expected that Miss Onslow (such was the |
lady's nancy could resist the substantial evil |
dences of affection which her companion had |
given. and accordingly they entered into an
statesmen say, which has since been renewed !
upon sierra firma," and is ere long to be |
signed and sealed.
On reaching the shore and recovering |
somewhat from the effects of the voyage, Mr..
Ridge, thinking that perhaps his lady love
had entered into the engagement without
proper consideration, and that the sight of
land and of old friends might have caused
her TO change her views, waited on her and
informed her that if such was the case he
would not hesitate to release her from the
engagement, and added further, that he had
lost his all by the wreck of the Pulaski, and
would henceforth be entirely dependant on
his own exertions for subsistence. The
lady was much affected, and bursting into
tears assured him that her affection was un- |
changeable, and as to fortune she was happy !
to say that she had enough for both. She is |
said to be worth two hundred thousand dol |
-BroOklyn ADJ.
Ghost Stories There is foolish and per.
nicious practice with some people, of relating
stories to young children to excite alarm
and terror. If il were only foolish or un-
reasonable. it would not justly call forth
strong expressions Of censure. Yet, even in
tinued, and may be condemned as quite inn
proper. Stories to arouse curiosity and ex.
cite inquiry, if the subjects tend to utility,
are certainly proper and commendable.-
But the common tales of Blue Beard and
giants. of spectres and ghosts, are extremely
injurious in their influence and effects. I'm.
founded and absurd notions are received,
that cannot be entirely subdued or eradicated.
It is in vain TO reason against them; or 10
oppose to them the knowledge derived from
natural philosophy and the sciences. have
known men Of great learning, who were un-
ape TO get rid Of early, but very unreason- |
able fears. produced in childhood bv the
stories OF nurses, or illiterate parents; and
who were always occasionally under their
unhappy influence. though their sober iudg. |
ment was that they were fictitious.