Maumee City express. [volume] (Maumee City, Ohio) 1838-184?, 1839-09-28
GALE--NARRoW ESCAPE.

last, from the S. w. which increased durn !
the day; during which time a number Of
schooncrs made our harbor for shelter. On
Tuesday morning thegale increasedtoa per.
feet hurricane, About twelve M. on Tues
day, the Steam Boat Monroe, Capt. S. F,
Atwood, hove in sight, bound down. She
made her course safely, through tremen.
dous sea, until within few rods the break
water, when she parted her tiller chains.--
Her situation was now truly alarming.--
| Capt. Atwood informs us that he never was
placed in a more critical and dangerous stu
alton. To go ahead was certain destruc-
ton, the boat becoming entirely unmanaga-
BILE, and every sea drifting her directly on
the pier. AS he could not go ahead, he re-
solved on backing into the lake again, which
he did, running within few feet of the end
of the pier. lie then IN hopes of fholdng on
long enough to partially rig his ruddel
again, let go his large anchor, but the sea
running too heavy, she dragged anchor, anG
was obliged to slip cable. and drift down al
the mercy of the waves At this time the
passengers became frantic with fear--some
ringing the bells, others waving hats and
handkerchefs, all of which was distinctly
visible on shore; but it was not in the pow
er of man to render them any assistance.--
The next step Of Cnpt.i A. was to work the
stern of his boat into the wind the best way
he could without any rudder, which done,
he forced her back again, to within few
rods Of the channel; in the mean time, hav-
ing rugged spare tiller whichwas on board,
he attempted to come round, but the first
heavy sea that struck the rudder broke the
tiller. A gain all attempt was made by
means of swinging a man overheard to rig
temporary tackle on the head Of the rud-
der; which being done, she again attempt
ed to make the channel, when CLEAN of
hope again beamed on the countenance of all
on board--bu but it was soon banlshed--the sea
again seemed to defy the power or art Of
man to contend with it, and again turned
the boat about at its mercy; the rudder CIV
ing away the third time. e ..sss
Again the alarm bell was heard, and ges-
lures seen by those on shore, which told the
imploring desires of those on board. All Of
which could only be seen and pitied by the
multitude which now lined the shore, watch
ing with most intense anxiety, the fate ofthe
Monroe. .....H -
Again did the anxious countenance Of
of the Capt. show that he was called upon
for quick decision, the correctness of
which might save or destroy the lives of
hundreds of human beings, who were alrea-
dy supplicating him for life. HIS mind was
quickly made, and as quickly executed. To
attempt to steer down the lake, without the
use of rudder, in such sea as was then
in motion, was certain death to all on board :;
and to attempt to come in at the lower
channel, he thought would certainly run
him ashore al the lower end of the bay,
which he preferred to either going against
the pier on the outside, or down the lake.
His next orders were to have the boat trim
med to windward, b means ofthe passen-
gers and freight, and make the lower chan
mel if possible. The attempt proved sue
cessFul. After tuning, to the surprise OF
all, she made directly for the wharf, far
enough to reach saltwater; when she let go
her small and only remaining anchor amid
the cheers ofhundreds ofspectators; and is
now, at the time of our writing, safely moor
ed at the wharf
We have conversed with several of the
passengers who uniformly inform us tha' the
conduct of Capt. Atwood, his officers and
crew, on the occasion, was such as TO enti-
tie them to the respect and confidence of all
on board. ae
Capt. Ludlow, of S. B. Rochester, which
was laying in port at the time, is also enti-
tied to o.much credi: for his prompt and hui
name exertions forthe safety of the Monroe
in Immediately manning his small boat, and
assisting her to mornings fastened to the
Rochester, when he saw Capt. Atwood was
dragging his small anchor.-Dunkirk Bea'
con.