Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1839-04-11
ron THE LITCFIELD ENQUIRER.
Fhon lhe Sab Rirer Gasette.
MELANCHOLY sHIPWRECK.


1t is generally known to readers. that an unfOr-
tunate Colony Of Squatters from Connecticut was
driven into this River in gale Of wind which occur
red the first Monday of April last where they have
ever since remained in gloomy and discontinued !
state of mind. Their dependency has not however,
prevented them from using the vigorous efforts in
repairing and fitting their ship for a return voyage
A survey was had on the wreck shortly after the
disaster by a depuaton from Washington, where she
was insured, and where the misfortune had awaken
ed much sympathy. The result Of the examination
was that with thorough repair, and some alteration
in her model, she would again be sea-worthy.
The necessary funds and workmen having arrived
from Washington they succeeded after incredible
labor and expense in bringing the wreck safely over
the falls, in an unexpected time Of high water which
happened last fall (Which rise in the river is supposed
to have had some mysterious connexion with GER
tain extra Convention which was holden in Connect
lieut. about the same tme,) and at the same time she
was snugy hauled into the dry dock, where the Ut
most activity has since prevailed. She pro-
nounced ready for sea by Board of Officers which
sat in Middetown as early as February but her time
for sailing fixed for the first Monday in April, the
anniversary of her disaster.
glow ofhope was seen animatng those countenanees
which for twelve long months had exhibited other
than indications Of deep chagrn and hopeless despair
But who, alas, can tell what day may bring forth?
Who could have thought that that ship, whose tall
masts gstened proudly in the rays of the morning
sun, would before that should set become wreck
whose broken fragments should be scattered over the
whole surface Of salt river from its mouth its source
and its noble and gallant crew become prey to the
hungry catfish that swim in its bitter waters com,
panions for the wild beasts that roam in the dark for
ests that border the stream!
We will not attempt a description Of this catastro-
phe in our own language. Subjoned is letter from
the Port Admiral to the Hon. Post Master General
which have kindly been permitted to copy for the
columns of the Gazette.
SALT RIVER, April 10 o'clock P. M.
To the Hon. Amos Kendall,
Post Master General, &c. &c.
Hon. srR-It is my most painful duty to inform you
Of the total loss of the ship Loco Foco, John M. Miles,
which was this day wrecked within sight of this
Port. Below you have account of what has transp.
red since last had the honor Of addressing the depart
ment, together with the melancholy particulars of the
wreck.
Capt. Niles arrived here few weeks since, and
took command Of the ship in person. Under his d.
rection she was hauled into the stream, and moored
obout cables length from the shore and her crew, as
they arrived in detachments from up the river were
put on board. Some manifestations of nsubordina.
ton were soon apparent, and few deserons occur
red to overawe the first and prevent the last, well
as to make demonstration Of force Lieut.. Cotton
john, Of the Gun Boat William Tel was ordered to
cruise up and down and across the river within sight
Of the ship during the day, and at night to anchor his
boat between the ship and the shore. All these pre-
cautions Of no avail Desertions became so fire.
quent that determined to make an example, and
hearing that body of them had congrega,cd cape
Conservative, despatched Lieut.. Cottonjohn in the
William Tell to apprehend ,hem if possible, but all
events prevent their retreat up the cape into the
enemy country. He crossed the river and anchor
ed near the Ishmus which connects the cape with
the main land just in time to prevent their escape, had
his ammunition not been worthless. He had the NOR
sication Of seeing them escape from under the very
muZze Of his gun, which, though douby charged like
the gun in Hudibrass, done execution but to recoil,
"bear wide and kick the owner over" On his return,
in passing the mouth Of Twadler's Bay, he picked mp
boat filled with s,raggers which lay there befoggcd,
among whom an officer of distinction, who has
rendered near relation as an hostage or pledge for
his good behaviour.
All the necessary preparations for sailing were com.
peted late Saturday, and from the reports of the
Sub Officers in every department, found the muster
roll was full, and sufficient quantity of all kinds Of
stores for the voyage board them as senior Off
Of the Port, issued orders for her to sail Monday
n ~ - nj Il r..
animate the feelings Of his crew, to make every posi-
bic exhibition Of form and ceremony incident to such
occasions. Also with view improving the intel.
ectual powers Of the men, and giving them just
ception ofthe magnitude and importance of the expe.
don, and true knowledge of the transcendent pow
and skill Of their Captain put on board small
library consisting Of some ten thousand copies each
of extra Globes and Hartford Times with all the eau
Gus resolutions OF the day, together with few in
teresting handbs manufactured for the OCCASION for
which, well as all other extra expenses, drew on
your department as instructed. AT seven o'clock
this morning, went on board to discharge my re-
naming duty towards the ship, and to communicate
my good wishes to Capt Niles. As approached the
ship could not but view her with feelings of con-
scious PRIDE She sat on the water like thing Of
lie. mere was the onJect, which, aioeu Oy inc
municerce of your department, and the skill of her
officers had raised from seemless wreck to ship
Of beautiful proportions. Her "ong low deck" her
devoted crew, her gallant commander the great VIC
tory she was destined this day to achieve, were all
objects of ecsintic thought. Passing under her bows.
in order to gain tho starboard gangwsy. stopped a
moment to view her splendid Figure Head, which had
this morning been placed there with all the "pomp
and circumstance" the occasion called for. 1t was
correct likeness of that old gentleman who is some
times called the Father Of lies. He represented
as reposing on the SubTreasury Box, having its key
in his right hand. and the "Secret Circular in bis