davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1840-10-24
SATURDAY, OCTOBER "a, 1910.

touched bottom all hands jumped out and
carried her ashore, before succeeding
wave could Over,ake us, and in this man
ncr we landed all our boats in safety.
On our arrival at the ship, one mile
from our landing, we found she had forced
her way about 10 feet into the reef, crush
ing the coral.rocks so as to bold her fast
by the head, which prevented her swing
ing round broadside to the shore. In
which case without doubt we should all
have persisted, as the surf would have
swept her decks, and she have gone to
pieces before any thing could have been
saved. And had we escaped the danger
Of the surf, it would only have been to
meet a fate more horrd still, of death
from hunger and thirst on barren shore,
without a boat, chart or compass to enable
us to leave the island.
The ships jib boom projected SO far over
! the rocks as to enable us to board her
from the shore; by which means we saved
many articles of use, and sails for tents.
The goats and pigs and few fowls reach
ed the shore i'm safety, also most of the
things cast overheard the night before.
After having erected our tents, we laid
our weary limbs on the sand and slept
sOundly.
After partaking of such a breakfast as
we were glad to get, we formed two par
ties. One to remain by the wreck and
save such articles as mi ght wash ashore,
and the other to traverse the island in
search of water. The island lies in Lat.
50 3Y south, and Long. $50 So west; it
is about fifteen miles in circumference,
and the highest point fifteen feet above
the level of the ocean, is of coraliItv1oGm-
alton, destitute of vegetation except.
shrub of scrubby growth from one to. three
feet high, which grows in patches ard af-
forded shelter to immense numbers of
birds nests.
About sunset the discovery party arrv-
ed, having ascertained that no water
could be obtained on the island. They
had digged in rnahy places but found
nothing but salt water. They had in their
route picked up the remains of two pistols,
one musket, bucket, and several case bot
ties, one of which had contained papers;
the cork had decayed and the paper had
become wet and adhered to the sides of the
bottle. The muskct had been DESTROYED
by rust, the thick portion only of the bar
rel remaining and the brass trimmings ly-
ing beside it, with the ramrod which had
rustcd down to about the size of IA knit
ting pin. Two deck beams of large
ship and a capstain also were found par
italy covered with earth, over which
shrubbery had grown.
The ship continued to break up by the
action of the surf and to float ashore in
broken fragments; several casks of bread
and small stoles came ashore, also a few
casks of water, and one of the try pots
washed up on the beach. After the luxu-
ny of cold water tea, we called all hands
together for a consultation on the propre-
ty of leaving the island in the boats.
Twelve out of twenty-five of us decided
to take the boats and steer for the Society
Islands. Bearing south eastcrly about |
degrees distant.
The remaining 10 of our number chose
to take their chance on the island, in
hopes some vessel might pick them up
The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1840-10-24

about putting them into execution as soon
as possible. We took the try pot which
would contain about three barrels and fit
ted a cover TO it, suspending over it a large
cask into which was inserted Il pipe lead
ing from the boiler. This served as
condenser for the steam. The boiler was
then filled with sea water and a fire kin
died with wood from the wreck. 1t has
been said that watched pot never boils:
but despite that saying, our pot did boil,
Notwithstanding it was watched with an
intensity of interest, by those whose lives
might and probably would have depended
upon the success of the experiment. JOY
beamcd in every countcnance when in
about two hours our rude distillcry sent
forth small, but steady stream of fine
fresh water. And it proved to be literally
a fountain of life to those whom we left
on the island. The goats and fowls re-
NAMED about the tents. but the hogs be-
came Immediately wild, so that 1t was ne
cessary when we wished TO kill one, to
lay in wait for them as they came down
to the shore in the night and dart the har-
poon into them. The shore of the island
was lined with fish, and the interior with
a great variety of birds and eggs. A
few turtle also wandered up the beach
during the night, some of which never
wandered back again, having met with
reverse not only of fortune, but position.
Several casks of bread had washed up
the beach, so that we Judged it safe for
those who wished to remain on the. island
Dec. 10, got things in readiness and
attempted to launch our boats for leaving
the island, but tie surf ran so high that
we were compelled to relinquish the I'M
dertaking, after having capsized our boat
and severely bruising the second mate
and myself among the rocks in the break
ers.
: The wind continued strong from the
north cast, with heavy sea which dashed
against the rocks forming complete wall
of foam and spray around the island, bid
ding defiance to any attempt which we
might make to pass their bounds. Making
a virtue of necessity. we hauled our boat
up again and deciding to remain on the is
land for. the time being, we erected flag
staff and set signal after which we mus
tered all hands for council
With the,Ioss of the ship Captain B.
lost the legal right Of command over the
crew. Thus we were thrown together
little community without government,
which though small bid fair soon to be one
of the most Independent little colonies
imaginable. Foreseeing the difficulties
which might arise in company of men
without law or restraint, we voted to form
a government. Accordingly we elect
ed Governor, Lieut.. Governor, Sher-
if, and four Constablcs, who were to
frame code Of laws and present them to
the community with the penalties attach
ed This to some may seem ludicrous
but we found the advantage of it directly.
Our statesmen and officers who were not
enticed into office for the sake of the
spoils, were no doubt of the very first
quality, but fortunately never had occa-
sion to prove themselves such.
Dec. "a. The surf had so far gone
down as to encourage us 10 make another
attempt to launch the boats, which We eff
The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1840-10-24
COW VI Y NC 4 TED.

70 the Editor oi,he Polyncsian,
sp.-I enclose you brief account of the
Wreck of the Whalcr Independence, ant
nineteen days voyage IN whale-boat
performed by myself and others, which
have been requested to make public
through your valuable paper. Four years
have elapsed since the events transpircd
but should you Judge the mar ative ono
that would interest your readers, you are
at liberty to place it before them.
Yours respectfully,
Honolulu, Sept. %, 1910.
How do you head? South by east, sir
Mr.. Gibson, keep the ship to the wind
and call me- at IL o'clock. Thus said
Capt Brayton, as he left the deck at 8
o'clock on the evening of Dec. I3, 1888.
The Independence had been at sea
twenty five months, and had. nearly ac-
complished the object of her voyage; a
few days Of successful fishing. and hcl
course would have been homeward; BIZ,
fate. and Starbuck Island had other plans
in view for our amusement. AT sunse,
the island bore south east, distant about
Is miles, the ship steering by the wind
headed south by east; at O'Clock Capt. B.
Judged the land to bear about east, 10 miles
distant, which would place the ship on,
of all danger, as the land was directly to
windward. Consequently he left the ship
in charge of the watch on deck, and re.
tired to his berth, and unfortunately fol
US the watch on deck retired to the wind
lass and forehatches for the same laud-
able purposc-even the boy at the helm
in his somnific indulgence did not dream
of danger. The ship thus left her own
master, took it upon herself to obey to
the letter the last in unction of Capt. b.
keep her to the wind"
The wind which by common consent is
allowed of all things to be most tickle and
changcable, hauled to the north which
brought the ship to head directly for the
island, and ten minutes before | ! o'clock
she struck the reef with such force as to
tear her bottom out, and her keel and
floor timbers came floating alongside. 1t
was but the work of a moment to lower
away the boats and pull out to seward
Of the breakers which rose dashing against
the rocks with frightipl fury. The next
sea which came rolling in, unshipped the
mddcr and burst in the. cabin windows.
Capt. B. and boats crew including my
self remained on board to secure the in
s'rlments and charts.
Finding that the ship was not likely to
go to pieces Immediately, we commenced
throwing overheard such articles as would
DRIFT ashore. Bread, clothing, casks OF
water, DC. AT ten minutes before IL find
ing the surf rising fast and breaking over
her we got out another boat and left her
with what few things we had saved, and
anchored at a distance from the ship. =
AT daylight the surf had risen SO as to
render 1t impossible to board the wreck
with the boats. Capt. B. and a boats
crew Jumped overheard and swan to her,
ana after throwing overheard the pigs.
lows, turkies and goats, and cutting away
he masts, swan back to the boats in safe
n.y. AT 2 p. M. we effected a landing
without accident, but not without Difficult
Ivy, The island was surrounded by a CO.
'al reef, on which the surf broke with
great violence, but by watching a good
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

PorrAwAraMiE lSpiANs.-By Michigan
correspondent Of the New York Journal Of
Commerce. We learn that General Brady, with
military force is engaged in removing the Pot
,awa,amie Indians to the lands west Of the
Mississippi, for which they gave up theirs IN
Mchigau. by treaty with the L. s. Government.
The appear dissatisfied with the treaty. which
they say was made by the chiefs while they
were drunk; but whenever any Of them are
found by the troops. they ssbmit. There were
abou, 500 Of them, including warriors, women
and children. st hathaway praire, about to start
for their new home. TO be transported at SIS
the head. furnished with blankets and supplied
wife tobacco, &c. at the expense Of the u. s..
Government. Some Of the Indians would pre-.
fer to remain. though their lands are sold. and
some Of the whites, it is stated, desire to retain
them there, because they furnish them with
furs, maple sugar and berries.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

Being asked who he was, he replied, " A
conspiraior' What is yopr profession -
7" An exterminator oftyrsnts.'' "What irnpsll-
ed you TO such crime - 81 ~as not impell-
ed by any one; | followed the impulse Of na-
ture." How long is 1t since you conceived
such design AN hour ago; wished 10
deliver France from the greatest tyrant that ev-
er lived" Darmes is small Of stature, sombre
and determined in his aspect; still he tainted
from pain in the gnard-house An ampuistion
Of his hand or fingers is necessary. A handsome
poignard and two pistols were found upon him.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

The Boundary QuestiOa.-The Gardner
(Me.) Spectator, contains the following extract
from a letter to a gentleman in Gardner, from
Professor Renwick, one OF the engineer, engsg-
cd in the boundary survey:
~ am happy TO be able to communicate TO
You that the resul, Of my operations will prob
ably leave no other basis for the British claim
than the qnibble whether the Bay Of Fundy
be the Atlantic Ocean. | have discovered and
explored a range of mountains extending iroo'
the Bay Of Chaleurs. around the heads ct the
branches Of the ST. Johns TO the Ten,iseonaia
portage, So that even on the British ground
that the Highlands are necessarily mountains,
they can be met TO advantage. The height
OF these mountains can only guess at, until
make up the calculations.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

american Copper.-A late number of the
Wisconsin Enquirer says that Messrs w. Al
fred aud z. w. Thomas OF New Baltimore in
that Territory, have been very successful in
smelling copper ore. With machine which
cost only ten dollars they smelted in nine hours.
on the 25Ih September last, $500 pounds OF ore,
from which they obtained nearly 700 pounds
Of good copper, superior in quality to the South
American copper. Neither of these gentlemen
has had any experience in the art Of smelling
and tho success Of the experiment is as graft.
Tying as it is important. that territory abounding
in copper ore.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11
Election Returns.
k. o..
NEW YORK

NEW YORK
has gone for Harrison BY about 10, 900 major
ity. Members Of Congress elected 10 Demo
c.ats. 90 Wings. and 1 district uncertain. Fit
should prove whig the delegation will stand as
befors-so says the Journal Of Commerce.
PENNSYLVANIA.
The official returns have not yet come to
hand, and ii is very doubtful how the state
has gone. Both parties claim it by small ma
jorities.
VIRGINIA
has gone for Van Buren, by small majority /;
full returns not yet received, but sufficient to
settle the result.
GEORGIA.
The returns from IA counties show a whg
gain over the last election. and indicate thai,
the State has gone Whig.
New HAMPsniRE.-The democrats OF New
Hampshire. observes the Boston Post. have a.
gain covered themselves with everlasting ho uor r,
by the 6rmness which they have displayed in
support Of their principles. They are worthy
desce ndanis Of the men who fought under Stark,
at Bunker Hill and Bennington, and federalism
finds a, little favor among them now, as toryism
did in '76. The Democratic majority is near
ly 1000.
CONNECTICUT.
Harrison majority 5000.
MAINE
has gone for Harrison by small majority
less than 600.
NEW JERSEY.
Harrison majority about $500.
MICHIGAN.
Uncertain, probably whig.
MASSACHUSETTS,.
Sufficient returns have been received 10 show
that the wings have carried this state by a
large msjority-probably 10000 or more
Williams and Parmenter have both lost ,hei,
election, there being no choice in either dis
trict.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

THE SEA SERPEST,-Not long since the
Boston Daily Advertiser announced a new ap-
pearance oi the marine monster, about whose
existence the world is so naturally ncreduious.
French captain has just related to us re-
maykable circumstance. which he has himself
witnessed, and his recital exhibits degree of
cautious reserve, which is well Gale culaied to
shake the obs,inacy Of the most scspiicsI.-
We shall preface his narrative with the remark
that the sea serpent has been recently alleged
10 have been seen at different points along the
whole line of the American coast. Captain
DAnnour, commander OF the Vile de Roche
fort, makes the 70 flowing statement
"On the 2lst OF April, 1e40, while We were
in 2l degrees l3 minutes n. latitude, and 80
degrees 50 minutes w. longitute Calculated
from the meridiau Of Paris,) iu the Gulf OF
Mexico we were running under light breeze
from f. n. f. with beautiful weather. In a
few hours we distinguished something like a
long chain Of rocks, falling off by a gentle in-
cilnation AT the two extremiiies, and elevated at
the middle by only few feet over the level Of
the sea. Against this object the sea broke
softly. As we approached we observed that i,s
different parts changed their position, and even
their form, and We became perfectly certain that
il WAS not reef.
A little later we distinguished. by the assis-
tance Of telescope, long chain Of enormous
rings, resembling a number of barrels linked
together. and IN form very like the back OF
silk worm. Ii was three quarter view Of the
object which we had first obtained. A. thc
ship approached, these appearances became
more distinct. and we presently saw the extrem-
iy oi an enormous tail, longitudnav divided
into two sections. white and black. Tbs tail
appeared 10 wind itself mp and repose on a par,
OF the object itself. Then, AZ the other exrrem-
ny, we saw a inen,btance rising to the height OF
abont two metres from the water, and inc lining
itself at a considerable angle upon the mass.
without leaving II, however,) and this led no
TO conjecture that the monster before us was
provided with ap apparatus for the purpose Of
respiration. like the Iar,preys. At last We per
ceived something like an autcnna rising from
the water, 10 the great height Of nearly eight
metres, terminated by crescent oi at lcss, FIVE
metres from one extremity to the other.
We could not approach sufficiently near to
acquire any very positive idea as 10 what
had seen; but every thing led ms TO believe
tha, itwss an enormous serpent Of at least one
hundred metres in length
Journal d9 HARE.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

But know her noi-for oil surety am
ignorant as heretofore
If thy Iovo to her is sincere, thou wilt know
more anon. Did the Cardinal tell thee moth
ing =
1Ah! again. DE Wilton paused moment
ere he replied, in softer whisper than before.
He was full Of mystery. but said ! should hear
Of her shortly
LISTEN She is Of the blood-royal, though
thou know il not.
THY words are riddles. and do Ia OK inter-
probation even more than they
There will be rougher skein TO unravel ere
thou be many days older. Thou brought
est Letters to Engl,nd. but their import was un-
known TO lhee--tis well--the very wind might
babble il again. If thon have courage, a
high destiny awaits thee il a coward. the hur-
die and the block, and a traitors gravel
nv courage was never doubted heretofore.
Thou hast ring
1t hath gone from me. Knowest rhon that
mystic jewell
Again this idle questioningl My knowl.
edge is boundless as the winds. The ring is
on thine own hand
He raised his hand-snre enough the red
and glitering opal was there. Astonlshed be-
yond measure, he cried out 'Accursed thing
it BODIES no good
Art quarrelling already with thy good for
tunel lngrate-that charmed jewell is beyond
all price. BY it thou mayest be advanced 10
honors thine eyes would ache TO behold. See
thou lose it net
This! reekiDg from the pestilent vapors Of
the grave
Even so. got il thence for know. short
sighted mortal. | am not seen save in the body
of another. My spirit is forbidden tabernacle
Of its own. What if it were the cast off. the
decayng relics Of the lady Neville, when wait
ed for thee in the courtyard Of the castle, and
from her finger thou drawest off the ring!
DE Wilton felt as though the cold and clam
my fingers Of the dead were locked within his
own. That the haunted ring clung TO him
he felt it's polluted tourh-the faint breath OF
the charne-house rose TO his nostrils-bls
limbs grew rigid-one horrible thought pos
sessed him--tho unknown it might be. was a
mother Of these dIsembodied 6eDds, a thing
built up out Of the spols-Ihe refuse Of human
fy;-peradvcnfnre, the witch herself, IN anoh-
er shape that his heart yearned for--the loaih-
some dead he had clasped in the giddy dance
looked on with delight, and even with tender
er interest. False siren the thought sickened
hm-his brain swan with horror-hc felt con-
scous that his faculties were giving way-a
piercing shrek seemed as tho it had dissolved
the very elements Of his existence. and he fell,
utterly bcreft even of tho appearance of life.
Rfmdindtr IN our BerL.1
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11
RH0DE.ISlANO REPUBLICAN.
NEWPORT
WEDNESDAY. NOvEBMER ls4O.
THE TRIUMPH OF WHIGGERY.

iHb ihiO Wf1 Of WhlObEkf
il is hardly necessary for US to announce that
sufficient returns have been received TO render
the election Of the Wing candidate for the
Presidency certain. as that fact has already
bcen promulgated with all the boastfulness
Of which their journals are capable, and is
undoubtedly known ere this TO al our readers.
Until Sunday morning we hardly entertained
a doubt Of Mr.. VAS BURES's re election, but
the returns then received from the western part
Of New York, (although no doubt greatly ex-
aggeraied) showed that that state had gone a.
gains, him. and thereby all hope of his election
was e1iinguished
We sincerely regret this result. more partic-
n'arIy on Mr.. Van BURES's individual account
than any other; because we admire. honor and
esteem him for the distiug uished ability, and
undaunted frmness, frankness and honesty, with
which he has administered the Government.
and avowed and maintained the great principles
Of Democracy. Though now he may be viii.
fled and abused, las has been every President
since the establishment OF the government) yet
posferity will do him justice, aud the leading
measure which inc recommended, advocated.
and so trumphantly carried into effect, in spite
Of most unscrupuIous and corrupt opposition.
will render his administration honorable in all
future time. and place his name high on the
list Of defenders and savors Of the purity Of our
government. His name and his doctrines will
hereafter be considered the clearest lights to
guide true democrats to the goal of their hopes
and wshes-equalla laws, equal rights, and equal
privileges for all men,
But we have some consolation in our disap-
pointmeni. Whiggery is at last triumphant, so
far as the executive branch Of the Government
is concerned. but it remains 10 be seen il they
will ever attain the ascendency in the legislative
branch OF il, of which we have strong doubts
At any rate, we do not believe that they will ev-
er be able to accomplish either of their favorite
measures,--a division Of the proceeds Of the
public lands sold among the States. and con
sequent increase of the tariff. or the establish
msnt Of National Bank--for the fact that they
dare not openly advocate them before the elec
ton. shows they were aware Of tho division the y
would cause in their ranks, and the consequent
defeat that would inevitably await them. f
ven il the Democratic party should be in a mi
uoriiy in Congress, there will DO a suffic lent
number Of southern whig members opposed to
these measures, who will join them and prevent
their enactment; and. unless national bank is
established, repeal of the Independent Trcasu-
ry Law cannot be effected, and will hardly be
attempted.
Such are our opinions and belief, and though
we do not presume that they are worthy OF
much regard, we pray our readers TO note
them and mark The issue.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

Extraordinary DeSPatch.-The steamship
Britannia left Boston on the afternoon Of the
lst October, touched at Halifax, landed and took
in her mails, and started on the ;lh, arrived at
Liverpool on the 14h. Left Liverpool on the
2sth, arrived at Halifax a, noon on the lst Of
Nov. Left Halifax at O'Clock the same eve
Mug, and was at her berth in Boston at 8 O'Clock
on the morning of the 81. Having been alb
sent only lhirty-two days.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

The Massachusetts, Western Railroad The
Directors have called for the eighth assessment
on the stock, 10 this important, road. Owing
TO the rapid progress of the work, this is levied
earlier than was anticipated. The engineers
are Of opinion tha, the whole road, from Boston
10 the city Of Hudson, with the exception Of
two miles at the summ) may be opened for
use on the lst July next.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

A GnEAr JoKr.-The Sunday American
states that in Norhumland, Pa. a sign painter
put the following joke upon some politicians.
He saturated with snlphurie acid the banner on
which he bad painted name, to order; so that
in half an hour. the banner bearers we're. to
their perfect establishment, walking under the
names OF their opponents displayed on their
standard.
The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-11-11

Heads and Id,is.-A Calcutta paper says
that Commissioner Lin at Caoton, has offered
a very large reward for every opium smugglers S
head, and in retaliation. the smugglers on the
coast have deprived every mandarin they
could lay their hands on. Of his tail. Lots OF
long tails ornament the msin-siay of some Of
the clippers, bot Lin has not yet got any heads
10 display