The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1840-11-20
THE BURNING SHIP.


the subject of many sketches from my pencil, some
of which the captain had taken to ornament his
cabin. Agnes, in all her loneliness, was always
present to my Imagination prompting me to many
an honorable action, and restraining me from every
thing which could bring discredt on my affection.
To her dear image was indebted for the respect
and esteem enjoyed from every one on board
The masters mate had been promoted to a euten-
antcy, and was appointed TO fill the vacant sta
ton Often did rejoice in my heart at the pros
pect of once more embracing those who were so
dear to me ; and as often did the sickenug sensa-
tons of distraciing doubt aga,e my breast.
One lovely evening, the sky was beautifully Sc
renc-the ocean, like clear mirror, reflected the
golden rays of the setting sun, and the light breeze
just lulled the spreading sails 10 sleep, propcling
the ship almost imperceplibly along, at the rate Of
three miles an hour. 1t was one ofihosc evenings
that battle the painters art, and only the poet
portray. The first watch was drawing to a close !;
it had struck eleven bells the scamen on the look
out had proclaimed "All'swcll !" and every thing
was again hushed to solemn stiffness, was stand
ing the gangway full of pcnsve musings watch
ing bright star, just kndled on the verge of the
horison, it beamed like ray of hope Graduating the
gloom which hung heavy uponmy heat Sudden
" it expanded like glowing meteor and he ocean
was illuminated with red and CORY tnge, was
struck with establishment but at the same moment
an exclamation rcsoundcd fore and aft, "a ship on
fire Il ship on fire - and the horrid conviction
was, alas ! too evident, In few minutes the
flames were distinctly visible, and the ship was
pronounced to be about five miles distant, Never
before did witness such alncrily among our crew
as in that hour of peril. The captain, and every
officer and man were on deck Immediately and as
it was impossible for the ffigatc 10 approach in sui-
icient time to rescue the sufferers, before ten min
utcs had elapsed from the period of first noticing
the fire, every boat was in motion toward the scene
of danger. 1t fell to my lot TO command the cap
lain's gig, Il swift pulling boat with seven mon,
who bent to their oars with all the might of brave
and generous spirits. As we drew near, the dcs
trucve element ragged with increasing fury and
linz with the cracking of the flames and the crash
of falling mnsls The frigate had fired guns and
hois,cd lights, to show them succor was at hand !;
and the boats crew occasionally checred, to an
nouncc that they were approaching to their rescue.
The shouts were returned from the burning ship (;
but so Wild so fearful, they sounded like the en-
prins yell of agony, that still chung TO hope and
life. would have dashed instantly along side,
but the old coxswain respectfully warned me OF
the danger of such measure, Gas the boat,
he said, "would instantly be swamped by the
crowds that would rush into her." We were now
within short distance of the vessel and oh what
a sight of horror was presented The ports were
all open, and the flames pouring from them as from
so many mouths, seemed eager for their prey
Numbers of poor creatures were swimming toward
us, whilst others held pieces of shattered spars
with strong conyulsve gasp. The lorc-part of The
ship was nearly consumed, and the upper part abafi
was rapidly falling in. Those who could swim
we left for other boats TO take mp, and pulling
der the stern, we lay unobserved, by the gun-roon
ports, while the fiery fragments came unbling thick
about us. Trusting to my skill in swimming, should
it be deemed requisite 10 jump overheard, in
stantly entered the port-hoe and the ship having
turned before the wind, what little air there was
drove the creates, part of the smoke forward yc
there was almost an insupportabe heat, and thu
sulocang vapors bid defiance to my efforts to pen
, citrate farther. Affecting canno, account ior-a'
indescribablc feeling urged me on, and reached
the pun-room ladder at the bottom of which lay
human ,being, whose suilcrinss apparently wcr
~ over. passed my hand quickly 10 the heart, I,
feel if any palpi,aon yet remained, and discovered
- that the individual was female she was yet liv
ing and in few moments was safely in the boat
, Again returned with three Of my crew, and 500
II had the satisfaction of rcscung eight poor wretche
who Law in state of inscnsbity, and must 500
r have persisted Stimulated by success, we pene
= trated to the burning deck above and never sha
, forget the horror of the spectacle. Here all wa
= brilliancy. Several half burned and manged bod
- les could be distinguished in the flames. Near til
transom, sat mother with an infant in her arm
1, She needed me not, but caspcd it closer 10 b,
,r bosom-gave one wild shrek, and mortal agon
,r was over The infant was secured. Number
that remained. sought refuge in the sea. The Il
, male had saved was still insensiblc. The worth
If coxswain had wrapped the infant in his Jacke
10 which was now swcey sleeping in the box by h
)r side.
= In the bow of the boat, a ey-headed man e.
40 claimed, "My son, my daughter--where are they
= Another voice feebly uttered, "NIy father"
II was Sir Edwards son. The female was raised
=. nv arms, and recognised my Agnes.
se BEAUTIFUL EXTRACT.
TO As the sun is TO flowers, so is God TO man.
/ al. nnlnrtinl oh inich Al