Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1842-03-12
Goodness In the Hour of Danger.


It recalls, by the contrasts in the results, the
loss of the French frigate Medusa, wrecked
several years ago, off the coast of Africa. The
editor of the New York paper says: "In the
American ship we find ealmness, energy, self.
possession, and entire subordination, preserved,
under most trying and dangerous circuustan-
ccs No confusion, no intoxcaton, md BY
consequence, the safety of all on board-the
gallant commander the last to leave his wreck
I'd ship. In the case of the French frigate,
there was great loss of life, and scenes on the
raft, to which the survivors were obliged to re-
sort, that exceeded in horror all previous ac-
counts of shpwrecks. Insubordination and i,l-
toxicaion caused the whole
Many thrilling incidents might be cited, to
illustrate the Intrepidity, coolness and presence
Of mind OF American tars, in cases of extreme
pcril-one of which, that occurred almost un-
der oar Immediate observation, we will relate
Il will be recolected that near twenty years
ago, piracies and cold>blooded murders were
frequent on the coast of Cuba Commodore
Porter was sent out there with the steam ship
Sea Gull, and and fleet of small vessels poor
ly calculated tor sea service, 10 suppress the pi
racies, and aid in conveying the American ves-
sells 1t was in 1923 or 1924, that while the
Sea Gull was lying at anchor in the harbor of
Matanzas, some American vessels sailed for the
United States and Europe, and were conveyed
ont of the harbor by one of the vessels which
composed this musquito feet. The name of this
vessel, or Of its gallant commander, we do not
rrcollect.
The schooner after having conveyed the yes.
sells beyond the usual cruising ground of the
pirates, left them to make the best of their way
and altered her course to return to port. BY
this time the trade wind had commenced blow
ing very fresh, with occasional squalls-and as
the schooner was approaching the bay of Ma
tanzas, when about seven miles from the shore,
n squat struck and capszed her instantly.
The condition was acritical one--the schoon-
er could not be rghted, and was evident would
soon fill with water and sink. There was only
one boat which could live in that rough sea,
and that small one, not able of carrying one
third part the crew. In this emergency, the
commander, whose name deserves to be re-
Incmbered, acted with coolness decision and
energy-turnishing a laudable example for all
ON board.
Without exhibiting any alarm, he ordered
the men to get out the boat, which was manned
with its usual crew of six men, and an officer
lie instructed the officer to pull for the shore
with all possible despatch, and procure imme-
date assistance, if it could be obtaincd--if not,
to 60 with all haste to Matanzas-meanwhe
they would cling to the sinking wreck as long
as possible, and perhaps would be able to sus-
tain themselves until assistance should come.
The officer proceeded on shore, but could
there obtain no assistance. a spanish planter
provided him with fleet horse and a guide
mounted on another, and off he started On fnl
gallop fer Matanzas, distance OF SIX or eight
miles. lie proceeded without delay on board
the Sea Gull, and communicated Intelligence
OF the unfortunate accident.
All was busle Immediately on board the
steamship. In an incredible short time this
vessel was got under way, and urged by the
power OF steam, proceeded at a rapid rate out
o: the bay, against q strong trade wind-the
officer who had conveyed the intelligence ac
ting as pilot. Their hopes of resculng their
brave countrymen were but feeble, and their
Joy can hardly be conceived, when the wreck
was at length discovered, almost submerged.
In few inmates they were along side; and ai-
ter all, after being in this dangerous situation
three hours, we're saved, with exception of one
man, who was drowned when the schooner cap
sized. Before the Sea Gull had proceeded far
on her return to port, the schooner had alto
gether disappeared!
The presence of the Sea Gull in Metanzas
was providential circumstance, as no other
than a steam vessel could have left the harbor
IN the teeth of that strong trade wind.-Boston
Journal
MEXICO AND TExAs.-We learn from Cap
tain Andrews, of the schooner &. &. Zabriske,
seven days from Matamoras, that as he was a.
bout leaving that city, an express arrived, sta
ting that a body of about five hundred AleXicans
had crossed over into Texas and fallen in with
a Texan force, when, after short engagement
the Mexicans were completely routed. Such
was the slaughter reported, it was said that
but two MeXcans escaped with their lives,
Capt A. did not remain to obtain the plrtlcu-
lars fthe engagement We apprehend that
there is some exaggregation in this matter (;
though we doubt not the general truth of the