Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1843-12-29
THE BURNING SHIP.

THE BURNING SHIP.
For many years had never heard from
home, but still the fond remembrance OF early
enioyments in that sweet spot chung TO my
soul, and became 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 honofa-
BILE action, and restraining me from every thing
which could bring discredit on my affection.
To her dear image / was indebted for the res
pect and esteem l enjoyed from every one on
board The masters mate had been promoted
to a lieutenantcy, and was appointed to I'LL
the vacant station. Often did rejoice in my
heart at the prospect of once more embracing
those who were so dear to me; and as often
did the slckening sensations of distracting
doubt agitate my breast.
One lovely evening, the sky was beautifully
serene-the ocean, like clear mirror, rejected
the golden rays of the setting sun, and the
light breeze just lulled the spreading sails 10
sleep. propelling the ship almost imperceptl-
bly, along, at the rate Of three knots an hour.
Il was one of those evenings that battle the
painters art, and only the poet can pourray.
The first watch was drawing to close; 1t had
struck eleven bells; the seamen on the look
out had proclaimed sAll's we'll" and every
thing was again hushed to solemn stiffness.
was standing on the gangway, full Of pensive
musings, watching bright star, just kindIing
on the verge of horizon, it beamed like ray
Of hope irradiating the gloom which hung hea-
Wy upon my heart. Suddenly it expanded like
a glowing meteor, and the ocean was illumina-
ted with red and CORY tinge. was struck
with establishment; but at the same moment
an exclamation resounded fore and aft. "A
ship on fire! ship on fire! and the horrid
conviction was, alas! too evident. In few
minutes the flames were distinctly visible, und
the ship was pronounced to be about five miles
distant,-Never before did witness such a
lacrity among our crew as in that hour OF peril.
The captain, and every officer and man were
on deck Immediately; and as it was impossi.
bic for the frigate to approach in sufficient time
to rescue the sufferers, before ten minutes had
elapsed from the period of first noticing the
fire, every boat was in motion towards the
scene Of danger. 1t fell to my lot to command
the captains gig, swift pulling boat with
seven, men, who bent to their oars with all the
might of brave and generous spirits. AS we
drew near, the destructive element ragged with
increasing fury; and the shrieks of the wretch
ed creatures came minglng with the cracking
of the names and the crash Of falling masts.-
The frigae had fired guns and hoisted lights,
to show them succor was at hand; and the
boats crew occasionally cheered, to announce
that they were approaching to their rescue.
The shouts were returned from the burning
ship, but so wild. so fearful, they sounded like
the expiring yell Of agony that still clung, to
hope and life. would have dashed instantly
along side, bot the old coxswain respectfully
warned me of the danger of such measure,
as the boat he said, would instantly be
swamped by the crowds that would rush into
her. We are now within short distance of
the vessel. and oh F.! what 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. Num-
bers of poor creatures were swimming towards
US, whilst others held pieces of shattered
spars, with strong convulsive grasp. The FORE
part Of the ship was nearly consumed, and the
upper part abaft was rapidly falling in. Those
who could swim. we left for other boats to
take up; and pulling under the stern, we lay
unobserved, by the gnn-room ports, while the
irery fragments came tumbling thick about
US. Trusting to my skill in swimming, should
it be deemed requisite to jump overheard, I
ssatly entered the porthole; and the ship
having turned before the wind, what little air
thel. was, drove the greatest part Of the smoke
forwards; yet then was almost an in supporta-
BILE heat, and the suffocating vapors bid def.
ance to my efforts to penetrate further. A
feeling cannot account f0r-an indescribable
feeling urged me on, and reached the gun
room ladder, at the bottom of which lay hui
man being whose suferings, apparently were
over. passed my hand quickly to the heart:
to feel II any paIp,ation yet remained, and
discovered that the individual was a female ;
she was yet living, and in few moments she
was safely in the boat. Again returned with
three of my crew and soon had satisfaction of
rescuing eight poor wretches, who lay in the
state of insensibility, and must soon have per-
ished. Stimulated by success, we penetrated
to the burning deck above; and never shall
forget the horror of the spectacle. Here all
was bril!iancy. Several half burned and min
gled bodies could be distinguished in the
fames.-
Near the transom sat mother with an in
FAINT in her arms. She needed me not, but
clasped 1t closer TO her bosoln-gave one wild
shrek, and mortal agony was over. The infan,
was secured. Numbers that remained, sourh,
refuge in the sea. The female | had saved
was still insensible. The worthy coxswain
had wrapped the infant in his jacket, which
was now sweetly sleeping in the box by his
side.
In the bow Of the boat, a grey-headed man
exclaimed, My son, my daugh,er-where are
they! Another voice feebly uttered, MY
father 1t was Sir Edwards son. The fe-
male was raised in my arms, and recognized
my Agnes.
My boa. the second time was filled, and we
made for the frigate. Suddenly, an awful ex-
ploslon shook the whole atmosphere, the glare
81 light was for moment increased-:he next
shower of blazing timbers fell in every d.
Fectlon around and the pale moon alone shed |
no siivery effulgence on the transparent wave.
NO shouts, no shrieks were to be heard the |