Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-07-14
SEAL ISLAND, July Sd, 1913.

NI uCut SOn-
We left Boston at quarter past 2 o'clock
on the LIST instant, and experienced a most
agreeable run I'LL yesterday at quarter past |,
IT being toggy,) the Columbia struck on the
Black Ledge, one and a quarter miles dis
tant from this Island, at higl, water. When
the tide began to cbb, we saw LARGE rocks
on the larboard side, about 10 fa,homs dis
tait, and a long reef not a cables length
from us. Before half tide down, these rocks
were t feet above the water. Soon after she
struck, we commenced tltowing over coal,
Which was continued through the dav. At
hall past = we began firing our cannon: in
nail an hour alter we were answered by a
musket, which relieved us from the most
painful anxiety, as we were not quite certain
where we were, and hoped it might be from
the land. At 4 o'clock the fog lifted, and
we had the lnexpressible satisfaction of Sec
ing a fishing schooner making for the shin,
with a small boat in tow. The captain of
the schooner, Qlitchings,) who is the keeper
OF the lighthouse, came on board and gave
US an account OF our situation, which appear
ed any thing but llaltering. We soon con.
Guided, as 1t was evident the Columbia was
IN a rocky berth, that it was prudent to take
the ladies' on shore, IN in nnmber,) besides
several in the Storage, and five or six chill
drcn. This was accomplished at 6 O'Clock,
without injury to any one; and here We
found wo small houses, a mile or more dis
tant from each other, Inhabited by kind and
eiilcIent people, who exhibi! all the sympa-
thy and care we could desire. There are
no other habltations upon the Island, which
is rough and barren. The nearest main land
is Darlington, 25 miles distant. This morn
ing, at nigh tide, an attempt was made to
foat the ship, which proved unsuccessful,
ana at halt past two the Captain requested
the passengers, go in numbcr,) who remain
ed on board, to 90 on shore-about 40 hav-
ing landed last evening. The passengers
are now all on shore-and one half the BAY
gage. The mails are all here, and the re-
naming part of the baggage will be receiyed
in the coarse Of an hour.
Ihe opinion now is that the shin will be
lost-she is very much strained and has heel.
ed over considerably. We have % passcn-
gers, and % officers, crew, g., belonging
to the ship, in all los souls. The CAPTAIN
has conducted himself with great c%oolncss
and courage, and displayed that energy and
magnanimlty tina, belong to his noble pro.
lesion. And now having no time TO write.
have only to say that | deem our preser-
walton extraordinary-2O yards on either
SIDE OF the ship, with a moderate freeze.
would have consigned us all to a waterv grave.
Through the mercy of Almighty God we
have all been spared, living monuments of
his protecting care; and we and You, and all
our friends, should offer up to our Heavenly
Father, the homage of grateful hearts. for
tins signal instance of his sparing mercy
The ladies and all the passengers have con-
Quoted themselves in a manner that should
command our admiration. We shall send
an express to Halifax for a steamer, which.
l suppose, is nearly 200 miles-we being
now about 210 miles from Boston. We
have provision enough for the present, and
can make ourselves t~olcrably comfortable.
under all circumstance in which we are
placed. Your mother and Sister are quite
well, and | am better than could be expect
cd after tho anxiety and fatigue through
which have passed. | shall write the frs,
opportunity. Do NOT, however, be anxious
the season is favorable, and ] have no doubt
we shall all be provided for.
In great haste | remain,
with the trucst affection,
ABBOTT LAWRENCE.
JAMES LAWRENCE.
+. 5. 1t is in Justice to CAPTAIN Shan
non to say, that the shin was in cbaroo o,,Lo