Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1843-08-25

piece OF the muZZle knocked out and
when the ship rolled, it struck beam OF
the upper deck with such force as 10 be-
come damned and fixed in that position.
A twenty four pound shot had also passed
through the screen Of the magazine, i'm
mediately over the orifce through which
was passed the powder. The schoolmas-
ter here received a death wound The
brave boatswain, who came from the sick
bed to the din of battle, was fastening a
stopper on back,stay which had been
shot away, when his head was smashed
to pieces with cannon ball /; another man
going to complete the unfinished task. was
ulso struck down. Another of our mid
shipmen also received severe wound.
The unfortunate wardroom steward, who
attempted TO Gu. his own throat on for
mer occasion, was killed. A fellow nam
ed John. who for some petty offence, had
been sent on board as punishment, was
carried past me wounded. l distinctly
heard the large blood-drops fall pat, pat,
on the deck; his wounds were mortal. -
Even poor goat, kept by the officers for
her milk. did not escape the general car,
mage; her hind legs were shot off, and
poor Nan was thrown overheard. @
Such was the terrible scene, amid which
we kept on our shouting and firing. Our
men fought like tigers. Some Of them
pulled off their jackets, others their jackets
and vests while some still more determ.
ined, had taken off their shirts, and, with
nothing but a handkerchief tied around
their Wristbands Of their trowsers, fought
like heroes. | also observed boy nam
ed Cooper, stationed al a gun some distance
from the magazine, He came to and fro
on the full run, and appeared to be as mer-
ry as a cricket. The Sd lieutenant cheer.
ed him along, occasionally by saying. we'll
done, my boy, you are worth your weight
in gold.
have often been asked what were nv
feelings during this fight. l felt pretty |
much as suppose all do at such time.
That men are without thought when they
stand amid the dying and the dead, is too |
absurd an idea TO be entertained moment.
We all appeared cheerful. but know that
many serious thought ran through my
mind still, what could we do but keep al
semblance, at least Of animation? TO
ran from orr quarters would have been !
certain death from the hands Of our own |
officers to give way 10 gloom, or to show
fear, would do no good, and might brand
US with the name Of towards, and ensure
certain defeat. Our only true philosophy, !
Therefore, was to make the best of our situa
ton, by fighting bravely and cheerfulIy: |
thought grea, deal. however of the 9TH |
er world every groan, every falling man
told me that the next instant might be
before the Judge of all the earth. For
this, felt unprepared; but being without
any particular knowledge Of religious truth
satisfied myself by repeating again and
again the Lords prayer, and promising if
spared to be more attentive to religious
duties than ever before. This promise
had no doubt, at the time. of keeping f; |
but have learned since. that it is easier |
to make promise amidst the roar of the |
battles thunder. or in the horrors Of ship |
wreck, than to keep them when danger is
absent, and safety smiles upon our path. :
While these thoughts secretly agitated
my bosom. the din of battle continued.
Crane and canister shot were pouring
through our port holes, like Ieaden rain,
carrying death in the trail. The large
shot came against the ships side like iron
hail, shaking her to the very keel. or pas |
sing through The timbers, and scattering
terrific splinters, which did more appalling
work than even their own dea.h-giving
blows. The reader may form an idea of
the effect Of grape and canister. when he
is told that grape shot is formed by seven
or eight balls confined TO an iron tied IN a
cloth. These balls are scattered by the
explosion of the powder. Canister shot
is made by filling powder canister with
balls; these also scatter with direful effect
when discharged. What then with splin-
tiers, cannon balls, grape and canister, pour
ed necessarily upon US, the reader may De
assured tina. the work Of death went on in
a manner which must have been satisfac>
tory even to the King Of Terrors himself.
Suddenly the rafting Of iron hail ceased
We were ordered TO cease firing. pro
found silence ensued, broken only by the
stiAed groans of the brave sufferers below.
1t was soon ascer.ained that the enemy
had shot ahead to repair damages, for she
was not SO disabled but she could sail
without difficulty while we were so cut
up tina, we lay utterly helpless. Our head
braces were shot away; the fore and main
topmast were gone the mizzen mast hung
over the stern, having carried over several
men in its fall; we were in state Of COM
plete wreck. a
A council was now held among the Off
GERS on the quarter deck. Our condition