The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-10-17
A Thrilling Scene.


from the pen of Commander Engle, OF
the Princeton, who was sent to the re-
| lief of the Truxton, then wrecked on
the Mexican coast. 1t is an extract OF
friends letter to Bishop Doane, OF
New Jersey, and appears in the last
Burlington Gazette. The extract COM
mences with his arrival at the Bar:
81 stood in, and anchored in five
fa,homs water. as close asl could ap-
proach with safety, and where l could
send shot through and through her,
and throw my shells on shore if neces-
sary. | Immediately sent Lieut.. Boggs
on shore with flag Of truce. He eros
sed the bar of Tuspan through a surf
that would cause the stoutest heart 10
qulver; at times his boat was almost on
end. Still, by his guidance, she cros-
sed it like duck.
81 directed Boggs to inform the
commanding officer on shore, that
would permit no one to visit the brig
until nv boats had been on board, and
that if he fired on them would land
and attack him. Boggs then pulled for
the brig. The surf was so high that
he could n OF get on board;so he return
ed to the ship. That night the wind
blew, it stormed and ralned. Next
morning took boat, went in and ex,
amined the Bar, sounded round and
about it, and found the surf too high to
send the boats. Towards midday |
cleared up. The swell went down
and the surf appeared less angry. A
the desire of the officers, manned th'
boats, with directions If there was tn
least danger not to cross. Our boat
are frst-rate, and my officers are sec
ond to none. They pulled in with tn
boats. ] directed Lieut.. Boggs to lead
Lieut.. Rowan to follow, and Passe
y Midshipman Stiles to remain at tn
> outer edge of the surf, to assist, in cas-
of accident to the crossing boats.
=. "The boats closed, and the officer
70 consulted at the entrance.
&C "I can cross!' exclaimed LIeutenan
lie Boggs.
or S'l VIII IOllOW! Sdlu LleuI' W." e.
i. 81 was in the mizzsn top. My glas
re was on Lieut.. Boggs. At times hi
h. boat could not be seen. Need ! te
ID YOU of the anxiety that felt at tha
is moment? In an instant, an officer 9
1t, my right cried out
is "sRowan is capslzed!
-, "His boat was struck by. sea o
M the larboard quarter, and broached.-
ar Another sea and another knocked he
40 over: and once looked on all as los
ub for few men escape capsize in sur
,is knew by examination that the currel
mr. in the river was strong enough TO ca
m nv out a boat. For this reason / ha
,el sent the third boat, to lie at the eds
he of the surf. The men clung to the boa
on At she first roll some were caught U
At der her. Lieut.. Rowan cheered b
10. men, and one of them, in particula
he assisted him. They drifted out. ! sa
in them receiving aid from the third bo;
rn. manned other boats, and sent them
ne their assistance.
ed swell, now, the question, 'who we
es: lost?' was in great distress. To 10
ar. men in fair fight is expected; but
,ut lose them by surf and sharks is hor
no BILE. sent small boat, and direct
On the officer, in case Rowan was safe,
ter pull off his hat and cheer; if all we
zee safe, to throw up both hands. Coz
red there be nobler sight than to see
.st, gallant officer, with hat off and ar
i'm, extended to Heaven, as signal OF sa
bly, ty, informing his shipmates, at the
he tance OF a mile and a half, that all w
ing safei My heart was not 10 my bod
ut it was in my throat, and choking q
the lay down in the top, till ! recover
ling myself. Our yards, rigging and
: he were iull OF men, silent as death, vi
re- gave the word, sail are safep G
ION. only knows how, for some OF th
1 r 4