Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1846-12-12
The Raging Camawl.

had a pretty general circulation-but
il is so good that it will bear frequent
reading, and always raise laugh.
1t has been the fortune OF many to.
travel on the canal, when its calm wa
tiers slept in tranquility, and the soft
breath Of the summer air scarcely ex-
cited ripple on its bosom But when
Old Boreas has awakened from his
slumbers. and is stalking furiously
over its dangerous depths, lashing itsI
waves to madness, throwing up huge
pillows upon its banks, and engulphing
everything in its dangerous whirl
pools, with threatening water sPouls
and roaring tornadoeJ, at such time,
we question whether many have dared
the dangers and perils Of the Raging
Canawl!
1t was a calm night in June, when it
was my fortune to be travelling with
a goodly number Of passengers, upon
that staunch and thorough sea boat,
the Dolly Maria. Naught was heard
to break the silence, save the sleeping
passengers in the cabin, who seemed
combined to roll the deep eternal base
of Natures Anthem, in one general
snore, which shook the boat from stem
to stern, and reverberatcd along the
wooded banks like muttcrcd thunder.
The grim sons Of Neptune who nav
igated the boat, were dispersed about
the deck of the noble craft, and the
skipper was pacing by the cangway,I
quietly smoking his cigar. Suddenly
he stopped short in his walk, and his
eyes rested upon a small cloud which
appeared in the Western horizon; and
was growing blacker and blackcr
every moment. He gazed but mo-
mont, and then his voice ruDg with
clear and startling tones
Every man to his postn
SAY, ay,' growcd the old water
dogs, who were soon ready for the APP
preaching storm.
Shortly ii burst upon US in all its
violence.
Hard up your helmn
'Ay, ay,' growlcd the old muskrat in
the stern, and she rode the gale nobly;
but suddenly heavy sea gave her
'side-winde,' which carried away the
wash-dish, and ducking the cook, the
gallant craft began 10 settle away to the
lceward.
Haul taught your tow-line-box
haul the main string pole and square
the wood boxn Numbered the captain,
whose spirits seemed to rise superior
TO the emergency.
The storm was now terrific, the
waves running mountain high, often
rising to the very summit of tho tow
path, and il was soon seen that the
Dolly Maria was no match for such
tempest, and was gradually floating
before the wind.
Breakers ahead shouted the boot
black.
where away?
Over the OF row lock' was answer.
cd.
The decisive moment had now
come, and the captain saw that des-
peratc measures alone would avail, and
through the canal horn shouted
'Stecrsman, take another tack in
your unmcntionablcs Cook, double
reef the stove pipe, and get up more
steam in the tea kettle. Cut away the
gang way. Furl the iib-boom. I'm
ship the taflrail, and lei so the boat
hook
But still the anchor dragged, the
danger was every moment becoming
more imminent, the roar Of the break
ers was distinctly heard ahead, and or.
ders were given to light the skin.
Discharge overheard your tobacco
guilds, every man of you. Steward,
throw overheard the boot jack and cot
fee pot;' upon which she was precep.
t!bly lightened, the anchor caught,an
faint CLEAN of light and hope broke
upon our desparing souls.
But soon came the appalling cry,
'the best bower has parted, and We are
adrirt' Then all hope was gone, and
n wild shrek rose above the raging
storm, but anon was heard the calm
voice of the captain, exhorting us to be
quiet, for we might yet be saved
The tow line had been secured TO q
stout post and yail fence on shore, a
running bow line was got upon the
cut water, double turn was taken up
on the caboose, the helm iammed hard
port, and the Dolly Maria once more