The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1847-03-17

in the shade at 7s degrees, and above all,
the greatest luxury we have yet enjoyed, sea
bathing at night and morning. 1t would be
amusins>to our friends to see the boys with
their suspehders tied around their waist.
standing over their camp kettles wash.
ing their clothes. With some it went
rather hard at first; and as money is of no
service in the washing line, they now can
fiatten the side of fir tree, hue battling
stick out of orange, and hang on the lemon
bush pretty fair shirt, in quick time.
Truly yours, J. FOSTER MARSHALL.
H We are indebted 10 friend for the
following letter, and although somewhat
lengthy will be read with interest.
Camp WlNerELD, Isle of Lobos, {,
Feb. l3, l847.
On the 9th of January, we took pas
sage on the steamer Creole. On the eve
nlng OF the same days we boarded the ship
Oregon off from Mobile point. This was
the transport employed by the Government
to carry us we knew not then where. On
the 2Sth we had severe gale, which COM
PEELED US to remain at anchor during the
entire day. The day following we still re-
maincd at anchor, in consequence of the
roughness of the sea. On the 3O,h we set
sail, and under fine wind, were soon out of
the sight of land. This was my first day
at sea, and l never enjoyed any thing more
in my life. The weather was pleasant and
the wind favorable, and our good ship wen:
bravely on. The day went off finely; we
were all full of life and enjoyment. About
l0 o'clock at night, however, the appear
ance of things underwent quite change,
for little while at least, we were aroused
from our slumbers by the cry of fire. The
fore cabin of our vessel was discovered in
famesl We had on board large supply
of ordnance, which was stored away in the
magazine between decks, with the FIRE.
burning just above. This rendered our sit
uation very precarious. We knew if the
fire ragged for many minutes our ship would
be blown up. You know soldier should
have no fear. I will not sag that the off,
GERS and men on deck were frightened-ohl
no; they were brave men. But did see
many pale face, and many trembling
lip; and if l mistake not, some breathed
prayer that night who had seldom prayed
before. For myself confess have no
desire ever again to be on board a burning
ship out Of the sight of land. In short
time, however, we succeeded in ex,inguish-
ing the fame, which, if it had remained
undiscovered only for few minutes longer,
would have defied all our exertions.
The next day was clear and fair, and
we went ON finely, taking the precaution
always to look we'll to our fires In the
evening Of this day, we have enjoyed one
of the most magnificent sights have ever
witnessed. A sunset on sea followed i'm.
,nediately by the rising Of the full moon:
From one side of the vessel we watched the
sun as he gradually sunk do.yti into a bed
apparently Of liquid fame. From Tho
other side Of the ship we saw the moon
slowly emerge from the waves and cast her
silver light around. The fiery rays Of tho
sun, contrasted with the soft mellow light
of.he moon, added te,he beauty ofthe scene
1t was grand beyond all description.
The following day was dark and gloomy
es the preceding one had been bright and
clear. AT n,ght..we had severe uorthery
and learned by experience something Of the
term of a storm at sea. This l feel Whok
3iy incompetent to describe. and will notat
tempt it. The roaring Of the wind.
repeated and.viyid flashes Of lightning fol-
lowed by peal aRerspeal fiahunder the
Iashing Of the iwayes,; tie tossiine q fahs ship
The midnigh darkn1ies all tahen togs-
3,her, form q scene Of terrific grand which
YOU can better inag gins thar describe.
After the storm came, not calm but sss
sickness For three days was a ,dsashiy
SICK ,ha, cared lor po iss ls; sss