Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-03-18
A Tale Of The Deep.


in finc, stout ship, from the port OF Philadelphia
to Liverpool. The ship had valuable cargo on
boar. and about nineteen thousand dollars in spe-
Gle, ] was prevented by other business from Civ
ing much Of my attention ,c the vessel while load
ing and equppins for the voyage When we're
about TO sail, the chief mate informed me that he
had shipped two foreigners % searaen, one na-
tive Of Guernsey and he other Ffenchman. l
was pleased, howetcr with the appearance oflhe
crew generally, aud particularly the foreigners
They were Stout abe bodied men, and attentive
TO orders.
The passage commeBeed auspciously, but, TO
my great sorrow soon discovered change in
their conduct for ihewofse. They 5.eame insolent
to the mates, and appeared to be frequently under
the influence OF liquor. Their nemperance soon
became ntolerabe and il was evident that they
had liquor on board with them, aud determined
on searching in the forecasie aud depriving them
Of it. An order to this effect was given to tee
mates, aud they were directed 10 60 about the exc
cuiion mildly and firmly, ticking no arms with
them.
1t was not without much anxiety that sent them
forward to THIS duty. In few moments loud
aud angry dispuie was followed by sharp scuAle
around the foreessile companion way. The stew
ard, at my call, handed nv loaded pistol from the
cabin, and with item fastened forward. The
FrenchmaE had grabbed the second mate, who
was mere lad, by the throat, thrown him across
he heel OF the toaspTit and apparently de-
ermind TO strange him TO death. The chief
nate was calling fas assistance from.below, where
he was assailed by the Guernsey man. / pre-
en,ed pistol at the head OF the Frenchman,
md ordered him 10 release the second mate, which
he instantly did, The steward then brought another
pair Of pistols, with which armed the second mate
directing him to remain on deck, and went below
into the forecasilc myself found that the chief
nate had been slightly wounded by the knife of
his a. agonist, who, however, ceased TO resist as
made my appearance, and we Immediately secured
lin in iroas with his eomrade. The search was
low made aud quantity ofliquor found and taken
nto the cabin. l then expostuated with the others
some length on their improper conduct, and eS-
messed the hope that should have no reason for
urther complaint during the voyage. This remon-
trance, thought mad the effect, as they were con-
rite, and promised amendment They were then
dismissed. aud order was restored
The next day the foreigners strongly solicited
pardon, with the most solenn promises Of future
good conduct; and, as the rest Of the crew joined
in their request, ordered that the irons should be
taken of. For several days. the duties of the ship
we're performed to my entire satisfaction but dis.
covered in the countenances Of the foreigners, ex
pressons of deep rancorous luminosity, TO the chel
mate, who was prompt, energetic seaman, requir
ing at all times ready obedience to his orders.
week passed in this way, when one night ID
the mid-watch all hands called to shorten sail
The night was dark aud rainy, but the sea was no
high, aud the ship was running of at about Mint
knots. The weather being very unpromising, the
reefs were taken out OF the fore and main top-sas
the mizen handed, and she fore and main TOPICAL
> liant yards sent down. This done, one watch wa
permitted to go below, and | prepared to betak'
myself TO my berth, directing that The mate, t.
whom wished TO give some orders, should be sen
10 me. To my utter establishment and cohsterna
$ ton, word was brought to me soon after, that h
was nowhere to be found ! fastened upon deck
$ ordered all hands up again, and questioned ever
man in the ship on the subject but they, with on
d accord, said that they had not seen him forward
Lanterns were then brought and every accessible
part Of the ship unayailingly searched / then, i
c the hearing Of the crew, declared my belief that h
i must have fallen overheard accidentally again de'
!, patched the watch below, and repaired to the cabi
in state of mental agitation not to be described
y felt that under critical circumstances, my mai
is support had fallen from me.
= My first step to load and deposiIe in my stat
q, room all the arms on board, amounting to sever
Is muskels and four pair Of pistols The steward w
re faithful muatto man, who has sailed with n
n several voyages. To him communicated my su
"a pcions, and directed him 10 be constantly on Il
ct alert, and should any farther difficulty occur, to
: pair Immediately TO my state room aud arm himse
?. After this, | laid down in my bed, ordering that
- should be called clock for the morning watc
d. Only few minutes had elapsed, when heal
u, three or four knocks under the Of tie shi
IN which is that part of the stern Immediately und
= the cabin windows. In a few minutes they we
a distinctly repeated arose, opened the windo'
'r and called The mate answered. gave him d
o end of rope TO assist him up; and never shall
n forget the food Of gratitude which my deght'
soul poured lorlh 10 that Being who had restor
On him y me unipjrse8.
., His story Ns soon cold. He had gone forwa
0P upon being ordered by me, aGer the calling of
70 hands, and had barely reached The lorecaste, VIII
he was seized by the two foreigners and throw
over The bow He was powerful man, and
n expert swimmer. In an instant he found the e
er Of rope, which was accidentally towing overboar
or within bis grasp by which he dragged into I
dead water, or eddy, that is always created und