The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-08-03
From the Pennsylpania Inquirer.
A Storm and Pr0vtdenttal Escape.

From the Pennsylvania Inquirer.
A Storm and Providential Escape.
THRILLING SKETCH.
We have seldom read any thing more graphic
and thrilling than the following letter. from dis
tngushed gentleman of Virginia to his wife, who
is now on visit to this city. Although dashed
of with the utmost rapidly, and intended merely
for the eye of Affection it is minute and glowing in
an eminent degree. The occurrences narrated are
full of interest, and mark in the most impressive
manner the wondrous ways of Providence. The
letter, repeat, not intended for publication ;
and, although its gifted author may feel surprise,
as well as regret, at seeing it in print, yet we trust
he will overlook any apparent ndelicacy. as the
sketch embodies not only incidents Of novel and
startling character, but truly Christian sentiments
and salutary moral.
ONLY, E. s., Va, July l6, lS49.
MYpEAR WIFE: We are, without hesitation of
belief, the objects of Gods tender mercies You
must not trembe, except with love and alteration
Of Providence, when tell you of the incidents of
the last two days, which have nearly overwhelmed
me with calamity land, at the same instant, CRATE
full surprise at the most wonderful escapes Of my
self and our dear children. Saturday last (this
Monday night, when begin to breathe free) was a
very hot day-a burning, bstering heat, which |
was out in to see that my field hands finished their
harvesting and stacking my grain properly, and in
time for Sabbath. They did their work quickly
and well, and finished by the middle of the day
the weather fair and glowing with sunlight and
feeling in good health and spirits, told the men
they might have the half Of the day, and any of
them who chose might go along with me to fish in
the bay. They were very cheerful and grateful,
and was rather bent on finding cool breeze down
the creek, than expecting much sport with my line.
Two Of them, old Jesse (Darkey's husband) and
George, said they would like to go with me, and |
gave permission--also 70 my son Henry, and ne
phew, little Henry, TO go along. The two large
boats were both up in the yard, under the oaks,
awaiting repairs and painting Mr.. Bull was gone
10 assist his brother harvesting, and Johns Jim
was al his carperter's work on your arbor, under
the oaks By the merest accident, | passed his
bench, thought of his claim to little rest from la
Dor too, asked him if he would like TO 90 with me,
and he gladly conserving, ordered him to prepare
the only canoe afoai-the one we call The old Con-
stitution the one of hrd-size rate-and to get his
line.
" ith every thing ready and light westwardly
breeze we set sail for the mouth of Ocrancook. We
had 20 beat all the way down, and the wind was
so light that two Of the men had 10 row half the time
About four, D. M, we reached anchorage for fishing,
and put out our lines about half mile from the bar
of the creek, and midway from side to side, say a
mile from land. Scarcely had we bated our hooks,
l "A
utes Mr. Killman, in a small, sharp canoe near
by, with small child on board, said to me thai
was in a staunch boat, well manned, but he war
afraid 10 risk the threatening storm IN his craft and
he put off for the shore. In speaking distance he
| hailed, and exclaimed, "Look thereW ] turned
! to the westward, and saw what had often wished
to see, and wish never TO see again-a water-spout
! One, another, a third rose some two hundred fee
| high, in quick succession, some FIVE miles distant
] md AZ
like race horses TO the southwark at right angles tC
the wind, still from the west. This raised my ap
| prehension, and | ordered the anchor raised and
! lines wound up Immediately. The foremast hsC
been left standing, the sail was unfuried and w,
started. In fifty yards the wind overlook US. WI
dared not steer for nearest land. Our course wa
| inevitably before the blast eastward. The neares
shore was about three miles off in that direction.
placed Jim (John's) at the helm. He proved calm
and brave and steady. The sail could not be taker
in, the boat could not stand under II, all o
a smother, the children were unconscious OF danger
and Jesse and George were dumfounded Tn
crisis fell on Jim and me. The water was raised By
the wind horizontally, and was driven TO sting lk
shot The boat ran under, spouung water from
the gunwale on one side fothsr side, Go
rouid hare Il. Such was actually the pressure tina
il would not all come inside or she would have file
, Immediately The sheet rope broke and that proye
10 be our safety Jim gave the helm up TO me, ant
ran forward TO unstep the mast. This he coul
not do, and It took all my strength 10 keep the boa
from broachIng 10. Fortunately we reached III
shore, sprang out, and the mast and sail with Us
some fifteen or twenty feet-wet, but safe--to fe,
about the strongest wind then that ever felt in m
life.
e We went up TO the house Of a Mr.. Taylor, an
dried ourselves until the storm subsidized, when W
took gallant little craft, again spread both sa
for home, and got just past Mr.. Divers, when
] saw my Jim IN mping gate along shore Steere
: for him, and asked hIm what was the natter
e was his evening to go and his wife, and he we
4 gone, thought, before ] saw him. He sat dow
3 and said nothing. ! asked him again, sharpl,
: what he was doing therel He rose and seemed b
' wdered, but shortly said, incoherenlly, "Sir,
: was spying after you; am struck, your house
: torn to pieces never expected TO see you again
!. | turned TO the shore, jumped out, and hurrit
: home Here was displayed the power and the pr
violence Of God You had been sent from the DANCE
: He had sent me from real TO apparent danger to
4 safe; he had sored poor children and our srpar
e; torapped and encircied all round By the lightning
Of torathn Oh! how past all understanding are God
III ways towards the children Of men How unwo
ie thy arm TO be His meanest creature Annie WI
standing at your dressing-tabe in our chambe
" Richard and Meme were in the nursery room.
Ne Richard on the floor, Meme IN her little chair b
il, tween Annie and her cot Jim at the we
" garnet window. Charlotte (the cook) was in q
Of cook room The fluid passed down the rod, lea