Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-08-15
M is G E l. l. A N Y.
A Storm and I'rovidentiaI Escape.

We have seldom read any thing more graphic
and thrilling than the following letter, from dis
tingulshed gentleman of Virginia to his wife, who
is now on visit to this city Although dashed off
with the utmost rapidity, and intended merely for
the eye OF affection, it is minute and glowing in an
eminent degree. The occurrences narrated are full
oil interest, and mark in the most impressive man.
ner the wondrous ways of Providence The letter
we repeat, was not intended for publication and,
although its gifted author may feel surprise, as well
as regret at seeing II In print, yet we trust he will
overlook any apparent indelicacy, the sketch EN-
bodies not only incidents of a novel and startling
character, but truly christian sentiments and sal
utaIy moral.-I'ennSyiOani Inquirer.
ONLY, AccoMAc, Va, July l6, le49
My DEAR WIFE: We are, without hesitation of
belief, the objects of Gods tender mercies You
nust 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, and, at the same instant, grateful
surprise at the most wonderful escapes of myself and
our dear children. Saturday last (ihs is Monday
night, when begin to breathe free( was very hot
day-a burning, bIisIering heat, which was out in
10 see that my field hands finished their harvesting
and stacking my grain properly, and in time for
Sabbath. They did their work quickly and we'll
and finished by the middle of the day-the wealth
er fair and glowing with sunlight; and l. feeling in
good health and spirits, told The men they MIGHT
! 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 (Darkeys husband) and George, said thew
! would like to go with me, and gave permission
also TO my son Henry, and nephew, little Henry, to
90 along. The two large boats were both up in The
yard, under the oaks, awaiting repairs and painting
MIR. Bull was gone to assist his brother in harvest
ing, and Johns Jim was at his carpenters work
On your arbOr, under the oaks. By the nerest ac-
cident, passed his bench, thought of his claim to
little rest from labor too, asked him if he would
like to go with me, and he gladly consenting or
dered him to prepare the only canoe ahoat-ihe one
call the old Constitution, the one of third-size
rate--anC to get his line.
With every thing ready, and light westwardIy
breeze, we set sail for the mouth OF the Ocrancook
We had to beat all the way down, and the wind
was SO light that two Of the men had TO row half
the time About four p. IN. we reached anchorage
for fishing, and put out our line 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, when we noticed a cloud in the vest
In ten minutes Mr. Kiman, in a small sharp ca
noe near by, with small child on board said to Inc
that | was in a saunch boat, well manned but he
was afraid TO risk the threatening storm in his craft
ard he put off for the shore. In speaking distance
he hailed, and exclaimed Look thereW tprn-
H.
ed to see, and wish never to see again-a water
spout One, another, third rose some two hun
died feet high, IN quick succession some five miles
distant, rapidly whlrling moment, and then dash
ing OIL like race horses to the southwark at rjrb,
angles to the wind, still from the west This ra,s
ed my apprehension, and ordered the anchor rails
ed and lines wound up Immediately. The foremost
had been left standing, the sail was unfurIed. and
we started. In fifty yards the wind overlook us.
we dared not steer for the nearest land. Our course
was inevitably before the blast eastward The
nearest shore was about three miles Off in that d
rectIon. placed jim (John's) at the helm. He
PROVED calm' brave and steady. The sail could not
be taken IN, the boat could not stand under it, we
were all of a smother, the children were uncon
scous OF danger. and Jesse and George were dumb
founded. The crisis fell on Jim and me- The wa
Ter was raised by the wind horizontally, and was
Driven 10 sting like shot. The boat ran under.
sPouung water from the gunwale on one side oucr
touer SIDE, us God ocould hare IL. Such was ac-
tualy Tie pressure that il would not all come inside
or she would have filled immediately. The sheet
rope broke, aCd that proved to be our safety Jim
gave 'he helm mp TO me, and ran forward TO unstep
'he mast. ms he could not do, and it took all M
Strength TO keep the boat from broachng TO. For
'una'e'y we reached The shore sprang out, and the
mast ana sail with us, some fifteen or twenty feet
wet, but safe--to leel about the strongest wind
then that ever felt in my life.
we went up to the house Of n Mr. Tav1or and
dried ourselves until the storm subsidized when we
took our gallant little craft, again spread both sails
'or nome, and got just past Mr.. Divers, when |
saw o'm IN Jumping gate along shore. Steered
TOT hito, and asked him what was the matter II
was MS evening TO go and see his wife, and he was
gone thought, before saw him. He sat down
ana SAID nothing asked him again, sharply, what