Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-08-16
A Touch Of Romance.

| LIFE OF A New ENGLAND WHALE
MAN.-Some years ago young man in
Essex county Mass, left his home to
encounter the dangers of whaling voy-
age. The ship in which he embarked
after quick passage reached the Pacific
ocean in safety, but soon after her arrival
a terrific storm arose, which drove the
vessel ashore on the Fejec Islands
| The crew reached the shore in safety
only TO meet still more dreadful fa'e
than that from which they had escaped.
They were soon surrounded by the saw
ages who took from them all they had
saved from the wreck and seemed de-
| lighted with their misfortune. The cer-
tain,y OF the awful doom that awaited
them soon forced itself upon their minds.
They were to become food 10 appcase
The hunger of this cannibal race, among
whom they had been thrown by the
ocean waves. One By one F., saw his
companions disappear until he remained
alone. His mind was filled with unut-
terable anguish for he knew that his
turn must come.
/ 4 iiC nav diihGu-tuC sdSdECS UdN
met from all parts of the land TO witness
The horrid tragedy. The faggo:s were
piled and the war dance commenced. -
Amid the carousals of the savages, tho,'s
of home and loving friends fitted thro'
his mind. In Imagination he visited his
native village, and wandered over its well
known hills. Alas! he expected to be-
hold those scenes no more. Among
the savages present were the king and
his family, one of which was girl of
sixteen. As F. stood waiting his doom
he found in his pocket handkerchief OF
bright and gaudy colors, which he had
forgotten. Not knowing what effect
it might have upon the savage maiden he
presented il to her, and she seemed high
ly pleased with the present. She held
il up to her father, who was equally
pleased and delighted. F. saw this and
hope dar,ed through his bosom.
Soon the king approached, took him
| by the hand, and led him to his own
dwelling and made him member of his
own family. After he had been in the
family short time he was told that he
must marry the kings daughter. This
came upon him like a clap of thunder,
but he could no, refuse; she had saved
his life, she bore marks of intelligence
and beauty. Besides, he was at the
mercy of the cannibals. The marriage
ceremony was performed, but still he
was determined to leave the island at
the first opportunity.
One soon presented itself. A vessel
anchored near the island, and at nightfall
he took a canoe and made off to the
ship, where he was kindly received -
In the morning the beach was lined
with savages, among whom was Fs
young bride. She seemed frantic, aud
| by looks and gestures entreated him to
come back. but TO no purpose. The
ship sailed and soon faded from their
view. In due time F. reached his home,
and was received with Joy, though his
friends had long though, him dead.
Two years rolled away, when ship
arrived at New Bedford from the Paci-
fic, brought as passenger the brother
OF F's wife who had come to persuade
him to go back and make his sister hap
py. He begged aud pleaded with all
the seloquence of bis savage nature, tel
ling him il he would go back. he Should
have all that heart could desire, and said
that. "when father is dead you will be
king" But in vain. The brother
went back alone.
Who can tell the anguish Of her as
she saw her brother return without her
husband! F. is now in California, hav-
ing sailed from Salem, nearly year
ago. On his passage thither, the ship
was driven out of her course by contra
ry winds. so that he was within a few
weeks sail of his wife's home.