The North-Carolina standard., 1850-04-24

OREAT EXCITEMENT on CRAD-IRIE-k1tsek q
tie I" Jenny Lind" Saturday the 18th Of March.
1850, will be day long remembered by many Of
the Citizens Of Wake County. On that day, was
launched the largest packet that ever pared the bps
waters Of Crab-tree. Having been invited tofwit-
ness the launch of this beautiful craft bearing the
name OF the sweet Nightingale of Sweden, We en-.
barked at the ''Manteo Paper Ms'' in an open rowr
boat and were waited along the placid stream %
the ship yard of Mr. Rogers, where the Jenny Lind
was built. As We neared the wharf we perceived
that already the neighbors had beRnn to assemble,
while on the opposite bank group was approaching,
some of whom had walked i've miles. But our a.
tention was drawn to the beautiful model on tho
bank, to which the workmen were giving the 6nish-
ing strokes preparatory to the launch. We will
attempt description of this masterpiece of Crab-tree
for we are sure should not do it justice. sAH
things being now ready, we sprang board, deter.
mined to sink or swim with the Jenny Lind. The
word was given and majestically she gded from tie
bank.-for moment breathIess silence prevailed,
and then shout rent the air. checked BY her ca.
BILE, she foated like swan upon the bosom of the
deep. The deck was soon crowded with passengers
and we dropped down the stream short distance for
the purpose of taking in load of Lumber, for the
Paper Mills. So anxious was the Captain to show
that his vessel could carry any load that might be pus
upon her, that before he stopped taking in freight and
passengers she was deeply loaded that the watss
was even with the gunwale. As we left the shore,
another shout rent the air, and bidding farewell to
the spectators on the bank started upon our voy1
age Those who have taken sail from the Paper
Mills to Rogers Mill, can fully appreciate the dan.
gers OF that first trip of large vessel AZ the Jenny
Lind. Owing to the innumerable sawyers, many Of
winch are not visible above the water, and the tortui
ty of the stream, it all important that an expe.
renced hand, and cool head, should be at the helm
This post was therefore assigned to the first Mate.
Nothing OF peculiar interest transpired for the frs.
half OF the voyage; but as we approached narrow
part OF the river which seemed almost closed up with
fallen trees &c., great fears were entertained that
we would not be able to pass it without becoming
entangled in the fallen trees striking upon sunk
en- sawyer. The eyes of the passengers were turned
upon the Captain. seeking to find in his coun,enancs
something to alay the fears now evidently taking
possession of those accustomed to the dangerous
navigation OF that stream but alas! no comfort was
found in that quarter, for that moment we struck
upon a sunken rock or log. and all was confnsions
and dsmay. The Captain naturally of a pervons
temperament seemed to lose all command of hmself
and crew but the lst Mate, who still kept his post
at the helm seeing the position Of affairs and the
necessity for prompt action, at once took command
of the craft, and giving his orders coolly and without
hesitation she soon was once more afoat. and gid.
ing onwards. Soon, however, new cause of fear
was discovered, in the fact that there was at least
eighteen inches of water in the hold, and here an
amusing scene occurred, which, Notwithstanding the
danger we were in, was fully appreciated. One Of
the passengers hearing of the depth of water in thu
vessel, at hailed little craft that was sailing In
our wake loaded with tar, and manned by two sable
sons of Africa moved by his apparent distress they
put forth all their strength to reach US and took him
off the, as he supposed sinking Jenny and great wac
his surprise. when having pushed off to safs dis
tance he saw that still she foated. The fact was, at
the first alarm the pumps were manned, and we soon
gained upon the water, the most of which it was
found had come in over the gunwale and gone dowa
the hatches, owing to our being so deeply laden
This danger past, we moved on and soon arrived
safely at our destination; but the incidents of that
day will not be easily effaced from the memory Of
those who shared in its perils and pleasures.
The Jenny Lind is now performing her regular
trips between the two Mills on either side of the ry
er known as the IS Manteo Paper Mills
Raleigh Deaf Mute.