Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1850-03-16

urged the men to keep cool and try to smo-
ther the fire. As the welcome light Of day
approached, more buckets were found, and
we were enabled to work with less confusion.
At six, a. m. unfortunately the steam burst
open the door leading to the second cabin,
and as we could not get into the upper cabin
we could only apply our exertions on the out
side. AT eight, a. m. took off the main hatch
and opened the forecastle doors, when out
rushed great quantities of smoke. This en-
abled Us to close the door Of the second ca
bin-but we soon discovered large body of
ire on the ssarboard side near the must
Ihe hatch was again put on, the forecastle
doors closed. and with renewed vigor we con-
tinued to pour water in the different scuttle
holes till noon. Wearied and fatisued, we
rested for dinner Our hopes of effectually
putting out the fire being weak, the vessel
was put under close reefed topsails, and the
boats fully prepared for the worst. A barrel
of water and ssme provisions were slowed IN
the long boat, and we all collected what We
could carry on our backs and in our pockets.
But, oh what prospect was before us -
Sixteen persons to be placed in two open
boats upon the ocean, nearly one thousand
miles from land. and without hope OF meet
ing with any vessel in such high Iatitudes |!
But as the flames had not appeared fresh
since noon, we concluded to remain by the
brig through the night.
Tuesday morning-Still in possession Of
our lives and vessel There was but little
sleep on board last night. AT seven bells
discovered FIRE on the Increase under the PAN
try and on the starboard side near the pow
der: We Immediately commenced cutting
larger holes in the deck, and some fifty bar
rels of water served to check the flames somc-
what. but still there was a strong fire UNDER
meath. Twelve, m.-7All our efforts to extin-
guish the fire seemed to be unayailing. For
nine hours we had been battling with unceas-
ing vigor against our common enemy. and we
were completely worn out. All hands thor
ouehIy drenched, and suffering severely from
the effects of gas and steam. We felt that
we should not be able to stand il much long
er. We were. all now satisfied that our
wisest course was to make for the nearest
land, and if we could not save the vessel,
shorten the distance as much as possible be-
fore we were obliged 10 take to the boats
By observation at noon, latitude 80 So N.
longitude 1859 W. Orders were now given
ITO make sail, and the vessel was put about
for the Sandwich Isands-wind light from
the southwest. The brig had now become
somewhat water-logged, and we manned the
pumps and worked them two hours, still
keeping five feet of water III the hold
Nine, p. m.-The deck becoming quite
warm, we went to work pouring down water,
then. after removing what bedding we had in
the cabin, it was closed and nailed. Our
prospects Of sleep were not very fattering-
there was scarcely blanket lett, and the
night was cold and damp.
Wednesday morn'ng-God still spares our
lives and our vessel During the night eve
ry thing was closely watched and the outside
of the blankets kept thoroughly wet. Under
all sail, favored with strong .breezes froIn'the
e. z. and heading s. by z. we hope to pre-
vent the fire from reaching the powder by
keeping the after cabin and store-room Hood
ed with water. At noon, latitude 81 ~, lon
gitude l56 l5. On sounding the pumps we
found seven feet OF water. During the alter
noon the wind increased, with heavy sea
making from the north. AT eight p. m. gave
all the places thorough drenching
Thursday morning-At midnight all hands
were called to pass water, the fire having
shown itself in several places, raging with
great fury. For two hours we fought as for
our lives. After partially checking it, we
left it till morning, then resumed our labors.
In the course of the forenoon we succeeded
in hooking up from below some eight of the
sails, some with fire in them and all more or
less burned. Noon, lat 81 Il, lon I57. AT
six p. m. the wind blowing gale, took IN
|topgallant sails and double reeied The toPsalls
Friday mornIng-We had a hard night OF
il last night. All our scanty supply OF bed
ding was wet, and no one slept. About mid
night shipped tremendous sea on our lar
board quarter, which proved very uniortu-
nate for us-stoPPing the chronometef, which
with the other instruments had been placed
in the round house-broke the b'nnacie lamp,
carried away the compass. and added much
to our discomfort. Wen' 'h'o 'ne c"p'"' a"o
from the intensity OF the heat and smoke were
fearful of fresh outbreak Many barrels