Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-06-16
BURIAL AT SEA.


This is ceremony, the imposing solemnity
of which no one can have any idea of who has
never witnessed it. 1t differs materially from
the same obsequies performed on shore. True,
there are no mourning garbs, no mournful look
ing hearse, with its sable plumes and Grape hang
ings; no long train of mourners following the
remains of some loved one to his last resting
place. But widely different. On rude plank
or grating, you see the body of the deceased, not
enclosed in coffin, but enshrouded in his harm
mock-his place of repOse while living, after a
hard days toiI-now his shroud and coffin. Two
of his messmates stand by him, with heads IN
covered, ready to perform The last sad office to
the sharer of their dangers, the paraker of their
joys. A little farther off stands the rest of the
crew, in the same respective attitude-in deep
slence-perhaps revolving in their minds their
every day liability to be in the same situation, or
hurried to their sepulchre without even this sim
pie tribute of respect paid to their ashes The
ship is thrown aback on her course-the colors
are hOisted half mast-the beautiful service for
burial at sea, is read by the Captain-and the
corpse with solemn plunge sinks beneath the
blue wave, which opens to receive it, and then
closes, as ifexulting in obtaining one more treas
ure to the already crowded list.
mention one instance out of few to which
have been myselfa witness. Among the young
men, some. of whom composed the crew of the
ship, was one who stood high among his mess
mates and in the opinion of his officers, for his
many good qualities. He was from one of the
most wealthy and respectable families in New
York; but like many Others being of a rowing
disposition, embraced this laborous occupation
in order to satisfy his restless spirit We had
been out but short time, and had got into
squally ATTITUDES when one day, which was par
ticularly stormy, and when the frequent squalls
were uncommonly severe, we were called upon
to shorten sail. All hands were soon at their
post the squall was at its height, and nothing
could be heard but the roaring tempest the flap
ping of the canvass, the creaking of the cordage
and the hoarse bawling of the officers to the men.
1t devolved upon us, properly youngsters of the
ship, TO furl the mizzen top-sail, which was
thrashing and samming about in an alarming
manner. Accordingly we jumped into the rig
ging, our young friend taking the lead. The
treacherous sail had been lying perfectly still for
few moments, and he being inexperienced
laid hold of it to facilitate his progress along the
yard, but scarcely had he laid hold of it before a
gust of wind filled it, knocking him instantly
from the yard, and carrying myself and others
with him in the descent.
We all stood on the yard watching his fall,
and expecting to see him 60 overheard, in which
case there would have been some chance Of life.
But fate ordained it otherwise. A heavy roll of
the ship caused him to fall on the deck, instant
ly breaking both arms, and scattering his brains
in every direction. We came down as soon as
our duty was performed, and found all the rest
of the ships company about him. He was still
breathing. The Captain was doing all he could
for him but it was all in vain. He, that was so
lately full of life and hope, now lay a llfeless
mass before us. The young could not restrain
their emotions, aud many an old tar dashed a
tear from his eye that had never quaed before,
in storm or in BATTLE
The next day was stormy, like the previous
one, and at twelve o'clock all hands were called
to bury the dead. The colors were hoisted
halfmast. The body of our friend, in his blood
stained hammock, rested on the grating; the
good old Captain read the service; his grey lock
streaming in the wind, and his bare head expo
sed to the beating rain as it fell. He came to
the last words; the grating was raised; the
storm bird screamed; and the four and twenty
FOUNDER doomed forth his requiem, and the SAL
lor boy was at rest.