Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-04-08
Fearless Feat Of an American Whale

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FREEMAN HuNr, Ese., Editor of tie .lkr-
chants .Ndgdeine, etc. -
SIR:-The printed article accompanying this,
giving narrative of the remarkable feat Of
Benjamin Clough, third mate Of whale ship
Sharon, was cut from the Boston Mercantile
Journal, in whichit was republishcd from the
New Bedford Mercury. II was laid by care
FULLY, as worthy Of preservation and deserving
OF an imperishablc record, among the many fear
less deeds OF sailors and whaemen, as one sur
passing all in danger, that danger plainly in
view, and executed with so much coolness and
deliberation. The deed was 10 noble and bold,
that have ever since kept Mr.. Clough in re-
membrance, hoping that some time should see
him, and, as curiosity might prompt test the
science of physiognomy, and ''and with greedy
ear devour up his discourse;" also learn his sub
sequsnt history, how much of deserved good for
tune had attended him.
gentleman of New Bedford, of whom
have made inquiries, informs me that Mr..
Cloughi is now in command of new, iirStsrate
ship of 600 tons, called the Niagara, built pur-
posely for him; and that the ship was cleared
at New Bedford the ninth Of this month for the
north Pacific, on whaling voyage, by Mcssrs.
n. Church & Son, of Fairhaven.
The article is enclosed TO YOU in hopes that
you will republish it in your Magazine as it so
nearly falls in with its scope and design. Ii
will give the deed renewed and more extern
siye promugation. As it is now published in
newspapers only, and in very few Libraries,
bound up with others without index, it will sell
dom, if ever be seen. In your Merchants Mag
dzine, it will be accessible in the best form, and
becomes record that cannot and should not he
overlooked.
Captain Benjamin Clough was born in M on
mouth, Maine, and will be twenty-eight year.
old next March. This will be his third voyage
ms master of whale ship.
| Inquiries will undoubtedly arise in the minds
of the readers of this narrative about the boy
Manuel, for his aid in this rescue. He cannot
be passed by and forgotten. He better deserve:
n silver pitcher than some who have obtained
one. All information concerning him, now OBJ
Itainable, is that he went home TO the Western
Islands on the return Of the Sharon, and tha
Captain Clough has had no tidings of him since
! Your obedient servant,
- HENRY GASSETT.
BOsToN, February, 1852.
Murder of Captain Norris ofMe Whaling @iy
Sharon, of Fdirhauen, and Reedpiwe of m
Ship from .M.finesrs, by M. Benjamin Clough
Her third Officer.
Ihs Sl.sEsa hGssae bcea some tiFa6 cSdisin,
for whales in the vicinity of the Caroline Is
lands, put in at Ascension the l5th Of October
1912, for wood, water, and recruits. The re
qusite supplies being obtained, preparation
were made to proceed upon the voyage, wher
eleven of the Grew deserted, and being secretc,
and protected on shore, all efforts to retake then
were fruitless. The ship sailed again on the 27tl
Of October, with acerew Of seventeen men, a.
told, four Of whom were natives of Kings Mil
GROUP, and two of other islands in the South Sea
ihe intention was 10 touch at Bay OF Stands o
Port jackson 10 make up the compliment O
men. On Saturday, November, 9Th, lat dee
NJ, Ion. l60 deg. f., whales were raised no
both boats lowered in chase, lcavips Capt ii
! Norris, a Portuguese boy named Manuel Jos
dos Refs, who acted as steward, and three q