Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-02-24


to relate, which later in the voyage we often
times found quite amusing, and serving to while
away the monotonous and sometimes tedious
hours Of our long passage.
One who had served as major of artillery in
Donnivan's regiment, often RECALLED us with an
account Of this gallant little band, which
marched thousands of miles through an ene-
my's country. Won several battles against
overwhelming numbers, chastised the Indians
who dared 10 modest them, suffered from expo-
sure, hunger and exposed marches, and return
ed with loss Of bot few Of its numbers, TO re-
ceve the congratulations Of their country, cast
off the trappings of war and return again 70
the walks Of civil life. Among our number
were several Hungarians, late from the battle
fields of their conntry quiet, thoughtful men,
bearing the scars received in her service, and
escaping from the oppression of Austria to
seek an asylum in freer land We had run
lar over towards the eastern continent, passed
through the beautiful weather of the trade
winds, crossed the equator and with light baf
fling winds were nearing the latitude of Rio
when the sun of mild summer morning dawn
ed upon US There is something solemn and
Impressive in one of these quiet Sabbath morn
lngs at sea- when all is hushed and still on
board the well ordered ship, which placed in
the centre Of vast circle, hemmed in BY the
horizon on every side, seems alone in the uni
verse. Far away from the many influences
which surround one on shore, the time and
situation invite to quiet meditation and pleas
ing reyerie. With those who believe that
seaman as a class are devoid Of religious senti-
ments, and regardless Of the sanctity Of the
Sabbath and of divine Institutions generally,
the writer must be allowed TO differ. That
from their calling they are for a greater part
of their time deprived of the religious in
structions at all times within the reach of
landsmen is evident, and this alone, aside from
the evil influences to which they are exposed
in less favored lands than our own, should
enlist our sympathies and our aid in their be-
half
But there is voice speaking to them in
language far more impressive. and one that
sinks deeper into their hearts than that of any
mortal teacher, voice which cannot be mis-
understood. They hear II in the still watches
of the night, when all is hushed except the
ripple of the blue waves as they curl around
the ship, and the bright luminaries Of the
Heavens are looking down upon them as with
watchful eyes. In the roar Of the tempest,
when the ocean is lashed into fury and the
proud ship which once +emed so strong and
safe, is Groaning fearfully as she is tossed
about like bubble on the huge pillows which
threaten 10 engulph her. On the Sabbath
morning before mentioned, the ship was sail
ing slowly along under cloud Of canvas the
wind being light. The crew mostly relieved
from their ordinary duties was quietly engaged
In various ways, while the passengers were
scattered about the after part of the ship, some
with books in their hands, others conversing in
low tones and occasionally casting their eyes
over the blue waste, with nothing to disturb
the monotony of the scene but an occasional
scream Of sea-brd or the brief flight of fly
ing-fsh. The day was thus wearing away,
when lis quiet and harmony was disturbed BY
the welcome cry Of sail ho!' from aoft, which
awakened every ones curiosity; and when in
answer TO the officers where away the an
ewer came, two points off the larboard quar-
ter all eyes were turned in that direction, to
discover what the stranger might be- For
some time we were unable to see any thing
from the deck, but at length small object was
seen on the edge of the horizon in the east
which TO the accustomed eyes Of the sailors,
was known to be the upper sail Of small yes
sell Sail after sail became visible, till soon
she was seen by the aid of The glass to be a
topsail schooner, steering nearly towards US,
but more 10 the soulhward. As she neared
US, her long tapering spars and low black hull,
were distinctly seen. and her general appear
ance so unlike that Of merchant vessels of her
class, caused much speculation as to her char
dcter. And when in answer to the stars and
o'i 'PSS WCiC lOdtiiIS IlOm OuI pCdhg d
ball was run up to her mast head, which had
hardly unfolded itself, without giving US time
TO make it ont, before it was hauled down
again. our chief officer, red-haired old Peru
vian, who had seen much service and who had
been intently scanning her with his glass, pro-
nounced her TO be either SLAYER or freeboot-
er, our curiosity was changed to great surprise.
That our captain, who by the way was an en-
ergetic young yankee, partook Of this opinion,
was quite evident, for he Immediately ordered
more sail on the ship, and her course altered to
better sailing point, not as he afterwards told
US, with the expectation of escaping by fight,
which he knew wonld be useless TO attempt
with his deeply laden ship, but for the purpose
Of gaining time.
A consultation was Immediately held, when
in view Of the suspicious appearance of the
schooner, it was decided to prepare at once to
resist any attack she might make upon US,
and to protect our ship to the best Of our abil-
tiles, knowing very well if she was what she
seemed 10 be we could expect no mercy from
her.
Before the ship left New York, accounts of
the depredations committed by the pirates in
the Chinese seas had reached there. As the
ship was bound 10 China, after discharging her
cargo on the Pacific, The provideni owners had
put on board of her what they considered a