The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-01-11
Captain wye, Of the P.e.fae.

We recently quoted from the London Times q
very handsome tribute to the heroic determination
of Captain Nye, in rescung the crew of water
logged vessel during the last outward passage OF
the Pacific. The Times suggested that England
should give to Capt. Nye sssome mark of the opin-
ion entertained of his humanity and singular en-
ergy under trying circumstance" The Liverpool
Chronicle Of the 18th alt. refers to the occurrence
IN the following terms:
"We record in our columns to day one of the
noblest and most philanthropic acts ever perform
ed on the marine highway of nations, and the cir
cumstances attending it raise the gallant COM
mander of the American mail stea mship Pacific to
amoral elevation, not certainly beyond his deserts
but which may be envied by any man, however
great his talents or elevated his position. The
part of the good Sauna ritan, when performed on
land, is always beautiful, and when done quietly
and unobtrusively becomes additionally ennobnng
What Is 1t, then, when acted amidst the howhnp
OF the tempest and the fury of the waves; when
death shrieks in the blast and the elemental war
fare threatens to engulph every obiect-crew, pas
sengers, vessel, cargo, alp Mr.. Disraeli in his
plagiarsed impromptu on the Duke of WELLINGTON
from THEIRS, dweltin strong and impressive terms
respecting the necessity for GOODNESS and judgment
on the part OF great soldier, when bullets were
wnlzzing about his ears, and one false movement
might end IN the destruction of himself and those
under him. The same intrepiditY, the sam, pres
ence OF mind, the same ready adaptation to cir
cumstances, and nearly the same scientific genius
hAoss oc posSesSeu Dy the successful commander
on the ocean. He has to face danger in form
quite as appalling, and, it may be, quite as de
structive, for the war of nature, in her widest
moods, can only be overcome by strategy and
skill. Yet SO accustomed are men to applaud
martial glory, and to undervalue risks not less
hazardous in the pursuit of the of peace, that
We too often look with indifference results which
really combine heroism with glory. The London
Times, in leading article, tells the tale Of danger
and of rescue in graphic terms, and winds up with
a suggestion which we shall be glad to see hand
somely carried out"
After quoting the Iimes's narrative and the ac-
companying proposition, the Chronicle adds
''There is one phase of the affair which the
writer has overlooked, aud we may be pardoned,
perhaps, for supplying the omission. The Ameri-
mail packets, like the British, are tied to time;
bound, under heavy penalties, to make the voyage
In given number of days and hours, in defiance
of wind ard waves, for which purpose they receive
corresponding pecuniary equivalents from their
respective governments, and, what is not OF iess
Importance, the character of the packets depends
upon their punctuaty. All these consequences
Captain Nye noby brayed to achieve a noble deed.
The whole affair from first to last, is the most hu-
name and the most praiseworthy piece of nautical
daring which has occurred since steamers first
pioaghed the Atlantic ocean. Nothing less manly
could have been expected from the gentemanly
and accomplished commander OF the Pacific,
whose friendship we have had the honor of enjoy
ing for more than twenty years Some one has
said with great truth that yalorous heart is not
incompatible with refined exterior-a striking
instance of which is to be found in the case before
u.s. As the Leading journal properly observes, "a
pecuniary reward TO such man, and for ouch an
act, would be simply offensive, but it is possible in
many ways to evince our gratitude TO this gallant
seaman for the service he has performed;' hint
very decateiy put, and the realization of which is
duty which the great shipping interest of Liver
pool and London owe 10 themselves and to their
country''