Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1854-05-03
TERRIFIC GALE!
10 S s OF L IFE!
VESSELS WRECKED!


VESSELS WRECKED!
Yesterday, a northeaster unparalleled in vio-
lence almost, in the history of navigation, swept
over Lake Michigan. The wind commenced
blowing early in the day and at noon was nearly
at its height. Several vessels made port in the
forenoon, in safety, among which was the Pow
haitian, the first vessel from the lower Lakes the
brig Enterprise made the harbor safely about
o'clock, and the steamer Franklin Moore, and
Peter Doling--the latter getting inside the rail-
road breakwater.
The schr Rocky Mountains Capt. Stoker,miss-
ed the harbor and was driven on the breakwater
near the American Car Works, and was ground
almost instantly to pieces Her cargo consisted
of lumber for Messrs. Ferry g. Barton. She
was owned by John b. Weir, of this city, and in
sured in the Chicago Mutual for S 900.
The schr. Merchant, Capt. Chrislianson, loaded
with wood from Port Washington, also missed
the pier and came to anchor While her topsails
were being furled a squall struck her and she
capsized. The crew chung to the rigging, the
vessel at intervals disappearing entirely beneath
the breakers. A life boat from the steamer ILL.,
nois was manned and despatched to their relief,
but the violence of the gale swept them past the
wreck,and with the utmost difficulty they regain
ed the breakwater
A second life boat was manned from the steam
err Globe, and after unremitting exertions sue
ceeded in reaching the wreck and taking off the
Capt. and two of the crew. The balance, five
in number, were swept off and drowned.
The Merchant was an old vessel, and was
owned by G. ID. Spaids of this city, valued at
about $4,000 no insurance on vessel or cargo.
The brig Oiue Richmond, Capt. Munro, also
oI rhor md IN knt1 rou
ed against the breakwater, and went to pieces in
the night. Her crew were saved. She is like
wise an old vessel, and was owned by A. II. Co.
vert of Grand River.
Her cargo consisted Of stores for the lumber
region, valued at $4,000. No insurance.
The schr. Arroao, Capt Smith, hence for Grand
River put back, and came to anchor, riding qui-
city till about 6 o'clock, when her anchor gave
way and she was dashed upon the breakwater.
One of her crew sprang upon it, and made line
fast, which preached her too, when the crew. six
in number, leaped off. Two of them were af-
forwards washed off and drowned They were
foreigners. We were unable to learn their
names. The gale now ragged with terrific vio-
lence and the doomed and deserted vessel was
thrown heavily against the pier with each wave.
Her jib, which was not closely furled, kept her
head 10 the leeward and it seemed at times as
if she would put out to sea. Damaged 80 per
cent--perhaps total loss. Insured in Chicago
Mutual for $4,000. The Arroao was nearly a
new vessel, and belonged to b. w. Smith, of
Grand Haven.
The schr. Maine, Capt. Foster, from Green
Bay, with lumber, attempted the harbor about 4
p. M. but missed, and came to anchor a short dis
lance from where the Merchant capsized. She
was drifting rapidly upon the breakwater when
her foremost was cut away, which went over
board with crash, and at dark she rode more
easily. During the night, however, she was driv-
en- against the breakwater off Van Buren, street.
Guided by the cries Of The men numerous per-
sons in waiting sprung at once to their relief, in
a life boat commanded by Capt. Drummond to
whose noble eXertions it is owing that they were
rescued. They were all, FIVE in number brot
off safely. The Maine still lies pounding against
the breakwater heavily water logged and should
the gale long continue, must 60 to pieces. She
was owned by Messrs. l.. Barber q Gray, the
former of this city, the latter of Green bay, and
is insured as we are informed in the Etna $4,000,
Metropolitan $4,000.
The p Hayden loaded with lumber from
Grand River, was also driven on the breakwa-
ter during the night. She is pounding badly and
will probably 60 to pieces. The men were all
taken off in safety during the night.
She is owned by ID. 0. Dickinson of Wauke-
gan and is thought to be total wreck-though
may be got of. No insurance that we could
learn.
The Lizzie Throop with lumber from Grand
River was driven ashore about half past IL o.
clock last night. She is badly broken-perhaps
total loss, owned by Morton g. Gilbert, no insu-
rance. Her crew were rescued to a man.
The brig Mary put out into the lake during
the height of the gale, and laid to-" She came
in this morning "snug as bug" all right.
The schooner Whirlacind we learn lost two
men getting off the shore at Manistee. No par
ticulars.
There are several vessels in sight, one at au-
Choir about half mile north of the pier suppo-
sed to be the Susquehannah and has rode out the
gale in safcty---another about six miles to the
south. None of the lower lake feet have as yet
made their appearance, except the Pophatta,,,
mentioned yesterday.
Chicago Journal, 2sth ut.
Ii you wish happiness, be yirtuous.