Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-11-17


take that course the next boat that came Of,
as could not see any other chance for me
to get away from the place occupied.
II WAS now getting dark, and the night
damp, and very chilly, and there the most
Of that crowd must remain, exposed all
night il the wreck should hold together.---
Some OF the weakest might have found
shelter in the forward cabin, but the stron-
gest had possession, and, it was said, and
would not let others enter.
Just about dark q boat came, and my
friend and thought we would try and get
on board, and jumped down to the lower
deck for that purpose, but hundreds were
ahead Of us, and we crcpt back again to our
old place. | was now suffering very much
with cold, for, when expected 10 save my
life by swimming, had pulled off my long
coat, boots, sc, having nothing but shirt
and pants. i knew must perish if re-
maned on the wreck, rs cannot withstand
such exposure, and said to my friend -
"Will you 60 with me, il will try for my
life the next boat ?" He said: ayes, will
stick by you" | thought if / could get
hold Of the gunwale of boat, l could swim
ashore. When the two last boats came,
we slipped down again TO the lower deck,
and said come, and pitched into the sea
and swan for boat. 1t was, SO dark that
| could hardly see, but sailor put out an oar
and finally drew me on board the boat II
thought that had missed my friend but
afterward found that be had been enabled
to jump on the boat as il came near the
guards; and fortunate it was for me, as be
was dry, and was Of great service in keep
ing me warm. do think. should have
lperished that terrible night had it not been
for him.
| When we got ashore we clambered up
the steep rocks and found crowd of men,
women and children who only few hours
before, were so happy and comfortable in
their cabins, now all huddled together
around a. fire. shiverng hungry and misera-
BILE. You cannot imagine what dreadful
night that was. True we were safe on
shore,but we all had friends upon the wreck,
and it was two dark now to render them
any assistance till morning All night, the
solemn tones Of the ships bell came tolng
over the waves through the thick gloom,
to assure us that they were still alive. II
a few minutes longer than usual elapsed
that we did not hear the bell, shudder
ran through every heart, and every one
thought though none said il above a wbis-
per, "a is oversize has gone down-we
never shall hear that mournful, though
welcome sound again" Then our hearts
would partly jump into our throats as we
heard its tones again and again. So the
night wore awsy--and such a night, my
dear wife, may it never be your lot to ex-
perience. 1t was terribe-and awful even
now to think OF.
Morning dawned at lass, and the fog had
cleared away so we could see the wreck,
covered like hive with bees. Out of sew
en- boats only two remained. These were
put to work landing the passengers as fast
as possible. but it was slow operation.
BY and by we heard great shout from
the people ON the wreck, and for time
we were in great suspense at the cause,
but in little while we were eqally glad
dened by the sight Of the steamer Goliah,
on her way from San Francisco to San
Diego.
She ran in as near as it was prudent to
send her boats for the passengers on the
wreck. 1ttook all day to get them off, and
she had no room for those on shore per-
fectly desolate. desert, uDinhabited and un-
inhabitabe shore.
We all felt, however. what a great bless.
ing it was to all the survivors of this dread
full disaster, that the GoIiah arrived Just as
she did, as it would have been impossible
for our boats to have got all on shore be-
fore the Yankee Blade went to pieces, and
they might have all perished with hunger
after beng landed If it had not been for
the Guliab, 400 or 500 persons would
probably have perished, when the wreck
broke Up that night.
We now hoped the Golah would run
down to Santa Ban bara, and land all on
board and return for us, but that hope failed
We lived on till Thursday noon. having
nothing but meat to eat. and that growing
scarce. and fears began to be entertained
that some desperate characters among US
would shed blood 10 secure food for them
selves. when a portion determined to try 10
reach Santa Barbara on foot though none
r knew the way.
That night Californian came into camp
with twenty horses. and offered to pilot as
many as would 60 to Santa Barbara, for
$25. We accepted the offer and started,
and rode all night and all next day. Few
: had saddles, among the number. and |
thought | should certainly have to give up
and lay down to die upon the beach before
: morning. Our route lay along the shore
J and the only halt we made in the whole
ninety miles was to wait al one point 70,
the tide 20 recede. Not drop Of water
; or moulbful to eat had we upon this long
!. journey. Such journey am sure new
er would take again, only 10 save my life
: and in the hope by SO doing that might
;, meet you once more. 1t was that thought
!. that kept me alive. WAS chafed and
y bruised so that could hardly stand. On
! y think Of riding California untamet
;, horse ninety miles bareback, with only th,
II clothes on which had when | swan from