Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-06-23
MIRACLE OF MERCY.

Although the events now for the first time
recorded occurred, ten years ago, they are
still fresh in my recollection, and they have
so strong an impression upon my mind, that
time can never obliterate them They par
take SO much of the marvellous, that ! would
not dare to commit them to paper, were
there not so many living witnesses to the
truth of the facts narrated; some Of them Of
the greatest responsibility, and even sane
toned by Commodore Rogers. The story is
considered by all who have heard it, too in
teresting to be lost, therefore proceed to
the task, while those are in existence who
can confirm it.
Living in an enlightened age and country,
where bigotry and superstition have nearly
lost their influence over the minds of men,
particularly among the citizens of this repub-
lie, where knowledge is so universally ditiu-
sed, | have often been deferred from relating
circumstance, so wonderful as to stagger
the belief of the most credulous but facts
are stubborn things, and the weight OF testi-
mony i'll this case cannot be resisted. Una
BILE, for the want of time or room to enter
into any particulars as could wish, | will
give to the best of my recollection, the most
prominent and striking occurrences, in the
order in which they took place, without COM
ment or establishment.
Some time in the latter part of December,
1913, man by the name of William Kemble,
aged about twenty-three, seaman on board
of the United States Frigate President, COM
manded by Commodore Rogers, on a cruise,
then near the Western Islands was brought
to me from one of the tops, in which he had
been stationed, having bursted vessel in
his lungs. Being at that time in great dan
ger of instant death. the blood gushing with
great violence from his mouth and nostrils,
| it was with much difficulty that succeeded
| in stopping the discharge. He was immed-
ately put on the use of remedies suited to his
case. | visited him often, and had the best
opportunity of becoming acquainted with his
| temper, and intellectual attainments, and un-
der all circumstances during his illness, found
his language and behavior such as stamped
him the rough profane and iliterate sailor
| 1t is my belief though l cannot positively
assert it, that he could neither read nor write.
| 1t is certain that his conversation never diff
fered in the least from that of the most igno-
rant and abandoned of his associates-con-
stantly mixed with oaths and the lowest
vulgarity. Had he possessed talents or
learning. he must have betrayed it to me
during his long confinement.
In the early part of January vessel bore
down upon US, with every appearance OF being
a frigate. All hands were called to quarters,
and after short and animated address by
the Commodore to the crew, all prepared to
do their duty. B6bre / descended to the
cockpit, well knowing Kemble's spirit, and
how anxious he would be TO partake in the
glory of the victory, defeat never entered
our thoughts,) l thought it better to visit
him. After stating to him the peculiar stu
alton he was in, and the great danger he
would be exposed to, by the least motion, ]
entreated him and ordered him not to stir
during the action, which he promised to OBJ
serve. We were soon after. obliged to fire
AT the sound Of the first gun be could re-