Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1855-04-28
Terrible Suffering Of a ShipWreCked
Crew.

Crew.
We have already announced, says the
Baltimore Sun, the loss of the ship WI.
liam Layton. Capt. Tucker,on The pas'ag'
from New York To Antwerp, and the
drowning of three oi the crew. She en-
counie!ed terrible gale on the 20th OF
February, and on the 22d became a com
pete wreck. lashed 10 her floating and
helpless hull. The captain and the remain
der OF the crew passed six days and nights
without a single drop of fresh wa
ter and without mouihlul to eat, except
ing single rat that was found swimming
about the wreck and which was fortunate
" caught and shared among the sufferers.
The captain has published thrilling ac-
count OF their miraculous escape from
death, from which we take the following
The first day passed at our lashlngs,and
we were weak with hunger. The second
day, and the gnawing of hunger made all
other suffering insignificant in comparison.
The third day, and our thirst and hunger
together held us in tortures but llIlle short
of the pains of hell itself. Death at this
time would have been relief. In the
meantime the matches of the ship had burst
open, and the cargo was floating around
Us, but none Of the provisions within our
reach.
The knowledge that our ships hold
was full of provisions, and we were siarv-
ng aud unable 10 reach II, only added To
our suiltrings. Sull, TO aggravate oar
pains, the potash in the ship was dIssoI-
wing and making a ley that was eating INT"
our flesh. Having no water, we each took
a piece OF cold lead into our mouths, aud
chewing this kept our moLlhs moist, and
was !ounI TO be great relief. AZ this
period Of ouI suilerlngs, rat was seen
swimming about, and coming near enough
to one the sailors, II was captured. New
er did hunter secure his game with
greater satisfaction than did the seamen
secure this drowning rat. The rat WAS
shared among the company; and never
was moroccan received with a better re-
lsh.
All that we had in addition 10 this rat,
were the boots and shoes upon our feet,
which were mostly used up at the time Of
our rescue. On the third day of our SUI
lering-on the 25lh Of Febmary-a vessel
hove in sight and we were all elated with
the prospects of relief. In this, however,
we were again disappointed. This vessel,
the name of which do not now remem-
Der, came within halling distance Of US.
and speaking the captain | asked him 10
send me a boat. The reply was, he could
DO nothing for US; and leaving us TO our
fate, we were compelled 10 sec this yes-
sci sail away from US.
On the fifth and sixth days some Of the
crew said they did not feel so much the
want Of food as they did on the lhird day.
This was the feeling of most If not all of
US. The fourth day and night passed.
and no assistance came. The fifth day
came, and with it succor-on this day
We were hailed by the barque Sylph.
Capt. Hallox, from Gaudaloupo, bound to
ST. Peters, Newfoundland. This vessel
spoke us, and learning our situation, prom
lsed TO lay by till the storm abated. IL
still blew a gale, and the sea was very
heavy. This promise revived Us.
During the night of the fifth day Of our
suforlngs--ihe 27lh of February-tbe
SyIph drifted away from US and the next
morning was out Of sight. | cannot de-
scribe our feelings when the next morning
dawned up, and again showed us nothing
within our vision but the lempesluous
ocean. Capt IlaIox, however, upon as
cerlainiug OH the morning OF the 2Slh that
he had lost US, crowded on all the SAL
bis barque could carry and commenced il,e
search for US. lie was successful and
found us after few hours search, and q,
10 O'Clock on the morning Of the 2Slh we
were taken from our lsshings and taken
ON board the Sylph. When relieved none
Of us were able 10 stand, although all of
us retained our senses. One of tie crew.
when !ahcn from his prison Of ropes, losI
his toes, which dropped from him as he
was llned from the ship. The potash
ley had eaten Tie feet Of The sufferer 10
lhls effect.
SIT UFRiOHr.--Thefe Is all element IN
The air, called oxygen, which Is necessary
to make your blood circulate, aud 10 help
II TO puffy Itself by throwing of what il