The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1856-10-09
From Putnam's Magazine.
MYSTERIES OF THE OCEAN.
DIVERS TALE

The life Of one who explores the mysteries
Of the sea, is not more paritious than fascin
ating. The charm of terror hangs about it,
and the interminable succt ssion OF exciting
events render it dear TO its professor. Not to
the common diver of the East. who can re-
main but for friction of lime beneath the
wave, and grope fealfully among rugged
ocoan n ounds, but to the adebt in this CIVIL
lied mode, of diving, who, in his protective
sTmor, may remain submerged for hours, and
wander, with inhpunity, for miles siong those
unknown regions far below the sea. To him
are laid open the horrors of the watery crea-
iion. and be may gaze upon such scenes as
Arabian story tells us wele presented to the
fearful eyes Of Abdaliah. To him the most
ehrillny occurrences of the upper world seem
ffivilous; for, in his memory, he retains
thoughts that may well chill the soul with
dread.
am diver-a diver from choice--and
am proud of my profession. Where is such
Courage required as needed here? tits moth
ing to be soldier: diver, however-but
lforbear. will tell my story, and leave
others to judge concerningit.
An appalling shipwreck occurred, not long
ago. upon the widest part of the coast OF
Newfoundland. The tdings Of this calami-
" reached to ears of thousands but, amid
the crowd of accidents which followed in
quick succession, it was soon forgotten. Not,
BY us, however. We found that the vessel
had sunk upon spot where the waters
debth was by no means great, and that dar-
ing man might easily reach her.
She was steamer called the Marmion,
and had been seen going suddenly down,
without an instant's warning, by some fish
ermen near by She had, undoubtedly.
struck hidden rock, and had thus been, in
moment, destroyed.
spoke TO my associates of the plan, and
they approved it. No time was lost in max
ing the necessary preparations, and short
time beheld us embarked in our schooner for
the sunken ship. There were six OF us,
and we anticipated extraordinary success.
was the leader, and generally ventured
upon any exploit in which there was uncom.
mon danger. Not that others were towards
on the contrary, they were all brave men,
but / was gifted with GOODNESS and presence
of mind Of which the others were destitute
As two persons were needed, in order 10 ex'
plore the Marmion, had selected as my com
panion young fellow, whose steadiness and
dauntless courage had several times before
been fearfully tested.
1t was a calm and pleasant day, but the
southern and eastern horizon looked deceitful
Small, suspicious clouds were gathered there
III of aspect, and sneaking fellows, regular
hang dog fellows" as my comrade, Rimmer
remarked to me. Nevertheless, we were no
10 be put of by little cloudness in the sky
but boldly prepared to venture.
SO deep was the water, that no vestige o
ships mast remained above the surface, t.
point out the resting place of the Marmion
We were compelled, therefore, to select tn
scene Of operations according to tue best G
our ability. Down went the sails of ou
diving armor. We fixed on our helmets tight
ly and screwed on the hose. One by on
zach clumsy article was adjusted. TIL
Weights were hung, and we were ready.
at looks terrible blackish, Berton," sal
Rimmer to me,
"oh,', replied gaily, "it's only littl
mist-all right"
"Ah p he replied.
"All ready" / cried in loud voice, whic
they, he wever, could not easily distinguish