Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-10-16
PLYMOUTH, IND. OCTOBER 10 1856

|
l2o'clock until 6 next morning, while eve
ry wave that came would wash over me; ane
what was worse than all, the broken timbe
from the cabin was striking against, bruis
ing and cutting me. l held to the rop,
which was attacred to the crane. NV ser
want d the Swedish woman were also ther
holding to the rope. The Colonel stayed
by me some time, and told me what mus
do, and urged me not to hold too tight
would not be able to hold on long if did
that must tighten my grasp before anc
relax after each wave would come an
now going to tell you something which
will make your blood run cold: In the
MIDST of all my danger heard a man cry
out, Take this child, or will throw i
oveaboard; can't save myself, much less
it!'
Oh, my darling sister, can you imagine
my feelings? The thought of that speech
makes me snudder as l write. The Colo.
mel risked his life again by letting go the
rope. and went after the man who held
Patlie. The Colonel told him che would
cut his throat if he threw the child over"
This was all l heard. l shut my eyes, and
did not open them all night. l thought
both my little darlings were thrown over
board Now, the Colonel could not get
back to me-the water would have washed
him off had he attempted it. There was
left, hanging on the side of the ship, with
no one by me but my servant. Oh! it is
impossible for me to describe the terrors OF
that night There 1 clung to the rope,
thinking every one was drowned, and that
every wave would sweep me away. Then
large piece of timber struck me several
times, and stunned me so that 1 forgot
where | was, and | let 60 my hold, but for
tunately caught hold the rope again before
the next wave struck me- 1t came very
near dragging me off. Then some one cried
out, 1--WE are going to sea- we are turning
the Point!" My first impulse was to jump
overboard--l wanted to die and be washed
ashore, rather than be drowned in the Gulf
and never have my body found.
1t was long time before l thought /
could give my darling husband up-l
wan:ed to see him once more Then l
thought ofmy little darlings as dead--that
was the reason l did not open my eyes.
was SO much afraid l would see them
floating in the water--that was sight
wished to die without seeing. had not
heard a word from any one since the man
SAID we were going out to sea, until about
6 O'Clock in the morning, when felt a hand
on my head. 1t made me shudder, for it
felt like the hand of death, it was so cold.
A voice said. "Oh, my God, she is dead."
| had my eyes closed, but said 'No l an
not" Some one then said to me, "Hold
on, we are ashore; look up and see the
trees" opened my eyes and tried to look
at the trees, butmy thoughts were with my
two little darlings that supposed were
then floating in the watnr.
| was then taken where my sweet little
Patty was. The Colonel had gotta colored
free man to take her from that brute who
said he would throw her overheard The
colored man held her all night, having her
wrapped up in blanket. She did not cry,
but said, "Please let me see my darling
mamma" He felt awful, as he never ex-
pected she would see me again.
| am now safe with my husband, and the
gallant Colonel is with us. Your affection
tionaie sister,
EJ S.