Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-04-17

If the accident to the machinery occurred, as
presumed, the captain Of the Pacific would
seek to regain the Irish coast Now, in this
attempt he would have been foied because
we quote from the letter of our correspondent
Throughout the month of February strong
southerly winds blew constantly between long.
SO degrees and 40 degrees west. On this coast
extending as far west as Is degrees, we have
had easterly winds, with occasional gales, al.
most without intermission, since the 10th of
February" The writer adds, that 800 ships
are actually overdue from the westward-that
a ship had just arrived fifty days out from New
York, thirty days of which were spent in bat
Ting with easterly winds, in soundings at the
chops of the channel. Surely, if all these dates
be true, there is no reason yet for absolute des-
pair as to the missing steamer, and we are
bound by every consideration of duty and hui
mainly to do our utmost for her relief. The
suggestion as to her proceedings and actual po-
sition is as follows:
In retracing her course across the Atlantic
the south winds must have drifted her to lee
ward, north Of the route of passing vessels. On
reaching the meridian of Is degrees her pro-
gress eastward was effectually barred she
could not get to the eastward or southwark. In
such an emergency she would have held on as
well as she could, drifting slowly northwards on
the western margin OF the easterly winds. If
afioat-and no good reason exists for doubling
that she is--she is probably within 800 to 600
miles w. N. w. of Ireland where she can be
found and rescued by searching squadron of
two or three, or even one steamer, sent from
these shores.
The Pacific will soon have been two months
at sea, and as the number of human beings she
carried, including passengers and crew, amount
ed to 1876, the horrors of famine will inevitably
be added to the other perils Of her situation.
We know not that any word Of ours can
give any additional force to this simple state
ment of facts. 1t is just possible that this un-
fortunate steamer may now be drifting hither
and thither within few hundred miles of our
coast, without any chance Of relief, save that
which may be especially despatched with
direct view to this object. Once out Of the
usual track of ships, the Pacific can expect no
casual assistance. Now, it is clear that if the
suggestions given above are founded on fact
she must have been blown or drifted so far to
the northward that she is cast out from the fell
lowship ofthe sea, and therefore we must act,
at once, or make up our minds to abandon the
vessel to her fate. We have SO much conf
dence in the spirit and humanity of the coun-
try, that we feel sure an effort will be vigorous
ly made to carry relief to these unfortunate
people. One or two government steamers
would suffice. If they be still among the liv-
ing, this is the only way in which they can be
saved; if they are already numbered with the
dead, at least we shall have our consciences
clear, and feel that all was done which man
could do for their relief The important point,
however, is instant despatch. If the effort is
to be made, it must be made now, without the
loss of day or an hour.