Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-09-02

THE Pilot REcovERED.-The day OF miracles
is past-so it has. and let it go; but 40 long a.
Michael Stevens Jr.. shall live, we shall look up
on him rs one risen from the dead. While we
were all amentng that this worthy man was gone
and the flags had dropped in mourning for the
dead; while people were stopping each other al
the corners of the street to talk over the matter
and some were raising subscription for the
benefit of his family-after we had published
his obituary, and had another paragraph written,
calling for material testimonial to ald the wld-
ow and orphans-as suddenly as though he had
fallen from the heavens above, Capt Stevens,
Yesterday at noon, appeared in our streets
Wildly the story goes about town. speedily he
is rushed home to a family mourning his de-
mise; instantly the flags from half mast are run
hard up, and gadness is upon oil faces, for the
lost is found, and the dead is alive again.
With the tide of men moving to the southend
we go to greet him aud learn his story. Almost
Immediately after his companions had retired
below, as he was standing in the quarter with
the spyglass to his eye, the main BEEN jibbed
over, striking him in the back of the neck and
sweeping him into the sea. Instantly the boat
filled away and started off with six knot
breeze He turned in pursuit; but one hun
dred yards swimming satisfied him that it
was useless. He hallooed; but the noise OF the
sails, the rushing of the waters, and the inter
vening decks shut off all communication. There
he was in the midst of the ocean the boat re-
ceding, and no friendly sail in sight; it is not
desirable to die, and he lay for some time upon
the surface, when, by and by, five miles away,
a sail appears standing towards hint is his
only hope; faint hope but the last He did
not swim to her but reserved his strength; and
when she was within two miles it was evident
that she was going long way to the wind
ward.
He then coolly-oh, how can q man be cool
with the deep water below and nought but the
deeper heavens above-coolly he struck out to
head her off, For three quarters of mile or
more he swan for dear life but now he begins
to fail His legs are already cold and stiff, and
hang down deep, the waves breaking to his
mouth. IT'S the last chance, he raises his head
and shouts and woman-a woman's ears are
always open to the cry of distress; God bless
her-says II hear O voice." All hands look
round. 1t is now or never; and as last effort
he stretches himself above the waves and says,
81 am drowning!" They hear-they see; lease
off sheets up helm man the boat" 1t is done
as quick as said-qucker than written, 81 shall
drown" calls the brave struggling, but sinking
man, ''before the boat can row."
The captain turns the craft full upon him, and
minus of help gives the helm to his wife, while
with the coil OF rope he. stands in the bows
The rowers pull strong, but many yards are yet
between them and the sinking man, when the
vessels prov nears the spot, and with the captains
call-"catch hold" the rope falls upon his head
and is turned around the wrist The rope is
paid out, the sails shake in the wind and in
two minutes more-after he had been in the
water an hour and half-the captain and his
wife pulled him over the side, helpless, and for
long time clouded and wandering of mind.
This yatcht proved to be the Boomer from
Salem, Capt Dudley Davis, who was taking his
family on trip to Portland, Me. He rendered
Capt. Stevens all the assistance needed; landed
him in Portland on Sunday and with the first
train that reached here at noon on Monday, he
was returned to his family-returned to star
tie to gladden., to change! Great God what
change! The father with three score and ten
upon him-the young wife stricken to the soul;
the little children to whom home was gloomy
they can tell; we csn't.-Nepbaryport Jour-
,inI