The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1858-07-01

moment despaired,) l looked about to see what I
could save. As we neared the distant sail. (which
proved to be English,) our signal of distress was
hoisted; but not being Immediately noticed, we grew
impatient; our cannon was placed ut the port and
discharged four times before it appeared to be
noticed. Some of our company feared we should be
left to the mercy of the waves, or our English neigh
bors were not friendly; but / yentured to reply that
/ did not believe them capable of such inhumanity.
Joyful were the tidings that next greeted our ears,
ssThey have hove too"-My God-what unutterable
to his state-rooIn, and, overwhelmed with grief, Joy,
disappointment, and the almost miraculous preserva-
ton from sudden death in mid-oeean, INDUCED in a
violent paroxysm of weeping. My heart ached for
him, and my tears flowed for the first time since the
dreadful truth was made known. 1t was soon an
nounced that the ship was ready to receive us On
board, and that the boats would soon be alongside.
One of the boats was lowered and several passengers
went in her, but they were in a perilous situation,
and came near being upset. Flora was ready-dar-
ling Stella still slept in sweet security, watched over,
no doubt, by her 9 guardian angel" took the dear
babe in my arms, but found it difficult to put on al
ditional clothing, my hands trembled so badly. Capt.
Ropes just then came to me, and ordering the steward
to look after my luggage, said the boat was ready to
take us to the ship-which. 1 have no doubt, God in
mercy sent for our deliverance. All the other ladies
and children had gone, and | was obliged to hurry,
otherwise [ might have saved more. l went forward
to the open port. where the cannon had been placed,
and feeling a degree of desperation, as they cried cut
SHOWS your chance leaped into the boat, which
danced on the bounding wave like a cork, and seemed
to be leaving the sinking ship, l called out wildly,
"Where are my children? ?" The English officer in
charge of the boat, reiterated, 'tWhere is this lady's
children?' They were then passed out at arms
length. The waves were very high, and it seemed
every moment that the boat must be dashed against
poor doomed John Gilpin. The officer next called
out, "This lady's baggage;'' but instead of it, the
sailors threw over their own bundles and trunks,
regardless of whom they struck. l was constantly
obliged to ward them off in order to screen my chill
dren. The boat being full, the sailors shouted, "No
more and taking their oars af the command ofl
their officer, rowed away to the ship, which had
"hove too for our rescue. On the way, Stella
manifested great delight, as an albatross gracefully
played around us. Sweet child, she knew no fear
while folded in her mothers arms. The sea was
fearfully high and the atmosphere quite chilly. Oh
how soon we mothers and children would have per-
ished in the boats had no friendly sail been near.
We soon reached the ship; a rude chair was lowered,
and we were soon safely on board. | was soon con-
Quoted to the cabin, and then all my strength and
energy left me. An overwhelming sense of depend
ence. gratitude and love to my Almighty Preserver,
as well as to our earthly deliverers, completely
crushed me. | sank upon a chair and gave vent TO
my emotions. A kind voice whispered, "Will you
take some refreshments?' l refused, and only
longed to be alone to collect my distracted thoughts. |
We soon ascertained that we were on board the Here
~fordshire, an old East India Company's ship, which
had been in active service in defending herself against
the pirates, had taken troops to the Crimea; recently
from Callao, with 1000 tons of Guano, and capable of
accommodating 200 persons; bound to London. Capt
Thomas S. Scott, the present commander, is the
essence of good nature; a perfect gentleman, with a
heart larger than his body,-though that is by no
means of inferior dimensions. His lady, (who is in
very feeble health, } with their FIVE children, are on
board. Everything was Immediately done for our
comfort, and the kindest feelings of sympathy are
manifested. The first night we occupied a field bed,
with five others-eight in all. The following day We
were more comfortably quartered in a private cabin.
In infinite mercy, our Heavenly Father kept us all
from accident and sickness-not one of us ever taking
the slightest cold. We soon began to look about for
our clothing, but Cor several days only one of my
trunks was brought to light. A few days after
another was found, having its lock stove off; but as
it contained no treasures, the contents were simply
turned upside down, and a rope tied round it. My
third, and most valuable trunk, was not taken from
the hold, consequently it went down with the il-fated
ship. 1t soon appeared that many trunks had been
broken open and riHed of their contents; plate,
jewelry, curiosities and clothing having been stolen,
and as yet undiscovered. How depraved the heart
must be to pilfer under such circumstances. prefer
that my valuables should be sunk in the ocean,
rather than have them minister to such ayarice. Our
most useful clothing for present USE, was saved. for
which [ am very thankful. Soon after we came on
board, Mrs. Scott -ent for all the rescued ladies, say
ing she wished TO see our faces and rejoice with us in
our providential deiverance.