The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1859-10-11
THE STEAMSHIP QUAKER CrrY.-we gave

THE STEAMSHIP QUAxss CrrY.-We gave
yesterday an account of the disaster to the
"Quaker City," and expressed our fears
that she was still in danger; nor have those
fears been dissipated. From accounts re-
ceived from the coast a powerful gale has
prevailed since that time, and unless the pc
riled ship could have been brought up to
the wind she must have foundered at sea,
since human ingenuity could not put timber
together sufficiently strong to withstand the
force of the heavy sea which has been kicked
up by the gale OF Sunday.
THE LIFE BOATS.
In our slast issue, we INDUCED in SEINE
structures in regard to the number oil "life
boats" on the Quaker City. We had been
Informed that there was but three on board;
we have since learned that there was four,
and that these four were capable OF carrying
about one hundred PERSONS liberal allow
ance after the provisions are slowed. We are
unwilling to do the Quaker City an injus
tice, but we ask in all candor, would four
| boats have been sufficient for a crew of eighty
| and passenger Ii st of over hundred If
| there had been any sudden demand for these
boats, would not the destruction OF human
| life have been frighful; would not the hor-
rible scenes of the l2th of September, 1857,
when the i'll fatea Central America was
| engulphed nearly in the same place, have
been re-enactea But thanks to the kindness
OF an overruling Providence, whose power
extends over sea and land, most of the pas
s,ngers have been saved, and Hope bids us
be of good heart as regards the safety of the
others.
| INCIDENTS.
| At4k O'Clock on Thursday afternoon
| Capt Chadbourne gave his memorable order,
"Pie on the Dimity lads, and lets get these
women out of trouble" and all being ready,
! Capt. Shafeldt from the deck of the steamer
waved last adied, which wa. answ cred by
three hearty cheers from the bark, which
spread its sails for Norfolk. In taking leave
| OF her gallant commander and crew, there
was but one feeling of Mingled sympathy
aud gratefulness 10 Providence among the
passengers. the excellent discipline of the
ship and the care OF Capt. Shufeldt were
fully appreciated ana univsrs ally recognized.
| To his able management aad th4 prompt
| tude of obedience OF the officers and man
mainly to be ascrib.d under l'rovi ience tie
safety OF so maay lives.
The Ladies to)E possession OF the cabin OF
tn, BARK, aad the gallant sailors gave up
| their torecastle to the men, aad having got
| ten well underway, and given the daca &c
one OF his officers Capt. Chadb)urn was soon
observed actively engaged in washing out
milk bottle for an infant whose mother had
| gene into Commissions fro fright received
! b. SEEING her darling fall overheard.
AN INFANT OVERHEARD.
While the passengers were being handed
up the side Of the Bark, heavy sea was
running, and it was with the utmost difficult
ty that the ladies could be gotten on board.
This was finally Effected and then an innor
cent little nursing, whose mother had en-
trusted it to the rough hands Of the honest
tars, was handed up. The little thing was
tOO llSul auu tculti AOi tACii haia PoimoJ
and they sung out from the boat to those
above to catch the "little one" and the next
moment a score of arms was outstretched
as it was lifted growing and kicking towards
the gunwhale. Alas! all hands missed it,
and it tell back into the sea among the
sharks-every eve was strained, the pulsa-
lions of the heart was stepped, and for
moment all seemed paralized; but this lasted
only for an instant, the sturdy arm of one of
the gallant boats crew had grasped the dear
little one by the leg, and as he lifted it aloft
cheer saluted its appearances The mother |
of the child now went in to strong convul
sions, and the iafant was passed into the
arms of Mrs. Davidson, and while resting
there beautiful land bird lowered for mo-
ment over its little form, and then as if to |
assure itself that it lived, perched upon its
dress, aud hoped and chirpsd 10 concert
with the growing Of the babe. The bird |
then Jumped to the shoulder of Mrs. Da-
wilson, thence to the shoulder of Mr. David
son who was near, and thea took a final |
farewell OF the Bark aud her rescued passen-
gers.
Meeting AT THE HOTEL.
1t was determined as before stated to pre-
sent Captain Chadbourne with gold watch
instead Of a trumpet. Accordingy,a meeting
of the passengers was held yesterday at half
past 4 O'Clock, in the parlor of the Atlantic
Hotel, for the purpose of presenting the de-
served memento. If. .. Davidson, Esq of
Havana presided and 7. Brooks acted as Sc
cretary.
The chairman stated the object of the meet