The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1859-03-18
Written Expressly for the JcGersonian Democra,
MY LAST VOYAGE;
A NAUTICAL SKETCH FROM REAL LIFE.
CHAPTER I.--Tl
BY WILLIE DE WE'RE.

CHAPTER I.--THE PARTING.
BEAUTIFUL shone forth the glorious sun, on
tho 18th day of April, lS-. and sitting by
my side was one of Scotia's farcst daughters.
with her slender hands locked in mine, as
we both gazed out on tho Firth of Forth,
on whose swelling bosom gaily rode barquo
at anchor. awaiting tho full tide, that she
might proceed on her course across tho
broad Atlantic. For somo time had we
thus sat musing with our own thoughts, and
gazing with an anxious eye upon that barque,
when a neighboring church clock chmed
forth tho hour of eleven. As the sound
verberated through the air, and told that but
one hour intorvened ere | must bid farewell
to the ono dearest to my heart,-aud that
JareweH perhaps forever,-a sudden pang
shot through mo like an arrow, and
warning voice seemed to say, "StayH But
twas too late; go must; all things were
arranged. aud honor and duty impelled me
on. Scarce had these thoughts passed
across my mind, when others more painful
took their place, as turned my gaze upon
that fair form beside mo, and uttered tho
beloved and long-cherished name of"Ellen !
She started at the sound of her name as
though from docp slumber, and, as our
eyes met. saw that her fair checks were
wet with tears. Sho, too, felt tho bittcl ness
of parting; she, too, thought it might per-
haps be forever Failing upon each others
neck, for some moments silence was un-
broken, save by doop drawn sigh, or the
sobbing of the hearts go truly loved and
loving. Again, softly and with trembling
accent, muttored-
! ELLEN the time has come-we must
part.
Raising her head, and looking into my
face, part oh, never, Willie j. passed
from her lips, and again she bowed her
head and swooned upon my bosom.
With gentle care laid her upon the sofa,
rang for assistance, and imprinting one
long, burning kiss upon her now death like
lips, rushed forth to join my ship, on board
which they had already commenced to
shake out the canvass to catch tho gentle
breeze. With hasty strides l reached the
beach in an instant more was seated in
the boat thore awaiting mo- and, holm in
hand, with four sturdy marinors pulling at the
oars, was soon on board the barque, where,
taking ono look at the spot on which was
built the homo of my beloved, descended
to my cabin, to prepare myself for the
duties of my station, and indulge in fow
moments solitude, so that might in some
measure soothe my rufiled spirits; but still
the words, Part oh, mover, Willie |" rang
in my ears, and in almost q freuzied state,
rushed upon dock, and once again gazed
across the waters, at that loved spot-tbat
happy abode-in which had spent so many
joyous hours, during the past few months of
my life. And then tho dreadful thought,
"Shall never behold il more--shalI never
again sit in that pleasant bower. r.-.already be-
ginning to put on its summer dress of beau.
tiful green and flowers, and seeming even
now to bo inviting me back within its
shades, reciting my hair breadth scapes,
and in return listening to the many little
cares of life through which my beloved
Ellen had passed, during our separation. -
But tho call to quarters awoke me from my
reverie, and called me to tho stern duties Of
sailors life.
CHAPTER 1.-THE TEMPEST.
"Hoist the fore and main top p-gallants 7
shouted the skipper with stentorian voice
Hardly was this order obeyed, ere "HauI
taut the larboard braces |" issued forth
from the same direction, and now gallant,
rode the noblc barque upon the smooth
4 waters of the Forth. The Inchkeith i,
rounded, and no more can my eye rest upon
the scenes from which l have derived sc
much happiness, and amidst which had
d so often wandered, in boyhoods days.
Still nobly rides our barque, and through
tho evenings dusky hue the May Light
hoavos in sight, The wind, which during
the afternoon had been steady, now begins
to freshen. the sea rises in gentle undu!a
ions, and the sky shows indications of nigh
dark and stormy.
The May Light is reached and rapidly
passed, and just as it sinks from view, away
}, to our stern, "Furl the fore and main top
gallantsl" |" is shouted by our first mate
and, with an "Aye, age. sir |" each spring:
:. to the ropes to accomplish the task. which
is barely performed, ere the order to "Close
reef top sails !" is given, as the sky blackeDs
ard the wind increases in fury.
Eight Bells !" is shouted cheerily from
. the quarter deck, Immediately followed by
the voice of Captain Jones, 1.-TWO hands to
the wheel p The sound of his voice had
just reached the fore-castle. when flash ol