Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1860-12-28

The navigation OF our great lakes Is iuii OF
romance. The mention of the subject calls
up memories of confagration, collision and
wreck, with their various circumstances Of
horror; and probably there is scarcely
reader who is not reminded Of some fair or
manly friend who once sailed hither or thith-
ward, but was seen no more. Among these
thrilling tales, however, the story Of the ILL
fated Jersey City, which left Toledo for Buff
falo, and was wrecked on the oath Of last
month"; is one of the most narrowing We
take the details from the Cleveland Herald,
which relates them from the narrative Of a
survivor. November "a was terrible day
upon the shores of Lake Erie the air was so
thickly filled with sleety particles that objects
were hidden as by a fog, and it was driven
by fierce, cutting wind, which could not be
withstood Captain Monroe, Of the propeller,
an experienced and courageous sailor, found
himself about / l O'Clock that morning near
Long Point, Canada, and making an effort to
weather it failed in the attempt, and grounded
about two miles from shore. All hands were
ordered on the hurricane deck, which was
soon broken off by the waves and hoated in
ward with its load, grounding about SO clock
not far from shore. Several persons, how
ever, who disregardcd the order and took to
the life-boat, were lost in the breakers. AS
the deck struck bottom lad was washed
over, but was rescued by Captain Monroe, who
took him in his arms and waded to land
When the boy was set on shore, his panta-
looms fell about his feet, where they frozc in
solid mass, claiming him to the ground, and
the poor lad, half naked, died in a few min
utcs. Capt Monroe then aided the rest to
get on shore, which was accomplished by all
except Mr.. Derby, the clerk Of the boat, who
was so much chilled as to be unable to speak
or help himself. The captain, aided by two
engineers, Manchester and Cummings, sue
ceeded at length in taking him on his back
and carrying him through the breakers,
against the ice, sleet, and freezing wind. But,
on reaching the shore, his burden was corpse
frozen fast upon him. Only by falling heavily
upon the ground could he disengage himself
from that "body Of DEATH" and then found
his arms so frozen, and his clothing so stiff
ened. that he could not rise, neither could his
friends help him. He gained his feet by
rolling toward the body of one of his COM
panions, which was frozen in sitting posture,
and climbing up by it.
The lighthouse was not distant, and the
few survivors, seven in number, began their
march toward it. Within 800 yards of the
house they came TO small creek. In attempt
ing to cross it. Manchester's strength failed,
and Cummings, trying to help him, was over
powered. The two pcrished in each others
arms, the brave Cummings dying with words
of cheer on his lips. Captain Monroe, with
two fremcn, the wheel man, and one passcn-
ger, at length reached the lighthouse Seven
teen perished the bodies of six were recov-
cred ..-... .....l... .......
Captain Monroe lives near Dunkirk, n Y,
and is the same man who calamity rescued
the frozen crew of the Omar Pasha, ut great
personal risk, some years ago, near the mouth
of Cleveland harbor In his own extremity,
his good deed was had in remembrance, and
after a persistency Of endurance and effort for
his companions, scarcely excelled by those of
the heroic Kane, he was enabled to reach n
place Of safety with four of his charge. If
anything can tighten the burden of such a
tragedy, it is the record Of such hcroism-
Sometimes it happens that the helm is in
really kingly hands, and we have not to add
to the chronicle Of disaster, that the leader
was cowed or confused by the peril, or that
he saved himself alone, or that he died feebly
and unhelpfully. Honor to the brave and
resourceful men, in every station Nv y
| W0rl1h Er.sa ms' .- a.