Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-07-19

5hlho US uuNh Aub EiNNNs
II was late in the season, and we had a strong
wind the night before, leaving the river rough,
and our usual pilot had hard work to keep the
boat in its proper tack, while il brought US into
Bruokville two hours later than the usual time.
The clouds overhead still looked cold and the
wind blew fresh and strong, when, making all
possible haste We again put out Of the harbor
and were soon bounding on our way. Through
out the morning noticed an anxious look on
the captains face, which bespoke his uneasiness
about the final termination OF our journey
We had good many passengers on board, and
although we usually reached Montreal by four
o'clock in the afternoon, we should be delayed
until six, If NOT later About ten miles this side
Of Laohine storm of rain commenced, which
rendered it almost impossible to guide the boat
at all while the rapids Of that name, the most
terrific in the whole river, were yet to be passed.
The pilot was one of the best on the route, but
man of passionate temper, with peculiar dogged
look. Between him and the ordinary boat plot
were existing an old grudge, which had once or
twice led to blows, when they came in contact
with each other. That morning when passing
one of the higher falls, they stood together at
the wheel, when owing to the strong current of
the winter and the almost exhausted strength Of
him who had guided US all the night, one spoke
of the wheel slipped from his hands and nearly
cause an accident of pretty serious nature.
This annoyed his companion, and hard words
passed between them, since which time sullen
silence had been preserved.
When about two miles above the Lachine
rapids, some of the rigging aUft gave way, and
the night pilot mounted the upper deck with
ladder and attempted to make it fast Tho winds
blew Aercely, and while exerting all his strength
to stay the mischief, he lost his hold aud fell the
ladder coming down directly upon our govern
ment mid, wounding him pretty severely. Not
pausng to look at the mischief, he seized the
unfortunate man, md, With almost superhuman
strength lifted him above the boat railing, The
other quickly guessing his meaning, and wind
ing his arms around the neck Of his companion,
they fell together in the boiling foe below. We
lowered the lie boat as quickly as possible, ropes
were thrown out and every effort put forth to
save them-but in vain They rose to the sur
face OF the water, still locked in each others
arms, and then sunk from our view forever.
The boat now rapidly rushed on, coming
nearer tho frightful rapid, while terror struck
iaces were around us, at the thought that no
master hand was near to guide us through the
dark passage below. The scenes which we had
been Just called to witness only made our stua-
ton more terrific, while wild and fearful eyes
around us bespoke the agonizing apprehension
of the passengers and crew as we went plunging
nHdlyto destruction, scarcely half mile from
the gulf, whose dashing waves we could distinct-
ly hear. The captain had frankly told US of his
inability to guide us through the perilous pas
sage, while deck, gangway and cabin were filled
with men, women and children, some Of whom
were praying, some weeping, others intensely
crazed with agony too intense for utteranoe.
Women eagerly clutched and embraced their
children, and husbands pressed their wives to
their bosom with only the hope Of dying to-
gether The captain stood ut the wheel assisted
by one Of the passengers, vainly endeavOring to
hold out till the last and guide her until every
effort should prove fruitess, while with strained
eyes and looks of dspaiF they gazed through the
almost blinded storm upon the craggy rocks,
lifting high their grey bare heads out of the
water and upon which they expected every
moment to be dashed to pieces.
Just as frenzy had begun to calm down into
sober, earnest preparation for the doom which
awaited them.S there came out of the state room
fair young creature over whose head scarce
sixteen summers had passed. She was of med
ium height, and fair as the lily of her northern
cline. She donned dress of plain black stuff,
while the coat of one of the deceased pilots was
buitOned tightly around her slight form. Her
face was nshy pale rs she mounted the stairway,
and with her hair dishevelled by the wind, she
exclaimed, in voice which rung clear as the
notes of buge above the storm.
d know something of this Lnohine rapid, and
will use my best enleavors TO guide you, although
we have everything of wind and weather against
u.s. Let two of you who are the strongest and
most self-possessed, stand by me at the wheel,
whilst the rest invoke His aid who stilleth tho
tempest to guide our iiie-laden bark safe through
the troubled waters
As ifin derision Of her matchless courage, the
mad waves dashed higher, while the thunder
peelsd q loud defiance to her words, With pallid
face and lips compressed, she took her station at
the wheel, while two powerful men stood by TO aid
her as far as possible With firm hand she
raised the glass and swept the scenes before her,
then bidding them to have courage, the boat
entered on its fearful course, bounding onward
as if conscious of the hand that guided its destiny
Her orders were given in clear, loud tones, while
she stood proudly erect her eyes Frightened into
darker blue until one would have fancied her the
ruling spirit of the storm. The water dashed
against the side Of the boat, browning her fair
head with glitlering drops; yet still she stood
unheedng, while not an eye IN all that groul
but gazed in mingled awe and confidence upol
that delicate form. Once again the spoke of The
wheel slipped from the grasp fhim that held it
but fair jewelled hand arrested its progress, ant
stayed the destruction which otherwise woult
have followed its swerge from duty. Onwart
snad tha rohta harooe and Uhen DARKNESS. shin
,nv nc srorn raieh, ons safcning show
roso hisI, above tho storm far her who sd brave
10 Snidsd ms tbrouph t6e shadows of death.
she would receive no thanks for herself. bu
bidding us give thanks to him whose voice ovel
,nIe,h ihe alarm Aha retired 10 her state-roon
a NJ, ,ro ,l ,ost a. viaw
"a A,,',,J t,,o cah;n-tobla tbot niobt ohort a,
,,,'. I'"sora vs onte,sJ The barbor Of Montresi
i.as,,oi Ia, listorv she wna tho dougbtct
w ,,,ercent Who named the line Of Mats
y. ~ os ,nS;ch she had inst saved from min. liz
| a, = .ialIod g., har 1vishea md allnwed lpr Il