The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1862-11-21
Wreck Of the Schooner Oatonagon---
Thrilling Scene.
From the Oswego Times.

LIZ 114i-i5 DGCIc'
From the 0swego Times Nov 8.
During last night gale arose, which
increased in sevetity until ii had acquired
terrific 'orce
Tie schooner Ontonagon, of this port,
and Tie Farmer, Of Sacketl's IIarboF, fail
ed to make the harbor, and both went
ashore about $50 rods below the east pier.
The former was owned and commanded by
Capt. James Papa, OF this city, and had
cargo of wheat, shipped at Ioedo and con-
signed to MessrS. Ames and Ruuneli.-
The terrific force ofth gale split her fore
sail, an1 the proper navigation of the ves~
sci 10y this means prevented Striking up.
on the rocks she quickly broached broad
side to the sea, which With tremendous
force was continually breaking over her.
The disaster occurred early in the morning
and, as soon as known, large number OF
our citizens assembled on the shore to rem
der assistance in rescuing the crew from
their perilous situation
The great force 81 the sea threatened at
any moment to break the craft in two. and
as she surged in the large breakers, it was
anticipated eyeIy instant to see her spars
carried by the board We have witnessed
many wrecks, but never one which so i'm
pressed US with the danger Of the officers
and crew OF the present. When We visited
the scene Of disaster, shortly after day
break, the sight was terribly sublime
The Storm king rode triumphant on The
huge billows, and, as the wind how,ed
through the creaking corda5e of the Ill
fated vessel, it sounded like Il requiem for
the unfortunate persons on board. here.
near the toEecast!e, was gathered a group
of mariners, anyiou,Iy Watching lhe efforts
of those on shore for their relief, The
spray, in dense volumes, would every in
slant dash over them, partially hiding them
from vicw, and impressing more deeply
the minds Of the spectators with the me-
cessity Of prompt action for their relief
4 boat WAS procured, bat it was found
impossible to use it on account of the .tre>
mendonS surf After while a line was
secured from the vessel and scores Of sur
- hands se,z~l il. 0@a Of the crew at
temp Il the pariIous passage, and, as he
slowly prog essed, hundred hearts beat
more rapidly with anxiety for his fate
When about midway between vessel and
shore, the rolling Of the vessel would slack
en the line 50 ,hat the man would be CONS
pIetcly submerged. Finally, the fastening
on board gave way, and the man for an in
stant was lost to view Women screamed
anl strong men shuiJereI as they witness
Ell the mishap. The unfortunate mariner
however. retained his hold of the line, ami
was quickly drawn through the heavy surf
without receiving any injury further than
the chilling effects Of his exposure to the
elements.
1t was evident to those on shore that
some less hazardous method would have to
be adopted for saving the crew. Captain
Papa was in the foreca tie, completely ex-
haustcd from his exposure The mate
however. proyed'hi'nseifeqnsI to the em-r
genry in which he WAS placed. Una<sI>t
ed bv any of the crew, he cnoIiy set about
proyiIing means for their escape Attach
inc another line to piece of plank, which
after some difficulty, was secured BY those
Oh shore, he made it fast near tie after
part OF the vessel: lie then, bv means of
tie first line obtained another from Tie
shore Next making a sling he attached
the latter line to it. The hoviing Of the
wiad and the roaring Of the surf prevented
any communication by the voice, and signs
alone coujd be used or understood. Capt.
Papa, being the most exhausted Of anv on
board, was assisted ii the sling, and but a
moment elapsed before he was safely
ashore. The female was next placed in
the fra5l CONVEYANCE For fear her cour~
age would fail her, the mate secured her
to the sling by rope. She was safely
brought on shore, and assisted by ladies'
present, to place Of Warmth and comfort
The IamaiaGer Of the crew were rescued
in a similar manner. The ma'e-nobie
We have not ascertained his name but lie
has shown that he possesses true courage
in tie hour Of peril.
The vessel and cargo arc a total loss
We learn that there is An insurance Of$5,
coo on the former We have not ascer-
tdinad what insurance was on the grain.
The Farmer lay on the inside Of the
Ontonagon. and was partially protected
from the full force Of the heavy seas which
broke so terrifcaily over her less fortunate
companion in distress Her small size and
light draft allowed her to approach close
to the sea wall. The crew escaped with>
out any difficulty. She also will prove a
total wreck.