The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1862-11-15
WEEKLY HAWK-EYE


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Daring last night gala arose, which In
creased In severity until it had acquired terrible
force. - aeP = - 10y ~aa 4f'leai1E55 b
The schooner Ontonsgos, Of this port, end
the Farmer, Of Sacketts Harbor, failed to make
the barber, and both went ashore about lSo
rods below the east pier. The former vas owned
and commanded BY Capt James Papa, of this
city, and had cargo Of wheat, shipped at To-
ied0 and consigned here to Aessrs Ames + Bun.
dell The terrific force of the gale split her
foresaii, and the proper navigation Of the vessel
vas oy this means prevented. Striking upon
the rocks. she quickly broashed broadside to the
sea, which with tremendous force was continual
y breaking over her. The disaster occurred
early IN the morning, and, a. soon as known, Z
large number of our citizens assembled on the
shore TO render assistance in resouing the crew
from their perilcus situation.
The great force of the sea threatened ct any
moment to break the craft in two, and, % she
surged in the large breakers, it was anticipated
every instant to see her spars carried by the
board We have witnessed many wrecks, but
never one which % impressed U with the dan
ger OF the officers and crew a. the present.
" men We visited the scene of disaster, shortly
AFTER day.break, the sight was terribly sublime.
The storm.king rode triumphant ON the huge
pillows, and, as the wind howled through the
creaking cordage Of the Inflated vessel, it sound.
ed like requiem for the unfortunate persons
aboard. There, near the forecsstle, WAS gather.
Cd group Of mariners, anxiously watching the
Efforts OF those on shore for their relief. The
spray, In dense volumes, would every instant
dash over them, partially hiding them from view,
and impressng more deeply the minds of the
spectators With the necessity Of prompt action
for their relief.
A boat vas procured, but it was found i'm.
possible to use it on account Of the tremendous
surf. After 2 while, line was secured from
the vessel, and scores of sturdy hands seized it,
One OF the crew attempted the perilous passage,
and, a. he slowly progressed, hundred hearts
beat more rapidly With anxiety for his fate
When about midway between the vessel and
shore, the rolling Of the vessel would slacken the
line 80 that the man would be completely sub
merged. Finally, the fastening on board gave
way, ana the man for an instant was lost to
view. Women screamed and strong men shud.
dered as they Witnessed the .mishap The un.
fortunate mariner, however, retained his hold Of
the line, and was quickly drawn through the
heavy surf without receiving any injury further
than the chilling effects of his exposure to the
elements.
It was evident to those on shore that some
less hazardous method would have to be adopted
for saving the crew. Capt Papa was in the
forecastle, completely exhausted from his expo
sure. The mate, however, proved himself fully
equal to the emergency in which he was placed.
Unassisted by any of the crew, he coolly set
about providing means for their escape. At
tsching another line to piece of plank, which,
after some difficulty was secured by those on
shore. he made it fast near the after part of the
vessel; he then by means of the first line OBJ
tanned another from the shore. Next making
a sling he attached the latter line to it. The
bowling of the wind and the roaring of the surf
prevented any communication by the voice, and
signs alone could be used or understood. Capt.
Papa, being the most exhausted of any on
board, WAS assisted in the sling, and but mo-
ment elapsed before he was safely ashore. The
female was next placed in the frail conveyance.
For tear her courage would fail her, the mate
secured her to the Slug by . rope. She was
| safely brought ON shore, and assisted by ladies
present to place of warmth and comfort
Tue remainder of the crew we're rescued in a
similar manner. The mate-nobIe fellow-was
the last to leave the vessel. We have not as
certaiRed his name; but he has shown that he
possesses true courage in the hour of peril.
The vessel and cargo are . total loss. We
learn that there is an insurance of $4,000 on the
former We have not ascertained what iusu-
| rance was on the grain.
The Farmer lay on the inside Of the 0ntona-
goD; and was partially protected from the full
force OF the heavy seas, which broke so terri
fcsliy over her less fortunate companion in dis.
tress Her small size and light draft allowed
her to approach close to the sea wall The crew
escaped without any difficulty. She will also
prove Q total wreck.