Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-06
Written for tho PUBLIC LEDGER
BO0K.OF-TRAVEL SKETCHES
NO. II1-sAyrD FROM 4 wArER-spoUr.

NO. III-sAvED FROM A wATER-sPoUT.
1t was, / think, on the 4th of August
1857, when the schooner Miranda Icy to
at the mouth of the Rio de Luzza, on the
south coast Of Cuba.
Language cannot describe the joyful
emotion with which we gszed once more
upon the land, with the prospect of being
permitted soon to walk in the cool shade
of its forests, and to drink fresh draughts
from its bubSiiug fountains of pure water.
On the 9th of July the Miranda had
sailed from Norfolk, with a light freight
of mules, for sugar plantation on the
southwest of Cuba. 1t was the design ol
Captain Doubleday to ship, on his return
trip, cargo of copper ore; or, failing in
that, general invoice of sugar, molasses,
etc. Hence, we had counted on speedy
and pleasant voyage. But in this we
we're disappointed by one of those unfore-
seen circumstances which sea-faring men
count on with absolute certainty, yet
which oftenest comes when least expected.
When about two degrees off the reefs,
and while yet in view of Flagg Island, q
terrific storm descended upon us, con-
tiuuing eight hours, and increasing in
violence to such degree that it seemed
impossible the vessel could outride the
tempest. Even Captain Doubleday, per.
haps the coolest and most hopeful man
on board, we'll nigh gave up all hope.
As fate happily willed it, however, the
Miranda lived through the gale, and the
injuries which she sustained were such as
might be repaired by the ships carpenters
on board, without the necessity oftaking
to port. The vessel was therefore headed
S.S.E., and put on her course with all the
speed that was possible under the circum'
stances.
On the morning following the subsi-
dence of the storm, we fell in with a
Dutch vessel, the Dantzig, which was
foundered aud utterly helpless. Captain
Doubleday, by the promise of large re-
ward, was induced to take in charge, and
transport to Honduras, the cargo of the
disabled vessel, whose crew and passen-
gers had already been transferred to the
Miranda. rn
Thus seventeen days weic added to the
length of our voyage, during the whole
of which time we touched at no point,
nor set foot upon the land. Nor were
the ships supplies at all what they
should have been. The water casks
we're refiled from those Of the Dsntzig,
and in making the transfer, under a
reeking hot sun, the water became so
warm that it never recovered degree of
its original freshness, and in few days
became quite foul and unfit for use.
The provisions, too, which the penurious
old Doubleday bought Of the Dutchman,
because he could secure them very
Sheep" suffered materially from the
same cause, though portion Of them
we're damaged by salt water at the time
they were received.
Happy we're We, then, when the Mi
randa lsy to off shore, aud the Captain
announced that the day would be spent
10 taking on water and provisions sufi-
cient for our further cruise to San lego.
To Us who were passengers, It ugnihed
day Of pleasant recreation and change
of fare and scene, aud to the sailors
welcome relief from the weary and mo-
potonous round Of ship duties
Before 10 O'Clock the boats were got
out and manned, one to visit the little
village. half mile up the Rio de Luzss