Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-11-29
A Thrilling Incident.

A clever and genial writer in the MiclsiylR
Freentoson gives the following graphic sketch
of an incident occurring during Masonic ex-
curs:on on the Mississippi, which cool and
chivalrous Knight Templarship alone saved
from proving fatally disastrous. The Car.
Isle CPa.) Toimtee,, endorsing this account,
says "We ehe Senior editor of the Eolun-
teer,) can testify to the truthfulness of the ac-
count, for We were passenger on the snageed
vessel, the ',Belle of Alton" and stepped
from her deck to that of the Lady Gay"
only couple of minutes before the former
was buried in the waters of the Mississippi"
The narrator says
1t was magnificent sight TO see our inn
mense boat, accompanied by the Lady Gay
and the Belle of Alton, :heir decks crowded
with fair ladies and knights Templar. hands
of music, distinguished citizens and invited
guests. as they. steamed up the Mississippi,
then down to Jefferson Barracks. where we
all went shore to spend n pleasant hUlr;
after which we again went on board, and
steamed merrily up the river.
l was standing near the captain. The
commander of the Templars came and leaned
wearily on the capstaC. l turned to Reuben
Milton and whispered in his ear these words:
THAT man was born to command" j" lie had
the form of Hercules, the head of an Apol-
TO- and the eye of an eagle. and. circum~
stances afterwards demonstrated. the heart of
a lion. Although not very large, he np-
penred larger than he really was he was full
and athletic. and still every proportion was
symmetry. and every movement grace.
While he was leaning silently on the cap~
stan. and while | was yet analyzing his fine
countenance. the captain of the steamer, with
pale lips and blanched cheeks approached
the young Templnr. and with low tone and
trembling voice, said:
"Great God ! sir VIC arc sinking We are
snagged in the bottom, sir, and nothing can
save u.s.
GLOW longscan you keen her nHnat 2" caro-
lesslV inquired the young Templar.
"She may 90 down in five Minutes: she
cannot keep afoat more than fifteen, replied
the captain.
"Do not make your situation known TO any
one except your crew or we will have panic,
and then all will he lost Signal the Lady
Gay to lean to- none will notice or under.
stand the signal of distress. Get your crew
and hands ready to move. will manage the
rest"
"Blow Wnrder, blow I'' said the young
Tempiar. speaking to his ensign, who stood
near him, at the same time leaping upon the
capstan. Every one was startled by shrill
blast from the Wardcr's trumpet A hun
dred Temnlars' swords leaped from their scab-
bards at the blast.
''Attcntion. Sir knights shouted the
young commander "The next ceremony in
the programme is for the Sir Knights Indies !
and gentlemen on this boat to make a visit to
our friends on board the Lady Gay. As the
steamers are rapidly approaching each other,
and cannst he kept but minute or two to-
eether. the movement must be n rarid one.
You will form procession at once. and. as the
boats come together, pass over the gangway
under arch of steel. to the lower deck Of
the Lady Cav. Forward. Sir Knights. tn the
gangway. Music in front. The band will
play 'The knights TempIar Qncksten."
Tn obedience to these orders. the knights
formed double line to the gangwav. facing
inward. with swords crossed above the hends
of those forming the procession. In less than
eight minutes the whole precious cargo of
human life had passed from the Mississippi
to the Lady Gay, even to the colored cook.
except the two files of Templars. when the
young commander ordered: From the rear.
right and left inward wheel, march :" and
filing inward. the Temnlars rapidly passed
over the gangway to the Lady Gay. the young
commander being the last to leave. One
minute more. and the Mississippi steamer
sank to the bottom.