The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-11-09

clever writer In ~ ,MtettgHn Free Ma
son gives the ffSfowihg graphic sketch OF
an iSoident occurring during Masonic
excnrsica on the Mississippi, which cool
and : chiyalrous q. Knight Templarship
aj,ne saved from proving fatally dis.
astrous:
It was magnificent sight to see our
Gay and the Belle Of Alton, their decks
crowded with fair ladies and knights
Templars, bands of music, distinguished
citizens, end invited guests, as they
steamed up the Mississippi, then down
to Jefferson Barracks, where we oil went
on shore to spend pleasant hour, after
which we again went on board and steam
ed merrily up the river.
was standing near the captain. The
commander of the Templars came and
leaned wearily on the capstan. turned
to Reuben Milton, and whispered in his
ear these words: s'That man was born to
command" He had the form of Her
cules, the head of an Apollo, and the
eye of IN eagle, and, as circumstances
afterwards demonstrated, the heart of
lion. Although not so very large, hn
appeared larger than he really was; lie
was full and athletic. and still every
proportion was symmetry and every
movement grace. While he was still
leaning silently on the capstan, and
tenance, the captain of the steamer,
with pale lips and blanohed cheeks, ap-
preached the young Templar, and, in a
low tone and trembling voice, said:
''Great Godl we are sinking. We are
s2aSSo6, sir, in the bottom, and nothing
can save US"
"How long can you keep her afoat?"
carelessly inquired the young Templar.
''She may go down in five minutes;
she cannot keep ahoat 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 be lost.
Signal the Lady Gay to lay to. None
will notice or understand the signal of
distress. Get your crew and hands ready
to move; I will manage the rest
"Blow, Warder, blow" said the young
Templar, 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 warder's trum-
pet hundred Templars' swords leaped
from their scabbhrds at the blast.
Attention, Sir Knights, " shouted the
young commander. "The next cere-
mouy IA tne programme Is 1Or tho Slr
Knights, ladies and gentlemen, on this
boat to make visit to our friends on
board the Lady Gay. AS the steamers
are rapidly approaching each other, and
cannot be kept but minute or two to-
gether, the movement must be a rapid
one. You will form procession Mt
once. and as the boats come together
pass over the gangway under an arch of
steel, to the lower deck of Lady Gay.
Forward, Sir knights, to the gangway.
Music in front. The band will play 'The
Knights Templar Quickstep'"
In obedience to these orders, the
Knights formed double line to the
gangway. facing round, with swords
crossed above the heads of those form
ing the procession. In less than eight
minutes the whole precious cargo of
human life had passed from the AIissis-
sippi 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 fling inward.
the Templars 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.