The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-01-12
Thrilling Incident.

A writer in the Michigan Free Mason
gives the following graphic sketch of an
incident occurring during a Masonic ex-
cursion on the Mississippi, which cool and
chivalrous Knight Templarship alone
saved from proving fatally disasterous
1t was magnificent sight to see our
immense boat, accompanied by the Lady
Gay and Belle of Alton, their decks
crowded with fair ladies and Knights
Templar, bands of music, distinguished
citizens and invited guests, as they steam
ed up the Mississippi, then down to JEFF
erson barracks, where we all went on shore
to spend pleasant hour, after which we
again went on board and steamed merri-
ly up the river.
was standing near the captain. The
commander of the Templars came and
leaned YEARLY on the capstan. l turned
to Reuben Milton and whispered in his
ear these words: ''That man was born to
command" He had the form of Her
cules, the head of an Apollo, and the
eye of an eagle, and, as circumstances
afterward demonstrated, the heart Of a
lion. Although not so very large, he ap-
peared larger than he really was, he was
full and athletic, and still every proper
ton was a symmetry and every movement
a grace.
While he was still leaning silently on
the capstan, and while [ was yet analyz-
ing his fine countenance, the Captain of
the steamer, with pale lips and blanched
cheeks, approached the young Templar,
and, in low and trembling voice, said:
"Great God sir, we are sinking. We
are snagged, sir, in the bottom, and moth
ing can save us.
"How long can you keep her afoat p
carelessly inquired the young Templar.
''She may go 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 be lost. Signal
the Lady Gay to lean to none will no.
tice or understand that signal of distress.
Get your crew and hands ready to move,
and will manage the rest"
"Blow! Warder, blow said the
young Templar, speaking to his ensign,
who stood near him, and at the same time
leaping upon the capstan.
Every one was startled by shrill blast
from the Warder's trumpet. A hundred
Templars' swords leaped from their scab-
bards at the blast. Attention, Sir
Knights" shouted the young commander.
1.-The next ceremony in the programme is
for the Sir Knights, ladies and gentle
men 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 together, the movement must be a
rapid one. You will form in procession
at once, and as the boats come together,
pass over the gangway under an arch of
steel to the lower deck of the 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 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 the colored cook, except the two files
of Templars, when the young command
ant said:
''From the rear, right and left, inward
wheel, march, !" And filing inward the
Templars rapidly passed over the gang
way to the Lady Gay, the young com
mandant being the last to leave. One
minute more, and the Mississippi steamer
sank to the bottom.