The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1874-07-30

A writer in the Michigan Froemason
gives the following graphic sketch Of an
incident occurring during a Masonic cx.
cursion on the Mississippi.
II was magnificent sight to see our
immense boat, accompanied by the Lady
Gay and the Belle of Alton, their decks
crowded with fair ladies and Knight
Templars, band Of music, distinguished
citizens, aud invited guests, as they
steamed mp the Mississippi, then down to
jefferson Barracks, where we all went on
shore to spend pleasant hour, after
which we again steamed merdly up the
river.
| was standing near the captain. The
commander of the Tempars came and
leaned YEARLY on the capstan. / turned
to Reuben Milton and whispered in his
ear these words, That man was born to
command lie had the form Of Her
cules, the head of an Apollo, and the eye
of All eagle, and, as circumstances after
ward demonstrated, the heart Of lion.
Although not so very large, he appeared
larger than he really was; he was full
and athletic, and every proportion was
a symmetry, ana every movement n
grace.
While he was still leaning silently on
the capstan, and while was yet analyz-
ing his fine countenancc, the captain Of
the steamer, with pale lips and blanehcd
cheeks, approached the young Templar,
and, in low tone and trembling voice,
said
Great God, sirl we are sinkeng. We
are snagged, sir, in the bottom and moth
ing can save us.
How loug can you keep her ahoat2
carelessly inquired the young Templar.
She may 90 down in five minutes; she
cannot keep afoat more than fifteen, re.
piled the captain,
DO not make your situation known to
any one except your crew, or we will
have panic aud all will be lost. Signal
the Lady Gay to lay-to; none will notice
or understand the signal Of distress. Get
yonr crew and hands ready TO move;
will manage the rest.
Blow, warder, blow said the young
Templar, speaking to bis ensign, who
stood near him, at the same time Ieapiug
upon the capstan. Every ,one was startl-
ed by a shrii blast from the warder's
trumpet a hundred TompIars swords
eapcd from their scabbards at lhe blast
Attention, Sir knights, shouted the
young commander, The next ceremony
on the programme Is for the Sir knights,
ladies and gentleman, on this boat, to
make a visit TO Our friends on board the
Lady Gay. As the steamers are rapidly
approaching each other, and cannot be
kept bnt a minute OF two together, the
movement must be a rapid one. You
will form procession at once, aud as the
boats come together, pass over the gang
way, under au arch Of steel, TO the lower
deck Of the Lady Gay. Forward Sir
Knights to the gangway. Maslc IN front
The baud will play Tie knight TemplarF
Qaickstep.
Ia obedience to these orders, the
Knights formed d double line to thc gang
way, facing round with swords crossed
above the heads Of those forming the pro-
ccssion. ln less than eight minutes the
whole Preeioe. cargo Of human freight
bad passed from the Mississippi 90 lae
Lady Gay. even 10 tie aolored cook ex-
nepl tic two Giles Of Tcuplars, ahea fHe
young commander ordered, From tAe
rear right aud leU inward wheel, march (
aud lijng iu~ari .be Teuplar rapidly
passed over tbe sau2w8y TO tJe Lady
Gay, the young commander being tlle
last 10 leave. one minute more aud fae
4tp.n5aF s4lE ca ibc b8ttDlg.