Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1877-12-21
OFF CAPE HORN.

dic idocu, anu VIC oHlp IdDoIlHS uHueF q
spell as bad as that which is said to en-
velop the Flying Dutchman. Fourteen
days we have been off Cape Horn, and
the last thirteen there has been no op-
portunity to catch a glimpse of sun
moon or stars. would give half of all
| am worth for just an hour of clear
weather"
And Capt. Hardy-Jack Hardy, as he
was best known-descended to the cab
in to pore over large chart spread out
on the center table. He was not over 80
years of age, brave, capable, and hand
some despite the bronzing his complex
ion had received beneath tropical suns.
His frank, open countenance wore an
anxious expression, which was reflected
back from the rough, weather, beaten
visage OF the mate, a man past the me-
ridian of life.
AS for the ship-the Sunbeam-she
was clipper, and as fine craft as ever
sailed from the port of New York for
San Francisco.
The ship was lying tounder close
forestaysail, and as the short day came
to a close the gale seemed to increase
from the southwest. Furious squalls of
hail and sleet passed through the tall
spires and taut rigging Of the ship, which
at times keeled over to the icy blasts,
until the lee-scuppers were submerged
in the dark foam -streaked waters
The whole expanse Of the heavens
was covered by black cloud, which, as
the darkness increased, appeared to sink
lower, until the gilded balls of the poles
were obscured by whirling masses Of
scud driving before the furious tenn
pest.
The shivering watch, wrapped in mon
key jackets and oil-skins, gathered aft,
crouching for shelter under the lee of
the bulwarks, while the mate, bundled
in his long watch-coat, walked the quar-
ter-deck in sombre silence.
Aft by the pinnacle, peering at times
at the compass, dimly revealed by the
Pickering lamp, stood Capt Hardy A
terrible anxiety, coupled with thoughts
of wife and children, filled his stout
heart as he peered necessarily to wind
ward or strove to pierce the gloom
which had settled down like pail to
leeward
And SO through the long dreary night
the watch was kept up, and with the
mornings dawn slight change was
noted
The ship was lying on the starboard
tack, making fair weather of it for so
sharp vessel, when the murky obscur-
ity began TO clear and glimmcr of clear
sky was seen.
The important news was Immediately
reported to Capt. Hardy, who was doz-
ing in chair by the companion-way.
With bound he sprang up the steps, at
the same instant the cry of Land no! y
echoed through the ship.
Four points off the weather-bow the
loom of land was seen, which every mo-
ment was becoming more distinct, while
off the lee-beam stretched the ice-b bound
coast of Cape Horn.
The dark face of Jack Hardy grew
shade paler as his eyes ranged from
point to point, taking in certain land
marks, which but too accurately con-
firmed the dangerous predicament of
the Sunbeam, presentiment of which
had haunted the young commanders
breast.
The ship was nearly land-locked on a
lee shore, attended with horrors well
calculated to demoralize the ablest sea-
man. The land on the weather-bOw pro-
we'd to be the island of Diego Rimirez,
that on the weather-quarter St. Ildefon-
so rocks, and that on the lee beam was
the coast of Cape Horn.
DIT %rro o1+ h.,
which the lives of all on board could be
saved, together with the ship and cargo.
One was to run between Diego Rimirez
and the coast, the other to make sail
and endeavor to beat off shore in the
teeth of the gale, which had abated
somewhat in violence.
1t was impossible to remain hove to,
as few hours would have found the
vessel on the rocks.
Jack Hardy was not long in making
up his mind as to the best course to
pursue. A glance at the chart revealed
countless sunken rocks and lodges in the
channel, with which he was totally un-
acquainted. He would only attempt that
as last alternative.
Send all hands aft, Mr.. Pierson,
Rouse out the watch below. Splice the
main-brace, set the close-reefed foretOp-
sail and reefed foresail"
The steward hastily served out the
grog, which was eagerly swallowed by
the sailors, who fully realized the strug-
gle they were about to engage in,
A tremendous sea was running, which
set the ship still nearer to the lee shore
with every heave. Under the press of
canvas which it was imperative to carry
the Sunbeam was all but buried in the
foaming surges.
Sea after sea broke over the ship as
she lay in the trough, deluging her with
water from the forecastle aft to the bin
nacle, where two of the best seamen had
been lashed to the wheel. Occasionally
the sharp bows Of the clipper would de-
scend with terrible force, plunging mad
ly into the seas, threatening to tear her.
self asunder as she struggled on.
The entire ships company was on
deck, clinging to life-lines which had
been rove fore and aft. The Captain
had taken his position aft by the wheel,
while the twO matnc with fhnir raanac-