The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1880-06-10
A PUZZLE FOR NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..

In the month of November, 1915, the
ship Sophia Walker sailed from Boston,
bound for Palermo. The owners, Messrs.
Theophilus and Nathaniel Walker. had
invited their brother-in-law, the Rev.
Charles Walker, to 90 out to Palermo,
as passenger, for the benefit of his
health.
Among the crew was a young man
named Frederick Stetson. He was the
eldest son of the Rev. Caleb Stetson, at
that time pastor of the Unitarian church
in Medford, Massachusetts.
Frederick had been in store in Bos-
ton. but, not being well, returned home
TO be under the care of physician. His
health did not improve, and DR.. Bemis,
of Medford, advised a sea-voyage as
most likely TO restore his vigor. Fred
erick was delighted with this prospect,
and his parents reluctantly consented
1t was thought best for his health that
he should 90 on board as a sailor; but
a contract was made with Captain John
Goldman, that in case Frederick should
become weary of his duties he should
be admitted to the cabin in the capacity
of Captains clerk.
son was a neighbOr and friend became
acquainted with these circumstances at
the time the young man left home and
embarked on board the Sophia Walker.
The father also requested my husband
to speak to Captain Goldman, his former
pupil, in regard to the youth.
In common with other friends, 1
sympathized deeply with Mr.. and Mrs.
Stetson in parting from their son under
these painful circumstances; but do
mestic cdreS and other scenes gradually
efiaced these impressions, until forgot
the length of time he expected TO be alb
sent and indeed lost all recollection of
his voyage.
| relate these circumstances in detail
that the reader may understand more
fully'the remarkable facts which fol-
lowed.
During the latter part of February,
1876, the death of my mother, Mrs.
Leonard Woods, of Andover, was sue
ceeded by my own dangerous illness.
In March was seized with hemorrhage
of the lungs. and lay for days lowering
between life and death.
One night, when the crisis seemed to
,
church, Mrs. Sarah Buffers, who had
been watching with me, retired soon
after midnight to give place to my hus-
band, who was to watch with me till
morning. | had taken the medicine
prescribed by my physician, and was
endeavOring to compose myself to sleep,
when all at once, with the vividness of
flash of lightning, the following scene
was before me: A tremendous ocean
storm a frail vessel pitching headlong
into the trough of the sea; billOw
mountain-h high ready to ingulf her; a
slender youth clinging to the mast
head; a more furious blast, higher
wave, and the youth, whom nOtwith-
standing the darkness Instantly recOg-
nized as Frederick Stetson, fell into the
foaming, seething deep.
As he struck the water / shrieked in
agony, and my husband sprang to my
side, expecting TO see the crimson drops
again cozing from my lips. MY counte-
nance. full of horror, terrified him.
What is it?'' he asked.
! mOtiOned him to silence, unable to
withdraw my thoughts from the scene.
/ still heard the roaring of the angry
pillows, the shouts of the Captain and
crew.
Man overboardr' Throw roper
- Let down the life-boatr' "It's no
use; the ship has pitched beyond his
reachn'
Fresh groans from my lips brought
new anxiety TO my faithful watcher. He
seized my trembling hand, placed his
fingers on my pulse and started back
with dismay when he felt their feverish
bound.
What is it? Are you in more pain?
Shall 60 for the docCorg'
80, it's dreadful 1 gasped. a
can't tell. It's awful"
Then passed into a still more re-
markable state. Heretofore | had seen
what was going on at the moment; now
my mind went forward. and saw eveE:s .
that occurred two, three DAYS, two
weeks, later.
The storm had abated. The vessel, .
though injured. was able to proceed on .
her wav. 1t was the Sabbath; the crew /
were sitting in silent reverence, while /
the clergyman, Rev. Mr.. Walker, read,
prayed and preached funeral sermon,
caused by the late sad event. Every 4
eye was moistened, every breath hushed
as the speaker recOunted the circum-
stances connected with Frederick S voy-
age, and endeavored to impress upon
the minds OF his hearers the solemn
truth of the uncertainty of life.
Another scene. Our own chamber;
a messenger coming in haste with
letter IRON Captain Goldman announc-
ing Frederick'S death. The words of
the letter | could read.
One more scene. / seemed TO be again
on board the Sophia Walker. Mr. Stet-
son was there, standing by Frederick's
open chest, into which the Captain had
thoughtfully placed every article be-
longing TO his late clerk. The fathers
tears fell copiously while Captain Cod
man dilated on Frederick's exemplary
conduct during the entire voyage. When
they reached Palermo, he had expressed
his wish to enter upon the duties of a
clerk, according to their contract, if
tired Of a sailors life, and since that
hour had taken his place with the Off
GERS in the cabin.
All this passed before my mind with
the rapidity of lightning. / lay trem-
bling with agitation, until startled to
present realities by my husband voice,
while ne held a spoon to my lips.
The first question asked was, "What
day Of the month is it?'
The 10th of March. Ia