The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-04-12

OF great muscular power, as well as of
determined courage, that they could hope
to reach the wreck ana when there the
danger would be much increased from
the liability they would run of being
dashed to pieces on those rugged rocks.
1t must have seemed to them forlorn
hope; but their courage rose with the
emergency-God's blessing accompanied
them-and their efforts were crowned
with success. The whole of the nine sur
vivors were taken into their little bark,
and conveyed in safety to the light house
Here, owing to the violent seas which
continued to prevail, they were compell-
ed to remain two days, during which
time they received every kindness and
comfort that the household could afford,
and of which they were in so much need.
The party who had left in the ships
boat, also nine in number, were picked
up the next morning, by a Montrose
sloop, and conveyed to Shields
The subsequent events of Grace Oar
Gng's life are soon told The deed she
had done may be said to have waited
her name all over Europe. That lonely
lighthouse became speedily the centre of
attraction to curious and sympathizing
thousands, including many of the wealthy
and the great, who, in numerous in
stances, testified by substantial tokens
the feelings with which they regarded
the young heroine, Amongst the num-
Der were the Duke and Duchess of Nor
cumberland, who invited her father and
herself to Alnwick Castle, and presented
her with gold watch Grace and her
father received the silver medal of the
National Lifeboat (then Shipwreck) In
stitution, and numerous testimonials from
other public bodies and admiring stran-
gers. A public subscription was also
raised with view to reward her for her
bravery and humanity, which is said to
have amounted to about $780, To
such an extent, indeed, did the popular
enthusiasm reach, that portraits of her
were eagerly sought for, and she was
even offered large sums by the proprie-
tors of one or more of the metropolitan
theatres on the condition that she should
merely sit in boat for brief space dur
ing the performance of a piece whose
chief attraction she was to be. All such
offers, however, were promptly and steadi
ly refused and it is gratifying to know
that amidst all this tumult Of applause,
Grace Darling never for moment forgot
the modest dignity of conduct which
became her sex and station. The fatter-
ing testimonials of all kinds which were
showered on her seemed to produce in her
mind no other feelings than those Of won
der and grateful pleasure. She continued
to reside at the Longstone Lighthouse
with her father and mother, finding, in
her limited sphere of domestic duty, on
that sea-girt islet, more honorable and
more rational enjoyment than the crowd
ed haunts of the mainland would have
afforded her; and thus giving, by her
conduct, the best proof that the iberality
of the public had not been unworthily
bestowed
Grace Darling did not live long in the
enjoyment of the honors that had been
showered on her. She died of consump-
ton on the 25th of October, 1912, at the
age of twenty-seven years, and four
years after the occurrence which has
made her name famous for all time
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