The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1889-08-08
When they should abandon the ship, the
Capta;n's boat was to lead us ashore


When they should abandon the ship, the
Captains boat was to lead US ashore.
We had, perhaps, felt that our troubles
were over when our little boat was safe
on the sea. But, although there was no
wind nor white caps, yet we had rough
time Of 1t. A strong ground swell made
the waves high. We rolled up and down
In almost constant fear of running into or
of being run over by other small boats I;
or of getting too near or under the ship.
There was danger, or we feared there Was,
of an explosion. Kegs of turpentine, oil,
&C., were thrown overheard. The iough-
ness brought on sea sickness. Misses
Howell and Morton. Mr.. Lander and T.,
were the only well onos. Mr. Mattison
suffered most terribly. Mrs. Mattison
was almost as bad. Miss Morton held
Lima (Mattison). Miss Agnese vas with
us, and was very sick. She had an
attack of heart disease. Laura only cried
when her papa was in the water. She got
very sick, but, after the usual relief, went
to sleep. We were thus for five hours,
and I had Laura in my lap all the time.
Fortunately the fire was underneath, and
did not show much. ALI the time the
cotton was being cast into the sea, and re
had full benefit of the fumes. We kept
quiet, straining to catch every order that
was given. The officers did nobly. How
grand it seemed to be commander and
keep cool! At first the Captain went
about with pistol in hand. Some saw
him draw it on backsliding sailors. Next
to him came the first mate. He really
worked hardest of all. A big, strong; Ger
man, nothing seemed to tire him.
The hours dragged slowly. The bright
moon went down. We began to think
how, after such waiting, We could bear
the row to shore. Really we suffered all
the feelings of shipwreck. Rowing to
shore would have aroused our energies
more than lying around. III OH. boat we
had bag OF valuables, a lot of crackers, a
bottle of coffee and some vino. Each had
satchels. We had our three. The purser,
at the very first, delivered each mans
money. 1t was quite cool; but we were
all wrapped up.
Finally, about $50 a. m. came the vel.
come cry, "Come aboard!" From the
waters arose a loud hurrah. A. load of
men were first taken, and they went to
work throwing cotton. Next our boat
was called. We went to the ships side,
and, one by one, had rope tied around
our waists, and tried to walk up rope
ladder, but were mostly pulled up. l was
soaking wet about half yard up my
skirts. My feet had been ankle deep in
the water all the time. a sailor carried
Laura up in his She never dreamed
of our danger, and we did not explain it
to her. The work Of fighting the fire con-
tinued all night; but we felt safe and
thankful. We preferred being op the old
Alliance with part on fire to staying
where We were. We went to bed and
rested, with few fitful slumbers.
This morning the valises and satchels
were brought up. saved most of Lau.
ra's clothes. Everything she has is
stained from the leather. What q pitiful
sight We will make going into Rio! I!
Some have ruined and lost valuable
things, but I don't think we have. M.
Lander's beaver is the. most conspicuous
loss. We feel thankful to be saved; the
rest is mere earthly dross. We thought
first of telegraphing to you, but every one
advised against it. When we gel to Bo-
hia, the boat will send long telegram,
and the papers will give you more than
we coald afford to send.
Everybody is worn out this morning
and lying around. Of course the boat is
much upset. You can imagine that we
ara net much in love with sea voyages.
I have not told all, but can't write more.
Our dining-room boy, who saved us last
night by cutting the rope, has just given
me the bread knife at my request. 1t is
always to be prominent ornament in my
house. His address is a. G. Jury, 11S,
5lst ST., New York. He is native of
London. Mr.. Lander will conclude this
letter. ToMM1E.