The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1892-03-12
IN THE ARMS OF A CORPSE.
Horrible Tale of Shipwreck and Suffering
In the China Sea.

Horrible Tale of Slipwreck and Suffering
| In the China Sea.
George j. Merchant, mate and the
/ only survivor of the crew Of six on the
i'll fated schooner Pearl, which was run
down and sunk in the China sea by an
ocean steamer. was interviewed by
reporter at his uncle's home, on Pelham
street.
1.-The Pearl" he said. was a small
trading schooner of 140 tons, and usual
ly touched ports among the Philippine
islands, but on his last voyage we were
chartered at Panay for Hong Kong
with a general cargo.
Nothing of any account happened
until the night Of the disaster. when we
were within eight miles of our desiina-
ton.
AT o'clock that evening the baron
eter went down rapidly ana we made
ready by reducing sail to meet the tor
nado.
"Myself and Il man named Mayo were
on watch at ! o'clock, and ut that time
we were hove to under a two recfed
foresail, the wind having increased to a
gale.
"Suddenly we saw two SIDE lights
half mile away, and fearing collision
| told Mayo to get the 'tlaln' lighted.
while | would arouse the crew
Before the fam could be lighted
the steamer was upon us, striking the
Pearl on the port side and cutting her
almost in two.
I'VE began to sink. | cut the lash
ings of the boat, turned her over, but we
could not launch her, as Mayo's arm
had been broken by flying timber.
1--WE got into the boat and she foated
Oft. saw the steamer back astern then
proceed on her course, Notwithstanding
that yelled myself hoarse for aid
"In a few minutes the schooner sank
head foremost, and we cane very near
being drawn down.
1--WE were alone on the ocean, as not
one Of our shipmates could be seen cling
ing to the wreckage Of our vessel. But
worst Of all. we had neither oars, water
nor provisions.
THE heavy sea that was run.ing at
the time broke over the boat, and tore
up the bottom boards, fastened them to
the rope at the bow and threw them
overheard. These answered as drag
and kept her head up to the sea.
"All that night we huddled together
to keep warm. expecting each moment
would be our last.
Morning dawned. but it was sad
dawning, as Mayo. overcome by the pain
of his broken arm, lay stretched ont in
the bottom of the boat Saspills for the
want of drink Of water
"Throughout that day many an AK
ious glance cast Ov,r tle waters. There
was no sail in sight. ANA the dclirio,:s
cries Of Mayo was something awful.
Then the storm ahated. Next morning
found myself cla.ped in the arms Of the
corpse of Mayo.
This was terrible. yet be must be
buried. So | raised the body as gently
as possible and launched it into the sea.
II watched the body sink. but what
was my horror whe. it rose face up
ward. Having nothing for sinker
took one of the boards and padded away
from the terrible sight.
II think it must have been about noon
that day when became delirious, for
remember quite plainly of yelling to
fleet of imaginary ships as they passed.
but after that all was blank.
How or when l was rescued Go not
know. but when ] came to my senses
was on board large Chinese junk. and
seated beside me was good natured
coolie with fan. who motioned me to
keep quiet. Boston Globe.