The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1892-01-14
4 CORPSE IN HIS ARMS.
HORRIBLE TALE OF SHIPwRECK AND SUI.
FERING IN THE CHINA SEA.
From The Boston GiObe.

George j. Merchant, mate, and the
only survivor of the crew Of six on the
ill-fated schooner Pearl, which was
run down and sunk Oh August 5th, in
the China Sea. by an ocean steamer,
was interviewed yesterday at his
uncle's home on Phelam street
The PEARL said ne was a small
trading schooner OF l4O tons, and
usually touched ports among the
| Philippine Islands. but on the last
voyage we were chartered at Pamay
for Hong Kong with general cargo.
Nothing of any account happened
until the night OF the disaster, when
we We're within so miles OF our destina-
tioL."
at 8 O'Clock that evening the bar
ometer went down rapidly, and We
made remedy, by reducing sail, to
meet a tornado.
Myself and man named Mayo
We're on watch at IL o'clock. and at
that time we were hove to under a
two reefed 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 fam lighted
while | would arouse the crew. -'+a:->
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 Icut the lasl.-
Ings of the boat, turned her over but
we could not launch her, as Mayo's
arm mad been broken by flying tim
ber
eve got into the boat and she float
ed off. | saw the steamer back astern
and then proceeded on her course,
Notwithstanding that l yelled myself
hOarse for aid.
In a few minutes the schooner sank
headformo5t and we came very near
being drawn down.
~ were alone on the ocean, as
not one of our shipmates could be seen
chnging to the wreckage of our vessel. !
But worst of ALL we had neither oars,
water nor provisions.
The heavy sea that was running al |
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
a drag and kept her head up to the
sea.
All that night we huddlcd together
to keep warm, expecting each moment |
would be our last
Morning dawned, but it was a sad |
dawning, as Mayo, overcome by the |
pam OF his broken arm. lag stretched |
out III the bottom Of the boat, gasping |
for tic want of drink Of water.
throughout that day many an anx-
lous glance | cast over over the waters. |
There was no sail in sight, and the
delirious- cries of Mayo were some
thing awful. Then the storm abated
Next morning | found myself clasped
III the arms of the corpse of Mayo.
This was terrible, yet he must be
buried. SO l raised the body as gen
tiy as possible and launched it into
the sea.
Il watched the body sink, but what
was my horror when it arose, face up
ward. Having nothing for sinker |
took one of the boards and padded
away from the terrible sight.
/ think it must have been about
noon that day when | became deliri-
ons, for I remember quite plainly of
yelling TO Il feet Of imaginary ships
as they passed, bat after that all was
q blank.
How Or when [ was rescued { do
not know, but when / came to my
senses / was Oh board large Chinese
junk. and seated beside me was
good natured looking coolie with a
fan who nIotioned me to keep quiet"