Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 206

192

Loss of the Ship Kite.

APRIL,

ful; all efforts at the moment were used, but in vain, and in a few moments, almost before we could think or speak, or alas! even have time to fetch my sweet child from the cabin, the vessel went over with a tremendous crash on her broadside, and every creature on board (except my dear child) was precipitated with great violence into the sea. The moment was so dreadful I saw nothing, and, whether my beloved husband, who was giving orders till the last mo- ment, ran to the cabin to save his darling child, or whether he fell with the rest, I know not; but he was never seen or heard of more; his last words to me were 'hold on, Anne!' Never, never shall I forget them. My child must have perished in his cradle. I trem- ble to think of the sufferings of them both. Oh! how often have I wished I had shared the same grave, yet the will of God was other- wise, and I know it is very wicked, but when you know my almost unparalleled sufferings you will not wonder at it. To return to the wreck; after struggling under water for some time, I caught hold of one of the iron bars that hold the boat on the quarter, to which I clung, my body being still in the water, and the breakers coming over me with great force. A poor little dog saved itself on my breast for some time, but at last I was obliged to put it off; oh! had it been my child, I would have died rather a thousand times. Lieutenant Douglas arose close by me, and although for a time he could not help me, yet I shall ever remember with the deepest gratitude the kind manner in which he stood by me, doing all in his power to soothe me, and, by his orders, to save the lives of all. Oh! could I picture to you the scene at this moment, the vessel on her broadside, her masts and sails in the water, numbers of persons rising and clinging to the wreck, the horror of every countenance, and the dreadful noise of the breakers: but it is too much even to tell you I saw it all; never, never shall I forget the sight. Lieut. Douglas, with Mr. Witts the chief officer, who now kindly came forward to my aid, did all in their power to save me, and they were, by the blessing of God, the means of preserving my life. These two gentlemen, with the poor cabin boys, got into the boat. I had just strength to raise my foot, of which one of the gentlemen took hold, drew the boat to, and lifted me in. The boat being nearly full of water, and the breakers still coming over it every moment, the gentlemen were obliged to cut the rope to prevent her sinking. The current imme- diately took her, and nothing could prevent her from leaving the wreck. The people got on the upper side of the vessel. I strained my eyes in vain to find those so dear to me. I saw all but them. I