Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 429

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Loss of the Cutter Louisa.

JULY,

amoment of breathless suspense,—and, thanks be to Almighty God, we pass- ed clear! We felt directly that we were partially sheltered, and stood by the anchor, for we were drifting right upon the shore; it was accordingly let go, and held, checking her way for a moment, and nearly taking her under water. A heavy sea broke over us, and I fancied we were lifted over a rock, for I was quite sensible of a shock, which a person who has once been aground cannot easily mistake; the cable flew out of the hawse, and the anchor again brought us on our beam-ends; the water was up to the combings of the hatchways, but she rose very slowly; we were within 30 yards of the rocks, and em- bayed; the cable had checked her considerably, and we slowly drifted toward the shore, captain Elliot conning her. The cable running out, she struck about 15 or 20 yards from the precipitous coast, the next sea lifted her so that she bilged, and filled instantly, with her starboard bow touching a detached rock, and receding with the sea. Several people jumped overboard, others got on the rocks on the starboard bow, and threw themselves down to prevent being washed off by the surf, which now swept the vessel, and threatened her with almost instant annihilation. Great danger was apprehended from the fall of the mast, which would have come upon those who were on the rock. One of the boys swam over, and a rope being thrown him, he made it fast to the shore, and it was passed round a portion of our rock of refuge, by which means all hands got safely on shore. Captain Elliot and two of the men were washed off the rock, but fortunately succeeded in reaching the land, though much exhausted.

There we stood,-out of all danger from the violence of the tempest,-and saw the gradual destruction of the gallant little vessel which had borne us along so well, through a storm hardly to be surpassed in violence, and through perils which men doubtless sometimes witness but seldom live to recount; and I do not believe there was a man amongst our number, 23 in all, who (thoughtless though sailors be) did not offer up a fervent prayer of thanksgiving to God, who had so signally vouchsafed to stretch forth his hand and save us.

Two or three of the men now went up the hill to look at the surrounding country, but nothing was seen of any human habitation; they returned and reported accordingly. About half past five, the tide had fallen so that we went down to the wreck to endeavor to save a small quantity of provisions, and to get some blankets and cloth clothing to shelter ourselves against the inclemency of the weather. We succeeded in procuring both, but not in such quantities as we could have wished; and, as the vessel was going to pieces, it was not safe to make a very long stay on board. We got, besides a sail, or part of one, a tarpaulin, and 8 bottles of gin, a small portion of which was instantly served out to all hands, upon which with a small piece of raw beef or pork, we made our first meal after nearly 24 hours' fasting.

As many as could get them, put on cloth under thin trowsers, and those who had flannel waistcoats were fortunate. We then began to make