THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
/'
THE
OCEAN MONARCH
A POETIC NARRATIVE,
With au Original and Autlientic Account, in Prose,
OF THE
LOSS OF THIS ILL-FATED VESSEL.
The Proceeds of the Sale will be devoted to
THE BENEFIT OF THE SURVIVIXG SUFFERERS.
BY JAMES HENKY LEGG.
LIVERPOOL:
DEIGHTON AND LAUGHTON.
LONDON:
SMITH, ELDER AND CO.
1848.
TO
HER MOST G E A C I U S MAJESTY
THE QUEEN,
TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS
PRINCE ALBEKT,
AND
TO THE GENEROUS SUBSCRIBERS
TO THE FUND FOR THE RELIEF OF THE
SURVIVING SUFFERERS
BY THE LOSS OF THE OCEAN MONARCH,
This Work is respectfully Inscribed by
THE AUTHOR.
OCTOBEB, IWS.
865877
PREFACE.
This is my first venture : like a frail barque
which is newly launched, alone I leave the shores of
Eetirement that have sheltered me, and abroad, o'er the
waters that have no path, I sail to the deep ocean of
public opinion.
My boldness had not so far tempted me, had not I
found a guide ; my pilot is the hand of Charity — my
haven the good feeling of the world : the winds that
may impel this to success or doom it to destruction, are
the kindly welcome or the bitter censure, with the as
fatal calm of neglect; and my freight is consigned to
those who have been the sufferers by the dreadful visit-
ation which I have made the subject of my narrative.
Thus, then, on the broad stream I glide, away to the
unknown and unfathomable depths of that ocean I
steer : asking for a welcome, thus I pass, and to tlie
judgment of the growing world commit my offering and
my shallop's fate.
THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Upon the broad Atlantic's sui'ging breast,
Heaves the dark wave ; — the -wide-wing'd albatross
Skims o'er the ocean with its spreading wing,
Or parts the brine to seek its scalj^ food ;
The white sea-gull, wet with the dasbing spray.
With sno^\7 plumage, gleams in the mid-day sun,
Or sleeping rests upon the waters. — Lo !
Gliding along, see the light canvass sails.
On taper masts, bear the swift speeding barque
On to its home ; or, smoothly fleeting by.
With fastly turning wheels and smoky clouds
Puffing in air, with vitals wrought of steel,
Whose motive power, as she breasts the wave.
Piercing the billow, makes the huge machine
B
10 THE OCKAN MoNAItCH.
To vibrate with its strength, :unl her largo frame
To quiver there ; — on, on the bouudmg sea
With the white vapour and tlie blacker cloud
Trailing behind, like to a sei*pent's tail,
"Which disappears in air, — while the wild waves
Heave in their toil, and fall, and rise again,
And bear them onwiird : — where ? — to the far shores
That limit the expanse of Ocean vast,
Do wander they ; — on, to the far, far west,
Where giant rivers feed each liquid breast ; —
To the wild north, where icy mountains bind
Their limbs in wintry chains ; the south pole too,
^^^lere it is lost in regions of the snow ;
Then to the shores that eastward he, though yet
Far, far removed from tropic suns, and breath
Of dread malai'ia ; to Europe's coast,
By gulf and sea and bay, and naiTow strait.
To creek and harbour, do the wild waves roam ;
Lo ! see them now enwrap the Briton's home.
Fair Albion's isle we view : her white cliffs seen
Above the dashing foam, and waters gleam.
As roll the billows at her feet, and rise
Her far-famed hills above ; wherein doth smil©
The thousand beauties of her sea-girt Isle
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 11
It is the drooping of the summer time,
""Ere chaug'd the aspect of that changing clime
From sunny skies to winter's scenes ; and there
The bright sun smiles, to view a spot so fair
With fruits and flowers, and harvest crops of gold
Ripe for the knife and sickle ; — tales of old
Speak of the lauds where milk and honey flow ;
To metaphor, where Nature's bounties glow
And charm the wanderer's eye ; but tale or song
Tell not of sweeter scenes than here belong.
Would you view other charms ? Go, climb the steep,
Tread o'er the heather, where the valley deep,
Far, far below, borders the lake or stream
Lit by the brightness of the morn's first beam ;
Inhale the purity of breath that flows
On noble hills — (no living mortal knows
More potent spell, to fire the sluggish stream
Of torpid life, or wake in him the gleam
Of heavenly inspii'ation) — as his gaze
On vast Infinitude doth dwell ; amaze
Strikes the beholder's heart — his soul expands.
And feels he proud, that of all modem lands,
B 3
U THE OCAAN MONARCH.
Noiip claim his liirth-riglit, but the chosen spot
Tliat e'er hath fallen to a Britons lot.
But other scenes than these attract. The lew
Who know her beauties, let them still pursue
The way that leads them to unfathom still
The charms now liidden from their view — we take
Another road : — 'Twas late in summer time
'Ere the red sun had dipped behind the heights
That bound the western line of England's shore ;
1 n a large town, a sea port on that coast,
Were crowds of beings, thousands who did live
Amidst its smoke and with its din of wheels :
And others too, who for a short time there
Rested, 'ere they departed on the roads
That changing Fate had made them. In this town,
AVith busy hands, and heads with lab'ring thought,
And toiling limbs, had gathered to a mass
Huge buildings, halls and churches, warehouses
And stores, and things of need for bartering,
And built them places, where the countless barques
Throng in their berths, and, like to close-set trees,
Masts upon masts are seen ; ships that now float.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 13
Resting awhile from lands, far, far remote
From this now busy scene ; barges are there
Hea\-ily laden, at the river's mouth,
Or swing upon the stream at anchor, while
They wait the serving of the tide. See, see
Teams of strong horses, each with heavy load.
Following after ; — carters' shouts, and cries
Of every kind are heard, wliile too, are seen
The sailors of all nations ; laughter rings
With the loud echo of some seaman's song —
The grating of the cranes — the tread of feet ;
All noise and work, and tokens of the place
That traffic favours and where fortunes grow.
Quick through the streets, the rattling cars brush by
The carriage of the millionaire, whose greys
Amble more slowly at the ladies' wish ;
The noisy omnibus with three-horse team,
Draggmg its cumbrous burthen o'er the way.
To the harsh braying of conductor's horn.
See, footpaths crowded with the men who seek
Their Eldorado in a place like this ;
]\Ierchants and servitors, clerks, porters, boys.
All upon business bent — clamour and noise
Drowning the voice. See shops and offices
J4 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Eearing their heads on high, whose depths are lost
Jn unknown nooks and comers, where they liide
l-'rom all but straggling gleams of summer days ;
And mouldy smells and dust, and papers black
With smoke and age, old files, aiid almanacks
Telling of by-gone years, whose ghosts seem there
The only tenants ;. but some older man
More time-worn still, or antithesis seen
I n a young forward imp, whose wit appears
I3ent to the task of using on his face
His master's ink intended but for paper.
But wend we through the streets ; a stranger here
Would wonder whence the human tide doth come
And where it flows. See lounging foreigners
With ripe Havannahs or the prized cheroot,
Indulging in the weed, while thus they view
In fashionable walks the fashions too,
As parodied in strutting dandies trim.
And unshav'd human bear, when all but him
Dislike tlie sight of hair upon the chin ;
There too, on errands bent, the ladies' feet
At inten-als now grace the -gayer street,
And to fill up the picture, in the mode
To ape their betters, tliose of the buona role.
THE OCEAN MONAKCH. 15
But svauder -we no more among these tilings
That e'en too light, perchance, our fancy brings.
We turn to graver subjects, for the light
Of growing eve, now tells us 'tis the time
Of parting — parting ? — Yes, 'ere coming night
Shall cast its shadow o'er the busy mart,
Friends from dear friends, from home from kindred part,
And listen they, as, hark ! the church bells cliime
Each passing hour, that tells them it is gone.
If not for ever, yet it must be long
'Ere it their ears shall greet again ; but whom ?
And what are they ? The answer very soon
Is told. A ship, none stouter or more fit
To battle with the waves, or bear her freight
To distant shores, had ready now been made
To bear men, women, children, from this land
Across the wide Atlantic, to the West,
The far fam'd West, to make another home
And find another country ; she was named,
(None fitter for her than the one she bore,)
The Ocean Monarch. And her burthen, they
Who bade adieu unto their friends. Ah ! sad
Indeed that long farewell : though many there
Were poor, yet few were friendless : and though low
16 THE OCKAN MONARCH.
Perhaps, and ignoraut the number, yet
Such times as these, awaken in the heart —
Ah ! even plebian — emotions that
Though foreign to the habit, are inborn.
And hve and spring at such strong calls on them.
As readily as in patrician's breast ;
Wliat moital hand shall dare to separate
Man from his fellow — say, " this feeling pure
Sprung from the noble blood, could never live
In the poor peasant's bosom ?" None, I say
The heart can purest feel that Sorrow knows.
When harden'd not by Time nor selfish woes ;
He keener feels the pain, when Penury
Ilath with its sister Want, wrought tight the chain
That linketh kindred with the memories
Of Suffering, when the cold world hath made
True friends more precious ; when the parting near.
He finds but few of them, alas ! are left
To part with now ; but those of all bereft.
He who doth part with none, ah I bitterly
He views emotion in tlieii' bosoms there
Of those who part with many, those with few,
And thinks 'twere sweet to have one sad Adieu
Whispered to him — who seems without a friend.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 17
Ob ! for one word of kindness, one soft -word,
Or sigh, or tear, to ease his wounded soul ;
The charm of sympathy, even in pain.
From some he might have lov'd, but absent now,
Untrue perchance, or silent — for the Grave
Yieldeth no voice — the eyelids droop with tears
Wrung by the desolate scene, for such can tell
Who thus have felt, the heart's sad, bitter swell :
'Tis sad to breathe, more sad to hear Farewell !
It is whispered there
With many a pray'r,
By parent, by child, and by lover breath'd, where
The voice is scarce heard, for the heart rings a knell
Over memories past, at that word of Farewell ;
And they droop to their grave,
While over them wave
The Cyprus and yew trees of Grief,
That grow in the heart, where relief
Is not foimd,
But around
Spring the tenderest thoughts, that had ne'er been before
Awaken'd to Life, and their gentleness o'er
18 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Those mem'ries of friends, now felt to he dear,
Ah I how dear in the parting, when nothing will rheer,
For around them doth cling
Each thrilling heart-string ;
They tmne and they wreathe there, as though that to part
\N'oald rifle the bosom of all. Oh ! the heart
Knows tnily and well
"What sadness doth dwell
In a long Farewell.
At last it came — the parting — it is past,
They all are now on board, for evening lied
Now darkens into night ; see yon bright star
Looks from the purple heavens : twilight sinks
Slow o'er the disitant hills ; — to bed, to bed.
The ship sails on the morrow : sleep and dream
oil I traveller, 'ere yet ye see no more
Thy country's shores : for dreams are precious things
"With all their pains and pleasures. Fancy brings
Scenes that are brighter than Reality :
She pictures that as ours which love we most,
So yielding us the sweets of the possession,
Which find we ever to be purer too
Than sullied pleasures that the world can give.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 19
Sleep theu, and dream : oh ! -weary may ye be
'Ere ye yom' goal may reach : let the time flee
In bright and pleasant dreams, to-morrow's smi
Shall view thee far away, 'ere day be done.
'Tis midnight,
And moonliglit
Looks palely below,
'Neath the thin fleecy clouds
Now unveiling their snow,
'Ere their shrouds
Encase them in darkness again ;
From the night they glide
By the pale moon's side.
Are seen, and then are no more.
In the distant air,
On the palest beam.
Spirits are there.
With a mortal's dream
From the earth to the sky,
It wanders on high,
20 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Ami its road is the moonlight's path
That gleameth to earth :
Tis an old man's dream,
He is one of the wanderers' band,
Who seek them tlie land
Of tlie West, and his thoughts are of old.
When a youth he had been,
As he danced on the green
With the fairest maiden, the village queen.
He is young in his thoughts, and the blood springs free
As the heel o'er the sward ; there are somids of glee,
And music and mirth are around him :
Soft glances are there from the maid of his heart.
His thoughts are as tender as love could impart,
He breathes her the vow
To be tender and true,
And whispers her now
The tale she well knew :
And the time of his youth acted over again.
So dreamed he, the spirits were there,
And they floated it on to its rest.
Where they dwell in fathomless air :
Then turned again
■^o^
THE OCEAN MONABCH. 21
O er the pale ray gliding swiftly there flew
Shadows aud shades, and things that are new,
And varied and anxious, the scenes that there
Floated aloft, where the spirits were :
'Twas the dreaming of Manhood in sleep.
While heavily sunk in his rest,
With breathing so deep,
As he rov'd in his slumbers : the West
Was the liaven where Fortune he sought
To raise him the bread
For his children — and led
By Anxiety, Sorrow, and Care,
For Misfortune had driven him there ;
His bed
Was curtain 'd around by the shade
That their burthens had made,
And his sleep
Was full of the trial and strife
That had sadden'd his mid-day of life :
Alas ! deep
Was the struggle that woke in him now,
As seen on the beam,
Was the man's sad dream.
'2-2 THE OCKAN MONARCH.
And the spirits aloft in the air,
As tliey saw his soul labouring there,
With a tenderness sweet
Breath 'd on his sleep,
And drove the harsh phantoms away;
While the dream to its rest
Floated on.
Hush ! the Spirits ai-e bending
From where the clear light
In moonshine descending,
Is clearest and bright.
Their white forms are gliding
Tenderly where,
On the purest beam riding,
A mother s soft prayer
I'loats on to its rest, with the purest and best ;
'Tis woke for the child, now asleep on her breast.
And breath "d in her dream :
She is wending her way through sorrow and danger,
And trouble is marked on her brow :
Her hands are outspread
O'er the little one's head.
She cries to her God in the laud of the stranger;
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 23
Oh ! if heard the Avords dow,
They were piercing and wHd,
For she prays to the angels to guard her poor chikl.
And sadly the spirits look'd down as they heard
That young mother s ciy, each soft plaintive word
As whispered to air, they caught 'ere it died
And bore to its home ; the sweet spirits sigh'd
At the trouble and woe
That made her now weep,
But o'er her pillow.
They breath'd on her sleep :
And happy, thrice happy the scenes that awoke
On the dream of the mother : in gentleness broke
Sweet music, ne'er heard upon earth e'er before.
And voices unlike to what life ever bore,
While she with her child seem'd to float on the air,
Where but now she had sent to the skies her sad pray"r ;
The mother was happy, the Spirits then smiled,
And left her thus dreaming in peace with her child :
While the vision stole on, on the moon's peaceful light'
To dwell in its home with the purest and bright.
24 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Tlieii turn'd ihey to watch, where gleaming in air,
Came rushing quick thouglits of things that are fair
Blent with shadows of darkness, and then
A pause ; then fleet shades that chas'd o'er the track,
Wliile faster came others, to press at its back :
Some lurid with flame, some pure as the light
Of the road they trod — some dark, some bright.
All nishing in eagerness by :
Now home by the whirlwind —
Cast high by the storm ;
Now soft as the murmur
On limpid waves borne ;
Now sw'eet as the wliisper
Of beautiful maid ;
Now fierce as the clamour
That tempests have made :
With the flashing of flame.
The gleaming of steel,
'Mong the shadows now came ;
While giddily reel
The throng on their way,
Like the smoke that is tost
On the wliirlwind, then lost.
Nor an instant doth stay :
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 25
Now sudden they vauisliing fly,
Nought is seen but a haze rushing by,
'Till sweetly the sound of soft harmonies stealing
Like tales from a lover, his secret revealing,
With notes of a lute, that floweth along,
While air is enchanted by music and song :
A maiden trips lightly through many a scene.
And sweet spells are growing where terror has been.
Then hark! — hear the trumpet, the clamour of war —
Away and away — and roaming afar.
Adieu to the visions of love and delight :
The cry is to arms, like the breaking of light
Of an eastern morn, the scene is now changing,
Away, and away over battle-fields ranging :
The halt — then the charge — the struggle — then death,
While the dreamer in sleep lies panting for breath:
Then away on the moonbeam, the shadows glide
Where the youth in his dream, o'er the sea doth ride
Far, far away from the home of his birth,
Where Fancy pourtrays a spot fairest on earth ;
He goeth to win, quick, (|uiok in his clasp,
Wealth, honour, and fame, all that mortals would grasp
Now fast o'er the dreamer flow —
Would they would stay:
B
26 THE OCEAN MONAKCH.
But no!
Away, away,
Youth ever is cluuiging,
O'er hill uirI vale ranging ;
And so the youth's dream fleeteth by
Like the image of things
That happiness brings.
Which is sought,
But 'ere caught.
Glides away from our grasp, wliile we sigh.
And the Spirits look'd on, Avhile the dream at their feet
They smiled to see :
They knew that the dreaming of youtli is more sweet
Than its waking can be.
So that dream with the others ilew on to its home,
'Till moon-beam was shadow 'd — the Spirits have flown
With its gleaming ;
But the mortals are there,
And still dreaming
Of scenes that are fair.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 27
Awake, awake, 'tis morning calls thee now :
The sun hath risen, see the bright light streams
Full through the hatchway ; wake, awake thee now^,
Sleeper: arise, thy morning orisons
Call thee now forth : the changes of the dream
Have vanish'd from thy pillow, wherefore sleep,
In dull unconsciousness, dost envy that
Long silent one, that only shall be spent
When clay shall be but dust, and thou be called
To answer for the deeds thy Life hath seen :
Awake, awake, the fleet time passeth by :
Thine eyelids still are closed — Oh ! mortal man,
What precious moments dost thou cast away
In torpid sleep, when lo ! how short the span !
Thou know'st the limit of the longest Life,
And what dread accidents may interpose
To make it still more brief? — Thus we sleep on,
Nor heed, nor care, how the quick moments fly.
As do the wanderers, when mom is breaking.
Lo ! o'er the eastern liills, see the broad streaks
Of golden sunshine streams, lighting the earth
With radiance and with warmth : he looks upon
c 2
•»S THE OCEAN MONARCH.
The siiow-wreatli'd inountaius, and lie dippeUi doAvn
In tlie low valleys, where flow silver Ktreanis.
Treading upon the mantle of the night,
Whose latest sombre folds, sweep o'er the plain.
Half rescued from their darkness, and appear
In the bright varj-ing hues of purple mom.
The light comes stealing o'er the balmy earth,
And looks, where bending low, the (lowers droop
In their young Life of Love, and hang their heads,
J3reathing each other's fragrance, while around,
Flows tlie sweet odour on the rifling breeze ;
On their sweet bosoms hsuigs the diamond dew.
Sparkling amid the light, whose sunshine drinks
^Vith kisses from the rnp the burthen there.
Hark ! to the boatswain's call, lieavily tramp
Feet o'er the thick-strewn deck : the gallant ship.
The Ocean Monarch, is unmoor 'd : as far
0"er the bi'oad river, float the mellow notes
Of mariners who labour at the wheel.
And handspike ply. Thronging to the deck.
Men, women, children all, impeding e'en
The sailoi-s in their work ; huge ropes lie coil'd
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 39
'Mid cables on the deck : spars, boats, and things
Now used, then thrown aside ; the steamer there,
Puffing its smoky volumes, now with wheels
Straining and dashing in the brine, moves on,
While stately followdug, the ship she tows.
Upon the banks, a few who early rise
And tempted by the morn, or some, perhaps.
Anxious to catch a parting look of her
That bears some dear one from them, standing there
They watch'd her, as she bore her silently
And slowly from the shore ; on board too, they
Might fency they espied, upon the land,
Some tender one, sending again his wish
Of kind solicitude, as waves the hand
Or the white kerchief; but the ship floats on,
While scarce a word doth pass upon the deck,
All thinldng of their now deserted homes.
So pass'd she further, while above, the sun
Rose higher in the heavens, still she went
Upon the track, led by her labouring guide,
Till busy town grew distant, where might now,
Watching her turn the last projecting point.
Be seen some patient one, when all were gone :
Hull, masts, spars, rigging, faded from the view.
30 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Who as bo tuni'd awiiy, the thoughts that grew,
lirought the sad sigh, " Another last adieu,"
While from the heart, that swell'd with his emotion.
Was heard, " God speed the Monarch of the Ocean.'
The day is growing, and the bright sun shines
With clear and mellow ray : the shore recedes.
And stretching far and wide, the heaving sea
Now looraeth : still the pilot's hand doth steer
The heavy-laden Ocean Monarch where
The steamer leads her forth ; still toiling on.
She nears the point when she shall cease to sway
The motion of the barque. The wanderers
Now busy turn them to their goods and wares ;
Boxes and bags are thrust aside, to clear
The lumber off the decks ; the sailors, now
Busy with coming labour, with the ropes
And sails are now intent : the steady heave
Of the huge mass, betokens that she feels
The efforts of the wave that rolleth by.
Now qualmish grows the landsman, and the scent
Of free sea breezes, roaming o'er the deep.
Brace the strong nerves of mariners, whose cheeks
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 31
Turu to their native red, while bright each eye
<ilows with- the ardour that their tasks employ.
Those less accustom'd to the swell of wave
Oer wliich they rise and fall, grow pale and feel
As few remember not, that have thus known
The homage that is paid to Neptune's throne
Wlien first they tread on his dominion ;
Some seek their berths, others more hardy made.
Linger them round, while busy hands are plying
The ready halliards : on the masts now rise
The spreading sails, the ample yards are braced ;
To the fi-esli breeze her snowy wings are flying ;
Mizen and main, and topsails are now set
With the fore stay sail, filling with the rush
Of welcome Boreas ; bow lines, sheets and clues
All taut and fast, and from his post descends
The sailor by the mast- supporting shrouds.
Filled with the wind, the bellying sail now wakes
The gallant craft to motion : see, she feels
The impulse on her course, away, away.
No smoky, vapouring monster, needs she now
To make her way upon the seas broad back ;
The attaching ropes are haul'd, and parting from
The pilot steamer, that returneth home,
32 THE OCEAN MONARCIF.
Tl>e good ship lifts her sprit into tlio air,
As though disdaining now the useful help •
That late had led her. High o'er the crested wmtc
She lifts her nohle front, while see aloft
She reai-s her figure head, as racers do
'Ere from the lists they run, pawing the ground
As eager for the strife : so bravely on,
The Ocean Moxarcii lifts o'er the billowy seas.
Dashing the spray and the impeding flow
Of the rebellious waves from 'neath her b<>ws.
Bending and rising with each heave and fall
Majestic as itself; nought else besides
So nobly as the Ocean Monarch rides,
Shaking the dew-drops from her plumage white.
Now starts she onward with the lav ring breeze.
Leaving behind her, see, returning back.
Her sombre pilot, like a bird tliat flies
Clipt of its wings, of beauty thus deprived.
She makes her way unto the port again.
Unlike the craft that breasts the surging main,
\^^lose plumes are perfect ; onward on her course
She holds: the mariners are bent jigain
Stowing in compass small, tlie things they need.
Through the strong cordage whistles now the -wind
THE OCEAN MONARCH. ;j.T
lu pleasant murmurs, and the ropes ai'e strain'd
With the propelling power : on, on, on !
No sea bird brighter or more beautiful
Than tlie brave ship, as fast recedes the land
That late she near'd : away, away, away !
She Hies upon her course : hold she thus on.
And wanderers, ye shall soon that distant land
Behold. The old man totters to the side.
Not yet accustom'd to the billows' roll :
The strong man strides upon the deck and views
The wide, wide sea before him : and there too,
The pale young mother, with her anxious looks,
Holding her infant still : the eager youth.
With his bright eye, excited gazes on
Where all are bending — on the distant line
That marks the horizon — through their frames now
A gleam of pleasure flits, for the sun smiles.
The ocean glances in his ray, and sports
In thousand spangling points, and brilliantly
Dances upon the wave that sweepeth by.
The ship heaves gallantly — the fresh breeze too,
All cheering, bright, and joyous — tlieir lone hearts
Thrill with sweet pleasure, and they tuna to each
Who stand beside, to mark how pleasantly
34 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
She bears aloug : it is the first bright gleam
Of moruing's dawn of pleasure they had known
Upon their journey, and how sweet it is
Wlien riowing where but grief had been before :
Thirst to the parch'd, balm to the wounded sore,
Food to the Imngry, were scarce half so dear
As this first sunny ray. Oh I may it be
Of long continuance, and chase away
The living sorrow that had weigh 'd their hearts.
Live thee, oh ! beam, that dost in kindness shed
Thy ray o'er earthly son'ows, gilding there
The cold and barren walls of Circumstance
With tliine all-smiling light ; o'er the woni face
Oi aged man, — of father, — mother, — child.
Pour thy soft radiance, and brighten them,
For they are wanderers : that name should win
Kindness from all. Let then, oh ! gentle beam
Thy tender warmtb, that now hath enter'd there
In tlie sad heart, live till its heat doth spread
Its genial softness round, and while tlie ship.
The Ocean Monarch, with ker freight rides on,
And sunny light floodeth the spreading main.
Blow fav'ring breezes, though the wave be high,
When gi-ief worn hearts are light. The sea, the sky,
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 35
The liarciue, the rolling wave, the boatswain's cry.
All, all bring pleasant sights and sounds to air,
If lives the buoyant spirit witli them there.
Hist, oh ! hist,
Yoices I hear.
Breathing a pray'r ;
List, oh ! list.
'Tis not from a mortal borne to the sky,
Nor floated from earth to the regions on high :
Nor voice, nor word.
Hath a mortal heard.
AMiat be they ? — who breathe it then now ?
It was but the echo I caught :
I heard, but my eye vieweth nought
Whence it comes ^vith its murmurs so low :
But it hovereth round
O'er the Ocean Queen,
To the far West bound :
Aloft, where is seen
The streamer that waves from the head of the mast.
It seems to be there,
And sounds like a pray'r
nn THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Oer the ship and tbe wanderers — hush I — it is post.
And the whistling wind
Is all left behind,
But the dashing of waves into spray.
What betokens that prayer ? Lo ! the day
Hath not ripen'd to noon. Is it fear
That maketh me cold ? What is near ?
Is it peril or danger,
Or woe to the stranger
That roameth abroad
O'er the pathless road ?
With the MoNAUCH of Ocean to bear hiui.
W^hat feai's shall assail.
Of tempest or gale,
With hearts none more true than are near him.
I heard it with trembling.
And horror and fear
My bosom o'erwhelming.
While hovering there.
Alas ! and alas ! what doom shall befall,
That my spirit is faint ? Wliat spell doth enthrall
My soul, tlmt is stricken? Oh! woe, woe. woe,
'Mid the sunshine and brightness, appeareth to flow
A whisper of this : the skies are still bright :
THE OCEAN MONARCH.
No frown in the heavens, no mists dim the light.
No darkness is near ; -what peril, say then,
Can menace the ship or the wanderers '? Can
The doom be foretold
Of peril or ill,
When the barque is so bold,
As she beareth her still ?
They heard not the whisper, that smile on her deck.
I Or the thrill of the echo : but little they reck
How time speedeth on, or what destiny ripens
While swift sails the ship, and the sunshine still brightens :
But sad is the doom that my bodings foretell,
And the fate of the Monarch that now reigns so well.
Float onward, float on, oh ! thou Queen of the sea.
And false may the shadow of ill prove to thee,
Though vague is its burthen : and tho^e who now sail
With thee o'er the deep, may they ne'er read a tale
More bitter or sad, than that they have known,
Or the burthen that fast with the sea breeze hath flown.
Oh ! wand'rers, sail on, wiiile beameth the ray
Of light in your hearts : oh ! smile while ye may,
38 Tin: OCKAN MONARCH.
There is woe on the breath of the favouring wind
'J'hat cheereth thee now, for sailing behind
Comes the fate that now nears thee. ( )n\vai-d. >ail on :
And may St thou he safe till the shadow is gone,
]\Iay it leave not its trace where the beamiiig tloth dwell !
Sail ye on, sail ye on, and may God speed ye well I
END OF CANTO I.
CANTO 11.
'Tis noon, the Ocean Mokaech o'er the waves,
Rides proudly there : once upon each tack.
Had she flown swiftly on ; now turned they
The sailors to their work, to change again ;
While thus preparing, there were busy sounds
In the huge ship ; the passengers below,
Some in the cabins reading, talking light
Or lounging at their ease ; in the fore part
Where poorer classes were, some in their berths
Had lain them do^^-n, affected by the roll
Of ship upon the swell; some busy were
With trunks and luggage; others, hungry too,
Were satisfying nature's cravings ; all
Busy with novel scenes, some upon deck
•iO THE OCKAN MONARCH.
Measiir'il the quarter with tlieir footsteps, wliile
Tliere might be seen some strong and stalwart frame
Of ripened manhood 'gainst the bulwark leaning
^Mai'king the motion of the vessel as
The waves rolled swiftly by : now gazing uj)
To the blue heavens, then across the sea
Viewing the sea bird, skimming on its way:
While his own head, is shelter'd from the sun
By a huge slouching hat : he sees afar
The land receding, or in reverie
Lists to the wind, hearing but heeding not
The rattling cordage or the duller creak.
Of straining things that varied with the sound
Of distant voices, or more near, some words
Briefly address'd by the ship's officer.
Feeling the steady breeze each moment grow.
As with the motion of the heaving wave
The vessel rose and fell : thus stole the noon
Upon them as they flew, but listen — say
What brings the steward here ? What sounds are these
He breathes unto the master : see doth rise
The captain at the words I AVhy hurries he
So «iuickly down the gangway ? Hark I a voice !
What is that crv ? — Unto the after cabin
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 41
Passes lie now. Lo ! there are steps and feet
Pressing in haste ! Quick, quick — and round and round,
Circling about the spot, a whisper ran
Like to the rings made by a plunging stone
Into the water, that each instant grows
And multiplies itself. The mate before
Attending to the worldng of the ship,
Heareth the whisper : hastily he leaves
The fore part where he stood, brushes him by
With his large frame, till through the hatchway he
Plung'd and was lost. Hark, there are voices still
That louder grow, and sounds of labour, with
The noise of things thrown down ! What is it there ?
In a blue wreath, seen curling in the air,
Winding around above the gangway's mouth —
Blow winds and brush it off! — see the mate comes
Again in view, and hands are plying now
Boring the deck. What haste is seen in that
Which nerves the arm ! Quicker and quicker spread
The circles round, and there are terror's looks
As only that can give, when the dread thing
Creeps slowly on the sense, which seems to sleep,
Refusing to imbibe the thought of fear.
First one then others came, till round there drew
42 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Some frighted faces, that did seek to learn
Wliat was the danger ; or if any tliere —
Nought answer 'd them hut the excited eye
That roUd around, the hurry with the (juick
And hasty movements, and the efforts made
Scarce know they for what purpose : but the time
Flew quick as lightning ; a few minutes liad
liut now elapsed, when they were lab 'ring there
With leatheni buckets, ah ! and water too,
Deluging holes that they had made. Ran round
A low faint murmur, swelling as it flew ;
For now had gather'd round the vessel's crew
And many passengers. Alarm seem'd growing
Kapidly there, as in each other's cheeks
They saw an echo of the thought, and so
They turned from each to each, seeing in all
The same, same marks — the pallor as of death —
That magnified the sense of danger, 'till
Each haggard face and wildly speaking eye
Woke in beholders, greater agony
As long as gazed they. Stay, stay — see the smoke
In volumes dense ascend — back falls the crowd I
Water ! — oh. water ! 'tis too late — the mate
Turns with a sickening heart : denser still
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 43
The choking clouds, rush to the purer air
And with it, ah ! a searching, diy, hot hreatli,
Like that of volcanoes, without the smell
Of that they bear of sulphur : then a burst
Of intense heat : the helm jamm'd up, the ship
Swings round : but lo, that effort now has fail'd !
Hark ! now is heard the heavy sounding call
To let the anchors go — the scorching air
Hath driven too the helmsman from his post —
Swift through the waters cleave the iron things,
And soon the ship rides 'neath their fetters there :
The winds blow freshly, but they clear them not
The vessel of that cloud, which steadily
And endless pours its burthen forth, with heat
Growing intense. The passengers now Hy,
But whither ? On their track steadily rolls
The dense white cloud, nor turn they there to see
The lurid shadow that rush'd forth, then seen
No more — again it comes, the hot breath too.
They feel its power, as they turn to gaze
From the fore part. — Oh ! say, why, why that shriek ?
Again, again — and now a hundred tongues
Open on that same cry, as spell-bound they
Gaze to the aft where through the thicker smoke
D 2
4i THE OCKAN MONARCH.
Darling now here, now tliere, the li(iiiid Haraes
Euvelo[)e all the stem.— Oh ! wild they shriek—
And sliriek again, one word alone ruigs higher
Over all sounds—" Good God ! the SUip a on Fire '."
As unseen there rolleth
In Earth's deepest caves.
The waters whence floweth
The food for the waves ;
As they wander in night
With nought to behold them.
Thus shunning the light
In the caverns that hold tliem.
They hide and they creep, and they grow,
And gather them more as they go.
And greedily licking the things that bear
A semblance to them tliat are straying tliere.
Tliey covet them all
And seek then for more,
'Till the cavern's strong wall
lie-echoes their roar.
When their sm-ges with fury are lashing,
Then boiling and hissing with anger they break
From their caves, and vent for their rage they seek,
Rushing in spouts, in cataracts dashing,
THE OCEAN MONARCH. «i
"MiJ whirlpool aud foam rushing on.
So the waves of the fire
That kindled below,
Grew higher and higher
As torrents that flow
In the pent up space, crawling and creeping
On all they can take to themselves, as upon
The wood of the pine and the fir tree leaping,
Yet silent and darkly their secret keeping
They fed the fierce flame
That rush'd to and fro :
Too strong it became
To keep it below ;
For its bosom now swelled with its strength.
It rose and it fell, 'till at length.
Like the torrent that biursts from its dam,
In a deluge the liquid waves ran
Thro' the stem of the barque.
While smoke, flame and spark.
Grew higher and higher ;
For fierce flies the fire
With a thousand tongues, and shouting its name
Run hither and thither, pursued by the flame.
ItJ THE OCEAN MONARCH
The fugitives there :
And fire — fire —
RiufTs through the air :
( >h ! woeful and dire
The echoes became.
Hurrying, hurrying, licre and now there,
Some swoouiug, some swearing, others in prayer.
Men shouting with teiTor, and women with friglit
Hush wildly below : and oh ! feai*ful sight,
Snatching their babes, to the bulwarks they strain,
And 'ere hand be lifted they plunge in the main.
All order is lost, and heard is no sound
But wailing and shrieks : all voices are drown 'd
In the din and the clamour. The Captain is there,
Wlio utters commands that are lost in the air.
No words can be heard — but confusion and woe,
And sci-eaming and shouts, as they rush to and fro
Each against each : and children thrown down
Are trampled unheeded upon : to the gown
Of their mothers some cling ; but ah ! they too fall-
While men tread the heap, or add more to them all
Wild rings the shrill screech, half stifled the moan
Breaks forth from the pile, yet still fiercer grown
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 47
More blindly they rush where uo help can be had :
And, all with their terror, gone mad — gone mad —
Wliile brightly the flame leapeth higher and higher,
No echo is heard but of Fire — still, Fire !
Above and below,
The flame to and fro
Leapeth along,
With forked tongues darting,
Searching among
The wooden beams parting.
Brighter and bright
Gleameth the light.
The frame-work enwrapping
Swift in their race.
Like blood-hounds when lapping
The gore of the chase.
And shi-ieks with the cry,
On the wild breeze fly,
With the flame still higher,
'Tis Fire— still. Fire !
48 THE OCEAN MONAUCH.
The whispers aloft, whose echoes were beudin^'
Aroiiiul the tall masts, now are read : thej were sendhig
A prayer
Thro' the air
To the regions of sky :
While it wan der'd on high,
The breeze that was gliding
Hath grown to a gale,
O'er Ocean's waves striding
With woe and with wail ;
For swift on its track,
llode Fate at its back.
The doom hath o'ertaken
The MoNAUcu of Ocean :
By guardians forsaken.
With deep surging motion
She rises and falls on the sea.
While the flames rush higher and higher :
They have her — she cannot get free :
She is Monarch of Ocean — not Fire !
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 40
Bravely oer the billow still there rides
The Ocean Monaech, at her anchors swung :
But, too, the fire gains ground : see the quick flames
Half unto her tops, o'er mast, deck, cabin,
Piush in their fur)' : they envelope now
The whole of the ship's stern : the fugitives,
Crowding and crushing, gather at the fore
To 'scape the dreaded element ; two boats
Are lower'd now, the others, 'ere the bands
That held them could be cut, were by the flames
Encircled and enwrapped : the tarred sides
They lick'd with their long tongues as seqjents do
Their victims, 'ere they glut their appetites
And gorge themselves with food ; then, swallowing all
In their o'er-stretching gullets : so they fed
The greedy maws of fire's hundred limbs :
A drea<-l prolific hydra, that doth make
A thousand monster heads to rear their crests
E'en from a single body ; ah ! a mite
Of twinkling flame doth grow and multiply
Until too great for chains, whose ravages
The puny hand of man cannot restrain ;
For only by the fierceness of its growth
Is it consumed, as it doth spend itself
50 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Ill rt'oJiii<^ its own fury, and so dies ;
JJut with it all its searing claws have touched.
Two boats alone are laimch'd, and they, but small,
Will hold but few : but see how many there
Are striving for a place ! One sculls away :
The other at the side remains, while fast
She tills witli passengers ; o erloaded now,
But little more will sink her — haste, push off,
"While yet a chance remains that she will live
III tlie tierce surge ; but through the cUn and noise,
The shout, the struggle, and confusion there
Reigning around and in the ship, that vain
Were cry of warning or a voice to save.
The danger grows each instant ; but the mate,
See, plunges o'er the side, and through the sea
With vigorous arm swims to the laden boat —
He ilinibs on board : quickly he cuts the rope —
" Push off" — away, away, and from the ship
O'er the foam tossing billows now they roam,
But \vithout oars to guide them : hats and boots
Are used to bale the water from the boat
That she had shipp'd : with boards, or what they can,
They strive to urge her to the point they wish,
But in the bold endeavour fail, and on
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 51
Tlie rapid tide dotli bear them : all their strength
Is spent to keep her head unto the wave :
So floated they away. The burning ship,
Heaving with the swell, looms in the air
'Mid smoke and flame, and lurid clouds and sparks
Flying aroimd, wliile the heat feels intense,
As with a hundred furnaces that glow
With concentrated fire : human beings
Scorched with its fervour, strive them but the more
To fly its di'ead effects : on the jib-boom
Dozens are lying, while upon their backs,
Otliers are crawling one upon another
With a tenacious hold, like ants that climb
Each upon each in crowds upon a straw.
Over the side of the huge flaming gulf
With the loose booms, the spars, and tackle, all
That might assist to float, had o'er been cast
Into the sea, where many climg to them.
Who thus had trusted to this element
Rather than mito that : the mizen mast
Has fallen — in its way dragging some do-^-n
WTio clung to cords and rigging : now the main
]\Iast totters, groans, and falls with fearful crash.
While with the shock her heavy timbers groan :
0^2 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Ami sparks and llaine leap from tin- madilen'd fires,
Licking the holes their scorching tongues have made,
Crawling upon the boards, that crackling catch
The fatiil life, heard snapping 'mid the roar
( >f the huge burning pile, while o'er and o'er
Witli the dread danger, ring the shrieks and cries :
Heart-rending screams and echoes fill the air :
Some leap into the wave, to end their pain
And searing tortures : — by the hanging lopes,
Loose sails and rigging, o'er the sides some climb ;
Holding precarious life on such a tenure.
That lire above and waters 'neath them llowinj',
With no help near while still the flames are growing.
Most fearfully they gaze, on what may be
'J'hat which shall bear them to Eternity,
Each moment, every instant 'ere it pass
May view the last sand drain 'd within the glass
That illustrates the length and end of all
Of mortid life, that we our Being call.
I!nt ]() ! the topmast that upholds the boom.
On which so many cling, is tott'ring with
The all o'erwhelming heat, the hot boards crack
THE OCEAN MONAECH.
And pitchy seams are openVl — crash ! — there goes
The foremast now — ah ! — following too, I hear
The shriek of mortal woe — yes, the weak boom,
With its o'erloaded weight, hath broken from
Its place and falleth where the waters hiss
And roll, while in their depths the wretches sink,
Seen for an instant on the surface, then
As the wild waves roll by, are view'd no more :
Parents and children, brothers, sisters, all
View their ties smider'd by that dreadful fall ;
While the great number on the verge still rest,
Some on the bowsprit cling, others to ropes,
Some o'er the side, where now large holes are seen
Whence the flames crawl : the cabin windows make
An outlet for their fury, the whole deck,
From fore to aft one living sheet of flame.
The waist, the hold, the side, ships' skin, all there
Feeding the greedy element, whose jaws
Devour with fearful haste : there with the ship
Moaning and cries succeed the tumult now :
More fearful grows the scene — children are clasp'd
Upon their parents' neck in one embrace ;
Who, from the fiery air then drop themselves
With ropes into the surge, to meet the fate.
54 TllK OCEAN MONARCH.
Alas ! less bitter than the woes of life
And torture of the flame. Oh ! the sad soundu
And frightful scenes that now were witness 'd there
Earth hath but seldom seen — may she but bear
Still fewer yet, for the beholders' heart
Is sear'd for life — with that these things iinjiart.
No hand can picture and no tongue can tell,
The fearful things that doomed ship befell.
Ye who may read the tale relating this
Sad, sad catastrophe, may shed a tear
In sympathy o'er perils seldom borne.
And pain and suffering, and may kindly sigh
To think that fellow beings have been cast
And liv'd in scenes so terrible and strange.
Ye mav do tliis and more, for tender hearts
Live in this world in spite of blight or care ;
And be, oh ! soiTowful, as in your minds
The pictures rise your fancies may invoke,
^Vhile they unto reality, were as
Unsimilar in magnitude of woe
As are the sun's bright rays to flickering
Of lamps and lights by human fingers wrought.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 55
Around and around -where the flame fiercely rages,
And dashing its spray o'er the heings it cages,
The sea rougher groweth,
And heaves with its swell
That heavily rolleth.
No mortal can tell
Of the thoughts that were there.
And the tortures they bear
To the wretches now clinging to life :
They battle with doom, and the strife
Groweth fainter and faint
As numbers decrease,
Till the sadder complaint
On the rushing wind flees ;
But the flame gloweth bright.
For higher and higher
Leaps the red light
With the blaze of the fire.
The breeze cometh fresh
As a hoimd from the leash.
•J« THE OCKAN MONAIKII.
And tlie billows are wildly leaping :
They rise and they fall,
And they roam over all,
The breast of the blue ocean sweeping :
And many a sail
Spread to the gale.
Is seen o'er the sparkling sea,
As the ship they urge
Through the foaming surge
To roam o'er the wilderness free.
The crest of the billow
Is lit with the beam
Of the sun ; but its pillow-
Is hid from the gleam :
Though it never doth rest.
Its bed is the breast
Of the wide, wide ocean —
With a labouring motion
That rises and sinks with the swell of the wave,
There are ships that steer for the Monarch, to save
"Wliat beings they may from an ocean grave
Or a funeral pyre. Swift, swiftly, oh ! speed :
Haste, haste, crowd the sails, indeed they have need.
For the fire first sdfen, now hastily growctli,
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 57
Until in their eyes like a fiimace she glowcth ;
Aloft and aloft as the fierce flames ascend,
The mariner fears 'ere arrive he, the end
Of their doom may be wrought: blow breezes, then, blow —
They near her : the boats are all mann'd, yet how slow
Appears each swift barque, to the wishes of all
To the mariner nearing; and they who now call
To their God with deep pray'rs
That the succour may reach them,
And dew'd with their tears,
These their sufferings teach them.
See, see the Affonso hath anchor 'd her near:
Her boats speed along, but their frail forms scarce bear
The shock of the seas, so roughly that break
And roll fiercely by : 'twere dang'rous to seek
To touch them the side of the ship now on fire —
The boats could not live, but drawn they have nigher
Than well might they do, for masts, rigging, about
With remnants of wreck on the heavy sea float.
The Ocean Queen rides near the Monarch, who now
Fast consum'd by the flames, still bears on her bow
E
58 THK OCEAN MONARCH.
Those still living : her seams
Are now opened, in streams
Down her scaltling sides
The blazing pitch gleams,
As the flame with it rides :
But alas ! the poor few, whom shelter Irnve sought
Oji the ropes that hang round, while clinging to aught
That could stay them from deatli:
The poor WTetches there
Unshelter'd beneath
The bmning stream, bear
It as long as endurance (;an make them;
But many
Id wildness unto tlie harsh surges betake them —
If any
J} lit little their chance of escape ; for the lashing
Oi waves, and the timbers 'gainst each other dashing.
With loose ropes and spars, that several before
Who had swam on the wave, now blackened o'er
With heads and limbs gash'd, half sunken — and wild
Eyes gleaming in deatli, were man, woman and child
Half hid by the waters, that threw them about.
As in sport at the mischief : oh I wild was the rout.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 59
And tlie ravage of water,
With shriek and with shout,
And the flame's fearful slaughter :
To those left on the ship they draw nigher and nigher,
While gasp they for life from the wave and the fire.
In one of the boats
That gallantly floats
To the rescue, with oars and with men
Returns the brave mate, who was driven
Away from the side
Of the ship, by the tide :
Where the fire burst forth in its rage.
Now he Cometh again to the cage
Of the burning wreck :
From the scorching deck,
And the bows, the rigging and sprit,
And the ropes and the booms where doth sit,
Or hanging and lying,
In agony crying
For mercy from God, the poor fugitives there,
Who wring their clasp 'd hands, while their lips breathe
a prayer,
£ 2
CO THi; OCKAN MdNAUdf.
He standeth now read}',
Bold, finn and steady,
And taketh them otf one by one :
"Would all others as he had so done
The brave deeds of that day !
Nor stands he alone
Whom such courage hath shewn,
For now many obey
The same impulse of daring, and lend
Their strong energies there, to defend
The poor wretches from fire and wave,
From the burning or deep ocean grave.
All ply eveiy hand
In each gallant band.
In the boats that now throng to the scene ;
Though still danger is rife.
Still hazard they life,
'Mong the surges and wreck, where are seen
The remnants of those
Whom the waters enclose.
To hide the grim death, that hath been
So busy ; — but now
Under the bow
THE OCEAN MONAECH. 61
Of tlie lire ship, rideth a boat,
Spite of danger from timbers that float,
Each instant they rescue the old or the young :
Then laden, return by the cable now swung,
From the wreck of the Monarch of Ocean,
To the gallant Affonso, with motion
Of strong hands well nerv'd, and the strengtli
Of men who have hearts, they at length
With their efforts have won —
Tho' nor yet have they done —
A number of beings from death :
Still toil they — again now beneath
The bows they are lying,
Above them are crying
The remnants that now are but few,
Who fear to descend.
Or to surging waves lend
Their frail hopes, though the sequel they know
Would be death to remain —
For with terror and pain
They tremble, as in the deep wave
Their kindred had found them their grave.
Which their own eyes beheld ;
So in fear they now held
62 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Tlieiii bark from the liazarJuub task.
In vaiu tliey implore, and they ask
The poor people to trust to their skill :
But alas ! the poor wretches, they still
Cling to their hold on the bow —
Trembling with anguish — but now —
"Who more daring than they who are brave —
Strips, to tempt him the strength of the wave
And the thoasand things
That their madness flings,
And dashes about with the foam —
Hail, hail, to thee, Frederick Jerome I
Thou art lie-
^Vhom the sea.
In its i"age and its danger, defiest :
Thine hand is the one
Whose deeds that day shone
In the list of the brave and the highest.
For lie Cometh upon the rude wave.
The weak and the fearful to save :
He swimmeth alone
As he parteth the foam
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 63
That he dareth :
While he beareth
A cord that is light yet as strong
As his own bold self : see, among
The wreck he maketh his "way
To the ship, while above him, a prey
To anxiety, terror, and fear.
The poor people view him draw near :
Each heart bolder groweth
As to them he sheweth,
The valour of which they have need.
The ship yet bumeth
As boldly he tmTieth
Aside, all his path that impede :
The flames above roaring
As o'er the waves soarincf
Still safely he rideth : —
Above what betideth ?
The fugitives watch — he succeeds — see his hand
Grasps a rope, and he climbs — now firmly he stands
By their side : then quickly uncoiling the cord,
With its aid he now lowers them singly ; each word
That falls from his lips tends to banish their fear
And encourage their hopes ; their faces now wear
G4 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
A gleam of thought brigliter, as each one succeedeth
In reaching the goal his worn frame so much needetli.
Till none with the Monabcii of Ocean remained,
But an old man and child mth Jerome, who ordained
By a Providence kind for the task, e'en together
Lower d them tenderly both. Could he sever
Them when he had heard the old man relate
How the infant's mother met her sad fate
With the fall of the boom, since which to him clung
Tlie child for protection — and pity hath wrung
A tear from the eye, with a tale much less sad
Than that which the child and the old man had.
They are saved, none are left, the doom hath now pass'd.
And Frederick Jerome now departs, e'en the last,
From the burning ship, where alone doth dwell
The fate that the Monarch of Ocean befell.
THE OCEAN MONAECH. 65
All rescued '? — Yes, all that the power of man
Could save, are safe — and the remainder ? Where
No fear, nor peril, and no danger now
Shall them assail again : their troubles past,
Their limbs shall rest upon Lethean shores,
Aud ne'er again be called unto the strife
That they as mortals knew. Gone to their homes
A re they — we shortly follow : on the path
That leads to that same place, our feet now tread ;
How soon we may be there, perchance to meet
Those whom we speak of : — in their dreamless rest,
]\Iay their sleep happy be ! Those who alive
Have "scaped the fire and wave, are resting them.
Breathing awhile more freely from their pain.
In the Brazilian fj'igate — Affonso —
Are the much larger number : others there
find refuge in the steamer, yacht, or boats
That render'd service in the direful need.
On board the frigate, the poor wretches now-
Half naked, famish 'd, are both cloth 'd and fed.
And tended vnth. the kindness, that we view
But seldom as seen there. On board were those
C(i THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Whom people call the nohle by their birth.
And know them so by name — even as high
As those which princes bear, were only fit
To grace them there — but what are empty names,
High sounding titles ? Do they make the heart
Noble or good — or the smooth vamish'd sound
Of long appellatives, make generous men,
The mind's quick thought to be but chaste and pure,
Or wake the feelings unto tenderness ?
Do the bright tinsel and the glittering gaud
Of worldly honour make the noble man V
No, no ! they do but as those things aloft ;
They sen-e to catch the rays of light that gleam
In the bright air. Thus prominent are seen
The imperfections that neath gloss would hide,
Which does but show them more. So 'tis with them.
Partaking the world's favours, that reveal
The plainer, what the nature of the men
Who bear them. Tlien how oft it is we find.
Though many might be called by such high names.
How few do merit them. I5ut now our task
Has to relate that which doth please us all :
For who shall say, he hath no feeling for
His fellow man, and that in deep distress
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 67
He loves uot tu behold another give
Succour to want ? Indeed, the ties which bind
Man unto man, are but the things which prove
Our weakness when alone, our strength, united ;
That one has not, another to him gives,
He in return supplies that other too :
What were poor mortals without this concern !
It warmed the heart to view within that ship
Hands that spread out to welcome, and to give
Clothes to the naked, drink to those athirst.
Food to the hungry, kindness unto all :
And these by beings whom the world hath call'd
The noble and the great ! In ages back.
When the nobility were formed of those
By fortune favour 'd and in valour fam'd,
There also then, lived the same benefit
For those born lowlier, who in their lives
Had greatness shewn in word and gen'rous deed ;
But from this height the world hath fallen now.
And meets her largess with unequal hand.
She gives to those who have, not those who want.
Or are deserving, and the great in wealth
Grow from their gold to be the great in name.
This should scarce be, such homage should be paid
08 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Alone to innate worth. Hut here we find
Link'd with groat names, (too strange an unity),
Of worldly noldes — true nobility.
Now turn we to the beings who have known
And felt this tenderness. Some I have said
liemain'd in the AfFonso, others were
J^eceived on board the steamer, " Prince of Wales,'
Before mi-named, though in the work of love
And of humanity, she bore her part
Right nobly with her crew : these she bears now
With her upon her route — the yacht we called
The " Ocean Queen" before, whose owner's hand
And all on board her had saved many an one,
Having ai'rived so early on the spot,
Now bears her freight back to the port again
With the Affonso : gallantly they sail —
Kach one containing many a noble heart
Swelling with pride (that we might well forgive) ;
"Wliilc the poor sufferers they bear are fed,
And cloth 'd with all spare garments, every thing
THE OCEAN MONARCH. C9
That kindest hands could tend and warm hearts give,
On board them both, were yielded unto them.
So they return — return ! how strange the word
AVlien only that same morning had they sail'd !
Return ? 'Tis so indeed — leaving behind
How many ? Who shall count or number tell ?
The news had gone before, the sad, sad news.
And in the town beat many an anxious heart,
For friend or relative on board : the piers
Were crowded by the people waiting for
Arrival of some news — at last there came
The vessels with their freight ; but night had drawn
Her sombre shroud around, and still on board
The larger ship remain'd all who did wish :
The others went their way, some here, some there.
To seek their rest : all found a welcome where
They tum'd their steps — no door could have been shut
Upon the beings who had suffered thus.
Foremost of all were many, who did give
Unto the destitute their best relief
In food and clothes : yet even among them
Several were mark'd for greater bounty too —
70 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Nor unrewarded ^vill they be, for deeds
Like these on earth do not uunotic'd go,
They serve as do the vanes on lofty points
And spires, to show how blows the passing wuid,
Or how the currents in their bosoms flow.
Ear th hath its records in all living hearts.
And these are written there, but better still
They're chronicled above. Thus night again
Oertakes them in its course : it last did leave
Them sleeping peacefully witliin the ship
That should have borne them to the distant west.
Now the o 'ershrouding darkness hangeth where
The scatter 'd remnants of the wanderers
Remain, some here, some there, on board, on shore,
Within the AfTonso, or in the towTi,
Seeking amid the quiet of the hours
Again their rest in sleep. Sleep, ah ! again ?
Though short their journey with that fated barque
Has been in time, yet how eventful, when
We count the things that have occuiTed — and ye.
Poor fugitives, with bruised limbs and forms
That bear the painful tell-tales of the fire,
Jiandage your sores and on your beds again
Turn ye and sleep : with daylight now hath past
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 71
That dread of peril. On their knees they thank
That Providence that thus hath rescued them
From death, and such a death; — for those who late
Had been mth them, but now perchance no more,
They pour an anxious prayer, hoping that they
As well might have escaped — then lay their heads
Upon the wooing pillow, and again
In slumber's stillness court return of strength
Or spirit for the morrow, Sleep then, sleep,
Poor fugitives ! with seared and burned limbs
And bodies scorched, now tended are your woimds
By careful hands : in luxury and ease
Steep your oppressed senses ; banish fear
And tremble now no more ; seek ye your sleep,
And may no shadow o'er your slumber flit,
Nor fearful dreamings haunt your strained minds ;
May the kind guardians of Night-born thought,
The spirits of the moon-beam guard you now,
And in deep quiet let the time flee by,
Wliile rest ye peacefully. Good night, good night,
Poor wanderers, on earth may ye sleep well !
72 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Hut turn we to the Ocean ^Monarch uow —
The ship on lire — o'er the wide, wide sea
For many a mile we ride, we leave behind
The hour of midnight, soun<ling from the clocks
Within the town ; o'er the wave and billow
Speed we — see, see afar, a lurid glare
From a dark mass is cast — we near it noV ;
But nought of shape or likeness unto her
We now are seeking doth it bear, unless
AVhere the strong timbers of the bow arise
With a proud figure head, where Neptune stands
With his poised trident ; these do conquer still
Tlie ravages of flame, (and telleth too
It is the wreck we seek), all else beside
Unto the water's edge consumed are gone ;
Still she there floats and bums, with heave and fall
Upon the rolling wave, yet nobly too,
As thougli, defeated by one element
Brave to the last, she gathers all the strength,
The poor weak remnant of her mighty power.
To prove her Majesty, and that she still
Can sway her sceptre and o'ercome the roll
Of heaving seas, and threat ning surge control ;
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 73
Though to her death consumed by the flame,
She reigns unconquer'd and asserts her name.
The time rolls by an hour, and now again
One half another flies, the wreck still rides,
But nears her end ; the smoky clouds ascend
In the thin air that floats around in night
To the pale moon above, with ev'ry dip
And fall into the trough, the moment seems
Arrived to en^l her fate, while gallantly
She lifts her head into the empty air
High o'er the swell — now, now — again — but see.
Thick flows the smoke from her — hark ! what a sound !
Yes, 'tis the serpent dying — 'tis the fire.
The thousand-headed hydra, that hath wrought
The brave ship's doom ; hissing, crackling sounds
Of things at war, and smoke, and flame, and spark.
Rush now about aloft ! What is it but
The fire, the dreaded fire, which before
Had ruthlessly o'ercome and rifled her.
Now dying, dying — ah ! hiss, crack again :
Snap the last fading embers, dash with thy flames
Fiercely on high ! The Ocean Monarch now
74 THE OCEAN MONARCH.
Sliivll bafile thee : out, out, thou monster shape —
Die in thy lading age — the element
That hath no kin to thee, hut beareth liate,
Now by its ruler is let loose on thee !
O'er the low timbers that alone are left
By thy blind fury, creep tlie waters now
With power to crush thee ! Come they thicker now-
A wave, a surging sea — ah ! hiss again !
Die like all serpents, while thy breath flies forth
In the quick flame, as soon extinguished.
Yes, the proud Monaech hatli to kill the foe
Yielded herself to death. Oh ! bravely there
Lifting on high her bow, her crowned head
Rose to command the wave that at her stern,
Fled to the inlets, pouring o'er the side.
In a quick deluge ran they, driving all
Intruding enemies from her they held
Their ruler until now, then silently
In the quick work they sped ; wlieu all were gone.
Fire, flame, smoke, and spark, an instant then
She rode in Majesty triumphant, when
Slowly she sank into her native deep,
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 75'
Swift o'er the spot the gathering billows sweep,
Heave for an instant, sinking then again
And all was still upon the spreading main ;
Nought was there left of what before had been,
But blacken 'd timbers scatter'd o'er the scene,
With a few floating spars, these all now there
To mark the place of interment, or where
The MoNAECH that had reign'd, and bravely too,
O'er sea and billow, with her gallant crew,
Had sought in death the shelter of the wave; —
She lies entombed in her own ocean grave.
F 3
NARRATIVE OP THE DESTRUCTION'
OF
THE OCEAN MONARCH.
THE NARKATIVE, &c.
At Boston, Massachusetts, in the month of June, 1847, was
launched a three-decked ship, a noble specimen of naval
architecture, built for the purpose of Transatlantic trading. She
was of the largest class, being of thirteen hundred tons burthen,
and was built after the most perfect model ; her spacious cabins,
and between-decks being fitted for the accommodation of a large
number of passengers, or for the conveyimce of freight from
one hemisphere to die other. She was constructed for and has
acted as, one of a line of packet ships, to run between the port
of Boston, Mass., and Liverpool, England, and from her mag-
nificent pjoportions, her splendid accommodations, and
other noble qualifications, was appropriately dignified with
the appellation of the " Ocean Monarch." Her owners were
Messrs. Enoch, Tbain & Co., of Boston, and she was com-
80 THE NARRATIVE OF
niaiided by Captnin Mdrdoch, fomierlyof the "Joshua Bates,"
a gentleman of undutibted experience and considerable nautical
skill, as well as known for other qualities, which fitted him
highly for tlie lionorable post he has held as master of the
splendid vessel before described. In her first voyage she ar-
rived in Liverpool on the 3Ist July, 1847, from whence, after
discharging and reloading in the course of twenty-four days,
she sailed on the Sith August, 1847, on her return to her na-
tive port in the United States. Subsequently to this, she had
completed some three voyages in the short space of twelve
months, when on Thursday, the 27th July, 1848, being en-
gaged in her fourth voyage, she arrived in Liverjiool, was dis-
charged, and being duly freighted with iron, dry goods, salt,
earilienware, the latter packed in crates stuffed with straw, and
light merchandise, and carrying also 28 cabin, and 322 steer-
age passengers, again took her departure from Liverpool, just
twelve months to a diiy after she had sailed from the same poit
on her first return voyage. This was the ill-fated one wherein
occurred to her the sad catastrophe which has occasioned the
present narrative, the particulars of which have excited by their
relation the deepest sympathy and commiseration in every part
of the United Kingdom for lliose who have suffered by this
awful calamity.
Thus then, on the morning of the ever-to-be-remembered
21th of August, 1848, the Ocean Monarch, released from her
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 81
moorings, shortly after sunrise was towed down the river Mer-
sey by a steamer. She was in gallant trim, the weather whs
most pleasant and favourable, the dawn broke bright and
cheerfully over the hills, the air was clear with a brisk iuid
bracing breeze ; it was one of those days diat we all love and
seems almost peculiar to this clLme, which some condemn as
the region of asthma and the land of fog. Those who thus
speak could not have been early risers, or have ever viewed
such a morning as the present, when the blood seemed to tinw
more rapidly through the veins than usual, the step to be more
elastic, the eye clearer, the laugh more joyous, and the spirit
more bounding. What is like to the exhiliration of a cheerful
morn, when as it were the pure breath of the new-born day
is imbibed, and with it a fresh supply of animal life as well as
mental energy. When every thing around us is tinged witli a
halo of jdeasantness and suusliiue, opening the heart and
making the bosom expand with kindly and generous feeling,
wreathing the countenance with smiles, making all nature bear
the sparkling impress of the morn's bright essence ; in dull and
nerveless things and those which move upon the earth, over
them all the radiance of the early morning pours, scattering
the mists of the night before its glowing and its sunlit hues ;
waking all animated beings from their slumber, the kine and
sheep, the docile horse, tlie watch-dog and the hound, calling
tlie herdsman to the hill, the ploughman to tlie field, the la-
82 THE NARRATIVE OF
bourcr to his tnsk, tlie mechanic to his toil, and, too, the men
who labournot80 much witli hands but with the thought, tlint
works, and heaves, and throes, but seldom resting, though for
tlirough tlie dim-lit night with pale and haggard face, with red
end inflamed eyeballs, toiling with weary yet unflagging sijirit,
then snatching a troubled sleep scarcely to be called rest;
when comes the fairy morning, the bright, the beautiful and
pure, to brush away with its tender breath the fever and the
hectic from the cheek of tlie night-labourer, whose dim eyes
open to the light to tremble with tlieir weakness, then shaking
off the hanging drowsiness from his frame, he steps to the
lattice while his band shakes with the tremour bom from the
midnight toil and want of sleep of the o'ertasked frame. But
through the casement flows the fragrant breeze, cooling the brow
and steadying each nerve, while he inhales the breath with
rapture, he feels the current in his bosom change from lassi-
tude and weariness ; again springs to life the fire that still lives,
for the morning air feeds it witli its gentle breath and makes
the feeble and the weak grow with its sooUiing balm to be both
hale and strong. Yes, what cordial like to the moniing — what
elixir like to the first burst of the dawn ? Then the clearer
atmosphere that follows : it is indeed beautiful, a gift of Pro-
vidence, a charm upon our earth. And such a mom was this
when all were bright and cheerful, all radiant with joyousness
and life, as the bursting sun woke everything on earth to yield
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 83
theii- tribute of gladness to the day's bright dawn, as seen
sparkling in the earth and air, in man and beast, bird and
insect, herb and blossom and flowering buds, bright with the
glittering dew.
Yes, cheerily and bright beamed the morning on which the
Ocean Monarch left her port ; on board was all the bustle and
noise of the novel scene, as the passengers crowding upon the
deck, watched each movement as she drew into the stream.
Together with the steam tug, the noble craft went upon her
way, passing the lengthy docks, by lighthouse, landmarks and
the Bell Rock, when the steerage passengers, previously below,
•were all sent upon deck to allow their trunks to be examined,
as well as the lower part of the vessel, to discover any persons
who might have been stowed away, as it is frequently the case,
that tliere are many who, being too poor to pay for their pas-
sages to America, manage to be smuggled on board by their
friends, and hide tliemselves in whatever nooks and comers they
think best fit, until the ship gets out to sea, when they then
discover themselves, considering that though they subject them-
selves to a very iirecarious kind of living, and run the risk of
much ill-usage, they may be well content with the prospect of
getting a voyage across the Atlantic at so little expense, it being
only that of flesh and bone.*
* There have been commonly cases, on board emigrant ships, of
people having been discovered packed away in boxes, and squeezed into
84 .THE NARRATIVE QF
Tlie passenger ngents now prepared t«:) muster tlie passengers,
an euiploym ent far from easy, owing to the eonfused state of
tilings in this early stage of tbeir voyage ; the ship bad pro-
ceeded some mUes from the town, and as the people crowded
upon the deck, the fresh wmd that came whistlmg by, heard
amid the cordage, and playing with the hair of the childrens'
bare heads, made the ribands in tlieir mothers' caps flutter
with tiie kisses of the breeze, while the eyelids of the adults
trembled as they faced the blusterer, and they placed their hands
upon their caps, thereby seeming to consider it necessary thus
to secure them from straying from their legitimate resting
places ; some smoked their pipes in silence, others were talking
and laughing with the blithest, while some crouched upon th«
deck huddled into a heap, or lazily lay them do^vn to bask in the
rising sunbeams. The searchers had been busy below,
with lights and lanterns, they had looked into every hole and
comer in the ship that they could think of; amongst the rest a
man named Jenkins, with a lighted candle visited a place un-
der one of the after cabins, when he appeared again, he was
without this light, but accounted for it by stating that he had
made some other use of it.
ooruers, that it is hard to believe that a human beinfc' could exist in for
five minutes, much less as many hours; and in more than one instance
men liave been found actually dead— smothered from tlie voluntary
confinement to which they had subjected themselves.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 85
At last tlie business of the ship was finished, all the passen-
gers were mustered, everything made all right, while the sailors
busied themselves with the sails, the yards were braced, the
canvass unfurled, and the ship parting from the steamer, pur-
sued her course alone.
Shortly after the steamer had returned on her way to Liver-
pool, and at about 8 o'clock, a part of the crew, under the direc-
tion of the steward, commenced to remove the stores, consisting
of spirits, wines, &c., and other inflammatory articles, which
had been under Custom-house seals, into the store room. This
operation occupied a considerable space of time, and during the
interval a light was called for by those assisting, and it is be-
lieved was taken down.
Soon after 9 o'clock the cabin passengers assembled to break-
fast, which being despatched, they each employed themselves
as best suited their several inclinations. In the meantime, the
vessel under the guidance of her helm made good speed ; yield-
ing to the influence of the favouring wind, she dashed aside
the white foam around her bows, and as the ocean swell uo\7
rolled by, over the back of the bUlows she strode, while her foot
left no mark upon her path, riding o'er the hill top of the sea,
her long taper booms dipping almost mto the surge, then high
in air lifting their peaks again, they mocked the fierceness of
the hissing brine. Swift o'er the heaving sea she sped, tlie
Wind fresh in his unchecked course, sung in her rigging as
66 THE NARRATIVE OF
slie flew aloug, and with tlie eagerness of buoyant life, pressed
liurd against the snowy canvass spread in bis palli — tbe large
sails bellied deep with tlie o'er-speeding power, while the quick
sailors hauled more tight the strained and well-strung lines.
But playful Boreas still came rushing on, and while he
whistled around the mast and through tlie vibrating cordage,
seemed unwilling to leave so beautiful a tiling behind, and
harder and harder strove to press her on. Gaily and merrily
piped aloft the wind, as tlie vessel swiftly bore upon her course
witli the sound of the waters, surging and hissing as each time
bhe rose, and sprung from wave to wave, plunging into tlie
depths of yasviiing seas, then as the mouutain-rollmg wave
came on, proudly and firmly o'er its neck she trod, dashing in
thousand particles the slave that rose against her bows, while
quickly rushing came the playful wind to join her favourite,
and aid her in the cause, catching the scattered remnants dash-
ed aloft, and with the laugh of seamen at the sport, wanton and
wild the dew-drops that were found, cast to his myrmidons, and
high in air threw tlie poor relics into driving spray.
Thus the Ocean Monarch sailed on: the steamer hod left
her a considerable time, and the ship had made good way. The
hour now approached the noon ; the passengers were scattered
about, some sea sick in their berths, some busy in arranging
the confused mass of luggage below, others upon deck in silence
whiJing away the time in watching the movements of the sailors,
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 87
for scarce a word was uttered, all proceeding with the greatest
quiet, almost unbroken, unless by tbe dasliiug of tbe waves,
the murmurs of tbe wind or tbe creaking of the timbers, as she
rose and fell upon tbe waters.
She had made two tacks, when about this period, one of tbe
cabin passengers while lying upon a sofa below, perceived a
strong smell of smoke and fire, and on more minute examina-
tion, found that it proceeded from tbe scuttle, down which the
stores had been conveyed, and which was under a portion of the
first-class passengers' cabin. The steward being immediately
summoned and informed, he hastened to the captain, who sent
an ofBcer and one man witli him to see to' the matter,
as it was imagined that a steerage passenger had lit a fire in
one of the air pumps or ventilators, and they were ordered to put
out the fire and bring up the delinquent. The captain also
immediately went below and discovered smoke proceeding into
the main cabin through one of the after state-rooms.
They had now arrived within a few miles of this side of the
Great Ormshead, and the order having been issued to 'bout
ship, her head had obediently turned sea-ward ; — the yards bad
been hauled when this alarm was beard in the ship.
At this time the mate, who was busy with the working of the
vessel, perceived the starboard watch coming forward, who in
reply to his enquiries, stated tliat there was fire below : at which
nformation he immediately ran to the second cabin, but find-
89 THE NARRATIVT OF
iug none there, bastened to the first cabin, nnd, in tlie ftftt-r
stiite-rooni on the larboard side, saw that a fire had kindled be-
low the deck of the cabin, by tbe side of one of the air pipes or
ventilators. He then raised the scuttle in the after part of the
cabin, and with what water was at hand, (it appears there was
a scarcity of fire buckets), he endeavoured to stifle the flames,
tlirowing it on as long as the dense smoke would allow him.
At last, compelled from the almost suff'ocating state of the
atmosphere, he closed the scuttle, and then proceeded to cut a
hole tlirough the deck, by which he still hoped to extinguish
the fire by casting the water through it. But the smoke, which
increased more rapidly, now became so unbearable, ascending
in such hot, thick volumes, that no one could withstand it, and
at last he, with the rest, was compelled to relinquisli the attempt
as hopeless altogether; they made a precipitate retreat, the
fumes comi)letely driving them upon deck, while below was
heard the hollow sound and the ominous murmur of the pent-
up flames. One of the cabin passengers went to his state room
to procure a valuable part of his luggage, but was almost over-
l)awered in the attempt, and was only preserved from sufToeatioti
by being drawn on deck through the skylight. The fire had
now been discovered about twenty minutes, and so voracious
had been tbe flames during this interval, that they encompassed
tbe whole of the after-part of the ship, shewing themselves also
several feet above the deck.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 89
While this had been proceeding, the captain had been en-
gaged in issuing orders for the better protection and safety of
the lives of the passengers; knowing the danger to be imminent
from the hidden nature of the fire, the combustible materials
on which it fed, and the apparent impossibility of extinguish-
ing it, he did as much towards its suj^pression as human fore-
thought could suggest; he ordered the helm to be put up, the
ship laid before the wind so as to lessen the draught and run
her on shore, but found it was of no avail, and was obliged to
bring lier to again. In the mean time the flames spread ra-
pidly in spite of all that could be done by the utmost exertions
of the captain, the mate, and the crew, and it became evident
to all that the ship was doomed, and that they, a mass num-
bering near four hundred human beings, miles from any assist-
ance, encompassed by the roaring vortex, the waters of the
ocean, had for their only refuge a blazing furnace fast consuming
beneath their feet — then, when this broke like a flash upon their
minds, succeeded a confusion that no hand could picture, no
tongue illustrate, and no pen describe — a blind despair seemed
to seize upon them, the poor passengers rushed wildly about,
casting their arms in the air and supplicating Providence in
the wildest accents of horror and of woe. The most piteous
screams and fearful yells that ever assailed the ears of man,
rung through the burthened air. Men ran hither and thither
with scared looks and outstretched hands seeking their wives
!tO THE NARIIATIVK OF
and chilitren ; women, shrieking tlieir liiiylxinds' naines, seized
strangers by their j^amieiits, calling on them for those they
sought, with the din of tlie crying children liangiug about their
mothers' knees, and the s))onts of the senmeii as they en-
deavoured to do aught that could be deemed of ser\ife. Hut
naught would do, the flames proceeding from the store room
now spread with the most frigliti'ul rapidity, fanned by llie
wind, and feeding on the inflammable materials, while they
were accelerated in their progress by the disordered state of
the sailing vessel al so early a period of her voyage.*
The flames were now sweeping the after-part of the deck,
darting about with their long tongues, and increasing moment-
arily, threatening the speedy destruction of the vessel and all
that she contained.
The passengers, amid the terrible din which reigned around,
made the scene even more tumultuous from their mad endea-
vours to save their little money, valuables, clothes, &c., or aJiy
thing in fact whicli they could easily arrive at. Some more
anxious for beings who were dear to tbein, rushed below to
arouse them from their berths, or bring them up thro' the hatch-
way. And there, in the steerage between decks, ensued a most
* In ships of this clnss, who carry a large naniber of emigrants, it
takes at least the first d ly after their being at sea, to get tilings into
anjlhing like order, or like w'riat sailors term " ghip shape," large (|URn-
Utits ol luggage usually eucmuberiug the betweeii-ilecks of the ship.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 91
fearful scene — gu'ls, women and children, sick from the heav-
ing sea, having previously undressed and sought their berths,
now sjiruug from them at that one alanning cry — with scared
looks, with floating hair, and half naked, these poor beings
rushed to and fro in the confusion, seeking an outlet by the
hatchway, while stronger men, in the dread urgency, with bags
and boxes dragging to the deck, stopped up the gangway, un-
heeding the cries of those helow, who sought not to save their
goods, but to inhale the hreath of life ahove, and escape from
the pursuing element. With fearful oaths and hasty hands the
men struggled hard, each to get up the quicker, while weak and
tender women, in the impending horror, grappled with sinewy
arms and robust frames — hut with the execration and the curse
to be thrust back into the throng below. Slowly and slowly,
from the pressing haste, escaped they to die upper deck, for
one hindered the other, while the smoke came rolling through
the space, 'till scarce each one could view who was the being
standing even at their side — thus wrestled they, perhaps with
bosom friend or relative, every one in their selfishness wrapjied
up, as battled each with all, to gain the upper air. Oh '. wild
indeed and fearful too that scene: for there, roaring and snap-
ping, crackling at the smoke clouds' hack, came the hot scorch-
ing fire, twining around the victims that were left insensible
below to glut their fury.
All now were upon deck that had one chance of this pveca-
G 2
02 THE NARRATIVr. OF
rious life; none know liow many were engulplied below by tii?
o'erspreading flames, but we have reosou to believe it to be »
large number.
Many lioil succeeded in getting up<jn deck with luggage, and
ditterent things, which they proceeded to unpack, and rifling
them of that whirli was most valuable, commenced securing
about their persons those things wliich they could bear with
the least incumbrance. In this work, while still the confusion
of Babel rung around, clothes, books, trinkets of gold and sil-
ver, iUl kinds of utensils, in fact, things of all descriptions were
scattered unheedingly upon the deck, lost and trodden under
foot.
Tlip captain, perceiving that nothing could be done with the
yards, ordered the anchors to be let go, and the ship's head
hrought to the wuid, to prevent tlie flames extending forward.
Unfortunately, in the expedition used in letting go the anchors,
many persons who had got around the cable, amongst the head
gearing or cordage, becoming entangled amidst the confusion,
were, with the ran of the cable, drawn overboard and were
drowned, as there was no one at that time who was tnabled to
rescue, to heed, or help tliem.
Wilder and wilder grew the scene, men, women and children,
n,adwith artright, ran here and there against each other, thrown
down and trampled upon by the crowd. Some in their night
dreases. and even others whose clothes were actually on fixe.
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 93
so late had been their escape from below, pressing forward to
the bows amongst their frighted fellow beings, added greater
horror and danger to the already terrible state of things — all
blind, delirious with the fear that traced their footsteps, all
seeking now one object — to fly from the approaching fire, seeing
naught in their hurry but the angry flames and the thicker
smoke, screaming, wailing and yelling in a manner that could
not be surpassed in any other scene.
Some crowded around the captain and mate crying for help,
and beseeching them to save them from the danger, or re-
proaching and upbraiding tbem for what had taken place — but
what could be done ? Orders were issued, but remained un-
executed, eithfir from being unheard or from more selfish mo-
tives, as the influnce of self-preservation swayed, or the -ola-
mour drowned the command.
The second mate at this juncture seeing that the destruction
of the ship was inevitable, proceeded with some of the crew and
passengers to get out the boats — they had succeeded in lower-
ing two, but before the lashings of the others could be cut, the
flames had enveloped them. In one of these boats afloat, the
second mate, with three others, effected their escape, and for
some time hung on below, but at last departed from the burn-
ing vessel. The first mate still in the ship, perceiving that the
crew and the passengers had lowered the second boat, (the
waist boat,) and were fast filling her, while many others still
W THE NARRATIVE OF
crowded eagerly to get a place, in order to preserve tbe boat
from being swamped, jjlunged oTerbonrd and swam to her,
when having got on board lie ordered the rope to be cut ; this
being done, they floated astern and drifted away to sea. The
waves at tliis time running high and the wind blowing fresh,
they had much di£Bculty in keeping her from filling, as they had
no oars, but with pieces of board they managed to keep her
head unto the waves, and to bale the water out with hats, boots
and shoes, or anything applicable.
After these two boats had departed, the others on board be-
ing now devoured by the flames, tbe captain still remained,
;iud making the greatest exertions for the preservation of life ;
but the crew had now all deserted or left him, except the car-
penter and a few others, until at last his attention was called
from others' safety to his own, on finding himself with the few
just mentioned almost insulated by the fire, then, and not till
then, did the regard for self exert its paramount influence, when
fragments of the blazing mainmast were falling around him,
and the danger ha<l become most imminent.
After casting the few loose spars and planks that remained
overboard, also a topgallant yard, with a rope attached to make
it fast alongside, the captain recommended all the passengers
to endeavour to save themselves by clinging to tliesc in the
water, then finding that he could neither get forward nor aft,
and that the flames were approaching him rapidly, he at the
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 96
last niouient calling upon tbem again to follow his example,
cast himself overboard, and for some time supported himself
by clinging to a spar, but as he found that too many were al-
ready making use of the same assistance, he left it to those
who remained, and swam to a plank at some distance, with
which he remained about half an hour, until he was picked up
by a boat belonging to Mr. Littledale's yacht, the Queen of
the Ocean.
It appears that there was a small portion of gunpowder on
board, weighing about twenty-five pounds, in endeavouring to
get at which to prevent its explosion, the stewardess had lost
her life, as a short time after the attempt, she appeared again
on deck, but fell down immediately, beuag suffocated with the
smoke.
Tlie captain having left the vessel, now ensued a scene per-
haps more terrific than before: the flames raged from stem
to stem, all tliat part of the ship abaft the forecastle, was in
flames, the mizen and main masts were gone, none but the fore-
mast remained. About this time the powder exploded with a
terrific noise, but had no other efi'ect, it having been left uncon-
liued. The fire burning without restraint, now created such an
unendurable heat, that the poor people crowded around the bows
of tlie vessel, upon the bowsprit and jib-boom, lying one upon
a.nother in clusters — some trusting to the loose rigging and
sails hanging over the side, others floating about on the
W THE NARRATJVK OF
ilrivin;,' ^purs, found, tbut ns the flnriics liml no merry, Uie
waves were not le.-<3 cniel. Tlie beary sen running', continue*!
to <lush these frail supports one against anotlier, or nguiust tlie
!>)ii|i*s side, until bruised und exhausted, many released their
liuM, Slink, itnd were seen no more. Hpon the ship, or rather
her bows, the foremast still standing, the fugitive mass, hung
one ubont another, dinging to life and hope, when death to them
were enviable. The many incidents thatoccured about this pe-
riod, were various and ehangiog in everything but tlieir repeti-
tion of horror upon horror. Men, women, and children, mad
with aiinght, were wailing and shrieking as they looked for
that help they feared would never reach them ; some in their
frenzy cnst ihemselves overboard, without a hope of life: mo-
thers, husbands and children, from the prospect or fear of one
death, casting themselves at once into the tomb. The unparal-
leled rapidity of the fire hud now with the flames iindermined
the strength of the foremast, which with a fearful crash fell,
dragging ropes and rigging along with it over the side ; then
immediately following after, tlie jib-boom, which derives con-
siderable support from the foremast, being now deprived of that
aid, having also to bear tlie pressure of the crowd of human be-
ings who sought thereon a refuge, being unable to sustain the op-
pressive weight, broke short oil', casting its mortal freight unto
the empty air, who then as they fell into the roorrng waters,
dotted their surface for uu instant, while their death-cries rung
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 97
aloft to the ears of friends or relatives left on board, wlio could
view tbem lifting their hands to them for hell), but could mi-
nister none ; then as the drowning voices were hushed in their
scream of terror, dying away until the waters gulped and bub-
bled as they choked the sound, o'envhelmmg and enclosing all,
whilst naught was heard above but the funeral wail, the shriek
of pain, the cry of suiferiug, and all the echoes springing from
heightened grief and the sounds of mortal woe.
All now on board the vessel were anxiously looking for the
approach of a sail ; at last, there appeared to be one bearing
down to them; it soon became evident that she was nearing
them quickly, but the fire had now become so oppressive and
fierce, the flames burstmg in holes from the sides and high up
above the deck of the vessel, that the chains and otlier tilings
by which the people held on, became so hot that many had
their hands severely scorched and burned. The welcome vessel
neared them and proved to be the Queen of the Ocean yacht,
the property of Mr. Thomas Littledale. Those onboard of
her had seen, when about three miles distant, the Ocean Mo-
narch, with all sails set, but in a moment to their surprise she
appeared to change her course, and to be about to return to
Liveiijool. The cause of this movement soon became appa-
rent. Smoke was seen to issue from the after-part of the vessel
and flames soon after became visible. They immediately bore
down to her, and as they now approached they could hear tbe
9S THE NARRATIVE OF
cries of distress at a considerable distance, while the poor
wrptclies at the bows were huddled together in a manner most
painful to behold.
By the direction of the owner of the yacht her crew lowered
her boat, manned her, and without loss of time proceeded to
render all the assistance in their power to save tlie lives of
those placed in such imminent peril.
The little crew did their work nobly, particularly tlie mate,
who by his coolness and intrepidity set a distinguished example.
They succeeded in saving from the wreck or rescuing from the
waves those that were floating about, with sjiars alone for their
protection, to tlie number of thirty-two, among whom was Cap-
tain Murdoch, who was nearly exhausted from his long con-
tinuance in the water. While thus engaged in her arduous
task, other vessels bore down to render what service tliey might.
The Afl'onso, Brazilian steam frigate, was the first that came to
tlieir assistance. She was followed by the New World, emi-
grant ship, and the steamer. Prince of Wales, Captain Dani.
The latter vessel, as she approached the \vreck, when even still
some miles from her, had fallen in with the first mate of tlie
OcKAN Monarch, who had drifted some four miles in the boat,
when they had been picked up by a sloop, then supplied with
oars, the mate was again making his way back to the burning
vessel, when he had valuable assistance rendered him by the
Prince of Wales, who took them in tow till within a mile of the
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 99
wreck, when having received the passengers on board from the
boat, the captain gave him four men with oars, and with these,
after rescuing a cabin passenger who was holding on by a life-
buoy, hemadehis way to the vessel, passingby floating vegetables
and dead bodies, pieces of wreck, and all the evidences of the
fearful devastation that had been committed.
When they reached the remains of the Oceax Monarch,
they found the Afi'onso partly to windward ; her boats were all
out, Admiral Grenfell being in one of them, and using the most
heroic exertions in their humane employment. There were
also two boats out belonging to the New World packet ship,
and other boats from other ships.
The mate, burning with anxiety to render assistance to the
poor people on board his vessel, pulled immediately for her and
attempted to rescue those crowded around the head, who were
screaming deliriously ; but there was great difficulty as well
danger in the task, owing to the heavy timbers in the water being
dashed about by the waves still running high, with a number of
dead bodies floating around ; but after some time they were
enabled to rescue a few people from the rigging under the bows,
and shortly afterwards also a woman and child, but the infant
died almost instantly in the boat.
The mate was now most active: the Prince of Wales steamer,
not being able to approach, as it was most dangerous to be in
the vicinity of the burning vessel, lent him more oars and
loo THE NARRITIVE OF
men, and he still endeavoured to get under the bows of llie ves-
sel, liut be (!ould not succeed in persuading the passengers to
come down; the few who did venture, were saved by liim.
The Afifouso, commanded by Captain Lisboa, having a large
party on board, among whom, were the Duke and DuchesH
d'Aumale, tlie Prince and Princess de Joinville, the Marquis de
Lisboa, the Brazilian minister, Admiral Grenfell and daughter,
&c., was ancliored near to tlie Ocean Monarch ; she had sent
out four boats commanded each by an officer; Admiral Grenfell
and the Marquis de Lisboa jumping into another, also pulled
for the ship on fire; and altogether there was great confusion in
the scene, yet by their well-directe<l and arduous efforts, tlie
boats from the Alfonso succeeded in rescuing between one and
two hundred of the sufferers; they were brought alongside of the
ship, and one by one were handed on board, all of them much
more dead than alive.
But the boats from the other vessels made the most prodi-
gious efforts : all seem to have been actuated by the same spirit,
and each succeeded in saving the lives of many human beings ;
but after all those floating about or hanging to the fallen rigging
had been rescued, none remained on board the burning ship but
a few, numbering about fifteen, consisting chiefly of women
and children, who were terrilied at the tliought of casting them-
selves into the waters and running the chance of being picked up
by the boats, who used their boat hooks for this purpose. All
THE OCEAN MONARCH. lol
the persuasion and entreaties of tlie brave men below could
not prevail upon them to run that last risk ; seemg this, several
fine fellows attempted to gain the vessel to assist these poor
frightened beings, but in their gallant attempts were unsuccess-
ful, owing to the heavy surging of the sea and the dangerous
things tliat floated about. At last, a man came forward, a sailor
from the New World, named Frederick Jerome, an Englishman
by birth, a native of Portsmouth, but naturalized an American,
who had distinguished himself on previous occasions by his
strength, skill, and bravery; he now proceeded to denude him-
self of his clothes, after which taking a cord in his hand, he
plunged into the sea and breasting the danger, by his firm hand
averting the peril, and the strength of limb bearing him swiftly
to his object, he gained the vessel, swung himself by the ropes
by great efforts of ratiscular power, and at last gained the place
where the fugitives were, then, with the cord he brought with
him, one by one he lowered them below; last of all an old man
named Samuel Fielding, of Glossop, one of the passengers; he
was aged and infirm and seeing no hope of safety in the scramble
below, he had taken a little girl in his arms and lodging near
the bows of the vessel awaited his fate ; after the most fearful
suspense the brave Jerome had come to his deliverance, and,
with the child, he lowered the old man whose hands were seri-
ously scorched, to the boats below, where he arrived in safety.
Last of all Jerome descended, while prolonged and hearty cheer?
I
10> THF, NARRATIVE OF
proclaliut'il Uie issue of Lis udveiilure, whi'U noue were left on
board; and the Ocean Mo.vabcr was left alone to the ruin to
which she was inevitably doomed.
The individuals who had been so busy in their praise wortliy
labour, now proceeded each to their different ships, but Freder-
ick Jerome, who Went on board the Affonso, was received br
the noble gentlemen and ladies on board, who consfratulated
him on the success of his bold attempt ; the Prince de Joinville,
in particular, shook hands witli him, complimenting him highly
and presented him with a handful of gold. He was conspicu-
ous where all were brave, and in fact few passages in life could
shew to a beholder a greater, more extensive, or more unani-
mous series of heroic efforts and individual gallantry than were
witnessed on that day at the burning of the Ocean Monakch.
There were now on board the Affonso about a hundred and
lifty of the suffering passengers; many also were in Mr. Lit-
TLED.tLE's yacht, where they received every attention their
limited space and accommodation could supply ; oUaers, in the
Prince of Wales steamer, had every kindness shown unto
them, but on board the Affonso was the sympathetic feeling
more exemplified, as their means were so much more extensive.
As the passengers each were brought on board, they were at-
tended to in the most ample manner. The women and children
particularly were carefully looked after by the Princess de Join-
ville, and the Duchess d'Aumale. The two Princes elsewhere
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 103
were exceedingly energetic, and used every possible exeriiou in
seconding the captain in his arduous endeavours.
Admiral Grenfell, who has hut one arm, was heard to say
that he never in his life so much regretted his loss as on the
present occasion, as he was satisfied he could have been of
much more service if it had been otherwise. Although his
conduct by all observers was acknowledged to have been re-
markable, for its cool promptitude and the uniform success of
the movements he directed.
Everything that the frigate had on board was now liberally
supplied to the survivors. Biscuit and bread, meat and vegeta-
bles, brandy and wine, were aU handed about with unbounded
profusion, and we need scarcely remark that these esculents
and drinkables were most acceptable to the miserable beings
who were drenched with wet, parched with thirst, exhausted
with fatigue and anxiety, and many almost in a state of nuditv.
But this want was supplied by the benevolent exertions of the
crew, who divided their spare garments among them, in a man-
ner that rendered the scene, in appearance, what at another
time would be considered sufiiciently ludicrous ; but in this
matter the crew of the Affonso were emulated by those of
the other vessels, all of whom gave to the suflerers to the best
of their ability and power. The finest attributes of man, the
nobility of feeling, disinterestechiess, bravery, tenderness and
sympathy for our fellow beings' sufferings, were never more
loi THE NARRATIVE OF
brightly called furtb, or more geneniUy uppiircut than in tlii«
ciilaiuitoiis all'air.
The Queen of the Ocean having already departed, also the
Prince of Wales steamer, the AfTonso proceeded hack to Liver-
))ool, and anchored in the Sloyne about 8 o'clock. Mony of the
passengers were landed, but surgeons were got for the wounded
and disabled, and to see them well looked after.
There were about sixteen persons afterwards landed at the
pier-head, having been picked up by a fishing boat, amongst
theSH were several of the crew of the Ocean Moxabch; when
they got on shore they were welcomed by some of their fellow
seamen who had arrived before them in the yacht, and then en-
sued such an affecting scene, as these rugged sons of the ocean
met, that many of the spectators were affected even to tears,
while they embroced one another, and as each otliers' hands
they wrung, inquired eagerly for those who werp not present ;
the burthen of each fresh communication could be traceil
upon the faces of these men as they had reason to be glad or
sorrowful, on hearing of the fate of tlieir absent messmates.
The sufferers by this calamity departed, scyne to their friends,
others were provided with beds and everything necessary in their
exhausted state. Many of tliese poor beings had lost their all
by this dreadful occurrence, and the scene that ensued next day
at the Passenger Agent's Office was most heart-rending, as they
applied for the return of their passage money which they Imd
THE OCEAN MONARCH. 105
paid, and it is satisfactory to relate tliat this was ijromptly re-
funded to tliem. While in the town and neighbourhood the
relation of the circumstances produced an action of feeling most
praiseworthy : subscription lists were opened for the benefit of
the sufferers, and in a short time the money subscribed amounted
to a considerable sum, but as the loss sustained was even
enormous, many charitable plans have been commenced for
effecting the same purpose — indeed, the sympathy expressed
has been most general. At Menai Bridge, where the Prince of
Wales had borne the remainder of that portion of the poor peo-
ple which she had saved, 4:00 had been immediately collected
after the news had been circulated. Thus it is to be hoped,
from the generous feelings that the public have shown, and the
interest taken in compensating the survivors of this calumitv
for their greatloss, that when the Committee who have the w,i-
nagement of the Subscription Fund, shall yield their statement
to the world, it will be found that the efforts of generosity and
benevolence were not exerted in vain, and that those who were
in any way connected with the sad fate of the Ocean Moxaech,
shall, in future time, when looking back at that awful occur-
rence, while they tremble at the suffering and peril they had
then undergone, they will also feel pleasure in reflecting that
they had afterwards experienced the tender proffer of fellow-
beings' help, and known and felt the power of their timely
assistance and aid.
H
ilia THE OCEAN MONARCH.
'JTie Ocean Monarch riding still upon the broiul sen, Imrned
ou until about Lalf-past one on Friday momin^j, when tbe durk-
uess that surrounded her, was startled by the leaping of scattered
tongues of flame into the air, while the water that had gained
uu entrance into the hull of tlie vessel drove iheni from point
to point, and steam und smoke arose in dense clouds, with the
hissing sound of the contact of tlie two elements; then the wares
gaining free entrance, she heaved, rose, and fell npon the water;*,
then witli a surge, the stern became overwhelmed and she sank
into the dej)ths below, while over her swept the rush of tlie part-
ed seas as they united and closed for ever upon the ill-fated
Ocean Monarch.
APPENDIX.
The following is said to be the number of persons on lioanl
the Ocean Monarch, together with the number of those saved
and unaccounted for : —
ON BOARD.
Steerage -^'2^
Second cabin 22
First fi
Crew 47
Doctor 1
398
SAVED.
Queen of the Ocean 32
Affonso 160
Smack If*
Prince of Wales 11
222
To account for 176
STEERAGE PASSENGERS.— SAVED.
Bannister, Elisha
Bell, EUzabeth and W.
Booker, James, Miiry,and Edwin
Brenihan, Jeremiah
BrettaU, Jane and Thomas
Brown, John, Leah, Henry, and
Frederick
Bristow, J.
Britton, Mai-y
Burns, Denis and Eliza
Collaghau, Ellen, Ann. and Abhy
Carney, Joanna and Margaret
Cashmau, Mary
Carling, Denis
Connor, James
Constantine, Thomas
Corcoran, Denis
Cox, Peter
108
appi:ndix.
rmwipy. Kdwnnl ond Ellon
Ciilliii, .li'UVoy
Curi-UQ, Duininick
Dolaii, Kdwanl
Dnnvin, Jnmeg, Betty, and cLild
Dhiiiiv, yUiry
Dolmirliiui, Mary (a child, its
molli«>r lost)
Donovan, Jictst'y and F.liza
Ponnolly.Aitlmr, Patrick, lletay,
and t'atliiTine
nDran.John and Edward
Dwyi-r. William
Dwypr, Catherine
Kills, Mary
Fipldinj.', Sninnel
Fislicr, IIiMiry
Fleniinf,', John and Miohaol
Floiid, Hridi.'ia and Catherine
Freckleton, John
(rafl'noy, J!riii(,'et
Gallavin. Julia
Oibnpy, Ann
(ileeson, Cathprine, Daniel, Mi-
'■hael, and John
<irpenhoiise, William
'Trillin, Patrick
Halloran, Sarah
Hannah, John
Headley, Edward
Hanvood, James
Hpalinp, Thomas
Hill, Sophia and Sarah Ann
Hooker, James, Mary, ami
Kllinor
Howard, Henry
HukIips, Samuel, Eliza, fnd
Emanuel
Hughes, Edward (lost one child)
Jones, Edward
Jones, fieorgfi, and wife
Kelly, Johanna and John
Kelly, Thomas
Kershaw, Martha, and child
Kilmarlin, Daniel
Kegan, Aliidiael
Eeary, Catherine and Daniel
lister, Tliomas, James, and
Mary Ann
I.loyd, William and Margaret
l.yueh, Mic-liael
Mnrlin, William
MilN, William
MalnT, .lames M.
Monahan, Humphrey, Maaiiee
and Joanna
Maolin, William
Moliin, William
Alolan, .lohanua
Murphy, Jane and Eliza
Murphy, Patrick
Murray, Joliu
Minliigh, Jamps
M'Ailnras, Patrick
M'Cartnpy, Daniel and Ann
M'Clellan, Klizaheth, James, and
Jane Ann
M'Coinlis, (on hoard tho Pilot
QnPPn, or Chester)
M'Ciirran, Daniel
M'Donni'l, Mary and John
M' Fall, John
M'fiuinn, Catlierine, Mary, and
William
M'l.oughlin, John
M'Manus, Patrick and Ann
M'Mauer, James
Nangle, James
Neesom, Sarah
Nepsom, Edwin
Oultan, Andrew
Orange, W'illiam
Orrell, Louis
O'lirien, James
O'Hara, Itridget
Pollard, Sarali
J'owell, Heni-y
tjuirk, Michaid
liadcliff, James
liegan, Catherine, Mary, and
Patrick
Rodgers, Edward
Hooney, Joanna
Ifourke, Michael
Roiith, Ellen and Michael
I{i>per, Hiinnah (two children in
the hosjiital)
Byder, Daniel
Sales, Mary
Sanders, William
Savugp, Frp'li-rick
Scauion, William
APPENDIX.
109
Sliparon, Erlwanl
SliurtJ, Emilia
SoniPi-ville, Sarah
Smith, Peter
Swallow, Sarah
Swallow, Elizalioth
Taylor, >Iai-y Aun
Tobin, Joanna and Honora
Tomliuson, George
Thoiiipsoii, Cliarles
Thompson, Elizabeth
Walker, James
Welch, Richard
Warburton, Elizabeth, John, and
Mary
Ward, Eliza
Wells, William
Wliite, Henry
Woods, Francis and Catherine
Wrigt'lesworth, Peter
NAMES OF THE CREW SAVED.
Austin, Christopher J.
Bassett. Heni-y
Blodgett, William
Bengolon, J., first officer
Bramen, Frederick
Braunou, Richard
Buckley, S., 2nd carpenter
Cheyn, James
Colver, Henry
Gibb, W. P., second oificer
Gliudininpt. Robert
Green, William
Gnlliver, William
Hiller, Thomas
Jenkins, E. E.
Keeler, John
Locke, Charles 1).
M'Laughlin, John
Moore, W. J., carpenter
Moody, Samuel
Nelan,W. H.
Quimby, F-dward
Eoberts, WilUam
Rogers, Edward
Stockwell, Isaac
Sweet, Joiiathau
Vain, George
Wallace, William
WiMer, Daniel, and
Wilson, James
UNACCOUNTED FOR.
Atkinson, John
Anderson, Thos. and Mary Ann
Baring, Johanna
Barker, George
Banson, William
Bell, John, Emma, and FAim
Blyden, Joseph
Brady, Patrick
Brisiiall, Jerry
Brown, Thomas, William, wife,
and child
Burns, Mary
Bntterworth, Joseph
Buttan, Mary
Callaghan, Dennis, Susan, son,
and daughter
Cashman (five children)
Clark, Catherine, Mary, and
Isabella
Coyle, Catherine
Condon, F^ugene
Constantine, Ann
Combs, John
Cox, Richard and Mary Ami
Crook, Mary
Cuddy, Acles
Curley, Ellen
Dunning, Julia
Delanham. Patrick
Devine, James, Bridget, and
child
Deacon, .Ylice
Dolan. .John
Donohue, Darby
110
APPENDIX.
r)iiu;,'lirrly, John nuil Martin
l>ri-tiin, Whistoii
I>rui'n, Mnry
Bnirj', Jnliu and Janx-s
])ur','en, Catlieriue
l'i<lipr, Sarah
I'inan, Afary Ann, Mary, ami
llridpft
Flnod, Murtraret
Oalvin, Norn
• iaffiipy, Mary
(llecsod, Ann, Mary, Philip, and
child
Oonnly, Margaret
(ivppu. Uiisanna
Halloran, Mar(.'Qret
Haidoy, Slurthy
Hely. Jamrs
Hi^nry, .lames
Hill, IJehecra
Jacksou, William, wife, and
i-hild ; William, wife, and two
'■hildren
Joliuson, .lohn, Thomas, Jane,
and Mary
.lonerf. Mary
Kayc, 'I'homas and wife
Kcrttran, Winifred
Kelli-hor, Ellen and child
Kealinp, Nora
Kelly, Kdward
Killiy, Cnthorinp
I.cavy, Thomas, Mary Ann, and
•lames
r.owi's, Neville
Marvty, William and wife
Maxweil, Kohert
M'Kvoy, .lane and Mary
M'Gee, Margaret
Moyuch, John
Molnn, I'.llpn, DavlB, unil Joha
Miirty, Wiiljani
Mnlloiij.', Hi-l-py
Mulch ion, Arthur, Jane, nrid ehlM
Neelsiiu, Mrs. Surah, Kd»d.,and
Jane
Ni'itiitt, Mary Ann
Niilan, James and Marffnnt
f)'<'i>nnor, Daniel and wifu
O'Mara, Catherine
I'dlensHJe, Samuel
I'lirkir, (ieorjje
(jiiinn, Mnry and two sons
IJohert'i, Jane
Honayn, Jam°s, Mnrvrarel, Cn.
therine, Kliza, Johanna, and
Marsiaret
Shaw, Jo3ei>h, Mary, Ann, and
Sarah
Slienan, Margaret
Shread, .Ifiseph
Smith. Margaret, Klh-n. Mnry.
Thomas, Peter, Marv, and
child
Spencer, William and I'rancis
Sullivan, Dnrnhy, (ieoffry, Jo-
hanna. Klleu, Catherine, nod
Nancy
Tohin, Mary
Towns, William
Tieniey, Kllen and Uridget
Thompson, Henry, Sarah,
Charles. Elizabeth, and Alice
Ward, Sarah Ann ami Edward
WiNou, James, Catherine, and
child
Winsianlny, .Tames
Willin, William and wife
Wynne, Mary
THE END.
I
Los Angeles
This book is DUE on the last date stamped l)clow.
Form L9-50m-7,'64 (5990) 444
THE LIBRAKY
DIVERSITY OF CALIFOUiillA
^ LOS AI^GELES
U00j> ine ucean mon-
LU2o arch
PR
U883
Lii2o
AA 000 373 270