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F E
IONS,
R.
| THE COAST
B U S T O N :
PUBLISHED BY GRAVES & BARTLETT.
1841.


S K ET C H OF T H E LIFE
OF
ELIZABET H E MIMO NS,
THE FEMALE SAILOR.
WHO WAS BRUTALLY MURDERED WHILE AT SEA, OFF THE COAST
of FLORIDA, FEBRUARY 3D, 1841.
Second Edition.
B O S T O N :
PUBLISHED BY GRAVES & BARTLETT.
1841.

[Entered according to act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred
and forty-one, by LYMAN GRAVEs and FREDERICK BARTLETT, in the
Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.]

P R. E. F. A. C. E.
THE following sketch of the life of Elizabeth Emmons, the
female sailor, is given in a very imperfect form. Not more than
one-tenth part of her writings is here presented; indeed, so small
a portion is published, that the many trials through which this
young lady has passed, are hardly connected. It is gratifying to
state, however, that her manuscripts have been placed in the hands
of an individual in this city, who is preparing them for the press.
They will probably make a duodecimo volume of 250 pages. This
work will contain her “Log Book,” which she always kept after
going to sea, the whole history of her eventful life, and nearly one
hundred pieces of composition, among the number some excellent
poetry.
There is every reason to believe that this young lady was a
Christian in the broadest sense of the word. She often speaks of
the Bible that she received from the hands of her dying mother,
and of retiring to some lone part of the vessel, and there pouring
out her soul in fervant supplications to HIM who holds the waters
as in the hollow of his hand, and directs the whirlwind and the
tempest.
A great portion of the time of this lady, after she was married,
was employed in writing her own life. This was done at the
solicitation of her husband, who, after examining her log book—
looking over her numerous manuscripts—reading the many interesting

Iv PREFA C E.
incidents connected with her early days—the circumstances under
which she left the home of her childhood, and learning that she had for
some years acted in the capacity of a sailor, appeared very anxious
that she should write a memoir of her own life, and in connection
with her other writings, either sooner or later, to have it published.
The narrative of this young lady, when given as a whole, cannot
fail of gaining an extensive circulation. What is now published,
as it has been already remarked, is but an imperfect sketch of her
memoir.
Boston, April, 1841.

T H E FE M A. L E S A. I L O R.
I was born in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, on
the twenty-first day of April, in the year eighteen hundred
and seventeen, and was the only child of Nathaniel and
Jane Emmons. My father, by profession, was a jeweller,
and my mother, for many years previous to her death,
was an ardent and humble Christian. She died, however,
when I was between five and six years of age. Well do
I recollect the day and the very moment when her soul
took its flight, from this world of sorrow and suffering,
to an habitation “eternal in the heavens.” Yes—familiar
is that moment to me, when I was summoned to the
death-bed of my mother, to receive the last gift she had
to present, and to hear her final gasp.
As I entered her room, a smile of joy, mingled with
sorrow, lit up her countenance,—joy, that she was about
to exchange this earthly tabernacle of clay for a heavenly
mansion—and sorrow, lest her only child might be left a
prey to the thousands of temptations which are afloat in
this vain world. That scene was truly one of reality;
and as I approached her pale and death-stricken visage
and stationed upon a chair by the sid.of her couch,
2

6 THE FEMALE SAILOR.
she reached out her arms, and with all the strength that
she could command, pressed me to her bosom, and in an
instant her spirit returned to Him who gave it.
The spectacle which presented itself in this chamber
of death, can never be effaced from my memory. My
father, who had watched by the bedside of my mother
almost the whole time during her sickness, appeared as if
in the agonies of despair, and for several hours after she
died, his reason was dethroned, and it seemed that even
death itself had taken hold of his frame. The next day
after my mother's death, her body was committed to
the earth, and her grave bedeved with the tears of her
numerous relatives and friends. -
The death of my mother occurred on the second day
of August, in the year eighteen hundred and twenty-two.
Several months after this melancholy occurrence, with the
bible in my hand, which was presented to me by my mother
when upon her death-bed, and in company with my father,
I weekly visited her grave, and many times have Istrewed
it with flowers. The willow, which was there planted in
love, and which hung in weeping posture over her grave,
I trust still remains; and should heaven ever permit me
once more to visit that hallowed and consecrated spot,
the tear of affection would again, as it had been wont to
do in former times, course down my now sorrowful face.
But that time, in all probability, never will happen.
Fate—cruel Fate, has destined that I should pass the
remainder of my days in places distant from that of my
nativity, and among those who know me not. Why—
why was I born ? Why was I ushered into this world of
sorrow and of suffering, and for a short time permitted to
float down the stream of life with bright and cheering
prospects, and then to taste, to its very dregs, of the cup
of bitterness? But heaven has decreed thus, and why
mourn ?

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 7
My father felt that the death of my mother had thrown
upon him a double responsibility, and a great portion of
his time was employed, for some months after the death of
my mother, in conversing with me upon subjects which
interested, not only my temporal but my eternal welfare.
Would to heaven that he had always felt this responsibility
No pains were spared on his part, to furnish me with
every necessary qualification that would make me not
only a worthy but an accomplished member of society.
For nearly eleven years after my mother's death, her
sister was connected with my father's family, during
which time she bestowed upon me every possible attention.
No reasonable request, either on the part of my father or
aunt, was ever refused, and being an only child, I was
looked after with the utmost interest. Painful, indeed,
was the day that circumstances rendered it necessary for
my aunt to leave the city, and take up her residence in
the far west. She had been to me all but a mother ; and
I felt that in separating from one so dear, I was parting
with one of the best friends I had on earth.
At the time my aunt left Boston I was in my seventeenth
year, and I thought had arrived at an age when my father
might reasonably expect some assistance from me in
managing his house. I therefore proposed to him that
I would take the lead in his family, which consisted of
my father, three of his workmen, and myself. But he
did not like this idea, and constrained me to continue at
school, and spare no exertions to render myself equal to
any of my sex in the various studies that assist in making
one an accomplished individual. This I done, and was
considered by my friends as among the foremost of my
associates in almost every thing I undertook, and was
flattered so much by my different teachers, that I was
encouraged to persevere with all industry in the attainment

S THE FEMA L E SA II, O. R.
of any desirable good. In the art of composition I was
exceeded by none. A number of my productions were
published in the city papers, and copied into a number of
the first literary publications in different parts of the
United States. This circumstance, more than any other,
encouraged me to press forward, and exert myself to the
utmost, in gaining those accomplishments which every
ambitious aspirant desires.
But the death of my mother, and the parting with my
beloved aunt, proved to be but a portion of those troubles
which the providence of God had strewed in my pathway.
In less than three months after my aunt left Boston, an
awful calamity overtook my father. He was made a
slave to the intoxicating cup, and all respect for himself,
his family and his friends, were smothered in the fumes
of the cursed bowl.
It had been privately whispered to me by some of my
friends, several weeks before I ascertained that such was
in reality the fact, that he had mingled in the company of
those who were known to be intemperate; and it was
several times intimated to me that he had been seen when
under the influence of ardent spirits. But I could not
believe these startling insinuations. He was the same
kind father that he had been in years past—daily looked
after me with the same degree of tenderness that he ever
did, and continued to indulge me in almost every request
H made of him.
But the time soon came when skepticism upon this
matter could no longer be cherished. My father came
home late one evening, and I soon discovered that he was
disguised with spirits. He told me that he had been at a
meeting of a few of his friends who were going to leave
the city in the morning, and that he was induced to take
a parting glass with each one of them. He soon retired
to his chamber, and I to mine,—but no sleep came to my

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 9
eyelids that night. Is it possible—can it be, I inquired
of myself, that my father is going to bring disgrace on
himself and his only child, by becoming intemperate 7
Heaven forbid!
I arose early in the morning with all the cheerfulness
that I could muster. During the day, my father's face
wore a sad aspect. He was well aware that I knew the
situation he was in the evening previous, and for several
days after this he appeared like another person.
The church to which my father belonged soon learned
of his bad conduct, and measures were immediately taken
by its members to dissolve their connection with him.
This was done at once, and notice of the fact was
communicated to him by letter. The communication
came to him when he was at his dwelling, and at a
moment when he was in possession of his right mind.
The words it contained came upon him like a clap of
thunder. Seated by the side of the fire, after reading
the letter, he arose, tore it in pieces, and exclaimed:
** Have I come to this ſ” and left the house with all
possible despatch.
I was well aware what the contents of that letter were,
as I had indirectly learned that the church were about
considering the subject of dismissing him; and had
understood that morning, that the committee were going
to meet in the afternoon for the purpose of deciding
what course it would be best for them to adopt in relation
to this matter.
The few hours after my father left the house, were
those of agony, painful in the extreme. What, thought
I, am I coming to Are my prospects in life so soon to
be blasted? Is it possible that my father will ere long die
a drunkard 7
Hour after hour, which seemed more like days, passed
away, and my father returned not. For a time, I flattered

10 TIHE FEMAL E SAII, O. R.
myself that he had left for the purpose of conversing
with the committee who addressed him, and make an
effort to atone for his past misconduct. I walked the
room with breathless anxiety awaiting his return. The
clock had struck eleven, and he was still absent. Tears
Igladly would have shed, after this late hour, but I had
drained the fountain.
It was not till half past one o'clock in the morning
that my father made his appearance. Never—never can
I forget the heart-sickening scenes of that night. My
father returned home a drunkard / He was so intoxicated
that he was hardly able to get into the house, and it was
with much difficulty that I seated him in a chair. Oh,
what a heart-sickening scene was here presented to my
view My father—man born in the image of his Maker,
thus making his noble powers bow to the influence of
the damning liquidſ
My father had been seated in his chair but a few
minutes, before his actions too plainly indicated that he
had drank more than he could manage with safety, and
very soon fell into a drowse. This was a spectacle
that would have made, were it possible, the infernal spirits
of the lower regions weep. It was then that I lifted up
my voice to Heaven and implored divine interposition.
My father remained in his chair till he had slept away the
fumes of the alcohol, and then, without saying a word,
retired to his chamber.
Those, and those only, who have passed through
similar trials, can experience the pain and mortification
that thrills through one's very soul in such trying times.
Even at this day, as memory calls to my recollection
the scenes of that night, my blood courses sluggishly
through my veins; and I not unfrequently wonder that
I was blessed with sufficient strength to support me
under this and many other severe trials which the

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 11
providence of God has thought proper for me to pass
through.
My father did not make his appearance, as usual, at the
breakfast table the next morning. The chair which he
was accustomed to occupy, was vacant. He arose about
eleven o'clock, drank a cup of tea, and again retired to
his chamber. For several days after this, he was more or
less indisposed, and at one time was considered by many
as dangerously sick. He, however, soon recovered, and
appeared in a measure as he was accustomed to appear in
years past.
But, too true A serious change had came over my
only parent. He was no longer the same kind father to
me that he once was. From this time he was very
irregular in his habits—family prayer was dispensed
with—his business was daily neglected—the Sabbath he
transgressed, and very soon his name became a reproach
among those who once knew and respected him ;-and
but a few weeks had elapsed after this, before his house,
the contents of his store, and every thing that could be
taken, were attached and sold at auction, and my father
was placed under the care of one of his friends, who did
all in his power to bring about a reformation in his
character.
The father of a young man, with whom I had formed
an attachment when quite young, and to whom I was
engaged to be married, at this time invited me to his
house, and very kindly offered me the use of one of his
best rooms, where I opened a school for children, and in
teaching which I succeeded very well.
Time passed slowly away. The disgraceful conduct
of my father was daily the cause of much pain to
me. At times, he would appear quite rational; but in
contrasting the position he once sustained in society with
his present standing, he was overwhelmed with grief, and

12 - THE FEMALE SAILOR.
for the purpose of drowning his sorrows, he would again
and again fly to the cup. Many were the times that I
visited him, for the purpose of prevailing upon him to
taste no longer of the intoxicating bowl. Hour after
hour have I sat by his side, pleading and conjuring him,
with all the affection that a child could have for a father,
as he valued his immortal soul—as he cared for his only
child—to dash forever from his lips the soul-destroying
draught. But entreaties, tears, and prayers, proved
unavailing; and in less than three weeks from the day
his house was taken from him, he found a drunkard's
gravel
These were the results of intemperance, brought about
by associating with those who were in the constant habit
of using ardent spirits, and of meddling with the first
glass. Beware, O beware of that first glass As you
value your best interests—as you seek the temporal and
eternal happiness of yourself and yours—touch not the
unclean thing.
At this time I felt, as it were, alone in the world; and
had it not been for the company of the youth with whom
I had been intimate for years, who had in days past
vowed to be true to me, and who at this time sympathized
with me in my afflictions, I should hardly have been
sustained. Our attachment continued with increasing
love, till death parted us. I have every reason to believe
that he died from grief, occasioned by an accident that
occurred to me while in his company one day. We were
riding out one afternoon in a carriage, when the horse
after which we were riding became frightened, ran away
with us, and I was thrown from the carriage upon the
side-walk with considerable force. I was taken up and
carried home in a senseless state, and remained bereft of
my reason for some days. I soon recovered, but the
sight of one of my eyes had gone forever. In the fall

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 13
from the carriage, my head struck against the corner of a
door-stone, and for a time fears were entertained by many
that inflammation on the brain would ensue, and very soon
put an end to my earthly career.
Nothing could exceed the pain that filled the breast of
my intended partner, when he was informed that I had
lost one of my eyes, and after I had regained my senses, I
found him prostrated upon a sick couch. He continued
to grow worse, and by the time I had recovered from my
rather severe accident, he was considered by many who
visited him as dangerously sick, and doubtful whether he
would be ever able to get up again. Unutterable anguish
now took possession of my very soul. Although deprived
of the sight of one of my eyes, and my person otherwise
deformed, happy, thought I, was my situation; and if I
could once more see the youth of my love restored to
strength, thrice happy would be that hour.
As I sat by his bed-side, day after day and night after
night, watching with the most intense interest every
movement, a thousand reminiscences crowded upon my
recollection. Memory called to mind the many pleasant
hours that we had whiled away in each other's company
—the promises we had often made to one another, and
the happy days we once anticipated of enjoying together
at a future time, when not only our hands but our hearts
should be united, weighed down my spirits, and seemed
to add, if possible, to my mental sufferings.
As one day succeeded another, I could see an alteration
in the countenance of the youth of my fondest affections.
His lamp of life was fast going out, and its feeble and
almost imperceptible flickering, admonished me that a
dissolution was soon to take place. I was daily told,
however, by his attending physicians, that he was getting
better. But this I never could believe ; and the sequel
proved that this intimation was given merely for the
3

14 THE FEMALE SAILOR.
purpose of alleviating my sufferings. In less than three
weeks from the time I was able to move about, the youth
was a corpse.
As I bent over the lifeless body of him whom Ihad loved
with a tenderness known only to myself and that Being
who sustains us under every trial, I could not but believe
that its spirit was singing hozannas in another and a better
world,—and wished, more than once wished, that God
would soon call me from this world of sorrow, and
transport my spirit to the realms above.
*k * * -k -k -k
Soon after the death of the only true friend I had on
earth, circumstances rendered it necessary that I should
leave the house which had been my home for three
months. The world all around me seemed a barren
waste, and every thing looked sad and gloomy. Seldom
did I retire to my pillow, without offering up a prayer,
that before the light of another morning my eyes might
be closed in the sleep of death.
My next home was among those who, I soon discovered,
took very little interest, either in my temporal or spiritual
welfare. Although connected with a family in which I
had several cousins, they seldom manifested any interest
in my behalf. Instead of laboring to smooth my rugged
pathway through this vale of tears, they threw every
possible obstacle in my way, thus rendering my situation
as uncomfortable as they could. Like a slave, I was
continually compelled to work. I never was allowed to
sit at the table in company with strangers, and was denied
the privilege of joining in family worship, except upon
the Sabbath. Alas! for such Christianity it is worse
than mockery Probably one of the reasons why I was
so little noticed, was because I had lost the sight of one
of my eyes, which of course very much disfigured my
personal appearance.

THE FEMALE SAIL, OR. 15
My prospects in life were now gloomy in the extreme.
I had followed to the grave, one after another, the only
earthly friends I had, on whom I could rely with any
degree of confidence. Those who had been my most
intimate associates in the hey-day of my youth, seldom
deigned to give me a call, and I felt, as I truly was, alone
in the world. My only moments of relief were found in
visiting the graves of those who, when alive, looked after
me with tenderness, and there give vent to my feelings
and my tears. Often have I seated myself upon the
mound which covered the last remains of the youth
whose eye once sparkled with brilliancy, and whose love
for me was as pure as the crystal fountain.
The inhuman treatment towards me, of those with
whom I now lived, continued to grow more and more
insufferable, till I made up my mind to leave them. But
where could I go? What could I do? were questions
which I found it extremely difficult to answer. After
deliberating upon the matter for some time, I at last
resolved, rather than longer submit to that kind of
treatment which had been bestowed upon me since the
decease of the youth whom Iso dearly loved, and in whose
bosom I was wont to repose every thought of my mind,
to bid farewell to the scenes of terra firma, and if possible
to procure employment as a sailor—to go, I cared not
where.
I accordingly made arrangements to furnish myself
with suitable apparel, and to leave the city as soon as
possible. I communicated my intentions to a dealer in
sailor's clothes, enjoining upon him the utmost secrecy,
who furnished me with sufficient clothing, and rendered
me every assistance in his power to forward the object I
had in view. He even procured me employment on
board of a vessel which was soon to sail for New Orleans,
and whispered a good word for me to the captain of the

16 THE FEMALE SAILOR.
vessel. In less than three weeks after I concluded to go
to sea, I had perfected my plans for that purpose, and was
to sail the first favorable opportunity.
The numerous presents which had been given to me
during my life, I collected together and placed in a small
trunk. Among the choicest of these was the bible that I
received from the hand of my mother when upon her
death-bed, and a miniature likeness of the youth who, had
he lived, would have made smooth my pathway through
life.
The day before I left Boston, I visited the graves of
my mother and my father and my intended partner. For
the last time, I dropped upon their graves the tear of
affection, and for the last time, I strewed their graves
with flowers. It was indeed sad to think of dying in
places distant from the dust of my parents. But why
not ? Mother, I had none—father, I had none—friends,
I had none. :: sk sk º: sk
The morning arrived for the departure of the vessel in
which I was to leave the city. I left home under the
pretence of visiting, as I had often done, the graves of
my father and my mother. But I have never returned;
and from the manner in which I was last treated by my
friends, (if friends they can be called) I have ever consoled
myself with the reflection, that they have never given
themselves any uneasiness on my account.
I left the city the third day of May, 1835, and was
employed on board of a vessel named Swift, and bound
for New Orleans. As the sails of the vessel were spread
to the breeze, and as she moved slowly from the shore, a
feeling of joy, rather than sorrow, animated my bosom.
True—the scenes of by-gone days crowded thick and
fast upon my recollection. The death-bed of my mother
—the disgraceful death of my father, and the going out
of the lamp of existence of the youth I so dearly loved,

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 17
seemed but as events of yesterday. Beneath the sod
rested those who once cared for me; and I then thought,
and still think, that rather than have heaped upon me
every day burdens which rendered my situation worse
than a slave, I had rather roam about the world, and labor
for those who knew me not.
Little, however, was I aware of the many difficulties
and trials with which I should have to contend in my new
employment. Having never been at sea, I was taken
sick very soon after leaving the shore, and remained more
or less indisposed for several days. I made the best of my
sickness, and summoned all the resolution in my power
to aid me. The master of the vessel proved to be a man
entirely destitute of moral principle, and very coarse in
his address.
I soon learned that the individual who had obtained me
a situation on board of the vessel, had misrepresented my
ability to perform the duties of a sailor—that he had told
the captain that I had been at sea several times, and that
he was evidently expecting more from me than I should
be able to accomplish. This fact, in connection with
the rough manners of the crew, rendered my situation
extremely unpleasant, and I began to wish that I was
once more on land. -
We made but little progress for several days, having
been becalmed a greater part of the time. I was treated
in a most shameful manner by the sailors, and was not
unfrequently made the object of ridicule by many of the
passengers. This was a source of great mortification to
me, and I often retired to my lodgings, and there prayed
that God, who numbers even the hairs of our heads,
would give me strength proportionate to my troubles.
The fourth day after leaving the shore, the winds began
to blow, the sea to rise, and the vessel to make considerable
headway. I received an order from the captain to “go
3*

1S THE FEMALE SAIL, OR.
aloft,” supposing that I had been at sea, but I did not
dare make a move. To find me so stupid, at a time my
services were most needed, excited his temper, and he
paced the deck in a perfect frenzy, showering curses
loud and deep, not only upon my innocent head, but upon
the person who procured me a situation on board of his
vessel. The sailors, and a great portion of the passengers,
observing the treatment that I received at the hands of the
master of the vessel, took every opportunity to impose
upon me.
The sea continued to rise till the passengers were
alarmed for their safety. It was at this time that my
services were necessary; but being a new hand, I was
unable to afford the vessel any material assistance. Every
hour matters grew worse. Sail after sail was ordered to
be lowered. The captain ordered his crew to throw all
the freight overboard; and so vexed was he to find that
I could not lift as much as his other men, that he appeared
more like a madman than a same and rational being.
At this time all on board looked pale and frightened,
and several female passengers were driven to despair in
view of the prospect before them, as they believed they
were destined soon to find a watery grave. The vessel
was literally transformed into a “house of prayer,” and
many whose mouths were the day before filled with
curses, now were seen upon their bended knees imploring
the mercy of heaven.
In this situation we remained nearly thirty-six hours,
driven to and fro, each and every one of us momentarily
expecting to meet our God. The eyes of nearly all
on board were closed, and many might be seen with
clenched hands, yielding themselves up to the most frantic
despair. The mother was seen pressing to her bosom
the child of her love—husbands and wives were embracing
each other with a determination, if death was their fate,

THE FEMALE SAILO R. 19
to die in each other's arms. But He, who holds the seas
in the hollow of his hand, came to our relief, and the
master of the vessel soon found her at his command.
The scene of horror which but a short time before
presented itself on board of the vessel, and which baffled
description, was succeeded by shouts of joy from the mouths
of all. The vessel proved to be very much damaged—so
much so, that the captain thought it the part of prudence
to make for the shore with all possible despatch. He did
so, and in twenty-eight hours we found ourselves safely
landed in Philadelphia.
As soon as the vessel struck the wharf the passengers
lost no time in leaving it, and felt rejoiced to find they had
escaped with their lives. I was determined also to leave,
and did so, without even speaking to the captain. From
the extensive damage which the vessel had received, I was
well aware that it would be some weeks before she would
be able again to sail. This fact, in connection with the
dislike I had for the master of the vessel, as well as the
sailors, induced me to leave in an unceremonious manner.
Nothing daunted, however, by my first visit at sea, and
everything on land appearing gloomy, I immediately made
application to the captain of a vessel that was on the eve
of sailing for Mobile, and obtained a situation as a waiter.
We sailed the next day, having on board between fifty and
sixty passengers. Every thing passed off smoothly, and
in my new situation found no difficulty in meeting the
expectations of the captain of the vessel. In less than
eleven days after we left Philadelphia, we were within
sight of Mobile.
We remained in Mobile a few days, and then left for
Philadelphia. I remained on board of this vessel for more
than nine months, during which time we went to and from
Philadelphia and Mobile several times, and visited many
other ports in the United States,

20 THE FEMALE SAILOR.
During these nine months nothing of importance
occurred—they were the happiest days I had enjoyed
for some time. The master of the vessel often remarked,
that he never passed so many quiet months, at one time,
in his life.
But soon—very soon, a reverse of fortune came upon
him. On our passage from Philadelphia to Mobile, in the
month of April, 1837, we met with a series of accidents,
which consigned to a briny grave a number of persons,
and completely destroyed our vessel. The vessel left
Philadelphia for Mobile with seventy-three passengers,
among the number were nineteen females. All on board
appeared cheerful and happy, and nothing occurred for
nearly two days to mar the prospects of any one.
On the morning of the third day, however, a young
lady, who, by her beautiful looks and good deportment—
her innocent appearance and childlike simplicity, had
been noticed by all, was absent from the breakfast table.
Her non-appearance was the cause of much inquiry by
the passengers, and my office being that of chamber-maid
as well as waiter, I was requested to inquire the reason
why she was absent. I repaired to her berth, and asked
her if she was sick. She answered, in a feeble voice,
“Yes,” and appeared to be in much distress.
I returned to the breakfast table, and reported that the
absent lady was seriously indisposed, and that she needed
assistance. At this announcement, every knife fell as if
the hands of those who held them were struck with palzy,
and, as many as were able, surrounded the couch of that
lovely girl. But alas! in less than four short days after
Heaving Philadelphia, the body of this once beautiful girl
was committed to the unfathomable deep.
In company with several other females, I watched by
her side almost the whole time she was sick. All on
board seemed to take a lively interest in her welfare, and

THE FEMALE SAILO R. 21
every countenance wore a sad aspect in view of the
probable dissolution of this blooming child. No one
was able to afford her even the most trifling relief, and
her looks too plainly told that the hand of death had
seized upon her frame.
Her dying hour was to me a distressing—a painful one.
I learned from the captain, who was partially acquainted
with her, that there was no one in company with her, and
that she was returning, from a visit at the north, to the
bosom of her home in the south. She retained her senses
to the last. Never can I forget the moment that her soul
was called to a holier clime. Although she had no
mother or father to smooth her death-bed pillow-no
sister or brother to witness, for the last time, the closing
of those eyes which, as but yesterday, beamed with
intelligence and plainly told that she had virtues as
pure as the crystal stream, as she bid a long farewell
to the sorrows of this vain world, a smile of joy seemed
to play upon her marble face as she lisped, in accents
hardly audible—“Adieu !” She died, and her body was
committed to the rolling and angry waters. It sank
gradually beneath the waves, and very soon vanished
forever. - -
Little did those who gathered around the last remains
of this fair lady, and who witnessed her lifeless form
committed to the briny deep, suppose that they were
destined soon to meet a similar fate. But too true ! In
less than three days after the death of this lovely girl, no
less than seventeen of the passengers lay prostrated with
sickness, and all but two of this number were females.
Not even a temporary relief could be afforded to any of
those who were sick; and in twenty-four hours, and in
some instances in fifteen hours after a person was taken
down, death would ensue. Their disease was evidently
the same as that with which the lovely girl died, but what

22 THE FEMALE SAILOR.
it was, no one on board could tell. One after another,
apparently with but little agony, fell asleep in death.
At this crisis, it is impossible to describe my own
feelings, or the sensations of those who were yet alive.
Upon the deck of the vessel lay seventeen dead bodies.
Mourners were seen standing in silent resignation, viewing
the last remains of dear relatives, while the scene of horror
which surrounded them surpassed description. Infants
were seen reposing upon the breasts of their mothers,
crying for that nourishment which they were no longer
able to give. The dignified deportment and self-possession
of a number of ladies, were worthy of all praise, and at
one time I observed two of them upon their knees
praying with a fervency rarely equalled.
A few hours after the death of these individuals, the
winds blew strongly, and the waves ran mountains high-
Wave after wave continued to wash the deck of our vessel.
The captain ordered every sail to be lowered, apprehensive
that the gale, if it continued to increase in violence, would
prove of a destructive character.
The master of the vessel commanded his crew to throw
overboard the dead bodies. At this order, the cries and
sobs of those whose relatives were about to be plunged
into the water, broke out afresh. The husband lay upon
the deck embracing the lifeless form of his bosom friend,
and the mother and father were mourning the unhappy
fate of their children with indescribable anguish. The
sailors were about obeying the command of the master of
the vessel, when a huge wave came across the vessel, and
swept into the ocean every movable article from the deck
with the exception of the captain, sailors, and two or
three of the passengers, who clung to a portion of the
vessel. Thus went down into the briny waters twenty-one
human beings—among the number were four males, who,
though alive, were bereſt of their reason, and who went

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 23
down into the deep clinging to the dead forms of their
companions.
Every wave now threatened our vessel with destruction.
The sky was fearfully dark, and the cries and groans of
all on board were increased in view of the chilling and
fearful prospects before them. To add to the misery of
our situation, we had lost a great part of our provisions,
besides our quadrant and spy glasses.
Our vessel at this time was entirely at the mercy of the
waves, and in this situation we remained for many hours.
So much exhausted were all on board, the second night
after the gale commenced, and seeing no prospects of
relief, the remaining passengers retired to their berths
with the expectation of soon meeting their God.
At about midnight our vessel was struck with great
violence, and the shock was accompanied by a shriek of
horror from every quarter of the vessel. The captain
soon reported that the vessel was about sinking. As soon
as we recovered our senses, we lost no time in making
arrangements to leave our vessel which, in an instant, had
been transformed into a wreck.
The vessel which had overtaken us, proved to be a ship
bound for Charleston, S. C. The captain of this vessel
provided, to the utmost of his power, for the comfort of
our despairing passengers and crew. We were taken on
board of his vessel with all possible despatch, and in less
than an hour after, the wreck that we had left sank into
the ocean.
In less than two days we arrived at Charleston. The
captain, with whom I left Philadelphia, appeared very
much dejected, having lost his vessel, and saved nothing
but what was connected with his person. He was a man
of fine feelings, and would often remark that his loss was
nothing, in comparison with the reflection that he had
commanded a vessel which had suddenly sent to an

24 THE FEMALE SAILOR.
untimely grave so many human beings. At times he
would weep like a child, and on recurring to the scenes,
as we frequently did when conversing together, through
which we had lately passed, the tears would course down
his furrowed cheeks.
A warm friendship subsisted between the captain and
myself, as I had been in his employ for some months, and
never had the least difficulty. He could not think of
abandoning forever the idea of a sea-faring life, as he had
been upon the water for more than forty years. He often
remarked to me that he was at home in no place except
upon the broad ocean.
After deliberating upon the matter for a few days, the
captain told me that he had resolved on going to sea once
more, and that he should never enjoy himself till he did.
He forthwith left for Philadelphia, for the purpose of
procuring funds, telling me that he should soon return.
He insisted that I should promise that I would go with him
to sea, upon his return from Philadelphia. I told him that
I would think of it, and if I could get no other employment
during his absence, I would accompany him. When he
left Charleston, he placed in my hands twenty-five dollars,
and remarked, with a tearful eye, that he should expect
to see me when he returned.
During the time he was absent, I was unable to find any
other employment. The money that the kind captain
“presented me upon his departure, was stolen from my
chamber soon after heleft, which deprived me of sufficient
means to procure me victuals and lodging. I made known
my destitute situation to the proprietor of the “Sailor's
Home,” an institution which is supported by individual
donations for the benefit of destitute seamen, and which
was under the management of a kind-hearted woman,
who did all in her power to make me comfortable.
The captain soon returned, and was very much rejoiced

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 25
to see me. He immediately purchased a schooner, and
after considerable urging, I concluded to accompany him
Once more to Sea.
[For more than nine months this female was in the employ of the
above vessel, during which time she acted in the capacity of Mate,
and visited, among other places, Apalachicola, in Florida, Galveston,
in Texas, New Orleans, Mobile, and many other ports in the United
States. Numerousinportant incidents are gathered from her writings,
which happened during these months; but as our space is limited, we
have room for only the last drama in which this vessel participated.]
On our passage from Charleston to Mobile, in the
month of March, 1838, nothing of importance occurred
for the first three days. About the middle of the fourth
day, however, the waves began to roll at a furious rate,
and the sea continued to rise till the crew and the captain
were alarmed for the safety of the vessel. The sailor,
who had often sported with ordinary perils, now began to
be convulsed with fear. The captain ordered every yard
of canvass to be taken down, and there was nothing
stirring to interrupt the almost deathless silence of all
on board.
Instead of the vessel making any headway, we were
hourly driven back by the tempest. Masses of thick
clouds were seen flying in all directions, and soon a
report, like that of an artillery, and a deafening crash
of timber, too surely told us that the vessel had been
struck by lightning. I was on deck at this time, assisting
my brother sailors in throwing overboard every weighty
article. The fluid followed the mast, and, attracted by a
chain, passed out at the bow, but not without doing
considerable injury.
Too true, the vessel was on fire, and for a short time
the devouring element was confined to a particular spot;
but the fire soon spread with alarming swiftness. The
scene which now presented itself, on all sides, was truly
heart-rending, and defies description. Upon the deck of
4.

26 THE FEMALE SAIL, OR.
the vessel were more than fifty human beings, who saw
no relief from their perilous situation. Husbands and
wives, children and parents, were running to and fro,
frantic with despair. Every possible exertion was made
to extinguish the flames, but they proved unavailing.
O, what a spectacle was at this time visible upon every
part of the vessell All prospect for relief had departed.
Some of the passengers were blessed with wonderful
self-possession, and no one appeared more resigned to
their fate than myself. The Bible—that dear Bible which
I received from the hands of my dying mother, has proved
many times to me a source of unbounded consolation.
Some lay prostrate upon the deck—others were awaiting
their fate with Christian fortitude—othersbewailing it with
loud and bitter lamentations, cursing the hour they were
born, and a part were engaged in reading the scriptures
and offering prayer to heaven for relief. -
We were many miles rom land, and beyond the reach
of human aid, unless perchance some vessel should heave
in sight. The flames continued to spread with alarming
rapidity, and the smoke swept the deck in suffocating
masses. What can be done?—was the cry of all on
board.
Fortunately, in these trying circumstances, the master
of the vessel retained a presence of mind which seemed
to increase, rather than diminish, with the iminence of
the danger. His crew, however, were so much frightened,
that hardly one of his orders were obeyed.
All hope that we should escape an untimely grave, had
now vanished. To lower the small boats, and to risk
ourselves among the waves, would, in all probability,
prolong our existence but a few moments. This however
was ordered to be done; and as soon as possible, every
human being was taken from the burning vessel, with the
expectation of soon sinking into the “deep blue sea," to

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 27
rise no more. Placing ourselves in the small boats was
attended with a great deal of confusion, and with every
prospect of not being able long to remain in them. Some
were taken from the sinking vessel in a state of stupor,
and remained in this situation for many hours. I received
an order from the captain to take charge of one of the
small boats, saying that he should manage the other.
A removal of the passengers from the burning vessel
seemed, if possible, to increase their agony. But a
moment was occupied in the act; and as many of the
passengers, were not in possession of their right minds
when removed from the wreck, it was soon discovered
that a father was in this boat and a child and mother in
the other—that a husband was here and a wife there.
O what agony did such a thought occasion in the breasts
of those who were in the boat which I had charge of
They had separated from one another under circumstances
the most heart-rending and appalling, and without the
distant probability of ever meeting again.
But the ways of a just and righteous God are mysterious.
In less than three hours after leaving the burning vessel,
and a few moments after she sunk, the dark clouds above
our heads broke away, and the sun shone in beautiful
splendor. The sea very soon began to wear a more
tranquil aspect, and in a few hours there was quite a
calm. Our only hope then was that we might be picked
up by some vessel, and thus our lives be preserved.
For thirty-six hours we remained in this situation,
during which time those who were removed from the
burning vessel, gradually recovered their senses. The
agonizing cries of those who had parted from near and
dear friends, it was impossible to hush. The husband
had been torn from the bosom of his wife—the mother
had separated from the child of her love—and the wife,
who had parted from her cherished companion, wrung

28 THE FEMALE SAILOR.
her hands in indescribable anguish. In vain did I
endeavor to console them—in vain did I pray with and
for them. They felt as if the hand of the Almighty was
outstretched to smite them.
At last I discovered a sail in the far distance, and
communicated the joyful news to my companions. At
this announcement, joy beamed for a moment from every
countenance. But the cries and sobs of those who had
separated from their friends, did not cease. Where is my
wife—where is my child—where is my husband 2–were
questions which rent the air, mingled with the tears of
devoted love.
I watched the vessel with intense interest, and was sure
that it was making towards us; and if we could manage
to remain in our present latitude, in all probability we
should be able to make known to her our distressed
situation, and be saved from a watery grave. A ray of
hope now buoyed up the withered spirits of our crew.
A number of black cravats had been tied together, and
raised upon a long stick as a flag of distress. Nearer
and nearer the vessel approached. Soon her sails, one
by one, were seen to lower, and I flattered myself with the
idea, which, thanks to an overruling Providence, proved
true, that she had overtaken the rest of our passengers,
and was about rescuing them from a briny death. We
soon noticed the sails of the vessel more distinctly, and
in less than six hours she was within one mile of us.
As the vessel approached us, we were satisfied, from
the movements of those on board of her, that parted
friends were about to meet. Gradually she neared us.
The vessel was nearly covered with human beings, who
were rending the air with shouts of joy and thanksgiving,
which were responded to by those in company with
myself. In a short time we were kindly taken on board,
and received that kind of treatment which our distressed

"THE FEMALE SAILOR. 29
situation required, from the master of the vessel, who
assured us that our wants, so far as they could be, should
be supplied.
What a joyful meeting of friends was this! The deck
of the vessel presented a spectacle which could hardly
fail of melting a heart of adamant. The husband once
more pressed his fond wife to his bosom, and the mother
again greeted her child with the affectionate kiss. But
alas! there was one sorrowing mortal among the happy
group. It was a girl—a charming girl of the age of
seventeen. A brother which had accompanied her from
Charleston was gone—his face was not to be seen; and
upon inquiry, I learned that shortly after they left the
burning vessel, he lost his balance, and being very much
exhausted, fell into the ocean and sank forever. That
sister wept in solitude for days and nights. Oh how
deep and pure is the love of a sister
The vessel which came to our relief, proved to be a
brig bound for St. Augustine, in Florida. The Captain
informed us that he saw the smoke of our vessel, and
forthwith set sail in quest of it—that we was within two
days sail of Augustine, and did all in his power to render
our situation as comfortable as possible. We soon landed
at Augustine, and I felt rejoiced once more to set my
feet on land, having resolved, if I could obtain any other
employment that I would never again risk my life at sea.
I was at this time in a very destitute situation, having
lost every article of clothing that I had, with the exception
of what I wore, and had saved nothing but a handkerchief
which contained a few articles that I highly prized. My
Bible I was still in possession of; and in poring over its
pages, which I frequently did, could I forget the hand
which presented it to me, or forbid my memory to revert
to the scenes of my childhood Never !
Being thus situated, what to do I did not know. If I
4*

30 THE FEMALE SAILO.R.
was disposed again to embark as a sailor, no opportunity
occurred, as there was no vessel going to leave the city
for some time. The captain of the vessel in which I was
last employed, having lost every thing he was worth, was
unable to afford me the least assistance. For more than
a week I ate nothing but some sea biscuit, with the
exception of some oysters which I took from the water,
and my pillow I found in the corner of a building which
had recently been burned.
St. Augustine being the head quarters of the soldiers
engaged in the Florida war; and learning that any one
could enlist that was a mind to, as the only alternative,
I concluded to make application at the arsenal. I did so,
but they refused to enroll me, as I had but a single eye.
Learning that several companies of volunteers were soon
to leave the city in quest of the Indians, I made application
to join them. In this I was successful, and was forthwith
provided with suitable apparel.
For several weeks after I enlisted, I remained in the
city daily expecting to leave. The time soon came when
we was called upon to shoulder our muskets and go in
pursuit of the Indians. News reached the city late one
evening that a party of Indians had murdered a family
within a few miles of the precincts of the city. We were
awoke from our slumbers, and immediately left the city.
We soon reached the house of the murdered family,
but no Indian was to be seen. All was as still as death.
Too true—the Indians had murdered a family of five
persons, consisting of a father, a mother, and three young
children, one a babe of few months old. These beings
were literally cut in pieces, and their remains were scattered
for many rods about the house. One of the children was
spiked, through its head, to the side of the door, and its
body was warm when we arrived at the scene of death.
From the papers found scattered about the house, we

THE FEMALE SAILOR. 31
learnt that the occupant was originally from the town of
Worcester, Mass. We collected together the remains of
this family—made a box from the boards of the house,
in which was deposited the fragments of a whole family
—dug their grave, and committed their bones to the earth
with all possible despatch, and resumed our march.
This was the severest jaunt that I ever experienced.
For five long weeks we travelled through the swamps and
everglades which abound in that territory. Soon after
leaving the city my feet were so much blistered that it was
next to impossible for me to walk. Many times was I
upon the point of laying down, and rather than longer
endeavor to keep pace with my comrades—to die!
Scarcely a night did we sleep more than three or four
hours, and we had nothing but knapsacks for our pillows.
The fifth week after leaving St. Augustine, we were more
than one hundred miles from the city; and it was not till
we commenced returning that we met with any Indians.
The third day after we faced about, we surprised a party
of sixteen, killing nine of them, and making prisoners of
the rest.
The Indians fought with the utmost desperation, and
in the engagement, two of the members of the company
to which I was attached, were killed, and several badly
wounded. One of the individuals killed was a native of
Vermont, whose bones now rest a thousand miles from the
village in which he was born. His remains were committed
to the earth the same hour that he died, and his shroud
was none other than a soldier's dress. In his pocket was
a letter directed to him at Augusta, Georgia, urging him
to leave the south, and come home to the place of his
nativity. But he fell a martyr, as many others have
fallen, in endeavoring to bring to a termination the
Florida War.
[Nearly four months this female was engaged in this war, during
which time she assisted in capturing and hanging forty-one Indians.

32 THE FEMAL E SAIL. O. R.
As she never visited St. Augustine during that time, no opportunity
was offered her for escape. A whole account of her “Floride Travels,”
as she terms it, are found among her manuscripts; and a chapter des-
canting upon the means employed in bringing to an end this protracted
war, contains many gentle hints which it would be well for our gov-
ernment to take in good part. At the end of four months, having taken
a party of twenty-nine Indians, the officers concluded, instead of putting
them to death, to march them to St. Augustine, and put them in confine-
ment.]
Fighting the poor, and, as I think, much abused
Indians, I did not relish much. My sympathies were
and now are decidedly with the red man. If there ever
was a people wrongfully oppressed and persecuted, they
have been the Indians of the United States. Driven by
the white man from river to river, and from mountain to
mountain, at the point of the bayonet, the breasts of ten
thousand innocent beings have been made to heave with
indescribable suffering. Humanity pleads with all her
sympathies for the rights of the children of the forest,
and the judgments of a righteous God will yet be visited
upon those who have cruelly participated in driving them
from their native and favorite hunting grounds. My
blood boils within me, when my memory recurs to the
time when I, in company with others, employed my time
in seeking the lives of those whom it is our duty to
protect. Gladly would I blot the cruelties of that portion
of my pilgrimage on earth from my recollection—but I
cannot. º
For several days I remained in St. Augustine"daily
looking out for another opportunity to go to sea. The
sixth day after my return, in perusing one of the city
papers, I noticed an advertisement for several persons
who would like to engage as wreckers” I immediately
* This name is given to those who are employed in raising from
the water the remains of vessels which have been wrecked. Hundreds
are engaged in this business on the coast of Florida, mostly in the
vicinity of Key West.

THE FE M A. L E SAILOR. 33
made application, and as men were scarce, I at once
obtained employment; and as a compensation for my
services, I was to receive a portion of the spoil taken.
The next day we sailed, and in less than four days we
landed at Key West, the head quarters of those who
follow wrecking as an employment.
Three out of the seven of those on board of our
vessel were reared in New England, and one, a young
man of twenty-five years of age, was a native of Boston.
With him I became very intimate, and at the moment I
am writing these lines, he looks over my shoulder with a
pleasant countenance. Time and again have we sat upon
the deck of the vessel, talking of the land of our birth—
of our own New England.
We remained in Key West but a single day, and
forthwith engaged in our contemplated business. I
followed this employment for more than eighteen months,
during which time we met with very good success. The
money which came to me I disposed of in purchasing a
part of the vessel; and in less than eleven months after
embarking in this new enterprise, I became the owner of
one seventh part of the vessel and seven hundred dollars
in money.
At the suggestion of one of our crew—the young man
from Boston—we concluded to visit New Orleans for the
purpose of putting our funds in a place where we could
rest satisfied they would be safe. We went to New
Orleans—remained there nine days, during which time
I made known, to the young man who attended me, that
I was a female. This disclosure, on my part, took him
by surprise; and upon relating to him a short sketch of
my life, he appeared very much affected. The next day
after this he offered me his hand and proposed to marry
me. I accepted his offer, and in three days we were
married.

34 THE FEMALE SAILOR.
A new era in my life had now commenced. My husband
proved to be a young man of the best of qualities, and one
in whom I could place the fullest confidence. He related
to me the history of his life—gave me an account of his
early days, and toldme that he, too, was without father
or mother.
While in New Orleans, my husband purchased clothing
for me to the amount of several hundred dollars. When
we returned to Key West, however, I wore the same
apparel that I had on when I left. My husband visited
this place merely for the purpose of finishing some
business which he left partly transacted.
We soon returned to New Orleans. I put aside my
sailor apparel, and assumed my rightful station in the
community. My husband, soon after this, purchased a
vessel, with the money which we made while in the
wrecking business, and I again went to sea under very
favorable circumstances.
[This was in the latter part of the year 1839. The husband of
this lady, whose name is Williams, commanded a schooner which
plied between New Orleans and Philadelphia. He visited Boston in
the month of March, 1840, but his wife refused to go on land. Writing
seemed to be her favorite employment. While at Boston she composed
some very pretty lines to the memory of her mother, and also some
touching stanzas while reflecting upon the disgraceful death of
her father. A description of the numerous places which she had
visited during her life are found among her writings; and these, when
published with a full history of her earthly career, and her numerous
compositions, will make an interesting volume. We have only room
to annex an account of the awful tragedy, in which the life of this
innocent female was sacrificed—a husband bereft of an affectionate
wife, and a child of a fond parent. The account we extract from a
letter received by a gentleman in this city from an eye-witness of the
horrid scene.]

EXTRACT FROM. A. LETTER.
KEY WEST, February 5th, 1841.
My DEAR SIR:—I have to communicate to you the distressing
intelligence that the wife of our old associate and much esteemed
friend, George Williams, now lies in the cold embrace of death. The
circumstances under which I write are heart-sickening and truly
melancholy; and my spirits are so much depressed, that I am hardly
able to give utterance to my feelings. We have just placed the last
remains of Mrs. Williams in a coffin, and to-morrow shall commit
them to the dust, * * * * *
On the 30th of last month we left New Orleans for Philadelphia,
having on board seven passengers, among the number two females.
Captain Williams having lost one of his sailors by death, a few hours
previous to his leaving New Orleans, he was obliged to employ an
individual to whom he was an entire stranger. We were detained
in that city a short time for the purpose of securing sufficient help,
during which time the wife of our friend Williams remarked, with a
smile, that she had some “sailor clothes that were not wore out, and
that she had not yet forgotten the duties of a sailor.” This remark
was the occasion of a good deal of interesting conversation, in which
Mrs. Williams related many thrilling incidents which had occurred
during her life, * * * *
The captain having procured sufficient help, we left the city with a
favorable breeze, and, to all appearance, a happy crew. The second
day, however, after leaving the shore, some difficulty arose between
the captain and the sailor which he last procured to complete his crew.
This individual was a Spaniard—anunprincipled individual—entirely
destitute of principle, and avery intemperate person. He was supplied
with a quantity of liquor. The captain endeavored to coax it from
him, but to purpose. The Spaniard ordered the captain to keep at
a proper distance—would not obey any of the commands of Mr.
Williams, and seemed to take delight in insulting the passengers,
especially the females. * * * *
Capt. Williams was determined to put an end to this kind of
treatment on the part of the sailor. He accordingly, with three of
his crew made an onset on the Spaniard–secured him fast, and put
him in a straight jacket. His liquor was then taken from him and

36 THE FEMA LIE SAILO R.
thrown overboard. Never did I behold a man that raved like this
Spaniard. He even cursed the God who made him. * *
In this situation the Spaniard remained till the next day night.
His hands were tied fast, and it was supposed by all that it was
impossible for him to disengage them. But too true! at the dead
hour of night, when all on board were wrapped in the arms of sleep,
with the exception of one sailor who was pacing the deck, this
hell-hound of a Spaniard, in the shape of a human being, succeeded
in liberating himself—loaded a pistol with a double charge, and
with all necessary precaution proceeded to the berth of the captain,
discharged its contents, and immediately cut his own throat. I was
awoke from my slumbers charge of the pistol, and repaired
to the spot from whence the report proceeded—when, horrid to relate, I
beheld the body of the bleeding and dying companion of our worthy
captain, and upon deck the lifeless body of the Spaniard. The report
of the postolso stunned Capt. Williams that he appeared as senseless
as a dead person. He soon recovered his senses, partially and for a
time fancied that what he saw was a dream. But alas! there was too
much—far too much reality in what he witnessed. His wife was in
the last agonies of a cruel death; and nought proceeded from her lips
but a feeble cry, in which she exclaimed with her last breath—“My
God —My husband 1–My child.”
The sails of the vessel were immediately lowered, and the passengers
and sailors gathered around the murdered body of this fair lady with
trembling limbs and tearful eyes. We proceeded to remove from the
berth the body of Mrs. Williams, while her husband lay upon the
floor of the cabin wringing his hands with indescribable anguish.
* * * * Upon examining her body, it was discovered that two
bullets and several buck shot had entered her side. She lived but
seventeen minutes from the time she was shot, and the vital spark
had fled before she could be taken from her bed. The infant—her
only child, lay weltering in its mother's blood! * * +
It was some hours before Capt. Williams fairly recovered his
senses, and it was with much difficulty that we prevented him from
throwing himself into the water. At times he appeared quite rational;
but for the most part of the time, after the enactment of this brutal
tragedy, till we arrived at this place, his appearance was more like a
maniac. * * * * You can never forget the many interesting
conversations that you enjoyed in her company, when she visited
Boston a year ago last March; nor the remark that you made to me
shortly after, in which you observed that she had a mind of a high
order. The last remains of that dear lady now lies shrouded in the
habiliments of the grave. * * * But I must close. S. L.

C 2. A sete ee e e El ae Ernes
S.