Three years' wanderings of a Connecticut yankee : in South America, Africa, Australia, and California, with descriptions of the several countries, manners, customs and conditions of the people, including miners, natives, etc. ; also, a detailed account of a voyage around the world ... also, various incidents of life on shipboard

Front matter

THREE YEARS' WANDERINGS

OP

A CONNECTICUT YANKEE,

Preface

Love of adventure, ambitious schemes, romantic enterprises, and visionary projects of some sort, seem preeminently the characteristics of men of the nineteenth century — especially of young men.

Gold has become the absorbing object, and thousands have sacrificed all that was dearest and best — made shipwreck of all that was purest and holiest — in their attempts to realize these golden dreams. Although, in a majority of instances, the sequel has proved the fallacy of these ambitious hopes and designs, they still are slow to believe the testimony of those who have tried them, and many are still rushing to remotest shores for anticipated gain.

The present volume is but one of the " beacon lights" on this broad highway, thronged by the over-confident and ; if it persuade any of these of

4 PREFACE.

the superiority of well-directed energy and ambition, if it serve to awaken in any more just conceptions of the true and worthy ends of life, if it create more enlarged and liberal views of the claims of the world upon individual men, the efforts of the writer will not have been in vain ; these chapters of living, actual experience, of stern reality, will not have been wrought out to no purpose — for whoso is instrumental in adding a new link to the chain of improvement, does something in the great and good work of encircling the world with beauty and gladness ; and that this effort may do some small service in this direction is the humble hope of the author.

C. M. Welles.

Chapter I. Pa9b

Adventurous Aspirations of Early Youth. — Desire to see the World. — Visit to New York. — Ship for Australia in the Bark Peytona. — Deception in procuring a Ticket. — Disorder among Officers and Crew. — Impressions of Life on Shipboard 9

GHAPTER II.

Seasickness. — Mistaken Ideas of a Voyage. — Alarming Indications of the Ship filling with Water. — The Green Mountain Boy. — Attempt to throw the Captain overboard. <=r- Beauty and Majesty of the Ocean. — French Celebration. . 26

Chapter III

Ill Forebodings. — Treachery of the Captain. — A Sabbath- Day Picture. — Cornish Miners. — Code of Laws. — Government of the Ship. — Disturbance, and its Causes. — Discipline, &c 44

Chapter IV

Personification of Neptune. — Discovery of a Barrel of Apples. — Efforts to obtain Water from a distant Ship. — Joy pn seeing Land. — Appearance of the Natives on the South American Coast. — Manner of Life. — " Catamarans." . 66

1* ' (5)

6 CONTENTS.

Chapter V

Landing at Bahia. — Beauty of the Tropical Scenery. — Visit of the Custom-House Officer. — Trouble by Reason of an undue List of Passengers. — Description of the City. — The Climate, Soil, and Buildings of the Place. — Visit into the Country. — English Chapel. — Market Places. . . .85

Chapter VI

Romance of a Walk in the Tropical Region. — Indications of former Splendor. — Effort in proceeding on the Voyage. — Difficulties in leaving Port. — General History of Brazil. — Death from Delirium Tremens. — Narrow Escape from Fire. 109

Chapter VII

Burial at Sea. — A Lunar Bow. — Table Mountain. — Terrific Storm. — Landing at Cape Town. — Rambles about the City. — Imprisonment of the Captain. — Visit to Seyola, the Kaffir Chief. — Prayer Meeting on Ship 134

Chapter VIII

Byron's Sea Enthusiasm. — Make the Harbor of Port Louis. — Visit the Isle of Prance. — Delightful Scenery. — Grave of Harriet Newell. — A Malabar Funeral. — Embark in the Brig Nautilus. — Revolting Fare. — Land at Melbourne. . 160

Chapter IX

Stay at Canvas-town. — Journey to Ballerat. — Purchase of a Claim. — Location of Tent. — Housekeeping. — Experience in the Mines — Disappointment of the Wardy-allock Expedition. — Return to Ballerat 179

CONTENTS. 7

Chapter X

Various Adventures in and about Ballerat. — A Magpie. — Visit to Creswick Creek. — Power of Kindness over Convicts. — The Old Woman. — Walking Leaves. — Take the Sacusa for Callao. — Description of Australia. . . . 200

Chapter XI

Monotony of Sea Life. — Change of Time by the Omission of a Day. — Landing at South America. — Disappointed Hopes with Reference to Gold. — False Reports purposely circulated. — Stay at Lima. — Earthquake of 1746. — Roman Festival 223

Chapter XII

Pleasure of "Variety." — Proximity of Joy and Sorrow. — The Yellow Fever. — Voyage to Panama. — Arrival at San Francisco. — Scenes at the Post Office. — Situation of the City. — Impressions of Different Men. . . . .251

Chapter XIII

Life at Sacramento City. — French Creek. — Captain Pike. — " Sly Diggings." — Mud and Diamond Springs. — School Houses. — Mammoth Trees. — Snakes. — Mountain. Scenery. — Influence of Curiosity 273

CHAPTER XIY.

Mormon Refugees. — Visit to Gold Canon. — Varied and rough Experience among the Mountains. — Return alone to Sacramento. — Night in the Cave of the Hermit. — Solitude. — Its Effects. — Lonely Camping in the Woods. — Digging at French Creek , . . .296

8 CONTENTS.

Chapter XV

Residence at San Francisco. — " Pop- Corn Institution." — Life on Steamer Cortes. — Pearl Islands. — Interview with Father Guernsey. — Missionary Tour. — School Teaching. — Camp Meeting. — Their Influence in New Settlements. . 319 i

CHAPTER XYI.

Voyage Home. — Attempt at Suicide. — Natural Features of California. — Its beautiful Climate, fertile Soil, and delightful Scenery. — Reflections upon Men and Manners. — Superiority of American Character and Genius 343

THREE YEARS' WANDERINGS,

Chapter I

ADVENTUROUS ASPIRATIONS OP EARLY YOUTH. — VISIT TO NEW YORK. — SHIP FOR AUSTRALIA IN THE BARK PEYTONA. — IMPRESSIONS OF LIFE ON SHIPBOARD.

Was there ever a boy who did not expect to travel and see the world for himself? The early and prominent characteristic of enthusiastic boyhood is a love of novelty and adventure ; and when this is fed by the glowing descriptions and stirring details of interested travelers, wonder and curiosity cannot be re» strained, and the desire to see and know becomes an almost irresistible impulse. Ignorant of the " enchantment " that " distance " sometimes " lends to view," other lands and climes seem like the a Elysian fields " of classic fame. The broad ocean, with its rolling tides and sweeping billows, bearing on its crested bosom proud

10 YOUTHFUL ASPIRATIONS.

ships, with their snowy sails ; the great beauty of natural scenery in certain localities ; odorous gales from island shores ; golden treasures imbedded in the richly freighted earth, — all come home like so many notes of bewitching melody, kindling the fervor of youthful imagination, to make the world appear a perfect El Dorado of hope.

Wiser people may descant upon tame realities that dissipate the charm of actual experience, and on the folly of aimlessly pursuing the phantom ; but the reply is usually like that of the aspiring youth to his father, offering like counsel under different circumstances — "I would see the folly for myself?

Such, emphatically, were my own feelings. A desire to see the world had haunted me for many years, by night and by day, and was continually prompting me to the formation of some plan by which my fond anticipations might be realized.

Receding months and years, however, seem destined to bear nothing to me but the unsatisfactory experience of deferred hope; for, in truth, I was no favorite of Fortune, and the

VISIT TO NEW YORK. 11

u unconquerable bar of Poverty " ever mocked my progress, though it in no wise tended to diminish the ardpr of my adventurous spirit. In the month of December, 1852, while out of business, I visited New York, still on the alert for every indication that betokened the dawning of that era, the attractive features of which, I confidently hoped, would fill the records of my future history with well-acquired glory for myself, beside imparting somewhat of pleasure and benefit to others.

Little did I think, upon my first landing in the city, the first link was already formed in the chain of circumstances that was conspiring to bring about the long-desired result.

Repairing to the docks one day, my mind, as usual, filled with visionary schemes, and in my heart half envying those already upon the surging waves, who were so much nearer the goal of their ambition than I, my attention was arrested by a handbill with the most inviting caption: "Yacht Excursion to Australia."

The Peytona, it appeared, a clipper bark of the first class, six hundred tuns burden,

12 ALLURING ADVERTISEMENT.

would leave the port, on the approaching first of January, for Port Philip and Melbourne.

The fair representations were seized with avidity, and I longed to enter at once a career of such prospective brilliancy.

Flattering inducements were held out to those who were desirous of making the voyage, as the notice will show.

" She will be Jilted up in a style as elegant as unique, and fresh provisions ivill be furnished for nearly half the voyage. It is confidently expected she will land her passengers at Melbourne on the sixtieth day from New York, including stoppages. No such opportunity as this has ever been offered to gentlemen desirous of visiting that enchanting region. It is not fair to compare this ship with the ordinary class of vessels hitherto fitted out, and now advertised for Australia, as the Peytona is above competition from any quarter. She will take an experienced surgeon; and all the attention of a first-class hotel will be granted in the most liberal manner.

Proprietor, Captain A. Pelletier,

98 Wall Streets

ENTHUSIASTIC ANTICIPATIONS. 13

A rare opportunity indeed ! was my mental soliloquy. Who knows but the favorable time has come for me ? I desire to go ; and this, perhaps, may be the key that will throw wide the hitherto barred gates of the world for my entrance. I mil enter " a first class hotel," too. Cleopatra's barge would sink into insignificance beside our floating palace, and all her et ceteras be as nothing in comparison with the luxurious surroundings that would be ours in the two months' journeying to the a enchanted regions." A second thought, however, served to weaken the foundation on which my airy castle had been so suddenly reared; for the sober conviction forced itself upon my mind, that a penniless, friendless youth, like myself, was in no promising condition for such an enterprise.

Notwithstanding this, I was firm in my determination to go, if possible, and if difficulties would obstruct the open path, they should but incite to greater action, and perchance they might vanish, in the beginning, before the energy of a resolute will.

I at once conceived the importance of pre- 2

14 RETURN HOME.

liminary measures, and to this end repaired to the office of the proprietor, where I had an \ interview, the result of which was, the promise of a free passage to Australia, provided I could insure six passengers for the Peytona, beside myself.

Now, I verily thought, the "cloud" was pierced, and its "silver lining" fully displayed, so bright and strong were my expectations of promised pleasure. Stories of the rich profusion of shining ore in the land whither we were bound, were already in circulation, and I doubted not it would be an easy matter to enlist the requisite number for the accomplishment of my purpose ; being aware that men in general consider no prospect more alluring than the easy acquisition of golden dust.

My mind, of course, naturally reverted to my Connecticut associates as the surest source from whence I could draw the little company ; and, intent upon the feasibility of the project, I hastened home, and with earnestness becoming a good cause, endeavored to infuse into the spirit of others some measure of that enthusiasm which animated my own.

COMPANIONS FOUND. 15

I found my coveted reward in a sufficient number of pledges to enable me to look forward with confidence to the fulfilment of my hopes.

It is not necessary for me to recount the incidents ; the feelings that influenced, and the motives that actuated, our little band in the speedy adoption of the plan. Nor is it essential that I specify the reason which induced me to apply nearly all my own scanty funds for the purchase of a ticket for my young fellow-townsman and friend, — John Harman, — one whom I regarded as even more unfortunate than myself.

Beside us were Harry Yates, Jim Darrow, Buckley, Smith, and Brown ; seven " poor but virtuous" men, ill-used by fortune, and little careful whither fate should lead them.

For myself, the world opened before me a broad and inviting field of action, and my feet were burning to tread the farther shore of the vast ocean.

It took but a short space of time to comjplete our arrangements ; and these at an lend, we bade adieu to the familiar scenes of

16 DELAY OF SAILING.

Hartford, and if we felt an emotion of regret at j the last look of her receding spires, they were \ mostly stilled by the powerful voice of Hope, | which beckoned us away. On the 25th of | January of the new year, we all met on board the Peytona, lying at the dock, foot of Wall Street ; it having lingered thus far beyond its appointed day of sailing.

We selected our berths ; placed our names respectively on each ; arranged our chests in front as seats, and were ready, as we bravely thought, for any and all events.

Still day succeeded day, without any signs of departure, until the 29th, when orders were issued for passengers to pay their fare and secure tickets. I collected my friends in the office of the captain, introduced them as such, and saw them produce the requisite material for the purchase of a passport through.

I felt somewhat sensitive in seeming to have paid my passage, by securing theirs, and consequently remained silent till they left, when I asked the captain for my ticket, and was surprised to meet with a peremptory refusal. To this I remonstrated, but to no purpose. I

SCANTY RESOURCES. 17

could do nothing. I saw his advantage, and

concluded there was no alternative for me but

I to give the contents of my slender purse into

1 the hands of the miserable deceiver. I did so,

! and from the meager pittance remaining, I

;! bought three cheap shirts, and a scanty steam-

j boat blanket for my friend John, and the same

i for myself. This done, my earthly possessions

! consisted of a few clothes, a watch, and two

dollars and a half in gold, wherewith to make

the voyage to Australia.

Memory recalled the instance of a traveler who equipped himself satisfactorily for a voyage around the world with only a tin cup. Though I professed to believe, more or less | strongly, in the doctrine that a man wants but little here below," I must confess to a decided reluctance in narrowing down the circle of my desires to actual necessities in my own case ; much less to bring myself to the meritorious standard of my illustrious precedent.

Disappointment indeed lingered upon the very threshold of my course ; but the decree had gone forth, and I chose not to revoke it. The impression was unavoidable that some- 2*

18 DEPARTURE OF THE SHIP.

thing was wrong. The rumor was in circula- |fi tion that some of the New York passengers I had placed an injunction upon the vessel, and f at this juncture of affairs, had money been p plenty, or even employment in the city, my j) delegation from the Nutmeg State might have f been strongly tempted to abandon the voyage, j We wandered about, meeting daily to consider \ matters ; sometimes on board the Pey tona, ; sometimes on the Battery, and again at Pelle- ., tier's office. A constant watch was maintained, as something in the conduct of the captain in-i;i timated there might be an object to accom- ; plish in sliding off without us.

On the 9th of February, however, we had the satisfaction of seeing the vessel start from I; her quiet moorings ; and as this day marks the j beginning of the records of this eventful period 1 of my history, I shall transcribe incidents as j] they were penned at the time in the order of r their dates.

We are now at sea ; and such a prospect ! I no better than a floating bedlam, notwithstand- 1 ing all the fair promises of order and comfort. This afternoon a steam tug made fast to us,

DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPTAIN. 19 and Pelletier, appearing among the men, ordered some of them to weigh anchor, no one, { apparently, being appointed for the purpose. j At the same time a proclamation was issued ' that the passage tickets were to be taken, and 1 all those not determined to go must return.

The official command of the ship, it seems, ' is to be assumed by Jackson, whom Pelletier J has introduced to the ship's company as captain — a tall, broad-shouldered, hard-featured, ; red-faced, grizzly-haired, brandy-looking old fellow, without a single redeeming quality in his unprepossessing exterior.

All assembled on deck to gaze at the pleasant scenery about the Bay, being somewhat elastic in spirits, in spite of depressing influences, and prepared to appreciate the motion of the bark after so long a time of inexplicable detention. The city and the shipping have been saluted with innumerable disorderly cheers, for the idea of doing things Ci decently and in order," in this Babel-like confusion, is out of the question.

We have a strong reenforcement of passengers from the steamer while passing down the

L

20 DEFICIENCY IN THE SHIP'S COMPANY.

Bay, making comfort a word of still more ! doubtful meaning than before.

The tug has cast off, and a few men, with their hearts failing them at the eleventh hour, have returned with her.

Captain Jackson, duly installed in authority, stepped forward on the deck, singing out at random, " Forward, there ! H'ist away that jib ! " " Loose that fore-topsail, will ye ? "

As no one responded to the call, it caused a look of astonishment, a moment's hesitation, and then in a voice that reminded me of a tornado, came the exclamation, " Where the — is my crew ? "

A ridiculous query ! it seemed at the moment, though, as it proved, not altogether unseasonable; for, upon inquiry, we find the officers, beside the captain, to be Payson, the first mate, a stalwart down-easter, and Grant, the second mate. Of course we are minus a foremast hand. A momentary lull in the hubbub and turmoil of multitudinous voices and movements followed the outbreak, but was suddenly disturbed by the loud ejaculation, a I'm one," from a hard-looking young fellow,

A CREW SELECTED. 21

who seemed almost the personification of recklessness. "Come, hoys" he added, looking, apparently, to some of his comrades, and in a few moments a crew was enrolled from the list of passengers, to whom usual wages were promised. They immediately turned to, the orders were repeated, and in a little time sail was made upon the bark, and she was laying her course.

Confusion is not confined to the ship's crew. Unexpected perplexity arises also from other sources. As for us Connecticut men, however, we are snugly ensconced in our recess, dimly lighted with a a bull's eye " in the deck, and to be sure well-strown with trunks and chests.

Our number is diminished by one, he having received a letter from his wife almost at the last moment, full of pathetic appeal, which influenced him to relinquish his golden hopes, and return, no doubt thinking, with the poet, "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."

Into his place, and one other bunk of our compartment, we have admitted a very respectable Englishman and lady — Mr. and Mrs.

22 A GERMAN NOBLE.

Hope ; rather close packing for delicate, fern- [I inine natures, but under the circumstances shef may consider it good fortune.

The Peytona has accommodations for only one hundred and fifty passengers, and we fjj have, at least, two hundred ; making fifty, who, in the nature of things, can have little opportunity to enjoy the benefit of " tired nature's sweet restorer," provided Morpheus should deign to visit such scenes of confusion at all. Of course Pelletier, in his grasping meanness, has sold the places twice over.

Among the last arrivals are some fine-appearing French people, who have reposed a misplaced confidence in their smart compatriot of Wall Street We have also a German lord, — no less than the high-born "Prince Paul, of Wirtemberg," — the well-known naturalist, — a portly and pompous personage, with a truly aristocratic gait, apparently not less than seventy years of age. The house on the quarter deck, it seems, he had engaged exclusively for himself, suite, and baggage, and had paid for i the same in advance.

His effects were sent on board, and they

S^ATE-PRISON FARE. 23

;| were thrown on deck by an indifferent person,

j where they remain hopelessly scattered, with a vast quantity in like predicament.

As for his prepaid quarters, he finds encamped therein a crew of regardless and unterrified New Yorkers, who laugh him, his princeship, his pre-payments, and his peremptory commands, to scorn. One little berth only, in the cabin, is allowed him ; and as for his suite, nobody knows where they are.

We have had supper, b — state-prison fare, — at least I can think of no hotel, (to quote our advertising promises,) except the public house

! at Sing-Sing, where " every attention " certainly means no more than it does here ; a few pieces

; of boiled beef, served in tin pans, baker's bread, a tub of butter, and a barrel of apples. The grateful smell of the beef, while cooking, was rather cheering to our olfactories, and we made ready, though soon convinced that conventional readiness was entirely superfluous.

No table invited us to a quiet meal. Half a dozen men secured a beef pan, each for himself proceeding to operations with his jackknife.

24 PLEASANTRY.

I made sure of my allowance by taking a slice from a loaf, seasoning it at the butter tub, pocketing an apple, seizing a modicum of beef, and retired to a corner.

"All the attention of a first-class hotel, boys!" shouted Yates, as I was escaping from the crowd. A loud laugh showed the appreciation of the hit at the false pledges of the owner.

It is quite late as I write, and the vessel is not still yet. The bunks are full, and the remainder of the unhappy passengers are laid out on the table, or promiscuously strewed about among the baggage.

We are a miserably cheated company; so much is evident already. I believe we present a more perfect spectacle of dire discomfort and confusion than was ever before witnessed, especially in such narrow limits. Some exceptions, however, in a group of men ; English factory operatives, apparently, who seem determined to bring harmony into confusion, if they can not educe it from it.

They have traveled before, and have cunningly selected the best-lighted part of the

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES. 25

"saloon," as we call the steerage, and there, seated together, they have remained during all the unutterable disturbance — the swearing, quarreling, searching for sleeping places and baggage, lamentations and reproaches ; imperturbably scraping and blowing upon two fiddles, a clarionet, accordeon, and trombone, as peaceably as if they were on Parnassus, instead of a place well-nigh resembling Pandemonium. Their music possesses but few charms, except for their own enraptured selves, however.

No better opportunity, I imagine, to test character, in all its points, than life on shipboard. Every variety of disposition is here fully manifest; every conceivable phase of human nature openly developed ; and whoever comes out of the scathing ordeal, " possessing the soul" in patience and integrity, may be, set down as perfect heroes end heroines, fully prepared to act well their part in the great drama of life, whatever it may be, or wherever.

.

Chapter II

SEASICKNESS. — MISTAKEN IDEAS OP A VOYAGE. — ALARMING INDICATIONS OP THE SHIP FILLING. DIS- ORDER AND MISMANAGEMENT AMONG THE CREW.

THE FRENCH CELEBRATION.

10th. — Great abundance of haggard faces this morning, indicating unrefreshing sleep, imperfect ablutions, and, if I mistake not, sincere and early repentance of this most unpromising adventure. A majority of the ship's company, including even Payson, the mate, have been seasick. I am constitutionally free from this tendency, consequently have had an opportunity to show forth practical sympathy in efforts to promote the comfort of the poor creatures lying about on deck in almost deadly misery, groaning most pitifully, and refunding their provisions.

The sea is rough, and the day has been showery ; but the close air of the steerage is unendurable, and they must needs take the

HOMESICKNESS. 27

pelting of the rain, and the a chilly nor'-wester/' with the slender and only consolation that recovery will make better.

Many and sorrowful are the wishes I have heard expressed from one and another, that they had not left home and home comforts, good situations, good business, kind friends, to suffer so much, merely for the chance of gain, by toiling for gold in a foreign land. My attempts to console them are seconded by one of the passengers, a tough old sea captain, who is constantly repeating the animating words, " Cheer up, my lads ; never let your hearts fail you!"

There is, after all, considerable practical sense in the story of a father who had a soil strongly desirous of a seafaring life, and his ingenious method of cooling his aspirations. He gave him a powerful emetic, shut him up in a box, intrusted it to a man, with instructions to jolt him about the streets for an hour or two. It is unnecessary to state the subject was never broached again.

People contemplating a sea voyage usually think so much more of the dangers 'to be en-

28 WANT OF FORETHOUGHT.

countered than of daily privations and disagreeables, that they neglect to provide many little articles indispensable to comfort and conf venience on a long voyage.

This is eminently the case with our company. Very few are provided with more than an outfit for a short land journey.

They seemed to forget they could not practice shopping every morning, or perhaps imagined the ship would afford an inexhaustible supply.

To travel commodiously and pleasantly at sea requires more philosophy than to live on land ; more apparatus and foresight than journeying on Terra Firma.

One or two speculative fellows, with an eye intent upon their own interest, having some understanding of the matter, have laid in generous supplies of certain miscellaneous commodities, such as soda-water, crackers, chocolate, confectionery, cigars, woolen hose, &c, which they readily dispose of at treble their cost.

11th. — Yates, who has been to California,

SMOUGING. 29

has suggested a division of the steerage company into three messes. The necessity of such an organization is too evident to allow objection, and they are at once enrolled, numbered accordingly, and to each a carver is voted, for the purpose of serving out the food in an equable manner — a most welcome change.

"Smouging," a contemptible name for contemptible stealing, has been the order of the day.

Yates apprised us in season of the universal imposition practiced upon ocean passengers by giving them tolerably good fare at first, and wretched afterwards. Judging, from our first day's experience, we could not presume upon imperial luxuries to come, and considering the necessities of the case, the facts stated in Harry's exposition, additional matters well known to us, such as the mysterious disappearance of the half-emptied butter tub at the very first meal, and like things, we deliberately agreed to " smouge."

"Good!" said Harry; "there's a barrel of first-rate bread now, and we shall have miserable stuff before two days are over. Let's fill 3*

30 SABBATH ON SHIPBOARD.

our bags with that!" No sooner said than done. Half a bushel was secured in a dirty clothes bag, pillow-cases served for the rest, and the spoils were hung at the head of our

bunks.

An arrangement entered into from sheer necessity, with an eye to the future, not ours only, but our companions in misery.

12th. — No appropriate sights or sounds usher in the peaceful hours of the sacred Sabbath. No service, neither place, preacher, nor congregation; and, indeed, almost any thing might be nurtured to worship as easily as this sick, unhappy, and restless crowd.

General low spirits have predisposed the passengers to fright. A few angry-looking clouds this morning gave rise to all sorts of prophecies of coming storms, and many doleful stories of shipwreck and peril.

A squall struck us suddenly, and threw us nearly on our beam-ends, and for a moment we thought to realize them. The alarm was instantaneous and great, for the ignorant majority thought their last hour had surely come.

FEARFUL APPREHENSIONS. 31

Some one, more experienced, cried out jeeringly, "Put a handspike in the lee scuppers and right her," which only served to increase the discomfiture of those untutored in nautical expressions and affairs.

Suddenly the cry arose, that the ship was filling, and must inevitably sink. The captain himself seemed to believe it, and uttered various exclamations of fright, which alarmed all, especially the women. An examination was immediately held, which showed five feet of water in the hold, beside several inches on the cabin floor, surging about, wetting every thing and every body.