190 NIMROD OF THE SEA; OR, 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Loss of Ship Union by a Whale. Captain G 's Experience with a 



Sperm-whale. Whaling favorable to Longevity. Monument in Sag 

 Harbor to six young Captains proves the Contrary. Loss of a whole 

 Boat's Crew. Captain Henry Huntting and his good Fortune. Captain 

 James Huntting carried down by a Whale, and cutting Line. One of 

 his Crew recovered from the Line, and improvised Surgery. Two Men 

 killed by the Line. 



HERE I resume my neglected journal : Eight bells. Star- 

 board watch on deck. A half-moon silvers the gentle, rip- 

 pling sea. The ship rolls easily to the long swell, steadied by 

 the reefed top-sails. One dozing fellow is at the wheel to 

 keep the ship's head to the wind, and the remainder of the 

 watch are gathered on the forehatch, calling upon Posey for 

 a story of men famous in the ocean hunt. " Tell us of old 

 Captain Gardiner, and his loss of the Union" we asked. 



"You never saw that grand old man, did you? You 

 should have that story from his own lips to appreciate it, 

 but I will do my best. When twenty-two years of age, he 

 sailed captain of the Union, of Nantucket, it being his first 

 voyage as master. Twelve days out from Nantucket, the 

 forward watch were alarmed at night by seeing a sperm- 

 whale coming head on to the ship, which had such headway 

 that the blow could not be avoided. In another moment 

 the whale struck the ship a tremendous blow fair on the 

 bow, which brought every body from their berths to the 

 deck. It was apparent that the bows were stove in, and 

 the ship was rapidly filling. Three boats were lowered, 

 and a stock of water and provisions hastily placed in them. 



