354 tSLES OP SUMMEE. 



They no doubt would have had less pleasant dreams if they had 

 known or suspected that tlie ship all the time was gradually set- 

 tling down deeper and deeper in the water. I sent up signal 

 rockets of distress, and kej)t the crew busy. All the life boats 

 were made ready for immediate use, and when eycry practicable 

 measure to ensure the preservation of life had been taken, the 

 passengers were awakened and informed of the condition of the 

 ship, and of the steps I had taken to prevent any loss of life. 

 Although greatly surprised, and somcAvhat excited, there was no 

 panic, and all behaved well. In the dim morning light, a steamer, 

 that had noticed our signals, was seen in the distance approaching. . 

 Her captain, upon learning our condition, agreed to receive us 

 on board, and did so. The transfer Avas quietly and safely effect- 

 ed. No boat was swamped, and everything passed off as qnietly 

 as a military dress parade. After the personal safety of all the 

 passengers and crew was assured, I proposed, as my ship was still 

 afloat, to make an effort to save the baggage. This I succeeded 

 in doing; but I had no sooner returned with the last boat-load 

 of trunks, when the abandoned steamer sank out of sight." 



The quiet, modest way in which Captain Stevens described this 

 thrilling episode in his life upon the ocean, in connection with 

 the facts of the case as he had described tlicm, very favorably 

 impressed us. Coolness and courage in time of peril must accom- 

 pany and supplement sagacity, prudence and a thorough knowl- 

 edge of one's business, in order to qualify a man to properly fill 

 the responsible position which he occupied. 



Little Sankey was included among our j^assengers. He was 

 the protege of the captain, who, having been attracted by his 

 shining qualities, concluded to transplant the little tropical 

 negro, and see what effect cultivation upon American soil would 

 produce. Good citizens arc sometimes made out of less promising 

 materials. Having become acquainted with many of the passen- 



