154 fisheemen's memorial and record book. 



They then asked for some clothing ; but the vessel was full of water, 

 and none could be obtained. The schooner had now heeled over, 

 and it was feared that she would capsize ; but she remained in posi- 

 tion. The tide was rising, with a heavy sea running, rendering it 

 imperative for the men on board to go aloft, if they wished to save 

 their lives. They crawled out on the bowsprit, and, while attempt- 

 ing to climb up the jib-sta}', were washed off three times; but finally, 

 after much toil, climbed up to the foremast-head, nearly exhausted 

 with their struggle with the breakers. Here they clung, and while 

 holding on in the darkness, heard the men on the ledge talking of 

 their chances for life, and earnestly wishing that they could only get 

 on board the vessel. 



Slowly crept the moments, and the tide rolling in with each heav- 

 ing billow. They heard their shipmates, as they moved as far up out 

 of the reach of the greedy waters as possible, and, during the next 

 hour, could not a\oid hearing their struggles, as the sea rose, crested 

 with raging foam, and claimed one after the other as its victim. Then 

 the vessel's bow settled, bringing the two men up to their chins in wa- 

 ter, as they stood on the foremast cross-trees. Norwood was dis- 

 couraged at the cheerless prospect, and determined to swim for it, and 

 Jeft his position, hoping to gain the shore ; but the sea was too much 

 for him, and bidding his companion farewell, with the words, " O 

 my God ! " upon his lips, sank beneath the waters. 



As soon as Norwood left. Marsh determined on one more struggle 

 for life, and, climbing up the foremast head, grasped the top-mast- 

 stay and walking as far as he could on the spring-stay, pulled himself 

 up, hand over hand, to the top-mast head, where he sat down and 

 rested himself. His thoughts were of home, of his wife and child. 

 An ardent desire to see them once more seemed to thrill his whole 

 being, inspiring him with fresh courage. For their sake he deter- 

 mined not to succumb. The tide followed him and had now reached 

 his feet, then up to his waist the waters came. There was so much 

 comfort in sitting down, and he was so fatigued ! But no ! he must 

 stand up if he wished to save his life, and so once more he stood up. 

 To add to his discomfort, the rain came down, accompanied with thun- 

 der and lightning, and there, amid the darkness and the storm, he 

 clung to the top-mast, hoping and praying for the dawn, and for the 

 turning of the tide. He had sutfered much from thirst; this he 

 quenched from the rain-drops which wet his hair. He was in liis 

 stocking-feet, and suffered much from the cramped position in which 



