404 LOSS OF THE PRESIDENT. 
and a party of seven embarked and made for the land, which, 
fortunately, they reached. It was perilous, but equally so to 
remain on the wreck. In the boat were Captain Wilson, Mr. 
Chisholm, passenger, and several of the crew. It is due to 
Captain Wilson to state, that his sole object in leaving the ship, 
and I can add, a praiseworthy object, was to hasten to New- 
York, should the boat succeed in reaching the shore, and to 
despatch, with all possible speed, some efficient means to res- 
cue those remaining on the wreck. The conduct of Captain 
Wilson was throughout every way commendable, and actuated 
by a deep sense of the responsibility that devolved upon him 
during this critical period. 
The situation of those remaining on board becam.e every 
moment more perilous : the wind increased, the sea was in- 
cessantly dashing violently over the ship, and the weather was 
becoming, if possible, more cold and severe. The only hope 
that could reasonably be entertained was relief from the city. 
This state of feeling continued until nearly two o'clock, P. M. 
and until nearly hope itself could no longer be sustained. 
When it is considered how much was suffered under the se- 
veral trying circumstances of the wreck from its commence- 
ment, it could hardly be expected that much physical or men- 
tal energy could be exercised. As the " last fond hope was 
glimmering to its final extinguishment," a sail was disco- 
vered bearing down for the wreck from Staten Island. The 
effect was electric ; a moment before almost every one seemed 
more ready to yield, to fall without a struggle, than make one 
effort to be saved. The havoc and tumult around had been 
gazed upon with a peculiar apathy. But now every thing ap- 
peared to renew life and animation. At about three o'clock 
P. M. the schooner anchored Avithin three quarters of a mile 
of the ship, as near as she could possibly venture among the 
breakers and shoals. By one of those extraordinary efforts 
that in trying times can sometimes be accomplished, the long- 
boat was launched at nearly the same time the schooner cast 
her anchor. In the morning, with all assistance on board, it 
could not have been accomplished. Every individual was 
soon embarked in the boat, and with continual bailing out the 
water, she was enabled to reach the schooner at about five 
o'clock P. M. 
To Mr. Neale, the mate of the ship, and who was the last 
to leave the wreck, much is due for his perseverance, cool- 
ness, and judgment, during the most hopeless period of the 
disaster. 
