SHIPWRECK OF THE ALBION. 449 
Of those in this perilous situation, one was a female, whom, 
though it was impossible, from the roaring of the sea, to hear 
her, yet, from her gestures and the stretching out of her hands, 
w-e judged to be calling and imploring for our assistance. At 
this time the greater part of the vessel lay on the rock, and 
part of her stern, where this poor woman lay, projected over 
a narrow creek that divides this rock from another. Here 
the sea ran over her with the greatest fury, yet she kept a 
firm hold, which it much astonished me that she could do ; 
but we soon perceived that the vessel was broke across 
where she projected over the rock, and after many waves 
dashing against her, this part of the vessel rolled into the 
waves, and we had the heart-rending scene of seeing the wo- 
man perish. Three men lay toward the stern of the vessel, one 
of whom stuck to a mast which projected toward the cliffy 
to whom, after many attempts, we succeeded in throwing a 
rope, and brought him safe ashore. Another we also saved ; 
but the constant dashing of the waves put an end to the suf- 
ferings of the others. This vessel proves to be the Albion, of 
New- York, packet. Captain Williams, Avhich place she left 
on the 1st inst. for Liverpool, with a cargo of cotton, raw 
turpentifie, rice, «fec. and with about 28 passengers. Her 
crew consisted of 24, and of the whole there have been saved 
only nine, making the sufferers amount to 43. Out of the pas- 
sengers there have been saved two. The bodies of five men 
and two women have been picked up. After doing every 
thing possible for these poor creatures, I exerted myself with 
Mr. Gibbons in saving the private property of the poor sai- 
lors and passengers, and succeeded in saving some of their 
trunks. I have brought four of these poor creatures here. 
Mr. Gibbons has taken three, and two more remain at the 
dairy-men's houses ; from whence they were too weak to be 
removed. Captain \Villiams is among the sufferers. As I 
knew your feelings toward those thus situated, I have taken 
the liberty of preparing some thin boards to make coffins for 
these seven. She is now completely gone to pieces. She 
was, I think, as fine a vessel of her description as could be 
seen. My situation does not allow me to say more at present, 
as I was never more fatigued, and remain, 
Honored Sir, 
Your ever-grateful and obedient servant, 
(Signed) JOHN PURCELL. 
To Thomas Rochford, Esq. 
38* 
