, which could be plainly distinguished in a
starry night, about sixteen furlongs off. A boat was prepared for the
women and children, who awaited it in breathless silence, and all were
carefully disposed of in its capacious sides. They had but just moored
off when the vessel struck again, making another breach for a swifter
flood, both shocks coming within fifteen minutes of each other. The
bow snapped from the foremast, the bowsprit flew through the air up to
the foretopmast, and the funnel, toppling overboard, dragged in its
rear the starboard paddle-box and boat. The second boat had reached
the waves bottom upmost, and notwithstanding there was another in the
middle of the ship, she could not be reached. The water speedily put
out the fires, compelling the engine-drivers to leave their station and
ascend to the upper deck. It was known to be a certainty that the
vessel must sink, and that very shortly, nevertheless there was no
setting aside the tasks they had received orders to perform, although
they were well aware that everything they did was useless, so far as
the righting of the ship was concerned. Still every man kept to his
post, even though he were overtaken by the waters and overwhelmed by
them. Many, indeed, must have perished at the pumps, while others,
keeping by the tackle, were struck down by falling timbers.

When the funnel was lost, every man was on the poop; three boats were
afloat, containing all the women and children. The decisive moment
having arrived, when all must be committed to the waves, the commander
advised all who could to swim to the boats; but as in all probability
this would lead to their being sunk, on account of the vast numbers
requiring accommodation, several officers, in the face of this order,
implored the men to stay in their present position, rather than
sacrifice the women and children in attempting to save themselves. One
or two had already started at the captain's bidding; but the majority
waited behind, with the officers standing firmly and in orderly rank,
in calm expectation of a speedy dissolution, uttering no repining, no
words of mourning for their fate, or expressions of fear, but each man,
in his loyalty to duty, quietly and inwardly prepared to meet his
death! It is a touching and inspiring picture, that may well emulate
every bosom to deeds of heroism. The stern of the vessel, which had
reared as the bow descended, gave a sudden plunge and went under al