Page:Melancholy loss of the whale-fishing ship Oscar, of Aberdeen, on Thursday, April 1, 1813.pdf/5

5 into the sea, by the falling of the fore and mizen masts and disappeared in the merciless ocean; and most of the remainder, having nothing to hold by, were swept off the wreck, and sunk in sight of those on shore, who could render them no assistance, although the distance between them and the unfortunate seamen was such, as to admit of a communication of sentiment even by the countenance. The fate of several others seemed no less hard, for after having nearly gained the shore, they were swept off by the heavy surf, or borne down by the casks and other wreck with which they were surrounded. The forecastle of the Oscar still remaining above water, five men were observed, and among them Captain Innes was distinctly seen making signals for that assistance which coud not possibly be afforded; and, after clinging long to the wreck, and struggling hard for life, they shared the fate of their unfortunate companions, the vessel having soon gone to pieces. About this time, Mr. John Jamson, first mate, and James Venus, a seaman belonging to Shields, were with difficulty saved—being the only survivors of this sad catastrophe out of a crew of forty-four persons!

Thus perished the Oscar, which, but a few hours before, had sailed with the fairest prospect, and very complete in all her equipments; and thus was lost one of the finest and best disciplined crews which could go to sea—men who so lately set out full of hope and expectation, and was in one fatal hour cut off.