Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXVII, No. 4, October 1850Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXVII, No. 4, October 1850
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
This circumstance often brought Johnson in contact with Mr. Adams, who
knew that he was one of the crew of Captain Jones, and consequently must
have been in the conflict of the _Serapis_ and _Richard_, which having
occurred so recently, was a subject of general conversation. Many of the
sailors frequented the hall of Congress, and Johnson became interested
in listening and observing what was so new to him that he was a daily
visiter. When the members found that the sailors were part of the crew
of Captain Jones, they frequently left their seats, and came over to
them to inquire the particulars of the recent engagement. Mr. Adams
particularly engaged the attention of Johnson; to use the veteran’s own
words, he says, “a nervous sensation seemed to pervade the patriot as he
listened to the description of the battle given by the sailors, fire
flashed from his eyes, and his hair seemed perfectly erect;” he would
clasp his hands, and exclaim, “What a scene!”
During the time they remained in Philadelphia, General Washington
arrived, and was presented to Congress; Johnson was present and listened
to the introduction by President Hancock, and the reply by the general.
Some days after, when the sailors were in the hall, Mr. Adams brought
General Washington to them, who kindly shook each by the hand, calling
them “Our gallant tars!” and asking them questions relative to the many
successful adventures they had recently achieved.
Johnson soon after left the navy, and engaged in the merchant service
for some years, but eventually returned to it again, where he remained
till, near the end of his life’s voyage, age obliged him to ask repose
and protection in that asylum provided for the grateful and worn-out
mariner.
* * * * *
THE MAIDEN’S LAMENT FOR HER SHIPWRECKED LOVER.
BY WM. ALBERT SUTLIFFE.
I heard a maiden by the tumid ocean—
The day had gone and night came on apace—
Chanting a hymn to the spray’s chiming motion,
Starlight and moonlight, and the sea’s dim face.
And, as the moon looked down, her song up-stealing
Fell thus upon my ear: “Hope of my hope,
Gone o’er the swelling waters, whence this feeling
That thou art dead? I give my fancy scope,
And see thee hideous, with Death’s image o’er
Those features I have loved, but know no more.
Hope of my hope, gone o’er the swelling ocean,
What cavern holds thy form—
Cast by the furious storm?
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