The Perilous Midnight Voyage of the Granger

We had left at sunset with everything as snug as it could be made, giving us an opportunity to view the beauty and grandeur of the scene. Under the skillful management of Capt. Cathcart and Mr. N., the good vessel safely weathered the night. Had anything been hidden to the eyes of the land and marsh, the only light would have been the reflection on the white-capped waves. We made twenty-five miles in two hours after the storm struck. We rounded Snohomish Spit and dropped anchor near the Snohomish house. Although the waves were having a wild play outside, we were able to anchor upon the water. The power of the wind may be estimated from the fact that in a flat bottom, small boat, under only the jib and mainsail, and against a strong tide, we made headway of twenty-five miles in two hours. Every vessel when under headway is compelled to carry two lantern signals, one on each side of the vessel. The Granger's lights were set some light feet above the deck. When we came to anchor we found that the spray had put out the weather light. All this time Mr. N. lay deathly sick in one of the bunks below, where, with every heave of the vessel, everything that could be shook loose would be rolled across the cabin towards or into his berth.