He
had entreated them to be calm, and to preserve order--so essential to
safety; had mentioned his confidence that a ship must pass before the
catastrophe could possibly occur; but added that, to prepare for the
worst, he had ordered the construction of two rafts--one for the use of
the seamen, the other for the reception of food and necessaries.
His plan was to attach these to the larger boats, and so provide against
want; in the certainty, however, that on such a route relief must soon
present itself, in the shape of ship or steamer.
He called on all able to abet his exertions to present themselves
forthwith, so that universal safety might be insured; not only by making
the rafts, but the securing of food upon them, and comforts for the
women and children, who represented so large a portion of the
passengers. He answered for the fidelity of his seamen with his life.
There was not one among them, he knew, who would lift a finger to
disobey him. He said these words in conclusion:
"And now, if there is any one present sufficiently imbued with the grace
of God to fix the anxious minds of these voyagers in prayer, such at
least of them as are powerless otherwise to aid our exertions, let him
appear and minister to their tribulation. This task is not for me,
although the holiest. My duties call me elsewhere.
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