In
1839 the ship Napier, Captain Sanford, of Baltimore
Maryland was
caught in a terrifying gale in the Irish Sea. Most of
her sails, including her vital topsails, were blown out
leaving her with practically no hope of steerage past
a coastline strewn with dangerous rocks. As the wind pressed
the ship steadily towards the rocks, Captain Sanford used
all of his skill and courage to save his ship. The crew
prayed for God's mercy, bravely continued to work the
ship, and hoped for a miracle. After hours of fighting
for their lives in bitter cold, Captain Sanford, his crew
and the sturdy Napier made landfall in a protected
harbor, having survived the ordeal. (This account
is taken from the still existing log book of the Napier
written in the hand of Captain Sanford, and the painting
and log are still owned by the descendants of the Captain.)
