Our Miscellany

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 26, 23 September 1893, Page 5

Our Miscellany

AH’.UNSOLVED MYSTERY.

In February, . 1876, the “ Marie Celeste,” an American merchant vessel, sailed from New York for Villefraneha. She had on board thirteen persons, including-the captain’s wife and daughter. Some time afterwards she was sighted cff Gibraltar by a French steamer. The Frenchman gazed long- and earnestly at the vessel .standing- almost still under full sail. Glasses failed to discover any signs of life on board of her. On the captain hailing the vessel and receiving no response, a boat was put off, and the crew boarded her. They were surprised to find everything in apple-pie order, but not a soul on board. The “ Marie Celeste ” was searched from, stern to bow; there were no signs of a struggle ; the boats were all there, and clothes were hanging out to dry. In the cabin, on the table was a halffinished meal; a jaiece of calico was on a sewing machine ; and the compasses and watches of the captain and mate were found. There was plenty of water on board, and altogether it was a most unaccountable mystery what had become of the thirteen people. The ship’s log had been kept within forty-two hours of the time when she was discovered, aud spoke of a voyage without accident of any kind. It was with difficulty a crew was secured to take the vessel to her destination. About two years ago she was sunk her captain to secure the insurance, but he was imprisoned for his pains. So far nothing has been heard of the crew of thirteen who so mysteriously disappeared.