August, 1850.
On the 7th August, 1850, on the passage from Valparaiso to Pisco, in
lat. 19° south, and long. 75° west, about 6 P.M., while exercising
furling sails, two men fell overboard from the main-top-sail yard.
One of these men caught hold of a rope and was saved unhurt: the
other man in his fall struck his head against the main channel, and
fell into the water senseless, but not dead.
Lieut. C. S. Stanhope, being then on the poop, saw his helpless
state, and immediately, with great coolness and excellent judgment,
jumped into the main channel, and thence overboard, to save the
wounded man from drowning.
Lieut. Stanhope, supporting the man in the water, swam with him to a
life-buoy which had been let go on the first alarm, where he remained
with the man until brought on board by the boats which were lowered.