We were now crossing Saginaw Bay in a blinding snow storm. The whistle
was blowing almost constantly, and once we heard another quite close to
us. Women and children were crying in their state-rooms, others were
groaning in fear and sickness. Our boat was creaking and tossing,
sometimes on her side, when it seemed she would never rise again.
Sailors were running on the deck and orders were shouted by the captain.
Water was splashing into the cabins, glass was broken from the windows,
and cabin boys were hurrying about nailing up blankets. Dishes were
smashing as they fell from the lockers. Cabin doors could not be shut,
our boat was twisted, and it seemed she could not last much longer she
settled and trembled so at times, and then the great waves dashed all
over her.