On the Death of the Hon. John Gore.
On the death of the Hon. John Gore, who commanding his Majesty’s ship Scorpion, was drowned off the coast of Africa, after having by his heroic exertions saved the lives of two of his ship’s company who had fallen overboard, February 18th, 1812.
A few months prior to this melancholy event, I was on board the Scorpion, when its noble commander at the same risk, but with less fatal consequences, rescued from a watery grave two men who had been swept overboard while taking in sail, during what is termed in the West Indies “a white squall.” This intrepid captain without hesitation sprung from the deck into the ocean, and after buffeting with the element to which he was the destined victim, he swam back to his vessel, supporting in each hand a fellow creature, preserved by his courageous exertions. Fadeless is the memory of the Hero, though “The waters have closed upon the passing furrow, and again hold on their accustomed course.”
On the death of the Hon. John Gore.
“Peace to thy noble spirit, gallant Gore;
Dried be the tear that steals down sorrow’s cheek;
Soothed be their grief, who thy sad fate deplore;
Stifled the sigh that does that grief bespeak.
Long shall the generous act that brought thee death
Live in the hearts of those who love the brave,
While friendship hallows with its latest breath
The fate that doom’d thee to a wat’ry grave.”