The Daily Advertiser

While the brig lay at Marstrand, (where he discharged her cargo) a Swedish ship was wrecked on a very rough and rocky part of the island, in a violent storm: The crew with assistance from the land, soon got safely ashore, except the Mate, who went overboard with the foremast, to the top of which he had retreated for safety; the mast remained attached to the wreck by the shrouds, and the man continued his hold on the mast, the waves continually breaking over him.

The sea was in such violent agitation, and the shore so rugged, that an attempt to recover him was extremely hazardous. About 20 sail of Swedes were then in the harbor, whose boats were many of them employed to succor the distressed object but returned without effecting it, intimidated by the danger.

At length, application was made to Captain Lewis's crew, for their assistance, with the offer of a considerable pecuniary reward, if they would make the attempt, even should it fail of success; but they nobly refused going on a mercenary principle; however, from pure motives of humanity the Mate and six hands went off in a boat, at the utmost hazard of their lives, and under the discouraging representations of those Swedes who had before failed—surmounted every danger, and brought the sufferer, with just the remains of life, ashore, after hanging, as it were by a straw, several hours, in the water,

The offer of money was now repeated to them, and again refused. The Governor of the place, being made acquainted with the transaction. sent for these brave Americans to his house; and, taking each of them by the hand, made the most honorary acknowledgments for their successful exertions to rescue from destruction a subject of Sweden, but a stranger to them; and presented the Mate with a golden spoon, and each of the others with a silver spoon, as testimonies of their heroism and humanity; and also granted them the liberty of walking in any part of the city, at any time of day or night—a privilege, in which even their own subjects are not indulged.

In short, so much was this act admired, that it gained them every mark of respect from the citizens; and the name of an American became synonymous with those of a Hero and Friend.