storm, and while it raged with tremendous violence, the vessel became an unmanageable hulk. The captain gave up as lost. This fact was communicated to Judge Butler, when he desired that the passengers and all on board should be called forward. He then stated to them the sad fate which appeared to be the inevitable doom of all, and desired that each and every one should be made known to one another, so that if ever any one reached the land, he, she, or they might state the fate of the others. An elderly negro woman, the stewardess, then said: "Old Marster, this is no time for introductions, you had better pray." He said: “I cannot, but, old lady, if you can pray, do so.” She instantly knelt down and poured out a fervent prayer. Almost as soon as she ceased the lights from the steamer sent out from Wilmington in search for them, as they were twenty-four hours over time, were seen bearing down to the rescue. The boat and all were saved. His sister, Mrs. Thompson, who was a member of the Baptist Church, remarked to the Judge, after he had narrated the circumstances to her: “Brother Pickens, it was that old woman's prayer which saved you.” Judge Butler began his duties as Senator in 1847, and was continued Senator until the close of the extra session in March, 1857, when he returned home in ill health, lingered until the May following,
