The Wreck of the "Charlie Bell" - Charles W. KIMBALL, the only survivor of the crew of the "Charlie Bell" (wrecked on Thumb Cap Island at the mouth of the Damariscotta River on 22nd Dec.) arrived in towen last eve. from the scene of the disaster. A reporter of the 'Globe' sought Mr. Kimball and found him at his brother's residence No. 8 Sydney St. (St. John) and learned from his lips the tale of life on the sea. The ill fated vessel of 105 tons register, commanded by Capt. William KNOX of Oromocto, sailed from New York for this port on Tuesday 16th ult., with a general cargo. James WHEATON of Long Island, St. John River, was mate and Daniel FOX of Gagetown and Kimball were able seamen. John HAMLIN, whose widow and children reside on Elliot Row, was also on board, working his passage. The vessel sailed as stated and anchored below Hell Gate overnight, proceeding down the Sound at daylight and, crossing the schoals, anchored under Chatham lights and remained there until Friday morn., when they raised anchor, got under way and beat around the Cape to the Highland lights and steered across to the coast of Maine. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon the vessel was headed to the E.N.E. The wind was blowing stiff and all went well. At 6 o'clock on Saturday eve. the vessel was close-reefed and hove to under foresail, and sailing still to the eastward. It was blowing a gale then and the vessel's rigging and decks were covered with ice. The gale increased and snow, rain and sleet darkened the air. The Captain remarked that they were fully 25 miles off shore and thought his craft secure from danger. But he evidently miscalculated. At 2 o'clock on the morn. of 22nd Sunday the gale was at its height and blowing from the S.E. with thick snow and rain. Icicles drooped from the rigging and sails through which the wind was wildly whistling, but the staunch vessel safely rode the waves. Her pumps were comparatively dry and no accident up to this time had happened to the vessel or the crew. The Capt., the mate and Kimball were on deck and Fox and Hamlin were below. It was out of the question to hear waves dashing on the shore or to see any distance, and wild was the storm when Mr, Kimball on the lee side of the vessel, saw breakers ahead. He shouted to the Captain who, with a glance, saw the imminent danger their lives were places in and he exclaimed 'Oh my God, yes' and had no more than spoken when the vessel was madly hurled amidships upon the merciless rocks, and after two or three thumps, as if preparing for the effort, was dashed over the breakers and into the surging se between the rocks and the Island. Kimball had called to Fox and Hamlin and they came on deck, and all hands were ready to save themselves if possible. With the sea that hurried the vessel over the rocks, Kimball was washed overboard and remembers leaving the captain and others clinging to the wrecked vessel. He never saw them, dead or alive afterwards. He swept towards the rock bound shore and was again and again thumped and bruised. Thrown heavily on the shore, the top of his head came in contact with a sharp rock and he narrowly escaped having his head stove in. He clutched the water worn rocks and with superhuman effort endeavored to make his way a little further up the cliff when the greedy sea would recede. A little progress was made ere the next foaming billow would return and he grasped the rocks again. In this way for half an hour he scrambled among the rocks and at last succeeded in safely landing himself on the protected side of the Island, but bleeding from many wounds and his clothes torn in shreds. He then called to his fellow men who were on the wreck, but through the roaring blast there came no answer and taking for granted that he could do no good in staying where he was he sought shelter, but was only rewarded with a bush or two in which he stayed until daylight and then walked over the ten acre island in search of a house. To his utter dismay he could find none, all was barren. He was two miles from mainland on which he could see houses and he was powerless to get there. Cold, wet and hungry and exposed to the fury of the elements on this lonely and desolate spot he remained until 6 o'clock in the eve. when he was gladdened by the appearance of two men on the distant shore. Kimball shouted to them, but apparently they did not hear his cry and they walked away. He was disheartened. The weather was getting colder and his water soaked clothes began to stiffen on his body. He had eaten nothing since the noon of the day previous and animation was at a low ebb. However he soon saw a boat putting off in the heavy sea and he knew it was on his rescue its occupents were bent. They labored hard at the oar and succeeded in reaching the unfortunate man and took him to their house at South Bristol and provided for all his wants. His benefactors turned out to be Capt. Harvey OLIVER and his son. Mr. Kimball is about 40 years of age. (see original)