Near me were two handsome elderly [people], Mr. and Mrs. Straus, proprietors of the great store Macy’s of New-York, she refused to go into the boat after having helped in her maid.

She put her arms around the neck of her husband, telling him

“We have been married 50 years, we have never left each other, I want to die with you.”

Semi-conscious, in a neighboring boat was put the young wife of the millionaire J. Jacob Astor, returning from their honeymoon voyage she was 20 years old, him 50. She latches on to him, he was obliged to push her away with force.

The seamen in blue jackets, belts, and berets, struck up the beautiful hymn

Closer to you my Lord

This is the cry of my faith,

Closer to you.