Immigrant Ships
Transcribers Guild
Maritime Newspaper Articles - 1850
Generously contributed by
Barbara Andresen unless stated otherwise.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 9 Jan 1850
N.Y. Evening Post: The Empire City, Capt. Wilson, arrived at this port, at 10
o'clock this (Tues.) morning. The Empire City brings no government mail,
although one from San Francisco, by the Panama was waiting at Cruces, and the
mail agent declared that it should lie there for the next six months, if
necessary, but what a mail steamer should take it. None of the mail contract
steamers being at Chagres, or likely to be there in a fortnight when the
Empire City left.
News from Panama, Dec. 4, 1849. The steamer Panama arrived
here this day,having left San Francisco on the night of the 15rh November.
She brings 235 passengers, and freight to the amount of $498,389; of this
there is about $50,000 in gold dust and specie from Mazatlan, and the
remainder in gold dust from San Francisco.
This is a list of the shipping in the various ports on the coast that the
Panama stopped at in coming down. I would call your attention particularly
to the arrival at Mazatlan and the 13th November of the British man-of-war,
the Herald, Captain Kellett. She was in search of Sir John Franklin, and
proceeded as far as 73 deg.10 latitude but could not get any tidings of
him. The Herald left the "Plover" man-of-war, to winter in Behring's Straits.
The Plover's boats had been sent up the Mackenzie river in search of Sir John
Franklin. The boats were to winter at the nearest station. The impression
of the commander of the Herald is that Sir John Franklin is safe, although I
cannot give you the data on which that impression is founded.
The yacht "Nancy Dawson," also reported as at Mazatlan, accompanied the
Herald in its dangerous search, and being but a small schooner, was able to
proceed as far as the boats, and considerably farther than the man-of-war.
The owner of the yacht was on a tour of the world, and falling in company
with the Herald, determined to go in search of Sir John Franklin. Since the
arrival of the yacht at Mazatlan, its owner has died. He is said to have
been very rich and eccentric. The yacht has been put in charge of a sailing
master from the man-of-war, and will be sent by the British Consul to England.
The cholera was at Mazatlan, though on the decline when the steamer left,
there having being only four cases on that day, although the number of cases
in 24 hours had reached forty. The steamer Oregon had left Mazatlan on the
night preceding the arrival of the Panama, the 23d November. The captain
reports having seen a steam propeller anchored off Cape St. Lucas on the
morning of the 23d November. It was probably the Hartford, out of coal,
collecting some of the scant shrubbery on the shore there. The Hartford had
sailed from Acapulco about the middle of October.
Among the passengers by the Panama, were Gen. Riley and Chris. Lilley --the
former the hero of the battle fields of Mexico, and the latter the hero of
the more humble fighting ground of Westchester, where he killed McCoy. Gen.
Riley left the steamer at Monterey. Chris. Lilley has arrived here, and is
on his way to the United States with his trunk full of the gold of
California, it is said.
----->
Shipping Intelligence, San Francisco, Oct 24: Arrived Am. steamer Unicorn,
Porter, from New York and Panama, 166 passengers.
Am. brig Henry Robers, 8 days from Oregon, to Rose, Beaton & Co.
Oct 31: Bark Coiner, Gardner, 234 days from New York, 53 passengers.
Nov 1: U.S. Mail steamer Panama, Bailey, 21 days from Panama, 320 passengers.
Am. ship Frances Ann, Proctor, 194 days from Boston, 38 passengers.
Bark Helen Augusta, Myrick, 170 days from Boston, 60 passengers
Bark Smyrna, Williams, 168 days from New York, 4 passengers
Brig Chatham, Hatflington, 168 days from Boston, 34 passengers.
Nov4: Am. bark Ann Smith, Bowne, 214 days from New Haven, 23 passengers.
Nov 12: Am. bark Hanah Sprague, Lansing, 125 days from New York, 95
passengers, to Dewitt and Harrison.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 9 Jan 1850
The Neward Daily Advertiser says: We are pained to announce the total loss
of the schr. Ellen Sedgwick, Capt. Beaston, of this port, bound from Richmond
with a load of coal for the Brooklyn Gas Co. She went down in the gale on
Saturday, and all hands perished, (7 in number) excepting the mate, including
Captain Beaston, who has been for many years an estimable citizen of this
place. The melancholly story is derived from the survivor, Mr. Champney, whom
our informant saw in New York yesterday, as follows:
The schooner was off Brigantine Shoals, near Great Egg Harbor, on our coast,
when she encountered the gale, which blew with such violence that she could
not pay off, but continued to near the shoals, in spite of every effort to
manage her. Wave after wave burst over the fated vessel washing off
successively the deckhouse and everything moveable; and one after another of
the crew, together with Capt. Beaston, were swallowed in the waves. The mate
a nephew of Capt. B., managed to hold on until the vessel struck the shoals,
when, after a few knocks, she filled and went down. There were a few feet of
one of the masts ramaining out of the water, and Mr. C. got to the top, where
he lashed himself to a spar. He remained in this perilous situation,
however, but a short time; for a vessel which had sailed in company with
them, and which had suffered severely in the same gale --having her sails
turn into shreds --hove in sight, and relieved him. This vessel, the name of
which we have not heard, came near and threw out a line with a buoy --not
being able to come alongside, on account of the shoals --when Mr. C. swam to
the line and was towed on board. He arrived in New York on Monday morning,
and communicated the dreadful news to Mr. B's afflicted family, who now
reside in Brooklyn. The Ellen Sedgwich was built two or three years since,
and was owned by Capt. B. John Sedgwick, and Capt. Weldin, of this city, and
C.C. Joralemon of Bellville.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 16 Jan 1850
Taken from the Albany Evening Journal: News from the Mines. The Cherokee
reached New York on Tuesday last, and we received our files of California
papers. We regret to learn that a letter has been received announcing the
death of J. W. Wing and Charles Thomas, both formerly of this city. The
Cherokee had 244 passengers and 320,000 in gold dust as freight, with about
as much more in the hands of her passengers. The Unicorn left San Francisco
Dec. 1 with the Mail, 157 passengers, and $708,000, in gold and arrived at
Panama Dec. 28. Gold dust commanded $15.25 to $15.60 per ounce in San
Francisco. The total number of Americans who have arrived in Calfornia from
the beginning, is estimated at ninety-four thousand. Among the recent deaths
in California, are those of William T. Hubbard, of Springfield, Mass., and
Edward T. Hayden, of Connecticut. Jacob C. Dexter of Rutland Co.
Vt.,returning home, died on board the Cherokee on the 5th inst. The steamer
Chesapeake, which went around Cape Horn to run as a regular packet between
Panama and San Francisco, had reached Valparaiso on the Pacific coast.
The steamer Canada, Capt. Harrison, reached Halifax Tuesday morning, bringing
two weeks later intelligence from Europe.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 6 Feb 1850
Steamboat Disasters During 1849. The St. Louis papers publish lists of the
steamers blown up, sunk, or otherwise destroyed in the West, during the
pastyear. The total number is 112, of which 83 were totally lost. The
estimated pecuniary loss is set down at $2,000,000, and the loss of life
upwards of 200 persons, and perhaps as many were wounded or maimed. This is
a formidable list truly, and should arouse, the attention of Congress to the
improvement of Western navigation and cause the people of the West to at once
devise some means to avert the too frequent occurrence of explosions and
fires.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 13 Feb 1850
The Hottinguer sailed from Liverpool for New York on the 10th of Jan. She
had 290 cabin and steerage passengers, together with the Captain and a crew
of 30 men and boys, and had a vey full freight of various descriptions. The
H. had only passed as far as Blackwater Bank, which is off the coast of
Wexford, when she struck on one of those dangerous ledges of rock which lie
concealed in that quarter. This occurred on the morning of the 12th of
Jann. On the occurrence of this mishap, a part of the crew and all the
passengers were sent ashore. Capt. Barclay and 13 of his men remained on
board of the H., determined not to leave the ship while there was the
remotest chance of saving her. On the following morning, the 13th, the ship
floated off Blackwater Bank, and bore away before the wind and struck Arkow
Bank, where she afterwards went to pieces; and sad to relate, Captain Barclay
and 12 of the noble band who determined to see the last of the ship, met a
watery grave. At the time the passengers left the ship, her condition seemed
to be utterly hopeless. The hold was full of water, and the sea making clear
breaches over her. It was with extreme difficulty and peril that the
passengers and seamen were passed into the boat, the sea breaking with
dreadful violence on the bank. The passengers were unable to take anything
out of the ship except the clothes they had on at the time. The boats
happily succeeded in reaching the shore although with extreme difficulty,
from the height of the seas, and the great distance, seven miles or more,
from the bank to the land. Capt. Barclay's son, who was on board the
Hottinguer up to the time she struck on Blackwater Bank, is a passenger on
board the Europa, which arrived at New York on Feb 9th.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 20 Feb 1850
Taken from the N.Y. Jour. of Com.: The steamer Rhode Island, Capt. Colby,
for San Francisco, which sailed from Staten Island on the 25th ult., when 3
days and 13 hours out (about 200 miles from the Bermuda Islands, near the
edge of the Gulf Stream,) encountered a gale from the S.W. of such severity
thatshe was obliged to bear away before the wind in the hopes of saving
her.But about 12 o'clock, when the gale was at its height, the wheel-rope
broke, which caused the vessel to broach to, when she shipped a heavy sea.
As a consequence, the hull became fractured ahaft the after gangway, and
justbefore the forward gangway. Simultaneously the hog-frame gave away,and
the anengine ceased working, when the vessel became unmanageable.
Immediately after some of the passengers attempted to launch a boat, but the
gale was so severe that she swamped. About two hous after, another boat was
got ready and launched. Efforts were made to secure other passengers but the
Captain waived his hand to them to keep away from the hull, lest they should
get swamped. When the R.I. was last seen, all hand were trying to cut down
the hurricane deck to relieve the vessel, but the Capt. was prepared to
launch a boat from the gangway, in the event of not being able to make a
raft. The wind was blowing very heavy.
At that time she had two feet of water over her cabin floor. The opinion of
the is, that the rest of the crew were saved. The boat after leaving the
vessel went upon the wind until about 6 o'clock, A.M., when they espied the
schooner Mary Wise (of East Thomaston,) Capt. Crockett, bound from New York
to St. John's P.R. After some hesitancy on the part of the Captain, they
were taken on board. They endeavored to get the Captain to make two or three
stretches for the R.I., but he declined, telling them she would be picked up
by some other vessel.
During the two days they were on board the M.W. their situation was
unpleasant. At the end of that time, the whale ship Richmond, Captain Swift,
of and for Providence, came alongside, and very cheerfully received them on
board. Upon their arrival at Providence, they came to this city in the
steamer Empire State, which arrived at aa o'clock this A.M., after a very
boisterous passage.
The Rhode Island was an old vessel and belonged to W.P. Furnise and Wm. H.
Brown. She was not insured. It is supposed there were about 40 persons on
board, including 13 who were found secreted after her departure.
----->
Shipwrecks on Long Island and Loss of Life: The British brig Minerva, Captain
Delany, from Halifax, N.S., for this port, with six passengers and a cargo of
fish, was totally wrecked, about 7 miles west of Fire Island, on Sunday
Morning, 10th inst. at one o'clock, and unfortunately four of her passengers
--Mrs. Murphy and her son, aged twelve years, and two little girls, daughters
of Mr. Samuel Sellers met a watery grave. Mrs. M., with her son, had been on
a visit to Halifax; and the little girls were on thier way to see their
father who resides in this city. The bodies of all four had been recovered,
and were on the beach yesterday. The vessel, it is said was fully insured in
this city; and it is supposed the cargo is insured in Halifax. --N.Y. Herald.
----->
Mutiny: The schooner J.B. Lindsey, Riggs, of Norfolk, arrived at St. Thomas,
on the 5th inst., from Trinidad. While Capt. Riggs was asleep, two of the
crew shot the Mate dead in the cabin, and killed a young man who was a
passenger in the vessel. The noise brought the Captain on deck, when they
attacked him, firing two or three shots at him, one of which passed through
the front part of his neck, causing him to retreat to his after-cabin, where
he fastened himself in. They tried to force the door open with an axe but
without success. They then rumaged the cabin, found nothing; after three days
they took the boat, with her sails; also, an axe, with which they attempted
to scuttle the vessel; but the cook, perceiving their intentions, cut the
boat's painters and let her go adrift; after which they attempted to reach
the vessel again, but seeing the captain armed, they pulled off, promising to
leave the vessel if he would not shoot them, which they did. The vessel being
short handed, was put under short sail, and succeeded in reaching Trinidad.
Captain Riggs is on shore and doing well --Jour. Com.
----->
Taken from the Norfolk Herald, Extra, of Friday: The launch of the U.S.
steamer 'Powhatan,' at the Gosport Navy Yard, was effected at the precise
time appointed yesterday morning, 45 minutes past 10, when she glided from
her ways into the watery element, with the grace of a swan and the truth of a
rifle --without varying a hair's breadth from a straight line.
It was decidedly one of the best ordered and most beautiful launches which
has ever been seen; and we may congratulate the accomplished naval
constructor, Mr. Samuel T. Hartt, and all the officers of the yard, from the
commodore down, for their successful and triumphant release from the high
responsibility involved in the safe delivery of this noble ship to her
destined element.
Commodore Sloat and his officers, Capt. Farragut and Lieut. Gission, threw
open their houses on the occasion, and displayed a generous and whole-souled
hospitality --each having provided a profuse and collation, worthy of an
occasion which had redouded so much to their credit and proved to them a
source of so much sincere self-gratulation.
The Powhatan's keel was laid in July 1847, and she was construced under the
superintendence of S. T. Hartt, Esq., the constructor of the yard, accord-
ing to draughts furnished by Francis Grice, Esq., Naval Constructor at
Washington.
The following are her dimentions.
Length on spar deck.................... 251 6
Co extreme from Billet to taffrail.. 276 6
Do on the keel.................... 246 0
Breadth of beam (moulded).............. 44 0
Do do (extreme).............. 45 0
Do on tread of deck................. 40 9
Do over guards...................... 69 6
Depth of hold from top of berth deck
beams floor timbers.................. 17 9
From top of berth deck beams to top of
spray deck beams..................... 8 5
----->
Details of the Burning of the St. John: The following narrative of the
disaster to the steamer Orline St. John was communicated to the Herald by Mr.
Bass, of the Astor-place theatre, who was a passenger on board at the time of
the fire: The Orline St. John steamboat left Mobile on Monday, the 4th
inst., at 5P.M., for Montgomery, Alabama. The boat ran well, averaging about
fifteen miles against the current til half past four o'clock P.M., on the 5th
inst., when the startling cry of "fire!" aroused nearly every one on board to
a sense of the perilous situation of the boat and all on board. The large
quantities of pitch pine wood, about fifty cords, stowed near the boilers,
and on the boiler deck had ignited, and in the course of two minutes has
enveloped the cabin portion of the boat above the boilers.
The consternation was general, and it was only by the caution of those who
escaped that their lives were preserved. Many leaped into the stream, and
were swept under the boat, and down by the current, almost instantaneously
losing their lives by this dreadful casualty, and their anxiety to preserve
their lives. Others saved themselves by catching floating fragment thrown
from the deck, with which they were bouyed down the stream, and finally, to
safety. Mr. Bass hoped to save Mrs. Hall and daughter, a beautiful girl of
ten years of age, but Mrs. Hall returned to the cabin to assist another lady
and the whole party, except Mr. Bass, were lost, the flames flashed upon
every part of the boat, and adding terrors to the scene, already awfully
painful from the sacrifices of valuable lives.
It is supposed that there was not a living being in the boat after the lapes
of two minutes from the alarm, though many had jumped into the water and some
were clinging to the rudder. In this short space of time, human energy was
exerted to its utmost, both by the officers of the boat and the engineers.
Captain Meaher and his brother, the first mate, exerted themselves to the
utmost to save the lives of the passengers. Mr. Benjamin Pearce, the pilot,
stood at the wheel till the vessel was run ashore on the Western bank of the
river, which was about six hundred yards wide at the scene of the
catastrophe, viz: about four miles from Montgomery.
The engineers with remarkable presence of mind, attended to the boilers, and
opened all the valves in an instant, and thereby prevented the loss of life
that might have resulted from an explosion. The prompitude of Mr. Pearce, who
ran the boat ashore while she was about the distance of four lengths off, is
highly commended, as he was only enabled to escape from the wheel by leaping
into the water through a sheet of fire. When the boat struck, she ploughed
into the shore about four feet deep, and thus those on the bow were
preserved. For those on the rudder, who were cut off by the flames from this
means of escape, there was still great danger.
The flames were over their heads, and they were driven down to hold by the
rudder till they could be assisted. Among these was Capt. Shaw, who was
ultimately saved by a boat, manned by Capt. Meaher and his brother, whose
noble conduct will long be remembered. Capt. S., just before the fire broke
out, had retired to his state room and had fallen to sleep. He was awakened
by unusual noise, and in his night clothes only, succeeded in reaching the
rudder, whence he was finally rescued by Capt. M. Many who jumped into the
river at the first alarm, were lost. Among these was Judge Lindsley, of
Mobile, who was hurled under the boat by the current, and probably crushed by
the force. Some of those who floated down upon coops, spare plank and the
like, were found safe at a distance of six or seven miles from the scene of
disaster.
Every article on board was consumed, except a trunk belonging to Col.
Preston, of South Carolina, who generously opened it to supply the wants of
his fellow sufferers. It was to his gallant generosity that many passengers
were indebted for the immediate means of returning to their homes. The
necessities of the sufferers, many of whom were only in possession of their
night garments, were abondantly supplied, also by Judge Bridges, of Wilcox
county, Mr. W. McRae, of Bridgeport, and by those generous planters, Messrs.
Pettiwey, Roach, Estis and J.J. Cook, of Camden. The ladies remained at the
stern of the boat until their clothing was nearly consumed, and were then
forced to spring into the river.
The total loss is estimated at $600,000. The boat was heavily laden with dry
groods on which, it is reported, a considerable insurance had been effected
in this city. The boat itself cost about $35,000, on which there was an
insurance of about half that sum. Capt. Shaw lost about $29,000, chiefly in
papers, most of which he hopes to be able to repair. Mr. Bass lost his
valuable wardrobe, and the peculiar properties of his profession, the
accumulation of years; also all his papers and engagements. Mr. Neland lost
$10,000.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 13 Mar 1850
New Orleans papers have come to hand, bringing in the details of the news
from California per steamer, Alabama, a portion of which was telegraphed to
the NY Express a day or two ago. We have dates from San Francisco to the
middle of January. Rents continued to be enormously high, rooms 6 by 8 feet
renting for $100 per month in advance. The ship Apollo has been hauled up
along side the Central Wharf, and converted into a storehouse. Her masts have
been removed and the upper deck housed over. She rents for $10,000 per month
in advance, or at the rate of $120,000 per annum. San Francisco is one
complete mud-hole. The streets being unpaved, are now almost in an impassable
state, owing to the heavy, continued rains.
----->
The steamers Senator and McKim continued to make their regular trips between
San Francisco and Sacramento City. The brig Patapeco, Capt. West, 150 days
from Boston, was driven ashore near Honolulu during a heavy south-west storm,
on the night of the 13th. She was at anchor outside when the gale commenced.
In the morning she was discovered bilged up on the reef. The vessel will be a
total loss, but some of her cargo will be saved in a damaged state.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 29 May 1850
Arrival of the Steamship EUROPA.
Halifax Telegraph, May 20 --P.M.
The Europa has arrived.
The Atlantic arrived at Liverpool on May 10th, having made the passage in
about thirteen days. An accident occurred to her condensing pump and the
floats of her paddle wheels proved to be too frail. By these accidents she is
said to have been delayed forty hours. She will not sail as advertised on the
15th. It is not likely she will leave before the 29th, the date, however, is
not fixed yet. She is said to have attained a high rate of speed, before her
machinery and floats gave out.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 29 May 1850
The Cuban Expedition Used Up.
New York, May 27 --3:30 P.M.
The Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Lopez, is in Savannah. He reached Key West
in the steamer Creole. His followers were left at Key West.
The following is an extract from a letter dated Cardenas the 20th:
Gen. Lopez, accompanied with about 500 men landed at this place, from the
steamer Creole, between 2 and three o'clock on the morning of the 19th of
May.
We have not received any letters for two days because as soon as the invading
hand arrived, they took possession of the rail road cars and engines, and it
is said sent men up the country to tear up the rails.
The invaders did not molest the inhabitants, although nearly every one took
refuge on board the shipping in the harbor.
We trust that, by to-morrow evening, tranquility will be restored, and the
business of the town go on as usual.
We open our letter to advise you of the safe arrival of our Governor with the
two officers captured by Gen. Lopez near Paypieda.
They fell in with a fishing smack, and it is said Gen. Lopez agreed to put
them on board on condition that the Governor would use his influence to save
the lives of those left behind.
Five of Gen. Lopez's gang are now in the stocks.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 5 June 1850
Arrival of the Steamship ASIA.
The British and North American Royal Mail Steamship Asia, H. E. Judkins
commander, arrived at Boston on Tuesday. The Asia made her passage across the
Atlantic in the short time of 9 1/4 days. The intelligence is of considerable
importance.
The Atlantic was to sail on the 29th, and the Viceroy on the 1st of June.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 12 June 1850
Arrival of the Steamship AMERICA
Halifax Telegraph, June 4 --P.M.
The cunard Steamer America, Capt. Shannon, has just arrived. She brings dates
from Liverpool to May 25. [there follows a listing of the news items from
Europe, brought by the ship]
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 12 June 1850
Letter from Havana.
Telegraphed to the Tribune exclusively.
Washington, Sunday, June 9.
Official information reached here by telegraph late last night, from
Charleston, that the steamer Isabel had arrived from Havana with intelligence
that the Spanish war steamer Pizarro had captured at sea the American vessel
Rolla, with one hundred and twenty-three Americans, bound to California. That
the said vessel was held as a prize, and the passengers made prisoners.
Gen. Campbell, United States Counsul at Havana, made a written communication
to the Captain General, remonstrating against the seizure of the Rolla and the
imprisonment of the passengers, and demanded the release of both men and
vessel. But no attention was paid to his communications.
General Campbell then went in person to the Count of Alcoy to remonstrate,
when he was seized and imprisoned.
This has caused a good deal of excitement here. This seizure and imprisonment
of our Counsul while performing his duty, is a high-handed outrage, and will
require the amplest reparation from the Spanish Government.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 12 June 1850
Hon. E. J. Roy, speaker of the House of Representatives of Liberia, a black
man, about 30 years of age, with several merchants and others, of the same
complexion, has lately arrived at Baltimore on business, in the Liberian
packet, 40 days from the colony.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 12 June 1850
From Florida.
By the arrival yesterday of the U.S. schooner Col. Cross, Capt. Knox, from
Tampa Bay, we are informed that the Indians are coming in at Charlotte Harbor
in so friendly a manner as to induce the belief that they would speedily
remove from the country. On the 24th inst. Capt. Knox saw a steamer to the
northward, steering east, which he supposed to be the U.S. steamer Fashion,
160 miles west of Egmont Island.
The Col. Cross left at Tampa schooners Hornet and Sarah Matilda; the former
being aground in the channel near Fort Brooke. The U.S. steamer Planter left
for Charlotte Harbor on the 22d. Capt. Casey, U.S.A. had previously gone to
that point in the U.S. steamer: Col Clay.
Gen. Twiggs was at Fort Brooke, and fast recovering the use of his arm. --N.
O. Picayune, 30th.
"Extra to the Graham's Town Journal, Tuesday, March 9, 1852"
FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE LOSS OF THE BIRKENHEAD.
(Postscript to the Monitor of March 3)
Simon's Bay, 1st March 1852.
Sir,- It is with feelings of the deepest regret that I have to announce to you the loss of Her Majesty's Steamer " Birkenhead," which took place on a rock about 2 ˝ or 3 miles off Point Danger, at 2 a.m., 26th February.
The sea was smooth at the time, and the vessel was steaming at the rate of 8 ˝ knots an hour. She struck the rock, and it penetrated through her bottom, just aft of the foremast. The rush of water was so great that there is no doubt that most of the men in the lower troop deck were drowned in their hammocks. The rest of the men and all the officers appeared on deck, when Major Senton called all the officers about him, and impressed on them the necessity of preserving order and silence amongst the men. He directed me take, and have executed, whatever orders the Commander might give me. 60 men were immediately put on to the chain pumps, on the lower after deck, and told off in three reliefs. 60 men were put on to the tackles of the paddle-box boats; and the remainder of the men were brought on to the poop, so as to ease the fore part of the ship. She was at this time rolling heavily. The Commander ordered the horses to be pitched out of the port gangway and the cutter to be got ready for the women and children who had been collected under the poop awning. As soon as the horses were over the side, the women and children were passed into the cutter, and under charge of Mr. Richards, masters assistant, the boat then stood off about 150 yards. Just after they were out of the ship the entire bow broke off at the foremast, the bowsprit going up in the air towards the fore top-mast, and the funnel went over the side, carrying away the starboard paddle-box and boat. The other paddle-box boat had capsized when being lowered. The large boat at the centre of the ship could not be got at.
It was about 12 or 15 minutes after she struck that the bow broke off. The men then all went up on the poop, and in about 5 minutes more the vessel broke in two, crosswise, just abaft the engine-room, and the stern part immediately filled and went down. A few men jumped off before she did so, but the greater number remained to the last, and so did every officer belonging to the troops. All the men I put on the tackles, I fear, were crushed when the funnel fell; and the men and officers below at the pumps could not, I think, have reached the deck before the vessel broke up and went down. The survivors clung, some to the rigging of the mainmast, part of which was out of the water; and others got hold of floating pieces of wood. I think there must have been about 200 on the drift wood. I was on a large piece along with five others, and we picked up five or ten more. The swell carried the wood in the direction of Point Danger. As soon as it got to the weeds and the breakers, finding that it would not support all that were on it, I jumped off and swam ashore; and when the others, and also those that were on the other pieces of wood, reached the shore, we proceeded into the country, to try to find a habitation of any sort, where we could obtain shelter. Many of the men were naked and almost all without shoes. Owing to the country being covered with thick, thorny bushes, our progress was slow, but after walking until 3 p.m., having reached land about 12, we came to where a wagon was outspanned, and the driver of it directed us to small bay, were there is a hut of a fisherman. The bay is called Stanford's Cove. We arrived there about sunset, and as the men had nothing to eat, I went on to a farm house about 8 or 9 miles from the Cove, and sent back provisions for that day. The next morning I sent another day's provisions and the men were removed up to a farm of Captain Smales, about 12 or 14 miles up the country. Lt. Girardot, of the 43rd, and Cornet Bond, of the 12th Lancers, accompanied this party, which amounted to 68 men, including 18 sailors.
I then went down to the coast, and during Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I examined the rocks for more than 20 miles, in the hope of finding some men who might have drifted in. I fortunately fell in with the crew of a whale-boat, that is employed sealing on Dyer's Island. I got them to take the boat outside the sea-weed, whilst I went along the shore. The sea-weed on the coast is very thick and of immense length, so that it would have caught most of the drift wood. Happily the boat picked up two men, and I also found two. Although they were all much exhausted- two of them having been in the water for 38 hours, they were all right the next day, except a few bruises. It was 86 hours, on Sunday afternoon when I left the coast, since the wreck had taken place; and as I had carefully examined every part of the rocks, and also sent the whale-boat over to Dyer's Island, I can safely assert, that when I left there was not a living soul on the coast of those that had been on board the ill-fated Birkenhead.
On Saturday I met Mr.Mackay, the Civil Commissioner of Caledon, and also Field-cornet Villier. The former told me that he had ordered the men that had been at Capt. Smale"s to be clothed by him, he having a store at his farm. Forty soldiers received clothing there. Mr. Mackay, the field-cornet and myself, accompanied by a party of men brought down by Mr. Villiers, went along the coast as far as the point that runs out to Dyer's Island, and all the bodies that were met with were interred. There were not many, however, and I regret to say could easily be accounted for. Five of the horses got to shore and were caught and brought to me. One belonged to me, and one belonged to Mr., Bond of the 12th Lancers, and the other three to Major Seton of the 74th, and Dr. Laing and Lt. Booth of the 72nd. I handed the horses over to Mr. Mackay, and he is to send them to me here, so that they may be sold, and that I may account for the proceeds.
On the 28th February, Her Masjesty"s ship Rhadamanthus was seen off Stanford's Cove, so I went down there, and found that Capt. Bunde, the commander of the Castor frigate, had landed, and gone up to Capt. Smales to order the men down to the cove, so as to embark in the steamer to be conveyed to Simon's Bay. On Sunday, when I was down on the coast, the field-cornet told me that at a part were he and his men had been, a few bodies were washed up and buried; also a few boxes that were broken in pieces, and the contents strewed about the rocks. I then ceased to hope that more were living, and came down to the cove to join the other men. We arrived at about 6 p.m.
The order and regularity that prevailed on board, from the time the ship struck till she totally disappeared, far exceeded anything that I thought would be effected by the best discipline, and it is the more to be wondered at, seeing that most of the soldiers were but a short time in the service. Every one did as he was directed, and there was not a murmur or a cry amongst them, until the vessel made her final plunge. I could not name any individual officer who did more than another. All received their orders and had them carried out, as if the men were embarking instead of going to the bottom, there was only this difference that I never saw any embarkation conducted with so little noise or confusion.
I enclose a list of those embarked, distinguishing those saved. I think this is correct, except one man of the 91st, whose name I cannot find out The only means I had of ascertaining the men of the different drafts, was by getting them from their comrades who were saved. You will see by the list enclosed that the loss amounts to nine officers and 349 men, besides those of the crew. The total number embarked being 15 officers and 476 men, (one officer and 18 men were disembarked in Simon's Bay.)
I am happy to say that all the women and children were put safely on board a schooner, that was about 7 miles off when the steamer was wrecked. This vessel returned to the wreck about 3.p.m. and took off 40 to 50 men that were clinging to the rigging, and then proceeded to Simon's Bay. One of the ship's boats with the assistant surgeon and eight men, went off, and landed 15 miles from the wreck. Had the boat remained about the wreck, or returned after landing the assistant surgeon on Danger Point, about which there was no difficulty, I am quite confident that nearly every man of the 200 who were on the drift wood might have been saved, for they might have been picked up here and there where they had got in amongst the weeds, and landed as soon as eight or nine had got into the boat. Where most of the drift wood stuck in the weeds, the distance to the shore was not more than 400 yards,and as by taking a somewhat serpentine course I managed to swim in without getting foul of the rock, or being tumbled over by a breaker, there is no doubt the boat might have done so also.
One fact I cannot omit mentioning. When the vessel was just going down, the commander called out," All those that can swim jump over board, and make for the boats." Lieut., Gerandot and myself were standing on the stern part of the poop. We begged the men not to do as the commander said, as the boat with the women must be swamped. Not more than three made the attempt.
On Sunday evening at 6 p.m., all the men who were at Capt. Smales", and the four I had with myself on the coast were embarked on board the Rhadamanthus, and we arrived in Simon's Bay at 3 a.m. on the 1st March. Eighteen of the men are bruised and burnt by the sun, and the Commodore has ordered them into the Naval Hospital. The rest are all right, and 70 require to be clothed. I need scarcely say that everything belonging to the men was lost.
I have, Edwd. W.C. Wright, Capt. 91st Regt.
(The names of those drowned will appear in Saturday's issue - Ed.)
----->
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 27 Jan 1858
The steamship Cahawba, from New York, 12th inst., via Havana, 18th, arrived at
New Orleans Thursday night. The steamship Empire City, which left New Orleans
on Wednesday morning for Havana, was aground with other vessels at the
Southwest Pass, blocking the channel. The Cahawba brings no news of
importance from Havana.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 24 Feb 1858
Arrival of the Baltic
Launch of the Leviathan
Frightful Colliery explosion
The Baltic from Liverpool, 3d inst., arrived at New York, at midnight of
Thursday. She experienced heavy weather during the entire voyage.
Great Britain. --The Leviathan was successfully floated in the Thames on
Sunday, the 31st ult! The final floating of the great ship was effected with
perfect ease. She was towed by four powerful boats to her moorings opposite
Deptford; where she will remain until her internal arragements are complete.
The Prince of Prussia and Princess Royal quitted England on the 2d. They
embarked at Gravesent in a royal yacht. On their way there was a generous
ovation by the people.
A frightful colliery explosion occurred near Ashton-under-Lyne. About one
hundred men were in the pit at the time. It is feared that many of them were
killed. About forty had been taken out alive, some injured and two dead.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 3 Mar 1858
The United States steamer Niagara will probably sail from New York this week
for London, on her second voyage in aid of the great Atlantic Telegraph
enterprise. She will be under the command of Captian William H. Hudson.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 17 Mar 1858
taken from the N. Y Evening Post
Terrific Gale at Fayal --Nine Ships Sunk
The following description of a disastrous storm off the coast of Fayal, is
from a private letter to a gentleman of this city. It is written by an eye
witness, the distinguished American printer, William Hunt, of Newport, R. I.,
who has passed the winter in Fayal: --
Fayal, January
"We have just had a most terrific gale here. Such a storm has not been known
for at least fifty years. The wind blew from the southeast, which is here the
bad wind: out of sixteen ships which were lying at anchor before our eyes,
nine of them were driven on the sands and rocks at our feet and broken into
atoms. For two days we positively lived on the sea walls, unable to leave the
dreadful scene of destruction for more than an hour at the longest.
Before us lies the bay, where at anchor are all the ships that put in here for
repairs.
We were called on this morning early, an told that a vessel had dragged
anchor, and was driving fast on the sand. Another large vessel had broken her
chains, and soon went boating on the sands --there were two or three men on
board the first, but they were enabled to throw a rope from the ship to the
sea-walls, and on this they escaped before the ship was beaten by the waves
into atoms. The second ship had no passengers on board, and by three o'clock
she has gone. Meantime, as you may imagine, we trembled for them all.
The storm raged on, though it did not rain a drop. In many of the vessels
were passengers and crews; several cut away their masts and awaited their
fate. Next came the Narsider, a Portuguese vessel, with four men on board,
heading with fearful rapidity directly for the sharp volcanic rocks at our
feet. As they approaced, and within, perhaps two rods of the wall, (the poor
men clinging desperately to a spar or rope) one was drowned and the three were
miraculously saved.
Night came on, and we feared for all the ships, for the storm did not abate in
the least. The watches tried to light tar barrels, and were ready for any
emergency. Two more vessels went on shore, but ropes were thrown with nooses
for the men, and no lives were destroyed. The next day two other vessels were
lost, but no lives, as they ran luckily on the the sands.
Imagine the vessels one after the other parting their cables, and dragging
their anchors, and driven upon the sands or rocks. The shores were strewn
with thousands of pieces of wood; but so shivered and broken that in two days
the people had taken it all away. Now on the bay sparkling with sunlight, lie
only seven of the sixteen ships."
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 24 Mar 1858
A letter from on board the U. S. steamer Powhattan, at St. Helena, states that
a Connecticut slaver had been captured by a British brig, having on board 600
slaves.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 31 Mar 1858
Later from South America
New York, March 29.
The Steamship Northern Light, Capt. Tinklepaugh, arrived this morning from
Aspinwall with 600 passengers brought by the Orizaba from San Francisco to the
5th inst. She brings two weeks later mails from South America.
The U. S. frigate Merimac and Saranac were at Valparaiso, and would leave in a
few days for Calao.
On the 21st of February, and the following day, the Chillian ports were
visited by a terrific norther, with heavy rain and squalls committing severe
disasters among the shipping.
From Peru we learn that Vivanco had taken Tacna without resistance.
The frigate Apurimac was blockading Islay March 7th, and on the same day a
battle was fought at Arequipa, but the result was unknown at the departure of
the mail steamer. General Castilla had, however, gained the two out posts or
entrenchments.
At Point Lobas, south of Iquique, three large ships were loading with guano,
two liable to seizure. The American ships previously taken were in the hands
of the Peruvian government. All possible precautions had been taken to defend
Cailao from the anticipated attack.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 7 Apr 1858
Mutiny and Murder at Sea.
New York, April l.
Sidney, N.S.W., papers gives the particular of a mutiny on board the ship
Junior of New Bedford. The ship was off Van Dieman's land on Christmas last,
when portion of the crew made an attack on the officers then asleep in the
cabin, killing the captain, third mate and two men, and wounding the first and
second mates and steward.
The Junior arrived at Sidney on the 10th of January.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 5 May 1858
The Niagara and the Agamemnon are each to take about 1460 miles of the
Atlantic Telegraph Cable, so that each will have hundreds of miles to spare
for twists, accidents, &c.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 12 May 1858
Later From Europe
Arrival of the Vanderbilt
The steamer Vanderbilt arrived yesterday at N.Y. bringing dates to the 28th
ult., News rather meagre.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 30 June 1858
A Good Swimmer
Captain Smith, of the schooner Sheppard A. Mount, of Brookhaven, Long Island,
which arrived at this port a few days since from St. Barts, with a cargo of
pine-apples, reports that on the 20th of May, when one day out from that port,
he came on deck at 8:30 o'clock A.M., and found that his son, Warren Smith, a
lad 14 years of age, was missing. He immediately ordered that the vessel be
searched but he was not to be found. There was a heavy sea running at the
time, and it was blowing a nine knot breeze.
The captain naturally inferred that the boy was overboard. He immediately
hauled his vessel on the wind and best back on the same tack over which he had
sailed. Nothing could be seen of him for some time, but at 12 o'clock he was
discovered swimming manfully against the billows. At 10 minutes past 12
o'clock he was picked up, and the vessel resumed her course for this port.
The lad divested himself of most of his clothing, and alleged that he could
have kept himself up for two or three hours longer. This is what we call good
swimming. --Pennslvanian.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 10 Nov 1858
Important Consummation
St. Johns, N.F., Nov. 4
The Government of this Province has to pay to the New York and Galway
Steamship Company, 42,000 pounds in addition to the grant of 23,000 pounds by
the Provincial Government, in consideration of the Company's making this port
a port of call for their steamcars, seim-monthly to and from New York and
Galway. The Company are bound to make the passage between Galway and St.
Johns within 7 days, with a view to afford the public every accommodation in
their power.
The Steamship Company will receive here telegraphic despatches to the latest
moment and forward the same to Galway, where they will be delivered as they
may be directed as soon as the steamers arrive at that port. The Telegraph
Companies associated with the American Company, No. 21 Wall Street, have also
agreed to receive all despatches which may be offered and transmit the same
through to this place to intercept the steamer, and failing to do so, no
charge will be made for tolls. Thus the public of the United States will be
placed within 7 days of Galway and London and vice versa. The next steamer
from this port for Galway, will leave on or about the 12th inst.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 17 Nov 1858
The government of Spain is likely to have its hands full, as between an
expedition of 10,000 men against the Moorish pirates of the Riff, and the
formidable expedition against Mexico. For this latter expedition the ships
employed in the transport of troops have already sailed from Spain and will
soon reach Havana.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 17 Nov 1858
The schooner B. S. Reed, from St. Josephs with wheat and lumber for Oswego
went ashore in a snow squall, Saturday morning, under Fort Ontario. The
vessel and cargo are insured.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 24 Nov 1858
About four years ago, Com. Perry startled the simplicity of the Japanese by
showing them an American steamer in their own waters. The thing captivated
that people entirely, for a writer at Simoda, Japan, tells us that a Japanese
steamer of war is now lying at the port, constructed since the visit of Com.
Perry.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 1 Dec 1858
From Mexico
The steamship Gen. Rusk arrived at New Orleans Sunday. The Brownville Texas,
Flag brought by the steamer says that Gen Blanco, of the Liberal Party, with
an army of 1,500 men, attacked and entered the city of Mexico, advancing to
within one block of the Capitol, on the 15th of October.
Gen Zuloaga made an imposing resistance and lost 400 of his soldiers, besides
having a large number wounded. The loss on the part of the Liberals was very
small. Gen Blanco held his position for a few hours and then retired to
Tacumbaga, where he remained encamped at last accounts.
Another account says that Zuloga had about 1,000 men, while the other had
3,000; and that, with a little exertion, the latter might have taken the city
of Mexico.
Gen Escheagaray was severly wounded in a daring attempt to capture the Castle
of Perote with a handful of men.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 1 Dec 1858
Arrival of the Africa
New York, Nov. 26.
The Steamer Africa arrived this morning, with Liverpool and London dates of
13th.
Fears are entertained at Liverpool, concerning the safety of the steamer
Indian Empire, which sailed hence Oct 23d, for Galway.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 1 Dec 1858
Arrival of the Overland Mail.
The Overland mail has arrived at St. Louis bringing five passengers and some
later dates from California and Oregon.
The Sixth Infantry had reached Carson Valley, and would proceed immediately to
Benicia. Three hundred recruits, under Lieut. Bootes, were expected there in
ten days.
Victoria dates are Oct. 18th. They mention the arrival of 900 ounces of gold
dust by express, besides several parcels in the hands of passengers. The
accounts from the mines are more favorable, and they were turning out much
better than anticipated a month previous. New diggings had been discovered,
and more miners were going up the river than were coming down. The shipments
of gold from Victoria, through Wells, Fargo & Co., from Aug. 4th, to Oct.
12th, were $92,000. The British ship of-the-line Ganges arrived at Esquemal,
from Valparaiso Oct. 17th.
Oregon dates are to the 16th of Oct. Taciman, an Indian chief, was killed
while attempting to escape from Col. Wrights's command.
The navigation of Fraser River for trade with British Columbia, has been
thrown open to all parties.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 1 Dec 1858
Arrival of the City of Baltimore.
New York, Nov. 24.
The steamship, City of Baltimore, which sailed from Liverpool at noon of the
10th inst., arrived at New York yesterday.
From ROMAN CITIZEN (New York) 29 Dec 1858
A line of first class steamers is to be established between Cleveland and
Buffalo, upon a permanent basis. The boats selected for the route are the
City of Buffalo and the Western Metropolis. The company under whose auspices
the line is established, has the capital and determination to make the
enterprise a permanent insitution, and every way reliable both to travel and
trade.
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