Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-09-05
BURNING OF THE STEAM BOAT SUN

BURNING OF THE STEAM BOAT SUN.
for the purpose Of towing in vessels on the coast
which might have on board such cargoes as
the new tariff operated on has been burned A
gentleman who was on board gives the follow
ing account Of the destruction OF the boat
The number OF individuals who went out in
her was thirty 1.-TWO, there being besides the CAP
tain and crew, two extra pilots, some captains
of vessels, and five or six passengers who went
for the sake of the trip. At o'clock yesrer-
day afternoon, after towing the ship George
Canning for Two hours, The Sun was about ten
miles distant from the Hoa,ing-light. The
large stove pipe, suddenly fell overheard,
heavy surge having broke the four s,anchions
by which it was supported. The engine, in
consequence could no: be worked to advan,a age;
and ex,em2ore sails were made from the avn
ings; but it being found that the boat was drifts
ing fast on the breakers, thsy were taken down.
I, was then attempted to work the engine, and
the crew were for an hour and an half endea-
voring 10 hold their course towards the floating
light, when the captain cried out, "All hands
forward, we are all in hames!"e The crew and
passengers ran forward, and all endea, ored 10
remove quantity of wood, aeaeath which the
flames were seon burstinS upwards through the
deck. But the FIRE ragged so hercely beneath
and all around, that it was impossible 20
remove the wood fast enough, and they retreat
ed aft The captain remained a, the wheel,
and several of the crew forward, doing their
duty faithfully at this momtat Of peril A
signal Of distress was raised, half mast high,
con listing of shirt and handkerchief; but the
waves ran so high that they could not be seen
by the revenue cutter or pilot boa:, which were
not many miles distant. There had been a
heavy sea and violent blow on the night pre-
ceding. The two boats or yawls were now
lowered, it being about six o'clock, into which
most Of those on board got, and were towed by
the burning steamboat for about twenty minutes
the captain and hands continuing on Board
Until the flames spread over the whole vessel,
when they dashed themselves by ropes, and de
seconded by the rudder into the boats. The
Sun was completely developed in lire, which as
cended to great height illuminating the sky &
sea for many miles around with rudy glare,
and bursting lhro' every port hole. Fearing the
boiler would burst, the boats were cut adrilt, &
left the Sun in one light blaze. A, the distance
of mile or two, the steam was heard discharg,
ine itself, tie excessive heat having ra;s.
edsthe valves. They then saw the Revenue
a brig, but their situation being perceived, both
boats reached her within three quarters OF an
hour, and trey were taken on board. Every
kindness and attention was shown 10 them by
Capt Cahoone and his Off ers. The Captain
was bound by his orders to remain abreas, OF
the light until 10 O'clock after which The cutter
came up TO the city. 1t was O'Clock when
they were taken on board, just after which the
violent gust Of wind came up. which must have
upset the boats. Another 7royidehlial circum-
stance was, that the passengers Of The George
Canning were not taken on board OF The Sun
as had been intended, The boats would hold
no more people, and they must inevitably have
persisted. The pilot boat boarded the cutter
soon after the Suns passengers were taken up
She had gone round the wreck 10 see il any
thing could be saved. A few minutes AFTER
nine The wreck was seen TO sink ins, SPONTANEOUSLY.