Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-07-10
EsasYl Ei:Ss'EG.
THE PULASKI.


We publish from the Baltimore American, Capt Pear
son account of the late disaster that bee the Pulaski
In relation to Capt 2, who second in command Of
the Pulaski, the Philadelphia Enquirer of yesterday
says-.A gentleman in this cy--"ne of the
yiyors speaks IN the waTmest terms q! COMMUNICATION Of
the conduct of Mr. Pcaison. Of the officers Of The
boat, who although seriously injured by the explosion
of the boiler, chiefly instrumental in the peserga
ton of several lives. In the of few days,
trust to be able furnish detailed narrative OF
the conduct of this individual that the public may rem
der ample Justice all who really conducted themselves
throughout that painful crisis il heroic, humane and
phianthroplc manner.
ToMe Public
left Savannah in the steamhoa, Pulaski on the 18th
Of June having board about hundred passengers
and reached Charleston half past 2. NJ the same day
Haynr there taken in wood aud such OF the passengers
as designed sleep board having retired examined
all things apperaning 10 the machinery, which appear.
ed TO be in perfect order The rext morning the boa;
started for Baltimore q. & O'Clock, about 50 or Az more
passengers having come on board making The aggregate
number as near as could Judge, about Id Every thing
went on well, and mad prospect OF pleasant rip
Al half past =. VI sounded on tn" FRYING Pan shoals
in faihoms Of water and shaped the course Of the boat
for cape Lookout shoal. | was III conversation with
some Of the passengers the promenade deck. where
remained until 10 O'Clock 2. NJ after which all retired
below At 10 o'clock went To the engine room and
examined The steam gauge, which i"Ind 10 indicate
&c inches This thought doing very well, as The
speed Of the boat increased she grew lighter, and oil
Finding all things they should be- called MT
Hibberd on deck and gave him charge OF the boat OBJ
serving to him that he must keepa good look ont and
call at IL o'clock as thought we should reach Cape
Look Out about half past one, or al least that should
then take the suundings. also tod him that Captain
Dubois lying in the steering honse. where he would
find him. The Captain had previously informed me that
he had been compelled TO deprive os my bed, as he
had given his room family On board, whose name
do not remember. expressed TO him my satisfaction
at having large number OF passengers aud tod HIM
that would at time toego my personal convenience
for their accommodation. This conversation took place
between and o clock that evening. When the ex
plosion took place. which judged to be about II o'clock
P. NJ, | experienced rather pleasant sensation, a.
though were dreaming that was flying in the ar -
was awakened By falling my back the water,
rounded by the fragments Of my room. Immediately
conscious of my situation, | got on small board and
swan for the boat which appeared to be 30 or 40 yards
distant and still going rapidly saw the heads OF Sc
ven persons me, but could not tell whether they
were white persons not continued 10 swim Tor The
boat, and finding my clothes an impeachment soon d
vested myself Of some Of them. My watch guard be.
came entangled around my wrist, which was com
PEELED 10 break and let go
As as can Judge must have been swimming
three quarters of an hour When | had approached
within about 100 yards Of the boat, saw her lights be
gin gradually TO disappear. stopped and exclaimed
any God, is the Pulaski sinking! renewed my ef
forts reach her. and found my worst fears real
ised her bow sunk deep beneath the surface. then
swan towards the stern, and when within 10 or 10 feet
was able eight or ten times, but received
swer. then towards the head OF the steamboat
and the forward part Of her main bottom keel up
and il the forward part of the main deck. ap.
preached and saw standing there. called 10 a
gentleman the side, and told him my name which
he Immediately made known TO the others, and threw
me a rope. His name is McGRgnry. Of Georgia, and
shall ever RENE mber him with gratitude. When 90,
on the wreck my first object procure the boats
hoping 10 assist of the unfortunate ladies' for
whose safety would willingly have risked life and so
expressed myself in the presence OF Mr. McGegory and
Others If could have procured boa, arn confident
should have been able TO rescue some 30 or 40
of the unfortunate beings then struggling in the water
Finding that we should have to Tighten our wreck,
Informed the gentlemen present that my left arm
scalded and useless 10 me- but that would direct them
in their exer!ions for safety. quantity Of iron and
the best bower anchor were thrown over. The chain
being fastened soon found that at anchor and
to remain so long would founder wreck With
great difficulty filed pin loose which We backed cut,
and then let the chain and small bower 60 Having
erected shed on deck, and rugged jury set
SAIL with small color flying signal Of distress to
any vessel that might On the 18th we sa the
stern of the steamboat about ~ ~ as near as could
Judge but could discern on it. On Saturday
found our raft fast beating TO pieces and that it
was necessary TO bind it together which did with
cable We also found necessary 10 cut away the mast
~ il priced up the deck. To do this hereuean
labor the only instrument had for the purpose was
an oyster knife which sharpened like chsel with
file This was the work Of whole day.
should have mentioned that on the second day of
our being the wreck, we took up passenger and
wreck.