Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1838-06-22
From the Buffalo Com. Adv. of Saturday


AWFUL CATASTROPHE.
The Steamboat North America is Just
in, by the passengers on which we learn
the particulars of most heart-rendlng
calamity-he destruction of The ne,o and
elegant Steamboat WASHINGTON, by
fire, off Silver Creek about 8 O'clock this
morning, with estimated loss of FIFTY
LIVES.
Tho Washington passed the North
America while the latter lay at Erie, in
the early part Of the night, and was again
seen by those on Board the N. A.. until
when within about three miles of the city,
bright glare of light was discovered by
the helmsman, in tho direction of Silver
Creek, and the North America was in
stantly put obout for the scene of appre-
hended disaster.
On nearing the spot, about 6 o'clock, the
burning hull OF the large and noble boat
was found drifting over the waters, three
or four miles from shore with not living
human being on board. The lake was
literally covered with hats. bonnets, trunks
baggage, and backened fragments of the
wreck.
| The intense anxiety of the witnesses of
this fearful scene, for the fate of the pas
sengers on the unfortunate Washington,
was partially relieved by the discovery Of
several small boats near the shore, in which
the survivors Of the disaster had been res
cued from destruction.
| The alarm had been given at Silver
Creek, as soon as the flames were per-
ceivaed from the shore, and all boats
which could be found were sent to the res.
cue of the sufferers. There were only
three skiffs besides the yawl Of the Wash
ington, which could be thus used.
The North America took on board about
40 ofthose saved, many Of whom, including
all the ladies', remained on shore. There
were six dead bodies picked up on the spot
those of four children and two women.
One man died of his injuries soon after
reaching the shore, and one child was
dead in its mothers arms when she was
taken out ofthe water.
After picking up all floating baggage
which could be seen. the hul-which was
still able to float the engne-was towed
to Silver Creek, where it sunk into 6 or 8
feet water. The North America remained
at Silver Creek, employed in this mean.
choly business, six or seven hours, and,
every thing was done by Captain Edmonds
and crew, for the relief of the sufferers
Their prompt and efficient services are en-.
titled to all praise.
The Inflated Washington was built at
Ashtabula, last winter, and had made but
one trip previous to her destruction. The
fire caught near the boilers, and had made
such progress when discovered, as to defy
all attempts to extInguish it. The helm
was instantly put about, and the boat head
ed for shore, but in few moments The
wheel ropes ,cere burnt Of, and she was
rendered an unmanageabIe wreck. Had
iron rods been substituted, as melancholy
experience has taught on the Mississippi,
this appalling loss of life might have been
averted.
We hear that the surviving passengers
of the Washington unite in stating tina,
no blame was attributable to Capt. Brown
the commander.
We hope and expect that the reported
loss of life, as stated above, may prove ex.
aggerated. We have heard, since com.
mencing this article. the loss variously es.
timaieG from t,centy to sirty. Many Of the
survivors were badly burned before they
left the boat.
We have no statement as to the probable
amount of pecunary damage sustained by
distressing event. The passengers mus
have suffered heavily. One merchant from
Illinois lost $4,000 in money.