Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1838-06-20
Awful Catastrophe.

Awful Catastrophe.
BUFFALO June l6.-The steamboat North America
is just in by the passengers on which we learn the
particulars of most heart rending caamity-the de-
strueton OF the new and elegant steamboat Washing
ton, by fire, of Silver Creek about o'clock this
morning with the estimated loss of fifty lives!
The Washington passed the North America while
the latter lay Erie, in the early part of the night,
and was not again seen by those board the North
America, until when within about three miles of this
city, bright glare of light was discovered by the
helmsman IN the direction of Silver Creek, and the
North America was Instantly put about for the
ofapprehended disaster.
On nearing the spot, about O'clock the burning
hull of the large and noble boat was found drifting
the waters, three four miles from shore with
not a living human being on board. The lake was
literally covered with hats, bonnets, trunks, baggage,
and blackened fragments of the wreck.
The intense anxiety of the witnesses of this fearful
for the fate of the passengers 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 rescued from de-
struction
The alarm had been given at Silver Greek, as soon
as the flames were perceived from the shore, and all
the beats which could be found were sent 10 the
of the sufferers There emily three skffs
besides the yawl of the Washington, which could be
thus used.
The North America took on board about 40 Of those
saved, many of whom, including all the ladies, re-
manned on shore. There were six dead bodies picked
up on the spot-those of four children and two We
men. Ons man died of his injuries sosn after reach
ing the shore and one child was dead in it's mothers
arms when she was taken out of the water.
After picking up all the floating baggage which
could be seen the hull which still able to float the
engne-was towed into Silver Creek where il sunk in
six or eight feet water The North America remained
at Silver Creek, employed in this melancholy busl-
ness, six or seven hours and every thing was done
by Captain Edmonds and for the relief of the
sufferers. Their prompt and efficient services
titled 10 all praise.
last winter, and had made but trip previous to her
destruction. The fire caught near the boilers, and
had made such progress when discovered, as to defy
all attempts TO extlngush It, The helm was Instant
~ put about and the boat headed for shore, but in
few moments the whesl.ropes were burnt or and she
became an unnanageabe wreck. Had iron rods been
substituted melancholy experience has taught on
the Mississippi this appalling loss Of life might have
been averted
We hear that the surviving passengers of the Wash
ingten unite in stating that no blame attributable
TO Capt. Brewn, the commander.
We hope and expect that the reported loss Of fe
since commencing this article the loss variously esti
mated at from twenty to sixty. Many of the survi-
vors were badly burned before they left the boat
We have no statement as to the probable amount
Of pecuniary damage sustained by this distressing
event The passengers must have suffered heavily.
One merchant from Illinois lost SIX thousand dollars
in money.
Below is list OF those known to have been saved,
ana OF the mselNg as iuL % COuO DC obtained
M. ID. Hosford, Clayton, Jefferson CO. ny
Clinton Strait Marshall Calhoun CO. Nm.
David Gibson, Mandee, Genesee CO. N. Y.
John II. Durga, Florida.
Ira Holmes Leicester, N. Y.
Timothy Edwards, Peru, O.
Mai Meach, Carlten, NY.
Giles B. Hadey, Dewitt, N. Y.
Simeon Nichols, Penfeld, N. Y.
VIM. Nelson, Sumerston, N. Y.
s. o. Holbrook, Sparta, N. Y.
David Beardsley, Catharines. N. Y.
II. Dorgee Providence, N. Y.
Tyler Simpson, Worcester, Mass.
N. B. Moore, Pembroke, NY.
Henry Hart, Calhoun co. Mich.
J. w. Thurber, Lenawec co. Mich.
John WiIer Huron CO. q.
Simeon Tyler, Chenango co. N. Y.
John r Shultz Clinton co. N. Y.
Israel M. Patty, Cayuga CO. NY.
VIM. II. Rice.
N. Nicely, Boone co. Illinois.
George G. Hill, Utica. N. Y.
Ira III. Bennett, Lagrange co. Ind.
LOST AND MISSING.
Capt Clements Dudley, Mass
Conrad Shmts CliHton CO. N
VIM. Shurtz, wife and children, N. "
w. Shed, St Lawrence co. MY.
Mr.. Barker, family OF 6, only one saved
A Scotchnan, name not recollected, lost chill
dren mother and sister,