Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-01-31
THE LEXINGTON.

Inc Lexington as nave come 10 hanu since our
last. The testimony of Capt Hiliard, who
appears 10 have been perfectly self-possessed
through the appalling scene, will be read with
Interest.
Coroner's Inquest, on The Lexington Suf
tereys-Captain Hillard stated that he did
not know the number OF passengers. heard
it stated at $50, but presumps that estimate is
large. Paid no attention to the storage Of
the boats cargo. but thinks the greater part
was cotton. The cotton was slowed against
the engine house, and room enough was left
10 pass, but does not know whether more
than one at time could pass The plssen
gers took supper at 6 p. Nj. Three tables
were sell which went the length ofihe cabin
Near the centre of the cabin were stoves. A
second table was Sc, for a portion ofthe pass.
engers Observed nothing wrong in the ar
rangsments.
The tables had been cleared perhaps an
hour when the alarm was given Witness
was jus; on the point OF turning 10 when The
alarm was given, and had off his coat aud
boots. His berth was the third aft from com
panion way. Did not at frstnpprehrnd any
danger, but slipped on his coal and boots,
took his overcoat on his arm, and ran up
companion way. When on deck discovered
the casing Of the smoke pipe was on fire,
and should think the promenade deck over
head was also on fire The great body OF
the passengers were rushing for the boats
The after part ofthe easing was entirely in
flames; the wind blowing aft and carrying
the flames that way. II might have taken
fire in front Don't know when the fire
took or If it was below the main deck Ii
might have taken under the boilers and run
up the smoke chimney. Don't know any
thing abon, the steam chimney spoken Of by
preceding witnesses. Did not see any thing
of Capt Childs.
AT the time witness first saw the FIRE. saw
no appearance OF buckets having been used.
Saw buckets. but can't say how many
Thinks the FIRE engine was not got ready.
Attention Of witness was frs, turned, upon
coming on deck, 10 the quarter boats They
were filled with passengers. who seemed
phrrnzied. and by stupid obslnacy seemed
determined TO destroy themselves. Went 10
the starboard, which they were about to
loweraway. and which they did lower away
When near the water, witness thinks the
stern had touched, some one cut away the
bow tsckle don't think il could have been
Nnhookrd. the Lexington then running
twelve or fourteen knots The boat i'm
media,ely filled with water. went astern
very quick and vent down. Should .hiuk
There We're twenty men IN her. Witness
then went over to the other boat, which wen,
down pretty much in the same way. only
she was moi SO full of water. Dontk know il
there were any Of the officers or men about
the boat. There was no painter, or if there
was. it had parted
By this tune the fire had such Roadway
that witness gave up the boat as gone case
and thought the only chance was 10 run the
boa, ashore. Went for this purpose to the
wheel house. saw Captain Childs there, and
told him the best thing he could do was 10
run the boat ashore as fas; as possible
Capt c. said "the boat already heads the
land" Bv this time the fire began to CONE
upslhe sides, and through the promenade
deck The wheelhouse was filled with
smoke, and witness could no, stand it,
There were two or three persons in the vi
ciniiy Of the life boat. aud witness said to
shcm, ''if you mean 10 do any thing with
her you mast do il very q,nrk Was appre
hrnsive the promenade deck would every
snornen, fall through. Helped tear the Ia
paulins of the boat, but had no intention oil
going in her for knew as soon as she
touched the main deck rail, they would
crowd into her and swamp her as they had
done the others What became OF her can
not say--ihink they launched her.
Then Quilted the promenade deck as the
fire commenced bursting ont round the
whsehouse Went alt and descended TO the
main deck Saw them at work with the
hose, think OF her force pump. Did mol
know before this that she had a force pump
1t was so thick with smoke that l. could
scarcely see what they were about They
were soon Obliged to desist By this time
the communication was entirely cut off Up
to this time 90 minutes had probably elaps-
ed. and the engine had stopped Thinks
the engine did not run more than Is or 20
minutes after the first alarm. Recommend
ed the deck hands TO throw the cotton over.
board. There were not many passengers
left at this time. Told them they must now
do something for themselves and do it soon
The hands threw over zen or twelve bales
OF cotton. aud lent them hand Some Of
the passengers who had been hanging 10 the
chains made for the cotton us ii was thrown
overheard. Weihrew over all the cotton on
the larboard side tina, was not on fire.
then cut a piece Of line. and opened bale oil
cotton believe it WAS the last bale not on
FIRE. Il was a snugly packed square bale
One Of the frrmen. the same who went on
a A. 80 If 4 ..|L. .-If !