The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-01-29


late terrible disaster have been elected BY
an examination that has been going on In
New York before Jury summoned by the
Coroner TO enquire into the causes Of the
death of those whose bodies have been
brought to that city. The investigation
ha. been going on daily since the 20,h inst,
and great mass oftestiunony has been ta-
ken. Most of it pertains to the strength,
sea-worthyness, aud safety ofthe Lexington,
and of steam boats in general, and some
portions of il are calculated to lead to I'M
revement and reform.
We have only room for the testimony of
Capt. Hilard, the only passenger snved, in
which he gives a detailed and most inter-
esting account of the disaster.
From the N Y Eve. Post.
At half past / O'Clock yesterday. the inves-
tis alton on the loss OF the Lexington was re-
sumed, and Capt. Chester Hillard gave his
testimony respecting the disaster. We publish
il 10 full, we may say verbatim, with the eIcep-
tion of some frivolous questions put 10 him at
ter his evidence had closed by some Of the Ju-
rors. We advise careful psrusal Of Captain
Hillsrd's testimony. II will be found graphic,
coseise and highly interesting. II clearly es-
tabshes one thing. that the deplorable loss of
life is mainly TO be attributed TO the panic OF
the passengers, and TO their insane destruction
Of the boats.
Captain Chester Hillard eIsmiued-i am "a
years Of age. reside at Port Ann. n. Y
have followed the sea eight years. First went
k.f a. ,h ada n
csnd mate Then as chief mate OF the Missis-
sippi. Have since made voyage in her as
Captain to New Orleans. Arrived here in her
from that port about weeks since come Sat
urday. Went on board the Lexington week
ago last Monday. the 18th instant. Went on
board about three O'Clock, p. M, 10 GO to
Stonington. was bound TO Norwich.
By Mr.. Wheeler-Havs no family. Have
brothers and sisters. No parents living. DO
not know the number of passengers that were
on board the Lexington. Heard there were
$50. but think. from what saw at table, that
this estimate is large. Paid no attention TO tho
stowage Of the boat. Think the greater pan
Of the freight consisted Of cotton. Ii was stow
ed under the promenade deck. Did not OBJ
serve any other particular kind Of freight
There was space left to pass beside the ~hee
house. but cannot say if more than one person
could pass at a time. The cotton was slowed
up against the wheel-house. Went forward on
the foreasils. Three baggage cars were cn it.
observed nothing more. The life boat was
on the promenade deck just forward OF the
wheehous on the starboard side. Saw them
clearing her away. Before this time | took no
notice Of her. She was covered with canvass.
| supposed fitted Tor the purpose. Saw il torn
off her. Saw both quarter boats lowered away
Did not take particular noiice OF them before.
We took supper at about six o'clock, Z. W
Can't make an estimate Of the cabin. Three
tables were set that went half the length Of the
cabin.
Near the centre OF the cabin were stoves
The tables were fuli-some had to wait until
they set a second table. Observed nothing
wrong in The arrangements Of the boat. She was
going 10 or Ia knots. The tables had been
cleared, probably an hour. before the alarm
The berths were taken up in the usual manner.
Was lust on the point Of turning into my berth
when the alarm was given. Had my coat and
boots of. Nv berth was the third length aft
from The stairs Of the companion way. Think
the No. 40. At first did not apprehend any
thing serious. slipped my cap. coat and
boots on. and threw my overcoat over my arm,
and ran up the companion way. When got
on deck discovered the edging of the smoke
pipe on fire. and should think the promenads
body of passengers were making a rush for the
boats. The after part Of the casing was entire I
Iy in flames The wind blew ait and carried
the flames that way. The casing might have
taken fire in front, but ! cannot say.
By Jnror-Dont know where the boat took
fire. Don't know if the fire was below the
main deck. The fire might have taken over
the boilers, aud run up TO the chimney cas-
ing.
BY Mr.. Wheeler. Don't know any thing a. (
bout the steam chimney spoken OF by former
witnesses. There might have been such
,hisg. but | cannot say. AT this time did not
see any thing Of Captan Childs. AT the Iime
/ first discovered the fire saw no appearances
of the buckets having been used. saw buck
ct, on board, but could not say how many
Think they did not get the fire engine at work.
NY attention. when first came on deck. was
turned TO the quarter boais-they were then
full Of passengers. The passengers seemed
phrenzied. and determined by stupid obstnacy
to destroy themselves. went to the starboard
boat, which they were about to lower away. and
which they did lower away. When near the
waicr-l think the stern touched the water
some one cut the bow tackle. don't think it
could have been unlocked. The boat then
running IL or Ia knots an hour would have /
prevented it. The starboard boat Immediately
filled with water. She was full Of people-a-
bout 90 person. were in her. The boat went
asiern very quick, and went down. Iran over
to the other boat, which they lowered, and
which went down pretty much in the 'ame way 1
only she was not so full ofwaier Don't know
if there were any of the officers or crew about
this boat. There was not painter attached
to ihe boat. or. il so. il had parted. BY this
time The fire had got such hesdway had pref !
ty much made up my mind the boat was gone
case, aud though, the only chance was to run
her ashore.
Went for this purpose to the whselhouss in
hopes Of seeing Capt. Childs, as supposed ne
would be there. Saw Capt Cbilds there. !
Told him the best thing he could do was 10
run the boat ashore as fast ss possible. Capt. /
G. said the boat already headed for land"
BY tins time the fire began TO come up the