Litchfield enquirer., 1842-04-21
From he Rnltimors Amsrtcan.
AWFUL STEAMBOAT EXPLOSION!
FEARFUL DESTRUCTION OF LIFE!!

NEST fearful and fatal steamboat explosion
which has ever taken place on the waters Of
the Chesapeake. The new and splendid
steamboat Medora, built for the line between
this city and Norfolk, was yesterday render
ed wreck by the explosion Of her steam
boiler, attended by fearful destruction Of
human life.
The Medora was just completed, and pre-
paratory to being turned Out from the hands
of the machinest, number of persons were
invited 10 go in her on her experimental trip.
The day being pleasant, it is supposed that
probably one hundred or more were on
board, including agent and some OF the DI-
rectors of the Steamboat Company and
their friends, and number of the hands en-
gagged in finishing the vessel, putting in the
machinery, &c, and otherwise connected
with the construction or sailing of the boat.
Soon after three o'clock, p. NJ, the boat
was about to start from the wharf of the en-
CINE builder, Mr.. John Waterman, on the
south side OF the basin on the proposed trip.
A gentleman who was on board informs us
that the engine had only made the second
revolution, ia order TO back the Medora from
the wharf, when the boiler exploded with n
loud noise, carrying upwards consldera-
BILE portion Of the upper deck and those upon
it, and blowing the smoke stacks high in the
air. The main force of the explosion was
almost exclusively towards the head of the
boat, and the portions of the boat around the
boiler were torn 10 pieces. The boiler itself,
an immense one Of iron, was thrown cross
wise on the deck.
The boat was instantly enveloped in
cloud Of scalding steam, which was inhaled
by some with fatal consequences, while 9TH
eTs suffered externally in their persons from
its effects. Our informant was in the after
part Of the boat, where the steam had no eff
feet. The boat Immediately settled down in
the water, until her hull rested on the bot
tom of the river. In the centre and forward
part Of the boat there was fearful destruc-
ton of life and limb. Some of those on board
were blown high in the air and fell on shore,
in the water, and on the boats lying near by.
Others were crushed with the splintered tim
bers-others scalded with the steam; while
those below the decks, not having time to es-
cape, were either suffocated by the steam or
drowned when the boat sunk.
When we reached the scene of dcso!a,ion
we found a number of persons, among whom
were several physicians, busily engaged in
endeavoring to assist the injured, and carry
ing away those who were dead or dying. So
great was the confusion that prevailed, and
SO little was known as to the number and
names of the persons on board, that no COM
plete account could be obtained. We an
mex list of all those who we're injured or
killed, as far as we could learn. There are
no doubt some who were on board, whose
loss will only be known by their not return
ing to their homes.
Captain Sutton, who had command of the
boat, was standing over the boiler when it ex-
ploded. He was very much injured, and his
recovery is considered very doubtful.
hn rf% l,o
Steamboat Line, was on board with his two
sons. Mr.. Moale had his right foot dsloca-
ted. and was injured in the side and back.
Soon after he was taken home he expired $50
MIR. Moale's eldest son, William, a fine lad
about Ia years of age, was killed almost in
stantly. His second son was dangerously
injured.
Joseph Lecompte, had both legs broken
and was otherwise much injured. He was
blown high into the air, and fell on board the
steamboat Constitution lying close by-died
soon after being taken on shore.
Capt. John Vickers, keeper of public
house in McClellan's alley, was blown into
the dir and fell on the wharf. He was taken
up dead.
Andrew F. Henderson. Esq, President of
the Steamboat Line, was scalded severely
and wounded in the head. He appeared to
John Waterman, the builder of the engine
of the boat. injured, but not seriously.
Mr.. Young, ship joiner, blown on board
the Constitution-died Immediately.
Benjamin French, painter, who resided in
Potter street-dead.
r. H. Middleton, clerk in the Savings
Bank, scalded, but not dangerously.
John Henderson, block and pump maker,
Pratt street, scalded in the hand, but not Sc
riously.
Albert Ramsey. Engineer of the boat, in.
jured as was also the assistant engineer, but
not dangerously.
Richard Linthicum n badly scalded, leg
broken, and recovery doubtful.
Duncan Ferguson-slightly hurt.
Alexander Spavin-not much injured.
Samuel Glann-severely scalded.
West Culley, sailor, dangerously scalded.
John Spedden, ship carpenter, dangerous.
ly wounded, not expected to recover
Mr.. Kaylor-seriously scalded.
Mr.. Brennan, printer badly scalded.
james Wilson. believed TO be work.
naan,) severely scalded.
William Roberts-badly scalded.
Lawrence RiggeE-seriously injured.
James Clarke-not expected olive.
Thomas Eldridge-not expected to live.
George Enley, workman at Watchman's
foundry, very badly scalded.
John Boon, printer-dead.
David Frazier-badly scalded.
Patrick Collins-very much mutilated.
Zachariah Nichols-scaldcd.
Francis Bezyt--seriously scalded.
James Mitchell-missing.
Jackson Reeder-very badly scalded, aud
not expected to live.
K0hs De- n loA