Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-07-14
Loss OF THE STEAMSHIP COLUMBIA.

s-m--z--n@zrryv-s-nss--
LOSS OF THE STEAMSHIP COLUMBIA.
The British Mail Steamer Columbia, which
left Boston on the LIST inst was wrecked upon
Black Ledge, near Seal Island, Nova Scotia, on
the I'd inst. on her passage to Halifax. Intelli-
gence Of the disaster was forwarded by express
TO Boston. When the vessel which brought
the intelligence left, the steamer was going TO
pieces, and probably would be a total wreck.
The passengers, baggage, &c. were saved
The following letter from Hon Abbott Law
renee of Boston, who was a passenger in the
Columbia gives the full particulars of the un-
fortunate occurrence
SEAL ISLAND, July 3D., 1913.
NV dear Son
We left Boston at quarter past 2 O'Clock
on the LIST instant, and experienced a most
agreeable run till yesterday at a quarter past
1, (it being soggy,) the Columbia struck on
the Black Ledge, one and quarter miles
distant from this Island, at high water
When the tide began to ebb, we saw large
rocks on the larboard side, about 10 faith
oms distance, and long reef not cables
length from US. Before half the tide down,
these rocks were feet above the water
Soon after she struck, we commenced
throwing over coal, which was continued
through the day. At halfpast 2 we began
firing our cannon; IN half an hour after we
were answered by musket. which relieved
US from the most painful anxiety, as we
were not quite certain where we were, and
hoped it might be from the land At
o'clock the fog lifted, and we had the in
expressible satisfaction of seeing fishing
schooner making for the ship, with small
boat in tow. The captain ofahe schooner
(IIitchngs,) who is the keeper Of ne light
house, came on board and gave us an ac-
count of our situation, which appeared any
thing but llauering. We soon concluded
as it was evident the Columbia was in a
rocky berth, that it was prudent TO take the
ladies on shore IA in nnmber,) besides
several in the s,eerage, and FIVE or six chill
dren. This was accomplished at q O'clock
without injury TO any one; and here We
found two small houses, mile or more dis
tant from each other inhabited by kind
and efficient people, who exhibit all the
sympathy and care we could desire. There
are no habitations upon the Island, which
is rough and barren. The nearest main
land is Darlington, % miles distant. This
morning, at high tide, an attempt was made
to float the ship, which proved unsuccessful,
and at halfpast 2, the Captain requested the
passengers $50 in numbcr) who remained
on board, to go ashore-about 40 having
landed last evening. The passengers are
now all on shore-and one half Of the bag
gage. The mails are all here, aud the re-
maining part of the baggage will be received
in the course Of an hour.
The opinion now is that the ship will be
lost-she is very much strained and has
hceIed over considerably. We have 05 pas
sengers. and 70 officers, crew, &c, belong
ing to the ship, in all l6S souls. The Cap
tain has conducted himself with great cool
ness and courage. and displayed that ener-
gy and magnanimity that belong to his no
hle profession. And now, having no more
time to write, have only TO say that deem
our preservation cxtraord,nary-20 Yards
on either side Of the ship, with moderate
breeze, would have consigned us all to
watery grave.
Through the mercy Of Almighty God we
have all been spared, living monuments OF
his protecting care and we and you, aud
all our friends, should, offer up TO our
Heavenly Father the homage of CRATE
fu hearts, for this signal instance of his
sparing mercy. The ladies aud the pas
sengers have conducted themselves in a
manner that should command our admira-
ton. We shall send an express to Halifax
for a steamer, which, Isnppose, is nearly
200 miles-we being now about 240 miles
from Boston.
z. S. is justice to Captain Shannon
SAY, that the ship was in charge of the
Pilot-of course he is exhonerated from all
blame.