Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-10-24
LOSS OF THE STEAM FRIGATE,
MISSOURI

We regret to have to announce the total
destruction, by fire, of the splendid Amerc IN
steam frigltc, the Mis- while at anchor
in this bly on Saturday week She had the
Hon. Mr.. Gushing on bolrd proceeding to
Alex1ndria, en- route. for China. as Minister.
TIA alarm was first given at eight O'Clock
precisely, and was Immediately followed by
such burst Of flame from the enpnenr's
store room as to lead to the belief that il
orig nlted among the oil and spirits Every
cxertion was made to subdue it, and the large
pumps were Immediately put into operation ;
but the progress of the flmes was SO rapid,
that 1t became necessary TO flood the two
magazines, which was done so efcctually.
that it was not until twenty minutes after
three, A. N. that any explosion took place,
and then not to an extent to endanger the
shipping in the bay, the nearest of which had
already been removed by the exertions of
the acting captain of the port. Ass stance
WIS promptly sent from Mllabar, under the
personal uporntenlcnce of Sir George Slr-
tor,ors; ana the Locust got up her steam
and ran alongside the VI s5our. with a view
OF towing her into deeper water, or render
ing any other aid; bat unfortunately, she had
already grounded. which rendered it impos-
s;blc to scultle her.
As soon as the fire broke out, the COVER
nor ordered the waterproof gate to be open
ed, and proceeded himself 10 the wharf, from
whence he Despatched two engines under
The charge Of the artillery and sappers; but
in spite of the united ciior of the crew of
the Missouri AMI her friendly auxililr.cs, tho
progress of the fumes, which at one time ap-
pcrred to be got unlcr, was such, that at
length Captain Newton was forced to aban-
don his ship, after summoning a council of
his own officers and those British officers
about him, who unanimously decided there
was no hope of saving the ship.
The order was then given by Capt. New
ton for all 10 quit the ship, which was done
Immediately by the crew taking the water
and receiving the ready assistance of boats
sent, in anticipation ofthc cxigencv from the
Mllahar and from the vessels in the harbor
Such was the state ofthe ship when the of
hc@rS and crew left her, that they slycl no
thing but what they had on. Captain New
toa did not quit the ship until all had left her.
about quarter past eleven O'Clock. We arc
/ happy to add, that the officers and crew are
! believed to be all saved.
His Excellency, the American Minister
after securing his pnpors of importance. re-
turned to the ship, and jealousy united his
eXertions 10 those of her officers
/ The line wall was crowded until very late
hour, with spectators. anx ously watching the
IA e of the noble ship. The sight was aw
fully grand; until the mas.s at length fel
overheard, the tracery of her shrouds an,
spurs standing out in bright relief against the
dark sky, was beautiful The whole rock
was as light as day; and probably such sigh
has not been witnessed in the bay since the
coltiagration of the floating batteries in the
memorable siege.
/ We trust it VIII not be considered pre-.
Sumptuous TO refer to the discipline on boarc
this i'll Ated vessel; but, as persons, employ
ed alongside during the progress of the ca
/ lanjty, and on whose veraciry we can place
the utmost rchlnce, have been DESTROYS o
/ bearing undeniable testimony on this mos
/ important subject. we beg to inform our rea
/ ders that they describe the disciplne and or
( der on board as most admirable: the severa
orders were given and obeyed as if the YES
s,l had been in perfect safety. and nothing
had occurred TO excite alarm or confusion
Gibrdlter Chronicle.