The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1847-12-10

ascertains that he possesses the true JEFF
ferson test-hOnesty, capacity and fdiM-
Gen. SANDERsoN.
ONE OF THE PEOPLE.
Burning of the PhGmix.-IncidcnIs
The PheniT was discovered TO be on
fire about four o'clock in the moning. At
that time she was making good way and
carrying S0lbs of steam. Efforts were
Immediately made to extinguish the
flames. The reservoirs were opened, the
pumps started, and all who could not
work to advantage were engaged inpas-
sing water to the fire. Their efforts were
continued till the flames burst out on
either side, and drove the men from their
positions. During the time of the con-
flict with the devouring element, the
boats were lowered and filled with those
who were ultimately saved. 1t was at
the earnest solicitation of some of the
passengers and crew, that Captain
Sweet, who was unable to afford any as
sistance, on account of lameness, was
helped into the boat.
Whilst the boats were being loaded;
Mr.. Blish, of Southport, stood at the
gangway and kept back the cloud of en-
igrants who would otherwise have swamp
ed them instantly. Mr.. Blish was soi-
cited TO take place in the boat, but re-
fused, saying that so long as there was
anything to do on board the Phoenix. he
would not leave her, and when all was
over, he would take his chance with the
others. He was lost,
Mr.. House, the engineer, from whom
we gather these particulars, remained on
board till the flames fairly drove him in
to the water. With broad axe he cut
fender rope and Immediately jumped
overheard His fingers touched the fen
der, which caused it to roll, and it was
with considerable effort he finally reach
ed it. A very large, vigorous emigrant
man plunged into the water at this mo-
ment, evidently with the intention of se-
curing the fender for HIMSELF but he sank
Immediately, Mr.. House soon found q
state room door, which he tied to his fen
der with his neck handkerchief. Upon
this float he supported himself for about
two hours and half evincing drought
from all we can learn, presence of mind
fortitude, and hardness almost incredi-
BILE. When he first got Into the water
he was surrounded by those who were
intent upon eking out their existance un-
til relief might providentially reach
them. These he saw sink one after an
other exhausted and chilled, to their
sleepof death. Mr.. H. was the first to
discerne the light of the Delaware pro-
peller as she was bearing down to the
relief of those unfortunate beings, and
announced the fact to those around him.
at the same time exhorting them to hold
out little longer and they would be res
cued from their perilous situation. At
that time, he is sure there were many a
live within the sound of his voice, and he
is confident that in few minutes after
wards not single one remained except
the three who were saved. A lady, cabin
passenger, drowned within reach Of him,
and she was the last to yield to the king
of terrors. The description which he
gives of the burning wreck is awfully ter
rife. The hull was complete bed ol
flame, which, bursting from her sides at
times, streamed far out uponthe waters
and then curled aloft till fame meeting
flame, the combined current rushed mad.
, y upwards till it seemed lost in the
clouds
The shrouds and rigging were cover
cred with living beings, who sought safe
ty there rather than in the water. Their
terror-marked features were lighted by
| the ghastly glare of the flames, and as
the fire reached them in their retreat
/, one after another fell and was either
burned or drowned. One man reached
the cross-tree where he lashed himself
There he remained after his companions
had all fallen, and then he died; and wher
n finally the mast went by the board he
= went with it.
, Mr.. West, of Racine, succeeded il
throwing overheard materials enough tc
float himself, wife and child. He reques
$ ted his wife to leap into the water with
: the child, and place herself upon door
: This with true hearted devotedness she
/. refused to do, unless her husband &C
S companied her. They joined arms, ant
: plunged into the yielding food, sank to
0 gether to rise no more in life.
= Mr.. Long. Of Milwaukee, saw his wife
and child drowned almost within hi,
reach, without the power to save. He
= afterwards got hold of the wheel under
:, ! the stern, and was one of the three who
was saved alive from the water
The body of young Tisdale, the cabir
e boy, was found floating upon ladder
3 He was lying on his side, with his heat
resting upon his hand. He was evident
;. ly not drowned but died from cold.
i. When the passengers became aware o
:. tho immedinent danger which surround
j., ed them, and that almost certain death
o awaited them scene was presented
which beggars description, Some be
took themselves to quiet prayer, others
ho'olcd for help. while others bowed j,
r meek submission to the fate of ruling
+ power AS the fire progressed, one al;
'f ter another of the voices we're hushed in
= death, and a stiffness awful and profound
P succeeded.
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