Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-12-10
Ruru,n. of the Phnnix--Incidents.


Burning OF the observation-disclosures
The prcpsller Phoenix was burned to the
,yo,pr's edge, on Lake Michigan, Nov. 10, l847.
She was discovered to be on fire about O'Clock
in the morning. At that time she was making
oood way and carrying 80 lbs. of steam. El-
fors were Immediately made to eXtlnguish the
flames. The reservoirs were opened, the pumps
S,arted and all who could work 10 advantage
were engaged in passing water TO the fire. Their
efforts were continued ill the flames burst out on
either side. and drove the men from their post
tions. During this time of conflict with the de-
ycurnr element the boats were lowered and
filled with those who were ultimately saved. II
was at the earnest solicitation of some OF the pas
sengors and crew, that Capt. Sweet who was
unable to afford any assistance, on account ot
lameness. was helped into the boat.
Whilst the boats were being loaded, Mr.. BliSh
of Southport, stood AT the gangway and kept back
The crowd of emigrantS who would Otherwise
have swamped them Instantly. Mr.. BIlsh was
solicited To lake a seat in the boat, but refused,
saving that so long us 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 rest. He was lost.
Mr.. House, the Engineer, from whom we ga
ther these parsularS, remained on board 4nlil
the flames fairly drove him ino the water. With
broad axe he cut Il fender rope and Immediate
" Jumped overheard. His fingers touched the
fender. which caused it to ROLL and it was with
considerable effort that he finally reached II.
verv large vigorous emigrant man plunged INTO
the water nj this moment, evidently with the m
tcntion of securing the fender for himsel; but he
sank and drownded Immediately. Mr.. House
soon found a state room door, which he ucd 10
his fender with his neck handkerchief. Upon
this float he supported himself for about Two
hours and hail. eynclng lhronghout' from a'i
we can learn, a presence Of mind, lorlitude' ana
bnrdinpss. almost incredible. When he first got
into the water he was surrounded by those VINO
were intent upon ekng out their existence uh''
relief might prOvdenIlally reach them heSe
he saw sink one after another, exhausted ana
chilled, 10 their sleep of death. MIR. II. was llrS'
to discern the lights Of the Delaware Propeller as
she was bearing down to the reci oil those uh-
Cortunate beings and announced the TACT TO lhoSe
around him, at the same time eXhorung them 10
hold out little longer and they would be rescued
from their perous situation. AT that time, he IS
sure there were many alive within the sound OF
his voice, and he is confident that in few MN
utes afterwards, not a single one remained except
the three who were saved. A lady, cabin pasSen'
Ger. drownded within reach Of him, and she was
among the last TO yield TO the king OF terrorS.-
The description which he gives OF the burning
wreck is awlulIy terrific. The hull was com
pIete bed of flame, which bursting from her sides
nj times, streamed far out upon the waters, aho
then cured aloG ill flame meeting lame, inc
combined current rushed madly upwards TIL j
seemed lost in the clouds.
The shrouds and rigging were covered WIN
living beings, who sought safely there rather mar
in the water. Their tcrror-marked features were
lighted by the ghastly glare OF the flames, and as
the fire reached them in their retreat, one allel
another fell and was either burned 10 death Of
drowned One man reached the cross-tfee'
where he Iashed himself. There he renamed
after his companions had all fallen, and then died
and when finally the mast went by the Ooafu ht
went with it,
Mr.. West, Of Racine, succeeded in throwing
overheard materials enough to float himself aHt
child. He requested his wife to leap into 'h'
water with the child, and place herSt II upon
door. This with rue-heartcd devotedness slit
refused 10 do, unless her husband accompanies
her. They Joined arms, and pIunglng INTO III
Welding flood sank together TO rise no more Il
lie. .c
Mr.. Long, Of Milwaukee. saw his vile an
child drown almost within his reach without IN
power to save her. lie afterwards got hold OF tn
wheel under the stern aud was one of the thte
who were saved alive from the water.
The body of young Tisdale, the cabin boy
was found floating upon ladder. lie was Iayin
On his side, with his head resting upon his hanc
He was evidently not drowned but died GroI
cold.
When the passengers became aware of tn
imminent danger which surrounded them' an
that almost certain death awaited them, seen
was presented which beggars description Som
betook themselves to quret prayer DINERS movie
for help, whilst others still bowed IN meek sui
mission TO the fate of ruling power. AS III
fire progressed, one after another OF the voice
wos hushed n death, and stiffness awful an
nroround succeeded.
The small boats, with their irelghts, made 10
,bo shore with view of returning TO rescue otl
avs One of them did return before the Deawar
loft ,he scene of the disaster. On her way dow
on Sunday afternoon the Delaware passed throuS
fcId of dead bodies, some thirty IN number DI
,hnv we're left to be taken up by boats, to Sheboy
can for burial. ,,..,o h.,
There could not have been less than two huI
drcd human beings swept into eternity by th
disaster. and full lhree-tourlhs OF IN" huIloC
u,e,s strangers from far oil country
Tbav had torn themselves from The SOL ina
n,ro I6em birth, and bidding adieu TO their Ia'l