Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-06-18
DREADFUL STEAMBOAT EXPLOSION


DREADFUL STEAMBOAT EXPLOSION.
a Picayune Extra describes terrible accident
which befel the steamer Edna, on her way down
from Ouachita. All Of her four boilers explod-
ed as she was starting from The wharf al Colum-
bia, killing some 20 persons and woundipg others.
The following letter gives an interesting skeich
Of this deplorable catastrophe:
Gentlemen: The recent explosion OF The steam.
boat Edna al Columbia, on The Onachila Ilrer,
on the 4ih inst, whereby some twenty or twenty
five persons were killed. and some six or cigh,
wounded, presents another lamentah!e exhibition
OF that recklessness OF conduct which TOO ire-
oucntly characerizes those individuals having
charge Of the lives and property OF The travelling
community. This boat was under the charge,
as understand of the clerk, MIR. Johnson, and
the chief mate; and The conduct cf The crew dur
ing her passage up and down the river was The
subject of conversation by every one. They
were evidently in state Of excitement, and were
supposed 10 have been under the Influence Of
ardent spirits. When she arrived at Column
ba, many persons on shore remarked, that she
would certainly blow up, snch was The pecu-
liar whzzins sound escaping from her, and
which was heard before she made The land
ing. Here we laid about threc.quar,ers Of an
hour, durin. which time not 4 particle Of water
had been thrown into The boilers; and when she
rounded of The explosion took place, shiveIns The
boat into countless fragments tearing The boilers
into numerous pieces and throwing them from
one 10 four hundred yards. The sfoans OF the
wounded, the shrieks u The drowning and The con-
slcrnation depicted upon the countcnances OF the
survivors exceed description. Many lives we've
saved BY The prompt and efficient aid OF the kind
citizens of Columbia. They were untirins in
their efforts 10 rende. succor; nor hadthey ceased
heir e1erions 10 recover bodies al The time OF our
departure. | understand that This boat has been
running since lS40 and that her boilers were ur-
safe. Whether She had certificate from The in
spector or not, am not informed. If so, | am
the more convinced OF the inelliciency Of our in
speclion laws or The manner in which such in.
speclions are made. Below you have a list Of Inc
passengers saved as well as those who were I'M
fortunately lost Ii is imperfect, as most Of The
bookd were lost. There were, doubtless, others
Of whom could learn no!hins seventeen bodies
had been recovered. | cannot close this painful
recital without returning my grateful thanks ID
me ladies and gentlemen oil Columbia for their
kindness and attention.
JOHN E. LEWIS, of s. c..
for hi ,nsclf and WILLIAM EVANS, and
j. J. STRlNGER.
PASSENGERS SarcG.-John y. Lewis M D.. Of
S. c.; Col. w. Evans, of Marion, S. c.; w
I.ape, Baslrop, La; J. J. Strinscr, Biloxi, Miss
Mr., Simpson. Ouachila, La; F. Miller, Farmers
vile, La; Mrs. Goudng; Amelia Mcdonald
Champaenole, Ark. and little negro girl
Passengers Loa.-Judge Mayo, Hanisonburgh
La; Mr. Hill, Champagnole, Ark, MIR. Odel
Union District, S. c.; Mr.. King, Union District
S. G.; MIR. DAILY, Claiborne, La, and MIR. Jones
Florida.
Boats Crew Sarcd.-Mr. johnson, Clerk; Mar
tin Williams, mate; William Gouldins, Epgi.
neer; Mr.. Switzer, Antony DIN, Edward Carson,
Edward Torowny, j. Mcsorley. Owen Riley
Benz Mitchell, two cooks, FIVE cabin servants and
one stewardess.
Boafs Hands Loa.-Mr. Donaldson, George
-, Jim Watson, Jim Thompson, Pauicl,
Conan, Thos. Plunket, D. Anderson; barkeeper
name no, known; John II. Voss; James Pool, pi
lot; Austin Sleager; - Oliver, engineer, and
two deck passengers, names nolknown.