Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-09-28

raakc was unaVaing, and that nothing could be done
to avoid the total destruction of the ship, in conse-
quence ofmy orders not being heard, directed that
the anchors should be let 70 to allow the ship to
get her head to the wind and thus, if possible con-
line the flames to the STERN In a few minutes the
mizen mast went overheard in a few moments more
the main mast shared the same fate. There yet re-
manned the fore mast As the fire was making its
way to the fere part of the vessel the passengers and
crew. OF course, crowded still further forward To the
lib boom they clung in clusters as thick as they could
pack, even lying over another AT length the fore
mast went overheard, shaping the fastenngs OF the
Jlb boom, which, with its load of human beings drop
ped int the water, amidst the most heart rending
screams both Of those who were on board and those
who were falling into the water. Some of the poor
creatures enabed again to reach the vessel ouI-
ers tloated away spars but many met watery
grave.
Meantime gave orders to get the ships boats ahoa
two got overheard and while in the act of getting
the others ready and cutting away the lOshngs the
fire reached them, and they Immediately envelop
ed in the flames On seeing this, the passengers be.
came more Hnmanageable than ever. 1t was painful
moment. The shrieks of terror and alarm b0flcd all
description. Maddened BY despair and in the vain
hope of being rescued, they knew not how, numbers
again jumped overheard. Seeing their sad plight, and
the awful sacrifice Of life that going despite of
every effort which made gave direction 10 throw
every movable article overheard, SO that those who
had left the ship might cling to them until he arrived.
The Queen of the Ocean yacht was the first to come
to our assistance. Her owner, Mr.. Thomas Lttedae,
with when were Sir Thomas Hesketh, Mr. Tobn,
Mr.. Pak, and Mr.. Aufrere, ordered the boat to be-
lowcred,l nd proceeded with an alaerty and zeal,
aided by the gentlemen named and the crew Of his
craft, to pick up all within their reach. may Just
here obselV that the last thing which did was to
throw over top gallant yard, made fast with a rope
tn bonn il alnnusidn The and
of the assisted me 70 do this and then told those
~lo could heal me to jump overheard and cling to the
spar. ODD many obeyed my direction. At this
time was surrounded on all Sides both fore and aft
by the flames, and seeing no possible chance of escape
for me, ~ remained for a mement longer, followed
the splr had sent overheard Several seized hold Of
thr sNn4 spar. | entreated someft0 let go, all
sid perish, and showed them the example by swim
lulng ia rank, by which | was enabled to sustain
myself Jr about an hour in the water, when was
picked up by the Queen Of the Ocean.
The Brazilian steam frigate Alfonso, the Prince of
Wales coastng steamer, and the New York packet
ship New World after some time, came up and render
ed effective service.
The Queen the Ocean remained alongside until
three o'clock. AT that time the vessel was burnt near
to the waters edge and there only few of the
passengers board several boats beng alongside, en-
deavoring to take them off
Finding that the yacht could do more, Mr.. Little
dale ordered her to start for Liverpool, where we ar
rived about seven o'clock in the evening.
Although did not see the part taken by the officers
and distinguished party on board the Brazilian frgate,
yet am bound to return them my grateful thanks for
the very audable and successful efforts in rescuing the
lives of so many human beings from a waery grave,
or the still more fearful death by fire. OF Mr. Little
dale, and his company and crew, know not how to
speak, their conduct is beyond all praise. May he in
whose hands are the issues of life and DEATH grant
them in another and better world the full reward which
auch philanthropy and benevolent conduct eminently
deserve.
Of the origin of the fire cannot at present say
My mind has not yet been SO fully composed to
able me to investigate with accuracy the probability Of
the various conjectures which afoat. At present
am inclined to say that arose from some or the pas
sengers smoking in the steerage contrary to orders.
The Ocean Monarch had a very valuable cargo, the
freight of which, together with the passage money, a
mounted to about E2600.
JAMES MURDOCH.
Commander of the Ocean Monarch.
The Alfonso rescued, in all about l60 persons, in,
Guiding thirteen eealnen. OF this about 140 landed
and the remainder staying on board the trigate all
night the marquis de Lisbon having given orders that
ali who were DESTROYS Of remaining should be accom-.
modatod in the best way possible. The dead body OF
q child is on board the frlgate.
Some Of inc passengers state that the fire originated
by the fall of 4 candle among some spirits, but the
cause is generally ascribed to the fire in the venator
noble fellow, a seaman belonging to the Ne"
World, went to tile wreck when there little hope
Of saving any nOre ard stuck to the hull OF the vesse
till every soul had left her. 1t is SAID this praiseworthy
individual, BY his own hand lowered 100 individuals t.
the boats below, of whom great portion were womel
nd Obi dion