The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-04
j. III. CALDWELL,
w. FRERET,
j. A. AMELUNG,
L, HYDE, jr.,
Il A ItrN,cprN
ROBERT SpEppEN, Coroner.
Explosion of the Louisiana.

BEFORE RECORDER BALDWIN, U. s. COMMISSIONER.
We lay before readers the most important
points OF the testimony taken IN the examination,
which commenced on the 22d inst, of Capt. John
Cannon and j. l.. Smith, chief engineer of the late
steamer Louisiana, who charged with man
slaughter
l.. Hunton, U. $. District Attorney, and John
w. Price, appeared for the prosecution. For the
defence, Randel and +. G. Hunt appeared for
Capt. Cannon, and J. G. Larue for Mr.. Smith.
FOR THE PROSECUTION.
X. %. Price clerk of the Bostona, testified that
he was present at the time of the explosion, and
was standing by Capt Dustin and the pilot of the
Bostona. The Louisiana had made one revolution
the quckness Of the velocity called his atte nton
to il, which made him ask Capt. ID. what he thought
that boat was doing. He then walked aft, and went
into the cabin, when the explosion took place. The
Bostona was severely injured, but the Storm much
more
Capt. Nm. Hopkins, of the Storm, testified that
he had just arrived on the afternoon of the 18th
inst, and was waiting for the louisiana to back
out, TO take her BERTH Was standing at the
time ON the hurricane deck of his boat about thirty
feet from the Louisiana. Saw of the engineers
of the Louisiana the starboard side of the guards
Thinks il WAS the second engineer. Saw him step
off the "ioot bench and go towards the doctor
which is a small engine to supply the boilers with
cold water. The engineer went either to start the
engine for the carpenter, whom witness thought
was at work on the wheels else to start the doc
tor, as the wheels had made half revolution.
Could not tell whether the doctor was started or
not. The doctor supplies the boilers with water,
which first passes through the heaters. The water
Ii neither hot nor cold when ii enters the boilers.
There several persons killed on the Storm
Mrs. Moody, the clerks wife, the first and second
steward, and two passengers whose names the wit
ness did not recolect.
James Smith WAS present at the time, but his ties
timony produced nothing of Importance.
John f. Ferguson, second engineer of the Peyto-
na.-Knew Clinton Smith, second engineer of the
louisiana, and considered him qualified and fully
competent TO discharge his duties. He was a sober
man. Witness had been on the river some eight
years before he had full charge of an engine. En-
gineers had not then the same facilities for learning
as at present.
JPm. Safely, mate Of the Bostona, testified that
when he heard the explosion, he jumped overheard
and swan under the guards of his boat. Knew
John L.. Smith, engineer of the Louisiana. Saw
him on the boat in the morning, but did not see
him afterwards.
James Birmingham, chief en- gineer of the Bostona
stated that three of the boilers of the Louisiana be-
longed TO the old steamer Dallas and one was from
the Memphis Those from the Dallas were new
when put into her. The Dallas was but one year
old when she was sold for a wharf boat.
Benz. Hays, second engineer of the Bostona, knew
the second engineer of the Louisiana. He was
competent TO fill his situation, and sober and
attentive.
Martin Brpns's testimony was not important
I'm. NJ Fleming testified that he about sew
enty feet from the boat at the time of the explosion
He was covered with mud and ashes, and sprinkled
with water, which was cold, and which the witness
thought did not come from the boilers. Saw Capt.
Cannon few minutes before the explosion, but did
not notice where he was mt the time. Noticed that
the Louisiana was firing up, but .heard no orders
given to that effect. Witness thought il optional
with the engineer 10 work the engines before start
ing, or not. competent man would know If il
was necessary or not, as he is the sole Judge.
Capt Seuecks testimony not important.
Isaac Johnson, first engineer of the Uncle Sam,
stated that If boilers were made Of good iron they
I lufa
seven years. Witness had been on the river as an
engineer Tor twenty years. When boats are
about starting IL IL customary TO get up steam
enough 10 turn the wheels, and see If every thing
Is right and to keep them going until the order u
get ready 10 start is given. While getting up this
steam il is usual 10 keep the doctor in motion II
IL usual to blow steam into the doctor 10 heat the
water little before IL goes into the boilers. The
water can he made scalding hot before il goes into
the boilers. Ias portions Of the boilers of the
Louisiana since the explosion. They were made OF
3lbth inch irOn while quarter inch iron IL gene
! rally used. II is impossible 10 tell whether boiler
iron il rotten not without cutting it, No boat IL
allowed to run without certificate in regard TO her
boilers. When engineer has this certificate he
is not culpabls ~ acting boat, unless the boil
crs have very bad appearance. Witness carries
generally 100 10 lao pounds Of steam TO the square
inch. Some engineers carry ninety pounds abovc
this mark. A good boiler will bear 300 pounds
Witness would not like tO carry much When
the steam i at that height tho valve will indicate
IT. Most boats now carry mercury gauge Did
not know whether the Louisiana had one or not.
When steam IL very high the valve should be opened
before starting the doctor. There is danger in
starting the doctor If the engine Is working. Some
times explosions caused by lack of water, and
sometimes by pressure. The boilers Of the Iousi-
ana indicate that they exploded from the former
cause. Never flew collapse when there was
suihciency Ofwater in the boilers In the boilers
of the Louisiana portion Of the joints melted
The lead on the top Joints melted, and il must
have red blp ate
| not melt the lead.
James Brooks, second engineer of the Uncle Sam
testified that the ues Of the boilers were collapsed
| which must have been caused by lack of water.
l.. Il. Chapman knew nothing about the cxplo.
| sion
Washington Fleming thought The boilers exploded
| from want Of water. Witness is an engineer by
occupation. Thought that the boilers were from
five to Six years old, and that they had previously
been in the Dallas. Witness generally carries from
| 100 TO 100 pounds Of steam W the square inch
| More pressure than this will he indicated by Tia,
valve when = boat is starting, the place Of the
engineer is at the safety-valve line. The quantity
of water in the boilers may be told by the gauge
cocks.
| A. G. ZONES testified that he was a machinist and
| engineer. lie measured the distance Of one large
piece OF the boilers from the river, and found it &c
be $50 feet. Measured and examined all fragments
OF the boilers the lcvec both in regard 10 the
| thickness, quality, &c. Saw piece on the hurri.
cane deck OF the Storm and went on board. Found
| on board the safety-valvc. IL i'm the pantry
where il had lodged among the crockcry. II was
| apparently in good order in the scat. The lever
perfect, but the connecting pipe was fractured
Thinks there was about two feet OF the pipe perfect
Witness then examined the piece Of boiler on Tn,
hurricane deck. twas portion of the she'll about
eleven feet by seven feet II had the usual appear
| ance of boiler after explosion. II was nearly
attened out. Witness then proceeded TO the corner
| of Canal street, and examined the piece Of boiler
there IN the chock Joint noticed that the lead wa.
partly melted out About two feet Of the fiue wa,
| in collapsed state. The rest of the flue which
| was separated from The part mentoned. was alse