The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1850-12-16

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could make living Since then he had never !
ceased to work, and his fellow-citizens present
knew what success had attended his efforts l
which success, in his opinion no greater than
yyoud attend the efforts of any other POOR youth
who like himself would go to work, and stick to
it, In reply to a compliment paid him tor ms ser
vices as a member of the Senate OF the Stae
Legislature, he said that he gratfed to know
that his efforts in this capacity had met the aPPro-
baton of his fellow-citizen He should endeavor
in future as heretofore, in the discharge Of the
duties of this elevated trust do all in his power
to advance the interests of New Orleans and of the
people of the State of Louisiana. He comPh-
mented Mr. Stanton, in very liberal terms, as the
protector of great improvement in the towboat
service-the introduction of the low.Pressure en-
gine which he hoped and believed would prove en-
tirely successful. He had examined the Anglo
No man with great scrutiny, and had come to
the conclusion that she of the best spec-
mems of workmanship that he had ever seen in
steamboat building-an honor to her protector and
owner, and to all who had taken part in her con-
struction He then proposed his sentiment, |
" Our hungry friends outside" This was re-
ceived by peal of laughter and general adjourn |
ment from the table.
| will take occasion here to say, that the fore |
going brief report of the proceedings at the table
is made up entirely from recollection. Some of the
\ sentiments offered, and many OF the remarks
made, have entirely escaped me.
The whole company at the first table, with the
exception of the ladies' and the gentlemen who
attended them, went forward, and enjoyed them
selves in promenading the spacious boiler-deck, IN
jovial conversation, or in viewing the fine scenery
| which skirts the banks of the noble Mississippi.
In the mean time the announcement that the
second table was ready had called into the cabin
all who had not been able to get seats at the first
table.
About this time recollect to have been engaged
in conversation with Mr.. Perry, of the Bulletin,
and Mr.. Bgny, of the Delta, Mr. Beebe, at the
time, was promenading the deck alone, and be-
came, from some cause, the subject of converse
ton Mr.. Perry spoke of him as one Of the most
moneved men in New Orleans and one of the most
iudicious in the use Of his means. He said that
ever since his coming to New Orleans, Mr.. Beebe
had been one of his best friends, and that no man
was capable Of being warmer more devoted
friend; that he was, besides, public spirited
| man, ready al all times to engage, with his heart
| and his means, in every enterprise to promote the
interests of society. Mr. Bigny will distinctly re-
collect these remarks. Alas how little thought
they, that, within one hour, they would both be
hurried into eternity
A large number ofgentlemen who had previously
been standing or walking the boiler-deCk, at the
special invitation of Capt. Reinhardt, had gone
back into the cabin to Join the party at the second
table in sentiments, wine-drinking, etc. Neither
e Mr.. Bgny, Mr.. Perry, nor myself, went. We were
| soon afterwards Joined by Mr.. HampsOn, chief en-
Il gneer ofthe Carrollton Railroad. After discussing
b for a while The subject of crevasses, Mr.. Hampson
left us, going back, think, toward the cabin, and
Mr.. Perry going forward, four five PAGES,
where, just little to the right and in advance ofthe
pilot house, he seated himself resting partly the
t single rail which enclosed the bOiler-deCk, and
quietly enioyed well-spent segar, and the fresh
4 wind which was then blowing from the South
Mr.. Bigny and myself took the only two chairs re-
naming unoccupied on the deck, and placed them
his with it, back to the pilot-house, and mine with
a its back to the chimney. 1t will h seen at once
that we seated ourselves Immediately over the
8 monster boiler of the boat
f We had been but a very few minutes engaged
e in conversation when jet of hot water, accom-.
panied by steam, was forced out of the main steam
pipe, just aft the chimney, and fell in a consider
able shower near to us. | had not before noticed
any thing of the kind, and thought it very strange
e | was Just about remarking this to Mr. Bigny
e when | was suddenly lifted high into the air,
D | know not to what distance. | have distinct re
collection of passing, rather irregularly, througi
= the air. enveloped, it seemed to me, by impene
trable cloud There was a sufficient lapse of tim
l. for me to have distinct impression my min
u | that | was inevitably lost In what position Ell
20 tered the water and to what depth | Went HAY
IN not the slightest idea. When l arose to the sui
il face | wiped the water from my face, and en-
u deavored to get a view of things about me, whic
u [ was prevented from doing by the vapor Of steam
NS which enveloped every thing cloud. Thi'
u however, was, in a short time, dlssipated, and
~ then had a clear conception of my situation.
~ found myself still in the possession of my sense
l.. and my limbs all in good working condition
looked round as l thought in every direction, al
. could only discover that | was not far from Il
-, middle of the river, and in the neighborhood
al some twenty or thirty Others who seemed to ha
ms | been thrown into the river somewhat in hea
he They were sustaining themselves on the surface
inv best they could, many of them endeavorlng
r1 get in possession of floating pieces of the wreck
no aid them.
40 | could see nothing of the exploded boat a
the was fully satisfied in my mind that she was bo'
The all to pieces and every being on board lost
nig those who, like myself, were still struggling
'hl, the water | will do myself the simple justice
ng say, that from the time arose to the surface
no apprehension of drowning, notwithstanding
di chances that seemed against me. l never
An more buoyant, nor swan with greater ease. 81
eet | thought it well enough to appropriate whate
ing aid was within my reach so, like others, beG
tic a race, which proved tedious one, after a pi
rms of shattered plank. finally reached it, and P
me- ting one hand rather rudely upon it got a sous
ana for my pains-the piece was too small to rem