The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-03-19


APPALLING NAanAxsvs--The spoassaoses
sarsd from tbs explosion sad bsssinx n ~
steamer Oregon, on the Mississippi. IN seespnt
of which - Published last week, have Psb-
jishe1 narrative Of he dissster, from which We
extsset the bllowins;
b Ths Op1kon rod beautifully on the bosom
|pf IT, 4iis@ippi, hsf passengers. many Of Them
|ksinG1pt "a tbs guards and upon the hurricane
roof. enjoying the sunshine OF one OF the most
pleasant days OF the early spring, thinking,
doubtless, Of every thing but danger and death
How soon were their fond hopes to perish! A
loud heavy report, first called our attention, aud
In moment the Oregon was enveloPed IN
smoke-the steam issuing from all parts
when, after few minutes, the smoke cleared
away, we ssw what we painfully feared, that the
Oregon had blown up. Her chimneys had fall
len and were hanging over the sides Of the boat,
her pilot house was gone her cabin broke in
two and every thing showed her perfect
wreck She rang the signal Of distress, which
was promptly responded to by the Iroqnoia; bnt
the cylinder heads Of the Jsoquois were of, and
but little steam in her boilers. Orders we're
given and obeyed promptly, however, and In a
few moments we were moving towards the
wreck.
Captain Montgomery had tried to land the
Oregon, by sending cables ashore and making
fast; but strong current and the wind to-
gether were carrying her rapidly towards the
middle of the stream. We were within about a
half mile Of her when che was discovered to be
pm fire. As we approached, men, women, and
children, with frantic screams, were crowding
the back part Of the boat, calling for help.
There are times and incidents which prove the
worth Of men, ~ certainly ~ acids test the
purity of gold, and this was one Of them.
The flames were already issuing from the for
ward cabin Of the Oregon, the wind was blow
ing stiff breeze. To run the Iro7uois along
side of her would be not only to endanger the
boat, but with her the lives of all on both boats
Yawjs were in great measure useless, for all
who could get there were crowding around the
back part Of the boat on the guards of the ladies'
cabin, without any positive chance Of getting
down, except by jumping into the rivera GER
tain death to all. who would dare it. A few
moments, and all, living and dead, would be
wrapt in flames In these few moments we
witnessed scenes the recollection of which must
follow US through life; and in these few mo-
ments were done acts which call forth the deepest
feelings of gratitude Of which our natures are
capable.
Everything now depended on the skill, energy
and cool determination of the officers Of the Iro-
quois.
Capt. Lee gave order to run the bow Of the
Iroquois against the Mt guards of the Oregon
and hold her there, which was done with skill
and precision we feel warranted in saying could
not be excelled. She WIS made fast to the
wreck and man placed by with an axe to cut
the ropes whenever the flames should render it
impossible to stay longer. Ladders were now
thrown to the upper guards Of the Oregon,
whilst yawls and skiffs carried the SCALED and
wounded from the lower decks. In few min
utes all were brought on board the Iroquois, the
rope cut, and the Oregon left a flaming wreck
in the middle of the stream.
None were left aboard that could be found
alive, and all freely accord in saying that the en-
ergy, zeal and cool determination Of Capt. Lee
and the officers of the lroquois alone saved them.
From the best information to be obtained, we
are justified N the conjecture that between sixty
and one hundred persons were lost. In this es-
innate, we include those who have died since
the accident from wounds, burns, &c.