North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-08-27
Loss OF TIE STEAMER UNION.

account of the loss of the Steamer Union on her way
from San Francisco to Panama
" STEAMER NoRrRERNER, July &c, 1851.
DETAILS OF THE Loss THE STEAMER UNION
Inc loss OF this vessel is perhaps, the most unac-
countable and objectionable accident that has ever
occurred beneath the notice of American navigators
and at the earnest of the undersigned
gers we will attempt give the facts relative to the
wreck as nearly as we can and leave the reader to
draw his own conclusion. The Union left San Fran
cisco the LIST inst, bound to Panama, with about
$50 passengets, commanded by Capt. Jonas Marks.
She also had board So boxes of gold DUST shipped
principally by Gregory & Co.'s Express. The night
of the LIST was spent in getting clear of the port of
San Francisco, and morning found US fully the
bosom of the great deep, where cordial ly
received BIZ delightful breeze. At O'Clock we
spoke the steamer Pacific, bound to the Golden Gate.
There was but little sickness among the passen-
gers, and every visible prospect promised pleasant
voyage. On the morning of the Sd, rumor afoat
among the passengers that tie Union well nigh
running into a schooner during the night, and that
no lights were up, or watch on deck this rumor,
however, passed off without creating any excitement
or alarm. On the morning of the 4th were not in
sight of land and the day seemed to move off rather
dull when at length Captain Marks hosted the flag
of our country and fired gun in memory Of the
anniversary of American Independence the boa tmen
entered too deeply into the celebration and became
Intoxicated, and remained during the day. The
passengers generally retired early, a slight
sickness was the result of toerably rough do
ring the day. About o'clock the morning of
the 5tn, passenger, by the OF John b. Holman,
went deck to enjoy the fresh air, the night had
been quite warm. He informs that roaring noise
attracted his attention in the direction of land and
close observation, he the breakers rolling along
the beach quite plainly and he saw, from the drec-
ton the vessel running she certainly strike
In few moments. IL could find no watch on deck,
and the helmsman too drunk to manage the wheel,
he attempted to give the alarm, but before any
came to his call the vessel struck reef of rocks and
Jared her to the CENTRE and before she had fully
covered from this shock, she struck again; at this
moment the first mate made his appearance on deck
and sang out hard port; but too late. She was al
ready within 900 yards of the shore. Four of her
lengths in the direction she heading, would have
placed her bluff at least fifty feet above the
ter. Immediately back of this bluff, mountain
quite distinct three hundred feet above the first ledge
of bluffs. How vessel properly commanded could
have gone ashore upon such bold bluffs here
described, we leave for to discuss. For the
sake of breviy will not stop to notice the excite
ment and CONSERVATION, of the passengers. Some,
however, hunting their friends, some their pam
falcons, and some thoughtful were fervently
praying for the preservation of their souls. By this
time she was an absolute wreck. The great waves
moved, lifting her up and dashing her down again,
as if the mighty were satiatng her vengeance
upon the helpless vessel, whose colors already
struck. The breakers came bounding TO the shore,
roaring like thunder. and threatening destruction TO
every opposing object. We wee often laying
down as standing up, tremendous the shocks
she received The chandeliers and side lamps were
bursted into thousand pieces; tables and chairs
sought thelr In every possible shape. Inc
doleful music of the engine bell, fell upon our hear
ing like the summons Of death. In this awful sus-
pense we were compelled to remain until daylight,
for which there was no lack of prayer. Finally,
however, the welcome ray of morning greeted us
from the desolate mountain top. We sent small
boat ashore with line, which was made fast, and
the boatman returned and reported lying opposite
the termination of ravine which would afford
safe landing. Now commences which hope
my worst enemies may never witness or experience,
and one which the Imagination make awful enough
without the assistance of my feeble desert pon. You
might have seen, however, $50 human beings stand
ing upon hopeless wreck, each watching his turn
in the small boats, to which he is lowered by means
Of ropes, then drawn into the rolling breakers by the
hardy seamen, and conveyed to where you reach
bottom, and then you must make the best of your
way out. The utmost confusion prevailed for about
i've hours, during which time the passengers and
provisions were all safely landed, and all the gold
lust, save one box containing about sc, 000 We will
by the uneasiness manifested by the passengers
hat wrecked on the island of Gaudaloup,
which struck with horror than even the
wreck. Captain Marks the last man to leave
he vessel, and when he landed upon the beach
crowd gathered round him for his advice and knowl-
edge as to where we were, both of which refused.
Several roberies from passengers had been committed
,efc-e daylight, amounting in the aggregate perhaps
% $4,000, and the box of dust. was, by this time,
generally known to be gone. However, the stolen
'ox was picked up during the day, in the after part
IF the boat, red of its contents. The intense
excitement prevailed, until about sunset, when we
we're visited by small party OF MeXIcans, at the
sight of whom the elements were made vocal with
shouts of enthusiastic joy. They informed US we
we're only six miles from the old Fortress of Ell Ro-
'ar;n, at which place we would be enabled to get
uch assistance as would place US beyond the reach
If starvation and that San Diego about 300 miles
lp the coast. This glorious news checked the ex-
element for time but length 1t grew more intense
han ever.
Captain Marks selected fifty men from among the
as guard to protect the gold dust, and
Indirectly requested the balance to leave. This guard
lad the promise of free passage to Panama, the
teamer, for which express had already been des-
atched to San Diego-the remainder of US determn-
d TO remove up to st. Quintin's Bay, the point at
which the steamer was directed to come. This bay,
deserves the of bay, is about forty miles
bove Rosario. There is but one branch here though
large herd of cattle grazed about it. At this lace
We stayed fifteen days, and chief subsistence
eef alone Capt. Marks had sent for animals re-
love his guard and dust to ST. Quntn, in readiness
Or the steamer, and the 18th they arrived, COM
handed by Mr.. Day, who had been elected captain
the Spartan band.
Capt. Day lied the Office with decided dignity
nd bravery. The guard pitched their tents immedi-
tey the beach, about one mile from camping
round. Some time was spent in congratulations
mong the passengers.
On the 10Th, the flag Of the steamer Northerner,
,ade its appearance on the bright waters. 1t was
eaveny sight indeed the reflected light of the sun
rom the sparkling waters made the evening brighter.
he breakers had almost ceased their laundering; the
fountains that lay off at the head of the bay were
boxing lonely and desoate-all nature seemed calm
ne unfortunate wrecked were standing along the
and dirty-gazing upon the proud
ng down their cheeks Readers, if you have never
ked