The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1852-03-04
Destruction of the Amazon.

NARRATIVE OF A SURVIVOR.
Mr. Nelson, one oil the three passen-
ger, picked up by the brig Marsden, on the
nrnlny after the burning Of the British
steamer Amaz,n, has addressed letter,
erinp tho fullest connected account Of the
calamity We, published, to the editor OF the
London Times. We copy the essential
parts OF! il:
The wind was rish, ahead, but she pro-
eeeled steadily on TIL abou, y O'Clock
ahen ,he bearings ofthe crsnks OF the pad.
IA. shal, became SO bot that she was stop
pcl. un,n by pumping water upon them
i,r au hour she was enabled 10 proceed,
This operation wns repeated during tue
night and following morning, and on Sat
arlay, al IL O'Clock, our position was at
-. II, long. i.57. Toward evening The
anl increased still ahead--our course was
west aud by south ha!fsouih. Between s
and . o'clock was walking the deck with
Mr.. BIS, Of Barbadoes, speaking OF the
state OF engines on which they were then
camping. '.Ynu appear very anxious a.
Goar these engines" said he, sis there any
dans,l!' "None, said !, "as long as there
i, plenty Of sea room; but with our engines
stopped on a Ice shore, would not give
much for our chance of escape in such
nigh, as we are likely 10 have from the ap-
pear nee Of tho wcaiher,""l hope," said
he, "lhere is no chance Of FIRE, as We
should have two elements to contend WITH
Il hope not" replied, .'ior we should
hare three, as j, is evidently going TO blow
a gale, and we must then look to The fourth
0r our refuge" ''God forbid!' said he,
"ltree 10 one are fearful odds. Good night" "
aud he went below. then proceeded 10
10 the ongine-room, and found the bearings
very hot mentioned TO one OF the engi-
leers my apprehensions for the night, aud
recommended TO slacken speed; while we
we're yet speaking, the bearings became so
ha that tho contents OF The grease cup
burst oT like so much steam. MIR. Angus,
the chief engineer, who had been most con-
slan, in his attentions, was Immediately on
The spot, stopped the engines, Stacked the
caps, aud applied the pumps two hours be-
fore we could proceed. had several times
during the dav converscd with Mr.. Angus
cn tho state Of the engines, which, he told
me, be did no, expect would get settled to
heir bearings for at least week.
From the necessity Of keeping tho bear
pss constantly fabricated, very large
essel Of grease stood nt the door OF the
Aore.room which was under the gulley.
A. about ia, the engines were again pu.
,bou', and ! went on deck and Joined
captain Summons, who stated his aPpre-
tensions Of q heavy gale before morning,
Shen he expected rain and change ot
wind TO the norIhwsrd. We conversed ill
midnight, when he went below.
Being partially conversant with ma
canery, ! felt anxious about the state Of
'he engines, and walked the deck until l2a
when ! again went to the engine room,
leaving Mr.. Vincent, midshipman Of the
saich, on deck.
The engines were then going at three
Gnaf'ers speed, aud the engineer in atten.
aance, putting his hand on tho bearings,
"d me all was going on comfortable, aud
'ecordingly retired to rest.
About 10 minutes after had left the
Seck, Mr.. Vinccn, proceeded below to set
I'e time by the captains directions, when
" perceived smoke aud fire coming up
no 70 fore,ha,chway past the ships galley,
ne Immediately gave the alarm to the Of
aser Of the watch, and ran aft to inform
zoe captain, who instantly came on deck
'Ad directed his whole energies to the sup
preston Of the fire.
! had not been in bed for five minutes
"hen first heard tho alarm bell, and the
,fcs Of "Firc!" which were accompanied
ny the shrieks Of several female passengers
'nd rushing from my berth ! saw tho sparks
aad flames ascending the main hatchway
"oove the engines, aud many Of tho pms
'sngers hurryiug on deck in their night
clothes.
ifetlred to my cabin and put on par