Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-09-08
STEAMER ATLANTIC.

we PuDnsii the annexed communication, by re
quest of the writer, as another version of the oc
currences on the Atlantic. free Press.
GENTLEMEN:- Noticing a statement in tn
columns OF your paper, signed by E. B. Ward
the owner of the steamer Atlantic, (taken from
the testimony given by his own Officers and tn,
crew, who it would be expected would of cours'
eadeavor to Justify themselves as what we cal
"a full statement of the occurrence" As sur
yivor and observer of the disaster, take tn,
liberty OF presenting few questions and fact:
for reply.
Without speaking of the inexcusable neglec
that caused this disastrous collision, (the fac
that two steamers came in contact in still star
light night needs no comment) would men
ton what know in relation to the Officers who
were in command Of the steamer, for whom f.
b. Ward says that she is accountable"
would ask E. B. Ward would ask the public
if the fact of the Captain authorizing the boat
to be lowered when the steamer was under way
and capsizing it in so doing, was any mark OF
GOODNESS or decision?
would ask why was there no alarm given
to the passengers? why was not the bell rung
before the steamer sunk to her main deck, does
he hold himself responsible for the lives of those
who were sleeping below, who unwarned were
hurried into eternity.
met the Captain upon the hurricane deck a
moment after his injury, which occurred as was
stated by those who saw it, by his falling into
the boat that he was launching, and striking his
head. asked him the depth, of water where
we then were, he said " the deepest part of the
Lake" then said, Captain what do you adj
wise, he replied "get overheard and save YOUR
self, am hurt" do not know what to advise
you, everybody take care of themselves. He
then broke from me and ran and got upon the
starboard whee-house, and endeavored to tear
OH the trap door but was unable to do so, and
then dropped it.
The remaining two boats left the wreck with
portion OF the crew, half filled with water.
do not believe there was half dozen passen-
gers whose lives were saved by their means,
until the Propeller came along side of the At
lantic.
had retained in my possession one of those
timed bottom stools, supposing of course that
1t would support me, and had neglected to Sc
cure any other means for my preservation, but
proVidentially the thought occurred to me to try
their utility before | left the rapidly sinking
steamer, telling my father, who had also one of
these traps" to remain. | got over the rail in
10 the Lake, L am good swimmer and gave
1t thorough trial before abandoned it, found
1t was OF no assistance to me whatever-worse
than useless, and am willing to swear to the
fact that l saw a dozen persons Jump overheard
with those Stools in their hands and drown. 7
heard no passengers say that they were saved
by them; the statement of the mate that he be. |
Ileved he picked up thirty or forty floating upon
them, do not believe he can bring half doz. |
On men forward to swear that they were saved
rom drowning by their agency.
Ii the steamer Atlantic had been suppled with
lfty life boats what benefit would they have
been where the officers and crew were so FRIGHT.
'ned that they could not launch the two thew
lad, without capsizing and filling them.
Mr.. Ward thinks proper to Law all the blame
o the propeller, he says if she had stopped her
'nglne one minute before, the collision might
AVE been avoided. | ask if the Atlantic had
topped or reversed hers, would it not have pre-.
ented it, or is it beneath the dignity of Capt.
Ward to get out of the way of Propeller? It
an acknowledged fact, and sworn 10. that the
PROPELLER had both stopped, and reversed her
nglne, nor did she strike the steamer square on.
$ the greater injury done to her larboard side
'il testify.
l consider that have right to make these
emarks, as my life has been jeopardzed by the
arelessness of men who were in charge of the
oats.
Mr.. Ward speaks of his pecuniary loss I also
nth others lost what was to us valuable pron-
rty, but consider neither his loss. or NV own {
OF any moment when put in comparison with
le many invaluable lives that so miseraby Der. G
hed. Elicit H. TITUs.