The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-07-16
The Explosion of the steamer St. James.

| The New Orleans papers OF the 9th and 9th
inst. publish long accounts of this terrible dis
aster on Lake Ponchartrain
The st. James left the Bay of St. Louis in
company with the California, having aboard
large number OF persons, many of whom had
gone to the watering places to spend the 4th Of
July There were about seventy passengers
aboard, and about thirty hands
Between 2 and this morning, as the St.
James came within fifteen miles of the rail
road, when nearly all on board were wrapped
in sleep, she suddenly exploded both OF her
boilers killing several persons Immediately and
sCalding several others.
-Llnunsdiately after the explosion, the staneh-
ions being knocked away, the whole deck for
ward Of the wheel house fell down upon the
boilers and machinery, burning and scalding
many persons. As soon as the explosion occur
| red, Captain Clark, who was asleep at the time,
rushed out, and, with Samuel Henderson pilot,
took possession Of the yawl boat aud keeping
back the crowd who rushed towardsi it, permit
| ted those OF the ladies who were near to enter
the yawl, together with Robert Smith, steers
man, who had his arm broken. The persons
who got in the yawl were, Mrs. Asher aud her
three children, another lady, ,(name not known)
and two men. The yawl put out, but drifting
about, was struck by the California as she came
up, and upset-all aboard, except one lady, be-
ing drowned.
Captain Clark's two little sons, both under
ten years OF age, and a son Of Mr.. j. NJ Wolf
{ Jumped overheard, and swan towards the Cali
fomiai they were picked up and saved The
GOODNESS Of these little heroes was most admi-
z rable. When Captain Clark was asked to pu'
his sons on board the yawl, he replied No
he would not-the passengers and the females
: must be taken care Of first The little bow
isaids they could sssiIa and take care of them.
selves. Mr.. VOLTS sou, boy Of nine or ten
being in his night clothes, had the coolness tc
+ take his clothes with him on a stick, and would
not take the rope thrown him, until he had
carefully gathered up his garments.
The California came up in few minutes
!, after the explosion, aud Captain Ensign be-
haved most nobly. The St. James being in
flames, it was quite dangerous to approach her;
and, indeed the California caught fire several
times, she was so near. This did not however,
deter Captain Ensign. He made fast the Cali.
| fornia to the stern Of the st. James, and ran
out her board. The passengers were then all
taken off-the wounded, many Of whom were
very badly injured, walking aboard. Captain
Clark was the last person to leave the deck.
| As the California left poor boy of the name
OF John Bouligny was seen running about the
wreck, with only the stumps of his arms left
they were blown off Efforts were made to
rescue him, but his condition was so desperate
uuu HIS ulluu do kOuC5 81 budb IL was lLVOsel-
BILE to get him to obey orders. He was, there
| fore, LETT to perish in the flames.
| The wounded were taken on board the Cali !
| fonlia, where they received every assistance
| which could be rendered them.
| The St. Charles, which q the time of the
explosion, had Just thrown ont her ropes to
make fast at the railroad landing, Immediately
left the wharf and proceeded to the scene Of
| the disaster, to render what assistance she
could. The kind intentions and noble exer-
| tiOns Of her officers had been anticipated by
Captain Ensign and his gallant crew and pas
sengers, who had not only taken all off the
boat that could be removed-all, in fact, but
the unfortunate eabin-boy referred tO--but
had also sent out their boats and rescued many
who were struggling and shrieking in the
waves.
The second clerk, Mr.. Charles Reynolds,
says that not one half the passengers were en-
tered on the register. He estimates the actual
number Of killed as not over twenty, but we
think the estimate must be too small. Among
the victims is our venerable fellow citizen,
Judge Preston, Of the Supreme Court Of Lou
isiana, who had gone over the lake to take an
airinEs He.was.seen to retire to rest, and i'm
medlately after the explosion occnrred the
+ place where he had been lying was observed
N ". hsge been ahstssraA - FipesaysaA he was
Z no where 70 be seen. 1t is presumed thev he
,. kperished instantly.
Mr.. Richard Turner, late COmmissary of the
: Fourth Ward, Second Municipality, was kill
!. ed So were Mr.. John MollOy and another
member Of Fire Company No. 49, This COM
! pany had been over to spend the Fourth Of Ju-
! ly, and in returning had placed their engine
{, on the California, and their hose was taken
aboard of the st. James in charge Of three Of
the men OF course the hose was lost
Mr.. Shed Of the Mint was on board with
] his wife. The latter was the lady who was
/. taken from the yawl of the st James after she
y upset Mr. Shed is reported among the lost,
! The loss Of Mrs Asher, with her three chill =
dreu, was particularly affecting and sorrow
$ ful one. Her children were three interesting
: daupbters-one, Melessia, was about fifteen;
Kate was six, and the other was an infant
Gachet Delisle, who came on board at the
Bay Of st. Louis, is believed also to have been
lost.
Captain Wright, tho owner Of the st. James,
| was BADLY scaded Captain Clark, the Captain,
was struck on the head and bruised. The
nrincipal Engineer, VIM. Collins, was off watch
at the time. Oliver Ront, the second Engi-
neer. during whose watch the explosion took
Mace was scalded. Robert Smith, another
officer, having his arm broke, was put in the
, vawl which upset and was lost. James Jones,
mate. had his leg broke, and was thrown over
hoard and lost. The fourth Engineer, name
: mot kuown) was also lost We have heard Of
others being lost, but prefer not giving their
/ names unless it is anthentically known what
, has been their fate
The st. James was a high pressure boat
which hasrun for sometime on the river. About
: a month ago she was transferred to the Lake to
. 1un to Biloxi, I .g1 N.HEs gAN