, 1853-05-07
Awful Destruction of Life 4!


From the San Francisco Herald, April ~.
Our city was yesterday thrown into con-
sternation by the intelligence received from
San Mateo, by express, of dreadful disas-
ter which occurred in our bay opposite the
Pulgas ranch. Yesterday morning the
steamer Jenny Lind took about one hun
dred and twenty-five passengers on board
at Alyos, and started on her trip to this
city. About half-past IL O'Clock, when op-
posite the Pulgas ranch, the company on
board were just about being seated to dinner
in the after cabin, the steamer proceeding at
moderate speed, when the back portion of
the connecting pipe was blown asunder, and
the steam swept into the crowded cabin
dealing death and destruction around. The
terror, the agony of the scene as described
Ly eve witnesses, battles all description,
and surpasses almost the power of concep-
ton. Men, women and children assembled
together within contracted space, uncon-
ciouscious Of danger and preparing for a
/ pleasant meal, were suddenly writhing in
volumes of the terrible vapor, stricken with
death in its most dreadful form, or suryi-
wing awhile only 10 endure the most exqui-
sile torture to which the human frame is
susceptible.
Those in the forward part of the boat,
with the exception Of a fireman who was
standing in front of the furnace door, cs-
capped the latter, q powerful, fine looking
man, was struck in the head by the flying
open of the furnace door, so that the skull
was laid open and the brain exposed per-
sons came to his assistance, but be motioned
them away, saying, mo, Pm dead man,
20 help Others" and soon after breathed
his last. But in the after part of the boat
but few escaped unhurt many standing
near the guards, were either blown over
board or leaped into the water in their sud-
den alarm Of these but one was picked up,
the balance, as many as twelve we are told,
meeting a watery grave.
Immediately upon the occurrence of the
disaster the anchor was let go, and Mr.. Pc
ter Smith, a passenger on board, swan
ashore in the marsh and gave information of
the calamity. Shortly afterwards a scboon-
er and ono or two small craft came out from
Pulgas Rancho but before use could be
made Of them, the steamer Union, Capt,
Mastern, came out from Alameda Creek
and observing steamer anchored with The
flag sci union down 10 signal of distress,
made for her and took off her passengers.
Immediately upon receiving intelligence
of the disaster, his honor, Mayor Brennan,
set about making preparations for the relief
of the sufferers. He was on the point Of
chartering the steamer Georgina, or any
other that might be procured, but was not
put TO the necessity, as Capt. Young, the
owner OF the Jenny Lind, Immediately pro.
ceeded 10 make arrangements, chariering
the Kate Kcarney. However, Capt. John
son, of the latter boat, insisted upon proceed
ing with her 10 the wreck on his own re-
sPonsibiliiy, and with most commendable
kindness aud activity, made every prepara-
ton for getting Immediately under way,
with such articles as could be procured that
might be Of service to the wounded
At about half-pa nine P. NJ, the Kate
Kearney startled, and proceeded 10 the wreck,
TO render what assistance might bo in their
power, or to relieve or confirm their appre-
tensions for the safety Of friends; but upon
the request OF Coroner Gray, who repre-
sonled the annoyance that would result
from lack Of room, the greater portion re-
turned on shore. The Kate KeGney pro-
ceeded on her way with a good head Of
steam and the tide in her favor mattresses
and blankets had been provided for the
wounded, together with quantities Of lint,
oil, and such medicines as might tend to re-
lieve their anguish. Alter about an hours
steaming, steamer was seen ahead, coming
down; It proved the Union, Capt. Masiern,
who, upon being hailed, stated that the pas
sengers Of the Jenny Lind were all on board,
and that there were some thirty-six wound
ed aud ten dead. She was Immediately
put alongside, and the physicians and few
Others went on board.
The above are all the particulars we
could learn in relation 10 the sufferers We
have heard the number Of dead, exclusive
Of those drowned, rated as high as 20 sew
eral died after the Union was hailed by the
keaney.
The owners Of the Jenny Lind had but a
few days before expended the sum Of $4,000
dollars upon the boiler; the boat was new,
and considered safe in every respect.
ONLY THINK or 1T The United States
own, now, ready to be put into market, one
billion three hundred and eghty-seven mil
lion, Eve hundred and ihiriy-four thousand
acres Of land, which at $l,25 per acre
amounts TO ONE BILLION SEVEN HUNDRED