New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-11-15
THE LOSS OF THE ARCTIC.

The following report Of the collision with the
Arctic, by Mr.. Cbevaler, the mate OF the Nesta,
gives several interesting particulars, and has not
before been presented to the public in English;
The vests called on the goth Of September from
st. Pierre DC Miquelor, with crew of about twenty
men and one hundred and forty passengers, bound
for France. We were rejoicing in the prospect of
once more meeting with our friends, when we were
overtaken by frehtful disaster.
On the 9th Sept we were making good headsay,
under full sal and steam the sea calm, slight breeze
from the southwest and thick fog. had just been
attending TO the sick, when suddenly cry was heard
forward. "Luff, luf." cast my eyes in that drec-
ton, and saw an immense steamer, the Arctic OF
Ney-York, coming toward US. The fog was so thick
and the velocity of both vessels so great, that we
scarcely had sight of each other The fearful cry
which arose from each deck taught us what We were
about to experience. In two seconds, tremendous
.hock was felt The bow of the Vests had passed
over the Iarboard wheel of the steamer. which was
six times ar large own. cannot describe this
moment. The vessel pitched forward, and every
body then believed that we were lost. The captain,
ike myself in bis shirt and barefooted, standing on
Me poop gave orders firmly and calmly. His orders,
which at once carried into effect, had no less force
than authority and encouraged the most timd to aid
in saving ourselves. After having launched our
boats ten men threw Themselves into Of them and
were lost. The others, including two sailors, seized
upop the small boats and eowardly abandoned US.
We have since learned that they persisted. The
Arctic sunk in two hours after the accident. The
Arctic steered toward us, and then sent boat with
an officer, who, having spoken with us for moment,
went of, making sign that he would return. We
did not see either the vessel or the boat again.
The fog continued very thick. Meantime, by d.
rection of the Captain, had caused everything to be
thrown overheard which could burden the forward
part Of the vessel-aDchors, chains the baggage OF
the passengers cargo fish, casks OF enis and hihoi
in short every heavy article Ihe coal FORWARD was
also thrown overheard with surprising promptness.
In less than Elk hours were thus released OF 100
The self possession of the Captain and the rapdity
with which his orders executed and the assur-
snce that the water-ght partition, with which the
steamer was provided at the bows, did not leak par
italy restored order, and With few exceptions every
one worked zealously. The merchandise, the bag
rage the coal were drawn out Of the hold as II by
enchantment. Taking the lead myself-giving iirec-
tons with one hand and swinging hstchet with me
other knocked in the heads of the ou-casks, when
il would have taken too long 10 throw over the rel-
ing, and threatened those whose courage began TO
fail .
In the collision part OF fore-mast was carried
away. We cut down the miZen-mast, which, with the
sails unfurled was very fatigung JOB. ms mast
fell into the sea without doing any damage: we
attempted bind round the bows OF the vessel and
TO stop the opening much Is possible with empty
boxes, mattresses and bedding
NIGHT surprised US in this condition. The vessel
did not leak-the sea was calm. Food was dstrbu-
ted TO ali around awatch was set az the partition Tor
ward and We then continued 10 relieve the vessel,
while part went 10 sleep.
Twenty four hours after with very slight breeze,
we attempted 10 advance. Whist remained OF the
bow WAS entirely above water. Proceeding very
slowly the sails attended over the breach did very
well-they diminished the force OF the water along
the tmbers and prevented 1t from entering as freely
o. before.
although We knew that our lives hung by a thread,
ard encouraged come and threatened Others After
two hours progress not without great difficulty, we
were 20 fortunate as 10 reach 81. johns, Ne"iousd
land early on Saturday morning, Sept p.
The next day, Sunday, the passengers went 70 mas,
all of them having made VOWS. To morrow morning,
the sailors viii do the same and have asked u OF me
but have promised nothing, was wholly taAen
up with our siiua;ion,-snd calmly executed the
orders Of the captau,-sidirg with my kno"ledge-
snticipating verytlipg-making sure myself INST
everything was dOne-workng Tor ALL aud noI occu-
pied with myself Two hours after, happening 20
find the esbin boy az hand, sent hln Tor some 70
bacco, which / chewed with q relish, while con-
tinued our sad duties had three very strong emo
tions-the frst a feeling Of rage wnico csnn9'
explain, except from seeing my cresHls uesrVyeo.
The second was, when, after having aided N covering
the boats and sscertsined the damage on me ooNs,
iumPed into the hold TO examine the parutol' wneh
i was about TO bury myself forward nfty feet nom
any opening in TIE midst Of men, who, on the con-
trsry, were making desperate efforts TO get out
had CROPPED rouud-f the vessel moved was IosL
] knew it. but this idea lasted but an instart Daty
before everything said 10 mysef-and on az fours,
helping mysef with hands and feet, avoiding men,
boxes, and barrels, reached this partition without
lights and not seeing al all | extended my arms
every way. Nothing | examined lower down,
always feeling my way. Nothing tore away,
rather than drew away the barrels under the partition
by myself alone as far as the step OF the mast no
water All then happy TO be able 70 give tnls goSn
news, retrsced my stepe and returned to the deck
where there was nothing but confusion and despair
1 ran down to find the Captain. TO whom L saii,
81 have been down into the hold 20 the loot oil the
mast the partition is light, be tranquil lie seFded'