Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1854-01-20

prrt of the havoc. At one fell swool
nearly one hundred and fifty human being
were swept into eternity. The majorit
were private soldiers Of the different com
panies of the Sd Artillery. One compan,
lost al but ten of its members. Fou
officers went with them: Col. Washington
distinguished at Buena Vista and o,he
hard fought fields; Maj Taylor and wife
Capt. Field, and Lieut.. Smith The se;
was covered with drowning men. Th'
roar Of the tempes: smothered the bub
bling cry Of strong swimmers in thei
agony" In few moments they sunk tt
rise no more till the sea gives up her dead
Two of all the crowd succeeded in regain
ing the ship-Mr. Rankin, AN army suttler
and MIR. -, merchant, of Rio J.aeiro
4 few moments had elapsed when
reached the saloon. 1t was filed with wats
to the depth Of nearly two feet. The fe
males and children, mostly in their nigh
clothes, aud wet to the skin, we're scattered
on planks; some wailing and sobbing; some
apparently stupiicd; and some camly
awaiting what seemed their inevitable fate
All supposed the last hour had arrived
and in few moments they would mee
their Maker face to face
After the first burst of dismay was ogel
hope began to revive in our bosoms. The
hull was still staunch and and strong, and
some passing vessel might rescue US from
the wreck.
Ascending the companion way, from the
saloon to the main deck, | seated myself
at the head Of the staircase, and surveyed
the scene The steamer was, in all heI
upper works, perfect wreck. Foremast,
smoke stack, the greater part Of tie prom,
enade deck, the saloon, and all the state
rooms on the main deck-ali we're gone
The main deck was stove, and the water
rushing in at every sea We shipped. On
the opposite side Of the companion way lay
the mangled and bleeding corpse of sol
dier, who was killed instantly by the fall
ing of the deck. A few feet further lay a
man groaning and near death from injaries
received at the same time. The sea was
mountains high, and every biliow
that came with its curling crest toward,
US, seemed about to pour into our shattered
deck and sink Us.
1t was not 50 TO be. We were in i'm
minent danger of foundering; but cur gal
liant Captain Watkins, whose exer,ions
turing all that fearful night had been al
most superhuman, directed all his energies
10 save US. To tighten the ship and stop
The leaks we're the first objects. To break
~ the matches and commence discharging
,argo, was the work Of a moment Sol
liers and sailors all lent helping hand,
md as each man knew he worked for his
ife, all worked with will Stancheens
vere placed under the broken deck, and it
gas partially forced back to its place. 1t
vas found that the water gained upon us
apidly. The steam pump had become
Instructed. Fifty soldiers were detailed
o commence bailing All day and all
light the work went on without inter
Mission. Still, with every roll the snip
ook in large quantities Of water, and We
aimed little upon the leak. Sunday morn
ng, the 25th, at last dawned upon Us.
he sky lighted up little; there was
hort CLEAN of sunshine, and the sea calmed
little. A sail or two we're seen in the
istance, bat none approached us. 1t was
gloomy Christmas to US. The work of
ailing and pumping went on, and We had
aimed on the leak. Monday, the 2Cth,
ae gale continued with little abatement
All night, Sunday, the tempest roared
'und our devoted snip. The waves ;huu-
cred against our sides aud stern like can
on at the gates Of beleaguered city.
lecp was out Of the question. For three
ights we had none. We discovered a sail
OF far of. On approaching US she proved
, be brig; We spoke her. She reported
erse!f short Of provisions, and after sup
wing herself with barrels Of beef and pork
e had thrown overheard, she went on her
ay. On Sunday, the 18th, discovered
,other sail bearing down upon US. She
.oved to be the barque Kilby, Of and for
os.on, from New Orleans, loaded with
tton, tLirty-6ve days out. Col. Gates,
the detachment, chartered
II to convey the troops to the nearest ac-
ssible post. Tuesday was toe rough to
ssmbark any part Of the command, but
Wednesday, the 2Sth, Col. Gates and
mily, Maj. Merchant and family, Col.
urke, Captains Fremont and Judd, with
cir families, Drs. eatterlee and Wirts,
th some others whose names are not re-
llected, were safely embarked on board
9 Kilby. Some forty or fifty soldiers,
d some soldiers wives, also embarked
all nearly one hundred persons. Night
me on, ard put stop to any further
erations. 1t had been agreed the baraue
ould lie BY US till all on board the steam