Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-07-04
Terrible Disaster upon the St. Lawrence
Three Hundred Lives Lost.

Steamer Montreal, one Of the regular steam
ers running between Quebec and Montreal, left
Quebec port at four O'Clock on Friday alter
noon, having on board between four and FIVE
hundred passengers, Of whom a majority were
Scotch and other emigranis from Europe
Nothing unusual occurred after leaving the
wharf until the Montreal had reached Point
Cape Rouge, twelve or fifteen miles above Mon
treal, when the wood work near the furnaces
was discovered to be on fire. Almost at the
very moment that the smoke was first discover
ed, the flames broke forth, causing the utmost
CONSERVATION amongst the crowded passengers
The fire was first discovered about five o clock
when the steamer was nearly abreast Of Cape
Rouge. Every effort was made 10 arrest the
flames, and for this purpose the engines were
stopped 50 as TO lessen the draft, but finding it
impossible to save the steamer, Capt. Rudolph
ordered her to run towards The shore, and at
the same time the officers and crew exerted
themselves TO yet out the life boats.
The flames spread with astonishing rapidity,
and in few seconds after the steamer began
TO move forward. confusion and despair prevail
ed throughout the ship, and numbers Of The
passengers threw themselves overheard and
we're in most cases drowned. Fortunately the
steamer Napoleon, hound for Montreal, was
but few miles in advance Of the burning boat,
and as soon as the FIRE was discovered put back
with all possible expedition, and succeeded in
rescuing from the burning wreck 1877 passen-
gers. Capt. Rudolph and the purser of the
Montreal were amongst the number of those
who threw themselves into the river, and being
excellent swimmers succeeded in reaching the
steamer Alliance and were saved 1t is quite
possible that others have succeeded in saving
themselves by swimming, but as the steamer
became unmanageable when considerable dis
/ lance from the land. there is no doubt that most
of those who threw themselves from the burn.
ing boat found waiery grave. Sixteen Of
| those saved died within a short time after they
reached the deck of the Napoleon, and from
presen, Information il is believed that the tnia
loss of life by this terrible disaster will not fall
short Of from three To- four hundred. The
steamer Alliance arrived at Montreal on Saiur
| day afternoon with As dead bodies, and another
boat is known 10 have 60 bodies, but We have
not been able To learn the names Of any ofthost
! lbSNs uNCtVA VI 4NblNlhoo anu HlllIhS, W
Rivers. The Montreal had on board 25s emf
grants recently arrived from Glasgow, with
several German families and rafimen, aud sew
eral American passengers.
The killed were principally Scotch emierants
Sixty or seventy Of the survivors have reached
here, and four stopped at Three Rivers. SIX
teen of the dead bodies were brought here ant
/ I57 taken IN Ouehac
Hon. STEPHEN c. PHILLIPS. Of Salem, Mass.
was among the dead. His body has been re
covered. Mr.. Phillips was returning HON,
from Three Rivers where he had been on a Wis
il TO his son.
The announcement of the death of Mr. Phil
lips, created a profound sensation Of grief il
Salem All The church bells were tolled, tn,
flags of the shipping and public buildings wer
displayed at half mast touching illusions wer
made to The public services and private virtue
of the deceased in the pulpits of the severa
churches Sunday
The Mr. Norcross also lost, was Isaac w
NoRcRoss, OF Lowell brother of the well-know
lumber dealer Of that city.