The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-09

The I.oss q tho Steamer C. Vanderbilt.
H1uILLN0 ACCOUNT OF THE SCENE BY AN EYE WIT
NRss-THH 0ALE-rAKIN6 s0uNDIN0S-srRIKTNG
ON RxEH-A BOAT SENT AshoRE-FkARs OF TIE
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES QUARTERS
HO0s-OLD HUNDRED-PRAYER-DAYp AwN-FlLI-
BUsTERsAHOvEL CosTuNE-LOsT TLE--RELlEF
FOR THE POCKETs-GEITNG OFF-EBB TIDE-MEX-
IcAN RIG-N0BLE CONDUCT OF THE CAPTAIN, ETC.
One of the passengers Of the Sound steamboat G.
Vanderbilt her recent trip hence for Stonington,
has furnished us with the following interesting &C
count of the loss of the steamer and adventures Of
the passengers
We left New York shortly after four o'clock p.
n. on Monday last, with what might be called q
fair prospect for good weather. A few hours SUBJ
sequent, however, showed indications of change,
commencing with rain and strong wind from the
northeast. The wind increasing, and snow storm
setting in, prevented our making any light beyond
Eaybrook. Steam was then at intervals shut on,
and the lead hove, and our progress materially
lessened, till position supposed to be nearly
up with Bartletts Reef Light; but, although our
whistle was repeatedly blown, no response came
from the reef light bell. Soundngs being CONT
nued, showed that from thirty fathoms we
were now in less than ten fathoms water
The anchor was then let go, but such
was the force of the gale that parted, andwe
shortly after brought up on the western extremity
of Fishers Island, within three hundred yards of
Race Point, a much dreaded spot to Sound navi-
gators in stormy weather. A hawser was at once
sent ashore and made fast to rock. Had we
struck on the Point not doubt exists that the
immediate loss of both boat and passengers would
have ensued.
It was now blowing a gale; the very elements
seemed to be holding carnival, which, with the
snow driving in mad fury, rendered it difficult to
look to windward. It was not long ere the steamer
bilged aft, and being heavily laden, she soon be-
came fast.
The only apprehensions now felt was for her
holding together, and each counted the minutes of
the three hours interval to daylight with intense
anxiety; meanwhile all maintaining the utmost or
der, the gentlemen occasionally stretching the
truth somewhat in praiseworthy efforts to calm the
fears of the ladies, which latter closely
tinizng the faces of Capt Frazee and his officers in
the vain hope of finding out the condition of things.
But the gallant Captains composure treasured
them Daylight came at last, and with it the con-
soling appearance Of house at the point of the
reef, dimly seen through the driving storm.
To send man ashore was the work of moment
He reported the building to be the government re-
lief house, within which was stove. Wood was
sent at once, a fire kindled, and then commenced
the sembarking-beginning with the ladies and
children, under the gentle care and supervision of
the captain.
After frequent trips with the small boat all were
placed ashore, no one sustaining as much as a
utensils mattresses and blankets were literally sent
and all made as comfortable as the crude nature of
our accommodations would admit of.
Here were d0miciled our sevenfy-one passengers,
together with about twenty of the walters and
attaches of the boat in room fourteen by twenty
feet with cock loft of corresponding size, only
accessible by an upright ladder with one broken
spoke), for one night and nearly two days.
Some few Of the gentlemen ~ passengers, who
shall be nameess, ensconced themselves comforta-
bly, in corner, and despite the appeals to join
bringing up articles of comfort for the common
good, remained immovable. 1t is, however, plea
SAINT to record these few as exceptions rather than
the rule.
Night came, with its dreaded pail of dreariness
and darkness. Lamps lighted, aud arrangements
for sleeping being concluded, hymns were sung, in
which all joined with perfect unanimity, and
was "Old Hundred sung with more heartfelt
earnestness than on that rock-bOund beach, upon
the night of January4.
A touching and beautiful prayer was offered up
by Mr. Vincent Colyer, OF New York, which was
most gratefully appreciated by his fellow passen-
length along, the monotony being only broken by
occasional admonitions concerning our fire, which
had already once communicated TO the roof.
must not omit recording the frequent visits Of
our good captain to see that all were comfortable
and wanting for nothing, regardless Of himself the
while, though nearly Frustrated by anxiety and ex
p0sure.
Day dawned at last, bringing pleasurabe emo
tions to all---for the storm king had abated his
wrath In emulation of chanticleer, several gen.
tlemen turned ROSTERS for the occasion, and rung
out clear and shri, whilst Others represented the
hen and turkey portion Of the feathered tribe with
considerable fidelity.
Sweety now rose the sun, shedding cheering
influence upon us all. visit to the boat was made
by many, TO regain the natural use Of their limbs,
after having been drawn up in the smallest possible
space for thirteen hours.
As we issued from our shanty casual observer
would have set down for filibustering party, if
not band of brigands. Each man had around his
shoulders q blanket secured at the neck with home
apparelled, with the name of &C. Vanderbilt en-
circlng the back of each man, our appearance was
ludicrous in the extreme. Then such a display,
too, of shocking bad hats, which quite recently
were quietly reposing in all their spot
less beauty and gloss the shelves of
Leary, Genin, Beebe and Knox, little dreaming of
the sundry housings they were so soon to expert
ence.
In this connection must chronicle fellow pas
senger's perseverng efforts to regain his tile which
had been ruthlessly blown from his head into the
water. With the aid OF bOathoOk he dashed at it,
but unable quite to reach it. By powerful efforts
and many vigorous attempts to form current to-
wards him with the hook, he performed so many
surgical operations upon the said hat that, when
regained, ii would have brought premium from
some FastafIian hero, to exhibit as trophy of his
hairbreadth 'scapes.
Shortly after reaching the boat the steamer
State of Maine, perceiving position and our
signal flying, approached, but owing to the high
swell running could render no assistance. We
had a similar visit from the Plymouth Rock with
like result.
On learning at Stonington and New London of
misfortune, scores of small craft from a sail
boat to a schooner, started upon stampede to
our relief (Which meant to relieve our pockets.
In this philanthropic mission, however, they were
doomed to disappointment. The unruy waves
precuded near approach; yet, like wolves, they
lowered about, unwilling to give up their prey.
Our good captain, however, had already started
overland TO West Harbor to charter schooner for
our conveyance to Stonngton. This done, pre-
parations were commenced for leaving. Two OK
teams, with wagons, were sent by Capt Frazee for