The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1860-10-24
Geuefal slelrs.

BURNING. OF THE STEAMER Con-
NAueHT.- The Connaught, lately
burned near Boston, was magnificent
steamer, just brilt for the Galway line
at Glasgow. She sprung a leak when
on her way to Boston, which created
great apprehension, bnt soon that fear
was swallowed up in greater, when
the cry Of fire arose Mr.. Whiapell
one Of the passengers, thus graphical
ly and feelinely describes the terrible
scene:
The fire appeared between the decks
Gangs were Immediately formed, with
pumps and buckets to extingnish the
flames, taking water from the sea and
passing it in buckets. AS the fire
gained, he sailors began to slackep
work, all eyes staring around the hori-
Zon in hopes ofseeing some means of
safety. Several false reports Of YES
sci in sight were made, but at last we
discovered a sail to the north yard,
and soon after another to the west
ward both very low down, but it be-
came evident at one o'clock that both
were nearing us, and the vessel steer
in north had three masts, and the
one going west only two. We soon
found ont that the latter was passing
Us, while the other still neared with
out showing any signs that she noticed
us, which kept rs in extreme anxiety
and doubt, until she bore directly for
US, evidently showing that she OBJ
served the steamers flag Of distress.
which had been hoisted since mid .day.
/ We then commenced to steer away and
. launch boats, which was very diff
cult job, the ship lying almost on her
side in trough Of the sea. By this
time the fire had cut off all communi-
cation with the saloons. The first
quarter boat lowered was struck by
the counter and was lost, which made
rs hesitate about launching the others.
Bnt the worst of our fears was, sup
posing the boats should ride the sea,
which then showed signs of modera-
ting, that we could safely launch and
ell them with passengers.
There was no chance of remaining
but short time on board, the fire was
making such progress. The flames
were momentarily expected to burst
out and sweep the deck, the fire. gangs
having given mp all hope Of extin-
gushing them, but continuing to APP
ply wet blankets &c. The side of the
ship was then so hot that when she
rolled it would hiss and make steam of
the sea water. The gallant little
Yankee brig sailed alongside and hove
to, seeing our deplorable situation,
and showed every sign of anxiety for
us; but we began to think it would
be impossible to stow all our numbers
on board, she looked so small. We
have since ascertained that she was
only one hundred and ninety tons bur
den. Capt. Leitch made all haste to
get US into the boats, which was ex-
tremely difficult, being lowered one by
one, with ropes.
Captain Leitch stood by all the
time, commencing with the women and
children, but with all the exertions that
could be made, when the sun went
down only about 200 had been got on
the brig. Capt. Wilson of the brig
said: This is a horrible affair, to
see the sun going down. and so many
people yet on board the wreck settling
down and burning up. I will do all
in my power to save them" Several
of the boats crew on reaching the brig
refused to return, when Capt. Wilson
said " [ will go almost alongside,
and take a hawser from on board, and
then you will be in little or no dnager.
| must save every one from the wreck.
This he did, which had the effect of
giving confidence, and by great exer-
lions all were got on board the brig
by II O'Clock, P. NJ.
Captain Leitch and his frs; officers
remained on board, until almost sur
rounded by the flames, and until every
soul was saved. Capt. Wilson then
went alongside to beg him to come
away, The flames went shooting up
the mast, throwing strong and mel
ancholy light over the sea. Captain
Leitch reached the brig just at mid
night. Scarcely parcel of baggage
was saved, the trunks and even money
of the cabin passengers being left be-
low during the confusion and alarm
which called them to the deck.
FAITHFUL MINISTERS OF HEALTH.
In examining the vessels at the
various wharves, we find among other
curiosities of our commerce the brig
Miranda, just in from Truxillo with