Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-10-10
Last Nights Report.
THE STEAMER CONNAUGHT DISASTER
BosroN Oct g.

THE STEAMER CONNAUGHT DISASTER
Bosrox, Oct 9.
The brig Minnie Scheffer arrived at / O'Clock.
She is about 800 tons burthen, and the standing
room on her was completely covered by the res
euCd passengers of the COnnaught-
Mr.. H. WhitteI, of New York, q passenger
in the COnnaught, furnishes the following state
Inent as 10 the loss of that fine steamer:
Passing the circumstances Of the voyage from
Galway which port we left at p. NJ, the 18th
ult., until about z. NJ Of Saturday, the 9th
inst, he says, while heading westwardly the wind
blowing northerly gale, the ship began 10 roll
10 the larbOard with a singular motion going far
down and keeping that way long time which
caused some alarm. Meantime the Captain was
heard giving orders about steering, manning the
pumps, &C. hremen under the lee Of the paddle
boxes were observed whispering, and there were
other manifestations that something was not
right considerable water was observed through
the gratings the engines soon after stopped; for
while after strenuous eXertiOns by Capt. Lcitch
and crew, the ship rigtted and the wheels CON-
menced turning when the passengers became
more composed the sea was rough the wind
blowing what sailors call ordinary full ga
most of the passengers turned in, but passe,i
restless night. am
SuxDA4. A. M.-The ship began to roll az 2
with that shaky motion similar t. the event ~
previous The captain and crew could Meth
tack or wear the ship. Soon after the engines
stopped and steam could not be raised tut
boilers. The ship rolled frightfully 10 lac =
board and the pumps were manned au5 % t,-.s OF
men commenced bailing with bUc ets IL 10
gaining, but on the contrary, that the men and
pumps were gaining on the leak, and If the wind
would stihen we would reach Boston that night;
but these hopes were soon changed TO extreme
terror when the word was passed around in low
terms, 81 the ship is on fire. accompanied bv the
smell Of burning wood The fire appeared he
tween the decks. Gangs were Immediately form
ed5 Win pumps and buckets TO eXtinguish the
flames, taking the water from the sea and passing I
II in buckets. As the fire gained the boilers be-
gan to slaczen work.
4 a.
hopes to see some means Of safety. Several false
reports of q vessel in sight was made but at last
we discovered a sail TO the northward, and soon
aftef another 10 the westward Both very low
down. but il became plain at one O'Clock that the
vessel steering north had three masts and the one
west only two We soon found out that the latter
was passing, while the other still neared without
showing any sign thatshe noticed u.s. which Kept
US in extreme anxiety and doubts, until she bore
directly for us, evidently showing that she OBJ /
served the steamers flag of distress which had 1
been hoisted- We then commenced to clear I
away aud launch boat, which was a very difficult /
job the ship lying almost on her side in the 1
trough Of the sea. By this time the fire had cut
on an communication with the saloons
The first quarter-b boat lowered was struck BY /
the counter and lost, which caused hesitation /
about launching the other, but the worst Of our 4
Tears was that, supposing the boats should ride /
the sea, which then showed signs Of moderating.
and that we could safely launch and fill them
with passengers, there was no chance Of remain
ing but short time on board. tine fire making
such progress, and the flames were moneufarii5
expected TO burst out and sweep the deci[ M
fire gangs had given up all hopes Of e,,tin ouieb
ing them, but continued 10 apply wet blankets
&c The sides Of the ship was then SO h0t tbof
when she rolled il would hiss and make steam of
the sea water.
The gallant little Yankee brig sailed alongside
and hove TO, seeing our deplOrable situation and |
showing every sign Of anxiety for US, but we be- 1
gan to think il would be impossible 10 stow all /
our numbers on beard, she looked so small. -
We have since ascertained that she was only 19s
tons burthen.
Captain Leitch made all haste to get US into the
Doat, which was extremely difficult, and being
lowered one by one with ropes Commencing with
tae women and children. Capt Leitch stood by
~ ~ NC time but with all the exertions that could
"a Iis & nLlen t6e sun went down, only about 900
hao oeen got on board the brig
Captain Wilson, Of the brig. said. % This Is
horrible ansirs to see the sun going down. and so
many people YET on board and the wreck settling
oOWn ana burning up viii do all in nv noureT |
70 save them" Several Of the boats crews. on |
Tsa.eSnlng me orlg, refused TO return when CapS
W ilsOn said VIII 60 almost alongside and to-s
q haWser from on board, and then YOU win he N |
little or no danger. i must get every one f-o,, l
the wreck This he did, which had the efrect ~
giving confidence, and by great exertion All vyere
got on board the brig By II p. M. Capt Leitcb
most surrounded BY flames, and until every soul |
was saved. Capt. Wilson then sent alongside to
beg him to come away.
The flames were shooting up the masts throw.
ing q strange and melancholy light over the sea
Captain Leitch reached the brig just ct midnight
Scarcely q parcel Of baggage was saved. The
trunks, and even the money Of the cabin passen
gers being left below during the confusion and
alarm which called them on deck on the morning
after which communication was cut of by the wa
ter and flames. Mr. Whipple speaks in the high |
est terms as do all the passengers, Of the energy