Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-10-12
THE BURNING OF THE STEAMSHIP CoNNAUGHT-

We Yesterday gave account Of the burning OF the
steamship Connaugbt from Galway, Ireland about 100
miles east Of Boston, and the miraculous escape from
death of the sol souls on board. Mr.. H. Whttell, OF
New York passenger in the Connaught, furnishes the
following statement Of the disaster and the rescue OF the
passengers and crew.
Passing the circumstances Of the voyage from Galway
which port was left at P. NJ of the 25th ut, until
about p NJ of Saturday, the 9th nst he says: While
heading westwardy the wind blowing northerly gale,
the ship began roll to the arboard with singular mo-
lion going far down and keeping that way long time,
which caused some alarm. Meanwhile the captain was
heard giving orders about steering manning the pumps
&c Fremen under the lee of the padde-box we're OBJ
rived whispering, and there other manifestations
that something right. Considerable water was
observed through the grating The engine soon alter
stopped for awhile. After strenuous extrtons by Capt
Leiph and crew. the ship rghted and the wheels CON-
menced turning when the passengers became more
composed. The was rough, the wind blowing what
sailors call ordinary full gale Most OF the passengers
turned in, but passed a restless night.
Sunday, s A. M-The ship began TO roll again with
that staggering motion similar the evening previous.
The captain and crew could neither tack wear the
ship Soon after the engine stopped, and steam could
not be raised in the boilers The ship rolled rghtiully
the larboard and the pumps we're manned and gangs
of commenced baing with buckets. At ten o'clock
il was reported that the water not gaining but, on
the contrary, that the pumps and boilers we're gaining
on the leak, and il the wind would stlen, we would
changed extreme terror, when the word was passed
round In low tones, 1.-THE ship is fret accompanied
By the smell of burning wood.
The fie appeared between the decks Gangs were
Immediately formed, with pumps aud buckets, TO e1tin-
guish the flames taking water from the sea and passing
il in buckets. As the fire gained the sailors began 10
sacken work. all eyes staring around the horizon in
hopes to some means OF safety. Several false re-
ports Of vessel in sight made but at last we dis
covered sail to the porlhward and after another
TO the westward, both very low down; but 1t became
plain at o'clock that both nearing us, and the
vessel steering North had three mass and the one west
only two.
We soon found out that the latter was passing, while
the other still near1d without showing any sign that she
noticed u.s. which kept in anxiety and doubt
until she bore directly for U.s. evidently showing that she
observed the steamers flag Of distress which had been
hoisted since midday We then commenced TO steer
away and launch boats which . very difficult job,
the ship lying almost her side in trough OF tue sea
BY this time the fire had of all communications WIN
the sioons The first quarter.boat lowered was struck
By the counter and lost, which ctused hesitation about
launching the others But the worst OF our Tears wa
that supposng the boats should ride the sea- which then
showed signs of moderaiing, and that we could safely
launch and I'll them with passengers.
There no chance of remaining but short time on
board the fire making such progress The flames were
momentary expected TO burst out and sweep the decks
the fire gangs having given up all hopes OF extinguishiDg
them but continuing apply wet blaukets etc. The
side Of the ship then hot that when she rolled
would hiss and make of the sea-waer The gallant
little Yankee brig sailed alongside and hove to, seeing
depOble situation and showed every sign OF ankle
Is for US but We began TO think would be impossible
To stow all our numbers board, she looked so small
We have since ascertained that she only 100 tons
burden Capt. Leitch mide all haste 10 get Us into the
boats which remedy difficult, being lowered one
by one with ropes
Cap Lech stood 10y all the time, commencing with
A. .l.b.l .rifh I'll tha
could be made when tue went down only about 200
had bscn got on board the lrs. Capt Wilson, OF the
Or z said This is horrible affair." 10 see the sun going
wn aud so many people yet on board the wreck sett'
Ing down aud burning up. will do all in my power ia
Them Several Of the boats crews on reaching the
brig refused 10 return, when Capt Wilson said, al will
g almost alongside and take hawser from boa 3D.
and then you will be in liz lie danger must gel
every ore from the wreck" This he did which had thC
effect OF giving confidence; and by great eXertons al
were got on board the brig by II o'clock 7. NJ.
Capt Leitch aud first his officers remained on board IN
Ill almost surrounded With flames and until every soul
saved Capt Wilson then sent alongside to beg him tC
come away. Tee flames were shooting up the mast
throwing strong and melancholy light over the sea-
Capt Lei Oh reached the brig just at midng ht Scarcely
a parcel CT baggage saved, the trunks and ever
money OF the cabin passengers being left below during
tie confusion and the alarm which called them decl
IN the morning. after which communication was cut Of
By the water and flames.
Me- Whipped speaks in the highest terms, do all h'
passenger Of the energy and kindness Of Capt JOhI
Wilson, OF the brig Minnie Schailer. lie was from Ma
laga, for Boston, with cargo OF fruit.