Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-05-01
From the Nassau Guardian, April ls.
Wreck of she screw steamer Karnak,


wreck Of the Screw steamer Karnak,
We deeply regret to announce that the screw steamer
arnack which has been so faithfully and puDctuaIIy
carrying our mails from and to New York. Nassau and
HAVANA for the last four years. is now lying in hope
less condition at the entrance OF our harbor.
The Karnack left Havana on Saturday last about
half past II O'clock P. NJ, with strong Northerly
wind, and at half past IL o'clock, A. NJ, Monday,
on nearing Nassau took on board MIR. Cooke, one of
the branch pilots Of this port Captain LIE Messurier,
we are informed raised objections to coming in the har
bor but on being assured that it would be diff
fcu!t to enter than it during the March trip from
South West Bay, he consented to do So On crossing
the bar at II O'Clock the vessel struck heavily and the
CAPTAIN appeared to be demonstrating with Mr. Cooke
for not plotting properly. The ship then thrown
by the surf on the coral reef the engines all the time
working in perfect order, with the hope OF getting her
off
In this trying emergency what was to be done. OUT
of FIVE steamers lying in harbor not one of them
was in condition 10 render the slightest assistance
Had H. NJ. steamer Bulldog been in port the casualty
would have been averted but she did not return from
Rum City till this morning. he steamer Thomas L.
Wragg (ate the Nashvle) was at anchor very near
the Karnak. but having coal on board, she also
powerless The boiler Of tie steamer Cecile being
der repair could not have been got ready for working
10 less than six hours but nevertheless Captain Carln
did all he could to facilitate the work, seeing the help
less condition # the karnak. The steamer Ella War
ley arrived at o'clock from Havana, but having val
liable cargo on board and drawing nearly much wa
ter as the Kalnak herself could do service, es-
peciay the latter vessel had biged before that time
The English steamers Gladiator and SOuthwck were
OF COAL and therefore were as useless as the rest
The Karnak rolled heavily from side to side and pre-
sentng her saboald broadsde tosthe breakers thump
ing awfuy at every turn in half hour from the time
she struck, began to leak The steam pumps then
set to work. but after short time the pipes were broken.
The force pumps Immediately manned and by this
time number OF men from the shore came to the YES
sel's assistance
When danger was found to be imminent Dr. Linquiat
the Surgeon Of the unfortunate ship, the risk Of his
own life took all the ladies and children up in his
and deposited them carefully in the small boats that
were plying around the steps Three Of the ladies faint
ed but to, being assured of their safety.
There about sixty passengers in all, nearly half Of
whom were women and children.
La this trying emergency, Captain lie Messurer gave
his orders with the greatest presence of mind and ut
most cOones and too much praise cannot be bestowed
on him and his officers generally, must forget
notice the perfect discipline that prevailed among the
crew.
Several of the Wreckers reported to have been
drowned by the upseting of boat in the surge, and
many received wounds and bruises while in the
vessels hold, by the shifting OF boxes of sugar. occasion
ed by her rolling motion.
Since the Karnak first struck she has completely
shifted her position and lies with her head towards
the South.
Upwards of 60 passengers from this city alone had
taken their passage in the Karnak for New York this
trip. They will take their departure by other YES
sells which are getting ready for sea.
The schooner "Vigilant has been chartered by
Messrs. II. Adderley & Co, the Agents here for the
Cunard ne to carry the mails and Havana passengers
to New York tomorrow f; and we also hear that the
brigantine " Alma" schooner " Charles Tunnel -
and the brgantine Lucy Darling" this last being
hourly expected from New York; will be made avaa-
bic for the American passengers; while the steamers
Gladiator and Southwick will take the passengers book
ed for England to their destination DR.. Linqust
learn, will leave in the Vigant."
II. NJ. steamer Bulldog, Commander McKilop, re-
turned from Rum Gay this morning, and reports that
not vestge of H. M. steamer Conqueror can be seen
above water.