Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-12-14
@Ortester Daily Spy
The War News.

RArIoNs AND CLOTHING FAITHFULLY DELIVER
ED TO THE LIBBY PRISON.
Lieut.. Col. j. NJ. Sanderson, confined in
Libby prison, has written letter in which he
says the rations sent there from the north are
faithfully delivered by the confederate author
tiles, and that they are issued in addition to
the regular rations allowed by the rebel quar-.
termaster
The committee of Union officers who are
appointed to distribute the Iations and cloth
ing send the following: "When the commit
tee entered on their duties, Nov 10th, only
SMALL supply of clothing had been received at
Richmond. To secure an equitable distribu-
ton of this to those who were most needy
and to ascertain what future consgnments
would be required for their comfort, it was
deemed advisable to make an inspection of all
the prisoners. careful inspection was there
fore made OF all the prisoners of war on Belle
Island and in Richmond, and report made
OF the condition of each article of their CLOTH
ing. While this was in progress issues of
blankets and such clothing as had been re-
ceived were made to their most needy. Since
the arrival of the last lot, Nov. 22d, two mem.
bers Of the committee have been constantly
engaged in the distribution, which is almost
now@ complete Statements in detail will he
prepared, as soon as possible, of the amount
of clothing received and issued, and to whom
issued, and the amount required to fully sup
ply the wants of the prisoners of war now
here, copy of which we respectfully request
may be forwarded by flag of truce to the pro-
per United States military authorities.
A shipment of clothing is now being made
to Danville sufficient to supply the wants of
the prisoners of war at that place. The COM
mittee take pleasure in stating that every
facility for the inspection of the prisoners and
the distribution of the clothing has been af-
forded them by the rebel military authori-
ties. The duties of the committee were
limited by the order putting them on duty ex-
clusyely to the distribution of clothing. The
fact that rations forwarded by the United
States government and aid societies in the
north were being issued to prisoners of war ON
Belle Isle and in the prisons of Richmond has.
however, frequently come under the obserya.
ton of members of the committee while in the
discharge of the duty assigned them. Very
respectfully your obedient servants,
A. VAN SCHwADER
Lieut.. Col A. j. G., l4th A. c.
II. B. HUNTER, Lieut.. Col. 1928 0. C. V.
j. f. BoYD, Lieut.. Col. and Q. M.
JAS. NJ. SANDERsoN,
Lieut.. Col and G.. S. V. A. G.
LOSS OF THE wERHAwKEN.
BY the sinking of the fine iron clad Wee
hawken, of the fleet off Fort SUMTER we lose
more than has yet been gained in the abor-
tive movements in Charleston harbor. The
disaster happened on the 9th inst The Wee
hawken shipped heavy sea which entered
the forward hatch and filed the anchor room.
This anchor room is a water-tight compart-
ment with valve under the cabin door, to
let the water aft to the pumps, but at this
time it must have been out of order, as the
water could not get aft The cabin door was
closed, vet the bars which were to hold it in
its place ESQ as to keep the water in the an
Choir room) could not be found The officers
aid men went below and quietly partook of
their dinners. but soon after they were as
tonished at the rapidity with which the water
was gaining upon them. Presently the cry
"She sinks!" resounded through the vessel
and signals of distress were made tn the fay-
shin; boats were lowered from all vessels. Int
before thew could reach her she SINK in five
fathoms of water, carving with her TWENTY
six men and four engineers. inclu.Iing men in
irons and men sick: also men at work in the
engine room.
1t is presumed that when the water reached
the forward part of the boiler it made steam
so suddenly rs to suffccate all hands in the
engiue room, as not one who was there es-
caped. The woman was picked up. but died
soon afterwards. A charge of want of proper
care would seem to rest upon the officers of
the Weehawken.
The Weehawken had but recently returned
from Port RovaI and had an nnusuaI ouantitv
of shot and Shell on board. which nrobahlv
settled her too far in tbe water. II Is calcn.
lated thar when these vessels are under water
but fifteen inches. TWO hundred TONS would
sink then, bodilv consenuentlv . ,nucb less
weight would carry them down how FIRST.
CAPT. DENNY OF THE MASS. 25Tu.
Cant. l. Waldo Denny. of the 25th Massa-