Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-08-26
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
The LsKE HURON DIsAsTER.
Statements Of Parties on the Pewabio-
incidents OF the Catastrophe.
From the Detroit Tribune. August n

a GH =
incidents OF the Catastrophe.
From the Detroit Tribune. Augustl1.l Il
1t becomes our painful duty to record
the occurrence. of the most appalling
disaster that has darkened the records
of the western lakes for many years.
On Wednesday night, about half-past
eight o'clock, the fine propeller Pewa-
bic. Captain George Mckay, on her way
down from Lake Superior to this port,
when abreast of Thunder Bay Island, and
about six miles from the Light, collided
with the propeller Meteor, Captain Will
son upward bound, by which the Pewa-
bic was Immediately sunk. The eve
mig wasa toleTably clear one, although
1t had been somewhat rainy, and the
lights of each steamer were disceInible
by the other at the distance of six miles.
A moderate breeze prevailed and the
5 wster was rough. The course OF the
Pewabic was on tie side towards tine
shore. and that of the Meteor of the OPP
posite tack, by which they would steer
clear of each other The movements
of each steamer were plainly observed
by the crew "a we'll as passengers upon
the other, and the fact of their coming
together under such circumstances, can
not be explained except on the hypoth-
esis of an almost unaccountable blum
der on the part of some one. When
Captain Mckay saw that collision
apneared inevitable, he blew his
whistle as q signal 10 the other boat to
keen ont of the way, which signal, so
far as is known, was not responded 10.
He then ordered his wheel to be put to
starboa-d, which would tend to put her
ont Of DANCE by taking his boat farther
In towards the shore.
From all we can gather, 1t Is render
ed probable that the wheelsman of the
Meteor, not having properly understood
his orders, or by mistake OF some kind,
nut his wheel to port, instead OF the
contrary direction, which he ought to
have taken. He thus brought his bows
In n direct line with the port side of the
Pewaiic, end the fact Of striking the lat
ter so sduareiy IN the side would seem
to confirm tins theory of the cause Of
the catastrophe; Though it is possible
that full investigation may present the
affair in a different phsse, so far as some
particulars are concerned. The bows of
the Meteor. which are long and sharp,
struck the Pewabic almost at right an
Giles under the pilot house, opening her
to the width of twelve or fifteen feet,
end cutting her down to the water
edge. There were probably at least
100 persons on board, including the
crew, and CONSERVATION ard dismay ct
once fell like pals upon hearts which
only few brief moments before over
flowed with mirth and gladness. The
scene was one which beggars descrip-
tion. but was soon over. Within four
minutes after the collision the Pewabic
SINK, carrying down with her from 20
to 100 persons, as nearly az the number
can be estimated. Many of those on
the bows of the Inflated steamer had the
presence of mind TO jump upon the
deck of the Meteor; others were saved
from drowning by the heroic exertions
of friends, aud many were subsequently
picked up by the boats of the Meteor.
As there were two or three vessels IN
the neishborhood, it is possible that q
few of those now numbered among the
lost have been picked up by them; but,
as the Meteor remained near the scene
of the disaster to pick up all that could
be found, this is like hoping against
hope.
If the accident had occurred few
hours later, nearly all would have been
wrapped in sleep, and very few would
have been spared to recount the fearful
tale.
HEROIC DEEDS.
Several noble and heroic incidents oc-
CURED worthy of mention, one or two
in particular, the most memorable OF
which was performed by Miss Ada
Brush, Ia daughter of z. A. Brush, Esq,
of this city, This lady, by her cool
and determined efforts, not only saved
her own life by expert swimming, but
that of Mrs. c. NJ. Wright, whose hus'
band was drowned with lady cllnging
to his neck. Miss Brush saw Mrs.
Wright struggling In the water some
distance from her, and with great pres
ence of mind she swan to her rescue.
pushing floating spar up to her, and
thus saving her from the terrible fate Of
her beloved husband. The manifesto
ton of such fortitude on the part Of
this lady, viii be ever remembered 10y
those who were witnesses of the ter
rible catastrophe. Mrs. L. Mcknight
of this city, and others, whose name:
have not come to hand, also displayed {
spirit OF determination seldom wit