Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-10-26
Terrible Shipwreck.
SINKING OF THE EVENING STAR.

The following Is passenger ac-
count of the laundering at sea of the
Evening Star, from New York, bound
for New Orleans, in which about 800
lives were lost:
"The first three days
the weather is fair with smooth sea.
The dreaded Hatteras is passed in
safety. On the morning of the I'd
there is q fresh southeast breeze with
heavy swell. In the evening gale
comes on, which towards morning,
turns into hurricane, while the YES
sci labors heavily and makes a great
deal of water. On the morning OF
the Sd. at 3 4. NJ, the main steam
pipe broke. caused by the great pres
sure put upon it By the heavy work
ing OF the engine which upon the
breaking of the steam pipe, ceased
working. The fires of the donkey
engine were then started and were
put out four different times in the
course of an hour and half. At f.
BOA. NJ, the steam pipe of the don
key engine broke. This had been
used for bailing the water from the
hold of the vessel, which had been In
creasing very fast. All hands were
then put to bailing out, but all efforts
were unavailing. The water was ris-
ing in the hold every minute, and when
all were convinced of the uselessness
Of attempting to save the ill-fated YES
sol tho on,,+oir ~e+~..oA a. --'~;- -
hope was lost.
CONDUCT. OF THE PASSENGERS.
The courage and calmness which
was manifested by the passengers,
women equally well with the men, de.
serves great admiration. When the
pipe of the donkey engine was rem
dered useless, the women took tC
bailing out with all manner Of appli
ances. The water had increased in
the after cabin, and there the efforts
were particularly assiduous to ease
the vessel of as much water as posi-
bic. The women threw off all the
surplus clothing which would impede
their free motions Watches, lockets
rings, pins, and precious stones of al
descriptions, literally strewed tn ,
floor in all directions. The men anC
women encouraged each other by ex
carnations and shouts, but all efforts
were unavailing and the work had t,
be- abandoned. With heavy heart
they all went on deck. The seem
now was indescribable, The Sc;
rushing in vast voluIes mountain HIGH
threatening each moment to engulp
the ship whiGn looked but as pigm
amongst many giants rising on a.
sides around it. The spars scattere,
in az directions, and the wind blow
ing SO strong that nothing could b.
heard above It..
TEE CONDUCT OF THE CAPTAIN
was admirable. Though excited, h
gave bis orders with clemucss, NOR
by signs than words, Tie paced Tn
deck, cudcayoring 10 quiet those who's
terror would out. lie at last, whcI
the ship was lost all control of CAV
orders for
LOWERING OF THE BOATS.
The ship was now laying in thu
trough of the sea, with the sea max
ing a clean break over her. The un
fastening of the boats from their stay
was a difficult process, and mucl
valuable time was consumed in the op
Grafton. When finally they were I'M
done, the most difficult thing was thel
to be done. At each attempt to lie
them 90, the sea would heave them u
against the side of the vessel; the
were lowered into the sea, but wer
Immediately capsized. All hopes 70
safety were then abandoned. Out o
the eight metallic life boats, but on
remained. There were endeavors
recover them, which proved unavai
ing. Some jumped into the sea, as
seeking their destruction; others tol
wildly about the ship, but the major
ty remained collected and in full 20
session of their faculties.
SCENES IN THE SHIP.
All the human beings in the vess
were on deck. Some were crouchir
down wringing their hands in agon
Others paced up and down. Othe
in exposed positions chung to the ri
ging, but in ali fear seemed to tai
but a small place. 1t might be su
posed that amongst such women fe;
would be the dominant trait. A
opera troupe, circus troupe, and
company Of ninety-three prostitute
numbered amongst them, undoubtedl
some who were as low in moral fee
ings as can be found, but justice
well as charity to the dead compels
to say that they behaved admirabl,
i'll fact, their conduct on such tryir
occasion could not be surpassed
One in particular, distinguished he
self.
FLORA BURDELL,
alias Louisa Cunningham, who w
taking to New Orleans forty your
women for her odiogs traffic, from Il
first signs of danger until all was owe
took the lead in acts of courage
When bailing she acted like a ma
and a good man at that. When tt
boats were lowering she handled the
well. and appeared to know as muc
about them as men whose lives ha
been passed on the ocean. She 5al
when the ship went down.
THE END.
AS no boat could live in such S,
and all efforts to recover had be-
abandoned, each one devoted himse
to few last duties. At about 6 A. N
the ship gave heavy. lurch-alwa,
a precursor of the going down-ar