The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-12-20
NORFOLK, December 10, 1867.

Yesterday evening Captain Lingo, Of
the steamer Sappho, arrived in this city
from Old Point, and reported the loss Of
his steamer in the heavy gale Of the 18th
and 18th inStants. The steamer had left
Wilmington GA her regular trip for Now
York. When in latitude sc north, longi-
tudc "a 80 west, on the 18th instant, she
encountered terrible gale from the east
northeast, causing her to spring leak in
a short while. The steam pumps were
put to work, and every cndcavor made to
stop the leak. In the evening, however,
one of the cylindcr-hcadS blew out, and
the pumps giving out, the water came
rushing in, causing the fires in the fur
naceS to be cNtinguiShcd. The ship then
became unmanagcaDle, and labored hea-
Willy. The passengers and crew behaved
well, all on board uniting in their cxcr-
tions to keep the vessel going. For forty
hours did they work, baiing and
pumping, but without avail, the water
gaining all the time until Sunday morning,
when it was found that there were eight
feet of water in the hold. The steamer
was now in sinking condition, and death
stared all in the face. The storm in the
mean while raging terribly-large waves
bursting over the Inflated vessel IN quick
succcsSion-all the boats, with one eXcep-
ton, had been washed away, and the
chance Of escape was slim indeed. Yet
all on board bore themselves with calm
ness and resignation. The water continued
to gain and it was found impossible to keep
her ahoat much longer. All Oh board were
broke down with inceSSant labor, and on
finding that there was no hope OF saving
the vessel, preparations were made to
abandon her. While engaged in this,
however, sail was seen, and signals Of
distress were made. Those on board the
distant vessel saw the signals, and the
friendly ship bore down on the sinking
steamer: filling all hearts with hope and
gladneSS. The vessel proved to be New
Haven brig, the name of which | have been
unable to learn. Boats were lowered and
sent to the Sappho, and all on board were
soon taken of. without the loss Of single
life or the slightest injury TO any, and car
every attention was shown to make their
condition comfortable. The vessel arrived
In Hampton Roads yesterday.
The captain, passengers, and crew Of
the Sappho are enthusiastic in their praises
10 lIiclE ucJlNClcIS. luz hlD( COul-
teouS manner in which they We're treated,
and the attention they received, causes
them to speak in the warmest terms Of the
captain and crew Of the brig.
The public schools in Portsmouth have
been suspended in consequence Of the
want of means to carry them on. This is
bad. There arc a large number Of children
in Portsmouth whose parents are too poor
to pay to send them to private schools,
and it is sad to think that these little ones
will be forced to roam the streets in idle
ness on this account.
Captain James II. Holland, while on
visit at the residence of his brother, at
Franklin Depot, on Wednesday, suddenly
fell dead. He was much esteemed and
respected by all who knew him, and much
sympathy is expressed for his afflicted re-
latives at their sad loss.
The case Of Swaine was continued YES
terday at the Commissioners Court. The
counsel for the prosecution, Colonel Blow,
moved for continuance in advance, that
time be given them to obtain important
testimony from New York city which
was granted after The argument OF the de-
fence was heard, and the case postponed
I'LL the first Saturday in January, 1865.
TALLY.