The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-01-14
Burning Of the Steamer Raleigh.

1h'1hhng Iartculors-.Statcmen of a Pdssen-
ger HondeJm Escapes.
The Charleston Courier has received the fol-
lowing account OF the late burning of the steam
ship Raleigh, off the coast of South Carolina:
DIR. Jonathan Glass; passenger who arrived
Thursday morning, states that Tuesday about
quarter to y o clock he was going from the up
per deck below, when he met the purser's wife
at the foot of the stairs. She informed him that
the steamer was on fire. and asked for her hus-
band. He told her he had not seen Mr. McManus.
On arriving on the lower deck he saw the flames
issuing from the rear of the engine and the cap
tain and others making efforts to extinguish the
fire. One of the fremen told him the fire was
just aft of the boiler and that they could do moth
ng-not being able to get the donkey engine or
the fire apparatus in working order.
A general alarm was given. and the fire spread
ing very rapidly, the forward part of the steamer
was soon enveloped i'll flames. The passengers
and crew made great rush aft, and commenced
lowering the boats. Being unable to stop the
engine, the wheels kept going, and the steamer
in motion The boats were lowered aft of the
wheels. Could not say how many boats were
lowered, but after getting in one he two
others afoat. Captain Marshman very ac-
tive, giving his orders with great GOODNESS and
decision. The passengers, however, paid but
little attention to him, lowering themselves by
ropes and by the sides of the steamer into the
boats, over-crowding and capszing them. The
sea was very rough. The Doctor fell into the
water and was picked up by boat then contain
ing about twenty-five persons. This boat cap
sized over twenty times but being metallic life
boat with alright departments, she did not sink,
even when she filled with water. The occupants
capszed her themselves several times with the
hope of clearing her of water clnging, at such
times, to her sides. The men were so exhausted
however, that they could not get in without be-
| ing helped. Gradually one after another fell off
and were lost, until only ten were left
Many Intellectual attempts were made to right
the boat and dip out the water. At length those
who wore life-preservers agreed to keep off some
distance and accordingly left an old sailor in the
boat by himself. who, by means of piece of wood
commenced bailing, and was successful in light
ening her little. Another got in, and taking
off his shoes also assisted in baing. The Doctor
then took off his boots; by the help Of which the
boat was entirely cleared when the rest of those
around got ill.,
They had now drifted quarter of a mile
from the steamer. 1t was then shutdown.
They had but one oar, but just before dark, in
sailing around the wreck, they came up with,
the purser's boat, from which they took three
men, and were given another oar and row-lOcks.
They then steered westward. In going near the
wreck they saw various parts OF the steamer
floating about and number of sharks swimming
around. They also saw two RATS, on which there
were number of men but could not tell how
many. AS they passed the burning steamer they
heard some one hailing them, but could not tell
who it was, though it was thought not to be the
captain $ voice.
The men. without either hats shoes, worked
very cheerfully each taking their turns at rowing.
| After rowing all Tuesday night they made land
on HAWAII island. On going ashore the boat
was carried over the beach and launched into
HAWAII river. They got aground several times,
and the men had to foot it through the woods
About 3 p. M. they came across a house, and
were kindly received by the negroes, who gave
them water and some sweet potatoes, which par
TALLY relieved their hunger. One Of the negroes
offered to pilot them to Charleston-an offer
which they gladly accepted. They made another
halt on the road after this at another house. where
they stayed and warmed themselves until 10
o'clock Wednesday night. About halfpast 10
they started for Charleston, guided by their ne
gro pilot, and arrived about halfpast 8 Thursday
morning. One Of their number poor Italian,
named Carl gardo. unable to speak word of Eng
fish. had four sons on board, who all believed
to have been drowned.
The last DR.. Cass saw of the Captain he
still engaged in supplying lifepreservers chairs,
etc, to those in the water. At one time several
vessels were reported in sight, and many hoped
to receive aid from them, but none came near
them