The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-09-23

MAsoNIC-THE TEMPLARs SAVED FROM
DEATH ON THE STEAMER MISSISSIPPI
About fifty of the Knights Templar visiting
St. Louis at the Triennial Conclave Of the
Grand Encampment of the United States
went on grand excursion down the Mis-
sissippi river on the steamer Mississippi,
and met with o narrow escape from death.
The st. Louis Democrat says
"The boat was returning to the city at
fair rate of speed, the passengers en-
joying themselves as their inclination
prompted, when at point in the river op-
posite the floating docks a heavy jar or
thug was felt, as though the boat had
struck the shore, and many thought the
St. Louis landing had been reached. Di-
rectly, however, the regular movement of
the wheels was heard, and the gallant
Mississippi walked the water as if nothing
had happened. If those on board had had
any idea that she had struck wreck, which
had torn big hole in her 'knuckle,' and
that she Immediately commenced ship
ping water and sinking, panic
might have seized most of them, and the
loss of many precious lives been the conse-
quence. Right here the skill, GOODNESS, and
strategy of odr western steamboatmen
comes in. The mate instantly informed the
captain and pilot, and the boat was headed
for the big sandbar. Just below the coal
dyke, on the Illinois side, Mr.. Aglar and
one or two other officials among the Knights
were notified, as well as Colonel Daniel G..
Taylor, Captain Daniel Able, and perhaps
three or four other prominent citizens.
Some of the knights were called into line,
and the Light Guard Band played lively
air, which made everybody else feel good.
Guards were placed at the gangways and
oil points likely to be offensive in case
of a rush. These movements we're made
quietly-the actors themselves not cogni-
zant of the wherefore. The Lady Gay,
which was in the rear, was signalled, and
her officers promptly headed her toward
the sinking steamer. At length the Missis-
sippi was run fairly and squarely upon the
sandbar, the doctor and pumps working
mean while. Many Of the people then dis
covered that the boat was aground.
"Colonel Taylor, Captain Able, and
others, presented themselves in the ladies'
cabin after learning the state of affairs, and
made themselves useful in entertaining the
ladies. Besides, they proposed to meet
any emergency as their experience in such
cases should dictate. Colonel Dan sat by
the side Of lady from the District of Co.
lumbia, and was talking in manner to en-
tertain o large circle and draw their atten-
ton from the disaster, or prevent any ink
lings of it from reaching them. All ut
once-after safety was pretty well secured
by the proximity of the Lady Gay-a young
lady came up to him and said, Mr.. Tay-
lor, they say the boat is sinking They
are mistaken, Miss responded the Colonel,
she is sunk He explained the situation,
and if he did not allay the fears he re-
assured the timid and frightened.
"The Lady Gay came alongside, made
fast to the Mississippi, the staging was
thrown across, and the work of transferring
the passengers commemorative ladies with
their escorts going first. OF course this
transfer took some minutes, but the arrange
ments were SO perfect-the officers of the
two boats, the Knights, and others, acted 30
nobly--that all was orderly, and not an ac-
,;d,o+ ooourrad -