Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1868-01-08
The Burning of the steamer
Raleigh.

The Charleston S. c., NsOs of the
26th ult., gives the particulars Of the
burning of the steamer Raleigh at sea,
with a probable large loss Of life. The
Mus says:
On Saturday last the sidewheel stes-
mer Raleigh, commanded by Captain
C. Il. Marshman, left pier No. SO. North
River, New Pork harbor for New Or
leans. About midday on Tuesday,
when the Raleigh was about twenty
miles southeast of the Charleston light
ship, the passengers and crew were
awakened from their fancied security,
and the cry arose that the ship was on
FIRE.
A stiff breeze was blowing from the
north, and when the alarm was given,
and II was made known that the fire
had broken out around the forward end
of the boiler, there was q panic among
the passengers. Men and women ran
to and fro sbrieking for ~deliverance
and crying TO Heaven for. aid. This
did not last long. Captain Marshman,
a man Of great GOODNESS, soon restored
order. and the ship was at once put be-
fore the wind, to throw. the fire for
ward. Nor was any measure neglected
that looked to the safety of those
aboard. Life preservers were distri-
buted, and the boats were held in
readiness, Captain Marshman himself
experimenting every step hat was ia
ken.
But the ire-iend vas not to be cheat.
ed out of his prey. The flames spread
with amazing rapidity, and within five
minutes time of the first appearance
of the flames, they had extended them
selves from the forward hatch to the
smoking saloon. Again a fearful ex-
element seized upon the passengers,
and now it could not be quelled even
by the thorough self possession and
tried skill of the captain. There was
no hope of saving the ship /; there was
some hope Of saving every life. Then
the order was given to lower the boats.
Boat No. l was then taken in charge
by Purser McManus, who succeeded in
lowering her safely. 1t was, however,
a dangerous and difficult task, and.
owing to the ships Roadway, it was only
accomplished at great and terrible risk.
In this boat there were thirteen per-
sons, but as there was some danger of
the boat swapping. three of the num-
Der were transferred to another boat as
soon as it was fallen in with. The ten
persons left in boat No. l have arrived
in safety ct this port.
The cause of the fire is unknown,
but it is supposed that it originated in
the ~overheating of the boiler, and the
consequent ignition of the woodn bulk
heads. The Raleigh had on board a
moderate freight of general merchan-
disc, and, as several explosions were
heard after the ship had been burning
for some time, it is surmised that ex-
plosive compounds formed a part of
her cargo
Many incidents of tragic gr~otesque-
ness took place on the burning ship,
and q Of these will point a moral if
it will not adorn a tale. A lady named
Bryant, from Mobile, about fifty years
of age, fell overheard during the rush
for the boat. She had on a life-preser-
yer, which would have kept her aAoat,
! but around her waist she had belted q
large sum in specie, and this addition
al weight carried the unfortunate
woman like lead to the bottom.
When Purser McManus was ready 10
leave the ship with his boat, he jumped
overheard, having previously instructed
his wife to do the same. When he had
made the leap he called out to his wife
to Jump of, which she did without
hesitation. Unfortunately, however,
some portion of her dress caught in the
gsngway. and she hung suspended for
some minutes, being alternately plung-
ed in the water and tossed in the air,
as the vessel rolled from starboard to
port. Capt. Msrshman, who was
watching the scene with acute interest,
shouted out to the Purser, For Gods
sake, save her." Help was obtained,
Mrs. McManus was enabled to let her
self down into the sea, and was safely
put aboard the boat.
When last seen Captain Marshman
was near the Wheelhouse ofthe Raleigh,
apparently attending to the wants OF
some Of those who were still on the YES
sci. The Raleigh had in all six boats
of the best description, and it is hoped
that one or more of those left unIower-
ed may have been able to reach the
land. Captain Marshman will, ii is
earnestly hoped. be saved but. what
ever his fate, it may be said of him that,
like a true %sailer, he stuck to the ship
to the last.