Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-07-07


dered the boats to be got ready, and two of
them were lowered and filed with the pas
sengers and crew The third boat could not
be reached in time. When the boat went
down the after part of the cabin broke off and
foated. Captain Niser. Captain Hackett,
and twelve others took refuge on the raft,
where they remained until about five o'clock
Sunday morning, when they were picked up
by the steamer Il. n. Rice, of the same line,
and brought to this port. The Rice also
picked up one of the boats, having on board
number of the passengers and crew, but the
second boat was not seen, consequently it
is not absolutely known how many were lost.
As near as could be ascertained, there are
over twenty missing, though it is hoped that
a large portion of that number may be in the
other boat.
The officers and crew of the BARR were all
saved except two.
STATEMENT OF EDWARD M'DoNALD.
Mr.. Edward Mcdonald, lumber merchant
of Chicago, was on the Star, and at the time
of the collision was in his berth lie sprang
up and dressed himself, then put on his over
coat, and soon as he came from his state room
met the Misses Patchen and Mr.. IGdings, and
was asked by them if there was any danger
He replied that he would go aad learn. He
went below and asked the engineer, who re-
| piled that he did not know. He then went
forward and met the steward, end learned
from him that the bow of the Star was gone.
He then ASKED "Have you tight bulkhead,
or q water compartment ?" and was told there
was one. He then replied that there could be
no immediate danger.
Mr.. Mcdonald suggested that the iron on
board be thrown overheard; saw the clerk
md fol In,1 &c
on board and it should DO thrown over. The
clerk thought there was no trouble anticipa-
ted. Mr.. Mcdonald went out on deck near
the paddle-box-or wheel-house-aud saw
the bark with her stern against the paddle
box of the Star. AS the waves brought the
two vessels together the wheel-house was
smashed. Mr.. Mcdonald then. went to the
engineer, who said he knew nothing about it,
the engineer and his assistant remaining at
their posts. Mr.. Mcdonald distributed life
preseryers; other passengers did the same
The officers of the Star thought there was
no danger.
The ladies were partially dressed and were
in the after part of the cabin Saw the Misses
Patehen; they were on the stern. Said to
them, 'lll try to save you" They were
somewhat frightened. The Star went down
so rapidly that Mr.. Mcdonald jumped over
the rail. and called to the Misses Patchen to
follow him, but they did not Mr.. Mcdonald
slipped over on to the rudder, and pushed off
his life preserver got round on the wrong side;
he reached door, and was in the water about
two hours, when he was picked up by those
on the hurricane deck, where he staid three
hours, until picked up by the Rice He
thinks Captain Viger did his duty.
After he got on the raft or hurricane deck,
Captain Viger said that it was a tick night;
that the bark had no lights out, and he did
not see her until lie got on top of her; heard
her bell twice, but was too near to back cut
her through to the waters edge, and carried
away her cabin.
The captain of the bark said 81 had just
as good lights as ever were carried. l saw
the steamer, and kept on my course; rang
my bell three times; put my wheel hard up
just before they struck"
TIE MISSES PATcuEN
One of the saddest features ofthis terrible
accident was the loss cf the Misses Patchen,
who had been visiting at the home OF Mr..
Edwards, in Cleveland the eldest Caroline,
aged about tIyenty-three, having been bride;
maid at the recent wedding of Mr.. Cole and
Miss Tiffany. They were sisters, the young
est, Minnie, just from boarding school, and
not over nineteen years ofage, daughters Of
i. w. Patchen, Esq, prominent banker of
Troy, New York, and former resident of Duf-
falo. Young, beautiful and accomplished,
scarcely three hours from the last good bye
given them by their friends, who were 10th
to have them CO. they met a watery grave.
The observed among host of beauties at the
wedding and reception, and at the Gordon
party only the night before, to attend which
they prolonged their stay in Cleveland, their
young bright faces reflected the lightness
and gaety of their hearts, entering into the
enjoyments of the evening with the Eest and
rnlcnsnrn TINT youth md hnn,,tr only cnr,