The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1868-01-03
THE RUsNING OF THE RALEIGH.
ThrIIIInE ParlIcula1a.-.slatement OF q

Thrilling Particular ta.-.sIatement OF a
wonderful Escapes.
The Charleston Courier has received
the following account of the late burn.
ing of the steamship Raleigh, OF the
coast OfSouth Carolina:
DIR. Jonathan Cass, u passenger. who
arrived Thursday morning, states that
on Tuesday, about a quarter to twelve
O'Clock he was going from the upper
deck below, when he met the purser's
wife at the foot OF the stairs. She in.
formed him that the steamer was on
hre, and asked for her husband. He
told her he had not seen Mr.. McManus.
Ou' arriving on the lower deck he saw
the flames issuing from the rear of the
engine, and the captain and others
making efforts to eXtinguish the fire.
One of the dremen told him the fire was
just an of the boiler, and that they
could do nothing, not being able get
the donkey engine or the Dire apparatus
in working order.
A general alarm was given, and the
tre spreading very rapidly, the forward
part OF the steamer was soon enveloped
in 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 boRts
were lowered aft of the wheels. Could
not say how many boats were lowered,
and alter getting in one he saw TWO
others ahoat. Captain MRrshman was
very active, giving his orders with great
coolness and decision. The passengers,
however, paid bnt little attention to
him, lowering themselves by ropes and
by the sides Of the steamer into the
DoaIBs Over UruuFdtnEs and oapsiIiuy
them. The sea was very rough. The
doctor fell into the water and was
picked up by boat then eontatning
about twenty-five persons. This boat
cHpsiZed over twenty times, but being
metallic lIie-bOat, with aiT.IiRht apart
ments, she did not sink, even when she
filled with water. The occupants cap
sized her themselves several times, with
the hope OF clearing her of water, cling
ing, at such times, 70 her sides. The
men were so exhausted, however, that
they would get in without being able
to walt. Gradually one after another
fell on 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 nfe-preserv-
ers agreed to keep on some distance,
and accordingly len an old sailor in
the boat by himself who, by means of
a piece of wood, commenced bailing and
was successful in lighting her little.
Another got in, and taking Oh his
shoes also assisted in bailinR. The
Doctor then took OF his boots, by the
help OF which the boat was entirely
cleared, when the rest OF those around
They had now drifted quarter of a
mile from the steamer. II WAS near
sundoWn. They had but one oar, but
lust before dark they came up with
the purssr'B boat, from which they took
three men, and were given another car
and row locks. They then staered west
ward. In going near the wreck they
saw various parts Of the steamer doat-
ing about, and a number OF sharks
swimming around. They also saw two
RATS, on which there were n number of
men, but could not tell how many. As
they passed the burning stsAmer they
heard some one hGiling themr but could
not tell who 1: was, though Il WAS
thought not TO be the Captains voice.
The men, without either hats or
shoes, worked very cheertully, each
taking their turns at rowing. Amer