Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1868-12-08
MIR. McFerrin's Statement.
Condition of Mr.. Hays.

and most popular steamers plying between
Louisville and Oiucinnati-the America
and the United Slates-on the latter Of
which it was certainly known that num-
Der of our citizens were passengers, re
turning home from Cincinnati. 1t was
slso stated that a large number of persons
had lost their lives by the burning Of the
Two boats, but no information could be OBJ
tanned at this place until Sunday morning
as to the names of the lost and saved. Ow-
ing to this fact, the most painful anxiety
was felt by the many friends and kins-
people of c. NJ. Hays and wife, and ]. w.
McFerrin and wife, whose departure On the
States had previously been announced BY
telegraph. The same dreadful suspense was
also experienced by the friends Of Mr..
Toney, Mr.. w. c. Collier, Col. Stone, and
a daughter Of Hon. A. v. S. Lindsey, all
Of whom, there was some re ason to conjec-
ture, were passengers on the Inflated States.
OF the latter named party it appears that
Mr.. Toney was the only one who took
passage on the States, and his friends have
been advised of his fortunate escape from
The perils Of fire and food. How earnestly
do We wish we could say the. same of Mr..
HAYS and his wife. Were it in our power
to do so, we should be spared the painful
task of chronicling the serious if not fatal
Injuries received by our we'll known and
respected fellow-citizen c. NJ. Hays, Esq1
and the death in that fearful carnival OF
fire of Mrs. Louisa Hays, known to this
entire community, where she was born and
T lady of most gentle and ami
able disposition. Possessing in an eminent
degree the traits which most adorn and
beau tify the character of the good and
true, Mrs. Hays exhibited in her inter
couse with her friends and kindred dis
position of marked kindness and attach
ment which chung with unyielding tenacity
TO the objects Of her affection. A loving
daughter and sister, devoted wife and
mother, and an earnest, faithful friend, her
death will make a void in many hearts
that. neither time nor circumstance can
supply-will fall as cloud of sorrow upon
many home circles where her presence
ever gave Joy and happiness. May God
comfort and strengthen those so sadly be-
resved in this now affecting dispensation
of his providencs.
While we thus lament the death of Mrs
Hays, and sympsthise deeply with hel
family, and friends in this their sad be-
reavement, we do also unite in the general
10Y experienced by the family OF Mr.
MeFerrin and wife, when it was ascertained
that they had been saved. They returned
Yesterday morning by the train, and The
general hand-shaking that occurred anc
the tears of joy that we're shed indicated
how happy we're those who had previously
given up their loved-ones for lest.
The friends of Mr.. Touey were allk'
gratifed to hear OF his fortunate escape
and hope for his early return. At last &C
counts, he was at Warsaw, in charge Of hi
brother Masons, being quite indisposet
from exposure and excitement.
We met Mr.. McFerrin at his store yes
terday, aud obtained from him the follow
ing incidents of his lucky escape:
STATEMENT OF MR. M'FEREIN.
Mr.. McFerrin states that he had retired
to his state-room some time previous Il
the disaster, but the delightful music Of thu
ssrenading party had prevented him IRON
going 10 sleep. Before the steamers Gel
| lided, there was great noise and confa
sion apparently on deck, and his wife re
marked that something must be wrong
and be replied that he reckoned not. Agalr
che repeated the remark, when immedl
stely followed the shock Of the collision
He jumped out of his berth, opened the
door, and led his wife to the cabin, which
be found filled with smoke. The lamps
were extipguished, and everything pre-
sented dark and dismal appearance. lie
said that he felt perfectly composed, with
more presence Of mind than he could him.
self even expect under the circumstances
The first thing he thought of was the re-
mark made BY his father (the Rev. DR.. }
B. McFerriD) on the evening OF his
late marriage. when he said, my chill.
dren, I will pray for your happiness.
| Standing thus in the dark cabin, nearly
sufFocated with the volume Of smoke
that was rolling through the boat
more tempesluous in its fury than
| the agitated commotioD of the winds pre-
ceding The hurricane, the farewell blessing
from fathers lips sank deep into hif
heart, and in the midst Of The exciting
scenes Of the moment, be feltit 10 be duty
TO address the Throne Of Heavenly Grace,
and calling upon his wife, he said, "Dors,
we must offer up a prayer TO God aGd
eide BY side, both kneeled, and fervently
appealed to Heaven. They then arose,
and snatching up a life preserver, he
fastened it around bis wife. Rushing hur.
riedly through a gangWay, they soon
gained the guards aft of the wheelhouse,
where bad already congrsgated a number
Of the lady passengers. The scene tina,
followed was beyond description. a
mother threw her children overheard into
the river, and then plunged il after them
Mr.. McFerrin then babe his wife step over
the ratings, and while both were standing
on the extreme edge Of the guards, che
wanted 10 leap into the water, but he sad
No, wait till tell you. will save you
Juzt at this moment, beautiful little
girl, Miss Jones, of Pensacola, Florida,
called upon him to assist her, saying
"a Save me, save me; I'm little Rebel
Mr.. McFerrin told her to wait for favora-
ble opportunity, and then jump into The
river. He had hardly foished his remark
when he DISCOVERED the two boats coming
together. He was not able to tell whetlsI
the United States or the other boat ws.
moving. bat they we're coming together
He told his wife to jump and he would
follow. She lesped distance of about fl.
teen feet below TO the guards Of the ohsr
boat. Mr. McFerrin was instantly by heI
aide. lie made the leap just in time, fcl
he discovered that the boat which he had
left was now careening, and had sided out
a considerable distance.
, II Al. o,.;,,, ,,np, gf 81.