Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-07-09
MELANCHOLY ACc1DENT-SAD TERM1NA-

MELANCHOLY ACClDENT-oAD 1ERMlNA-
TON OF AN EXCURSION gloom has
been suddenly cast over this entire COM
munity, which is visible in the faces of all
white and black alike---so melancholy
and distressing is the canse. A sad acct
dent has occurred since our last issue,
which has resulted in the death of two
young men and endangered the lives of
others.
This accident Of which we speak occurred
as the steamer Brandt was returning from
an excursion to the Black Fish ground,
about o'clock on the afternoon of Mon
day last, the 9Th instant, aud when within
thing had seemed to have conspired to
make the trip pleasant. The day had
been fine and propltious, the sport
rare and the Observation-Disclosures
ing in all between % and 80 persons
we're joyous and happy. The young men,
of which the party was principally COM
posed, had never seemed brighter or mer-
rier, and had passed the day with every
exhibition of pleasure. The boat was
speeding easily and finely on its way and
soon the city would be in full sight. But
suddenly there came one of those terrible
shocks, when in a moment all gaiety is re-
pressed and grim death looms up in its
most terrible form. The noise of AZ ex-
moment the whole after part of the boat
was immersed in hot steam. In an in
slant it became evident that the boiler had
burst-the extent of the damage none
Messrs. VIM. B. Meares, Chas. r. Arey
and Ed. H. Eilers, all young men in the
full vigor of youth. AS tho hot steam
covered them with its scorching breath, a
chance of life ir the water or certain leath
by scalding on the boat seemed pre- ented
to their minds. Messrs. Meares and Arey
sprang overheard, and Mr.. Eilers was
knocked with them in the spring.
Soon it became evident that the damage
to the steamer YVES slight. But few on
board were harmed. AS was afterward
learned small piece of the steam dome,
about 14x22 inches, had blown out into the
smoke-stack. carried away the damper to
the chimney and filled the boat with the
hot steam without causing damage to any
other part of the boiler OF machinery. In
the engine room was L. M. Henry Gill
can, an employe of the JOURNAL Office,
about II years of age. who was horribly
scalded and breathed the hot steam caus-
ing great internal as we'll as external inju-
ries, which have since proved fatal. Near
the door way was Master NeilI S. McLau-
rim, son of Mr.. Jos. McLaurin of this
city and about il years of age, vino had
his face badly scalded and hands severely
iniurned in the same manner. Fortunately
when the shock was felt he threw himself
on his face and was thus saved greater in
jury. At the stern of the boat were sever
al gentlemen, all of whom felt the heat
of the steam, but besides those mentioned
above none jumped overheard.
In few moments the steamer was free
of steam and deprived of the power of mo-
ton except such as the former Roadway
and the force of the current gave. All at
tention was instantly attracted to the
three persons in the water. The boat con.
tinued to leave them rapidly and great
difficulty was experienced by then in keep
ing afloat, burdened down as they were
with the weight of their clothes. It soon
became apparent that unless speedily res ]