The New York herald., 1871-09-06

miles from Lephorn and was severely injured;
much so that she Is now docked IN the finest basin
OF the Mediterranean for repairs l have taken
pains to inquire about the accident among the OIL
GERS and to ascertain through other sources
THE FACTS IN THE CASE.
During the past year the Guerrere has been upon
an extended cruise up the Mediterranean, visiting
Alexandria and all the important pOrts and the
officers and crew have been received with nospi-
tally that has seldom been accorded to an American
man-ofwar
Returning from this succession or feasts. the
Guerrlere was coming under steam and SAL toward
Leghorn. and had already moved between the
island OF Elba and the Italian coast when she
struck the treacherous vada Shoal and ran her
PROV upon one Of the worst reefs Of Western Italy.
The main point ia,
WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT
and what have been the injuries sustained by the
ship therebyp 1t was between three and four in the
afternoon and before the first dog watch. The navl
gator was ON deck with his charts furnished by the
Savy Department., and was directing the ship to-
ward this port by cross-bearings, taken upon land
objects and from the conspicuous lighthouse stu.
ated on tho land side Of the reef
1t should be und erstood by the general reader
that in approaching port without pilot on board
and none on board in this instance-ir Is left TO
the navigator to shape the shlp's course according
ment. The navigator OF the Guerrere was one OF
the most Intelligent in the service. He laid down
his line OF sailing toward this port with every ad
vantage that an official could have, for land was in
full si4ht-ony six miles distant and to eastward
and the weather. though rather heavy, with
freshentng breeze offered no impediment to per.
feet understanding Of the ships position by local
geography. The Guerriere was going along at
eight knots an hour. the navigator aud captain be-
leving that they had cleared Va1a Shoal and had
more than mile to eastward, when near four
O'Clock the Guerrero was trlpped up forward and
she drove ahead with violent impetus upon the
reef, her bows beating upon the rocks, humping
ana threatening to crush
THE MAMMOTH FRAMEWORK
of the frgate. "Fightlng Tom Stevens as he Is
known IN the service, and further known as an able
and cautious, but ready seaman, saw the great
danger OF the vessel and the necessity for quick
action and fine Judgment. OF course he reversed
the engine and all sail was thrown aback, but the
Guerrero still hung upon the nasty reef Keeping up
the monotonous and deadly hammerng away. The
captain, still cool ana cautious and feeling, like the
true sailor that he is, that the very ribs and vitality
OF that ship were as his own, gave orders
TO LIGHTEN HER INSTANTLY,
and all hands turned to and worked. The gun
deck battery, which consisted OF twenty-five
nine-inch shell guns, each weighing 5000 pounds,
was put In condition for dismounting. The guns
were hoisted out through the waste ports and de-
posted on lighters, and thus the iron incubus was
shaken of.
In the meantime boats had been cleared awav.
uncnors nad been put down astern, and hawser5
secured 10 these anchors had been led through the
viol block. the purchase was multiplied on deck.
and the fall dnally led 10 The capstan. But the
Guerrero remained fast and
WOULD NOT QUIT HER SEAT.
Every seaman Will appreciate these beautiful eX-
were performed with marvellous rapldity, and
without doubt finally saved one OF the finest
frigates OF our navy. Alter the battery was taken
out the ship was further ightened by removing all
her cables and stores; her topmasts and topgalant.
fore yards were put over the side. and these two
spars were preserved Tor theheavy rackling. Mag
azlne und shell rooms ana shot lockers were
cleaned out ana half Of the coal ON board was also
discharged.
the knotty reef as II ambitious to so TO pieces but
Captain stevens, with all on board determined,
God willing that this should not be- and lor seventy
TWO hours that heroic crew worked as they may
never be required to work again. And thus these
$50 men toiled on until Mr.. Howard,
AMERICAN CONSUL AT LEGHORN,
who had been informed of the situation secured the
cooperation OF two Italian steamers, when they
made rapidly for Vada ShOal and took the Guer-
rere in tow. IL Is SO seldom that American COnsus
earn any particular distinction that 1t Is pleasant TO
say that il the United States were in the habit of
bestowing decorations Mr.. Howard would be
titled TO such reward. But before the Italian vessels
had arrived the Guerrere had noaied OF, and from
ANOTHER ACCIDENT.
One OF the stern hawsers had become entangled
with the propeller and thus the vessel was unable
to use It's steam power, and hal to rely upon the
aid rendered by the friendly steamers from SpezzM;
otherwise the Guerrero could have gone into port
Without assistance ana the dreadful injuries she
has sustained, according TO public report, would
the navy OF ''ran aground in the mid wach."
As the sequel shows or VIII snow, this misfortune
the Guerrero was probably one OF the best accl
dents that could happen to the service. 1t demon.
srated at least the wonderful seaanlixe facility OF
our officers and men, and likewise more ability to
save :he ship than IS common among the other
navies OF the world. Marine science was iurthered,
Snoal, and as the reader will find further on,
the SURVEYORS OF COAST LINES,
the builders OF lighthouses and the makers OF charts
may be brought 10 realization OF the terrible re-
sponsIbility which they undertake IN locating
dangerous spots In the sea. Wildly iormed.out
ment surveyors nave already cost many ships and
Nothing could have been more admirable than the
PROFESSIONAL EFFICIENCY
OF the younger officers In this delicate crisis. With
out mentioning names may say tnat lhev an be; De;
where good captain commands and close anu
thorough organization exists. IL should be under.
stood that during these seventy.two honrs, while
the Guerrero was grinding away upon Vada Reef,
It seemed almost miracle TO save her. IL was
only fidelity and enthusiastic love Tor the vessel
which preserved her. Captain stevens declared his
intention 10 stand by and II she went down to 60
As ihe ship noated Off with several feet OF water
under her heel II was found That she made only
SEVEN INCHES OF WATER AN HOUR,
and this Is what sailors call heahy leak" or, IN
otner words II Is lair average for vessel OF the
SIZE OF the Guerrero wherever she might he. To the
great satisfaction OF all hands the vessel put her
lead towards Leghorn apparently uninJured. When
she arrived at Spezzia preparations were al once
made for
DOCKING HFR.
Plans OF her bottom were sent 10 the Italian naval
constructors IN order that they might prepare the
proper cradle IN the dry dock. il is orediaDie TO
he authorities OF the station mat every facllty was
offered, for hey ond the ships being an American
m an -Of. war had earned such Just celebrity
nom her elegant lines and general trim condition
tnat universal sollcitude was shown throughout
This good feeling ana international fellowship did
not however prevent the Italian naval constructor
from docking The Guerrero 50 low that no poie
only few feet between The Keel ana the bottom VI
the dock. This was
ANOTHER AND VERY BAD AFFAIR
hp, ,ua tioa com neta me IN that Italian