The New York herald., 1871-09-02
o 8 1 T u A z Y.
Captain Henry X. H0vey,

Brief mention has been made in the city journals
concerning the history and affairs OF the late COM
mander OF the i'll -fated steamship LodOna, wrecked
on Cape Carnaveral on the 10th ult The thousands
on both sides OF the Atlantic who have received
private and official courteses at his hands will ap
preciate more extended historical notice, which
we herewith append.
Captain Hovey was born at Essex, Conn.,, In 1916.
His seafaring life commenced at very early age
and continued, with an interruption, for
forty years Until lately he connected with the
Black Star line Of New York and London packets.
his first voyage being as cabin boy for his brother
in-law, the late well known Captain II. L. Champlln,
the founder OF that line. AT the age OF twenty. four
he commanded the ship President, and successvely
the Philadelphia the Westminster, the Devonshre
and the Amazon. In the winter OF 1850,
while III the Devonshire. he met In MD
ocean the Hamburg steamship Helena Sioman,
BOARD osne vesseis had BEEN sighted by ,Se Se
unfortunate steamer and recognized ner condition,
D e os aG TO
periOus EFFORTS Captain HOvey succeeded IN saving
the entire crew and passengers but with the loss OF
one OF his own boats crews, which had Swamped
while passing ON its errand of mercy. For this nu
name act Captain HOvey received the unbOunded
throughout the country. The cities OF New York
and Hamburg had medals struck commemorative OF
the event. and presented other suitable testimonials
In honor OF the intrepid captain and crew. In the
contemporary issues OF the New York journals fire.
Quent me0tOn may DE IOunQ concerning the re.
markable passages Of the DevOnshire Several trips
were made IN the number OF days usually allotted
steamers, and one in the shortest time for sailing
vessels record In 1858 the Black Star line CON-
plered the magnificent snip Amazon, of 1000 tons
burden, built expressly Tor Captain HOvey and under
his immediate supervision. HIS unsurpassed
skill as a navigator and his uniform courtesy aud
care OF his passengers made this ship for ten years
a avOrite on both SIDES OF the water. To book i0r
the Amazon was considered q guarantee OF a safe
and pleasant voyage. she left London November l,
1868 with full cargo and over one thousand cabin
and steerage passengers. A storm prevented her
putting sea until the evening OF the 3d. and when
finally under way, and but a few miles OF Margate,
her lower hold was discovered to be IN flames. APP
parently the fire had been long sm0uldertng In her
cargo, all efforts to get It under were unavatling.
On Its first discovery the shore was signalled and
Steam tugs had put out 10 her assistance. Through
the heroic exertlOns Of her officers and crew every
person on board was safely got of, Captain HOvey
bringing from the stecrage at the imminent risk OF
his lie, Old man, who mad become TOO paralyzed
with fear 10 make any efOrt TO escape soon alter
this occurrence Captain HOvey became part owner
and commander OF the L0dona. IL Is noticeable tpat
Just before assuming this command offers Of two
other steamers sailing from this port were made him.
Under his able management the Lodona steadily
gained In favor with shippers anu maue unl10rmly
successful voyages. She mad been very lately re-
fitted with new boilers and machinery In great part,
and newly decked Originally designed J0r block
ade running, she was entirely 0f iron and OF un-
usual strength and cOmpactness She left this port
for New orleans with q full complement OF Officers
and men, and has closed her record, and that OF her
brave captain ana many OF his crew, on the bleak
coast which has proved the grave OF so many IN
trepid American seamen. Captain Hovey found It
not inconsistent with his profession to be u
Thoroughly Christian man, and 1t Is his character
such that Will longest survive In the memories or
his Immediate neighbOrs and friends.