Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-03-07
Loss, 5000, 900 to $500, 900
Insurance. $4,000.
Two Lives LOst---Others Missing
Escape from the Burning
Boats Almost Impossible
1.-The Entire Fire DE.
partment Called
into Service.
FULL PARTICULARS.

CINCINNATI, March IA destructive
Ere broke out at 1890 this morning on
the steamer St. Charles, at the landing
and in a short time that and five other
steamers, the Kate Robinson, Altoona,
Argosy, Major Anderson and Champion,
were in flames, and all were burned to
the waters edge. The entire fire de-
partment were on the ground in short
time. but were unable to de anything
further than keep the fire from destroy
ing the New Orleans wharf boat. The
fire succeeded four times against the
combined efforts of six or eight OF our
best engines in effecting lodging, but
after hard fight Of over an hour was
forced back, and the wharf boat, which
is q very valuable one, was saved.
The Kate Robinson was receiving
freight for the Tennessee river trade, and
had about seventy-fve tons Of groceries,
hardware, -four, etc, valued at perhaps
$4,000 on board
The Champion hsd about $40, 900 worth
Of po-k. furniture and other light freight
On board. . small portion Of which may
Be saved
Not the least Of the loss resulting from
The destruction Of the steamers Cham
uson. Ksts Robinson and Altoona, is the
nc, that they are the last Of class Of
Exit bats which we're fitted for the
trades IN which they we're employed,
AID il VII Be difcult to supply their
places
The total loss is estimated at between
$3.50 go and s4O0. 600.
Several kegs Of powder on the St.
Charles exploded with loud reports, tear
inE that vessels bow to pieces, but in
juring none Of the immense crowd OF
persons assembled on the wharf. The
Hag-stsfs Of the Burning boats were the
last to fall, and stood grim and solitary,
bending and sEaying in the wind long
after the decks and after portions Of the
bosts were in cinders, but they went
down ct last, and the light which for
hours had illuminated the river and
country foI miles around faded out. leav-
ing nothing but six blaekenedhalls where
yesterday Aoated the pride and fortunes
of as many captains and the dependence
of as many crews
1t is reported that at least two persons
were burned to death on the St. Charles.
1t is probable that ersllives were lost
during the FIRE, as some Of the employees
Of the boats are missing, and the FIRE
spread with such rspidity that it was i'm
possible for those On board the steamers
to do more than save themselves.
Captain Russell, Of the St. Charles,
was asleep on the boat when the FIRE
started, and hastily grasping few val
uables, he rushed upon the hurricane
deck, jumped from thence upon The fan
tail of the Argosy, then into the river
and swan ashore with great difficulty.
Ann Watson, the colored chanbermaid
Of the Kate Robinson, fell into the river
in endeavoring to effect her escape, but
was rescued. One Of the clerks Of the
Champion would perhaps, have per
ished had IT not been for the captain Of
the boat, who pulled him out Of bed and
hurried him ashore. A large amount Of
cotton and other freight on the bank
caught Gre at the outset and burned
6ercely for a time. but was exiinguished
by the fremen.
The St. Charles was . sdeBheel
steamer, built at New Albany in 1854.
was owned by G. A. bravo. and valued
at 10000; insured 10 Cincinnati and
Pittsburg companies Tor $4,000 She
had $4,000 worth Of freight aboard
The Major Anderson was a sidewheel
steamer, valued at sl2, 1000, insured in
Cincinnati aud Wheeling ompanies;
was owned oy Charles Muhlmau, John
K Booth aud c. j. Young
The Champion was sternSheel boat
engaged in the Cincinnati and Rec
river trade; was owned by Captain J
A. Williamson and J. g. Ishami wa
valued at $40 600; noiusarance.
> The Argosy belonged to j. seasnek
Of Veyay, Indiana. She was loadinl
. for New Orleans, and had a good load
/. consisting Of whisky, pork, bacon, furni
% ture, etc. She was valued al about $4,000
no insurance.
. The Kate Robinson and Altoona wer
sternwheel boats Of the same class, AM
4 owned BY the same parties as the Cham
, pion, except theAbeoua, which was owner
partly BY Captain Hiram S. Vinton, be
commander. Each vas valued at $40
is 900, and neither was insured. Bot
Il these steamers we're previously in ID
a Cincinnati and S. Louis Express Line
= bat had recently formsd . line Of Cir
D. cinnsd and Tennessee river packets
b The Kate Robinson vas partly loade
g Tor that stream