The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-02-06
WRECK OF TIE WAND0.

The Last of a Noted Blockade Runncr-Ths
steamer WnndO WnterlOg9ed and Abun.
doned by Her Crew OF Chesapeake Bay.
On Sunday morning last, as the steamer Cham.
pion, OF the New York and Charleston line was
passing Chesapeake, about forty miles south Of
the Delaware lightship, the crew sighted low.
rugged steamer, apparently waterlogged, lying OF
the coast A nigh wind prevailed at the time, and In
consequence there was very heavy sea- but Captain
Lockwood bore down 10 the sinking vessel to render
any assistance that might be necessary. On coming
nearer he found he HAD been anticipated for
the steamer Cleopatra, OF the Alexandra line
bound south, had already come 10 the
rescue and taken on board the crew
Of the disabled ship. When the Champion came
alongside line was made fast to the Wando which
was found to be the name OF the vessel Not soul
was on board. the crew having abandoned her, and
not moment too soon, for the water was pouring
IN upon the decks and cabins so that she was liable
TO sink at any moment, and Captain Lockwood
thinks she must have ioundered Immediately after
the Champion bore away. The WandO was a low,
rakish steamer, OF English build, with every facility
Tor speed and the captain and mate OF tie Champion
botn agreed that she had been a blockade run
ner, Judging from her general appearance. No in
dicaton could be found explaining her sudden de-.
struction.
Yesterday HERALD reporter learned some inter-
estng particulars relative TO her past history and
Gus steamers built upon the clyde during the civil
war " run the blockade OF the Soutnern ports.
After making one or TWO very successful trips, and
having gained q reputation as noted runner, sne
was captured by . United States man-0i-war and
taken to tins port. After lying IN the Navy Yard
some time work was found for the WandO TO do
but at the close OF the she again sent to the
Navy Yard where she was sold to Mr.. Wells, Presl.
dent Of the western Transportation Company.
For some unacc0untable reason Mr. Wells, after
purchasing the vessel allowed her to remain idle,
and for more than five years she has not made a
single trip or been employed upon service OF any
Kind. About O month ago Mr.. Wells sold the
Wanda TO the spanish house OF Rivera Il Co., who
were looking out for q swift steamer to ply between
New York anu Havana and carry general cargo
| When Rivera Il co. procured the vessel she was
subjected to a thorough overhauling, and on being
| examined bya government engineer, preparatory
| 10 her Drst trip, was pronounced TO be sound IN
every particular arc In good order and condition.
On FRIDAY last she started from pier No. with her
nrst cargo consisting OF $4,000 feet of lumber and
| large quantity OF miscellaneous goods. The crew
consisted OF me captain, A. ID. LOzcr and thirty
men all told. Rivera * Co. had every confidence IN
the vessel, and were considerably astonisned yes.
terday morning when the purser OF the Champion
brought them the news OF The loss. The Wanda was
OF 6s2 tons burden, lying low the water as block
ade runners generally do, and was one OF the best
vessels OF her class. The loss upon the cargo and
| ship Is fully covered by Insurance, and the owners
VIII sustain no further damage than Temporary
interference with their trade II more than prom
able That the vessel has SUNK this: aud 50 ends
| the career OF q noted blockade runner