The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-09
DROWNING CASUALTY.

A EOat With Party OF Boys RIM
Down by the steamer Amcricus-Three
Boys Drovvned--Alicged Criminal Caro-
lessness i'm the Management OF the
steamcr-Thc Bodies Recovered.
NoRwALK, Conn.,, June 8, 1873
Yesterday afternoon thirty-fve boys, members
OF Rev. c. NJ. Selleck's school, in this place,
were returning from Peach Island OF
Gregory's Point, Norwalk narbor, whittier
they had gone in the morning for q
days recreation. They occupied two boats. In
the largest tthe Sappho) were twenty-five boys in
the other tho name) ten. A teacher accompanied
each boat. When opposite Garvey's Island, now
occupied by Mr.. Francis Burritt, the boats were
passed by the steamer Americas, on her
way from New York to South Norwalk.
The boats gave the steamer wide berth.
At that moment however, an accident
took place on board the steamer. son of the
engineer caught his hand in the rudder chains,
making 1t necessary to the engines in order
to extricate the same. This movement was exc
cuted quickly. and the pilot discovering his vessel
drifting towards the flats, the channel being mar
row, gave orders to back water, which was done,
WITHOUT WARNING OR SIGNAL
OF any kind The boys III the smaller boat, not
comprchending the movement, Kept on their way,
when suddenly they beheld the great steamer
connection, ana consequently the boys were unable
TO manage their boat and discovered that they
were pOWerlesS TO get OUT OF the way. III was
terrible moment
STRUGGLE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.
-Four OF the boys with their teacher jumped
into the water TO save themselves. They had
scarcely done when the steamer struck and
capsiZed the boat. All were now in the water.
The larger boys and the teacher strOve to
aid their younger companions, none OF whom
could SWIM. TRe boat turned bottom upwards,
and one boy, with the assistance OF another,
succeeded In climbing upon it. Two chung to the
steamers paddle-whee, and held on until they
were rescued. Others succeeded in keeping above
water until the SapphO and boats from shore came
upon the scene Tne teacher Mr.. A. b. Farnham,
acted noble part in sustaining two boys ut the
risk Of his own life. Despite the efforts OF all,
THREE OF THE PARTY WERE DROWNED.
Inc Amerlcus' crew cast over life preServerS,
chairs and log OF wood, and succeeded in pulling
on board three OF the boys. She then went on her
way to South Norwalk. The bodies of the drowned
boys Immediately sunk and every effort on the part
OF those In the SapphO to reclaim them proved
1rultless. They accordingly lett the scene, with
Sorrowlul hearts, Tor the school, arriving ut eight
O'Clock. brief narrative OF the event was given,
when on calling of the roll after assembling in
the dining room, three were found missing. 1t
was the saddest moment ever experienced in that
house.
THE NAMES OF THE BOYS
are as follows:--Cnarles ]. Bostwick, OF Auburn N
y, and nephew OF w. H. Seward, il. Edward Nor
ris. or Troy, N y and William b. Crane of Somers
N. "; aged respectively fifteen sixteen and thir-
dredged. some twenty oyster boats with their
crews being employed, under the direction
OF :he teachers OF the school. The first
body was found about two O'Clock this
In solemn procession the bodies were borne to the
Lower House, where some OF the boys lodge
Efforts at rcsuscitatiOn were then made by Drs.
Barbour and Hayes, but were OF no avall. An In
quest was held, but the result OF the investigation
has not yet transplred. The event casts gloom
over this entire community.