The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-18
THE GORGED RIVERS.
ssd Disaster In the Noaongahela-A Fleet Of
Coal Boats Carried Away and Several
Lives Lost-Condition Of the Pennsylvania
6Eeams-The Potomac Rising Rapidly.

Monongahela River last night and at two O'Clock
this morning the current was so strong that coal
neet. consisting OF thirty boats and barges, was
broken from Its fastenngs at the SmithHeld street
bridge and moved or In the current. Alarm was
instantly given by the blowing OF whistles and
other signals In use ON the river. and every effort
was made to save the lives Of the unfortunate
men who were on board the canal feet. Some
were saved. but 1t Ia reported that several were
lost
One man was seen to be carried under the
steamer Hercules ana another under the Andes.
Both men were floating past on barges and en-
deavored to Jump on the wheel OF the steamers
named, but fell in the water and went down.
The towboat " +. Wilson, lying opposite the foot
OF Market street, was struck by the floating barges
and turned upon one side. The Oil Valley was also
cut down.
II Ia impossible OF present to ascertain the ex
tent OF the damage done to property on the river
and the number Of lives lost The river Is STILL
rising rapidly. and at half-past ten this morning
had risen seventeen feet, but no further danger is
apprehended.
Twelve or Fifteen Mon Reported to Have
Been Drowned.
PIrrsBURa, Pa, Feb II, 1878.
The hood which 80 Unexpectedly commenced In
the Monongahela River last night continues with
lence. 1t Ia impossible to estimate the damages
done, but 1t Is considered that IL is the heaviest
river disaster ever experienced here. Grave ru-
mors are current concerning the damage done up
the river.
The loss OF life has not been as great as at first
supposed. Rumors prevailed that twelve or fifteen
men had gone down at the time OF the breaking
away Of the coal feet, but only two are known to
have perished
Joseph King was knocked or q barge at McKees-
port and was drowned
The towb0at Fl. F. Wilson sunk this morning.
She was valued at $4,000 and insured for $4,000.
The OIL Valley, owned by D. & p J. 8. Mcdonald,
valued at $4,000 and insured for $4,000 was also
lost. The loss Of coal boats and barges has been
very heavy and general
At Elizabeth this morning number Of coal
boats and barges, together with quantity oflumber
rats, principally owned by Joseph Walton, were
swept away. The loss Is estimated at $4,000
or the barges which broke away from the sus-
pension bridge this morning five were owned by
Samuel Cable Four Of them sunk, three landed
at ShousetOwn and four were landed by
steamer. 1t Is reported that several others have
been secured at points below here.
At halfpast eight p. M. the river was rising
rapidly, marks indicating the flow to be nineteen
and a half feet 1t Is thought the flood will cul-
inmate Dy mluulgnL
The Susquchanna Rising Mt Port Deposit.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. H. 1879
At Willamsport the river Is low At Chckies
snow fell to the depth Of six inches, and the river
rose nine inches The ice is unmoved.
At Port Deposit the river rose eight inches
yesterday, and is still rising The weather is clear
and mild. At Harrisburg there was no rise. There
was no rise at Columbia last night.
The Schuylktll and Lchigh Rivers.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. II, 1873.
The Schuylkin has not risen much from the rain
OF yesterday, and the ice gorge continues at Fair
| u,nnnt Tho Lahi0h. at Bethlehem and Mauch
| Chunk, has not risen.
The Potomac Rapidly Rising.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. II, 1873.
The following despatch was received here to-
night, at fourteen minutes past eight o'clock
! HARPER's FERRY. Va, Feb 17-6P NJ
| To THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER OF THE ARMY,
WASHINGTON:-
The Potomac has risen five feet and q half and is
rising yet. -...-.-~., :-.-,--,.. 9. A. MARTIN
SECOND DESPATCH.
WAsHINGToN, D. c., Feb II. 1873.
| The following was received at ten minutes
| to eleven O'Clock p Nj ~~H@lssvs1,,ser
HARPER's FERRY, Va, Feb. II, 1873.
The Potomac River has risen two feet since six
r. M. and Is still rising. Q. A. MARTIN.
Heavy Floods In Virginia..