Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1873-12-21
THE VILE DE HAVRE.
Statement of Captain Robertson, OF the
LOch-EarR-Csptain SHrmeunt
CoAtradieted.
The Struggles to Save His Own Vessel
-HesTtrending IncIdeRt-Re-
QUEEN Mass.

NEW YORK, December 20.-London papers OF
the eighth, received to-day, contain the OFF,
cial report OF Captain Robertson, of the Loch-
Earn, which sunk the steamer Vile de Havre.
II Is as follows, 80 far as relates TO the colli-
sion: November 22d, two clock IN the morn
ing; latitude forty-six degrees hfty-four min
six minutes, west; wind, south, southwest,
true. The ship was braced up on the port
tack, heading by standard compass north
west By west, or west one-balf a true, The
steamers masthead was set firm one to two
points on the port bow. Our side lights were
out and burning brightly; shortly after we
ing straight for US; almost Immediately she
head lights, and was steering sp-
parently to pass under our stern.
After a short time, we rang our bell and
ported our helm, as we thought she was COM
ing too near, the steamer still showing only
her pOTt-light- When close 10 our bew, the
steamers helm was starbOsrded and she was
across Our bow, and a collision was inevitable.
The order was given 10 back our after-yatds,
but before the braces could be let go the two
vessels came in collision, the Loch-Earn strik-
ing the steamer auidships. The ships imme-
diately separated, and we threw our after
yards aback. Half our crew then shortened
sail, and the remainder cleared away the port
nfe-boat. The carpenter, being at the pun ps,re
ported that tbs ship was making no water, and
then went forward, and found the bOwsprit
gone and the bow smashed completely in,
but the bulkhead was apparently uDinjured.
boat from the Vile de Havre then came
men. 1 asked II the ST. amer was much in
iur, q I was told The Was No one said any
IN ng about her wanting assistance. NO dis
tress signals were msde by the steamer.
I thought at the time the boat was
sent 10 render US assistance, but while
talking 10 the officers saw the steamer ap-
parentiy settling down. The port lifeboat was
lowered at once, and put in charge of the sec
Ond ofncer and four men, who made toward
the sinking ship. One cutter and sJarboard
lfeboat were then cleared away snd in few
minutes dispatched 70 the scene of the catas-
irophe, their only guide being the
cries of the drowning people. The
our boats out till daylight until every one
floating around the wreck was picked up.
We succeeded In saving eighty-four persons
out Of three hundred end six, large proper
lion OF the passengers having gone down with
the steamer. The Vile de Havre only fioated
about fifteen minutes after being struck"
Captain Robinson then proceeds TO give
an account of his falling in with the Til
Mountain, and transferring the steamers pas
sengers and crew TO her, with the exception
Of MessTs. Cook and Weiss, and one OF the
steamers firemen, who was iuj jured. He then
gives an account Of his struggles to save his
vessel. The following incident is told by the
captain Of the Loch-Earn: A lady swan
alongside, with her child in her arms, A rope
was thrown to her, which she seized but
in attempting to be pulled up, holding
on by Que arm, with the other around the
child, her strength failed her, and the child
was lost, but the poor mother was hauled on
board.
at Havre on the eighth instant in honor of
the victims. The cathedral was draped in
black from the roof TO the floor, and was
thronged by congregation Of five thousand
persons. The catafalQue was surrounded by
the sailors OF the Republican navy, and all
the civic, naval and military dignttaries OF
the place were present. The ceremonies
were interrupted by a burst of grief
from the worshipers. Ali the ships in
the harbOr had their flags at half
mast, and business was at q standStiu.
Public subscriptions amount TO forty thou
sand francs, excluding the contribution of the
company. The singers OF the Paris opera are
TO give a performance Of La Trdutdt0 at
Bavre for the benefit of the families of the
victims.
Professor Rufet, of the Geneva theological
seminary, in which Cesar Proncer, lost by
the Vile de HavTe disaster, was professor,
writes to this country asking II American
christisns cOuld do something for Pioneers
numerous family. He leaves q wife, who has
been sick for many years, and six children,
the oldeet only thirteen and a half years old.