Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1873-08-21

ginia side of the Potomac, about five miles be-
low Acquia Greek, and after the whistle of the
boat had been blown as a signal of her ap-
proach to that landing. the steamer ct that
time being about third of a mile from the
shore, fire was discovered in the hold. and the
hose was attached Immediately, but before the
men could reach it the confiagration became
general as the fire had been burning for some
time. The fire had been smouldering, it is
supposed, for some hours, and, upon opening
the matches 1t burst forth with great fury,
driving away Il men from the hold and COM
pletely battling all attempts to subdue it. In
an instant great confusion prevailed on the
vessel, the passengers becoming panic-stricken
and franctic with fear, very few having pres
ence of mind sufficient to take care of them
selves. The steamer was, without moments
delay, headed for the shore on the Virginia
side. and in few minutes run aground about
200 yards from the Virginia side. At this time
the flames had spread with fearful rapidity. and
in the excitement many jumped overheard. Sew
erl of them jumped into the water before the
steamer struck bottom. She was provided
with but two small boats, and in the frenzy of
the moment one of these boats was thrown
overheard by the passengers, who, uncontroll-
ed, were trying to launch her.
Capt. Wood, of the Inflated steamer. and
his assistants, are said to have used every eff
fort to control the passengers but without
avail, and, but for the disobedience of his or
ders many who were lost might have been
saved. The vessel was well provided With
life-preservers, but in the panic it seems that
none of the passengers secured them. and
this fact also added to the lamentable loss of
! life.
Over forty passengers were drowned. Capt
| Wood was the last man to leave the vessel,
and the pilot, Mr.. Boswell was surrounded by
| flames before he left the pilot-box, which was
I l. ~
| aground. The flames spread with such rapid
ty that the tiiler-ropes were on fire before the
vessel struck ground.
All those lost WERE it is supposed, drowned
having jumped overheard to escape the
flames.
The fire was first discovered about twenty
minutes before III o'clock, and Kenny states
that in less than ten minutes the vessel was
enveloped in flames, and now lies where it was
run aground, burned to the waters edge.
About one-half the passengers on the Wa
wasset were women and children. many OF
whom were en- route to country places along
the Potomac to spend short time with theil
| friends.
The Wawasse. was side-wheel steamer,
about $50 tons, and was engaged in running
between Washington and the landings along
| the Potomac. She was insured for S2S 900.
Miss Mcpherson, passenger, describes the
scene of the burning boat as most terrible to
witness. The flames burst out all around and
swept aft, driving women and children over
Into the water. She saw four little children
hanging ON by their hands to the burning
steamer, and one after the other drop into the
water, the flames driving them off. The col
orea people were perfectly wild, and no re-
monstrances ON the part of the officers were
needed. They jumped into the boa.. piling il
full and declared that it was the colored peo
Piles boat, refusing all whites admission
When it went down all were dumped into the
water together, and many others followed, be-
ing pushed overheard.
| The flames burst into the main-deck setting
fire to the clothing Of women and children
who were hoping for some relief, but no one
could pass the gangway for the flames.
One of the worst features among the shore
scenes was the disposition among both white
and colored stragglers to plumber and rob the
dead.
There is no longer any doubt that the
steamer was burned because the company
overloaded the vessel and provided no mean,
of escape for the passengers. and that the
owners must assume the direct and terrible
responsibility of the fearful slaughter which
attended their neglect.