Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1873-09-19
TCoMMUNIcATED.l
The MaMaSSett InYeSfi@atiOn.


Mr.. EDITOR: With feelings of the deep
est regret have we read the decision of the
board of inquiry that has lately ended its
investigation into the particulars of the
Potomac disaster.
Their wholesale condemnation of officers
and crew seems to be in conflict with the
facts elected in the evidence before them,
by which, we presume, they were entirely
governed as to the guilt or innocence OF
those in charge of the Inflated boat.
We do not propose to charge this able
and altogether competent committee OF In
vestigation with rendering a partial judg-
ment in this matter, but we are at loss
to know for what Mr.. Wheeler, the clerk
was censured. For unofficer-like conduct?
The evidence does not sanction this. For
neglect of duty? If using every available
means in his power to save those panic
stricken passengers constituted his duty,
then the evidence, which we will insert be-
fore our conclusion, would have sustained
them in Acquiring him with the highest
honors.
It is well understood, Mr. Editor, that
Immediately after the discovery of the fire,
it was determined that they would beach
the boat, knowing her light draft, that she
could be driven, under full head of steam,
in from two to four feet water. This would
have been easily accomplished had not the
engine failed to perform its duty few mo-
ments before she struck.
Actuated by this principle, what would
seem to any one who has ever imagined
the circumstances governing those in
charge as being the most expedient course
to pursue Looking to the safety of the
no 70 md
assist them to the forward part of the boat
where the current, occasioned by the run
ming of the steamer, prevented the flames
advancing in that direction? Admitting
this. we would ask where was Mr.. Wheeler
answer this, but will simply direct you to
the testimony of witnesses before the in
vestigating committee, the proper source
to which we should look to ascertain the
efficiency with which each officer perform
ed his duty on that memorable occasion.
First witness called, Capt Wood, in re-
any lady over the wheelhouse?" testified,
s'Yes, sir, the clerk and myself did"
The mate Mr.. Gravitt, also testified, II
saw the clerk trying to get the ladies for
ward over the wheelhouse."
=
any one trying to save the lives of the la
dies and gentlemen" answered, Il saw Mr..
Wheeler" "Any one else 2" mo, sir, no
one else."
Now for the evidence of passengers.
Mr.. J. W. Reed testified, 81 saw Mr..
Wheeler and Capt. Wood passing my cou-
sin over the wheelhouse, and the last saw
of Mr. Wheeler was on the hurricane deck,
passing my cousin down."
- Miss Kate Mcpherson testified, II am
sure Mr. Wheeler did all he could to save
my cousin and myself. He carried us
down in the gangway and afterwards tried
to come where we were, but could not do
it,"
>, Col. J. B. North testified, II looked up
at the pilot-house and saw the captain,
smothered with smoke and flames, with
buckets throwing water, after awhile saw
the clerk, and after getting overheard |
= looked aroundeand still saw the captain
and clerk on the upper deck, covered with
flames, as thought.
Vim. Emerson testified, II saw some one
on the wheelhouse assisting the ladies over,
think it was Mr.. Wheeler"
Charles Hebron testified, Il was assisted
to the hurricane deck by Mr.. Wheeler, l
also saw him help two colored women to
the hurricane deck; didn't see any one else
assisting passengers.
Orem Eddy testified, ''the clerk came a.
long and said we had better go forward ;
I took the young lady to the wheelhouse,
and by his assistance she was gotten for
ward
Lewis Woody, colored, testified, II climb
ed up on deck, near the wheelhouse, there
were several ladies there; the clerk told all
to come forward over the wheelhouse."
E. Nash, not at all seeming very favor
ably disposed towards the officers, testif-
ed, "we were standing aft of the wheel
house waiting for some instructions as to
what to do, when Mr.. Wheeler came up
and told us all to come forward; did not
see any of the officers doing anything but
Mr.. Wheeler
Inview of these plain and unquestionable
facts, showing that he (Mr. Wheeler) never
shrunk from his duty, until forcibly made
to do so, let us, Mr.. Editor, with feelings
of pride, present to the public his manly
conduct on so impressive an occasion,
prompted not only by our general admira-
ton of such character, but by that SYM
pathetic feeling (when it is deserving) that
ever pe-vades the hearts of fellow-coun-
tians. And, in conclusion, we do not hes
itate to say, should he ever occupy the
position, he will be happily greeted by all,
and continue to receive that high esteem
of the travelling public he so deservedly
won during his clerkship of the Inflated
steamer. JUSTICE.