The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-04-14

sell which threatened TO crush the boats TO pieces
every time they approached the side OF the vessel
think we may congratulate ourselves on having
so lew nurt. One poor fellow had his back hurt;
another MS legs crushed some were scalded, but
the majority were more frightened than hurt. The
French sailors handled their boats remarkably
well. Too much praise cannot be given
TO our officers, Messrs. Buck, Hubbard,
Palmer and Weber, who displayed the
greatest activity, presence OF mind, &c. through
the whole OF this trying scene. One OF the most
active and useful men on board the Greece was
John Burke, the bOatswain's mate; he seemed TO
be always al hand when wanted AS for the rest OF
the men they worked till the perspiration cropped
rom them; they put their whole heart and soul
into the work l did not admire the manner in
which the French sailors left their boats directly
the passengers saved. They swarmed
up the sides and left the boats to the mercy
OF the waves. Consequently they were all
lost. Very few or the passengers saved
anything; all their personal luggage and effects
were left on board the French vessel When
Captain Lemarie came on board he was terribly
cut up and our captain tried to cheer him up, but
In vain. do not know how the steerage passen-
gers received the unfortunate ones; but know
that we in the saloon did our best for them-gave
up our berths, shared our food and clothes and, in
fact, gave them o hearty welcome not only in
words. but in Deeds feel sure that there were
very few among US who were not prepared to
submit 70 any Inconvenience provided we could
benefit
THE UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE
we had taken on board. We do not desire praise,
nor even thanks; but we wish the truth to be
known and challenge any one to deny the truth
OF these statements After getting all on board
we found time to make few inquiries as
to how this state OF things had been
brought about. We then heard that the
steamer was the Europe, bound from Hayre
to New York and owned by the COmpanie
Generate Transatantique Francois, commanded bv
Captain Lemarie. She lett Havre on the Goth OF
March and Brest on the 2sth, and had very rough
weather. On the 1st of April Captain Lemarie
discovered leak in the engine room, and found
they were making deal OF water. 1t was agreed
that nothing TO be said about 1t, but 1t was
be got under as soon possible. On the End
OF April they found the water gaining
them, and the engineers reported that in
a short time they would be unable TO
work the engines. 1t was then decided
that they should fire guns, show signals OF distress
and run down to us, save all the passengers and
abandon the vessel, as they were iully persuaded
the Europe sinking last. The decision was
acted upon, and the result you already know
None OF the passengers were aware that leak
had sprnng till the guns were fred and then it
could not be concealed. When everything was
clear OF the leaking vessel our Chief officer
Mr. Buck, and the first engineer, went
on board to examine her, and we
anxiously awaited their report On returning
they reported seven ieet OF water in the engine
they were OF opinion that the vessel would keep
afioat long enough TO get into some port. On hear
ing this Captain Thomas determined to lay 10 all
night and have further examination in the morn
Ing. Early on Good Friday morning our chief
officer and head engineer again went board
the Europe, and on returning reported she had
made two feet OF water during the night.
Still they thought she coula be saved. Captain
Thorn as held consultation with his officers, and
it was decided tnat Mr. Buck, the chie officer, and
Mr.. Webber should take volunteer crew OF
twenty-five men, go on board and endeavor TO get
her into some port. 1t was not dimcult matter to
gel a volunteer crew. and twenty-five brave fellows
were found ready to risk their lives in attempting
to save the noble vessel; for 1t was brave
thing to do, the engines could not be
worked and they would have to 20 entirely by
sail Now, there several malicious scandals
circulating TO the effect that captain and onh-
GERS lorcbiy prevented Captain Lemarie from GO
ing on board the Europe. Now beg to state that
these statements are false and utterly unworthy
OF credit.
Shortly before the boats left containing the prize
crew Captain Lemarie was walking on
THE DECK OF THE GREECE;
he had life preserver on, but he never uttered
wish to be allowed to go on board; IN fact, never
came near the boat at all; / wish that to be
understood. About I A. M. these men
took two Of our boats all the Europe's boats were
lost, and went on board the French vessel. They
we're picked men, and II good wishes could be OF
any service to them, God knows they had ours
The wind was fair one for Queenstown, and
when they got on board they began
10 get sail on her, and endeavored to
get her head round. We could see
il would be work OF difficulty, and it was decided
that we should throw rocket and line on board
and tow her round. In carrying out this idea the
vessels collided the Europe struck US twice with
nsr bow in the centre Of the stern, making a hole
nearly six feet square. In depth the hole ex-
tended from upper deck to the main deck.
Mr.. Buck was standing on the bow OF
.he Europe at the time this took place,
and SO close were we tnat / could see how
mortified ne looked and distinctly heard him
say "Oh, my Godr' or course the shock was felt
right through the vessel, and when we were struck
suppressed scream ran through the crowds OF
people on our deck. 1t did look a fearful hole, and
many OF Us thought one ship as good as the other
when we saw 1t. On examination it was found to
DC above the water mark and the rudder post was
lninj1red. Immediately after the shock the
sailors, several officers and steerage passengers
,f the Europe, put their lie preservers
,n; some OF them went below, thereby
frightening the women to such an extent
that The whole vessel was speedily IN an uproar
We were stcamIng about the Europe all the after
noon, and then she signalled US 70 go on our
course. We did and left them with heavy
hearts, but stlIi confident that whatever the skill
or man could do would be done by those brave
fellows to save that magnificent vessel Our own
position was by no means and enviabe one.
The hole came right into little cabin, and Captain
Thomas had this stuffed with sails until 1t was
quite impossible that much water could come In.
Alter this was done we felt comparatively safe.
We have had some very heavy weather, and the
+, i,o and int,