New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-08-07
THE BURNING OF TIE PAT. ROGERS.

sIrpposITIoN THAT A NEGRO THIEF SET FIRE TO THE
RoAT-ApoITIoNAL NAMES OF PERSONS LOST
THRILLING INCIDENTS AND NARROW ESCAPES.
LOUISVILLE, Aug. 6.-The possible origin OF
the fire on the steamer Pat Rogers is given as foows
About two weeks ago negro thief was detected by the
Waterman on the Rogers, who fired al MN Out msseu
him. This negro took down passage on the rogers
when she left this wharf Tuesday and was beard 10
say 10 several negroes before starting that he would
make it "ho h for that Waterman before the BOAT
reached Cincinnati" The opinion is expressed by one
OF the officers OF the line here that TINS negro SET 'Ae
boat on fire and cut the tiller rope
CINCINSATI Aug. Gin addition to those reported
lost Yesterday, the following now believed TO have
been drowned:
Anna COOK, and two children OF svmon Gestner OF Gin
cinnat the wife and child of Dr. GIBBONS OF MauIson
Ind A. NJ. Bolls Of North Carolina James smiIn,
deck hand.
F. NJ Stone Of North Carolina was badly burned also
John Hughes the mate. They arrived in the city last
night. The greatest misfortune consisted in the TACT
that the fire occurred in that particular part OF the
river for Just there the water at such stage that
il was impossible for the to reach the Shore draw
ing as much water as she did The limit Of the time be-
tween the first alarm and the time when everybody
had LETT the boat said 10 have
been FIVE minutes. At the time there was dry land
on the starbOard side only 80 yards distant but wall
Of fame interviewed On the arboard side the land was
q long distance away. Tho wind was blowing toward
the nearest snore drove the flames that direc
ton Many those who got to the nearest shore are
discured for lfe the exposed parts Of their bodies
being actually roasted by the excessive heat.
One OF the most thrilling and miraculous escapes was
that Of Miss L. ]. Williams OF Louisville. who threw
away valse and extra clothing, and after securing
the services OF q gentleman in throwing overheard
OF peaches she eaped into the water after 1t with
a hfe-preserver. When she attempted to cling to the
~ Il t1n hn,r
she struggled with the crate and had just closed her
eyes despair when she drawn into skf by Mr..
Huff. VINO rendered valuable services In several other
cases. Miss ROwden OF Louisville jumped from the boat
toward Indiana shore. and the flames licking along
the surface OF the water horribly burned her head and
face. She had epreserver, and only secured
end Of plank by clnging to tue pantaloon leg OF
who past her. Sue says That while moving
through the water several gasping drowning wretcnes
extended their hands toward her some even graspng
her hair, tearing II out by the handful.
The last living object board OF the boat
little child three four years Of running about
screaming with fright, surrounded by the flames, and
The negro crew behaved badly, hurrylng of the boat
before there any imminent danger, and monopo-
ming ali available means Of support Two colored men
and white rOwcd away lifeboat that could
the shore The river is being dragged for bodies This
$4,000 The insurance is not known.
TIE SEARCH FOR BODIEs-THE TOTAL NUMBER LOST
PLACED Al 25-THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE STILL
MYSTERY.
CINCINNATI, Aug. 6.-The bodies of Ferdi-
nand Meter, Mrs. Smith. and Miss Cook OF Madison
Ind have been recovered from the river the
the Pat Rogers disaster Aurora Further investi-
cation has shed additional light origin OF the
IRE except dssipate the suspicion which rested on
the negro discharged from the boats employ. The
number board al told supposed 10 have been from
70 10 rs persons The exact list cannot be had. The
reports Of the lost have ranged from l6 to
% persons-probsby rs Is the number
nearest the fact Citizens and the Passengers
do not attach blame the captain and officers At all
events II has not been expressed. Suspense and
certainty TO the fate Of the missing have added
tensy to the painful interest felt il the calamity
A THIS time known % I'd