The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1880-12-23
BroOkhaven Ledger. ]

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY BALES COT
TON DESTROYED.
Brookhaven Ledger.
The Kittie Nye, left the landing at
Sharp's Ferry, near Monticello, on the 10th
inst, with one hundred and seventy bales
of cotton and other valuabes aboard,
Messrs. Nat. Dale, j. J. benson, J. Pope,
| Benton Herring, Robt. Welbome, Nit
Johnston, COL, aud others as passengers,
proceeded on her return trip, expecting 10
make Columbia in five hours.
1t was a bright clear day with the wind
blowing from the north. After a run of
twenty-five miles, at half-past one, when
opposite the Lark Welborue place while the
passengers all in great gee were enjoying
themselves without "A suspicion of danger,
the cry of fire was suddenly heard aud soon
the boat was almost completely cnyeloped
in flames The pilot, Mr.. Seal headed her
for the timber on the west bank, il being
impossible to make a landing, and drove her
against the willows. This was the opp0rtu-
nifty for all to save themselves. Mr.. MUIR
ply, the clerk, provided with "a liie-prc-
server, leaped from the boat and chung Co
willow. Many of the passengers and crew
did the same but Mr. benson, being una
BILE to swim, and negecting to secure life
had the alternative OF burning to death or
drowning Mr.. Herring, who was among tho
first to leave the boat, returned To 10 and
endeavored to throw off a bale Of cotton.
Seeing Mr.. benson, and being informed by
him of his situation, he directed him 10 diycst
himself Of his overcoat and shoes and 10 do
Just as he told him and he would save him.
Herring was perfectly calm and collected, and
in Denson's own words, inspired him with
such confidence that he felt as if be could
almost walk on the water at his bidding.
Herring then threw overheard a plank,
Jumped into the water seized il, and said
'Now benson, jump into the water above
the plank, catch it and hold fast but don't
you try to touch me, and / will carry you
out" This benson did, and was soon
placed in a willow. Herring then went TO
the assistance Of Welborne and secured him
a safe place. Afterward he and Mr.. Jopes,
engineer, on a bale Of cotton, made their
way to land which which was about a mile
distant.
Mr.. Dale, and Nit johnson, secured "a
capsized canoe that drifted near, and rescu-
irg Mitchell, the cock, made their way TO
land and sent a skif to the relief of the
others.
Mr.. Seal, one of the last to leave, taking
off his oyercoat and placing the collar be-
tween his teeth leaped from the hurricane
deck out into the stream, being forced TO
that side by the flames He had "a hard
swim to keep the burning boat from drifting
over him, but finally reached the willows,
and after assisting Capt Mars, attempted
to make his way to land, but being unable
to encounter the vast expanse Of water, re-
turned near the others and awaited assis-
lance.
The burning boat drifted quickly away
on the rapid currents with the fireman
clinging to the rudder, and was soon caught
in the timber, where she sank after burning
to the waters edge, the fireman getting on
! log near by, warmed and dried himself by
the expiring flames.
1t is impossible to describe the horror Of
the situation The poor sufferers, wet 10
the skin, some having lost oyercoats shoes,
and hats, clinging to the willows, having
escaped death by tire, were now exposed 20
the fury of the freezing winds and waves,
with masses of water, tangled brakes Of
cane and briars, between them and the land,
prayerfully awaited the coming aid, should
any of their number be 50 fortunate as 10
reach the land in safety.
The river was very high, Overlooking the
banks for a mile or more on each side, but
Providence favored the occupants Of the
/ little canoe, who, without paddle or oar,
| but with their hands, padded, and pulled
| by the brushes, trees and vines, until they
succeeded in reaching land.