Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-06-12

"VdGueI Dtcane bnlck. by III CLOCK
nearly everybody was in bed, and all
on board quiet At about las there
was a sudden crash, and in moment
there was a terrible confusion. Men,
women and children, in all stages Of
undress, rushed frantieally from their
berths to the upper deck. In few
moments everybody thought the boat
was sinking, and there was struggle
for life-preservers. The officers of
the boat announced that she was leak
ing forward, but that there was no
danger. It was then seen that the
steamer into which the Stonington
had run was the Narragansett. The
latter had been struck admidships,
and two or three minutes after the
collision flames burst out, and al.
most Immediately enyeloped the entire
vessel. Itwas ia frightfulscene. Shrieks
and cries of the passengers on the
Narragansett we're distinctly audible
on the Stonington. They could be
seen leaping into the water and rush
ing frantically in all directions. Boats
OF the StOnington were lowered after
delay of several minutes and by that
time the Narragansett had settled and
was sinking. By some blunder, the
plugs IN the life boats were left out
and they filled with water. This
caused additional delay; the men in
the boats did not know how to row
them, At last they reached the scene
of the wreck and picked up a number
of persons floating on life proservers,
mattresses, chairs, tables, planks, etc.
The scene was appalling. At this
junctnre the City of New York came
up and lay off at some distance. She
lowered her boats and picked up as
many OF the drowning passengers as
she could find, When all hopes of
further rescues were abandoned, the
Stonington transferred the rescued
passengers, some 175 in number.
to the City of New York, she re-
turned to Stonington. Many of the
passengers rescued were badly scalded,
others were half naked. j. n.
Wilcox, adjusting agent Of the N. Y.
Life Ins. Co., resident of Chicago.
was a passenger on he Narragansett
and makes the following announce
ment. Being aroused by the noise of
the collision he Immediately realized
what had happened and ran from his
state-roOm, carrying pants and coat,
but leaving behind $500 and his
crutch which he usually uses, having
} but one leg, The boat was now on
fire and there was a scene of utmost
terror and confusion. A woman flung
herself upon him, screaming save
me and my child" he managed
to dress himself and struggle on
deck where was scene of squalls.
mad confusion and frantic fear A
dense fog prevailed, and only the
whistle aud bell cf the Stonington
gave token Of her presence not far off.
There was cry for a life-boat, and
one was cut loose from amidships,
from near where Wilcox was stand.
ing. ethrew himself over the side of
the boat and fell safely within it.
Others followed, including a woman,
who buried him beneath her weight.
Some one cut the boat loose and it
was pushed off from the burning
steamer, to avoid being swamped by
the passengers, who were swimming
about supported by life pre-
servers or pieces Of furniture, and
filling the air with cries for help.
The boat was pulled out, and within
a short time the Naragansett sunk,
leaving total darkness on the water.
The boat remained out for what Will
COX judged, about three hours, when
feeling the approach of coming
storm, he urged the men to pull for
the steamer Stonington, which was
still blowing her whistle, as her only
hope of escape being upset. They did
so and were saved. The boat load
including Wilcox, numbered thirteen.
Three Of them he thinks were of the
crew of the Naragansett. Wilcox
did not learn the name
Of any person in the boat.