Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-06-12
BLAZE ACROSSTHE RIVER
DESTRUCTION OF THE COTTON
SEED OIL MILL.
The steamers Florida and Howard
Drake on Fire, buG Saved by Gel"
liant Exer1IOns-A Brilliant Spec
tacle.

This morning, about twenty five minutes
past two O'Clock, an alarm Of fire was sound
ed from Station No. 9, gas house, and ere
the first round was heard the entire north
ern horizon was illuminated with brilliant
glare, indicating disastrous confsgTstioD.
Big Duke" echoed the alarm from the
Exchange In sonorous tones, and the entire
city was awakened.
Notwithstanding the late hour the streets
were thronged with hundreds of people
vending their way to the river front, the
light indicating that the fire was either
across the river or was among some of the
shipping.
The first supposition proved correct, as,
on reaching Bay street, it was plainly seen
that the Cotton Seed OH Mills on Hutchin-
sons Island, opposite the foot of Drayton
street. were in big blaze.
Lying at the mill wharf were the steamers
Howard Drake and the Florida, and their
destruction seemed inevitable, as, owing to
the inflammsble contents, the FIRE burned
with great ferceness, and the flames seemed
spreading. The fire had evidently been
burning some time, as, in forked tongues,
the flames shot out in every direction, com
pletely enveloping all the mill property, and
presenting fearful spectacle.
The firemen reached the wharf, but of
course were unable to do anything but sit
and watch, though among the hundreds
there congregated were many who were
able to give advice as to what should be
done.
The forward part of the steamer Florida
became ignited, and 1t appeared that the
beautiful steamer was doomed. A few
brave men, headed by Purser Ms
gill, of the st. Nicholas, started
across in q row boat, and soon reached the
steamer, which they boarded.
Despite the danger and the apparent folly
OF attempting to stay the flames, they went
resolutely to work, and in a half hour,
or less, had managed to avert further
danger, by extinguishing the flames with
buckets of water, and then cutting the
steamers loose, let them drift from the i'm
mediate vicinity Of the fire, and thus saved
them.
Their conduct is entitled to the highest
commentator, but owing to the lateness Of
the hour we are unable to give the details
OF their heroic service.
There was large quantity of oil and cot
ton seed in the mlll-the exsc1 smouut
could not be ascertsined-sl Of which were
destroyed.
4nO oHA Oil NuC az )luluS Mugs
connected with 1t, were burned to the
ground.
The origin of the fire is not known, nor
could any information In regard to the loss
or the amount of insurance be learned.
There were few small boats to be seen
along the wharves, and it was impossible to
get across the river, only those who had
gone with the determination of saving the
stesmers being successful in securing boa'.
The mill was doing fne business, and
there had lately been some valuable i'm
provements placed upon 1t.
The property was valued at over $50 GOO.
but this will not cover the amount of stock
that was destroyed. It was conducted by a
stock company, OF which Mr.. +. W. Wood
bridge Is President.
At a. N. the fire was still burning, and
bids fair to last several hours. everv now
and then there flashing forth immeuse
sheets of fame from the oil aud other
material.