The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-05-10
THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
Particulars of Her Loss as Narrated by a
Seaman.

Particulars of Her Loss Narrated by n
Seaman.
MONTREAL, May Some sailor of the State Of
Florida, tells the following story "On the night of
the accident got out Of my bunk and went on
deck, when heard the lookout reporting a port
light on the starboard bow. looked ahead and saw
vessel coming toward us. but long way off. I
could see quite distinctly the red port light and
green one to starboard and also noticed that she
carried no clear light at her mast head. was as
snred saat II was SAILING vessel and thinking it
soon asleep. I was awakened by some one calling
up the hands and presently there was hustle
among the other men. l asked them what was the
matter, but receiving no reply and seeing them
rush on deck followed.
When was on board the bark Theresa learned
the particulars of the accident from the man who
was on the lookout. He said that he had reported
light on the starboard bow to the first officer who
was watch and finding that he made no change
in the course the lookout reported the matter twice
again. The third time the officer ordered the helm
ported but immediately afterward he had it put to
starboard so as to throw him out of the course as
little as possible. 1t was while this being done
that the accident occurred. The lookout also said
that he had seen the bark half an hour before the
collision aud had been watching it coming dead on
for the steamer
The Surgeons story.
MONTREAL, May 9.-Dr. Steele, surgeon of the
State of Florida says the main cause of the great
loss of life was the continued progress of the
steamer after the collision. 1t was owing to this
fact that more boats were not safely launched and
that passengers were afraid to enter those that
hoated. The chief engineer appeared possessed of
the same remarkable GOODNESS or lethargy which
distinguished the captain, and as he was hurrying
friends through the passage, which was already
knee deep in water, he met the chief engineer cool
ly walking up and down with life-preserver on
and his hands in his wastcoat pockets The steamer
went down with her whistle blowing, which he sup
posed was intended by the captain or whoever
opened the valve last farewell to the world and
all in it. In the boat which he was in he got the
men to promise to hold together, as it was only a
question of lingering death together or speedy
rescue, and not grumble was heard from them
The following letter appeared in evening pa
per:
To the Editor: see by yours of the 9Th inst that
according to the account given by survivor the
conduct Of Capt. Sadler that eventful night has
been severely criticised. myself heard Capt. Sad
Ter give orders otter the damage had been fully as
certained to different officers to take charge of the
boats and he himself helped to lower No. / boat
and after having No. all right he went to an
other; and as regards losing his head, give that
statement unqualified denial. say without fear
of contradiction that if ever the captain of ship
tried to the lives of passengers he did. Again
the statement published as having emanated from
me is totally incorrect said that the passengers
not officers and crew, were paralyzed.
ANDREW N. STEELE,
Surgeon of the State of Florida.