Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1884-04-10
Additional Particnlars-The State
ment of The CaDtatu.

va .hO >eAbsef's
HALIFAX, N. c., April 5.-fhe facts so
lar gathered If the wreok OF the steamer
Daniel Steiumanu at Sambro Island chow
thai II was one Of the worst aud most
extraordinary disasters that ever occurred
on the coast, coast that is well lighted,
and to nsvigators who know 1t as cafe
as any in the world. The captain of tne
Daniel Steipmann had been into this port
Twice before, and 80 might have been ex-
pteted to be familiar with the rocks and
shoals that lay out of the path of vessels.
ae at lesst should have had q knowledge
OF the various lights that line the coast
on either side. The catastrophe of
Thursday night, however, would make it
appear that his Knowledge on these
points was limited. As mistook Sambrc
Island lighthouse for Chebucto Head,
and ran his vessel straight on the rock at
sAmbrO Island. There was little fog,
bni not much, as Chebuct0 Light was
Visible from the island. The vessel got
among the rocks and was unable to get
Clear. She struck very lightly at fist
The next time she struck on Mad Shoal,
lost Eer rudder and broke her propeller.
Tue third time she bumped hesvily amid
shipa, knocked big hole in her bottom
aud sank immediately. A. lesst All hour
and half elapsed from the time she first
struck till she sank. During thut time
The most uuimsglnsble confusion and
e1nstsrpatiUn prevailed. 1t was ques-
uoh OF every man for himself. Thee OF
the four beats went down with the ship,
Inc fourth WAS cut away by seaman,
ahd seven men were rescued in it. There
was no practical effort to save the women
aud children. This morning the steamer
Newiield sailed for the scene of the wreck
and arrived there at O'Clock. She
ielurned at O'Clock, bringing to this
Guy all the survivors except the captain
VINO Will remain on the island to look
alter the wreck.
THE CAPTAINS STORY.
Captain Sohoonhoven's statement is IL
elect as follows: "We had pleasan
passage all the way ACROSS, with nothing
particular to report, and were just l3.
aays out up to the time Of the disaster
a. O'Clock on the evening of the Sd
what thought was Chebucto Head Light
W dead reckoning and soundings, bor'
west, halfsouth, by compass, and wa
unonght to be distant about rs miles
ihere was dense fog prevailing, will
occasional heavy rain and brilliant light
nihg. Istesmed ahead dead slow, steer
lng west, one-qusrter south, takin
Soundings every hour. About .15 o'clocl
l saw through the mist faint light
which WAS about two points OF
me starboard bow. 1t disappeared a
Vines for four or five minutes. Still
thinking it was Chebuoto Head Light
kept the ship on her course. Th
sOandings gave 20 fsthoms. Between l
70 zo minutes later / discovered that
was the fixed light off Sambro. 1t no'
appeared clear, and at the same time
aade out faint glimmsr OF what too
be the Chebuoto Light about fou
poihts on our starboard bow. Th
soandings then gave 20 fsthoms.
eiasfed the helm hard port, but 1t ws
soo late, for minute afterw ards IL
steamer struck heavily, but drifted ov'
mi sne ledge, and the anchors were let q
me passengers and crew came rushir
VI Geek, and / ordered the first al
second officers to launch the boats and g
we women and children into them.
All this time the vessel continued
unit and drag her anchor, getting near,
saa nearer to the brsskers, which we
visible, the sea breaking over her in il
uense waves. ALL this time was on Il
oiiage, but now ran forward to asce
vain II the cable had parted, and had ju