The Portland daily press., 1884-11-29
DIsoBEYED THE SIGNAL.
A Boston Steamer Sunk Off Bal
timore, Md,
RY COLLISION WITH ANOTHER &
sTEANzER-NO LIVES LOST.

BALTIMORE, Nd, Nov. 29.-The steamship De-
catur H. Miller, Captain Clark, which sailed from
this port yesterday afternoon for Boston, was sunk
about one-half mile from the mouth of the Lower
Craighl channel, at $50 O'clock by collision with
the steamship William Lswrence. Captain Hooper.
Both vessels belong to the Merchants and Miners
Transportation Company. The Lawrence was bound
from Savannah The Lawrence, it is said, blew
whistle, which was to go to starboard. This was
answered by one from the Miller. Then the Miller
it is stated blew twice which called for the Law
renee TO pass to the port side. The Lawrence then
answered with one whistle again, which indicated
that the captain was going to pass to starboard tor
which he hrst blew. The engines of the two vessels
were then reversed at full speed but did not prevent
8 collision. which occurred in very short time.
The Lawrence struck the Miller bow on, Just for
ward OF the forerigging cutting through and MAX
ing o hole in her side from the top to below the
water line: The bow of the Lawrence was stove in,
pnG she dId not leak. on account Of the forward
water-tght bulRhead. AS soon as the vessels
cleared the Miller settled forward, and the Law
renee came to anchor Captain Hooper lowered the
boats OF the Lawrence apd at once set off for theM
Ter. There were four passengers on the Miller, two
gentlemen and two ladies, who were at oncs sent
teen minutes settling.
She lies about one-half mile from the mouth of
Lover Craighill channel in four fathoms of water.
Her quarter deck is just clear of the and the
deck from amidships forward is covered about ono
foot She lies in an easy position, and eau be raised
Withoutaiy extraordinary trouble. just as soon as
the collision occurred all the crew went to their
stations, the utmost system prevailed and there wss
not ORG bit OF excitement. The Miller had small
cargo ON boaro, none of which was saved. 1hs
men lost everything but what they had on. The
Lawrence was nearly filled with cargo and had on
dsck 5000 boxes of Florida oranges.
A Norfolk despatch says: The steamer Berkshire
due here from Boston to-day will sail in the
Miller's place tonight from Norfolk to Boston. The
Baker Salvage Company Of this city have gone to
raise the Miller.
:. The Miller was built by Messrs. Harlan & Hol-
lngsworth at Wilmington, Del, in 1879 and no ex-
pense was spared IN making her one of the very
best seagong vessels in American waters. She was
built of iron, schooner rigged and was propelled by
engines OF the latest pattern and of high power.
Her dimensions were; Length over all, 270 feet
breadth of beam, SO feet; depth of hold, 20 feet
draft, Is feet She was furnished with six lite
boats life RATS, balsas, and every appliance for
saving life from wreck fire. Her crew were con-
stantly drilled in lowering and handling her boats
and in case OF necessity every man knew his sta
tion and went to it, She was fitted with five water
tight COMPARTMENTS. Her cabin, which had accom-
modations for 100 passengers was fitted up espec-
laily with a view to comfort, and its decorations
were luxuriant and elegant. The vessel was valued
at $25O,ooo. She was not inquired against marine
risks. 9