Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-08-25
WRECK OF THE TALLAPOOsA.
Official Report Of Commander Merry.
HOW THE VESSEL WAS SUNK AND THE OFFICERS AND
CREW RESCUED.

Lieut. Com. j. F. Merry has sent to the Secretary
OF the Navy report, dated Woods Hon, Mass, Au-
gust 22d, upon the sinking Of the Tallapoosa 1t Is
as follows:
~ have to report the sinking Of the Tallapoosa
East Chop light, by collision with the three -masted
schooner James S. Lowell The Tallapoosa lies In
nine fathoms OF water at high water. AT the time
OF collision the TallapooSa was Steamng with one
boiler (half power) against the flood, tide and q
strong wind from the southwest, and going over
The weather was hazy near the horizon, but
clear overhead. The red and green lights OF the
schooner were sighted about two points on
5ne helm put starboard Ali at TO once She She
lai1ed and showed her red light then knew that
just forward OF the fore rigging on the starboard
sde, cutting US below the waite line and very near
poosa would sink, and made every effort in nv
power 70 clear berth deck, the f1re-room and the
ward-room, calling all hands to abandon ship. The
boats without excitement The ship sunk bow
nrst, which, | believe, was on the bottom before
the stern began to sink. just before the stern
glng. The executive officer, chief engineer, nine
men and myself took to the rigging. 10 the
best OF my belief, coupled with the opinion
minutes, the highest estimate being ten minutes
ordered The boats 70 pick W the men In the water
and take them to the schooner. which at my re-
quest had anchored She soon after sent boat to
our assistance rs Another schooner anchored near,
ana 80 OF our men were put on board OF her. About
the Time reached the schooner, the steamer Gate
City, bound to Savannah, came along, was hailed
ana stopped. l sent Ensign Whittlesey on board
ana requested the master TO take US TO Woods HOll
wnlch ne dld willingly, and he, together with the
ofncers and crew, treated US with the greatest kind
ness. Every effort was made to save life. and re-
gret TO report that Passed Assistant Surgeon C. c.
BLOCK ana Geo. Foster, landsman are missing and
are oelleved to be drowned VIM. O'Donnell and
WIN. Jones are also missing, but several men
and 1t is the general belief that on our arrival al
Woods Holl they were asleep, and are now on that
vessel Five OF the pulling boats and the Hershon
steam cutter were saved; the other steam cutter
was stove by the collision and picked up by a
schooner and towed into Hyunnis
"ln obedience to the departments order I.sent 102
sisted by Ensign Whittlesey and Nate Hugh Kuhl
Passed Assistant Engineer 1oune and Mate Baxter
have have, been ordered to their homes; also Lieut.
Everett, Ensign Whittesey and Mate Hugh KuhI
a'e ordered home after delivering the men at Bos-
ton; the remaining officers and men are with me-
on our arrival at Woods Holi l requested Lieut.
Wood, Commander or The Fish Hawk, 70 20 to the
scene OF the wreck, which he did. taking the on
GERS and crew. Lieut.. Everett reports the house
schooner is large vessel With lO0 IONS OF coal on
BOARD She Is not seriously damaged, but leaks
about the bow, her cut-water and somr OF her wood
ends being stared. / left one officer and seven
nien on board OF her for assistance She got under
way and anchored In Vineyard Haven. Lieut.
Nood towed her further into the harbor, at the
masters request, and offered any assistance he re-
qulred, which was declined"
THE SCHOONER OUT OF HER COURSE
The above report is merely preliminary one
The naval regulations require circumstantial re-
port OF the disaster. together with diagrams show
Ing the position OF the vessel before and after being
STRUCK. Upon the receipt OF this report court OF
inquiry will be ordered. A prominent naval Off
ciai to-day being asked by STAR reporter what he
tnougnt OF Melgs report, said: "Ihe circumstances
attending the disaster are just what ! supposed
he schooner, as the report states got Out OF her
her."
RECOVERY OF ARTICLES FROM THE WRECK.
Commodore English, Acting Secretary Of the
Navy, has entered into an agreement with MI.
Townsend OF Bosom for the recovery Of such arti-
cles from the wreck OF the Tallapoosa as can be
removed by divers. An officer or the navy will be
on hand constantly to take charge OF the recovered
property number OF pieces OF furniture and
Other light articles have already been secured.