Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-02-12
THE COLUMBUS.
Unabated Interest in the InvesiigatlOu-
Engineers sTestimouy.-Ad.
j0urned for One Week.
BosroS. Feb. IL

BOSTON, req. IL.
The investigation into the CITY of Column
bus disaster was resumed this morning. The
usual jam of spectators gave evidences of
unabated interest in the proceedings.
Hiram A. Phillips, first assistant engineer
Of the wrecked steamer. testified that he was
on the watch at the time of the disaster. The
ship struck at quarter of four by the engine
room clock. Had not been on deck at any
time during his watch. Was in the engine
room when the ship struck. He instantly got
signals from the pilot house to slow the ship,
to stop her, and to back her He immediate
ly reversed the engine witt the assistance of
engineers Morrison and Collins. who had
rushed in. Backed the ship for five minutes,
when he got signals to go ahead. Did not
get any signals from the pilot house to start
her again. Worked the engine ahead until
the water came rushing into the engine room,
when he stopped the engine ard came on
deck. The ship had listed on her beam ends
when he stopped the engine. He took to the
rigging. After Daylight he saw the buoy of
the starboard bow. Had Is pounds of steam !;
usually carried 20 pounds. Don't think the
door between the shaft alley and bulkhead
was closed. 1t was usually left open, and
the bulkhead was not tight unless the door
was closed. He had charge of boat No. 8
Had boat drill on trip before last at Savan-
nah. Did not lower the boats in the drill,
the men merely going to the stations. His
boat was gone when he came on deck.
Capt. Thomas K. Hammond, master mar
iner residing in Gouldsboro, Me-, who was q
passenger on the City of Columbus, occupied
a state room in the forward saloon. The ship
struck easily. Thought she was on a sand
bar. Looked out of port hole on the port
side and saw Gay Head Light. Did not see
the buoy until after daylight, when he saw it
on the starbOard bow. Thought he would
have seen the buoy had it been on the port
side it was a bright moonlight night.
Thought the vessel listed within Is minutes
after she struck. Didn't see any officers and
didn't hear any orders given to clear away
the boats. Saw men trying to clear away the
boats, but the lashings were cut and the
boats drifted away to sea. Did not see boat
swung out to be lowered. As pilot he
would steer west by south from Nobska to
Tarpaulin Cove, and then west southwest out
to sea. which would have taken him clear of
Gay Head by three miles. The tide would
have no effect on the ships course, because
it sets directly up and down the sound. Had
never noticed anv variations of the compass
when passing Gay Head. Witness saw steamer
pass the wreck not over three miles distant
Did not see anyone on her deck. Witness
declined to give his opinion, as an expert
seaman, as to how the ship came to where
she was wrecked. He had his opinion. but
refused to give it. As pilot through Vine
yard Sound he never knew of any local at
traction at Gay Head that would effect a
ships compass. He saw breakers directly
ahead of the ship as soon as he came on deck.
within two minutes after the ship struck.
Could also see two boulders sticking out of
the water.
Adjourned one week on account Of the ILL.,
ness of the captain of the steamer Glaucus. .