Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-01-17
UNMANLY CONDUCT AT SEA,

The steamship Chattahoochee, of the
Ocean Steamship Company, which had such
an exciting experience during her last trip
to New York in endeavoring to rescue the
crew of the water-logged schooner Ario
Pardee off the North Carolina coast, reach
ed Savannah last week. The Chattahoo-
chee is commanded by Captain j. W. Cath
arine, one of the best and most ustwOrthy
officers Of thu line, and some surprise was
expressed in Savannah when 1T became
known that she came with new first and
second officers. Frst-Mate Richardson and
Second Mate Edwards both left the ship at
New York. The cause of their leaving
grew out of the Ario Pardee episode. Con-
nected with this are some interesting incl
dents which have not been published and
which throw different light upon the con-
duct of some of the officers of the Chatta
hoochee than that in which they have stood
up to this time. The Associated Press dis
patch spoke of First-M Mate Richardson as
being injured in making courageous effort
10 rescue the schooner's crew, and put him
in the light of hero. 1t now appears that
he made no effort at. rescue at oil, and took
no part in it,
When the Chattahoochee sighted the Ario
Pardee she was rolling frightfully in q
heavy sea. A strong gale was blowing and
the waves were running very high. Second
Mate Edwards made the first attempt at
rescue. He had the lifeboat and a crew Of
four men. An eyewitness says he did his
work bupglipgly, and wasted an hours
time Night was now coming on, and the
Chattahoochee was gradually getting into
shallow water, when the second mate re-
turned to the ship, having failed to accom-
plish anything.
Captain Catharine was still unwilling to
leave the men to their fate.
''They must be rescued, if possible" said
he Then, addressing the first mate, he
asked: "Will you make the attempt?"
The captain faced the mate, and the crew
and passengers stood by awaiting his reply.
The schooner was rolling TO leeward, with
the water breaking in torrents over the
poor fellows lashed in the rigging.
"No," said Richardson, II won't make
the attempt. You are asking me to do
what you would not do yourself"
II do not ask you to go where | would
not CO." said Captain Catharine indignant
ly. II have braved greater danger than
this But am in command Of this ship
and am responsible for her safety. again
ask you to 60 and try to save those men,
Again Richardson refused.
II call on you to witness that be refuses"
said Captain Catharine, turning to the pas
sengers.
"By -! will not gon cried Richard
son, land | want everybody to hear it,"
You contemplate coward ~ exclaimed
Captain Catharine. Second Mate Edwards
refused TO make a second attempt The
CAPTAIN then called for volunteers. At first
no one responded, bat finally. Il steerage
passenger oonamed Dougherty volunteered to
command the boats crew and make another
attempt. Four scameu also volunteered
aud the attempt was made. The boat was
roughly butteted by the waves, but finally
the line was put on board the schooner.
Theo parley ensued among the men on
the schooner as to who should put the life
buoy on and save himself The men want
ed q young man, who was steward, to do il.
He refused, and Allen, the first mate, finally
put the life buoy on, jumped into the sea,
and was saved In continuing the efforts
to save the others, the life-buoys were rem
dered useless, and the life-boat had to re-
turn. She was badly battered. Night had
now come ou The Chattahoochee was
rapidly nearing shoal water under heavy
drift, and to remain longer, Captain Cath
crime knew, would endanger the ship. He,
therefore, resumed his voyage.
The captain was furious at the cowardice
of the first mate. He said he would put him on
the dock as soon as he got to New York. And he
kept his word The Chattahoocheo had not been
in New York half an hour when he was discharg-
ed Richardson drew pistol on Captain Catha-
rnc while on board the steamer, and had to be
threatened with force before he went ashore.
Second Mate Edwards was discharged also, but
after consideration and in view Of the fact that
he said the reason he did not make the second at
tempt at rescue was that he had been hurt while
making the first attempt, he was taken back and
transferred to tho City of Savannah. George
Savage formerly second officer of the City of
Augusta has been made first officer of the Chatta-
hoochee, and T. II. Davids, second officer of the
City of Savannah, has been made second officer of
the Chattahoochee.
Captain Catharine says that he thinks the en-
tire crew of the Ario Pardee could have been res
cued but for the cowardice of his oticcrs.-Saran.
| nah NerS.
OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE MAILS.
CLOSING.
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