The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1889-08-08
BoH1A. Inly 10. 12,n

will continue on =IOmmleS page.
Saturday last, at Pernambuco, I ate too
much of Bro. Smiths watermelon. Sun
day I had a dreadful spell of cholera
morbus. Monday was better, but quite
weak, and I was in bad plight for the
labors and dangers of the perilous night.
I did not sleep any Monday night.
Tuesday I was very much stewed up.
Last night, as was undressing for bed,
the engines stopped their slow, heavy
thud, and I Immediately dressed again
and went out on deck to find out the
trouble; not waking Tommie and Laura,
however. I could learn nothing but felt
that it might be woll TO be on the alert.
accordingly settled myself in chair in
the saloon, just outside where my loved
ones were sleeping in their Derths, and
thus dozed until twelve. Walking ont
in the moonlight, the quartermaster told
me that oil was going right and to 60 to
bed I accordingly did so, and slept until
seven this morning. To-day feel stiff
and sore about the chest and arms, and
am resting on board instead of going
ashore.
Well, Tommie has told you most that
would interest you about our fire, 1t is
supposed to have originated from a cigar
cite thrown on cotton while loading at
Pernambuco. Near the cotton were two
hundred barrels of Brazilian rum, which
aided the fire and added much to the
chance of explosion and destruction.
The coal also caught on fire. It is said
that Mr.. Van Iderstein, the chief engineer,
took the decided stand that saved the
ship. They filed the hold amidship
with water. The coal bunkers in falling
rolled toward the port, the cargo listed
toward that side, and the cotton, rum, &C.,
were thrown out from the other side
ALI these things made the vessel lie heavy
upon one side. We ran along the shore;
the ground swell was strong and parallel
to our vessel, and sometimes it seemed we
might go over on our side. Bottles,
glasses and Brazilian coffee pot fell from
the dinner table the books, DC, fell from
the saloon tables, and one could, with
some discomfort, keep his berth. We are
now at rsst in fair harbor, and are sur.
rounded by lighters taking off flour, &C.
The donkey engine is rumbling just
under me, and yet Iommie and Laura
are taking their maps.
There are several injuries sustained by
the men during the fire, and nearly all
are worn and stiff and sleepy. Tho car
penter's eyes are badly injured by smoke
dust, and fumes. The third officer fell
down coal bunker and injured his back.
The chief engineer received a scalp
wound. A seaman had his hand cut open
with cotton tie. The second cook got a
couple of ribs broken. The Captain told
me that the rescue OF our boat and Of me
was q miracle. I feel that I have been
rescued from watery grave, and that my
life is 1t value to my Father in Heaven.
When we got back to our state-room
about o'clock, we knelt together, and
| with the keenest and most fervent emo.
TONS we joined hearts and voices in graf
itude and vows of conservation to our
| kind Pfeserrer.
Everything is coming to rights. we
will lie here can't say how long, proba-
bly from 48 to GO hours. A steamer has
arrived since We did bound for New
| York. She will carry this letter We hope.
! We spent last Saturday and Sunday in
Pernam buco. Dined with Bro. Smith
, Presbyterian. I must close this for the
| mail.
With now love and faith and hope
AMI purpose,
Yours always,
JOHN NJ. LANDER.