The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-02-28
WRECK OF THE KEARSARGE.
Capt. Heyerman Tells How 1t
Happened.
A Dramatic Incident at the
Naval Inquiry.
The Commander of the Ship Lost His
Reckoning.
He Sheds Big Briny Tears as He Re-
counts the Heroism and Devotion
of the Crew-The Wreck
to Be Raised.

By the Associated Press
New YoRK, Feb. 27.-The court OF in
quiry ordered TO investigate the wreck
of the Kesrssrge re-convensd in the
court martial room at the Brooklyn
navy yard today. There was one extra
ordinary scene to mark the days pro-
ceedings. Captain Heyerman broke
down while telling the story Of the
wreck, and the court room was cleared
until he could control his emotions.
The first witness was Rear-Admiral
Stanton, who told in detail the story Of
the Kearasrge's voyage from the time
she sailed from Port-au-Prince until she
struck on Roncador reef. Then Captain
Heyerman was called. After stating in
reply to the Judge advocate that the re-
ports printed in the public press
were substantially correct, Heyerman
was asked if he had saved any Of
the ships records, particularly the
trough" and ''emooth" log books.
81 made two attempts" said he, latter
the vessel struck, to save the log books,
as we'll as the night order book, know
ing they would be wanted as exhibits
in the investigation which l knew would
follow. l was. however, only able to
save my life."
Heyerman identified several charts
which had been in use on the Kear-
sarge. Questioned as to his confidence
in the charts and instruments on board
the Kearsarge, the commander said !:
bad no doubt as to the accuracy oil the
charts and instruments on board. The
night sextant was little out of gear,
but the other instruments were in per-
iect condition"
Heyerman, answering Judge Advo-
cate Kelly's questions, said he had been
in the navy since 1851 and had COM
manded the Yantic, kearsarge and
Pensacola. Reverting to the day OF the
wreck, Heyerman described the condi-
ia9iA e-vsS4. .-o'.ss Pr ~ rx0asg
sarpe's striking on the reef. He re-
celved reports OF the navigator at inter-
walls. The latitude taken was by the
chips running.
II was sure the Kearsarge was go far
to the north of Roncador reef, that |
was we'll clear of it." said he. az
had lookouts ON the top gallant Yards
all the afternoon, and st 5 80 sent an
officer aloft to make sure there was no
danger in sight. The officer reported
everything all right"
Breakers were first reported at 6 80
O'Clock; at the time Admiral Stanton,
the navigator, Caytain Lyman, and the
officer of the day were on deck with
Heyerman.
What was the discrepancy" asked
the judge advocate, "between the point
where you really were and where you
thought you were when you struck? ?"
about six miles to the southwark
| and four miles to the eastward of the
point where l supposed we were from
our reckoning"
| There was. according to Heyerman,
an interval of only two minutes at the
most between the sighting of the white
water and the shock OF striking on the
reef.
The commander told how the Kear-
sarge was abandoned after it was seen
the vessel was doomed. He also de-
scribed the manner in which Seaman
Anderson Robbins lost his life while
trying to wade from the outer reef to
the main key.
Then Heyermsn gave in detail the
story OF the encampment on the key and
the boarding of the wreck to obtain pro-
Visions, and bis unsuccessful search for
the night order book. He gave vivid
description of the camp life and the
Robinson Crusoe bill of fare served dur
ing the stay on the key. The arrival of
the City of Para and the em barkation of
the crew were Interestingly recounted by
Heyerman.
While describing the exemplary con-
duct of the officers and crew while
lying at the wharf, as we'll as all during
the trying days on the key, Heysrman
became visibly affected at the recollec--
tion of the mems apparent deep res
pect and love for him. The recalling of
this devotion on the part of the crew
proved too much for the bronzed COM
mander, and his mouth twitched at the
corners and big tears welled up into his
eyes. He finally had to stop owing to
his emotion. When he had recovered
his com mposure. Heyerman concluded
his testimony with details OF the return
trip to New York.
The court then adjourned until to-
morrow.