The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1894-02-28

New YoRE, Feb. 21.-Thc court OF in.
Quiry ordered by the secretary OF tho
navy to investigate the wreck Of the
UnitGd Statos steamer Kearsargo on
Roncador reef reconvcned in the court
martial room OF tho Brooklyn navy yard
to-day.
There was ono extraordinary scene to
mark to-day's proceedings. Captain
lIoyormau broke down while telling
tho story OF the wreck and tho court
room was cleared until he could control
his emotions.
Tho first witness was Rear Admiral
Stanton, who told in detail the story OF
tho kcarsargo's voyage from tho time
she sailed from Port Au Prince until
sho struck on Roncador roef.
Tho witness described tho manner in
which the officers and crew left the
vessel, rs already told in the private
accounts. Then Captain Heyerman
was called.
After stating in reply to the Judge ad-
vocate that the reports printed in the
public press were substantially correct,
Captain Hoyerman was asked il he had
saved any Of the ships records, partic-
ularIy the rough" and Smooth" log
bookB.
II made two attempts" said hc,
"after the vessel struck TO save tho log
books as well as tho night order book.
| was, however, only able to save my
lie.
81 had no doubt as to the accuracy Of
tho charts and instruments on board.
The night sextant was a little out Of
gear, but tho other Instruments werein
perfect condition.
II was so euro the Kearsarge was go
far north .of Roncador reef that l was
well clear OF II. had had lookouts on
tho top gallant yard all tho afternoon,
aud at $3.50 sent an officer aloft to mako
sure there was no danger in sight. The
officer reported that everything was all
right.
The breakers were lrst reported at
600 o'clock. At tho time Admiral
Stanton, tho navigator, Captain Lyman
and the officer the day were on the deck
with Captain Heycrman.
What was the discrepancy," asked
the judge advocate, between the point
where you really were and where you
thought you were when the ship
struck ?"
about six miles to the southwark
and four miles to tho eastward OF the
point W hero l supposed wo we're from
our reckoning" was Captain Heyer-
mans reply.
Tho witness then corroborated the
testimony given by Admiral Stanton as
TO his orders Immediately after the
kcarsarGe struck.
There was according to Captain
Heyerman an interval of only two
minutes at the most between the sight
ing OF tho white water and tho shock OF
striking on tho reef, Tho commander
told how the kcarsarge was abandoned
alter 1t was seen that ahe was doomed.
Then CAPTAIN Heyerman gavo in de-
tail the story OF the encampment on the
way, and tho boarding of the wrock to
obtain provisions and unsuccessful
search for tho night order book. While
describing the exemplary conduct OF the
othcers and crew while lying at the
wharf as we'll as during the trying days
on the key, Captain Heyerman became
vlsibly affected at tho recollection Of the
mems apparent respect and love for
him. The recalling Of this devotion on
the part OF the crew proved too much
ior the bronzed commander and his
mouth twitched at tho corners and the
big tears welled up into his eyes. He
finally had to stop owing TO his ono
tlons
When he had recovered his COM
posure Captain Heyerman concluded
his testimony with details of tho return
trip to New York. Court then ad-
journcd until tomorrow.