Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-07-19
THE BOAT ON A ROCK
The Virginia Stuck Fast Down Below
Dutch Gap.
MAY GET OFF THIS MORNING
Not Known PcsItivciy whether II
Was Damaged or Not-This splen-
did Steamer Cordially Greeted
Upon Her Arrival Here.

The Baltimore Steam Packet Company &
splendid steamer Virginia. which arrived
here yesterday morning on her first trip
and started back to Baltimore in ne
afternoon, ran aground few miles be-
low Dutch Gap and is hung up on rock
or hard bottom.
The officers OF the boat are hopeful
that she Is not on a rock and will be
gotten off this morning without damage.
but this could not be told with any GER
tainty last night. The passengers, some
sixty in number, were brought back TO
this city on the tug Job r. Wilson.
The Virginia grounded In coming up
through Dutch Gap yesterday morning by
going too far TO one side Of the channel,
but was gotten off in a few minutes.
Returning however. she was more unfor-
tunate. Through some miscalculation,
she was not turned down stream prompt
~ enough after getting through the gap
and was borne by the strong current to-
ward the Chesterfield shore, where she
stuck fast in the mud. The Pocahontas
came along about this time and made
every effort to pull the larger vessel out
of the mud, but the ropes parted ana she
could do nothing. Finally, when about
three hours time had been lost. the tugs
Wilson and Christian succeeded In get
ting the Virginia back into the channel.
STUCK FAST THIS TIME.
The officers and passengers of the Vir-
GINA felt relieved. the steamer moved
along smoothly on the bosom of the
winding James, and preparations were
made for supper.
This meal was about over, when sud-
denly all on board experienced consid-
cradle jar. The glasses and tableware
ratified, and several OF the electric-light
globes fell 10 the floor. All realized that
the boat had run on a shoal and for a few
moments there was considerable confu-
sion and excitement, but this was soon
quieted. 1t was found that the vessel
was stuck fast, and could not possibly be
gotten off during the night or until hish
tide; so the passengers were transferred
to the Wilson and brought back to the
city They reached the wharf about IL
o'clock and the Richmond contingent
went to their homes. while those from
Baltimore, about thirty in number. were
taken to hotel and NEST of them Will
proceed this morning by rail.
The boat is aground not far from Mr.
Barney's home, Meadowville, and Is
thought by some OF those who were on
board 10 be on Wilson's rock The off,
GERS do not think her bottom Is broken,
though some OF the passengers We're
under the impression that size had been
damaged. 1t IS expected that the Vir-
ginia Will continue her trip this morning.
Her Arrival Yesterday Morning.
When the Virginia pulled up to her
wharf yesterday morning at 1910 o'clock.
making her first landing in Richmond,
every tug in the harbcr shrieked a well
come as the vessel approached. She was
gaily decorated with flags and bunting,
and presented quite a pretty appearance
in her holiday attire. Many people
gathered at the wharf TO see the new w.
sci drop her anchor for the first time
within our harbor, and as they spied the
vessel when she made the curve" in the
river, and bore down upon Richmond,
they sent up shout and let their hand
kercAiefs lutter on the breeze.
Although delayed a few minutes in leav-
ing Baltimore by an unusually large con-
sgnment Of freight, the Virginia reached
Richmond at 1910. making what is said
to he the quicket trip by water on re-
cord between the two cities. one has
only to examine her powerful engines
TO believe this statement. She has a
beam engine of 1,2O0-horse-power. which
sends her through the water almost at
tho speed Of a railroad train, and there
Is no doubt that she will easily accom-
plish what Is claimed for her, and make
the trip between Baltimore and Rich
mond in eighteen hours, thus allowing
passengers for either city five to six
hours to transact business and return
II desired on the same day.
A WELL EQUIPPED VESSEL.
The vessel has already been described
in the Dispatch. The richly furnished
saloons. the luxurious cabins, tinted in
white and gold, and finished in hardwood.
made the interior of the steamer seem
like hotel Electric chandeliers and
steam radiators furnish light and heat.
She has every device for fire protection;
is equipped with life-preservers and life
boats. and seems TO be provided with
everything essential TO the safety and
comfort of passengers.
BROUGHT PROMINENT PEOPLE.
The Virginia brought a party Of proml-
nent BaltimoreanS on her initial trip as
invited guests, in addition TO her regular
passenger list. They included General
John NJ. Hood. president Of the Western
Maryland Railroad Company; Hon. Dam
lei C. Heddinger. Police Commissioner,
of Baltimore; James p. Bradt, manager
United Press; 4. ID. Modeira, manager
Associated Press; II. A. Gardiner, OF the
Chicago Journal; Mr.. and Mrs. d. Allen
Wiley; Mr.. w. II. Edmonds. editor of the
Southern States Magazine; Mr.. and Mrs.
T. L. Williams, and Others. The party
was cared for in the most hospitabie man
ner by Major r. l.. Poor. general freight
agent of the company, and Purser Charles
Y. Spotswood OF the Virsinia. All report
a delightful trip from Baltimore down
Chesapeake bay and up the beautiful
James river. the weather being perfect.
neral-Manager John r.. Sherwood.
and Traffic Manager L. w. Thompson,
OF the Baltimore Steam Packet Company.
expected TO come on the initial trip. but
were unfortunately delayed. Mr.. Sher-
wood sent a telegram, as follows:
Express my regrets at inability to
be I'm Richmond to-day. The Baltimore
Steam Packet Company has begun its
James-riyer service IN the Interest OF the
people OF Richmond. Their interests are
our interests, and we have come TO