Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-03
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singular feature of the wreck and one
which puzzles many of the expert
surfmen. is that the first pooies were
picked up lust at the time, or little
before the wreckage came ashore.
Usually, in cases of wrecks on the
shore of Cape Cod, the upper portions
of the vessel have been the first frag-
ments to appear on the beach, and this
also strengthens the theory that the
steamer foundered some miles, perhaps
five or six off shore.
Still another circumstance makes
this theory even more tenable. All, or
nearly all of the bodies that have been
recovered, were but little bruised, as it
usually the case when they have been
beaten and battered by the surf. If
they had drifted down from Highland
Light or further above. nearly every
one would have shown marks, at least
on the face, but there were only a very
few that We're disfigured.
1t seems plausible that the Portland
foundered five miles northeast, or per-
haps east of Peaked Hill bar, off High
Head life saving station, about 9.15
Sunday morning. and that the greater
part Of the light upper work. with the
assistance of a flood tide, was thrown
off on the beach at Peaked Hill station
or just below it at High Head, that the
bodies after drifting west a short time
were whirled around the end of the
cape by the tremendous ebb tide, Sun
day afternoon. which tide did not effect
the wood work so much, and We're
finally cast up. enc at time, by the
waves along shore. The westerly wind
of Monday and Tuesday, kept many out
to sea, but the gale of Wednesday,
again brought them in, and on Thurs
day. six or seven were recovered.
1t now thought there will only be a
very few. if any more bodies recovered
until another easterly sets in. To sup
port this latter theory as to why SO few
bodies are being recovered on a west
erly wind is the peculiar action of the
wind on sandy shore. There seems
no doubt that a number of bodies thai
have been seen in the surf, but not re-
covered. now lie buried beneath the
sand, where they will remain until the
next easterly gale.
1t is also conjectured that the tide
swept a large number or 10 miles out
to sea, and as few of the coasting YES
sells running up and down the cape
keep out as far. very few will be pick
ed up, even if they come to the sur
face, which is unlikely for the rea-
son that bodies in deep, waters are
likely to sink.
Still another theory as to the wreck
Of the Portland is drawn from the
wheel which came ashore at Orleans.
1t is what is called the spare wheel In
the pilot house. and is kept in a cylin-
der about three feet behind the one
commonly used. the steersman standing
between the two. The wheel was lash
ed with rope and the knots indicated
that only a seaman could have done it.
1t is thought now that no attempt
was made to use this wheel, because the
pilot house was probably washed away
the first thing after the steamers en-
gines broke down, and she fell off into
the trough of the sea.
Sadie Carl of Portland who has been
mentioned in the Boston papers as hav-
ing been on the Portland, was not on
board the boat.
The four unidentified bodies and
those of John Jones and Peter Collins
will be taken to Boston by the state
police, tomorrow morning. The body
of A. Gosselin will be taken by Mont
real official.
All bodies hereafter recovered will
Immediately be taken to Boston. G. P
Piche of Montreal, is also believed to
have passenger on the Portland.
Tomorrow afternoon. there will be
sent from Provincetown two of the
Pnrtl1 n6'S victims also those Of five
seamen from Wellfeet and that of
George Graham from Chatham.
A storm is threatened for tomorrow