The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-13
CASUALTY ON THE CUSHING.
ENSIGN BRECKENRIDGE WASHED
OVERHEARD AND DROWNED.

Carried on His Feet by Heavy Sea,
CIutched the Life Line, and Was
Swept Aft-The Line Parts and He
Goes Into the Occan-The Cook and
Two sailors in the Water in n He
rOic Effort 10 Rescue Him.
Washington, Feb 12.-The following ca
blegram has been received at the state
department from Consul General Lee ae
Havana, dated yesterday: Ensign ]. r.
Breckenridge of the Cushing was washed
overheard and drowned few hours be-
fore the arrival of the vessel in this port.
The body was recovered and am arrang-
ing to have 1t embalmed and sent home
tomorrow"
Capt Sgsbee OF the Maine makes the
following report to the navy department.
ON the same subject: Ensign Brecken-
ridge of the Cushing fell overheard in
heavy sea by parting of life line and
drowned. Body recovered. Department
break news to family. VIII send body
back to Key West tomorrow by Olivette
II practicable. Otherwise by Cushing
WIN send Gushing back when sea sub
sides"
The navy department has given orders
that naval officer shall meet the re-
mains, which are expected to reach Key
West tomorrow afternoon on the OIL
vette. They will be inferred ak the home
of the young officer at Lexington, Ky.
Ensign Breckenridge was executive of
1oer of the torpedo boat Cushing. The
Gushing left Key West Friday morning
, with stores for the Maine She pitched
heavily In a fearful sea. She slowed en-
glnes o'clock in sight of the coast OF
Cuba Immediately afterward Ensign
breckenridge who was stationed forward.
was carried Off his feet by a heavy sea-
He ciutched the life line and he was
swept aft. The line parted however, and
Ensign Breckenridge went overheard
Seamen Everett and Coppage started to
go to the rescue In the life boat, but ID
was swamped In lowering and the men
were thrown into the water.
Ensign Breckinridge's strength was fast
falling, as he was encumbered with heavy
oiskin boots. The Gushing was running
through the sea. deluged from stem 10
stern. As Ensign Breckenbrldge was go-
ing under the cook, Daniel Atkinson.
went overheard to the rescue The Cush.
ing finally obeyed her helm and swung
around and maneuvered near the men In
the water. Atkinson. Coppage and Ev-
erett were rescued by lines and ENSIGN
Breckenridge was taken on board IN the
same manner, Atkinson fastening the limo
10 him. Quick medical aid was necessary
TO save the ensgn's life, and the Gushing
headed for Havana with her throttle
open, the crew meanwhile adapting the
usual method of resusitation. On arrival
in Havana the Malne's surgeon was
ashore. A message was sent TO Consul
General Lee, who sent DR.. Burgess. Dr.
Burgess said IL was doubtful IL medical
aid, II available, could have saved the
ensign.
Ensign Breckenridges father is Inspector
general of the army In Washington
The chief officer of the Spanish customs
has asked the general government II he
has the right to collect customs duties on
provisions brought by the Gushing to the
Maine.
Havana, Feb. 12.-The body OF Ensign
J. C. Breckenridge, who was carried over
board from the American torpedo boat
Cushing as that vessel was entering the
harbor yesterday, and who died shortly
after being taken from the water. has
been embalmed and will be sent to the
United States. Capt. Gen. Blanco, imme-
diately upon learning OF the death of the
ensign, sent a message of coincidence to
United States Consul General Lee, and
through him to Capt Sigsbee OF the Maine
and the other officers OF that ship, and
OF the Gushing, and offered facilities for
the return OF Mr.. Breckenridge's body 10
the United States
Gen. Blanco has ordered that provisions
and all other supplies for the Maine shall
be delivered without interference by GUS
tom house officials.