Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-11-15
LOSS OF CHARLESTON
Official Report Of Wreck Of
the Cruiser.
EVERYBODY SAFELY LANDED.
Hope Expressed Of Recovering The
Ship.
CAPTAIN PIGMAN COMMANDER.
Accident Regarded I'm Naval Circles
as Unavoidable, Owing to the In
different Chsrting OF Philippine
Waters.
CAPTAIN PIGMAN COMMANDER.
Accident Regarded I'm Naval Circles
Waters.

WASHINGTON, November 1A-Admiral
Watson cables to the Navy Department
the following official report of the wreck
Of the cruiser Charleston:
Manila November 1S.-Charleston
wrecked on uncharted coral reef three
miles north-northwest Of Guinapak Rocks.
north coast Luzon. $50 morning of No
vember ID. Everybody safely landed on
Kamiguin Island, armed with rifles and
two Colts. Natives friendly. Mcdonald
made Lingayen Gulf dn) sailing launch.
When no left no opportunity for oxami-
nation Of wreck. Northeast monsoon,
heavy sea. prevailing. Reports ship
struck easily; then thumped violently.
Fire-room compartment flooded; first
water tight doors closed promptly. Ship
les settled aft; water one foot from
name. Well out OF water forward. APP
parently very steep bank. Ten days pro-
visions on half rations landed Helena
dispatched from Lingayen, by Oregon, to
Kamlguin; due to-day.
(Signed) WATSON"
DISCREPANCY IN DATE.
There is a discrepancy in the date Of
thu wreck Of the Charleston as given in
Admiral Watsons message and in the
press dispatches. 1t is probable that the
9TH instant is correct, and that Admiral
Watson's dispatch was confused in trans
mission. There was some surprise ex-
pressed that SO long a time elapsed after
the wreck before news Of the fact reach
ed the Navy Department.
1t appears. however. that this delay
was inevitable, owing 20 the Isolated po-
siuon Of tho wreck. Kamiguin Island is
small island lying about north Of
Apart, which is the most northerly port
on the Island Of LuZOn. 1t Is distant
about 20 miles from Lingayen Gulf,
where are stationed the nearest Of the
warships OF Watson's beet
PRESIDENT INFORMED.
when Acting-secretary Allen reached
the Navy Department this morning he
communicated with the White House,
and then, by direction Of the President.
went over at once, carrying a chart Of
Northern Luzon aud the cablegram from
Watson.
Admiral Watson appears TO have acted
at once upon receipt Of the news, for
he informed the Navy Department that
he had cabled across TO HOngkong to Sc
cure the help Of experienced wrecfers 10
proceed Immediately 10 the scene OF the
accident. The Navy Department has al
ready constructor on the ground. In the
person Of Lieutenant HObsOn who may
be called on TO assume charge Of the
Wreckng operations.
VESSEL, MAY BE SAVED.
A careful reading Of the cablegram from
Admiral watson cOnvnces the officials
that there Is a fair chance Of saving the
Charleston. They say that the name OF
the ship IS painted about three or four
feet below the rail. This is an indication
that the main deck IS above water. which
would make the work OF pumping out
the hull much easier. If she is settled
down aft, az reported, there is less danger
Of iniuring the bottom further by pound
ing. Much depends, however, on the wea-
| Their, as the wreck lies In the full sweep
Of the monsoons which prevail at this
| season.
For the safety Of the officers and crew
not the slightest apprehension exists. The
Helena must already have reached the
island. which Is about a days run from
Lingayen. and with the Oregon, which
followed closely, must have removed the
Charlestons crew several days ago.
COURT OF INQUIRY.
As soon as possible a court Of inquiry
will be called 10 fix the responsibility FOR
the wrecking OF the ship. This will fol-
low. irrespective Of any action OF the
NAVY Department. and will be ordered
| nv Admiral Watson Should 1t appear
that the wreck was caused by the nesli-
gence of any of the Charleston's officers,
a court-martial will follow the Inquiry;
bvt i'm view Of the exceedingly dangerous
character Of the north coast of Luzon'
and the lack Of necessary aids OF naVisa-
ton. il is not believed TO be probable that
anv OF the officers will be found severely
| censurable.
Captain -eorge w. Pigman is in COM
mand of the ship.
FURTHER DETAILS.
MANILA, November As p. Muir
Their details regarding the grounding or
tho United States cruiser Charleston
show that she struck an uncharted coral
reef ten miles east Of Kamiguin Island
| Her stern was almost submerged, ana
/ tho bow is almost out OF water A heavy
sea was on, and the cruiser began rolling
violently. The water-tlght doors were
ouicl,lv closed. but We're stove I'm under
/ the engine NbA4f~t '44-N''Nf 49, -
tho ship.
After the first efforts to right her the
officers feared she might slide of because
OF tho heavy sea, and. therefore, aban-
doned the attempt to save her. They
hurried to the launch and boats, and
rowed away, prepared to fight for land
| ing. with two Colt guns. 13i rifles, and
ton DAYS rations. Some OF the officers
and men were dressed only in pajamas
and their underclOthing.
Tho breech-blocks Of the cannon were
removed before the boats put on. TWO
hours after the Charleston struck all had
GOTTEN away. The report that the crew
remained two days on the vessel is mac
| curate. 4 party returned two days later,
but found it impossible to save anything.
LANDING OF THE CREW.
Tho first landing was made on little
| island with a front OF barren rocks. Next
day the boats again took 10 the water.
and proceeded to Kamlguin Island, where
a landing was made IN the expectation
| that fighting would be necessary. SO far
| from this being the case, however the
| Charlestons men found half-saVage
people. who regarded them with curl
| osity. rather than hostility. On the third
| day the storm had greatly subsided, and
Lieutenant John ID: Mcdonald. with
1 - ~t.r