The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-02-25
AT MERCY OF WINDS.
Men Put on Short Rations as a Pre-
caution.
FRUIT STEAMER T0WS HER IN.
One Hundred and sixty-Five Bodies
Of Dead Soldiers on Board-The
Transport is Now Safe in Hamp-
ton Roads and Will be &.
Towctl to, New York.
Thrilling Voyage.

NORFOLK, VA, Feb 24.-Special.-.
The United States transport McPherson,,
bound from G:bara, Cuba for New York,
was towed into Hampton Roads this
morning by the fruit steamer Admiral
Sampson. The McPherson's propeller
broke off last Monday while 44o miles ut
sea off Charleston. and the ship, with
16S men and officers aboard, drifted about
at sea until yesterday. when the Samp-
son picked her up Two storms passed
while the disabled vessel was at sea, but
Notwithstanding the great peril Lieuten-
ant Edgar Macklin, of San Juan, who was
aboard says that admirable discipline
prevailed.
PUT ON SHORT RATIONS.
Though there were thirty days rations
aboard all were put on quarter rations
after the breakdown.
The storm on Wednesday blew the Nc
Pherson toward Bermuda, and those
aboard believe they say the outline of
that island
Major Hutchns commanding the trans
port, was thrown down IN the storm and
dangerously hurt.
l1dQ 1lOl Il jury SILL UeSu ieSSSl oii til~
transport she would have foundered in
tho storm.
BODIES ABOARD.
There are 1s5 bodies of soldiers aboard
the McPherson, which were brought
home for reinterment; of these 65 are
of those who died of yellow fever The
transport sailed from Gibara for New
York, February 18th. She is still in
Hampton Roads Tonight, but will be
towed to New York when 1.-The weather
is favorable. Storm signals are up to-
night.
The Admiral Sampson. which proceeded
on her voyage, expects TO receive $ooeoO.
THRILLING EXPERIENCED
FORT MONROE, VA, Feb Especial.
The transport had thrilling experience.
During the heavy storm of Monday,
while 440aniles at sea, she broke her pro-
pcller shaft and drifted helplessly for
many hours almost to the coast of Ber-
muda. Assistance was asked of a little
italian steamer, but her captain was
afraid the big transport would swamp
her.
Excellent discipline prevailed. Contem-
plating any emergency rattons were inn
med:ately cut down to all of the 16S
people aboard. Much personal bravery
was shown.
GREAT BRAVERY.
When it appeared that the broken shaft
must snap the rudder unless secured,
the entire crew volunteered for the dam
gerous duty. The four men selected per-
formed the task successfully, and the
ship, then manageable, was put under
sail power. Wednesday severe storm
arose, which drove her further out of her
course. Thursday night a Ward liner
stood by for three hours, but the trans
port was making headway under sail.
Yesterday morning, however, she accepted
the Admiral SIMPSONS assistance. The
difficult work of securing the tow line
was accomplished by throwing it over
board attached to a life buoy.
In the midst of the storm Major Hutch.
ins. in charge of the ship, was thrown
violently against the superstructure and
severely injured
A GOOD SHIP.
Considerable anxiety has been felt in
regard to the Mcpherson for, several days
past, and much relief is experienced at
her arrival in port. She left Santiago on
the 18th instant, and was due in New
York city on the Goth.
The Mcpherson is classed. as troop
and freight ship, and is attached to the
Atlantic transport fleet, being engaged
in the transportation of troops and sup
plies between New York and Cuban and
Porto Rican ports. She was formerly the
OLDHAM, and was purchased by the gov
ernment for S250,c01 a the outbreak of
the Spanish war and rechristened Nc
Pherson. She has a tonnage of 1855, and
was regarded as am excellent ship of her
class.
ANXIETY FELT.
WASHINGTON, Feb. :4.-Considerable
anxiety had been felt here as to the
NcPharSon several Ia
much relief is experienced at her ar
rival in port. She left Santiago on the
18th instant, and was due at New York
city on the Goth. The Mcpherson is
classed as a troop and freight ship, and
was attached to the Atlantic transport
float being engaged in the transportat ton
of troops and supplies between New
York and Cuban and Porto Rican ports.
She has tonnage of 1856, and was re-
Sarded as an excellent ship of her class
Later in the day it was ascertained
that the MCPHERSON carried san extra
shaft piece, and it was ordered that the
vessel be sent to the ship-yard at New
port News. provided the necessary, re-
pairs could be made there without much
delay. Otherwise the vessel will be towed
to New York for repairs.
PASSENGERS ABOARD. ISL
The Mcpherson is in charge of Major
Hutchins She brought a number OF pas
sengers from Santiago, including several
discharged soldiers; also, the bodies of
ninety-six soldiers who died in Cuba.
and a miscellaneous cargo.
All THE passengers who choose TO do SO
may disembark at Fort Monroe. The
vessel is now anchored Off that port.
The soldier dead are to be brought to
this city for interHent in the National
Cemetery at Arlington. In case of delay
in making the repairs it is probable that
the bodies will be brought direct to !
Washington from Fort Monroe instead of
b.ins allowed to remain on the vessel !
until she reaches New York.
No s,nallnnx II, Canton
RALDIGH, N. &. Co.. Fob, 24i.-A special ],
to The News and Observer from Canton.
N. c.. denies the report that smallpox
is prevalent there and in Clyde. There3l