New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-25
THE RPHERSoN DISABLED arsrs
UNITED STATES TRANSPORT ppor,r mr.,
sHAFT-cREw PUT ON QUARTER
RATToNs

newport News Va, Feb 81 (SpeciaD.-The
United states transport Mcpherson was flowed
INTO hampton Roads this morning by the ia
malCa Iruit steamship Admiral Sampson The
olsaoied vessel is now anchored off Old Point
and VIII come here for repairs The Mcpherson
was bound from Santiago TO New-York and
broke her shaft at She was picked I'D by
the AdLlIral sampson and towed to Hampton
i'oaus' me sampson continued on her voyage.
Norfolk' Va. Feb. 24-The Admiral Sampson
Iouhd the big transport drifting helplessIy
ABOUT al sea, several hundred miles off Charles
ton The Mcpherson broke her shaft on Mon
day, and had severe experience in The storr,
OF last wednesday night. The disabled vessel
passed through two storms, in enc OF which
major Hutchins, commanding the TRANSPORT
was thrown down and injured The crew was
put on quarter rations after the breakdown. as
precautionary measure, although there were
thirty days rations on board
The story Of the voyage was obtained to-
night from ex-Assistant Quartermaster c. E
Norton and Lieutenant Macklin. Mr. Norton
went TO Cuba and Puerto Rico for the purpose
OF assisting in the exhuming and shipment to
America OF the bodies OF soldiers who died in
Cuba and Puerto Rico. He left Gibara. Cuba
on the Mcpherson on February II for the United
States.
When several days out OF San Juan the Nc
Pherson encountered heavy weather and on
the night Of the DIST her main shaft broke and
left her helpless. Distress signals were out each
day, and at night her searchlight was elevated
TO the top 10 get the widest possible range and
distress signals were constantly made After
four days the fruit steamer Admiral Sampson
bound from Jamaica, sighted the Mcpherson
and took her in tow. In the storm after great
difficulty, four Of the sailors succeeded in lash
ing the propeller so Il would not turn and beat
the rudder post. a leg-of-mutton sail was
rugged, and this gave progress enough TO permit
steering. On Thursday an unknown Ward liner
came along, remained by the Mcpherson for
three hours. then concluded the latter could get
into port without assistance and steamed away
Philadelphia, Feb. 24--The Admiral Sampson
is one Of the United Fruit Company's line Of
steamers. The ship sailed from this port on
Thursday with a number OF passeng gers, bound
for jamaica
Washington, Feb 24-Consicerable anxiety
has been felt as to the Mcpherson for several
days past, and much relief is experienced by
her arrival in port. She left Santiago or Febru-
airy Is, and was due at New-York City on the
Goth. The Mcpherson is classed q troop and
freight ship, and was attached to the Atlantic
transport feet, being engaged in the transpor
tation Of troops and supplies between New
York. Cuban and Puerto Rican ports. She has
a tonnage of 1866. and is regarded excel
lent ship OF her class. It was ascertained this
afternoon that the Mcpherson carried extra
shaft piece, and It ordered that the vessel
be sent TO the shipyard at Newport News, pro-
vided the necessary repairs could be made there
without much delay. Otherwise the vessel VIII
be lowed New York for repairs.
The Mcpherson is in charge Of Major Hutch
ms Quartermaster, L. s. Y. She brought
number Of passengers from Santiago. including
several discharged soldiers; also the bodies OF
ninety-six soldiers who died in Cuba, and
miscellaneous cargo. All the passengers who
choose 10 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
burial in the National Cemetery at Arlington.
In case Of delay in making repairs. II is probable
that the bodies will be brought direct TO Wash
irgton from Fort Monroe instead of being al
lowed TO remain on the vessel until she reaches
New York.