The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-05-01

eleven feet Of hold and was gush-
ing ont at the sides. She had list
ed over towards the shore early
in the fire and the stern settled
first. 1t was not until the river
flowed through her saloon from
the stern that she.went quickly
to the bottom. The only fireman
hurt was Mr.. James Woodward,
of Truck No. 2, who fell over
some boxes in the shed.
lust Ten Years Old.
The Pocahonta was built for the Vir-
ginla Navigation Company in 1893 by IInr-
Ian and Hollingworth. OF Wilmington.
Del She was a prize boat from the Start.
She was handsomely furnished ana the
appointments were OF an exceptional char
acter. The Poca hontas chad been tho
pride OF both presidents Of the Nuviga-
ton Company In recent years-Major a.
Fl. Drewry and Mr.. irwin Weisiger. SIZE
was the swiftest steamer that has ever
piled. the James. and nothing III Hampton
Roads was any better. To all save pos
sibly the Virginia, built here, and one or
two other steamers. were her equals. she
carried twenty-seven officers and men as
her crew. The officers were Messrs. G.
C. Graves captain; j. w. Bailey. mate;
C. B. Gwathmey. purser; j. G. Mayo,
chief engineer: W. F. Ferguson. assistant
engineer, and W. j. Ashburne, steward.
Mr.. j. w. Graves was the mail clerk,
an employe of the postofflce department.
Engineer Mayo was the only officer on
board when the fire started. Captain
Graves had started to his home In the
country. few miles out OF Richmond.
His wife heard of the fire, and hearing
also that he was on board. got horse
and buggy and she and her young daugh-
ter drove to town with all possible speed,
at times running the horse.
Carried Full Insurance.
The cost of the Pocahontas, exclusive
OF her furnishings. was $4,000. But this
includes the steel hull. which was not
damaged. No one connected with the
company would even make an estimate
last night of the cost OF the furniture.
The insurance amounts to $4,000 and was
placed through Williamson Talley ord
Company. Neither of the local compA-
MES carry any but the whole amount is
distributed among the many companies
having agencies here
Mr.. NVeisiger was at the wharf late
yesterday evening leaving about 6 o'clock
for his home at I[enwook, near Ashland.
Mr. Edwin A. Barber, secretary and treas
lrrcr of the company, was an early arrival
at the wharf He communicated with
Mr.. Weisiger and appraised him of the
loss. Mr.. Weisiger and Mr. Barber at
once set to work to get another boat to-
take the place of the Pocahontas. The
company had some time back leased the
Old Point Comfort for several weeks.
beginning next Wednesday,. The Norfolk
office was telegraphed last night to SEQ
If the steamer could not be gotten ana
sent up tile river to-day to go out OH
the regular trip tomorrow morning. Mr..
weisiger is earnestly hoping that this
will bio practicable, but of course does
not now know.
Will be Replaced.
There is little doubt that-the steamer
will be permanently replaced until she
can DO raised and rebuilt. Plans Will be
begun as soon as possible for raising the
vessel and getting her to a dry DOCK
Tho Pocahontas was 205 feet long. 81
feet broad, and II depth of hold. The
fastest speed which was ever recorded to
her credit was no less than TWENTY-FIVE
miles outside Of the virginia Capes MI.
Weisiger was on board and testifies to
tho unusual feat
The burning of the Pocahontas will be
news Of a most unwclcome kind TO tho
people Of Richmond Hardly Is there
n persoh in the city limits who has not
partalsen of the pleasures and comforts
of trips on her. Her elegance and speed
have often been subjects of comment by
those who had no other interest In her.
than the pleasure derived therefrom..
Doubtless thousands will Visit her wharf
to-day and behold the dual wreck Of fire
and water.
BAR TO MEET.