Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-02-21
Larchnont Quartefuastef
Tells Of Collision.
Statement Of James Staples Of
North BrooksviIIe, Me.
Says Capt mcvey Did Not Seem
Excited After Accident,

New London, CT. Feb. 20-United
States Steamboat Inspectors Whitney
and Stewart today received q transcript
of the statement of James /. Staples,
quartermaster of the steamer Larch-
mont, taken by the Providence inspec-
tors. 1t is notable as describing Incl
dents of the collision of the two craft
and makes the first mention Of a bow
Waterman thus far in testimony given.
Mr.. Staples declared he was q resident
of North Brooksville, Me-. and having
followed the sea for most of his life, be-
ing on tug boats. He had been quarter
master on the Larchmont for two
weeks, that being his first position Of
that rank. He took charge of the
wheel soon after o'clock, receiving a
course Of west. a quarter south, from
Pilot Arson. The wind was northwest
and weather clear, no fog or snow. The
window of the pilot house was down at
the time. Could See a man in the dark
ness at the bow of the steamer and
supposed he was the bow man.
The first the witness knew Of the ap-
preaching schooner was seeing her red
and green lights himself Could see
Watch Hill light at the time. 1t was
schooner that the collision occurred.
When first seen thought schooner was
half a mile off. Lookout reported her to
the pilot. who said call right" Pilot
told witness to port his wheel little,
which order was cbeyed.
This action shut out the view of the
schooner's red light, but showed the
green light. Pilot then told him to port
wheel more and witness gave it port as
fast as re could. Could see schooner's
green light all the time about quarter
of O. mile away as the wheel was put
to port.
Collision occurred about half a min
ute later. Did not notice how the steam
err was heading then as did not look out
because holding onto wheel and that
ali could do. Had not reduced speed.
Pilot pulled whistle just as the schoon-
er was onto the steamer.
Schooner was so near that steamers
electric lights showed on her hull. Pilot
did not say word at the time; gave no
orders to witness. Witness did not notice
what the pilot did just after the collision
and next saw him outside the pilot house.
Captain sent witness below to see If en-
gines would work, the captain entering
the pilot house almost the moment Of the
collision. Captain said something to pi-
lot. witness did not know what.
Witness left captain and pilot at the
pilot house and went as far toward en-
CINE room as he could on account of the
steam. Steam was so hot on main deck
as to choke witness. Being unable to get
further. witness hurried back to pilo.
house. too choked to speak at first, finally
able to make captain understand could
not get to engine room. All left pilot
house. witness donning his ulster.
Second assistant told captain steamer
was sinking. Other officers were stand
ing around. When first saw schooner she
was not steering, straight course
Schooner seemed to Tbe luffing when she
struck steamer just ahead of paddle box.
Witness thought it was 10 or Is minutes
after impact before Larchmont sank.
Captain McVey ordered AL standing
around to the boats. Witness went to his
boat, No. /, on the starboard side. Did
not see any passengers around captains
boat. Did not know who lowered the boat
or held the falls. there was so much
steam. Thought there were people in tho
boat when lowered. When witness clam
he-ed down sides of steamer into boat
there were people there but did not count
them. Did not know whether Capt Nc
Vey was there or not.
Capt McVey wanted to take boat to
lee side to get passengers. He did not
seem excited. Two walters, a fireman,
coal passer and the purser were in their
boat. but no sailors. There were threa
people near where their boat was, but
in the darkness and steam they made no
attempt to get aboard. Those of the crew
in the boat were unable to get around to
the Ice side on account of the gale. The
boat remained around the spot after the
steamer sank Capt. McVey evidently
was anxious to save any people possible