The Ouachita Telegraph - New Steam Ferry Boat Explosion at Trenton Date: Mar. 2004 Submitted by: Lora Peppers ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** The Ouachita Telegraph April 18, 1867 Page 2, Column 2 Trial Trip of the New Steam Ferry Boat. Its Explosion, with Terrible Consequences! FULL PARTICULARS!! One of those awful and heart-rending calamities, which sometimes shock a whole community, plunging it from the extreme of gladness and mirth into that of overshadowing gloom and sorrow, has, by a mysterious dispensation of an all-wise Ruler, been sent upon this community. TWO INTERESTING EVENTS. Last Friday was a day marked by two noteworthy events in the history of our little town events which would almost justify giving Monroe the appelation of a city. The newly organized fire company had but recently received its engine and hose, and, according to previous arrangement, appeared upon our streets on that day to inaugurate the beginning of a new era in fire risks and to gratify the public curiosity to see a firemen's parade. The firemen were elegantly uniformed, and conducted their parade very handsomely. They had nearly gone through with their exercises, when the new steam ferry boat, which had just been completed on the opposite side of the river, steamed out of dock and made for this side of the river. THE NEW FERRY BOAT - HER DEPARTURE. Attention was at once directed to the new craft, and the people gathered on the bank to witness her landing; which was effected with little trouble, except a slight interruption in the machinery, occasioned by the stubbornness of some screws on the engine. After remaining a few minutes, the boat backed out with the view of going to Trenton, and having a few gentlemen of this place on board, whose names are as follows: F.P. Stubbs, esq., Dr. J.T. Simmons, Capt. A.W. Norcross, Capt. Frank Morey, R.J. Caldwell, Esq., O.D. Stillman, Esq., Judge H.M. Bry, F.L. McCormick, Robert Dortch, C.C. Lewis, Henry Lewis, together with the Editor of this paper, and three or four little boys. After the boat had reached the middle of the river and was making headway up stream, the gentlemen on board collected into little knots and were discussing the success and future usefulness of the boat. So much anxiety had been expressed in relation to the boat and its completion, that all on board were extremely well pleased at its performances. Nothing occurred to mar the general good feeling, except about midway between Monroe and Trenton the pump was observed by some of the party, ourself among the number, to be working with a furious rapidity under the manipulations of the engineer. The pump was of an unusual kind, consisting of a piston working horizontally between two cylinders, or a cylinder at one end and a pump at the other. At the time referred to, this piston worked with inconceivable violence, even shaking the foundations of the pump. This incident alarmed us, and we mentioned to Dr. Simmons our surprise at seeing such machinery. But he allayed our fears by assuring us the boiler was nearly full of water, and that the reason the boat did not run faster was because there was no room in the boiler for steam. AT TRENTON. A landing was effected at Trenton without difficulty, the trip having been made in forty minutes. Several of the leading citizens of that place came to the wharf to welcome the boat, and with these our own party freely mingled as soon as they could get on shore. The occasion was one for kind feelings and exuberance of spirits, and it was, therefore, with pleasure that we witnessed the free interchange of congratulations and friendly sentiments between the citizens of the two towns. No similar occasion we have ever witnessed was marked by greater cordiality and enthusiasm, and all in a quiet, unostentatious manner. The mayor of Trenton was inquired for that they might receive the mayor of Monroe in form and see to the welfare of the visitors. Judge Bry, ever ready with wit, pulled from his pocket a copy of the TELEGRAPH, and proceeded to open it in order to furnish our neighbors of Trenton with the latest news from the city of Monroe. Maj. McGuire, of Trenton, suggested that the boat lacked a horse-shoe on the bow, to which suggestion Mr. Caldwell replied that he would nail on the shoe if the Major would procure one, and the ceremony was subsequently gone through with in a very interesting manner. These incidents intrude themselves upon our memory now, and we relate them as a part of the history of an event which has overshadowed two towns with melancholy and grief. Having spent half an hour or more at Trenton, the excursionists began to collect on board many of them accompanied by citizens of Trenton who wished to inspect the boat. It was during this inspection that Mr. Lincoln, a practical engineer who manages McGuire's steam saw mill, came on board and tested the guages of the boiler and examined the pump. This examination revealed to him the fact that the boiler was deficient in water, nothing but steam issuing from the lower guage. He warned a few friends of the danger, and remarked audibly in our hearing that there was no water in the boiler, or words of similar purport. About this time wood was being brought on the boat, and when that task was finished fresh fuel was thrown in the furnace, the fires having gone down. The engineer, also about this time, made his appearance, he having been on shore. As he passed over the staging, Mr. Stubbs observed to him that he (Stubbs) would like to see some water pumped in the boiler, to which the engineer replied, tartly: "I'll attend to that." He went to the rear of the boiler and remained there a few minutes, when he came out and took up a position near the railing and to one side of the boiler. We were scrutinizing his movements closely, and having seen him approach the pump and remain there awhile, we took it for granted he had taken measures for supplying the alleged deficiency of water. THE EXPLOSION. Meanwhile, the black smoke was pouring from the smoke-stack, and a blue vapor was streaming from a leak in the pipe leading to the whistle. The whistle had been blown for leaving, a negro was standing by the line ready to "let go," the pilot was at the wheel, and the party were distributed about the lower deck, the greater number being on a line between the boiler and the jack-staff and around the jack-staff. Dr. Simmons was leaning against the jack- staff, and to his left and sitting on the railing was Capt. Norcross, his right hand resting on the Doctor's shoulder. Mr. Caldwell stood to the Doctor's right. Mr. Stillman was quietly smoking a cigar as he sat on a barrel a few feet aft of Mr. Caldwell, and Capt. Morey had a position near Mr. S. Mr. C.C. Lewis was ascending the steps to the cabin. Mr. Stubbs, having a presentiment of danger, had gone to the river-side of the boat and was standing near the railing and just forward of the gangway. Mr. Dortch and ourself had the same position on the shore-side of the boat, both sitting. Judge Bry and Mr. McCormick were some feet aft of us and near a lad named Russell, who was near the bow. The last parting salutation had been given. Messrs. Crosley, Head, Flournoy, Bust and others of Trenton, had just stepped ashore, Capt. Crosley not having reached the top of the bank. We have no recollection of how our mind was engaged, or upon what subject, in that awful moment, we were cogitating. Most likely we were watching the preparations to leave, as we remember how extremely anxious we felt to be moving. Suddenly a deafening noise fell upon our ears as we remember now, like the near explosion of a large shell - accompanied by a rush of steam into our face. Closing our eyes and dropping our head for a moment, as if to avert disaster, we awaited the final result. Upon looking up, we perceived that the boat was floating out and that the fires were issuing from the furnace. Instantly we sprang to our feet, rushed to the gangway and leaped nearly to the water's edge, with a glad heart at our deliverance . But upon looking in front of the wreck, a sight met us which beggars description, and which transformed in a second all our joy into deepest anguish. Mr. Stubbs was struggling in the water, one arm resting upon a plank. Lewis was crying for help, as he lay paralyzed at the water's edge. Capt. Norcross was crawling out of the water, all muddy, black and bleeding. Stillman was lifeless, two or three planks lying upon his body. Dr. Simmons lay partly in the water, his head at the water's edge. He was quite motionless, insensible and breathing with great difficulty. Morey and Caldwell were close by, both painfully wounded and more or less scalded. A negro woman on shore had been blown into the wather and had got out and was standing erect, the picture of woe, fright and despair. The boat was floating off, but was finally checked by Messrs. Bry and McCormick (who had escaped and remained on board), and the fire put out. Every attention was at once shown the wounded, and much anxiety was manifested for the missing, all of whom have since been accounted for. The doors of the Trenton Hotel and the White House were thrown open to the sufferers and to their assistance every age and condition, men and women, rushed with sympathetic alacrity. CONFUSION AT MONROE. News of the disaster was at once dispatched to this place, with a request for surgical aid, there being only one Surgeon, Dr. Key in Trenton. Upon the receipt of the news here the wildest confusion prevailed. In spite of every precaution, the most alarming rumors beseiged the public mind. Night and darkness had come on, and ferriage across the river was slow and at considerable intervals. Our own case affords an illustration of the confusion and suspense. Mrs. M. was passing the ferry and there heard of the disaster, and almost immediately was informed that we were on board. At that moment we were on the opposite side of the river, having left Trenton to notify the family of one of the sufferers of his condition. It was deep dusk and no recognition across the river was possible. Finding we should be delayed too long to wait for the boat to come over and seeing another just landing some distance below, we ran to that and were crossing to this side while Mrs. M. with heavy heart was crossing to the other side to alleviate, as she though, our sufferings, or perhaps to see our corpse. She was hurrying on on foot when she heard of our safety. We came home found her absent, and when, although exhausted, we set out in pursuit, finding her, at last, at the scene of the disaster. We may safely say there has been longer separations of the two which ended in a less joyful re-union. DEATH OF DR. SIMMONS. The sufferers remained that night in Trenton, except one or two whose injuries were not so serious. They were most attentively cared for by the good people of that place to whom this community feels deeply grateful. About midnight the noble and manly spirit which had given so much life and vivacity, kindness and hospitality, to the person of our friend Dr. J.T. Simmons, yielded to the terrible convulsion his physical frame had sustained and winged its way to Eternity. Associated with him intimately, being an inmate of his dwelling, we cannot recall his cheering countenance, high toned bearing and that generous hospitality which marks only the truly good man, without heartfelt, tearful regret at his sudden and lamentable death. Mild, gentle and sympathetic in life, even so in death his features retained the impress of the noble spirit whice had forever left them. Peace to his ashes! The next day the wounded were place on board the steamer Swan, then lying at Trenton and brought to this place, Capt. Morris having kindly placed his boat at the disposal of his friends for that purpose. To see those who had but yesterday gone away for a few moments recreation returning upon litters and one of their number dead, visibly affected the spectators who thronged the bank to witness the melancholy disembarkation. How grateful we feel for our safety, or how warmly we sympathize with our less fortunate companions need not be told. THE SUFFERERS. We give the names of the sufferers: Dr. J.T. Simmons, (dead;) R.J. Caldwell, scalded and right arm broken; O.D. Stillman, stunned and shoulder bruised; Capt. A.W. Norcross, two wounds on head, and back injured; Capt. Frank Morey, severely scalded with injury in the back; Chandler Lewis, wounds on head and injury to the hip; Russell (a lad) severely scalded, with contusions on head and body; a little son of Mrs. Lincoln's blown ashore and slightly scalded, and a negro woman whose condition we have before described. Mr. C. Freeland, of Trenton, was blown from the boat and received an injury in his side. Mr. Stubbs escape was miraculous. He was thrown violently into deep water, he does not know in what manner, and when he became conscious he found himself at the bottom gulping water. He arose to the surface, saw his hat which he grasped, and made fast to a plank. He was then assisted to land, thoroughly drenched but not injured. He informed Mrs. S., at first, that he fell off the boat. Such a fall one does not often take! CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION. As may be inferred from what has already been said, the disaster was caused by a collapse of the flue, and this necessarily resulted from a deficiency of water at the time the fire was so unwisely increased. It seems that the pump (which we have heard called the "Wellington pump,") was out of order from the time of starting, and at the time we noticed its furious working the engineer was no doubt trying to right it, which he doubtless failed to do as we subsequently saw it idle while the boat was running. Capt. White, of Trenton, states that the water marks are plainly discernible in the inner portion of the boiler and that these indicate a depth of water at the time of the explosion, of not more than three inches. The engineer was reminded of the deficiency, but we have sought in vain for evidence that he took measures to supply it, or to warn the passengers of danger, supposing he felt himself unable to manage the machinery. THE WRECK. Upon visiting the boat after the collapse, we found the larboard flue collapsed almost through its entire length and at each end it was partly rent from the main boiler. The flue doors were blown away and the smoke-stack also, the lower section resting immediately on the bow. The cabin steps were gone and the jack-staff and railing for ten or fifteen feet on either side had been forced away, as also a barrel of cement and a lot of plank that were situated near the bow. At the other end of the boiler the pump was badly broken and a portion of the wheel house torn away. The engines are intact and the cabin is but little damaged. We found the pea of the safety valve at the extreme notch on the beam, the only notch, the the construction of the boat, in which it could rest. The flue gave evidence of former use and was made of iron about three-sixteenths of an inch in thickness. The force of the explosion was directed to the rear and front, otherwise the destruction would doubtless have been complete. THE ENGINEER HIS STATEMENT. We have visited the enginerr (sic) of the ill-starred boat, at his quarters in the jail, where he has been confined since Saturday, except during the progress of his trial which is now going on. He was sent here by John Clark of New Orleans, who sold the machinery to Mr. Watts, the owner of the boat, to put it up and to test it. He gives his name as R.J. Halley and says he has been employed for the last twenty-five years in setting up engines, particularly on sugar plantations. Halley states that when he left the landing here the water in the boiler stood above the upper guage cock; that when we observed the pump working on the trip up, it was done to gratify some who were looking on and not to pump water, none being needed in the boiler. He says that when the boat landed at Trenton he tested the cocks and found plenty of water. When he came aboard to get in readiness to start and was told the water was low, he says he made the usual test and found water in the lower cock. But he discovered that the valve of the pump was broken and he states that he gave orders, which statement is corroborated, to have no more wood put in the furnace. His intention, he says, was then to float down to Cottonport, or opposite, and with what steam he had to make a landing. He expresses regret at the sad occurrence, and can account for his mistake as to the quantity of water in the boiler only by the hypothesis that the water was foaming inside all through the boiler when he tested it last, and thus make its appearance through the guage, by which he was deceived. We forbear making any comments on these statements for reasons obvious to the reader. CORONER'S INQUEST Dr. McCormick, the coroner, held an inquest over the body of Dr. Simmons, and from a view of the body and the testimony adduced, the jury rendered a verdict of death caused by the explosion on the ferry-boat, which explosion originated from the carelessness of the officer or officers of the boat. It is due to Mr. Watts to state that he was not on board, but was engaged at the time on the petit jury, court being in session. ENGINEER'S ACQUITTAL. After a patient hearing in the trial of the engineer, Mr. Jemison for the State and Col. Morrison for the defense, Justice Delery decided that the evidence was insufficient, and the accused was therefore discharged. CONDITION OF THE WOUNDED. We are able to report, just before going to press, that all of the wounded are improving. We trust that their recovery will be speedy, and that it will be many a long day before another disaster overtakes them. When they do recover, we undertake to say they will be, for a while, shy of steamboats. They may steer clear with impunity, but the reporter must needs be on hand for the enlightenment of his millions of readers. May he always be as fortunate as was the grateful scribe who pens these lines! NOTE: In the same issue, page 2, Column 5, there is a resolution of respect for John T. Simmons given by the Western Star Lodge of Masons. # # #