The New York Herald Newspaper, March 17, 1856, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 7140. AWFUL CATASTROPHE ON THE DELAWARE Burning of a Philadelphia and Camden Ferry Boat. TERRIBLE SCENE OF EXCITEMENT. THIRTY LIVES SUPPOSED TO BE LOST ‘ames of the Dead, Injured and Missing. Statements of the Surviving Passengers. ‘Testimony at the Coroner’s Investigation, &0., &o., io. Punapeurua, Mareb 16, 1856. About balf-past nine o’clock to-night the ferry boat ‘New Jersey, white crossing the Delaware to Camden, took ire in the middle of the stream. There being a great deal of floating ice in the river, much difficulty was expe, orlenced in managing. the vecsel, and she was finally run upon the bar opposite Arch street. About one hundred pasvergers were on boaid, many of whom jumped into ‘the river and were rescued by boats, and others saved ‘themselves by clinging to floating ice. It is feared that a farge number sre crowned. The boat is now burned to the water’s edge. Great con- fusion prevails, and it is impossible to gather authentic details. Steamers immediately went to the assistance of the passengers, but they had previously been saved by ‘small boats. Quarrer Pasr Tey—P, M. It in now asserted that not less than thirty lives have «Deen lost. PARTICULARS OF THE CALAMITY. [¥rom the Ledger Extra, March 16} One of the most fearful disasters which bas happened vapon the Delaware since tho burning of the Wiliam Penn, some twenty years ago, occurred on Saturday snight, between 8 and 9 o’clock. The Camden ferry bout New Jersey, belonging to the ‘Philadelphia and Camden Ferry Company, with passen- gers to the number of nearly ons hundred, mcatly resi. dents of New Jersey, started for Camden. ‘The boat wan headed for the caual, but on reaching ‘that point, Captain Corson discovered that the ice was 80 Jemmed between the banks, that to go through would be almost an impossibiiity. ‘The boat was then turned northward, so as to cross ‘the bar some distance above Smith’s Island. When near. ‘ly opposite Arch street wharf, the boat was discovered to "be on fire near the smoke stack. Am effort was made to Check the flames, but withous avail. A sceae of wild ~extitement eneued; the passengers all pressed forward ‘to escape the flames, and to be the first to Jump ashore, 8 scon as the boat should ‘touch the wharf, the cap- tain baving directed the pilot to eteer direct for the Areh street wharf, When within about thircy feet of ‘the wharf the wheel house fell, rendering her steering S@pparatus useless. A strong ebb tide was running and setting up the river, which caused the boat to sheer off from the wharf, and float towards the island again. Be fore this time, however, most of the passengers had . Jumped overboard, some of whom managei to get upon cakes of ice, and others were takea from the water by Persons in small boats. Many of the passengers, among «whom were scme temales, remained on the boat untii the dursiog of their clethes Grove thenr to lvap into the water. Mr. Samuel Goverson, of this city, was on board, with his wife and child, about fourteen months old; was se- parated from his wite when the fire was first discovered. Ge Immediately made search for her, but yetting in the midst of the excited throng, vas hurried overboard without obteining any knowledge of the wheresdouts of his wife ‘and ch'ld. He was soon rescued, and on reaching the awbarf he was overjoyed to hear that his wife haa been faved and taken to the Weatherby tavern, but his child wasdrowned. Its mother held onto it untilexhaustion compelled her to relingzish her hold. Mr. Nixon, of Camden, waa on board with his wife and child, ard both remained on the ceck until their clothes took fire, Mrs. Nixon was considerably burnt. She states that when her husband was separated from her and forced overboard bis coat was all ina blaze. She ‘bas not seen or heard of him since. ‘Whomas H. Dudley, of Camden; Thomas Hooper, of Phil- ‘waelphis; Mrs. Ellen Stowe, of Camden; Taomas Sstearas and wife, and William P. Wilson, were ail rescued trom the water in an exhausted state, and taken to Newkirz’s, ‘where the proper remedies were spplied to prevent any leriofis results. Mr. James M. Stelling, of Camden, excaped with his "fe, notwithstanding the boat passed over him. When ‘taxen from the water he could scarcely move. Two men, named Edwards and Noag'e, residing about tx miles from Camden, managed to get upon a cake of foe and floated until picked up by a person in » small Dost. They were taken to the Cherry street station house, in company with a Mr. Crispin, who was also res- youed, where they remained during the night. Mr. John C. Little, of Camden, was found dead, floating ‘upon the river. Efforts were made to resascitate lite. Mr. Richard Mitchell, residing in Camden, but whose place of business is at No. 93 Svuth Sesond street, was ‘under the boat for @ short time, but escaped without in- Jury, and was also instrumental in saving one of the Mewale parsecgers. dir. James W. Ferguson thinks there were about sixty persors on the boat, and when the fire was first dis- covered hewas talkingjwith} a fel ow clerk of his, named Howard. When the piace became too hot for them, Fer- goson, in company with Howard and some gentieman un- Anown to him, slipped over the 6‘eamboat into the water, rand held on to the rudder chains until nearly exhausted, ‘when he let go and commenced swimming for the shore. ‘Pe was seen by persons on the wharf, and » rops thrown 40 him and thus savei. He could not tell what had be- |.come of his companions. Mr. Wm. Agnew, a resident of Camden, given a terrific cleacription of the melancholy disaster, as follows:— MR. AGNEW’S STATEMENT. {was standing ¢o2versing with Mr. Muschamp, a con- éaptor On the Camden and Amboy Railroad, waen he dis- fevered tbe flames bursting out sround tbe “smoke stack.’ Making aa exclamation that the boat was on he sprang forward \o the windward. He saw the Almost the mooment the fire was discovered the boat wae headed fr the Arch street wharf. A wild, heartrendimg scene ot terror ereued. There were, as nearly ashe cottid remem- ber, cver one hundred persons on board, insluding twenty or twenty-five ladies. By # common impulee they rushed Ko the windward to avoid the intense heat of the flames, ‘which had now enveloped the whoie after part of the doomed veesel. Mr. Agnew clung to the guards as long dhe could, Around him, frantically endeavoring to ‘wrenst loose the stauzcheons, which were yet free from ‘the devouring élement, were tho horror atricken pas- tengers, who, but a few moments before had been so ful ol hope and happiness. There was nothing that he cou'd nee save a bench or two that could in any way be pnade avatlable asa float or life preserver. The flames as the ‘wind drove them abcut increasing in volume every moment, caught the drentes of the women, whoee shrieka for as- aistance were appaling. One young girl, Mise Carman, was the only one he recognized, aad the last he saw of her abe was enveloped in tire, and screaming piteously. scene was now almost too awful and appalling for reslity. One by ono—sometiwes five or six at a time— thay mate the fearful lesp from the burning wreck mto ‘the scarcely less terrible chances of death amid the ice aud water. ‘The boat had struggled up to within twenty or twentr- fave fect of the wherf, when the pilot house fell, and ali mand of it being lost, it swung ont head down. There were at this time not more than six or eight persons ro- wainis g on board that he could nee. He leaped into the atream, and says bis only fear atthe moment was of being strock by the wheels. He swam about one hundrea yards, when be providentislly reached the bow of & olip- Fer ship, and was rescued by the promptness of those on board. He is positive that not more than ten minutes elapsed from the time of the discovery of the amos ‘around the smoke stack until tho boat was completely wrapped in fire. The captain, as far aa he could notice in the contusion, was doing his atmost to save the lives MORNING EDITION—MONDAY, MAROH 17, 1856. Of those on board, and the pilot remained at his post te the last. The fixe originated in the fireman’s room; does not think the least blame can be attached to the captsin or pilot, nor, to his knowledge, to any of the employés; the fireman’s room was not fire proof. Mr. Agnew was at Bloodgood’s hetel, foot of Walnut street, from whence, after receiving, through the kindness of Mr. B., » change of clothing, he proceeded to Camden to allay, by his pre- sence, the apprebensions of his family regarding hia safo- ty. Mr. Agnew’s friend, Conductor Muschamp, was un- able to swim, and it is teared that he is lost. The engineer of the boat did not quit his post until he was forced to fly by the hest from the burning of his clothes. The pilot. Mr, Carter, remained at his post un til within a few moments of the falling f the whee houre, Themas Lewis and William Gallagher, members of th Vigilant Engine Company, deserve great praise for their efforts to rescue the passengers from the river, both of whom jumped into the water, and saved two or three who were nesr y exhausted. Miss Josephine Ficell, of South Camden, was crossing in company with ber father, John Fidell. Both were to- gether when they jumped from the boat, and the father struggled hard to keep his daughter from sinking. She waa picked up; but he is missing, and it is supposed was drowned. MR. WM. COPELAND'S STATEMENT. I think there were fifty passengers, part of them colored; twelve or fifteen were females. The boat left the whart, and got {ast in the ice in the canal. They then backed out, and undertook to go up the channel to go around the bar. When they got up adout opposite to Arch street, the fire was discovered blazing around the smokestack. The engine was stopped, and in one or two minutes was started again. The pilot steered her straight tor the Philadeiphia shore, and we came io alongside of the foot cf Arch street, within about e ght feet of the wharf, The passengers then crowded each other over- board to get ashore. I suppose that atleast two or three were drowned. A few chisdren were on board. The boat was ailon fire then, and a panic ensued. The flames were inrupportable, and some of the passengers’ clothing was on fire. I was on the pilot desk, and the flames had not reached that spot, but the pilot house was surrounded with smoke and flames, so that no person could remain here. The plot remained until the smoke and flames drove bim ont. The engine run, and could not be stopped, in conrequence ot the fire, MR. JAMES W. FERGUSON'S STATEMENT. I was on the stern of the boat when it started, {a com- pany with Mr, Howard, a fellow clerk. There were, I think, at least mxty persons on board. I recollect Mrs. Alex, Carman and Misa Sally Carman to have been among them. When the fire broke out I determined to stay where I was as long as I could, and fixed the collar of my overcoat around me, I steyed at the stern until the fire drcve me away, when I slipped down and hung on the tiller chains, Mr. Howard and another gentleman were with me in the water. Ihung on until [could sustain myself no longer, when Icommitted myself to the water, with a prayer that God would permit me to see my wife and children once more, Istruck ont towards the shore, but Idid not know what shore, I was so bewildered. I swam until I was near the wharf, on which people were standing. I felt aa if I was about to sink, when they cried out to me to not give up. Thisencouraged me, I mades fresh struggle, and succeeded in catching a rope. My strength was almost gone, but I hung on desperately, and was finally landed, some of my finger nails being torn off by my efforts to graep the rope. Ido not know what became of my companicns who had hold of the rudder chains, ‘ME. WM. H. YEATON’S STATEMENT. Mr. Yeaton was at Bloodgood’s Setegemd very much exbausted, haviog been in the water over half an hour. He states that when the fire was discovered, the greater partof the passengers rushed towards the bow of the boat, which became very much crowded. He supposed that there were hundred at least on board. Many Jumped overboard at the first alarm, and he imagines that most of them were struck by the wheels of the boat, He remained on board until the flames became ingup- portable. He finally dived down as deep as he could urge himself, and succeeded in getting clear of the wheel, al:hough as he was rising his hat was struck by one of the paddies. He then swam towards the shore, and sac- ceeded in laying hold of the cutwater of a vessel. He called for heip, and was throwna rope, which he fastened in # loop around his shoulders, and was drawn on board. He thinks that at least one halt of the passengers were killed by the paddle wheels, burnt or drowzed. There were eeveral ladies on board, THE DEAD. Mr. John C. Little, a resident of Camden, was picked up by three persons in s small boat, dead. When the body was first seen it was floating beneath the surface of the water. His head and hands were burned and breast bruised. He was taken to Vine street wharf and given im charge of the Seventh district police, who removed him to the station house in Dillwyn street. Tne do ceased was a harness maker, and worked in s shop in in Markpt street, Philadelphia. He was thirty-eight years of age, and has left a wife and three children. Abrabam Jannie, a wheelwright by trade, in the em- pley of Berjamin Frarklin, of Dock street, was taken trom the water and removed to Newkirk’s Hotel, Arch street wharf’, He appeared to bave been killed by « blow upon the forehead from the wheel of the boat, or in striking a cake of ice, He leaves a wife living in Camden, on Bricge avenue. Frederick Thompson, thirteen years of age, was drowned. He resided with his father, James Thompson, in Fourth street, near Mickle, in Camden, and at the time of the calamity was wita his father on board the beat. While the crowd wae rushing forward, Mr. T. had his wom by the hand, waiting a favorable opportunity to jump overboard. Frederick wis crying pi eously, and called for aid. The father and son were pushed off the boat, and while the father escaped with a alight injary to the shoulder, caused by being struck by the paddle wheel, the son was lost. Mr. James Thompson is a bookbinder, and worked in Lippenoott’s bindery, Fifth street, near Race, THE INJURED. Mra. Nixon, wife of Warwaser Nixon, residing in Cam- den, was on board with her husband and littie daughter. Her bonnet was burned off her head, anda black silk dress and the under-clothing nearly ail burned off her. Ger face, breas’, arms, hands and one side are so terribly burned, that her life is despaired of. She jumped over- beard, and was saved after sinking twice. Mrs. N. was taken to Barr’s Hotel, in Water street, above Race, where Drs. Bournonville, Harper and Gregg attended her. Hor daughter was saved, and'was with the mother yesterday. Mr. W. Nixon was beside her when she jumped, but after reaching the water lost him. He has not been heard of since. Lavi Newton, of Cooper's bill, N. J., was burned about the face, ears and legs, and bruised on the breast by being struck by the paddle wheel, He was with his bro- ther, John §, Newton, trusker, who is supposed to be injured. Levi seized a bench, and after falling over- ‘board, went down twice before belog struck by the wheel. After passing under the wheel, the bench sustained him until taken off ina small boat. The brothers retarned tm the 4o’clock train from New York," having visited that city to attend the funeral of a siate:’s child. They wont to the depot in New York at 2 o’clock, for the par- pose of returning home, but found that that line had been disccntinued. Frederick Herring «man about fifty years of ag‘, had his head and hands badly burned and his body bruised. He was picked out of the water in a senseless condition, and taken to Barr’s Hotel. Mr. H. is a resident of Chew's Landing, and was going to Camden to visit » friend. Thomas Dudley, Faq., of Camdes, wasan hour anda half in the water before taken out in « small boat. My. Edwards, of Camden, was struck by paddle wheel, and cut on the cheek Mr. Crispin, of Camden, cut on head by wheel, and burned about the head. Mr. Nagle, of Camden, had his hands badly burned. He remained on the stesmboat until within a few feet of Arch street wharf. Godfrey Ostenhart, of Camden, was badly burned. Mr. Stearn, of Camdem, waa burned in the back. Him- self and wife were saved by jumping on the ice. Henry Lelarge, 38 years of age, resided in Fourth street, near Taylor’s avenue; hi wife and three child ren; was a cigar maker, and worked for Mr. Vetterlein, North Second street, Philadelphia. Miss Elizateth Fullerton, 20 years of age, resided in Broadway, Cooper's bill, Camden, Ser fatber is Francis Fullerton; hat fimisber. Be'ore this young Indy reached the water she us said to have uttered the most piercing cries for help, and {oll exhausted overboard. ‘Myer Reinback, German, a berber by trade, and doing business in Camden, albert Robinson, residing im Camden, anda girl re- siding in his house. Geodfrey Elsinhart, German, resident of Camden. Afpolored man, from South Camden, nemed Riley, is alao missing. Miss Maroy E. Masney, aged 16 years, a resident of Camden. Her father was at the Market street ferry, yes- terday, much distressed. A young man named Wm. Young, held on to the rail- ing of the boat until his hand was burnt so badly that he was compelled to jump overboard, and, after swimming for some time, was picked up by » small boat. AGerman was taken off the paddle box; his bair was singed and his coat burned. He had a bag of bread with him, which he held on to, and took it home none th ‘worse for the accident. The excitement along the river front yesterday was great, hundreds of persons stauding upon the wharves, and crossing at the Market street terry to get a glimpre at the ill-fated steamer, which is sunk on a bar above the old Water Works wharf, nothiug being visible but one of the pacdle boxes and the walking beam. ‘Miss Josephine Fidell, eighteen years of age, was saved im a amall boat sent out freme schooner. One of the men in the boat saw her floating under the surface of the water, and diviog dowa brought her up. She was taken to Cullin’s, Susquekanna Hotel, Water and Vine streeta, injured about the face and arms. This young ady was with her father on the ferry boat. When the destruction of the steamer was found to be inevitable her father, Mr. John Fidell, secured a rope and tied it to one of the stauncheons, in the hope that should it fall into the river it would be the means of saving their lives. They stayed on board until the fire became too ht to remain lopger and then jumped with the rope, to which they clung, until the flames burned it off. Miss F. then fost her father ano has not heard of him since, She re- sides in South Camden, where her triends took her yes- teréay morning. A young man, living in Thirteenth street, aboveCherry was picked up by Captain Robinson. Thomas 0’Donnell and another man, who hada boat, did great service in rescuing the afiiicted from watery graves, They brought eight mea and two women ashore in their boat. Tnis young man is said to be a clerk in Comly’s store. His neck, hands and face are badly burned. His coat was burned off his back. He was taken home by one of his ressuers. F. Howard, « clerk in Bazin’s perfumery establishment, was slightly injured. He jumped overboard witha bench and kept himself up until taken out ina boat. He was on the steamboat Sanford all night. THE MISSING. As far as ascsrtained, the following named persons were missing from their f,milies this (Sunday) morning:— Samuel Briggs, resided in Penn street, above Fifth, Camden. Tailor, n Fourth street, above Arch, Philadel- phia. Has wife and four children. Mr. James Shermer, of Camden, a picture trame maker, employed at Natt’s, in Chesnut street, Philadelphis. John Parsons, resided in Penn street. Tne propristor of s restaurant in Chestnut street, Philadelphia, Has a wife and one child. Is 38 years old. Charles Wetherby, 18 years of age, resided in Second street, near Bridge avenue, Camden. Was employed in Carman’s planing mill, in that city. Miss Sally Carman, 35 years of age, daughter of William Carmas, Broadway and Bridge avenue, Camden. Mr. Beale, a clerk im Levy’s store, Cheetaut street, Phi- jadelphia, resided in Stevens street, near Third. Has a wife and two childrea, Mr. Prince, resided in Stevens street, near Fourth, south side. His quarterly ferry ticket, pooketbook and receipts were found this morning, and are said to be in the poseession of Mr. Master, near Kensington screw ack. Edward Murshamp, 25 years of age, a bookkeeper in the Camden and Amboy Railroad Company. Mr. M. re. sided in Fourth street, below Mickle, ia Camden. Has a wife and four children. At the time of the collision on the Camden and Amboy Railroad, near South bridge, se. ven miles trom Amboy, in July, 1853, Mr. M. was coa- ductor on one of the trains, The wife of the missing man went to New York on Saturday to attend the funeral of a frierd, The body of » little girl was found floating in the river near the Island this morning. INVESTIGATION BY THE CORONER. A jury of inquest, consisting of Charles W. Packer, Cherles 8. Calvert, Rudoiph Hampton, Wm. H. Brown, Benjamin Masters and Thomas Habermshl, was summon- ed by Corcner Delay to investigate the facts of this sed disas'er, After vie the bodies of Abraham Jannie sud Jobn Little, at Arch street wharf and the Twelfth Ward station house, the investigation was commensed at Newkirk’s Hove. Wm. S. Corson, of Camden being sworn:—I was cap. tain,of the steamboat New Jersey; she war rebuilt in the summer of 1865; she was a substantial boat, and had not been cut through; the laws of the United States do not require ferry beats to keep life preservers and lite boats ; we left Walnut atreet wharf at half-past cight; we went into the canal, but the ice beiag too heavy, we were compelled to gosround the island ; were abreast Arsh street wharf when an alarm of fire was given; told Mr. Springer, the pilot, that we would make Arch street wharf; we steered for the wharf; when abou’ two lengtbe I went down to take a line ashore; at that time the upper deck was all in blaze; I got down and had the jine tm my hand when the boat took a sheer off from the wharf; the paseengers then attempted to leap off ; some few leaping to the wharf; I leaped off when the boat was about 100 yards trom the wharf; I got on to a cake of ice, and the hands on board the Morning Light threw me « lune; there was a gentleman about twenty feet from me, and I threw the rest of the jine to him, and we wese both raved, I should judge there were from 75 to 100 persons on board; the boat was originally built about fifteen years ago; I take the fares at the gate, but having made a trip before, the money for both trips became mixed to- gether; I have not counted the money, and suppose I must have lost part of it, so that the money would te but httle guide in jadging of the namber on board; the bands on the shipping generally aided us [in every way, but small tug passed when the boat was in @ light bisze, without stopping; one of the passengers was the first to discover the fire ; T have no idea how the fire caught; the space around the smoke stack, where it commenced, was pro- tected by sheet iron, which I consider sufficient, as the only heat there would be from the steam; coal was burned im her furnaces; the boat was provided with wa- ter buckets; there were no boata on board; the boat was owned by the Philadelphia and Camden Ferry Company; {¢ in separate from the Camden and Amboy Railroad Com- Py, with different directors; the boiler was examined by the inspector of boilers about three months since; the boat was only used at night, except on emergencio: we carried the same amount of steam last night as usual; ‘there was no extra firing; there was no cotton waste on B ard; tho cloths used in wipirg the machinery were kept in the forward part of the boat; a number of passengers leaped overboard at the first alarm of fire; whea | leaped off I saw no one on boa'd—the flame and smoke haddriven them ali off, though I suppose there wore several burred up in her; there ware a few loose benches on the deck, which were mace use of by the passen- gersin ravirg themselves; the seats in the cabins were permanent; I should judge there were from fire to twenty females on board; 1 saw a number of ladies leap overboard, and some got upon a bench that was tbrown over by a gentieman; the boat went through the canal in coming to the city, but it being flood tide, 8 Iarge oake of ice bad drifted in; we tried ten minutes before giving up the attempt; the fireman apends part of the time on deck ; there was @ fireman named Ferguson in the fire room at the time; he was not the regular fireman ; the fireman employed was not there at the time; the engineer was at his post uatil driven away by the fire ; [ do not conmder it the daty ot the fireman to be slways in the fire room; used oil lamps on board,and the wood work above is protested, 60 that there was no danger from them ; before the boat was backed out of the canal I went down on deck to change the pins of the rudder ; necessarily in returning to the upper deck, I passed the apot where the fire sub- sequen'ly broke out ; saw no fire nor did I smell any there was a shoot iron case six or eight inches tte emoke stack, fastened to the woodwork ; bey been attached to the boat about five years, mere |, ness of the most serious disaster that has ever happened ae’ Mr. Shade, was saved ; hiv wife amd child were ont ; the fireman was gamed Jester ; he was injured, amd is now over at Camden. . Jobn Springer, of Camden, the pilot, deposed7—We Wainut street to go through the ommal, but the See having Jammed there } went to the other pilot house sad steered while she backed out; the alarm of fire was given , when oppoviteutrch street, and we made for that wharf; apparatms became useless, I suppose from the wood work burning awey trem the chain and rods; all tae hands on board, four in mumber, were saved; the bolier was pro tected from the woodwork in the usual manner; the fire came up amidsbips: I saw the flames come up i the smoke staghs; the boat was aot jarred by striking the ice; there was.a young man mamed Charles Nixon, a printer by trade, on boar@, and was in the pilot house with me; he was saved; the ash pam above the boiler was 4 renewed sivee the boat was rebuiit; the ash psn haga stream of water renning through it; it is the duty o the fireman to keep this supply of water running. Berney Carter, of Camden, the engineor, deposed:—At- ter leaving Walnut street the pilot thought it beat to go around the canal; the alarm of fire was given when near opposite Arch street; I tried to draw water, but the ics prevented me; the boat’was headed tor Arch street wharf, ard the ng to go fast; the fire would not let me get ‘engine room, but with my foot I Kicked the out-off, so that the engine would goat full stroke; she came atraight for the wharf, when the pilot was driven from the pilot bouse; I first discovered the fire comupg through where the steam ehimney comes through the deck; the fire, I think, came from below, ap- parently from something burning beneath the desks; I can stacd at the engine and see the fire room and the furnace door; the furnace is at a di:tance of two feet from any wood work; the boat I understand to be the property of the Camden and Philadelphia Steamboat Ferry Company; there was no extra steam or fite on previous to the fire; there was no firewood or kindling bereath the deck; the upper deck 19 about fourteen feet above the main deck; the steam chimney somes three or four feet above the main deck; there is around this, at a distance from the woodwork; the ash pan extends eighteen inches beyond the furnace door; when the fire broke out I put the firemen at the en- gineand went below; the deck above the boiler was then on fire; we were im the canal about ten minutes before the boat was backed out; Ferguson was below at that time; he had not seen the fire when I went below; the boiler and the woodwork around it had been inspected by the regular inspector, who gave a certificate that all was sound and safe; I think the boat was built in 1884 or 1835; I have been on her about one year. John C. Bullitt, Kaq., one of the directors of the Ferry Company, deposed that the boat belonged to the Camden and Philadelphia Steamboat Company; I am a director, and represent about one-fourth of the stock; tHe only convection that the boat had with the Cainden and Amboy Railroad Company was the carrying over crates belonging to the way lines; some of the direct ra of the Ferry Company are algo cirectors of the Camden ard Amboy Company, but fthere is no connection be- tween the two compavies. The company, he ststed: were anxious to ascertain where the reaponsibility of the accident rested, and would aid the investigation as far as laid in their power. ‘The inquest was then adjourned, to meet at the call of the Coroner, ANOTHER STATEMENT BY MR. AGNEW. Iam in the employ of Messri. Burns & Piers, proprie- tors of the Philadelphia Local Express, and reside in Caméen. Returning home from business on Saturday evening, I took the steamboat Now Jersey at 834 o’clock from Walnut street wharf, and was an eye wit- on the Delaware. When the boat started she attempted to reach Camden by way of the chaonel which divides Winémill island, but ficding the eastern end mush blocked with ice, she was backed out and headed up the stream with a view to circumnavigate the island. When cpposite Market street, l observed fiames bursting out sround the smoke stack, and raised the cry of “fire.” An unusually large number of passengers were cn board, many of them women and children. The fire originated in the fireroom during the absence of the freman, aud spread with fearful rapidity. Itsoon wrapped the entire after part of the boat in flames and drove the passengers forward. The strong ebb tide setticg up the river con- vinced me it was impossib:e to run the poat aground upon the northern part of the island, and I was glad to seethe pilot head for the Philadelphia shore. The captain at this time was in the pilot house giving orders. I was upon the bow of the boat inthe midst of a wild heart- rending sceneof terror. A crowd of at Jeast one hundred persone, including twenty or twerty-five laties, were clas- tered together in the smallest possible space to avoid the intense heat of the flames—some clinging to the gvards, others frantically endeavoring to wrench loose the stanchions which were yet free from the devouring element, while some stood horror stricken, gazing upon the fast approaching flames behind, or wwe icy ourrent before them. There was nothing oa board save a bench er two that could be made available ans float or lite-preserver. As the volume of the flames increased it caught the dresses of the women, whose shrieks for arsistance were appalling. Not until their clothing was burnt from their persons did the passengers seem willing to seek a chance of safety in the bosom of the other element. One by one, sometimes five or six ata time, they made the fearful leap from the barning deck. The boat had been forced to a distance of not more than ten feet from the wharf when the pilot house ‘e'l—the government of the helm wes lost, and the vessel sheered off again into the river. Some on the upper deck, however, had a ebynce.to leap ashore; others fell short, and were crushed by the paddiewhee's. Every hope of running int> the wharves was now dashed, and I turned to Mr. Muschamp, Inte @ comcuctor on the Camden and Amboy Railroad, end asked him {’ he could swim. He replied that he could not, I advised bim to takea beach which was cear him, and jump overboard with me. The emgine was still going, and I took care to jump clear of the wheels. 1 believe my friend followed me, but fear he did not tabe the hxe precaution. Iswam about one hundred yards when I providentially rescbed the bow of » clipper ship, and was rescued by the promptnesa of those on board. WM. F, AGNEW. OUR CORRESPONDENT’S ACCOUNT OF THE DISASTER. PmLapg.raia, March 165—4 P. M. The terrible calamity on the Delaware last evening. opposite this city, by the burning ot the feery boat New Jertey, hes thrown a gloom over the city which will take mony years to effnce, The boat eft Walnut street ferry at 8 o’olock Jast evenicg, for Osmden, with oertsinly not less than one hundred passengers, and when in the canal cut through Smith’s Island, mid way in river, waa impeded in her progress through by ice. In backing out abe tock fire in the hold, midships, and in- stead of grounding, the beat immediately attempted to return, but in lesa than ten minutes the weesel was on- yeloped in flames, ‘The roars, sbrieka and cries of those Ibapless passen- gers.ean easier be understood than expressed, and de- spite every effort to save, at least some thirty lives have been lost, Fifteen bodies were recovered last night and this morning, and an I close this, four more have Been got up. THE LATRST PARTICULARS. Purcapetpuia, March 16—10 P. M. Nothing definite is yet known as to the number of lives low. Three bodies he vs ceen recovered and recognised as those of Johm Lirt «. of Caméen, drewne’’ Abraham Jennie and Francis Fitepatrick, and an elderly man who was teken out slive, but died soon after at the Arch Street House, Among the misting are the following:— Salile Carman, of Camden, Eaward Meschamp, formerly conductor on the Amboy Railroad. John Fidel, of Camden, Matibew Miler, Jr., broker, Mr. Howard, clerk. Mrs. Shade and child. An infant daughter of Samuel Giverson, Philadelphia. And & large number of colored persons. The loss of life is chietly owing to the neglect of the THE NEW YORK HERALD. PRICE TWO CENTS. two ladies in boat Jaunched with the astistance of another person. It is feared that the logs of lite will reach thirty. Many leaped into the water with their clothes on fire. When ‘Misa Carmen was last seen her clothing was in a blase, ‘The origin of the fre ts unknown. The ames burst \suéSeaily trom the firé rooth, and spread’ most instant- - The pilot house fel! in as the boat was nearing the | wharf, the engive could not be stopped, the enginee having been driven from his post by the ames, and the Dont carried the passesgors remaining on board away firqma the laud. News freay the Sandwich Islands. OUR HOPOLULU CORRESPONDENCE. 1 Honousiv, Feb. 1, 1850. Trade Dull—Statistea of Whaling—Average Take of the Shipe—Mamers "Seeking Other Ports—Lov to tit Lslands— Wrong Mive of the \—The King and the Legislature—Native Rowe at the Pols— | Yankee Sultivan’s Compliment to' His Mafesty—English | and French Mamcuvres Ayatnst the Americans— Ato Ofi- Cial Fight The Volcanic Lava Flowing on: Hilo—De- ‘struction of Uie Town Certain—-A: Man Scalded ts Déath— Seenes—War Vessels—Theatres, cbc. There has been such a desrth-of interesting matter at our Ialands for some time past, that I have not’ thought it necessary to weary your pationes by prosy epistles; but es our business season is over, » few statistics, show- ing the present and future prospects of the Islands may net come amiss to those of your readers interested inthe advancement of the Hawaiian race, or who may Have friends located among the group. The past fall season has brought the usual number of whalers from the North, but their arrival has not seemed tocreate the expected activity in business conddently looked for; and those who had made preparations for an increase of business have been sadly mintaken, The total number of arrivals has been, st Honoluin 98 sail, at La- haina 105, and 16 at Hilo, the average catch of ea3b ship being about 1,000 bbls. of ofl aud 9,000 Ibs. of bone, There are now in the Pacific some 310 sail of whalers, which have all been: im the habit of recruiting at the Sandwich Islands until lately. A desire to seek other ports seems to prevail ameug the mastors at present. Of course the pertial or entire withdrawal of this great source of prosperity to the Islands would have a very sensible effect upon commerce generally. It is esti- mated that over $800,000 is annually expended in Hono- lula alone for the aifferent requirements ofthe ships. | Latterly agenta from the United States have been: sent ) out by the principal owners at home, and their location here has bad an injurious effect upoa the place aad upon business generally. The policy of having them: here for } the owner’s account is questionable, asthey have groat oppertunities of speculating in staples ulred by the veuels, ana tbelr tacilicies for petncaally 4 ‘mono isiog sueh from their foreknowledge of the requiremenis of the vessels they represect, and thereby not only receiving their commission from the owners of ‘the vessel, but also: making » uch larger prefit than tne legitimate trader would require. Their known presen:e here also preventa many of the captains from peekiog their recruits here, and on the whole is de- eldedly adverse to the interesls of the foreign businéss community. Several merchant shine have taken freights of oll and bone for the Unired States, The magnificeat clipper ship Ocean Telogrs ph is now on the berth for New York. She iw loading at 8c. per gellon for oil, 136. for bone, 2340. Feld lo. tor hides, and 30: each fur gost skins, ‘These ve been about the ruling rates duricg the past fall. The politica: affairs of the islands remain status quo. The y King Alexander Liho iho is an exceedingly smiable and well educated young. man, but fers smusing himself away from. the copital in fisbirg, hunting and other amuseaonts, to being avncyed with \hecares of governmen;. He 1s cacirasss timste, but does Dative lation. The etestion for rapresentatives tu the Kanaka Parliament tcok placa a few months ance, avd concluced in choice ot @ mongrel ticket ot natives and foreigners. So closely have the natives succeeded in imitating the attendant cusioms of mora civilized nations, that veritable shoulder hitting and jostling actually. curred at the polls; and, at cne tims, so great au excite. ment prevaiiea tha’ « company of ssidiers were called into requisition to quell the disturbance which had,. forta- nately, , quieted down before the troops arrived. Tre pugitst, Jem Sullivan. commonly styled ‘-Yauc:6 Sullivan,” nas been rusticstiog-here ‘for some time past. Hix Hawaiian mejesty has taken quite a fancy. tur him, ‘and bas been rapidly improving under Sullivau’s private instruetion in the manly art of self defence. Jem ocs- sionsily gets » litue merry, and on one oxcssion not Loni since, asst bis majesty of his high estmation, ast I- lows:—‘King, you are the best white man for a native that lever knew, and ita only @ pity you’te not Me. rikan.” Of oourse the King takes it all in good ree even to the latter clause, although his pre- estions are all monarchical, and as iong ay he is on the throne of the Kamehemehas, annexation: wilt ‘be utterly imposstbie, uniess forcibly effected by filibus- tering trom Cahfornia, whieh iahighly improbable. The French and English representatives here never mies an opportunity of creating a prejudice towards Americans in the minds of the King acd chiefs; but our able Commissioner, Mr. Gregg, is more than a match-for ; them, and has already frustrated several of their vile machinations to forward the interests of their country- men in preference to Americans, who reorevent at least nipe-tenths of the capital, and numbers of foreigners. | The French special envoy and plenipotentiary had-a- street row with his chaocelier, Mr. Landals, a tew mghtt since, and was badly bruised. He immediately made a re- quisition npon the Hewasian government to have Lansais imprisoned until opportunity offered of seniing him to | France, Although at tue time Landais was suspendes from hia chanceliership, the gcvernment complied, and Mr. L. was kept in durance vile until an epportuaity oc- curred shortly af er of sending bim to France in a Freach whaleship bound bome. Tbe Consui’s arbitrary treat ment of Tencais created quite an excitement, and at one time a rescue was spoxen of by several l'rench and Ame- rican retidents, but somehow the plen fall through. ‘The volcano at Hawaii stil continues in violent action. ‘The fiow of lava has reached within five miles of tillo, the cspital of the island, ana the total destruction of ia tempt stream sys since, plunged into the Wailuku river, but war scaled to death almost immediately, as the lava bad peretrated an arm of the river, and bed ia its. ad- van. e beaved the water to almost ‘boiling tempe-ature. Aa the current is now running the advance of the lava in about one mile per month, the stream of burntog mat- ver is from three hundered yards toa mile ia width, and at night presents a magnificent spectacie; ia many places there ia an cuter crust so nolid as to bear a persons weight. The jiqnid.fire beneath occasionally bucats a vent through, and a stream is prejpoted far into ‘he air. One entire side of the island of Hawat! seems on fire when seen from the sea, #0 dense is the amoke which the fiery torrent raises in ita track. It is now rapidly burn- | ing through the woods back of the town of ‘and ere long will no doubt reach the devoted: place, and passing on find s terminus in the waters of Byron’s Bay. | Acay cf fasting amd prayer had been appotn‘ed, and the inhabitants were commencing to make preparations for Jonving the town. The United States St. Marys is shortly expected from Valparaiso, Aiso, English frigate Trincomalee, from San Francisco. Le: & Marshall’s National Circus have been porfoming to crowded houses this fell, They have returmed to San Frenciseo, A company of players, under the mauage- ment of Mr. Beatty, from San Franeise, have been play- ing at the Royal Hawaiian Theatre, with indifferent suc- 08s. Our Nicaragua Correspondence. Gnanapa, Fed. 29, 1856. The Feeling of the Merchants aboud the Transit Dyfficul- tiea—Arrangements for the Puture—General Walker's Move a Popular One, dc, de. ‘There is a goveral expressi :n of entire satisfaction with the measures taken by the governmecst in regard te the late Transit Company. Owlng to ite reckless manage- ment, in years past, merchants here have b2en compelled to pay three and four cents per pound for freight from Punta Arenas, the Atiantic depo: of the company, to this city; and merchants have been compelled not only to pay this excessive charge for freight, but to submit to vexa- ti delays, loss and injury of property, without the power of SeOUNTTEDSS; the aiterna\ive being either sub- mission to the company cr & refusal on transport any feeight for the complainants. in, the Ja'e ccmpany bas stationed on the line of the trausit a host of egenta, clerks and employees, at enormous sala- riew, all calculated to increase the rate of freight, A re- form in \his respect will be the result of the present step; anc in whatever hands the hne may ultimately fail, mer- chants vow feel an assurance that freights wiil pe re- ducted, transportation become more regular, and the wa‘ety of goods secured Ibe Commissionera appointed by the decree have sl- reaoy proviced for the continuance of the route, and there will be no interruption whetever ta this territory toand from Us ffornia; most of tne empivyees and sgen’s of the late company are contiousd in the mavegement of the route, and will remain in charge inder the Commissiovere. ““Mtewnra, J. N, Soott, Dolores Bermudas and Byron Cole were appointed, by the Commistioners as appraisers and left thie city on the 28ch in t upon their mis-im. { presume the intelli of this ceoree will creats an much excitement in Wail screst as hing shor: of war pews cen do, Will the Govarnment of the Unite) States reek to bombard Granada? The only saswer | could give would te this—that if the admioist-ation frond it good cause for war, it will remain in the same imbecile cordition that has characterised it for the last three ears. If there is no just cause for war, as there cannot be, they may cook glory again, 4 iq Greytown, News from B,itish Honduras. OUR BELIZE CORRESPONDENOE. Buuar, Howpuras, Feb. 7, 1966. President ,°ierce's Mewage and the Bxcitement @ Caused We between England and the United Statee— Hopes of our .Nnemies from the Abolition Treason — Mact- ting of the Leg. Vature—Scenes and Paradea—Great Bri- tain Strengthenn.\9 her Hold in the Bay Itlands— Markets. The Presiden\’s me, Wage reached this town by the which Ciarranged the tiller chatna and rendere | eet. Soon after its arrival a considerable stir wae when within two handred rods of tle wharf the steering | the boat usmanageable, The bow sheorad off from th | ™ezifested, and the om,’er inquiry was, have you seen the message of the Pr wident of the United States? Groups and knots of our ci tizens were teem around the Post office, at the Court Ho we and public square, od eagerly discnssing the probab iity of a Yankee filibuster movement, having for its objo ‘t the captere etd oca- quest of thas rettiement, and the new colony of the Bay Islands. Very few had the’ candor to admit the correct views—the mild but firm \anguage‘of' the Presi- , deat; but all rashed to the conclu sion that » war be- tween England and the United States must be the result , and much consolation was dertved fr vm the supposi.ion that the abolitiomparty in the United’ States were ripe and ready to join Kngland er France, 1 ¥ the eveut of » war, in order to alolish slavery in tne Seathern Statea. One night, with a careful perusal’ of the mes- sage and the remarks of Senators Seward and Clayton, knocked that stool of hope and rest from under them, and then came something near s pauisy prbioh has “not wholly subsided yet. For one, my decided opinion | day the Provost Marsh) General went around tke town, with a notice trom the Sap-riatendeat, to the effest that his Excellency wished the members to assemble at ten instead of twelve o’cloct—the usual hour—in order te organize, elect # speaker, and proceed to Government House, where the Superintendent promised to msot the honorable memoera, with his executfve council, a guard of hevor, &¢., &e. Haviag. invited. ail puoiie ,officers, wercbants end ail ci izens to be~ present to hear his @d- axess to the mombers—trom the pwolivity of be notice— the display of the 3d West,, India Regiment, who were ercéred to Government House; and a nerel deeire to please the Superinwadent, I pected a very large and fau aetvendance. ox- Bat all would not do. At 12 o’clock, the tume wsen the mem- bers abould beve-been reacy at Goverment House, to | listen to hte Exoelieney’s address; only the Speaxer, Clerk, : Sergeant-at-Arms: and two memoers-were p-esoat. The , Court House beli was-rungjong.and loud, which 1n a few , lameb, an Ume passed, hand covk hold, and reog fast, fixe siarm;) but all was‘ no go.” Three of the hor might bawe beon ween across moments brought two more members, again rung, 3 the cell was other a short way off: ‘This time a A considerable loag. and loud, (a zapuler the water quietly taking attending (0 nia basi and atill another peeping tarough the blinca of bis offies ‘at the procession—and finally the | geantatArme, ana the four members, marched off to Gevernnent House, Here-tney.wero-met oy long lines of Diack soldiers fromthe gaie tothe door of the nouse af “present arms,” through which this corporal’s guard Spesker, Clerk, ser- | marched into the house, and: his Excellency celivered @ very long, made iu the aad rather weil written meesege ia which the offaizs of this settiement wasvery ably discussed. His Kxcel'ency recommencs many iwprovem@nte in the laws of the settiement—the appomtment of a number of new officers—the purchese of some core Hiosss—sboy “ceiare eth several |. public ures, acd among other things to lay a tax of one shilling on each 100/ and sixpence on each gauion of ruw , Ment. This last recommendacion caps the climax, and I property near the new buudings for he vecommeuds them pounds of sugar, bave no doubt will be the means of losing mauy ot pia |, ovbor projects; at allevents the ides dustry of the country, when , to be unproductive, is ebeurd, and should not, and I think will not, be entertained for 8 mo of taxing the in- labor is already so nigh ae ment. I will however, , ipfors you hereafter what law» are parse’ at this sevsion. In the orening. bis the members but owing toa causes several of the members-did not abtsnd, Excellency gave e graad dianer to raia sad other Among the laws read the first time by the House om Toscan wes pe to makeal i dom your composed offices go filled by favored ones, who get the hap or town comoal Aeoeph etd serve ia nil odioes serve it is mot necessary they ehall: take che vata of a ‘Tegiance. This may appear utr to you as i: ts ee'- begging, 1@ 8 tow offices are comcueted br liberal while a business be. is boards the merchants, none of whom get paid. Ip former times, under the old system ot magistrates, end used to be very prod‘able, but now things are so well looked after, that ++ stesliogs in’ are out o: the question, and conrequently the various boards sufler some for want of proper men to fill them. As the foreign merchants enjoy all the rights of British subjects, end are not sab- Jeet to any tax, save duties on: imports, itis only fair they should be subject t> jury duty, amd also assist ia Citcharging the duties of the unpaid boards which at pre- vent have charge of the fie, sanitary, poor, edveational an3 ocher department, I’ believe the treaty between the United States and Great Britain provider tha: the cit!zea or sabjeot of either in avy posserwion. of the other shall be rs from either military or jury duty. From all 1 see 1am sure the government tain bas no intention of relinquisting ber hold on this rettlemen: t—the oclony. of The Bay Islan harbor, street, exempt it of Great Bei- ds," or protectorate of the Mosquito nation. On the comt the is of these Preve t the never ions. Many faci @bandcns it, quietly, yet surely, strengthening herself in ry may be men'ioued to but her history hes, and will contiaue te procisim to the world that having once gots foot hold The Superintencent congratulates. the Assembly om the tate of the: finances. thing,” and cam. afford to buy and build; «The that is wanted to ‘Aaborers ll employed—-asd ia. thelr ‘These questions. must be answered in the negative. Then ix our prosperity Tahoe only nary, tof tay} our James are heavier "than ever while Iabor of all kinds, inel of ehop and s is ese Seeatasaptye ¢ teas Moree tt been before. in my 0] keeping. pe eted, qvaatity this mon! geny mar wes ® Dative academy of York packets the begapy, was riils ts improy the market is far Gently expected. The bark Ondet elicg about © man as Gerrge tractor, &e., might have pinion, only ima r of rum, molasses aad bere, Space will not allow me to oud possibly F should mot have :roubied but we have no paper her the only way to reach t lor th. het, whioh it 9 hard timer and grum bing. Cocbimeal and indigo aie scarce and firm. + Provisions are being firm, aud a decline is comfi-. Guide, from New York, will go to the wreek of the Virginia, and load for Engiand. chest ts we owe no- it is that al prosperity? Are oar imaginary? and I u follow labor well paid? Tt ta, need betoree (except a fow vegetabior— ruits, and = smalt syrap ) which is made fou these remarke, yu with them ‘and strange as it may a; — through your columns. Aw on the arrival of uhe New H&RaLD iaoagerly sought after in or- cer to learn what ‘Travaler’’ may say about Belize. The Britich ship Virginia, Capt. 4evtt, loaced with ma- near Soake Kay, last month; voe- sels have been sent to take-out her cargo. were sold at pubic auction here on toe 10 h and 12th of An improvement is manifest in the maho- Her materiale 4, will soon put an end to Qnicuary. He aided, as a comm nigh, ba 1 very high, Coronel Jauns C. Cuvmcn of Fort Aamfiton, after trav- tins round the god of day, has at last gone to that bourne from whence no traveile: returns. Col, Church was a native of Connecticut, ot highly re- spectable family of farmers. He came to Fort Hamilton about 38 years ego. He had « fine, manly stature, of great physical strength, and without much scholastic learning had » hgh degree of intellestuality, and while courteeus in his demeanor, he was stern in uis Hix energy bad vo bound. 70 le 1 construc ion of Fort Hamilton. for he had rer by all know. hi re amet Sera imore, where he also oc ‘upiod different importance in the ‘also principal vocate and Journal, and theological writer and jon * eit MAYOR PAGMAL! e » Wiliam Parmalee, that city on Saturday, the 15th inst, Mr. ar of Lapel of which who ‘EE, OF Mayor he was edaceted no capital when he commencei the wor.d. Had tne fied opened for Col. Church, he would have been just Law or Anson G. Phel; tock the tide uf time and died with 9 He held the offices of post master, cyronor, mail oom- snd his popularicy was so grea: that he held any office that he wished. He usually empioyed @ large number of men in various operaions, Dr. Tuomas FE. Bonp died at his residence in Gudsom street, opposite St. John’s Par, at the age of seventy- five. The deceased was a native of Maryland, but lived during 8 great portion of bis life im this city, where. he had @ large number of personal friends and where he - Bp wae ebureb 5 overnment of that city, Dr. Book (tor hn! te Gite Ade reputation of an able rnalist, re ALPANY. of Albany, died im is that ail feel the trath and are fearful of the end of 6 bad cause. , Om the 224 inst. the Legislative Assembly of this sette- ment met atthe Court House, On the mominof that Dut an tt wen ha. j but'as tt waehe. andsome furtune, . Simmons, now » meeaber. F 8 rae i i E Ps F ts z i 4 ae st