Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 657

1842

Loss of the Madagascar

635

constant stream of water was thrown on the after part of the bulk- head and upon the coals in the after hold, by means of engine pumps and hose.

Mr.

At 11 P. M., I ordered Mr. Oliver, the chief officer, who took with him Mr. Sharpe, the third officer, Mr. Burbank, the gunner, Wilson, 2d engineer, and a gang of hands, to clear away the coals from the fore part of the bulkhead, and to rip open the coal box plates, which was effected by midnight, although the heat below from the boiler (steam being up) as well as the fire was almost in- tolerable. The plates of the coal boxes being fitted over,

and cover- ing the top of the boilers, by opening them, we got immediately at the fire, and discovered that the lower part of the bulkhead was to all appearance consumed, and the coals in the after hold on fire. A plentiful supply of water was kept up abaft as well as before the bulkhead, and being satisfied that the coals in the after hold were on fire, I ordered the cocks in the engine room to be opened and five feet of water to be let in; the steamer was also put before the wind to smother it as much as possible, and prevent its spreading aft to the magazine.

At this time it was blowing very fresh, with dark gloomy weather and a high sea running. At 2.30 A. M. of the 20th, I indulged the hope that we had got it under, and as I could keep up a constant supply of water by buckets, ordered the steam to be blown off, and the fires to be drawn to cool the ship as much as possible in the vici- nity of the flame. In this hope I was disappointed, for at 3 A. M., I discovered the fire had taken hold of the ship's side, and ca'in deck, and was spreading aft on the starboard side; we could distinctly hear the crackling of the wood and the rapid progress the fire was mak- ing aft.

At about 3.30 A. M., the ship became enveloped in thick clouds of smoke, and we could scarcely stand upon the deck, at the after part of the vessel, the smoke being so very painful to the eyes. Although a constant supply of water was kept playing upon the fire, and every possible exertion made on the part of all hands, still our efforts were in vain, as the vessel became heated all over, and the flames gained so much ground, that we could see the fire through the bull's eyes in the scuttles on the outside of the ship, while the pitch boiled out of the seams on deck. The sinoke being so thick that it was impossible to remain below even in the engine room, I cover- ed all down, and about 4 a. m. came to the determination of taking to the boats. I mustered all hands on the quarter-deck to make my arrangements; there were 99 souls in all on board, who were appor-