The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

Steam Boat Explosion. The boiler of the Steam Boat Chief Justice Marshall exploded just as the boat was leaving the wharf at Newburg on Thursday evening last. There were on board about one hundred and twenty passengers. The N. Y. Commercial Advertiser of Friday says—It was just in the edge of twilight and the passengers had but a short time previously left the tea-table in the dining cabin. This was most providential; for, as the force of the explosion was in that direction, had the passengers remained in the cabin, there would have been an immense destruction of life. It is believed that seventeen persons were more or less injured—seven or eight very seriously and some of them mortally. But such was the confusion and alarm—such a rushing on shore and throwing of themselves overboard in the fright and agony of the moment—that it is impossible to predicate with accuracy the extent of the injury, or the loss of life.

Of the causes of this disaster, we have no certain information. It is presumed to have arisen from too great an exhaustion of water in the boilers—owing, it is conjectured, to the incompetency of the engineer. The old engineer, who has had charge of the engine for several years, was dismissed a few days since, and a new one engaged who offered his services at a reduced salary—

A letter from the Captain, dated Newburg 22d April, says—I have the unpleasant duty to perform, to say, that shortly after leaving the dock at this place, about 7 o'clock, the whole front of our boiler blew out with a most tremendous explosion. Ten persons are badly scalded—three or four so much so, that their lives are despaired of. The cause at present we know not; but can say the steam was very low—the boiler well supplied with water—the gauge cocks were tried while landing and the steam continually blowing off. All is confusion. The explosion was dreadful. I happened to be standing in the most exposed situation, but received no material injury, and am doing all I can for the comfort of the distressed.

The Commercial Advertiser of Saturday says, although we are yet left without names, or further particulars respecting the explosion of the Chief Justice Marshall, yet there has been a destruction of life, more extensive and melancholy than was anticipated yesterday. We learn this morning, that the sufferings of seven of the victims, were terminated by death yesterday, and it was believed two others would certainly die, and probably five. But one of the passengers is believed to have died. The engineer of the boat is among the dead, and his body was brought to the city this morning, by his brother. This accident has inspired the public with very general alarm. Last night, when the boat came along from Albany, only 12 or 13 passengers came off from Newburg, instead of from 30 to 60 as usual.