The Litchfield County Post

DESTRUCTION OF THE STEAM BOAT SUN

It will be recollected that in our paper of week before last, we copied an article from the New York Enquirer, stating that the Sun had arrived at this port on Sunday Morning, and had proceeded with a large party to Coney Island; that we rebuked the editor of the Enquirer for his remark "Industry must prosper ;" and that we called to those Sabbath breakers, "Take heed, or we shall probably have to record before long, some terrible disaster, which will make the ears of those who hear it tingle." We now invite their attention to the following article from the Daily Advertiser of Wednesday last, giving an account of the total destruction of this very boat by fire; and we say again to Sabbath breakers, 'Take heed! he who commanded, Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy,' has all the elements and all the ministers of vengeance at his controul, and can let them loose when he will upon those who obey him not.--N Y. Obs.

The Steamboat Sun, belonging to the Messrs. Mowatts of this city was engaged to cruise off Sandy Hook on Monday the 1st of September, for the purpose of towing into the harbor such vessels as might be off the coast, and enable them to arrive previous to 12 o'clock on that night, at which time the remaining sections of the tariff go into effect. The Sun left the dock at 4 o'clock A. M. and at 8 was off the Floating Light, about 15 miles outside of Sandy Hook. Soon after spoke the ship Montano, from Havre, and proceeded out to sea in pursuit of the ship George Canning, from Liverpool, which was then in sight. At 11 took her in tow continued with her about three hours ; the wind was then blowing fresh at S. E. with a heavy sea running. The George Canning proceeded to the city, and the steam boat again put out to sea. At 2 o'clock, owing to some difficulty with the suction pipe, the fire was all put out ; and in consequence of the heavy sea, the large chimney pipe fell overboard. Fire was again ignited, and sails were made from the awning; but it was found that the boat was drifting on the breakers on the Long Island shore. The boat then to the eastward of the Floating Light, & every exertion was made to get her back into port. It was soon discovered the boat was on fire, and an alarm was given the boat was in flames. All hands repaired forward, and were engaged in throwing over wood. The fire gained rapidly, and soon made its appearance through the cabin windows. Signals of distress were hoisted; but the sea run so high they were not observed by the Revenue cutter or the pilots, which were in sight. It was discovered that the boat would soon sink or blow up, notwithstanding the exertions of all on board. The boats were let down, and all on board, 32 in number got on board, and were towed by the steamboat; for about 20 minutes she was going rapidly, her engines working, and the boat enveloped in flames. They continued to be towed by the boat, and did not cut from her until it was expected she would blow up, her engine being upon the high pressure principle. They were soon after discovered by Captain Cahoone, of the cutter, who came to their assistance, and took them on board at 7 o'clock, just before a violent squall came on which must have sunk the boats and all have perished. The Cutter had to cruise until twelve o'clock after which they were brought to the city. The steamboat pursued her course for about an hour after they left her in flames, with her machinery going until she sunk in about 10 fathoms water. Providentially, the steamboat did not take the passengers of the George Canning on board as was contemplated. "Had she done so, the boats could not have taken all on board, and there must have been a great destruction of lives. The passengers state that no blame can be attached to the captain, pilot, or crew as they made every exertion to save the vessel."