Alexandria Gazette

MELANCHOLY DISASTER.

Yesterday, just as the Steam Boat WILLIAM Penn, with about one hundred and fifty passengers, from Baltimore, had come round the point, below this city, she was discovered to be on fire near the furnace. The rapidity of her motion creating strong draft and the very combustible nature of every piece of wood near to the place, soon rendered it certain that the boat would be lost. She accordingly run ashore on the muddy margin of the river. Before reaching which, however, she seemed to be in one full blaze. Here the passengers jumped out, and most of their baggage, and part of the great Southern Mail, were thrown on shore. Many of the passengers jumped overboard. A steam boat went down and brought up from the wreck most of the passengers, to the usual landing place.

We learned late last evening, that the dead bodies of a gentleman and lady, were taken from the river.

Several lives were saved by the hazardous exertions of persons belonging to the boat, and by those who were drawn to the scene of conflagration. From the great number of passengers and the confusion consequent upon such an awful scene, it was impossible to ascertain with any degree of certainty the extent of personal injury sustained.

Some of the passengers stripped themselves jumped into the river, and swam ashore--those were taken up almost perishing from the cold.

It was mentioned to us, that a Lady in company with the Rev. John Mitchellmore, of Lewistown, Delaware, jumped into the river in her consternation. Mr. M. followed her, and was drowned. At our last information, hopes were entertained of recovering the lady.

Col. Porter Joseph S. is also among the drowned.

One man drifted out into the river on a settee, but was finally saved.

When the steamboat was run on shore, she run with her bows into the mud and the stern in deep water--the fire was raging so intensely in the centre of the boat, as to prevent the passengers who were aft, from going forward;-- they therefore jumped into water beyond their depth.

We regret to add, that the lady mentioned above died between 8 and 9 o'clock. She was in a delicate state of health.

The body has been removed by the Coroner to Cherry Hill, where it will remain for a short time, for recognition.

When the extent of the fire was known in the boat, Captain Jeffries ordered her to be run side ways on to, or long side the shore, which would allow all the passengers to jump out, while the smoke was blowing over the side--but some passengers compelled the helmsman to run bows on; by which means the passengers in the stern were more endangered. Nothing could exceed the anxiety of the persons connected with the line to render every possible assistance to those in danger. Mr. Davidson, the agent, enquired of the first person he met, whether any lives were lost. He was told that "all were safe." Then says Mr. Davidson, all's well--we care nothing about the boat. The fatal effects were subsequently learned.

Dr. Joseph Parrish and Dr. West of Front street were active in directing and aiding in the attempts of citizens to recover the drowned persons.

A very intelligent lad, named William Henry Pemberton Hudson, was found in the crowd last evening, having been rescued from the steam boat Wm. Penn. He says his father's name is Henry Hudson, and he lives in Delaware. The boy is with the Rev. Mr. Clay, pastor of the Swede's Church. He resides near the church.

U. S. Gaz.