1852 — July 5, Steamboat St. James Boiler Explosion/Fire, Lake Pontchartrain, LA –38-40

–38-40 Blanchard estimated death-toll.*

— ~50 New York Herald. “Dreadful Steamboat Accident – About Fifty Lives Lost.” 7-7-1852, 4.
— 50 Sailor’s Magazine/Naval Journal, V25, N1, Sep, 1852, “Steamboat Disasters…,” p. 20.
— 50 US Congress, House. Hearings. “Safety of Life and Property at Sea.” 1935, p. 246.
— ~40 Elyria Courier, OH. “Steamboat Accidents in the U. States in 1852,” Aug 17, 1852, p. 2.
— 40 Lloyd’s Steamboat Directory and Disasters on the Western Waters. 1856, 240 & 293.
— 40 Simonds. The American Date Book. 1902, p. 99.
— ~40 The Friend. “Steamboat Accidents in the United States in 1852.” V. 25, N. 49, 1852, 391.
— 38 New York Daily Times. “Items by the Southern Mail…” 8-4-1852, p. 2, col. 5.
— 35 Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. 1972, p. 189.
— 35 Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours. 1977, p. 682.
— 35 Woodville Republican, MS. “Explosion.” 7-13-1852, p. 2. “Thirty-five bodies…recovered.”
— ~30 Daily Morning News, Savannah, GA. “Explosion of the St. James.” 7-12-1852, p. 1, c. 3.
— 30 Lytle and Holdcamper. Merchant Steam Vessels of the [U.S.] 1807-1868. 1952, p. 238.
— 30 Way’s Packet Directory, 1848-1994: Passenger Steamboats…MS Riv. System. 1994, 411.
— 27 Quincy Whig, Quincy, IL. 8-2-1852, p. 1, col. 6. (Cites N.O. Picayune, but gives no date.)
— 22 Baton Rouge Gazette, LA. “Terrible Catastrophe.” 7-10-1852, p. 3, columns 1-2.
— ~21 Daily Chronicle & Sentinel, Augusta, GA. 7-9-1852, p. 3, col. 1. (Recovered bodies.)

* Blanchard estimated death-toll. Though there are good sources, generally reliable, which note thirty or thirty-five deaths, we choose to follow July 28 reporting out of New Orleans of four more bodies being found bringing death-toll to thirty-eight.

We choose to employ a range and include the number reported by Lloyd and others of forty deaths as the high-end of our death toll, given the uncertainty over the number of people on-board, and inability or disinclination to name the non-officer crew members lost.

Our own attempt to compile a listing of those reported dead or missing/presumed dead comes to thirty-three individuals. Such a listing (found at the end of Narrative Newspaper section) suffers from problems such as the possibility of over-counting (listing a person by name while perhaps also listing as one of the unnamed or unidentified. Also, we did not attempt to take account of the four bodies reported on July as having been found. We saw no reporting attempting to name these individuals. Were they already on our list as a lost person? What this listing does accomplish is to provide reason to believe that the loss of life was not under thirty. As noted, we see no reason to doubt reporting out of New Orleans on July 28 that the death toll was 38.

Narrative Information

Lloyd: “The St. James was a high pressure boat, owned by Capt. W. H. Wright. She was built at Cincinnati in 1850, and was employed on the Mississippi river until about a month before her destruction, at which time she was engaged on Lake Pontchartrain. The accident took place on that lake, at Pointe Aux Herbes. The St. James left Bay St. Louis on Sunday night, July 4th, 1852, in company with the steamboat California, having on board a large number of persons who had been spending the anniversary of Independence at the watering places. Between two and three o’clock, on the morning of the fifth, the St. James stopped at the point designated above, fifteen miles from the Pontchartrain railway landing, and having taken in several pas-sengers, started again on her course. Her companion, the California, was at this time a short distance astern; each boat, probably was en¬deavoring to outrun the other, and it is conjectured that the officers of the St. James, in their eagerness to beat their rival, exposed the lives of their passengers to very obvious danger.

“The St. James had run scarcely two hundred yards from the point where she had stopped, when all the boilers exploded, and nearly at the same moment, the boat took fire. The stanchions being torn away by the explosion, the whole of the boiler deck fell upon the boilers and machinery, precipitating a great many persons into the lower part of the boat, which was now flooded with scalding water, or strewn with the ignited fuel, which had been scattered abroad. Owing to this circumstance, a number of passengers who had not been injured by the explosion itself, were severely scalded or burned when the deck fell in. As the time at which the disaster took place was long before daylight, many of the passengers were asleep….

“The shrieks of the affrighted passengers were heard on board of the California, and Captain Ensign, of that steamer, immediately steered for the wreck. The space between the two boats was lighted up by the conflagration to the brightness of mid-day, and the spectators from the California could see the terrified men and women on board of the St. James hurrying to and fro, wringing their hands, or seizing on such articles as they could use for temporary support, and jumping into the lake. The screams were awfully distinct and harrowing. as they arose not from the burning boat only, but from the water, in all directions, where many human beings were shouting for help, or gasp¬ing in the last agony. Voices were calling from all points, as the boats of the California went about swiftly, picking all she could….

“As the California approached the burning wreck, the heat was so intense that Captain Ensign was compelled by a due regard for the persons immediately under his charge, to haul of a short distance. The boats belonging to the California were launched, manned, and sent to the aid of the sufferers. The flames rose from the centre of the St. James, and Captain Ensign, while making a second attempt to reach the persons on the wreck, succeeded, by nice management, in getting under the stern, and a large number of ladies and gentlemen from the St. James were thus enabled to reach the deck of the California. All who were saved owe the preservation of their lives to Captain Ensign.

“Among the passengers who were lost, was Judge Preston, of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, and several other distinguished citizens of that State. Judge Preston had his berth over the boilers. He was seen to retire to rest, and immediately after the explosion, the place where he slept was found shattered to pieces, and he was nowhere to be seen….

“Captain Clarke, Commander of the St. James, was asleep at the time of the explosion. When awakened by the terrific report and the commotion on board, he ran on deck, and with the assistance of the pilot, Mr. Samuel Henderson, he took possession of the yawl, keeping back the crowd which was intent on the same object. Having launched this small boat, Captain Clarke placed in it Mrs. Asher, her daughter (a young lady of sixteen) and her two younger children; also Mrs. Sheed and Robert Smith, the steersman, who had an arm broken. With these persons, the yawl started for the California, but striking against that vessel, the little boat upset and all who were in it, except Mrs. Sheed were drowned. Mr. H. L. Sheed, the husband of this lady, was also one of the passengers of the St. James, and he was lost. Captain Clarke’s two little sons saved themselves by swimming to the California. Captain Clarke himself was badly scalded, and Captain Wright, the owner of the boat, received severe injuries.” (Lloyd 1856, pp. 237-240)

Way: “St. James. SW p wh b [Side-wheel packet, wood hull, built] Cincinnati, Oh., 1850, 347 tons. 207.9 x 29.3 x 5.9. Went to New Orleans owned by William H. Wright of that city, Capt. John E. Hyde, master. She was loaded with an excursion July 5, 1852, at or near Lake Pontchartrain racing the California, when she exploded killing 30 persons, among them Judge Preston, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Louisiana.” (Way’s Packet Directory, 1848-1994: Passenger Steamboats …MS River System. 1994, p. 411.)

Newspapers

July 7: “New Orleans, July 7. – The body of Judge Preston, of the Supreme Court, and those of about 20 others – sufferers from the unfortunate explosion on board the steamer St. James, on Monday morning on Lake Pontchartrain – have been recovered and identified. This sad catastrophe has cast a gloom over our community. Judge Preston was widely known and highly respected. Others of the victims had a large circle of friends, and their loss is deeply deplored.” (Daily Chronicle & Sentinel, Augusta, GA. 7-9-1852, p. 3, col. 1.)

July 12: “We have had a telegraphic account of the explosion of the steamer St. James, on Lake Pontchartrain, by which some thirty lives were lost. The New Orleans papers contain the details of the melancholy disaster. We made the following extract from the Delta’s accounts:

“Between two and three this morning as the St. James came within fifteen miles of the Railroad, when nearly all on board were wrapt [sic] in sleep, she suddenly exploded both of her boilers, killing several persons immediately, and scalding many others. Immediately after the explosion, the stanchions being knocked away, the whole deck forward of the wheel-house, fell down upon the boilers and machinery, burning and scalding many persons. Our informant was asleep at the time, and says he was awakened by the screaming of the women. As soon as the explosion occurred Captain Clark, who was asleep at the time, rushed out, when he heard the explosion, and with Samuel Henderson, pilot, took possession of the yawl boat, and keeping back the crowd, who rushed towards it, permitted those of the ladies, who were near, to enter the yawl together with Robert Smith, steersman, who had his arm broke. The persons who got in the yawl were Mrs. Asher and her three children, another lady, name not known, and two men. The yawl put out, but drifted about, was struck by the Californian as she came up, and upset – all aboard, except one lady, being drowned….

“The California came up in a few minutes after the explosion… The St. James being in flames, it was quite dangerous to approach her; and, indeed, the California caught fire several times, she was so near. This did not, however, deter Captain Ensign. He made fast the California to the stern of the St. James, and ran out her board. The passengers were then all taken off – the wounded, many of whom were very badly injured, walking aboard. – Captain Clark was the last person to leave the deck. As the California left, a poor boy of the name of John Bouligny was seen running about the wreck, with only the stumps of his arms left – they were blown off. Efforts were made to rescue him, but his condition was so desperate, and his mind was gone, so that it was impossible to get him to obey orders. He was, therefore, left to perish in the flames….

“The disaster is attributed to different causes; some of the passengers declare with great positiveness, that there was no water in the boilers; one of the officers of the steamer told us that he believed the boilers were defective. It will, of course, be very difficult to decide which is the real cause.

“But one fact is well known, and we do not care to go beyond it to inquire for further cause for this sad affair, which has hurled some thirty souls into eternity, that the St. James was at the time engaged in the criminal practice of racing – keeping her steam up to the highest point, and firing with all the usual stimulants employed on such an occasion. – This we know to be a fact, though we have no doubt that a judicial examination would never discover it and that it will be denied. Nay, more; as far as our experience extends, the criminality of this habit belongs to the people themselves who will encourage boats in running.” (Daily Morning News, Savannah, GA. “Explosion of the St. James.” 7-12-1852, p. 1, c. 3.)

Listing of Fatalities and Missing
(from sources herein)

1. Asher, Mrs. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
2. Asher, infant, child of Mrs. Asher. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
3. Asher, Kate, ~6, daughter of Mrs. Asher. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
4. Asher, Melissa, 15, daughter of Mrs. Asher. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
5. Bolton, Henry Clay, native of Wilmington, DE. “Since died; apparently in hospital.
6. Bouligny, John. Arms blown off/burned Daily Morning News, Savannah. 7-12-1852.
7. Delisle, Mr. Gachet. Got onboard Bay St. Louis. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
8. Featherston Grace, 8 years-old; missing. (Daily Union, Washington, DC. 7-14-1852.)
9. Forrister, Mr. S., passenger, died in hosp. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
10. Gomez, J. F., cotton-weigher; supposed lost. (Daily Union, Washington, DC. 7-14-1852.)
11. Guex, D. F. (or Gitts; supposed to be lost) (Daily Morning News, Savannah GA. July 13)
12. Jones, James M. Mate of the St. James. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
13. McNiell (or McNeill), John. Daily Morning News, Savannah, GA. July 13
14. Malloy, John. Protection Fire Co. No. 19. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
15. Maxwell, Henry H. Former Deputy tax collector, 2nd Municipality. Missing “ “
16. Preston, Judge Isaac T., Louisiana Supreme Court (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p.3.)
17. Reid, Nicholas. Protection Fire Co. No. 19. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
18. Shed, John L. Employed, Baton Rouge Mint. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
19. Sheed, Miss. (Body thought to be Miss Sheed).
20. Smith, Robert. St. James officer (drowned). (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
21. Turner, Richard C. Former commissary of Fourth Ward, Second Municipality. “
22. Welsh, Mr., of Shreveport; missing.
23. Wolfe, J. M. Member of New Orleans Bar. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
24. Black boy named Bob, assistant cook. Daily Morning News, Savannah, GA. July 13
25. Unnamed 4th engineer of the St. James. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
26. Unnamed 2nd steward of the St. James. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
27. Unnamed watchman of the St. James. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
28. Unnamed servant (slave?) of Dr. Pennington. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
29. Unnamed boy (slave?) of Capt. Tuft. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
30. Unnamed free black boy. (Baton Rouge Gazette, 7-10-1852, p. 3.)
31. Not recognized body of man, with black frock cloth coat, cottonade pants.
32. Not recognized body of man with hickory shirt, coarse pants, coarse brogans.

Sources

Alexandria Gazette, VA. 8-5-1852, p. 3, col. 3. Accessed 10-25-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/alexandria-gazette-aug-05-1852-p-3/

Baton Rouge Gazette, LA. “Terrible Catastrophe.” 7-10-1852, p. 3, columns 1-2. Accessed 10-24-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/baton-rouge-gazette-jul-10-1852-p-3/

Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. Boston: Mariners Press Inc., 1972.

Daily Chronicle & Sentinel, Augusta, GA. 7-9-1852, p. 3, col. 1. Accessed 10-24-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/augusta-daily-chronicle-and-sentinel-jul-09-1852-p-3/

Daily Morning News, Savannah, GA. “Explosion of the St. James.” 7-12-1852, p. 1, col. 3. Accessed 10-24-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/savannah-daily-morning-news-jul-12-1852-p-1/

Daily Morning News, Savannah, GA. “The Explosion of the St. James – Nineteen more Bodies found.” 7-13-1852, p. 1. Col. 2. Accessed 10-24-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/savannah-daily-morning-news-jul-13-1852-p-1/

Daily Morning Post, Pittsburgh, PA. “Items of News and Miscellany.” 8-12-1852, p. 2, col. 3. Accessed 10-25-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/pittsburgh-daily-morning-post-aug-12-1852-p-2/

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