462 CONFLAGRATION OF THE PHOENIX. 
coolness of riper years. Much credit is due to Mr. John How- 
ard, steward of the boat, for his coolness and honesty in the 
hour of difficuhy. I understand Captain Sherman and him- 
self saved themselves by articles thrown overboard after the 
boat had left. The wreck of the boat drifted into Colchester 
Reef. 
Another account of the Confiagration of the Steam-boat 
Phoenix. 
The following description of this terrific scene was written 
by one of the passengers. I awoke at the time of the alarm, 
but whether aroused by the cry of fire, the noise of feet 
trampling on deck, or by that restlessness common to persons 
who sleep in a strange place, with a mind filled with sorrow 
and anxiety, I am unable to tell. I thought I heard a faint 
cry of fire, and after a short interval it seemed to be renewed. 
But it came so weakly upon my ear, and seemed to be flung 
by so careless a voice, that I concluded it was an unmeaning 
sound uttered by some of the sailors in their sports on deck. 
Soon, however, a hasty footstep was heard passing through 
the cabin, but without a word being uttered. As I approach- 
ed the top of the cabin stairs, an uncommon brilliancy at once 
dispelled all doubts. Instantly the flames and sparks began 
to meet my eyes, and the thought struck me that no other way 
of escape was left but to plunge half naked through the blaze 
into the water. One or two more steps assured me that this 
dreadful alternative was not yet arrived ; I hastily stepped 
aft ; a lurid light illuminated every object beyond the splen- 
dor of a noon-day sun ; I fancied it was the torch of death, 
to point me and my fellow-travelers to the tomb. I saw no 
person on deck ; but on casting my eyes toward the boat, 
which was still hanging on the larboard quarter, 1 perceived 
that she was filled, and that her stern-sheets were occupied 
with ladies. I flew to the gangway and assisted in lowering 
the boat into the water. I then descended the steps, with an 
intention of entering the boat ; but perceiving that she was 
loaded deep, and that there was a strong breeze and a high 
sea, I desisted. The painter was soon cut, and the boat drop- 
ped astern. I ascended the steps with the design of submit- 
ting myself to the water upon a plank ; for I had great confi- 
dence in my skill in swimming, and I acted under an impres- 
sion that the shore was only a few rods, certainly not half a 
mile distant. Judge of what would have been my astonish- 
