Submitted and transcribed by Dee Gabler Deesroots@aol.com <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/deesroots/Index.html">Dee's Web Page</A> http://members.aol.com/deesroots/Index.html ______________ Source: Maryland State Archives Special Collection Medora Explosion 1842 MSA SC 1456-1499. 0/70/9/23 ______________ (Baltimore) Republican & Argus Published every morning S. Gay st., opposite the Exchange, by PRATT, CLOUD & BRO. BALTIMORE Friday Morning, April 15, 1842 TERRIBLE EXPLOSION! - AWFUL DESTRUCTION OF LIFE. We sicken at heart whilst we record for the first time, the destruction of life, by the blowing up of a Steamboat in our harbor. Whilst almost every section of the country, where steamers are employed, have recorded dreadful accidents and loss of life from steamboat explosions, we until the present time have been saved the melancholy task - but our record is now filled with death - 'tis a fearful one event to recount, and indescribably painful to have witnessed. Our heart bleeds as we perform our duty as chroniclers of the times, and we sincerely sympathise with the afflicted relatives of those who have so suddenly been swept from time into eternity. The steamboat Medora, Capt. Sutton, built for the Norfolk line, was about to start on a trail trip, when the sad accident occurred. The afternoon being pleasant, a number of persons invited to witness the performance of this splendidly built boat, assembled on board to the amount of about one hundred and upwards, and had backed from the wharf about one hundred yards, when the boiler (the boat had but one, and that of immense dimensions) exploded, scattering death and destruction in every direction. The explosion was tremendous, tearing off the upper deck, and carrying with it every person on it at the time. Some fell in the water and were drowned - others were blown upon the land. Mr. Vickers was among the latter. It is rumored, and we fear there is too much ground for the rumor, that a number of persons were in the forward cabin at the time, and, as the boat sunk immediately after the explosion, they have perished. After the explosion, the basin, the boats, lying near at the time, and the wharf were litterally covered with fragments of the unfortunate Medora, which now lies a sunken and complete wreck. We have not been able amid the confusion and distress, the crowd, and the thousand rumors, to give a full detail of the disaster, but we have given enough to harrow the feelings and bring forth the tears of every sympathetic heart. The following is a list, so far as ascertained, of the dead and wounded. Dead - J. C. Moale's son Richard; Henry Lecompte, fireman; E. Young, ship-joiner; John Vickers, tavern-keeper; ____ French, painter; John R. Boon, printer; J. Bryne. Wounded - J. C. Moale; Captain Sutton, badly wounded; Andrew Ramsey, engineer, badly scalded; A. F. Henderson, badly wounded; Frederick Jones, wounded; Robt. Doyle, badly scalded; Mr. Roberts, badly do.; James Wilson, do do.; Jackson Reeder and brother, do.; Lewis Waggoner, do; J. Wagoner, do; O'Leary, do; R. Smith, do; James Clark, do; R. Bonsell, do; D. Farquharson, do; J. Craig, do; Albert Ramsay, do; Hoofnagle, slightly; W. Cully, do; Henry Allen and two sons, slightly; Henry Snyder; Saml. Glenn, painter. Missing - Harper, mate*; Montgomery, McClare, besides a number of others. *Since dead. Among those on board who escaped unhurt, was Mr. Watchman, the machinest, and Mr. Thomas Wildey. We have not heard the cause of the accident. A thousand rumors are abroad, but no credit should be placed in any that are not well authenticated. Upon a knowledge of the dreadful occurrence just recounted, a large number of citizens repaired to the spot with a view of rendering all the assistance in their power to those who might need it. The promptness with which his Honor the Mayor reached the spot, and lent his authority and aid amid the heart rending scene, is worthy of all praise. - The police headed by the High Constable Mitchell, were also very active in doing all they could to render comfort to the wounded, and any other assistance which they could. The following call from our active and warm hearted Mayor, will be responded to with alacrity. _____ Mayor's Office Baltimore, 15th April, 1842. ONE HUNDRED MEN WANTED. In consequence of the dreadful accident that happened to the Steam-boat Medora, on last evening, - One Hundred men are wanted, to clear away the wreck of said boat and collect the bodies of our citizens that are now missing. The men will assemble at the Mayor's Office, this morning, at 6 o'clock. The City Commissioners and Commissioners of Health will meet the Mayor, THIS MORNING, At SIX O'CLOCK. The City Commissioners and the Commissioners of Health will meet the Mayor this morning, at the SAME HOUR. SOL. HILLEN, Jr., Mayor.