At this moment Vernon was about to enter, when the
explosion took place.
The forward part of the Chalmetta was completely torn in pieces. The
gentlemen's cabin was lifted from its supports, and torn into fragments.
The unfortunate occupants of berths in this part of the boat were either
instantly killed or severely wounded. The ladies' cabin, being at a
greater distance from the immediate scene of the explosion, had not
suffered so severely. Although torn from its position, and shattered by
the shock, it had proved fatal to but a few of its occupants, who had
been crushed by falling timbers. The hull of the boat was not injured by
the explosion, but before those who had escaped a sudden death could
recover their disordered faculties, the flames began to ascend from the
wreck of the cabin, which had been precipitated upon the furnaces.
The scene surpassed description. The groans of the wounded and scalded,
the shrieks of those who were on the boat, expecting every moment to be
carried down in her, mingled in wild confusion on the midnight air.
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