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Note: N936 The Weekly Herald (New York), 28 November 1857
The Loss of the Steamship Opelousas.
Partial List of the Passengers:
[From the New Orleans Picayune, Nov. 18.]
On the arrival of the Opelousas Railroad train last evening, we learned from the rumor that there had been a collision on Sunday night between the steamer Opelousas, Capt. Ellis, which left Berwick's Bay on Sunday, and the Galveston, Capt. Washburn, of the same line, coming from Galveston and Indianola to Berwick's Bay, and that there were several lives lost.
On Board Steamship Galveston,
17 November 1857
At 12 o'clock (midnight), the 16th inst., the steamship Galveston came in contact with the steamship Opelousas, striking the Opelousas nearly amidship, causing her to sink in about twenty minutes. The Galveston, receiving but little damage, laid by her till daylight this morning, and succeeded in saving the following passengers, and all of the officers and crew:
John McNair
. . .
List of those saved.
W. H. Meriwether and lady, Comal county,Texas
. . .
We understand that Capt. Washburn, of the Galveston, being sick at Galveston, was not on board the steamer at the time of the disaster. The officer in command of the Galveston, at the time, was Capt. Jere. Smith.
. . .
All of those who were rescued from the sinking steamer of course saved nothing from the fatal wreck, and were brought to the city without money, clothing, or anything else. Several of them are at the City and Arcade hotels, where they are receiving the greatest kindness at the hands of Mr. Morse, his family, and assistants, (who are always prompt in deeds of philanthropy and hospitality,) and where, we are pleased to learn, subscriptions for the relief of the unfortunate sufferers have been opened, and are receiving the signatures of the sympathizing and the charitable.
. . .
The freight of the Opelousas measured 1,400 barrels, according to the unusual measurement, valued at about $70,000 - 490 barrels for Galveston, 970 for Indianola. It consisted principally of pork, flour, corn, sugar, molasses and coffee, and was destined for almost every place in the interior of Texas - San Antonio, Victoria, S____, Corpus Christi, Lavaca, Matagorda, New Brannfels, &c. To this later place about 300 barrels were for W. H. Meriwether, Esq., who was himself a passenger on board, and with this wife fortunately saved. Mr. Lyons, the clerk, is unable to say what insurance, if any, was effected on the freight.
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Note: N937 New York Times (New York, NY), 28 November 1857, Wednesday
ACQUITTAL OF THE CAPTAIN OF THE STEAMER OPELOUSAS
From New-Orleans:
Capt. ELLIS, of the steamer Opelousas, indicted for manslaughter in consequence of the late collision, has been acquitted.
From a very long article in The Daily True Delta, November 26, 1857
"Mrs. Merryweather, (for the prosecution) sworn:
I was a passenger on the Opelousas. I got on deck about five minutes after the collision. I went to different parts of the vessel. I was frightened and did not know what I did. [The witness was a quite youthful wife.] I floated off on a piece of railing. I did not see Capt. Ellis. I did not know any person on board. I was in the water about two hours.
Mr. Merryweather, sworn:
I reside in San Antonio, Texas. I was a passenger on the Opelousas. I was awakened about midnight by my wife. I persuaded her to be quiet. She awakened me again and I found something was the matter. I went into the cabin and saw persons running aft. I inquired what was the matter, as I saw steam, and was told one of the boilers had cracked. I went into my room, put my clothes on and got life preservers for myself and wife. I thought of getting into a boat that lay amidship, but persons around it objected, nor was I anxious as I heard so many stories of boats swamping. [Mr. M. is a hale but aged man.] We went towards the starboard shrouds. I saw persons on the larboard wheel house. I went to the larboard shrouds as that was the highest part of the vessel. After the vessel going down, we rose and selected a piece of railing. About 30 or 40 yards of a skylight came near us. Myself and wife and another woman clung to it. I do not think I saw any of the officers giving directions. I heard persons calling "Capt., Capt." But I do not know if I saw Capt. Ellis. There was starlight and I think some clouds. I do not know anyone who had been lost.
To a juror - I do not know whether those in the boats that had left the vessel were passengers or of the crew.
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