Near Galveston, TX Steamer FARMER Explosion, Mar 1853

THE LATE EXPLOSION OF THE STEAMER FARMER.

We are indebted to a friend for the following additional particulars in relation to the explosion of the steamboat FARMER, at Pelican Island, near Galveston, noticed by us yesterday:
The number of the passengers on the FARMER was about thirty-two to thirty-five. The steward of the boat thinks thirty-two correct, but the list of names gathered up by inquiry amounts to thirty-five. Of the killed, ten bodies have been brought here, some of them not recognized. One body was found at Dollar Point, and buried there. Two of the wounded died here since the explosion -- J. M. REYNOLDS and ST. JOHN. Of the officers and crew thirteen are killed, some of whom are yet missing. The dead and missing of all on board numbers twenty-four, leaving eight not yet found. This is probably as near the correct figures as will be reached for some time. Some of the wounded are still in a critical condition.
An investigation is in progress in regard to the culpability of the officers of the FARMER. Her boilers were excellent, and believed by those qualified to judge, capable of enduring more than ordinary pressure, and it is therefore surmised that in the contest of speed with the Neptune, the engineer must have wilfully endangered the lives of all on board, by creating a dangerous pressure of steam. Yet the engineer has made an affidavit that the amount of steam was not greater than ordinary.
N. O. True Delta, 30th.

The New York Times New York 1853-04-07
__________________

Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!