Fatal collision of Steamers — sinking of the "Torpedo."
--A most melancholy collision occurred in
James river, a short distance from
Rocketts, between seven and eight o'clock on Thursday night. As the flag-of-truce steamer,
William Allison, was returning to the city, she ran into the "Torpedo, " a one-gun boat, engaged in taking torpedoes down the river, sinking her in a few minutes, and causing the death of her commander,
Lieutenant Armstrong.
As soon as the collision occurred, every effort was made by those on board the "
Allison" to save the lives of those on the "Torpedo." Boats were immediately manned and shoved off in the dark; but not until four of her crew were picked up was anything known of her commander, when the remark was heard, "For God's sake, captain, let me go, or both of us will be lost; and immediately thereupon another voice was heard, to the effect that, "Well; if either is to be drowned, let it be me. Save yourself, if you can."--Proceeding in the direction of the voices, another, and the fifth, seaman was found, who had hardly been drawn into the boat, before, about twenty steps distant, the voice of
Commander Armstrong was again heard, exclaiming, "I'm numb; for God's sake be quick," and thereupon he sank again.
Before his rescuers could reach him, however, he arose once more, a few yards off, and sank for the last time, with the remark on his lips, "It's too late; I'm gone." The boat from the "
Allison" rowed about the river for some time afterwards, in hopes of recovering the body of
Captain Armstrong; but, finding all efforts fruitless, returned to the steamer, and came up to
Rocketts, which place they reached about 9 o'clock at night.
Commander Armstrong's body had not been recovered up to a late hour yesterday afternoon.
