Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 February 1896 — CUBANS IN THE SEA. [ARTICLE]

CUBANS IN THE SEA.

The Filibustering Steamer J. W. Hawkins Sinks Off Long Island. Till* steamer J. W. Hawkins, bound from New York to Cuba on a filibustering expedition, was abandoned at sea off Long Islnnri Sunday night in a terrific gale, and i f the 170 men on board only 113 are accounted for. Ten are known to have been drowned, and it is believe'd fif-ty-three others met a like fate.The Hawkins wns of 125 tons net, and was built at Kennebunk, Me., in 1880. She was for years engaged in the fishing business, but ns she had proved unprofitable she had for a long time lain idle in Baltimore harbor. Two weeks ago a man representing himself as a Mr. Tinsley approached the owners with an offer, saying he wished to buy the craft for a Mr. Smith of New York. There was no haggling over the price, nnd it did not taka him long to become the owner of the steamer. There was an old account of the crew hanging fire, but he at once paid it. Then a local ship yard came forwnrd

with a bill, whicu was also paid on the spot. Obstacles seemed to melt away before his haste, for when two firms threatened to bring libel suits against the steamer their claims were paid in full as soon ns a figure was named. She was at once taken to New York, where a little band of men was gathered in rendiness to get on board, their intention being to join the Cuban army and tight in the ranks. In spite of the vigilance of the Spanish -emissaries a Dress cannon worth $5,000, ammunition that cost $25,000 and 176 men were taken safely on board. Sunday night she sailed from that port, commanded by a Cnpt. Woodrow. Unfortunately, however, the boat \v:is unfit for sea,- and the hasty preparations had allowed no time for n thorough, examination of her bottom, for she had proceeded only as far as the eastern end of Long Island when sprung n dangerous teafc tuwi began to settle in the water. In spite’of all the crew could do the leak gained with fearful rapidity, and within twenty minutes all had to take to the five small boats.