Cape Breton's Magazine

Edward Kelly, 25, of C.B., able seaman. Angus McDonald, 39, of C.B., able seaman. John Kelly, 29, of C.B. able seaman. M. McAskill, 21, of Louisbourg, able seaman. All but James Ronan would prove to be included among the victims of the disaster. All of those from Cape Breton were specifically from the Louisbourg area. But the twelve believed to be on board would double when the first comprehensive re? port of the wreck was published next day in the Thursday, Au? gust 24, 1893 edition of the Halifax Herald. 14 BODIES RECOVERED OF THE 24 LOST IN THE DORCAS WRECK THE DORCAS YET TO BE SEEN, BEATEN BY THE SURF, BUT THE BARGE GROUND TO SPLINTERS ON THE ROCK-BOUND SHORE AT LAWRENCETOWN. No sadder news has been heard in Halifax for many a long day than the loss of the steamer Dorcas and the barge Etta Stewart, with twen? ty four lives. Captain Ferguson was well known in this city, and he was respected as a man and thoroughly trusted as a seaman. The day after Monday night's terrific storm people thought of the Dorcas on her way from Sydney to Halifax, but there was no alarm for her safety as it was generally believed Captain Ferguson would make one of the many harbours on the eastern shore. That was the opinion of George E. Francklyn, who owned this steamer, and when the ru? mor spread on Tuesday night that the Dorcas was lost he reassured himself by concluding that Captain Ferguson had undoubtedly put in? to Sheet Harbour or some other haven of refuge. BUT HE HAD NOT DONE SO AND HAD MET HIS FATE. Storms prevailed for three days after Captain Ferguson was ready to leave Sydney. It was not till Saturday the weather looked promising, and he sailed for Halifax, only to run into another and more fearful storm. On Monday a terrible south east gale sprang up which be? came worse as night wore on, till at last it was a perfect tempest, car? rying with it death and destruction. It is likely the Captain believed he could make Halifax by running before the wind or that it was as safe to make the attempt to reach this port as to seek a nearer harbour. One thing only is definitely known, for not a soul lives to tell the story of the voyage, and that is that the Dorcas and her tow, with their brave commander and all his crew were lost when within an hour and a half run of Halifax, at Lawrencetown and Graham's Head. At two o'clock Tuesday morning they were wrecked and all on board drowned, not more than a stone's throw off the cliff lined shores of Law? rencetown. The villagers heard the roar of the storm and feared for its dread con- When touring the Cabot Trail, you'll enjoy your stop in Cheticamp. It is a ' friendly village with strong Acadian traditions. ' While in Cheticamp, why not enjoy a meal at Le Gabriel? We offer unsurpassed Acadian hospitality and cuisine. The dining room We offer seating for 125 people, and many traditional dishes. ' As well, you might dine on fresh local seafood, sizzling steaks, fresh baked bread and sinfully delicious desserts. Best entertainment for miles aroimd Le Gabriel would like to invite you to visit our great hall, for the best in local entertainment! Tuesday: Square Dancing & Fiddling Wed., Thur., Fri., Sat.: Popular Music Saturday & Simday: Fiddling • fuEy licensed service • air conditioning • U. S. ctirrency accepted While in Cheticamp, don't forget to visit Flora's craft shop, which offers a variety of locally crafted items. on the Cabot Trail Best selection of hooked rugs Flora's offers an excellent selection of rugs and other hooked items, made by over 100 local craft ladies. We also feature other quality handcrafts and souvenirs. • Coasters • Chair seats • Wall hangings " Rugs Flora's has served the tourist industry for over 25 years. We welcome tour groups for one stop shopping. You're sure to enjoy /~ our rug hooking dem? onstrations! ip,N.S. BOE 1 HO PHONE: (902) 224-3139 In Cheticamp, on the Cabot Trail...