Sinking Of the USS Weehawken-- Part 5: The Tale Below Decks

There were invalids in the sick bay, and to their relief, the surgeon sent his steward, who never returned.  There were firemen at the furnaces, to who vain shrieks for a helping hand at the pumps were made.  A few if the confident were rushing to their quarters to save their effects, jostling the timid on their way to the deck to save themselves.

It was in the midst of scenes like this that the Weehawken went down.

I believe that none of the officers perished save the four assistant engineers, who were overtaken by the flood before they could make any effort to escape.

Commander had only taken command of the Weehawken on Saturday, having been detached from the Paul Jones to relieve Commander Calhoun.  The officer's clothing, the paymaster's funds and papers of the ship sank with her.

--Old B-Runner