Rocket (Propeller), U21144, fire, 1 Sep 1859

On Friday last a fire was discovered on board the prop. ROCKET, bound down, shortly after leaving Mackinac. It was in the bulk-head near the forward end of the boiler. A hole was immediately cut in the deck, and the progress of the flames promptly checked by the propeller's pumps. No serious damage was effected.
      Detroit Free Press
      Sept. 20, 1859


FIRE ON A PROPELLER. -- The Detroit Tribune says: " The propeller ROCKET, Capt. Rice, of the new York Central line, which reached here yesterday from Chicago, stopped at Mackinac on Friday. About two hours after her arrival at the latter place, a fire was discovered in her bulk-head, at the forward end of the boiler, between the fire hold and the freight hold. Capt. Rice ordered a hole immediately to be cut through the deck, by which means the immediate vicinity of the fire was flooded from the steamer's pumps, and the progress of the flames promptly checked. The passengers and crew award great praise to Capt. Rice, whose presence of mind no doubt prevented a disastrous conflagration. In the presence of excitement he alone remained perfectly calm. As soon as the hole was cut as above, he seized the hose and jumped down to combat the flames."
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      September 21, 1859
     
     
Propeller ROCKET. U. S. No. 21144. Of 611 tons gross. Built Cleveland, Ohio, 1857. First Home port, Buffalo, N.Y. Disposition: - Rig changed to barge October 2, 1877
      Merchant Steam Vessels of the U. S. A.
      Lytle - Holdcamper List, 1790 to 1868