The author’s sympathies were early called forth; access to the survivors enlisted all his sensibilities; correspondence also showed how much need of consolation there was; and the book was prepared under the shadow of the great horror; but if the reader shall find the same comfort from a view of the lovely characters and the Christian hopes which span this dark cloud with a bow of promise, the author will consider that his mission has been accomplished.


CONTENTS.

PAGE
[Chapter I.]
Ashtabula9
[Chapter II.]
The River and the Bridge13
[Chapter III.]
The Night and the Storm18
[Chapter IV.]
The Wreck26
[Chapter V.]
The Startling Crash34
[Chapter VI.]
The Alarm in Town42
[Chapter VII.]
The Fire and the Firemen49
[Chapter VIII.]
Care of the Survivor56
[Chapter IX.]
The Robbers61
[Chapter X.]
Midnight at the Wreck66
[Chapter XI.]
The Public Excitement72
[Chapter XII.]
Scenes at the Morgue81
[Chapter XIII.]
The Railroad Officials89
[Chapter XIV.]
The Arrival of Friends96
[Chapter XV.]
The Wave of Sorrow104
[Chapter XVI.]
The Search for Relics113
[Chapter XVII.]
The Passengers120
[Chapter XVIII.]
The Experience of Survivors131
[Chapter XIX.]
Personal Incidents138
[Chapter XX.]
Kindness shown144
[Chapter XXI.]
The Memorial Services152
[Chapter XXII.]
The Suicide159
[Chapter XXIII.]
The Character of Mr. Collins166
[Chapter XXIV.]
The Loved and Lost170
[Chapter XXV.]
Sketches of Character177
[Chapter XXVI.]
P. P. Bliss183
[Chapter XXVII.]
The Testimony of Witnesses197
[Chapter XXVIII.]
The Lessons of the Event203
The Coroner’s Verdict207

THE ASHTABULA DISASTER.


CHAPTER I.
ASHTABULA.