University of Virginia Library

ICEBERG AND FIRST BOAT SIGHTED

"Eastward on the horizon a huge iceberg, the cause of the disaster, majestically reared two noble peaks to heaven. Rope ladders were already lowered and we hove to near the life-boat, which was now approaching us as rapidly as the nearly exhausted efforts of the men at the oars could bring her.

"Under the command of our chief officer, who worked indefatigably at the noble work of rescue, the survivors in

MRS. JOHN B. THAYER
Mrs. Thayer and her son were saved. Asked of the disaster, she replied, "It was the most awful thing that anyone could ever conceive."

[Description: Portrait of Mrs. John B. Thayer. ]

JOHN B. THAYER
Second Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, who went down with the fated ship.

[Description: Portrait of John B. Thayer. ]

the boat were rapidly but carefully hauled aboard and given into the hands of the medical staff under the organization of Dr. McGee.

"We then learned the terrible news that the gigantic vessel, the unsinkable Titanic, had gone down one hour and ten minutes after striking.

"From this time onward life-boats continued to arrive at frequent intervals. Every man of the Carpathia's crew was unsparing in his efforts to assist, to tenderly comfort each and every survivor. In all, sixteen boatloads were receives, containing altogether 720 persons, many in simply their night attire, others in evening dress, as if direct from an after-dinner reception, or concert. Most conspicuous was the coolness and self-possession, particularly of the women.

"Pathetic and heartrending incidents were many. There was not a man of the rescue party who was not moved almost to tears. Women arrived and frantically rushed from one gangway to another eagerly scanning the fresh arrivals in the boats for a lost husband or brother.