The steamship Mount Vernon, Capt. Layfield, reported ashore on Monday on Old Inlet bar, N. J., is in a critical condition, though hopes are entertained that she may be got off. She belongs to the Cromwell line, and left New York on Saturday for Alexandria. On Saturday night, when the steamer was going at the rate of ten or eleven knots, she struck. All efforts to clear her off the bar proved ineffectual. On Tuesday, the John G. Roach, a wrecking schooner, went to their assistance, and, in the afternoon, the work of removing the cargo and transferring it commenced. As soon as the cargo was removed the captain expected to get the steamer off and proceed on his passage. She had but three passengers. During Tuesday night a gale arose, which caused the vessel to shift her anchorage, and some fears were entertained that she would sustain more serious damage. The Mount Vernon is insured for about $30,000 or $40,000, and is worth about $60,000. She is one year old and is built of wood.
The Daily Exchange, Baltimore, MD, March 11, 1861
