Senator SMITH.
Did the captain tell you that the Californian had wired the Titanic that they were in the vicinity of icebergs?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No. The captain gave me some wireless messages from Southampton, I think, that we had had before we had sailed, and asked me to put these positions on the chart.
Senator SMITH.
Did you know whether a wireless had been received from the Amerika that the Titanic was in the vicinity of icebergs?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No; I could not say.
Senator SMITH.
Do you want us to understand that you had no knowledge of the proximity of this ship to icebergs immediately preceding the -
Mr. BOXHALL.
I had no knowledge.
Senator SMITH.
One moment. (continuing) Immediately preceding the collision, or during the hours of your watch from 8 o'clock until the collision occurred?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I did not realize the ship was so near the ice field.
Senator SMITH.
You knew you were in the vicinity of the Grand Banks?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I knew we were in the vicinity of the Grand Banks.
Senator SMITH.
What was the weather at that time?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Very fine and clear.
Senator SMITH.
Cold?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes; very cold.
Senator SMITH.
Unusually cold?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No; not for that time of year.
Senator SMITH.
Did you realize that you were out of the particular influence of the Gulf Stream?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know that the water was taken from the sea frequently that night?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I knew the water and the temperature of the air was taken every two hours after the ship left port.
Senator SMITH.
Was the temperature of the water taken at any time to your knowledge?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Every two hours after the ship left the port. I do not know what it was.
Senator SMITH.
No; I do not think you understood me. You say that water was taken from the sea and the temperature of the air was taken every two hours after you left port?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes.
Senator SMITH.
I asked you whether you know the temperature of the water taken from the sea every two hours was tested?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
You do know it?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes.
Senator SMITH.
How do you know it?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Because the sailor men and the quartermaster took this temperature, and I would see them doing it, sometimes.
Senator SMITH.
Was it reported anywhere?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes; it was reported. It was reported to the junior officer.
Senator SMITH.
To the junior officer?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes.
Senator SMITH.
What was his name?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Mr. Moody.
Senator SMITH.
Did he survive the wreck?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Was it reported to any other officer?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No; but their book was always there for him to see.
Senator SMITH.
Did the log contain any reference to these tests?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
How do you know?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Because it was the junior officer's duty to see that the log did contain it.
Senator SMITH.
That was his duty?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes.
Senator SMITH.
And you think that was done because that was his duty?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Did you yourself take the temperature of the water?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
At any time during that voyage?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know whether that water Sunday night was colder than it was Monday night?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, I did not know.
Senator SMITH.
I mean preceding.
Mr. BOXHALL.
No.
Senator SMITH.
Wednesday night?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No.
Senator SMITH.
Do you of your own knowledge know the temperature of that water?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No; I do not.
Senator SMITH.
Were you in the water-
Mr. BOXHALL. (interrupting)
No, sir.
Senator SMITH. (continuing)
After the collision?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
At no time?
Mr. BOXHALL.
At no time at all.
Senator SMITH.
You do not know of your own knowledge how cold it was?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir; I do not.
Senator SMITH.
But you are willing to say it was a very cold night?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Oh, yes; it was very cold.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know Mr. Bride, the wireless operator of the Titanic?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know whether his feet were frozen after the accident occurred and before he reached the Carpathia?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I knew his feet were bad, but I did not know what was the matter with them. I did not know whether they were frozen.
Senator SMITH.
You do not know whether they were frozen or not?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I could not say.
Senator SMITH.
Did anyone die aboard the boat you were on between the scene of the sinking - the place of the sinking - of the Titanic and the Carpathia?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know of others dying in these lifeboats?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I do not know of any dying in the lifeboats.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know whether Mr. Phillips died in a lifeboat?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Only what I have heard, that Mr. Phillips died after he was pulled on the - whether he was pulled on or whether he scrambled on the upturned collapsible boat, I could not say. It is only hearsay.
Senator SMITH.
He died?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir; he died.
Senator SMITH.
He was the wireless operator who was the chief of Mr. Bride?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
But so far as you know of your own knowledge you are unable to say what the temperature test of this water in the vicinity of the Grand Banks, where this accident occurred, would show?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I am unable to say what it was.
Senator SMITH.
Were there any additional officers or members of the crew stationed in the bows or on the deck Sunday night after you went on watch?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I do not know about any additional members.
Senator SMITH.
The assignments were the permanent assignments; and so far as you know, that is all?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Just the usual staff, I knew they would be; but whether there were any additional men there I could not say.
Senator SMITH.
Did you see the captain frequently Sunday night?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I saw him frequently during the watch, sir.
Senator SMITH.
During the watch?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
From 8 o'clock on?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Up to the time of the accident.
Senator SMITH.
Up to the time the Titanic sank?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
How frequently?
Mr. BOXHALL.
On and off, most of the watch.
Senator SMITH.
Where was he when you saw him at these times?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Sometimes out on the outer bridge. I would go out and report. I was working observations out, if you understand, most of that watch working out different calculations and reporting to him; and that is how it was I came in contact with him so much.
Senator SMITH.
Where was he at the times when you saw him?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Sometimes in his chart room and sometimes on the bridge, and sometimes he would come to the wheelhouse, inside of the wheelhouse.
Senator SMITH.
How do you know he would go to the wheelhouse?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I would see him pass through.
Senator SMITH.
You would see him passing through?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes.
Senator SMITH.
Would you see him frequently in the wheelhouse?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Frequently, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Was the captain on deck or on the bridge or in the wheelhouse when you assumed your watch at 8 o'clock?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I could not say where he was. I do not remember seeing him at 8 o'clock.
Senator SMITH.
How soon after you took your watch did you see him?
Mr. BOXHALL.
As near as I can tell, I saw him about 9 o'clock.
Senator SMITH.
About 9 o'clock?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes.
Senator SMITH.
For the first time?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes. I did not say for the first time.
Senator SMITH.
As nearly as you can recollect?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No; but a particular incident recalls to me that I did see him about 9 o'clock.
Senator SMITH.
When you say you saw him about 9 o'clock, do you mean just before 9 or just after 9?
Mr. BOXHALL.
You are trying to drive me down to the minute, and I can not state.
Senator SMITH.
I just want to get it as accurately as you can give it. Would you think it was before or after?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I could not say.
Senator SMITH.
About 9 o'clock?
Mr. BOXHALL.
About 9 o'clock, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Was anyone with him when you saw him at that time?
Mr. BOXHALL.
That is another thing that is hard to say. I do not remember whether I saw him on the bridge or in the wheelhouse when I reported some positions that I had worked out.
Senator SMITH.
Did you see Mr. Ismay?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
With the captain?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
On the bridge, in the wheelhouse, or on the deck that night?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
After you took your watch?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir; not until after the accident.
Senator SMITH.
Not until after the accident?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Did you talk with the captain Sunday night?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
How frequently?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I could not say how frequently.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know what time he dined that night?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Or with whom he dined?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Or where he dined?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
But you do know that about 9 o'clock you saw him on the deck, on the bridge, and in the wheelhouse at various times. Would you say all of the time, in one of those three places after that?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I did not know that the captain was anywhere away from the bridge the whole watch. I mean to say from the bridge taking the whole bridge together; all the chart rooms, and the open bridge. They are all practically on one square, and I do not think the captain was away from that altogether.
Senator SMITH.
When did you last see the captain?
Mr. BOXHALL.
When he told me to go away in the boat.
Senator SMITH.
How long was that after the collision?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I do not know what time I left the ship. I have been trying to find the time or trying to calculate, but I can not think what time it was.
Senator SMITH.
Where were you when the collision took place?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I was just approaching the bridge.
Senator SMITH.
On the port or the starboard side?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Starboard side.
Senator SMITH.
Did the collision occur on the port or the starboard side?
Mr. BOXHALL.
On the starboard side, sir.
Senator SMITH.
And you were on deck at that time?
Mr. BOXHALL.
On the deck, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Approaching the bridge?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Just approaching the bridge.
Senator SMITH.
Could you see what had occurred?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir; I could not see what had occurred.
Senator SMITH.
Did you know what had occurred?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, not at all. I heard the sixth officer [Moody] say what it was.
Senator SMITH.
What did he say that it was?
Mr. BOXHALL.
He said we had struck an iceberg.
Senator SMITH.
Was there any evidence of ice on any of the decks, to your knowledge, after that collision?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Just a little on the lower deck. On the open deck I saw just a little, not much.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know whether anyone was injured by that impact?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, I do not know; I never heard.
Senator SMITH.
Did you continue to go toward the bridge after the impact?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
How far did you go?
Mr. BOXHALL.
At the time of the impact I was just coming along the deck and almost abreast of the captain's quarters, and I heard the report of three bells.
Senator SMITH.
What kind of a report? Describe it.
Mr. BOXHALL.
The lookout's report.
Senator SMITH.
What was said?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Three bells were struck.
Senator SMITH.
Three bells?
Mr. BOXHALL.
That signifies something has been seen ahead. Almost at the same time I heard the first officer give the order "Hard astarboard," and the engine telegraph rang.
Senator SMITH.
What did the order mean?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Ordering the ship's head to port.
Senator SMITH.
Did you see this iceberg at that time?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Not at that time.
Senator SMITH.
Did it extend above the deck that you were on?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Oh, no, sir, it did not extend there.
Senator SMITH.
A little lower?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Do you know whether it struck the bow squarely?
Mr. BOXHALL.
It seemed to me to strike the bluff of the bow.
Senator SMITH.
Describe that.
Mr. BOXHALL.
It is in the forward part of the ship, but almost on the side.
Senator SMITH.
On which side?
Mr. BOXHALL.
It is just where the ship begins to widen out on the starboard side.
Senator SMITH.
How far would that be from the front of the ship?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I do not know.
Senator SMITH.
About how far?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I could not say in feet.
Senator SMITH.
How far would it be from the eyes?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I do not know. I could not say.
Senator SMITH.
You could not describe that?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No; you could measure it on the plans, though.
Senator SMITH.
About how far?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I could not say how many feet. I have no idea of the number of feet.
Senator SMITH.
But it was not a square blow on the bow of the ship?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
In ordinary parlance, would it be a glancing blow?
Mr. BOXHALL.
A glancing blow.
Senator SMITH.
Was the blow felt immediately?
Mr. BOXHALL.
A slight impact.
Senator SMITH.
How slight?
Mr. BOXHALL.
It did not seem to me to be very serious. I did not take it seriously.
Senator SMITH.
Slight enough to stop you in your walk to the bridge?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Oh, no, no, no.
Senator SMITH.
Heavy enough to stop you, I mean?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No, sir.
Senator SMITH.
So slight that you did not regard it as serious?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I did not think it was serious.
Senator SMITH.
Did you proceed to the bridge?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
Whom did you find there?
Mr. BOXHALL.
I found the sixth officer and the first officer and captain. [Moody, Murdoch and Captain Smith]
Senator SMITH.
The sixth officer, the first officer and the captain?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
All on the bridge together?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
What, if anything, was said by the captain?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir. The captain said, "What have we struck?" Mr. Murdoch, the first officer, said, "We have struck an iceberg."
Senator SMITH.
Then what was said?
Mr. BOXHALL.
He followed on to say - Mr. Murdoch followed on to say, "I put her hard astarboard and run the engines full astern, but it was too close; she hit it."
Senator FLETCHER.
That was before she struck?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No; after.
Senator SMITH.
That was after she struck?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes.
Senator SMITH.
He said that he put her hard astarboard?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
But it was too late?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
And he hit it?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
What did the captain say?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Mr. Murdoch also said, "I intended to port around it."
Senator SMITH.
"I intended to port around it"?
Mr. BOXHALL.
"But she hit before I could do any more."
Senator SMITH.
Did he say anything more?
Mr. BOXHALL.
"The watertight doors are closed, sir."
Senator SMITH.
What did the captain say?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Mr. Murdoch continued to say, "The watertight doors are closed, sir."
Senator SMITH.
Mr. Murdoch continued to say, "Are they closed"?
Mr. BOXHALL.
No; "They are closed."
Senator SMITH.
"The watertight doors are closed"?
Mr. BOXHALL.
"Are closed."
Senator SMITH.
Do you understand by that that he had applied the -
Mr. BOXHALL. (interrupting)
I saw him close them.
Senator SMITH.
He had applied the electricity?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
And by that had closed the watertight compartments?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir; and the captain asked him if he had rung the warning bell.
Senator SMITH.
What did he say?
Mr. BOXHALL.
He said, "Yes, sir."
Senator SMITH.
What is the warning bell?
Mr. BOXHALL.
It is a small electric bell which rings at every watertight door.
Senator SMITH.
And he said that that had been done?
Mr. BOXHALL.
Yes, sir.
Senator SMITH.
What else did he say?
Mr. BOXHALL.
We all walked out to the corner of the bridge then to look at the iceberg.
Senator SMITH.
The captain?
Mr. BOXHALL.
The captain, first officer, and myself.
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