note: transcription publicly contributed - please contact us with comments, errors or omisions

MG 1 VOL 2124 number 202A

HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
ARCHIBALD MACMECHAN, F.R.S.C.
DIRECTOR

HALIFAX, N.S.

PERSONAL NARRATIVE

McLennan, K.C.

Scot, large features, clean-shaven, healthy compexion [sic], strong Scottish accent. Married, student-missionary, residing at Waverley, attending lectures at Halifax Theological Seminary.

Was coming to Halifax to attend lectures on the morning of December 6th. Was in train from Waverley which was ten minutes late. 'This saved us'. The windows of the engine were broken but not those of the car. Train proceeded as far as the Brewery (Dartmouth side). McLennan got brakeman to assist him in shoving off a boat from Tufts' Cove. He had no oars, but managed to row with two boards. Met a number of men, six or seven in a half-submerged barge, "frantic" calling for help and trying to paddle in the Dartmouth. They were black and he thought they were negroes. Got within twenty yards of them, but went no closer. Saw them preparing to jump in. Was unable to render assistance to them, and proceeded to Richmond Pier. Landed and tied up boat at foot of Roome St., (Had difficulty in getting through the debris to the shore.) Saw men in a tug binding up their injuries, alongside a steamer adrift which he took for the "PICTON". He asked "What can be done to help?" Men asked
Did you come across the harbor?" "Yes". "You've done your bit". These men had come off the drifting ship and told him that there were three hundred on board her still. McLennan asked "Can anything be done?" McLennan rowed out to the ship, could see no sign of live on board, and returned to the shore.