The hull of the steamer Wide West, which had been for many years the pride of the Columbia, was fitted out in 1889 with a small engine and propeller by the Puget Sound Steam Lighter & Transportation Company, and while on her way to her new field of labor came to a ignoble end on Destruction Island. She left Astoria December 25th, without the knowledge of the inspectors, in command of Frederick Sparling, a Seattle youngster with a limited knowledge of steam navigation, and encountered a heavy sea and wind soon after crossing the bar. Her huge bulk, which gave full sweep to the gale, rendered her unmanageable. A squall carried away the spanker and boom, and at 2:30 A. M. the propeller was lost. She then drifted in a helpless condition until 4:00 A. M., when she struck on Destruction Island, the seas lifting her over so far that the crew reached shore with but little difficulty. On reaching the mainland the shipwrecked crew made their way on foot over the mountains to Pysht River, where they took the steamer Evangel for Port Townsend. Captain Sparling had with him on the venture R. Golding, chief engineer; William Walter, mate; George Campbell, Charles Nortius, Henry Hansen, Frank Wilson, William W. Eise and a Chinese cook. He was also accompanied by his brother, Dr. G. H Sparling. The first, last and only trip of the Wide West after being refitted was the beginning and end of Captain Saprling's steamboat experience in the Northwest. Wright