Chapter 15 Summary and Analysis

Twain relates a detailed account from the officers and crew who survived the burning of the clipper ship Hornet. After forty-three days adrift on the Pacific, fifteen men (differing from the earlier number of nineteen) drifted ashore, in weak and starving condition. Twain introduces his principle interview subject, third mate John S. Thomas, as a serious, stoic young man of impeccable character.

The Hornet left New York on January 15th, fully manned, carrying a cargo of kerosene, iron, and three engines. The weather was uncommonly good. On April 12th the Hornet hailed a Prussian bark. This would be the last ship to see the Hornet afloat. On May 3rd a crewman, against the captain's orders, went below deck to draw some "bright varnish" with an open flame in hand. The liquid took fire and the flames rapidly spread to the kerosene...