The Pilot Who Dropped Dead at the Helm

On Monday night at about eleven o'clock, as the British ship Blair Hoyle was coming in through the Golden Gate in charge of pilot Jacob C. Bogart, she was placed in a critical position by reason of a light wind and a strong ebb tide running. Just as she was abreast of Mill Rock, Captain Bogart became very much excited, and this, it is supposed, brought on a fit of apoplexy, which in a moment prostrated him, and in about an hour and a half caused his death.

The Quartermaster, at the moment Captain Bogart became affected, called Captain Higgins, the master of the vessel, and he, seeing the danger she was in, dropped anchor and sent a boat for a tug to come and tow her into harbor. At about 4 o'clock the Monarch came alongside, and, it is alleged, took advantage of the situation of the vessel to demand an exorbitant sum for its services, asking one hundred and fifty dollars; and when the master offered one hundred as sufficient compensation, made a move as if to leave the ship to her fate. The bargain was concluded at the price demanded by monopoly, and the Blair Hoyle was towed into the harbor and safety.

Captain J. C. Bogart had been on the coast since 1850, in command at various times of different steamers. He had once before had an attack of a similar nature, but to all appearances had entirely recovered. A very elegant gold watch, which had been presented to him by some passengers he had once saved from a watery grave, and which he had with him when he boarded the Blair Hoyle, could not be found when the body was delivered to the Coroner. He will be buried this afternoon by the Masonic Lodge of which he was a member.