# The Chronicles of Early Melbourne/Volume 2/Chapter 43

​CHAPTER XLIII.
SHIPWRECKS. SYNOPSIS:—The First Shipwreck.—Loss of the Steamer " Clonmel."—Arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cashmore. — Wreck of the " Cataraqui."—jgg Persons Drowned.—Succour by Mr. David Howie.—Public Meeting to supply Funds.— Mr. George Coppin gives a Benefit.—Presentations to the Succourers.—Five Graves in a Lonely Churchyard.— Government Memorial.—Alleged Drowning of Mr. Guthrie.—Other Marine Catastrophes.
fHE first recorded shipwreck is that of the brig "Britannia" on the 29th March, 1839. She sailed from Launceston in c o m m a n d of Captain Gibson, and passed safely through Port Phillip Heads. Anchor was cast some distance off the R e d Bluff (St. Kilda), and about 10 p.m. she drove from her"first,and at 11 parted with her second anchor. A n attempt was then m a d e to get sail on her with a view to crossing the Bay, but the vessel was driven under the Bluff and ran ashore. T h e next morning she was high and dry, when her cargo of sheep was discharged, nearly all of them being saved. It was stated that during 1839 the "Sara," "Yarra Yarra," "Lady Franklin," and "Port Phillip Packet" schooners employed in the Melbourne trade had disappeared at sea, and were never accounted for. In January, 1840, the " Britomart," from Melbourne to Hobart T o w n , was wrecked off Cape Portland. Three cabin and several steerage passengers were lost. A chest containing the captain's clothes, register, and ,£1800 in bills was subsequently picked up on Preservation Island. Loss
OF THE STEAMER
CLONMEL."
During the end of 1840, the Melbourne newspapers were loud and joyous in their paeans on the arrival of the " Clonmel," a steamer sent out from England to trade between the ports of Sydney, Melbourne, and Launceston; but the vessel on her third trip to Port Phillip met with a watery grave under the following circumstances:—On the afternoon of the 30th December, the " Clonmel" left Sydney for Melbourne with passengers and crew consisting of seventy-five individuals, and a valuable general cargo. At daylight the 1st January, Cape H o w e bore W . S. W., and in the course of the morning R a m H e a d was sighted, and a fresh departure taken, steering for Wilson's Promontory. T h e wind was fair, with smooth sea; the course S. W . y2 W., with wind and sea continuing favourable during the day and night. A little after 3 a.m of the 2nd, all the passengers were startled by the ship striking heavily. Rushing on to the deck, breakers were perceived ahead. Finding that the engines were of no avail, orders were given to lighten her by throwing overboard some of the cargo, but without the desired effect, the vessel still surging higher upon the reef. T h e anchors were then let go, when after a few more bumps, she swung head to wind, taking the ground with her stern, and bedding herself, with the fall of tide, upon the sand, rolling hard and striking occasionally. During the whole of this trying scene the most exemplary conduct was shown by the crew in obeying the orders of the captain and officers. W h e n daylight, m a d e its appearance, it was ascertained that the steamer was on shore on a sandspit at the entrance of Corner Inlet, Gippsland, about half a mile from the beach between which and the vessel a heavy surf was rolling. Captain Tollervy's conduct h d hitherto been that of a careful and watchful commander; he was on deck during the whole of the 'ddle watch which he himself kept, anxiously on the look out, and was on the paddle-box at the time the vessel struck; but as the night was misty, nothing could be seen beyond the length of the 1 T h e captain on finding all attempts to get the vessel off unavailing, and a strong sea rising 'tl the flood tide turned his attention to the safety of the passengers and crew. After several trips NN ​by the whale-boats first, and assisted by the quarter-boats afterwards, every soul was landed in safety by 2 p.m., the captain being the last to leave the vessel. A sufficiency of sails, awnings, and lumber was brought on shore to rig up tents for all hands; and everybody set to work to form an encampment. In a short time the female passengers were comfortably camped, having beds placed for them in a weather-proof tent; the male passengers and crew were equally well accommodated by means of spare sails and awnings. Provisions, consisting of live stock, hams, bread, flour, biscuits rice, tea, sugar, wines, and beer, had been landed during the forenoon, and water, though rather brackish to the taste, was found in abundance by digging. T h e captain next evolved order out of the chaotic mass. Provisions were stowed under a boat turned upside down, to guard them as well from petty depredations as from the weather, and sentinels posted. W h e n order was thus established and provisions distributed for supper, the captain consulted with Mr. D. C. Simson, one of the passengers, and a brother tar, and they agreed upon the desirability, if possible, of starting a boat to Melbourne to obtain succour. Simson, w h o knew the route, volunteered as leader, and was joined by five others, including Mr. Edwards, of the firm of Edwards and Hunter, and the next morning, amidst the cheers of the derelicts, were launched from the beach by them in the whale-boat. Proceeding to the vessel to lay in a store of provisions, they were nearly two hours before they reached the ship, being every m o m e n t in danger of swamping. T i m e was short and precious, and so the most should be m a d e of the present. They procured a supply of such provisions as came within their reach, and after hoisting the Union Jack reversed from the mast-head, the boat's crew shoved off, and committed themselves to the care of a merciful Providence. At 8 a.m. of the 3rd they took their departure, outside the bank, steering for Sealer's Cove. T h e boat was manned by five seamen, and besides oars, had a small lug-sail m a d e out of the awning. Their provisions consisted of biscuit, a ham, a breaker of water, three bottles of wine, twelve of beer, and one of brandy; of the latter article Simson would not take more, dreading its effects upon the crew; but the small quantity was found very beneficial when subsequently administered in moderate portions. T h e voyage in the open boat was attended with its o w n perils, and as it was the first of its kind a narrative of its progress will be interesting. Shortly after leaving the "Clonmel" the wind came from the westward, and they were obliged to down sail, and after six hours' vain struggling against the wind to reach the main land, were under the necessity of running for one of the seal islands, where was found a snug little cove, into which the boat was steered. Here, after refreshing by a three hours' rest and hearty meal, they again pulled for the mainland, and reached Sealer's Cove about midnight, where they landed, cooked supper, and passed the remainder of the night in the boat anchored in deep water. At half-past three a.m. on the 4th three m e n were sent on shore to get the breaker filled with water. Thev had scarcely done so and brought it down to the beach when several natives were observed rushing towards them. T h e m e n hurried on board and the boat got under weigh, the wind blowing hard from the eastward at the time. After a severe pull of four hours they were at last able to weather the southern point of the Cove, to hoist sail and run for Wilson's Promontory, which was rounded at 10 a.m., the sea running very high. At 8 p.m. they succeeded in bringing up in a small bay at the eastern entrance of Western Port, and were glad to get on shore. After a refreshing night's repose on the sandy beach they started the next morning at the break of day, with a strong and steady breeze from the eastward, although they were in imminent danger of being swamped, the sea having risen very considerably, and breaking over them repeatedly. At 2 p.m. they were abreast of Port Phillip Heads, but to their mortification the strong ebb tide caused so m u c h broken water that Simson did not consider it prudent to run over it. A cutter was descried making for the Heads, and bearing d o w n upon her she was found to be the "Sisters," from Launceston, by which they were taken on board and very hospitably treated. Both boat and party arrived in safety at Williamstown at n p.m., having been sixty-three hours from the time they left the ship. ​The cutters " Sisters" and " Will Watch " were at once despatched for the scene of the wreck, having on board Mr. Lewis, the Harbour Master, Captain Roach, the agent of the "Clonmel," and Lieutenant Russel, with a detachment of the 28th Regiment. T h e passengers and crew were brought in safety to Melbourne. T h e mail was also with difficulty fished from the wreck. Amongst the passengers were Mr. and Mrs. Walker, of Sydney; Mr. Goodwin, of the firm of Hamilton and Goodwin of Melbourne, to w h o m one-half of the cargo belonged; Mr. Robinson, of the Union Bank, having in his charge ,£3000 of the Bank's notes for the Melbourne branch, which sum was lost and supposed to have been stolen ; Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cashmore, of Melbourne, newly married, and bringing a large quantity of goodsfora new drapery establishment intended to be opened at the corner of Collins and Elizabeth Streets. There were on board 300 tons of coals and 200 tons general cargo. It was a stormy honeymoon for Cashmore, and all he saved was his newly w o n wife and an old silver watch, both of which remained with him, keeping good time for many years thereafter. M u c h of the uninsured cargo was destroyed, and several local merchants were heavy losers. Captain Tollervy sustained a severe injury to one of his ankles, by the tendon of the joint breaking, and it was thought the foot would be rendered useless for life. T h e " Clonmel" ultimately became a total wreck; about ,£1000 worth of cabin furniture, a gig, some spirits, and general stores were saved. T h e vessel had been insured for ;£i 7,000.
BURNING OF THE "AUSTRALIA."
On the 2nd October, 1840, the barque "Australia" Captain Yule, sailed from Leith for Port Phillip, with five cabin,fifteensteerage passengers, and a valuable freight. Calling at Rio she resumed her voyage, and on the 29th December took fire 600 miles westward of the Cape of Good Hope. T h e cargo consisted mostly of deals, oakum and tar, and the accident was believed to have been occasioned by friction taking place in the hold. T h e conflagration broke forth so suddenly about 11 o'clock at night, that the vessel was wrapped in flames as soon as the misfortune was discovered, and it was as m u c h as could be done to save the passengers and crew, leaving the ship to her fate. T h e long and jolly boats were quickly and safely launched, and with the scantiest stock of provisions all on board passed forth; but before the boats had pulled many yards away, the ship, a mass of raging fire, went d o w n suddenly with a report resembling a salvo of artillery. For eight days and nine nights the two boats wandered away on the world of waters, their unfortunate passengers exposed to the severest sufferings from starvation and the effects of the weather, from which there was no protection whatever. They were so short of provisions that each individual was rationed upon a small allowance of biscuit and a wine-glass of water per day, and Messrs. John Chisholm and Pete, two of the passengers, died from exhaustion. At length the boats sighted the coast of Africa, and after m u c h difficulty a landing was effected upon an inhospitable beach. After traversing the country for about twenty miles they came upon a Dutch settlement, where they were treated with m u c h kindness. T h e Governor had them forwarded in waggons to Cape Town, where they arrived after an eleven days' journey. T h e captain, with several of the passengers and crew, returned to England by thefirstopportunity. Phillips, the mate, and others arrived in Hobson's Bay in the barque " Byker," in the month of April. Loss OF THE "PAUL PRY,"
A schooner trading between the ports of Melbourne and Launceston. On a return trip (31st August, 1841), a sudden squall coming on, she was laid on her beam ends, and never righted. T h e passengers were 'at dinner, which they had to leave unfinished and take to the boats. All hands were saved except a Mr. Waite, w h o was drowned in getting into a boat, and after m u c h peril and difficulty the party got safely ashore at Sandy Beach, eastward of Cape Schanck. 1'hey next made Barker's station late in the evening, in a miserable plight, where every kindness and attention were shown to them, and thence they effected a speedy transit to Melbourne. ^ ​E M I G R A N T SHIP D E S T R O Y E D BY FIRE.
On the 4th June, 1841, the "India," with 198 persons (crew included) sailed from Greenock for Port Phillip, and proceeded safely until the 20th July, when in 16 south lat. and 33 west long., she speedily came to grief from a very simple cause. The third mate and a boy, were drawing off spirits from a cask below. The mate bungled by accidentally spilling some rum, and the boy did worse by accidentally dropping a lighted candle into the spilled liquor. The whole place blazed up instantaneously, and the mate and the boy rushed shouting on deck, closely pursued by the flames, with which they had a neck-and-neck race. The ship in a short time was on fire from stem to stern, and the greatest consternation prevailed. A French whaler was made out some nine miles to windward, but it was an hour before she noticed the disaster, and then at once steered for the blazing vessel, on nearing which the French boats were lowered, and every help rendered. The " India's" boats were in the meantime got afloat, but thefirstwas rushed and overloaded, when it capsized, and several persons were drowned. The swamping of this boat deterred the French boats from approaching close to the wreck, and it was owing to the activity and bravery of the first mate of the " India" that any life was saved. H e was in the boat that turned over, and getting out of the sea into another boat> by extraordinary presence of mind and exertion, he succeeded in removing every living soul from the sinking vessel to the French boats, whence they were transferred to the whaler. Many of the refugees were almost naked, as before they were rescued their clothes were burned off their backs. Nothing whatever was saved of either ship or cargo. The unfortunates snatched from a terrible death were landed at Rio de Janeiro, where liberal provision was made for them. Over ,£1000 was subscribed to present the captain with a gold chronometer (though the mate deserved it better), to refit the shipwrecked officers and crew, and assist the emigrants, but very little of it the last mentioned got. To this fund the officers and crew of the " Potomac," an American frigate then in port, contributed 500 dollars. Seventeen of the passengers, the boatswain, and one of the crew were drowned. The remainder were kept at Rio until means were found of sending them to Port Phillip, and they ultimately arrived in Melbourne, when prompt measures were taken to provide for their relief.
THE SCHOONER " ROVER,"
Was under way from Sydney to Port Phillip with a cargo of Government stores, and on the 13th October, 1841, was hurricaned, and compelled to put into Brulee Harbour for safety. A terrific surf raged there, tearing the vessel from her anchorage, and driving her ashore. Captain Boyce (the master), the mate, one soldier and six prisoners of the Crown were drowned.
BURNING OF THE "GOVERNOR ARTHUR."
This casualty happened at the Melbourne Wharf early on the morning of the 23rd December, 1841, when the steamer, plying between Melbourne and Williamstown, was destroyed, under the following circumstances :—On the wind-up of the day's work the previous evening thefirewas drawn from the furnace, thrown into an iron box—its usual receptacle—and some buckets of water drenched over it, as was thought, to thoroughly extinguish it. This, it seems, was not effected, for about 2 o'clock next morning, it was discovered that the vessel was on fire. An alarm was given, and the crews of some small craft in the vicinity rendered prompt assistance. One discreditable exception there was in the crew of a brig named "The Supply," anchored close by, point blank refusing help. At length, by breaking, the vessel was scuttled, with only her mast, funnel, and bowsprit above water. She was valued at ,£2500, and in a few days after wasfloated.In time she was refitted; but never came to much account. ​W R E C K OF THE " BURHAMPOOTER." In February, 1843, intelligence was received in Melbourne of the destruction of a colonial-bound vessel, under the following circumstances:—. In October, 1842, the newly-built ship, the "Burhampooter" (Captain Crowley) sailed with emigrants for Port Phillip, and on the 18th she was caught in a terrific gale off Margate, and driven ashore. Through the presence of mind and courage of the seamen, all hands, viz., the crew, seventy adult passengers, and twenty children, were saved. The emigrants lost every scrap of luggage except the clothes in which they were dressed. They were conveyed in carts to the town, when their more pressing wants were generously supplied. A subscription was started in their behalf, to which the Emigration Commissioners contributed eleven guineas. Though the situation of the vessel- was very precarious, it was hoped that she would hold together until got off the reef, but the hope was not fulfilled. WRECK OF THE "JOANNA," A schooner engaged in the intercolonial trade between Launceston and Belfast. On the night of the 20th September, 1843, she was en route from Van Diemen's Land, and caught in a violent-gale, which, after knocking her about in the Straits, sent her ashore on the 22nd, between Cape Otway and Moonlight Head. William Cooper, a seaman, was washed overboard,, and the crew and passengers, in all 23 persons, abandoned the vessel, with the intention of making their way overland to Melbourne. They had only a small stock of provisions with them, and getting lost in the bush for six days would have perished but for finding a dead whale adrift on the beach, the blubber of which averted starvation. In the course of their wanderings they fell in with a tribe of Aboriginals, who behaved most kindly, and helped the outcasts to reach an out-station of Mr. Willis, west of the Barwon. Here they were taken in, well done for, and enabled to reach Geelong, whence they proceeded in the "Aphrasia," steamer, to Melbourne.
WRECK OF THE " REBECCA,"
Barque, on King's Island, on the 28th September, 1843, from Batavia. Her captain managed to land his crew and a few passengers by means of the ship's boats. Here they passed a miserable night, and the weather having moderated towards morning, the ship was boarded by some of the party swimming off to her, and a quantity of stores obtained by adjusting a jack-stay from the mast-head to the beach. They set to work to build a boat, in which they succeeded, and reached Williamstown on the 21 st October.
The vessel broke up.
STRIKING OF THE "ISABELLA."
On the 18th June, 1844, the "Isabella," barque, left Hobson's Bay, with several passengers and a full cargo, for London and Leith. Whilst working through Kent's Group on the 21st, breakers were seen ahead the anchor was let go, and the vessel brought up between Chapel and Badger Islands The ship drifted until next morning, and then struck. The lady and some of the male passengers were put ashore by the boats, and the remainder of those on board were lashed to the poop in a state of abject misery and momentary expectation of death. After a night of terrible anxiety a calm morning enabled them to land in- safety, and they had hardly left the vessel when it went to pieces, mail, cargo, luggage and everything going down at the same time. For three d-ivs the islanders led a wretched life, depending for subsistence on some pumpkins washed ashore from the wreck and a few crayfish caught on the beach. Thoroughly ignorant of where they were, they did not know what to do, and ultimately in despair launched the boats thef had with them, and them nushed out to sea, as under any circumstances they could not fare worse than where they ​were. They soon saw land a few miles off, and making for it, found themselves on Flinders Island, where there was not only a sealers' settlement, but the schooner "Flying Fish" was preparing to weigh anchor. There was also there an Aboriginal station, under the charge of a Dr. Mulligan and his wife, from which worthy couple a supply of clothes and provisions was obtained. T h e " Flying Fish" brought them back to Melbourne, where they experienced much kindness, and a subscription was raised for their benefit, in aid of which a concert was given and ^ 4 0 net thereby realized.
WRECK OF THE "CATARAQUI," IMMIGRANT SHIP: APPALLING
Loss
OF LIFE.
The "Cataraqui," ship, 800 tons, Captain C. W. Finlay, sailed from Liverpool for Port Phillip on the 20th April, 1845, w i t n 3 6 2 emigrants, two doctors, and a crew of 46. T h e emigrants were principally from Bedford, Stafford, York, and Nottingham Shires. About 120 of the passengers were married, with families, and amongst them were seventy-three children. About 7 p.m. on the 3rd August, the ship was hove to for some hours. O n the 4th, it being quite dark and raining hard blowing a fearful gale, and the sea running mountains high, the ship struck on a reef on the west coast of King's Island, at the entrance of Bass's Straits. N o opportunity had offered to enable the captain to ascertain the ship's course for four days previously; but from dead reckoning, it was presumed that the vessel was in 141 degrees 22 east longitude, and 39.17 south, which would make her between 60 or 70 miles from the island. Immediately after the occurrence she was sounded, and four feet of water was in her hold. T h e scene of confusion and misery that ensued it is impossible to describe. The passengers attempted to rush on deck, and many succeeded in doing so, until the ladders were knocked away by the working of the vessel. Then the shrieks of men, women, and children from below, calling to the watch on deck to assist them, were terrific. At this time the sea was breaking over the ship, sweeping the decks, every sea carrying off one or more of the passengers. About 5 a.m. the ship careened over on her larboard side, washing away boats, bulwarks, spars, a part of the cuddy, and literally swept the decks. At this critical period the captain ordered the masts to be cut away, hoping the vessel might right and enable the crew to get on deck the remainder of the passengers from below. This was done, but it was all to no purpose. T h e passengers remaining below were all drowned, the ship being full of water; and the captain called out to those on deck to cling unto daylight to that part of the wreck above water. As the day broke the vessel's stern was found to be washed in, numerous dead bodies were floating around the ship and on the rocks. About 200 of the passengers and crew were still holding on to the vessel—the sea breaking over, and every wave washing some of them away. About four in the afternoon, the vessel parted amidships, and from seventy to a hundred of the poor creatures were launched into the roaring and remorseless waves ! The fury of the waves continuing unabated, about five o'clock the wreck parted by the fore-rigging, and so many souls were submerged in the waters, that only seventy out of all were left crowded on the forecastle! Thus the sea breaking over them, the winds raging, and the rain continuing heavy all night, the poor wretches stuck on as well as they could to the vessel's bow. Numbers died and fell overboard, or sank and were drowned. T h e next day broke on only about thirty survivors, almost dead through exhaustion. T h e previous evening the quarter-boat (the only remaining one) was attempted to be launched, into which the boatswain, doctor, and four of the crew got, but she immediately capsized, and all were drowned. As the morning advanced the sea was making a clean breach into the forecastle, the deck of which was rapidly breaking up. About this time, whilst numbers were helplessly hanging from the bows, and continually dropping off without the possibility of succour, the captain attempted to reach the shore, but could not, and with the assistance of some of those who were strong enough to help him, regained the wreck. T h e lashings of the survivors were now undone in order to give them the last chance of life. Mr. Guthrie, the chief mate, who was on the spritsail yard, was washed out to the bowsprit; he saw the captain and second mate and steward hanging on to the bows, with some eighteen or twenty others only left alive, amid a heap of dead bodies on the fragment of the wreck. Mr. Guthrie was driven to a detached part of the wreck, but finding it impossible to live with such a sea breaking over, he seized a piece of plank under his arm, and ​leaping into the water was carried over the reef, and thus got on shore. H e found tht_lere a passenger w h o had escaped ashore during the night, and one of the crew, w h o followed in the rning. John Roberts, a seaman, plunged in when he saw the mate ashore, and partly swimming and partly driven reached the land. Five other seamen followed, and were saved, but dreadfully exhausted. Almost immediately afterwards the vessel totally disappeared. Thus, out of four hundred and eight persons on board, only nine were saved. Their names were : — T h o m a s Guthrie, chief mate; Solomon Brown, emigrant; John Roberts, William Jones, Francis Millan, John Simpson, John Robertson and Peter Johnston (able seamen), and William Blackstock, apprentice. They had neither drink nor food from the time of the ship striking—early on M o n d a y morning—to the Tuesday afternoon, when they found one small tin of preserved fowl, after eating which they laid down in the bush with a wet blanket, fished out of the water, for their only covering, and being almost destitute of clothes. T h e beach was strewed with pieces of the wreck and fragments of corpses in horrible profusion. After a vain search for water, and being unable to find any more survivors, they passed the night in a miserable plight. T h e following morning they found a cask of water cast ashore, but were unable to get means to make a fire. About 10 o'clock a.m., observing a smoke, which, presuming they were on the main land, they imagined it to be a fire of the natives. T o their delight they soon saw a white m a n approaching, w h o turned out to be a Mr. David Howie, w h o with a party of sealers resided upon the island. It seems M r . Howie had observed ashore, at the part of the island where he was located, a mangled h u m a n body, and therefore assumed there must have been a wreck somewhere about. H e consequently resolved upon a search, and dividing his m e n into two parties, acted as the leader of one, and took the western side of the island. Each party carried the means of procuring fire, some provisions, and warm clothing. After a fatiguing tramp of 40 miles, Howie found the survivors, and helping them as far as he could, returned to his homestead for more supplies. H e m a d e this journey several times, and whenever he left h o m e he posted on the door of his hut an announcement of the wreck, so that any persons arriving in his absence should become aware of the calamity. It was fortunate he took this precaution, for during one of his absences, Messrs. Fletcher and Cockburn landed from the cutter " Midge," and reading the notice, hastened to help Howie in his mission of charity. If the notice had not been where it was observed, not only the survivors, but Howie and his whole party might have been starved, as his supplies were limited. Howie's arrival was a real God-send for the poor exhausted and benumbed sufferers, to w h o m he instantly afforded fire and food, and constructed some shelter against the weather. A s Howie's boat was wrecked, there was no possibility of leaving the island for some time. T h e party, therefore, put up a hut, and stayed for five weeks, during which time they were most hospitably provided for by M r . Howie according to his means, and the supplies had actually to be carried 40 miles over a most difficult road. O n the 7th September the " M i d g e " was seen approaching the island where the party were camped, and took them off the island with m u c h difficulty. They arrived in Hobson's Bay on the morning of the 13th. T h e survivors testified to the skill and efficiency displayed by the captain, w h o was a native of Dublin, and left a wife and two children at Liverpool. H e had once before passed through Bass's Straits. M r . Guthrie, the mate, was likewise warmly commended. It was to his encouragement that most of the seamen saved ascribed their escape. Whilst on the island the party employed themselves in burying the dead bodies as far as possible, the mangled condition of many of which was indescribable. T h e two doctors were brothers—Charles and Edward Carpenter. T h e first-named was the ship's surgeon superintendent, and both intended settling in Australia. Most of the ship's papers, and the mail, except one packet of 35 letters, went with the wreck. T h e most painfully intense excitement prevailed in Melbourne for some time, and heavy censure was passed upon the N e w South Wales Government for disregarding a frequently urged request for the erection of a lighthouse on Kind's Island. This was declared to be thefifthwreck there within ten years, the other ships being the °" Harbinger," "Neva," "Isabella," and "Rebecca." O n the Sunday following the receipt of the intelligence,' the Rev. A. C. Thomson, Episcopalian minister, preached an eloquent sermon at ​St. James Church on the wreck, selecting for his text the 4th chapter A m o s , and the last line 12th verse, "Prepare to meet thy God."Measures were at once taken to raise funds for the relief of the survivors, and to acknowledge in a becoming manner the gallant and humane conduct of Mr. Howie and his men, and also the owners of the " Midge." O n e of the earliest in the field at this good work was Mr. George Coppin, still amongst us, and in 1884, as in 1845, doing good to his adopted country and his kind. H e was then lessee of the Queen Street theatre, and, unsolicited, gave the proceeds of a benefit to the fund on the 18th September, which realized a net sum of ,£66 (a considerable donation in such times). O n the same day a public meeting was held in the Royal Hotel, Collins street, to aid the movement, and as some of the remarks and resolutions characterizing this gathering possess an interest beyond the more immediate purpose in view, an abstract of its proceedings is appended.
THE "CATARAQUI" PUBLIC MEETING.
The Mayor (Mr. Henry Moor) stated that the object of their assembling was "for the purpose of devising means of rendering assistance to the survivors of the ill-fated " Cataraqui," and to express the sense of the community towards Mr. D. Howie and his party for their generous and benevolent exertions on their behalf. In consequence of the departure of the " Shamrock," steamer, he regretted his avocations did not allow him to remain; b u t he pledged himself to contribute towards the furtherance of the object in view. O n the motion of Mr. E. Curr, seconded by Mr. J. P. Fawkner, the Rev. A. C. Thomson, Episcopalian minister, was voted to the chair. The Chairman observed that on the present melancholy occasion it was unnecessary to say m u c h to excite commiseration. Their feelings were already wound up to a high pitch, and their hearts deeply touched with a sense of the misfortunes occasioned by the late wreck. Never did such a frightful destruction of human life occur on the Australian shores, and as all present were aware of that fact, and their minds had been already fully impressed with such a disaster, he felt that a long speech was altogether unnecessary to • urge them to perform their duty, for he was assured that British Christians (did he say Christians ?) or persons of any religion whatsoever would, under such circumstances, from motives of humanity, perform their duty towards their fellow men. H e therefore felt confident that persons of every denomination would most cheerfully respond to the call now m a d e — o n e which the Providence of G o d brought about to excite the sympathy of their hearts. Dr. A. F. Greeves proposed thefirstresolution, viz.:— "That this meeting, in expressing their deep sorrow for the awful calamity of the wreck of the 'Cataraqui,' and their regret at the neglect of any means to prevent similar catastrophes, consider it a public duty to relieve and assist the survivors." H e said little was needed beyond the reading of the resolution to induce" everytjne to join in adopting it. T h e event to which it alluded was so recent and terrible, and so overwhelming a catastrophe, that few there were ignorant of the particulars. If there were any, let them only read the official list of the sufferers. W h o could peruse without emotion the names of so many large families suddenly swallowed up by the raging sea; or picture without being sick at heart the scenes of agonizing distress and horror which must have taken place? Great, indeed, was the loss this colony had to deplore.' T h e actual loss of life was greater than upon any similar calamity, except the " Royal George," and the " President," steamer. But we have not only to deplore the loss of life, the loss of so much useful labour—the loss of so many who would have extended the foundation of our future community; w e have also to regret the evil impressions which would result at h o m e towards this colony, and the check to emigration. T h e resolution alluded to the want of means to prevent similar catastrophes; and it was impossible to avoid reflecting that if lighthouses had existed on that coast that it is probable the accident would not have occurred. It was the fifth shipwreck which had happened near the same spot; besides which there were numerous narrow escapes, of which one seldom hears. O n the voyage out to Sydney of a reverend gentleman n o w living in Melbourne ​the ship was actually in the middle of Bass's Straits without its being known (in consequence of foul weather) where she was, until the situation was ascertained from a Port Phillip vessel, which, providentially, came near. T h e Legislature voted a s u m of money for a lighthouse on Cape Schanck in 1842. T h e V a n Diemen's Land Government, also, the same year voted a lighthouse on S w a n Island, and another on Goose Island—the route from Port Phillip to Hobart T o w n . Both these latter works are nearly completed, and but for the wreck of the vessel at the Cape of G o o d H o p e , which was bringing out the lanterns, they would n o v be illuminated. But nothing had been done for the Port Phillip lighthouse on Cape Schanck. Yet that place was the main route to Sydney and Launceston, and N e w Zealand, as well as Port Phillip—in fact the high road to the South Seas. T h e resolution proposed to relieve the survivors, and others he expected would refer to the claims of Mr. Howie on their grateful feelings. H e was aware that some persons were of opinion that the promoters of the meeting were doing too m u c h ; but really he thought that the people, of Port Phillip had a great duty to perform—independent of all money considerations— to mitigate the feelings of relatives and friends of the sufferers at h o m e by displaying their generous sympathy in the fullest possible way. But even in a pounds, shillings, and pence view of the case, a considerable s u m was required There was M r . Howie, to whose judgment and forethought the nine persons saved unquestionably owed the preservation of their lives. If he had neglected to seek them for a few hours after the first shocking token of a wreck was seen by h i m ; if he had not divided his party into two, or had not taken food with them, or not left a notice of the matter on his door, the great probability is the whole nine would have perished of starvation. Besides which the whole nine were maintained by him for five weeks. There was, further, his o w n time, and the time of his m e n , and the loss of a portion of the sealing season. Therefore, he said, that even in a pecuniary point of view the claims of all the parties upon the public liberality were large. H e thought they ought not to take a narrow view of a case like this. W e should measure less the wants of the sufferers than the extent of our sympathy; w e should calculate less the amount of M r . Howie's claims than the greatness of our approbation of the whole of his conduct. M r . Edward Curr felt great pleasure in seconding the resolution. T h e motion submitted related to the living, with w h o m he deeply sympathized, but he must say that his thoughts were not so m u c h about the living as the dead—the corpses that n o w lie unburied at King's Island. H e had attended the present meeting with the intention of making some apt and perhaps severe observations upon the neglect of the Government, but he had heard since his arrival in town to-day, that it was the intention of the Superintendent to provide means for the sepulture of those' corpses which were now a prey to the crows and eagles on King's Island, and that they were to be interred in one c o m m o n sepulchre, with some distinguishing mark over them. H e would therefore m a k e no further allusion to the subject, than to regret that some such announcement of the intention of the Government had not gone abroad at the same time as the announcement of the calamity, in order that the people of Great Britain might receive the intelligence of both at once. With reference to the second part of the resolution, "as to the means of preventing similar calamities," which he conceived to be the erection of lighthouses in Bass's Straits, he would ask the present meeting were H e had no hesitation in answering, N o ; for he had always been guided they going to get them ? as to the future of a Government by its past, and he would refer them to a case which would prove the truth of his conviction. H e (Mr. Curr) happened to visit the colony in the year 1839, and was at the time stopping at the Old Club House, one of the windows of which looked out upon a building erected by a colonist w h o m he saw present. In this there was half a ton of gunpowder, and at that time the people of Melbourne were devising means for securing themselves from the consequences of an explosion. A gunsmith lived in the house referred to; an explosion did take place, and the unfortunate m a n , his wife, and five children were blown into eternity. H e (Mr. Curr) was present at the time, and saw the ill-fated Mrs. Blanch carried forth, her person blacker than the hat before him, with nothing on but her stays, and the child that was likely to be born in one week was still alive. (Sensation.) H e then said to the gentlemen near him, " Y o u are sure to get a powder magazine ​now." But what was the result? A s u m was still on the Estimates of the Legislative Council, but allowed to pass away, no doubt expecting similar calamities. H e would therefore judge of the future acts of the Government by the past. It would be the same with the wreck of the " Cataraqui." W e shall be promised lighthouses, but unless some decided step was taken n o w w e should not get them. T h e wieck in question would be forgotten, as in the case he had alluded to. Cape Otway and King's Island were the two pillars leading to our very gate; and as such they should be marked out in a proper manner. H e should admit that in Port Phillip it was rather difficult to speak as to whence the necessary means could be procured; but in N e w South Wales it was quite different. W h a t might be called prudence in Sydney was rather different in Port Phillip. Prudence in the Middle District was to be continually urging upon the Governor—whereby the people with the Legislative Council ultimately prevailed; but here the prudence was a different thing. It was exactly like "shutting the door after the steed was stolen." In 1839, when Blanch was blown up, the steed was stolen ; but the prudence of the people of Port Phillip was, to give up the matter altogether— " when the steed was gone to pawn the saddle." However, he felt that by proper representations the people of Great Britain would be found to act upon Downing Street, and in a like manner the Legislative Council on the Colonial Government, and the matter would be thus forced upon them. With regard to the subscription to be got up on behalf of the survivors, he perfectly agreed with the views taken by Dr. Greeves. Mr. A. H . Hart proposed, and Mr. J. P. Fawkner seconded, the next resolution :— " That this meeting is of opinion that the humanity and forethought displayed by Mr. Howie in seeking out and relieving the survivors of the wreck, and his efforts for the interment of the dead, deserve the highest praise; and that his generous hospitality in sustaining the survivors during their protracted sojourn on King's Island, demands a substantial recompense." Mr. A. Cunninghame, in moving the next resolution—"That this meeting considers that Messrs. Fletcher and Cockburn deserve a token of public approbation for the prompt and humane manner in which, at great risk, they brought off the survivors from the place of wreck," remarked that he had been given to understand that it was the intention of the Government to adopt measures for the interment of the bodies of the sufferers, and to place over them a m o n u m e n t ; but the best monument the Government could erect over their unhappy remains would be a lighthouse, to afford protection for others, and should such monument be erected by the Government it should be considered rather a commemoration of neglect than anything else, and something in the following strain should be inscribed upon it:—" Erected by the Government of N e w South Wales to commemorate its neglect which caused the wreck of the ship ' Cataraqui' upon this coast, occasioning thereby measures to be taken to meet such a calamity when too late, by George Gipps and C. J. Latrobe." T h e motion was seconded by Mr. George Cavenagh. Mr. James McEachern moved and Mr. William M e e k seconded : — " That a Committee be appointed to carry out the above objects by raising a public subscription, and by requesting the various ministers to raise collections; and that the Committee consist of the following gentlemen (with power to add to their n u m b e r : — T h e Mayor, the minister of each congregation in town, Messrs. J. A. Marsden, G. Cavenagh, A. H . Hart, G. S. Brodie, D. S. Campbell, J. P. Fawkner, J. R. Murphy, M . Cashmore, C. Kilburn, and Dr. Greeves." T h e foregoing resolutions were severally agreed to. T h e Rev. John H a m , Baptist minister, had great pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to their Chairman. It also gratified him to think that the meeting had thought proper to include the ministers of religion in the Committee. All he could say was that no exertion or influence upon his part would be wanted to carry out the object of the resolution. Mr. Michael Cashmore seconded the resolution, which was carried by acclamation. T h e Rev. Mr. Thomson, in thanking the gentlemen present, observed that the manner in which the meeting had taken up the recent melancholy occurence would prove a source of joy to the friends and relatives of the unfortunate shipwrecked, and it would also let them see that there were warm ​hearts in Port Phillip, and that the survivors were not cast upon an inhospitable shore. A generous sympathy for the sufferers, and a due appreciation of the humanity of those w h o so nobly exerted themselves for the relief of the survivors on the Island, was the best way of alleviating the sorrows of bereaved relatives in England, and lessening the evil which has befallen the colony by the disastrous wreck. T h e proceeds of the movement yielded ,£161 19s. 5d., and were thus applied:—,£43 15s. 9d. expended in the maintenance of the seven seamen, and each of them in addition was to receive one month's wages and an outfit. T o the immigrant survivor was to be paid a donation of ,£10; to the surviving officer, M r . Guthrie, thirty guineas; to M r . D. Howie and his party, forty guineas (i.e., ten guineas each, being four in all); a gold medal to Mr. D. H o w i e ; gratuity to two seamen belonging to the " Midge ;" silver snuff-boxes with suitable inscription, to Messrs. Fletcher and Cockburn, owners of the " Midge," each of the value offiveguineas. It was also determined, that in the event of additional subscriptions being received to enable the Committee to m a k e any additional grants—a further s u m not exceeding ten pounds be given to the only surviving immigrant, Solomon Brown ; any remainder to be devoted to the Melbourne Hospital. Mr. Coppin's liberality was thus recognized: "That the cordial thanks of the Committee be conveyed by letter to M r . Coppin for his prompt liberality in holding a performance at the theatre for the benefit of the survivors from the wreck of the ' Cataraqui,' and the parties w h o succoured and relieved them on King's Island." Howie's gold medal, which was procured from Mr. Hancock, a Collins Street jeweller, bore the following inscription:—" Presented to David Howie, Esq. by the inhabitants of Melbourne, for his humanity and forethought, on the awful wreck of the emigrant ship ' Cataraqui,' at King's Island, 4th August, 1845, in which 414 perished,* and only nine survived." T h e wreck was subsequently bought by a Mr. Alexander Sutherland, for a trifle, and his bargain verified the adage about an ill-wind blowing good to some one, as he m a d e a capital thing of it; for the brandy, wine, spars, deals, copper, and other portions of the vessel recovered were worth between £ 1 1 0 0 and £ 1 2 0 0 . T h e Government agreed to pay Mr. Howie ,£50 for collecting all the mortal remains cast ashore, and interring them in a c o m m o n sepulchre ; the Government to supply any tools required. Howie performed the contract t h u s — A principal grave, 18 feet long, 16 feet broad, and 12 feet deep, contained the remains of 206 persons. Grave N o . 2, 16 feet by 12 feet, and 6 feet deep, held 50 bodies. N o . 3, 12 feet by 8 feet, and 6 feet deep, held 20 bodies ; and N o . 4, same size, 18 bodies. Lastly, a small grave was made to retain 10 bodies—in all 304 out of 399 perished. T h e beach was for some distance strewed with h u m a n bones, all of which were collected and buried. This group of graves occupied an elevated site within a hundred yards of where the catastrophe occurred. They were protected by a substantial fence, and could be seen from a league off at sea when the weather was clear. Here they have rested in peace, undisturbed year after year, unless by the genius of the storm to w h o m the place is familiar, murmuring frequent requiems over relics long since forgotten. T h e Government some time after caused to be erected on the spot a tablet thus inscribed :— " MEMORIAL Of the total wreck of the Immigrant ship 'CATARAQUI' From Liverpool to Port Phillip, C.
W.
FINLAY, MASTER,
O n these reefs, 4th August, 1845. " O f four hundred and eight souls on board, but nine survived— T h e Chief Mate, T h o m a s Guthrie, seven sailors, and one emigrant, Solomon Brown. This memorial records and deplores the loss of the Master, C. W . Finlay; Sugeon-Superintendent, C. Carpenter; Assistant Surgeon, Edward Carpenter, and twenty-seven officers and m e n of the ship's company. Of sixty-two emigrant families, comprising three hundred and thirteen souls • of unmarried female emigrants, thirty-three ; of unmarried male emigrants, twenty-three : in all, three hundred and ninety-nine souls. This tablet is erected at the expense of the local Government of Port Phillip. T h e Memorial Tablet, erected by the Government, is inscribed showing that there were only 408 souls on board, and that the exact number perished was 399.—ED. ​T h e monument consisted of a painted board, supported from a base by two columns of Gothic ^.design. T h e inscription was done in elevated metal letters pegged into wood, and the whole was pronounced to be a specimen of neat workmanship, and creditable to Langland's Foundry, where the symbols were prepared. As a curious sequel to the great calamity, it m a y be mentioned that Solomon Brown, the sole saved immigrant, was found dead some three years afterwards in a bush creek a few miles from town, with only a couple of feet of water in it—a strange exemplification of the aphorism that a m a n born to be drowned will not be hanged. A correspondent, w h o does not send his name, has obligingly placed m e in possession of the following :—" T h e chief officer of the ship, Mr. Guthrie, the only officer w h o was saved, came out to the colonies a year or two later as captain of the brig 'Tigress,' of Leith, which vessel went ashore off Onkaparinga, on the South Australian Coast. T h e captain, trusting to his great powers as a swimmer, endeavoured to take a line ashore, and was drowned in the attempt, his life being the only one lost in connection with the wreck. I write entirely from memory and subject to correction, but I believe that the above statement is right." Mr. H . Taechell, of Inglewood, gives the following version :—Relative to the drowning of the first mate of the above vessel (then captain of the 'Tigress' brig, on the Onkaparinga Beach, S A.), I wish to correct your correspondent. H e says the captain's was the only life lost, whereas there were two—the captain and a passenger, a Mr. Frew—both of w h o m declined to enter the volunteer's boat that pushed off to save the crew (of which I was one). ' In the night the vessel broke up, and after a day or two some portions of their bodies were washed ashore. I must apologize for troubling you, but your correspondent used the words ' subject to correction,' and this is given in good part." Loss
OF THE "THETIS."
In the month of May, 1848, the schooner "Thetis," 95 tons, was proceeding from Sydney to Melbourne, and on the ioth was forced by stress of weather to run into Twofold Bay. She left after a few days, and was compelled to fight every inch of the way against wind and wave until late on in the evening of the 26th, when she reached Port Phillip Heads. It was pitch dark, and in passing Point Lonsdale she struck on a reef, and thrown on her beam ends, her masts falling over on the rocks. T h e seas tumbled over the deck, drenching the twenty-four persons, of w h o m the crew and passengers consisted, w h o were in a state of much alarm. It was blowing very hard and the two children of a Mr. M'Carthy were swept away almost out of the arms of their parents, w h o had as m u c h as they could do to save themselves by clinging to one of the masts. T h e captain, as a possible means of safety, caused the passengers (fifteen) to creep along the spars and drop from the fallen topmast to the head of the reef which was bare, within a few yards of the vessel. They did so and- were all saved including the Mr. and Mrs. M'Carthy already referred to. These people when they got on to the rocks grew very faint from cold and exposure, and dropped down to all appearance dead. Mr. M'Carthy's brother, also a passenger, was saved, but his brother and sister-in-law died. T h e sea having fallen, by means of the dingy all the survivors were removed to a higher part of the reef, and after m u c h suffering they next day reached the pilot station where their immediate wants were attended to, and they were forwarded per the cutter " William" to Melbourne. T h e " Thetis" was a newly-built Sydney craft, worth some ,£2000, and not insured. She was totally wrecked, and the cause was supposed to be a defect in the compass, which, under the circumstances, is very questionable. WRECK OF THE "SOPHIA."
A few days after intelligence was received of another wreck on the same reef upon which the " Thetis" was cast, and it now began to be believed that the two accidents proceeded from the same cause—the injudicious site of the lighthouse. In this case it was the "Sophia" from ​Hobart Town, that suffered, fortunately without loss of life. The weather was boisterous, squally, and thick as the vessel in the early morn came within sight of the Shortland's Bluff (Queenscliff) • Lighthouse, but so indistinct was the glimmer that it was impossible to form any idea of the distance of the brig from the shore. The captain steered N . W . to run in, keeping a sharp look-out, when the vessel struck twice upon the western reef, off the spit of Point Nepean, carrying away her rudder, and becoming perfectly unmanageable. She broached to with her head to the eastward, immediately began tofillrapidly, and in fifteen minutes went down, with all sails set, in about thirty fathoms of water. The boats were put into requisition, and the captain (White), crew, and four passengers were soon embarked. W h e n clear of the wreck, however, the crew found themselves without oars, and only a handspike in the boat. They were accordingly compelled to pull the loose thwarts out of the boat and paddle with them towards the Bluff, where they landed about nine o'clock in the morning. H a d there been an ebb tide at the time the " Sophia" struck, there would have been no chance of saving a soul. SHIP BURNED AT GEELONG.
The " Hero," barque, 332 tons, had completed loading with wool for England, and was lying at Point Henry. O n the afternoon of the 13th February, 1849, afirebroke out on board, generated as was supposed by spontaneous cumbustion amongst the cargo. Prompt assistance was at hand, when it was decided to scuttle the vessel; the cargo of which was valued at ,£20,000. Aboutfiftybales of wool were saved, but the ship's papers and instruments, chests, and personal effects were lost. The vessel was sunk infifteenfeet of water, and there were thirty tons of tallow amongst the cargo. The expense of re-washing and re-packing the wool would, it was thought, considerably depreciate the value of its recovery, but things turned out much better than was expected, for the ship was easily raised, through little injury being sustained by the hull, and a good deal of the cargo was recovered.
WRECK OF A VESSEL FROM CHINA.
On 24th February, 1849, another wreck occurred on the Point Lonsdale Reef. The " Princess Royal," 230 tons, Captain Sinclair, was coming from Hong Kong to Melbourne, and at 3 a.m. struck. The crew and passengers took to the boats, and with the assistance of Pilot M'Pherson landed in safety. During the following night in a heavy S.W. gale the vessel parted amidships, was totally wrecked, and a whole cargo of rice and sugar lost. The mishap was occasioned by the recent shifting of the light on the Bluff, and the captain had no correct chart. Broken boxes and tea chests strewed the beach, and all saved was a box of letters addressed to the Post Office. A SCHOONER BLOWN UP.
A casualty of this kind happened forty miles westward of Cape Otway, about 4 a.m., 27th March, 1849. The " Minerva," schooner, 102 tons, was coming from Sydney to Portland, and smoke was perceived in the cabin. This was succeeded by a strong smell of sulphur, and it was soon known that the vessel was on fire. As there was a large quantity of powder on board, all hands were consequently impatient to get away before they should be blown up. The two boats were got out, and the crew (there were no passengers) were in such a hurry to get into them as never to think about provisions, and only took away a small keg of water. The boats shoved off some distance, and the captain had a notion to return on board to save something, when an explosion took place, hurling the main and foretopmasts into the sea. The crew then attempted to regain the deck of the schooner, but found it impossible to do so, in consequence of the combustion of the oil, gin, rum and brandy in the vessel. By n a.m. the "Minerva" was burned to the water's edge. The boats then sheered off with the intention of making Port Fairy, but at 2 a.m. of the 28th, when only thirty miles from their destination, the wind shifted to N.W., and commenced to blow strong. This ​misfortune obliged the boats to turn back, and after m u c h privation and suffering both of them reached the Pilot Station, at the Port Phillip Heads, on the 29th, where they were kindly helped, and the seafarers arrived in Melbourne late on the night of the 30th.
A SHIP MAIMED BY A WHIRLWIND.
There arrived in Hobson's Bay on the 4th of October, 1849, the barque "Mahomed Shah," 615 tons, M'Meikan, commander, with a general cargo, and 246 emigrants. She sailed from London 17th June, and the captain reported the following disaster as having happened :—In the afternoon of 3rd September they were in lat. 40.28 S., and long. 63.45 E., with the thermometer at 56, and the barometer at 28.82. All hands were aloft after close-reefing the foresail, and some were on the way to assist on the foreyard, when a tremendous whirlwind struck the ship nearly dead aft, carrying away the three masts, and sweeping every m a n above into the sea. They were 25 in number, 17 of w h o m were saved, and 8 drowned, viz., the carpenter, five seamen, and two apprentices. O f the rescued, 11 were disabled—two very seriously. T h e foremast went about 15 feet above the deck, the mainmast by the eyes of the rigging, and the mizzentopmast by the cap. Nothing was saved but the mainyard. T h e hull was not seriously injured. Intense consternation possessed the emigrants, w h o rendered every help in their power in an orderly and willing manner. T h e ship wras hove to under the mizzen, the only sail left, and she strained and rolled fearfully. T h e whole afternoon was occupied with clearing away the wreck, and night came on with heavy squalls and rain. Next morning the weather showed a favourable change, and though they had lost their carpenter, they had other craftsmen of the same kind on board, and by the aid of willing hands, stout hearts, and smooth seas, they patched up jury masts, and thiough great pluck and good luck, reached their destination. Not a single emigrant was injured in any way. CAST ON A REEF.
The "Jenny Lind," 484 tons, Captain Taylor, left Hobson's Bay, for Singapore, on the 3rd September, 1850, under charter to proceed from India to Liverpool. T h e ship's company consisted of the commander, first-mate (Masters), second-mate (Harper), sixteen seamen, and three apprentices. She had as cabin passengers, Messrs. Beal, Noble, Ackerman, and Somerset, Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Somerset and three of her children ; and was freighted with a cargo of flour and beef. T h e weather was variable for about a fortnight, when the sun became so obscured that no observation could be taken for a couple of days. About 4 a.m. of the 21st, it was the mate's watch, and he fancied he noticed something black ahead. It was believed by some to be a heavy cloud, but the mate fearing otherwise had the helm put hard up, and summoned all hands to be in readiness for an emergency. T h e captain was on deck without loss of time; the vessel wore off, but she struck aft, and immediately after lay broadside on to a reef, with the sea broaching over her. T h e masts were cut away, yet the vessel continued to lurch heavily, and it was feared she must soon break up. A n unsuccessful attempt was made to launch the pinnace; but, after m u c h difficulty, the jolly-boat was got afloat, and two hands placed in her, who, after running great danger, got her close under a rock a short distance off, inside the reef, where she was secured. T o launch the safety-boat was next tried—a very troublesome job, owing to the position of the ship; it was done however, and with the jolly-boat acting as a sort of depot, the w o m e n and children were first removed there, and ultimately all hands accomplished a safe departure from the vessel. T h e people were next divided into two boatfuls, and thus reached a coral bank half-a-mile off, and when landed, found themselves on an islet of 100 yards long by 40 wide. T h e wreck was next boarded for provisions, but only a small quantity could be procured, with a four gallon keg of water, a gill of which only was served out to each individual for that day. A miserable night was passed, and next morning some sails, more provisions, and a quantity of lime-juice were obtained by a second visit to the ship, which manifested symptoms of breaking up. This occurred soon after, and by an almost superhuman exertion, and a risk amounting to the ​recklessness of despair, a copper boiler, some lead piping, and a cistern were secured, and dragged at low water to the coral island. This was the means of preserving the lives of the party, one of w h o m (Mr. Philip Beal) having been a ship's surgeon, applied his knowledge of chemistry to the distillation of fresh from salt water, and succeeded so well, as to be in a position without m u c h delay, to treat each of his fellows in misery to a delicious ration of half-a-pint of good water. W o o d for purposes of distilling, and other fuel, was obtainable from the wreck; and after some consideration, it was determined to construct a boat wherewith to seek extrication from their perilous condition, and the carpenter undertook to do it. In order to work systematically, the m e n were told off into three parties, viz., (i), to get materials from the wreck; (2), to assist Beal in working the fresh-water distillery; and (3), to build the boat. Tools and materials were obtained from the foundering craft, and the boat-making was commenced. In exploring the coral island, relics of a former wreck were found, such as a rusty chain, some pieces of iron, hooks, nails, the iron head of an axe, and some barrel hoops, and cinders, which left no doubt that a fire had been m a d e at no very distant period on the bank. Beal brought his improvised distillery to such perfection, that on the 25th he was able to secure 25 gallons of fresh water; but, unfortunately, as the water became abundant, the provisions began to shorten, and they were soon reduced to such straits, as to be obliged to subsist on half-a-pound of flour converted into pudding, per mouth, per diem. T h e very small quantity of biscuit secured, they resolutely reserved as a future sea stock. Matters went on in this way until the 29th October, when everything was announced ready for a start, and the roughly-finished craft was launched. In this was stowed the small stock of stores, and 25 persons went on board, 6 others being provided for in the safety-boat. They had a good start, and steered in what they believed to be the direction of Moreton Bay (Queensland), having for some time a favourable breeze; but a southerly change coming, they were obliged to run into a small cove to the south of Wide Bay. Here they were observed by some natives, w h o appeared anxious to board the boats; but were not permitted to do so. Another shift of wind induced a start for Brisbane ; and, after m u c h trouble and perplexity in looking for the mouth of the harbour, they ended their adventurous journey in safety. They were all comparatively well, after a 37 days' sojourn on a desolate coral reef in the Pacific, and their preservation was something akin to the miraculous. They were supplied by the colonial authorities with all the succour they were in need of. T h e reef on which the " Jenny Lind" struck was not marked upon any chart up to date.