The Express.
London, England, 1852-01-16 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 16, 1852.

source one:pettedly gathered round him, and the fearful
occurrences followed which are detailed above.
Now, the question is, whether this body of gas might
not hare been collected in some opening or Boone, between
the end of this wall of coal and the earth (fault), which for
ages had formed its boundary ? Attention has recently
been drawn, through the press, to the curious fact,
that on Burton Muss, in Lancashire, some parties engaged
in sinking • well for water, after boring through
the deep bed of peat there, and some other strata, tame
suddenly upon a quantity of gas, collected almost as it were
in a natural gasometer, so considerable in quantity that it
has been brought to the surface through a pipe, and, be-
sides being made useful fur lighting, has been also available
for mechanical purposes. Nor is this the only instance of
the kind. Some to years ago a quantity of natural gas
was found under the moss in a similar foamier. Supposing
these collections of gas in the midst of seams of
coal, and at the sides, roofs, or bottoms of them,
a fall of coal may bring the collier upon them
any day in such quantity that no precaution
of ventilation could prevent an explosion unless the use of
the lamp were strictly enforced. We believe in this col-
liery orders have been given for the use of the lamp since
the accident, and that the colliers hod lamps to use if they
thought proper; but there seems to he little hope of seeing
the safety lamp constantly in use. The lamp does not give
half so good a light, and the colliers being generally em
ployed upon piece-work, would probably earn only lls. or
12a. per week where they now earn 14. or With his
candle in a round ball of soft clay, the collier
can stick his light against the face of the coal
be is working at, against the side of the level,
or where it may best suit his convenience and hest illumi.
nate his gloomy cavern of a workshop ; but the lamp, with
its feeble light, cannot be handled with such facility ; and
the workmen have an aversion to it, which only heavy pe-
nalties most rigorously enforced could totally overcome.
The collier whom the writer questioned as to these accu-
mulations of gas said he never detected any in the midst of
a seam of coal, but he thought it nut unlikely such might
exist. lle had met with them at faults, and as the face of
the fault in this ease after the removal of the coal was a
loose, peaty substance, it might be charged with a good deal
of gas.

DESTRUCTION OF THE
AMAZON.

ELEVEN MORE OF THE PASSENGERS
AM) CREW.

We learn from Plymouth that the port lifeboat of
the Amazon was piektd up by a Dutch galliot, in the
Bay of Biscay, and the following persons on board
landed at that port yesterday :
Her. William Blood, Mr. Lillie (Glennie), Lieute-
nant Geylls, William Angus, second engineer; Isaac
Roberts, boiler maker and fireman; C. Deutlney,
stoker ; W. Wall, stoker ; G. Webb, seaman ; Wright,
seaman ; Whines, storekeeper ; and Harris, boy.

INVESTIGATION AT THE OFFICES OF THE
ROYAL MAIL STEAM-PACKET COMPANY.
Yesterday a further inquiry into the circumstances
attending the destruction of the Amazon was held at the com-
pany's offices, in Moorgate.street, Mr. Shepherd, Chairman
of the East India Company, in the chair. There were also
present Capt. Nelson, Col. Start, Capt. Shingles, Mr.
Seaward, Capt. Beachy (deputed by the Board of Trade),
Capt. Warburton (brother to Mr. Eliot Warburton), 41111
one or two other gentlemen, friends of mining passengers.
The following letter from the Admiralty was read :
(Immediate.) " Admiralty, Jan. 14, 1852.
" Oentlemen,—With reference to your letter of the 12121
inst., respecting the investigation which is taking place
regarding the loss of the Amazon contract mail stems
packet, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners d
the Admiralty to acquaint you that my lords will Ise very
much obliged to you for • copy of the evidence whim
printed, hut that in the present state of the proc
their lordships do not think it necessary to interft7rdie.l4
ant, Gentlemen, your very obedient humble servant,
" W. B. liautLrote."
• paper of precautions relative to the shipment of com-
bustible articles having been read,
The Chairman briefly stated the object for which the
inquiry, was held ; after which
Mr. Neilson was called in and examined. Ile stated that
he had observed, after the starting of the vessel, several
things oa board which gave him considerable uneasiness.
I The captain wanted him to go to bed about 11, but ke
refused to do so, and stopped on deck. At 12 he observed
that the funnel was excessively hot, and the timbers were
hot also ; and when he put his hand on the beams above
and below, they were very hot. On the Saturday he was
below conversing with Allen, the engineer, and ho then
found that the partition of the grease room was
very hot, and also that the wood near the steam-chest
was also hot. About a quarter-past 12 on Satur.l
day night, he observed that if a fire should take place,
it would come out very rapidly. Where the stoke-hole was,
the heat was very excessive also. It struck him that, from
the heat in the atter-funnel, the timbers would be suffi-
ciently hot to ignite anti produce a small flame. llis own
impression was that a combination of circumstances pro-
duced the tire. At the first bell he went below and com-
municated his suspicious to the engineer. There was
another man with him. The fire-buckets were ranged
above their heads. Ile then went to bed, and in three sal-
nutes afterwards he heard a slight shrill cry of fire. He
went on deck, and saw o bright spotted light and sparks
coming up the engine hatchway past the paddleshaft. It
struck him at once that the cause was confined within a
very small space. lie went down end dressed. A lady
came in, and he recommended her to make for the boats.
On deck he saw the captain and several of the officers dein
ad they could to extinguish the flames, but not then direct
ing their attention to the boats. The passengers caw an
deck, and were nearly naked. A boat was let down,
and it was immediately crowded and overturned.
Mr. Neilson further said-1 went below for my life buoy,
but could not find it at first, but I succeeded afterwards. I
heard • tremendous crash, and saw a lady and gentleman
clinging together. I told the captain to lower the boats,
and he called, out " For God's sake, put the helm about."
We did so, and the helm was put about. The fire then
came up the hatchway, and I was about to jump over-
board, but as I saw the men doing so well I went and
helped them. The timbers were then very hot, the wind
was aft, and the flames burnt one of the men. The cap-
tain up to this time did all ho could to get the flames under.
I had been frequently on steamboats, but ne-
ver creased the Atlantic before. My own im-
prection was that the flues of the boilers were
too short, and that the heat was coming up
the chimney very strongly. I have paid
attention to machinery, and was going to the gee:,
Indies to erect some. Within five hours after starting
I got in conversation with Mr. Allen. The engineers are, I
think, entirely free from blame, and I w men more
attentive to their duties than Mr. Angus and Mr. Allen.
When Mr. Allen was applying the grease I observed to
" You may depend upon it there is an uneven bear-
ing, or you would not have that screaming in the
machinery;" and I added, that when they had got a heavy
sea they would have more music. I am quite convinced that
the engines had nothing to do with the fire. I have used
Fawcett's, and Forrester s, end other engines, and I never
OW a better pair of engines in my life, and but for the heat-
ing of the bearings, they were capable of doing their work
ha first-rate style. I think the cause of the conflagration
was probably the dropping of the tar on the cinders.
Thera was a quantity of coal on the floor of the stoke-
kik winch was la a heated state, and if tar had fallen on
fling seal II own hove Ignited very rapidly. I enter-
Islad shout the ship nod crew, and I spoke
la the captain, who said that he was delighted with the
ship, but with me sr two exception—he hadn't his own
rate, Was tine to eldest a biat's crow.
The wssinaa aid II yes generally so as to tles
nodes to loaasegiag /* the ma. or what boat he belonged
Wow* be bosom baba silethflei with them.
liana-1 en sib oneelesed that if the ship hid
bus Mica Om was =Os heat-room for sooty Goo at
build I Seen was no glegbility of dot'tn se Is masa.
et the heat all Ilifidity of the Or Of
tae who was saved ainownsei to draw a Ink bail is
dolor so be was aim& UMW via min la
Sysinal spoke to lin about tbelielatinsirl with Oeflwin ~
The 'Voile said In would rather I would
ant go down to the webs rooms without speoldng to Mr.
caw.. sald tle witness should have intimated his
lurto the
Nalson conreri—He had frequently called atten-
tion to the state of thedwber, but he did not fear fire.
The Chairman - that the witness was
_ _ _ _

would last a Semi time, and it was well known OM
engineciskwl: up and took me forward to show ma that the
ac, return to Southampton.' But at this moment my bus.
would last for years.
Captain Manees :It must be a satisfaction to these- T
well attended to, and that there was no cause
have lost friends to know what exertions were made by the for alarm. i observed Mr. Angus, the chief engineer,
crew of this boat to s.:ve people from the wreek.—Witnesa; feeling all about the engine, while several hands were at
He spoke with pardonable pride, and believed that eve''' the pumps pos.-ing water on the iron-work. To•
thing that man could do was done. A more gallant crew he wards the afteruou.e the wind got right ahead of
never saw, and young Vincent was as Leave a lad ever as, and caused gya.'t sickness on board. About
lived. He (witness) had been in the Spanish Main, nine o'clock in the ese.,iy the whistling of the en-
emy Imam something of what pluck was. Was not gine became very loud, Ern. having gone to rest, and
legs err any application for assistance bad been fallen fast asleep, Ido not reete.mber anything until awoke
settle W the Port-Admiral at Plymouth. His ire- up by a gentleman screaming, ,broken English, ' Capi-
riflnk that there were no boats still unaccounted tame, we go a bottom.' I caught II? my child and ran
le did not wish to encourage false hope. In concha- across the corridor to my husband's ben:- All the in their
siun he begged to thank them for the kind consideration knew not what was the matter, but tho paieeetteee,
they gave to his letter about young Vincent.
night clothes, were running distracted! aboOt• The door
Masto r. Glennie examined—Could give no information of my husband's berth was locked, and I has! some di/li-
the cause of the Sr., being one of the last to come on deck. culty in knocking him up. When we 'yet on deck Mr.
There was nobody down below when he came on deck. M'Lenuan exclaimed, ' Oh, God, the ship is on He
He ran aft, and took a general view of what was going on, then urged me to go down and get some clothes for in,vfleif
and the confusion going on appeared to him more appalling and child, as he was afraid wo should take cold. Ho aa:d
than the tire. It then struck him that he had more chance ho thought he would have time to go down for hie trowsera.
of safety from his own individual exertion than from any I, however, remained on deck, and when Mr. M'Lennan
oombiued operation. He got into a 'mat but could not was gone, an officer of the vessel (the doctor, I believe), in
lower it. Another boat mine down by the run. Did not his night shirt, laid hold of me, calling hoarsely,
remember any boats being swamped. Saw several ' Give me your child, I will save him.' Ho
boats get clear of the vessel, besidie the one he took the buy and handed him to a seaman
was in. One got off in such tine order that he wished be in the pinnace, and then lifted me up I entice-
was on board. Seeing the difficulty of lowering the boats, Toured to push past him, and get to my husband; but lit. '
he approached the captain to see if he had any plan. They pulled Inc into the pinnace, saying, " You will then be all I
were moving the settees aft, and it occurred to him they lost; be of good courage; it is to save your life." He
were trying to make a raft, as they would make an excel- then placed himself in the boat beside me, and called to
lent one. The captain rung out " Lower the starboard life the men to cut the lashings. This was Immediately done.
host," and the answer was "She's on fire." Ile next said The bust dropped at ono end ; but owing to a knot or
"Lower the larboard life bout," but she was on fire also. tangling of the block sod tackle, it remained fixed at the
Ile then dropped down to the boat in the water, but fell other. Many fell into the sea, and uniongst them I fear
into the sea ; the next wave brought him up close, and he my brave preserver ; but I held on to the boat with one
caught hold of the stern and got in. Tho vessel was hand, whilst pressing my child firmly with the other. Some
going at the rate of eleven or twelve knots, but his im- clung to the boat, and afterwards climbed back into the
pression was that she put about again, as ho got a burning wreck, and I begged of them to heipme up, but they
glimpse of her larboard quarter, and could see a could not. At this moment a boat passed us full of people,
large hole burned in her lee side and her ma- and I culled to them for a rape, but I had no answer. One
chinery through it. Sometime after looked at the of the men who Mid got out of the boat again descended 1
vessel. His friend Mr. Del ltius attempted to follow him, but from the burning vessel, saying, "'the woman is still here
he feared had repented, When he (witness) was getting she deserves to by Bayed, for I expected she would have
over, saw Mr. Warburton walking rapidly toward* the star been by this time at the bottom." The tackle being now
board life-boat, apparently to see if she was on fire. Ile loosened, several men jumped into the boat; but before
was quite collected. Witness was under the impression getting clear away, the gig was lowered, and would have
that there were still three boats to be accounted for. The been let down upon us, had not the men in our boat cried
boat that hung down was still available, and was afterwards out to take care, as there was a woman in the pinnace. By
got off. Iliad heard of a boat's crew being marked out, and this time the engine had stopped, but the sea was running
believed it to be quite possible. Mrs. M'Clensn was in the high. Having nothing to guide us, we found ourselves
boat that was hung up, but either got out or was taken out going round the .steamer, and were greatly afraid that we
by the sailors. Ilad no opinion as to the origin of the tire. should be blown up by the magazine. Getting clear off, we
It wee owing to his request to the vice-consul at Brest that shipped a heavy sea, and the handle of the boat's rudder
a steamer was sent out. lie thought that nobody could was broken ; but this was quickly repaired by cutting off
escape from the forecabin. Mr. Warburton was the last and sling the remainder of the suck for the under handle.
person he NM. Saw him after he saw his friend Del Rios. About 5 o'clock, as I suppose, the moon went down, and we
Mr. Jacob Allen examined—Was an engineer from Mr. were in total darkness, with a drizzling rain falling. The day,
Seawards, sent on board to see if he could make minutes however, set in fine, and by following the sun's course,
that might be useful hereafter, and to be useful, if neces- and using tar a sail a plaid shawl which had been placed
eery. The day previous to the fire, and through the sick. under my pillow by my husband to raise my head during
ness of an engineer, they had happened to have an uneven an attack of sickness the previous evening, and which I
bearing on the main shaft. 'Chat detained them about au brought away with me on the first alarm, we made our
hour. He asked "!low's this ? " and concluded that the way with three men at each of our three oars. The poor
lubricator had run dry. Mr. Angus slopped the engines, men worked hard and without a murmur, although fleet.-
ducked the bearings, and took both the lubricators off the eerily much tired, hungry, and wet. When the Dutch
main shaft. That was about 10 to 11 p.m. Mr. Angus vessel came in sight the wind ead,through God's great mercy,
then went to his cabin by witness's suggestion, as the other gone down, and by trimming the men so as to shout when
watch of engineers were coming on. Went with Mr. the boat rose on the top of the wave, the attention of the Ger.
Angus to his cabin, stopped a few minutes, and bid him arcade's crew was at last drawn to us. And oh, what feelings
good night. Previous to retiring himself took the oil can of deep and unutterable thankfulness filled our hearts when
and oiled the eccentrics, and some other parts of the ma- we observed the shout from our boat replied to, by the
chinery. It was a very rough night, he could scarcely re- taking down the sails and laying to of the Gertruida to
taro his hold. She was going 81 knots. Witness then came pick us up. Of the kind attention to our pressing wants by
down the main deck, and bit Stone the engineer of the the captain of the Gertruida you have already heard, and ''
watch, good night. Told Stone he need not oil the bearings how warmly we were welcomed by the inhabitants of Brest.
for a few hours. Looked into Mr. Angus's cabin and saw From the public-house in which we were at first placed we
him dozing on the sofa, went to his own cabin and un- were removed by the acting vice-consul, Sir Anthony
dressed. In five minutes heard the cry of fire twice du- Perrier, whose daughter (Madame Pastoreaux) applied her.
tinctly. Rushed on deck, and saw a flame of fire issuing self with unremitting kindness and a sisterly care to Mira
from the fore-stoke-hole hatchway, as though coming from Smith's and my own comfort. Of blailame Pastoreaux' kind.
the starboard fore store-room. Ran aft, and saw two men ness enough cannot be said; whilst to Al. and Madame liou-
working the pumps. Witness went to get sonic of the fire- tin, and the ladies of Brest, we were also much indebted. At
buckets down. Ihe flames rushing between decks drove Havre when we arrived by the Finisterre steamer from
every cone ap. Witness went on the spar deck, and Sew Morlaix we were received by Mr. Featherstonhaugh, who
many people rushing up in a state of nudity. Saw William did all that Christian benevolence and gentlemanly
Angus, 6th engineer, with sonic men clearing away some feeling multi do for our comfort and encouragement. And
Mews of hay. Was never in the starboard fore store-room whilst thanks are due to all whom we met on our journey
that night, but was couvinced the tire came from there, to Southampton and from thence to London, I feel that a
It was the engineer's store-room, and contained oil and lasting debt of gratitude is owing to our poor fellow-suf-
tallow. Did not observe the wood to be charred from the ferers of the crew of the Amazon for their untiring energy
funnel. The wood was twelve ti fourteen inches from and devotion to our cause. I still fondly cling to the hope
the funnel, and there were several iron casings that my husband has been saved, and that through God's
between, put to create a current of air pass- Providence over him, he may shortly be restored to me and
ing through, and prevent the timber from catching to my children. Nothing else occurs to me that appears
fire. Saw the fore store-room ;it was 3 feet from the boiler, worthy of particular notice, but I shall be most happy to
and was supported by the iron beam. There were six iron furnish replies to any questions which you may he desirous
beams in the ship. Was certain the beam upon which the of addressing to me at Dr. Merry's, County Bank, Edin•
store-room rested was iron. lied slept in the store-room on burgh, where I hope to ho able to remove on Friday or
the voyage round, and found it comfortable. On ono oc• Saturday next. I am, yours, &e.
casion 12 or 14 men slept in it during a fog and did not find ELIANOR M. M./ANNAN,
the heat inconvenient.
The following correspondence with the Board of Trade
Colonel Start—Did it ever occur to you that there was
danger in so placing the store-room ?—According to what was also read '—
" Office of the Committee of Privy Council
was put in it
Colonel Sturt—Wh do you think the fire began there ?
—Because I saw it come out there. The tallow and oil " Sir,—l am for
ryTtrhade e, J.
yCommittee of
Privy Council for Trade, to request you to call the atten-
were both in iron tank.. Could not say that he saw any
tarred coal sacks. Did not think they would set Are to the tion of the directors of the West India Mail Steam Packet
Company to the Steam Navigation Act, sects. 29 and 30,
ship. Did not notice what lights people carried in and out which commit to the Board of Trade the duty of making
of the store-room. If he wanted a can of oil would send investigations in cue of accident, and the powers necessary
for it. They usually expected trouble with new bearings,
and if the ship listed, the collars or flanges would bo Sure for that purpose. The destruction of the Amazon
appears to my lords to be so important, both
to warp until they settled down. Had spoken to three gen- a.
tlemen, named !lore, Lamb, and IN otuaan. They had regards the magnitude of the loss of life
and property and the nature of the circumstances
pressed him so much that he was obliged to tell them some- under which it'happoned, as to render it impossible fur them
thing. to allow it to pass without making some inquiry. As, how-
At this point of the proceedings Captain Bcachy entered, ever, they are satisfied that it is both the wish and interest
and announced that he had been deputed by the Board of
of the directors to investigate the CAW as fully as possible,
Trade to attend the remainder of the investigation, and to
request that the evidence might be furnished. and as they understand that those gentlemen arc about to
institute a searching inquiry, my lords wish to avoid the
Examination resumed—Had never said that on leaving trouble of • separate investigation, and desire me to suggest
Mr. Angus he saw two men going into the store-room to the directors that a member of this department should
with a light. Never said that one of these two men had be present at the inquiry about to be instituted, with power
escaped to Brest. Tho time from the first alarm to the to take a part, and to put any questions he may think pro-
lowering of the boats wits about ten minutes. Had not per. This course will, my lords believe, be satisfactory to
time to distinguish the smell. Could tell in en engine-room the public, and will enuble them in the discharge of their
by the smell whether " wiping' " were on fire, if they were duties under the act above
to avail themselves of
the size of his finger. The heat of the funnel causes a the experience to be derived from the case. My lords
smelt in the felt which any ono connected with the work direct me, however, to state, that in making the above pro-
mo tell. Did not recollect soy unusual smell. He wished
to remove the impression that the fire was caused by the
eal, they reserve to themselves the right of instituting an
state of the bearings—it was nothing of the sort. The engine Independent investigation, should circumstances render it
was working well. necessary to do so. An immediate answer is requested.
sir, your obedient servant,
Mr. Seaward stated that the witness was a person in whom " I am,
(Signed) " T. 11. Fenian."
he had full confidence. Ile had sent him frequently in
government vessels. " Jan. 14, 1852.
Examination resumed—He believed the forge was placed Sir,—With reference to your letter of this date, Ima
under the store-room. A portion of the coals had been put instructed to remark, that the directors of this company,
in only a few hours before starting, but a portion, 500 or 600 being under the impression that vessels employed in carry-
tons, had been in five or six weeks. They were called ing mails or despatches under contract with the Admiralty
Merthyr coal. There was a portion of the coal in the fore to or from places beyond the limits of the rivers Elbe and
and after parts in the coal compartments. The coals that Brest, are exempt from the operation of the Steam Navies-
were first put on board were dropped down through a tion Act, considered it would be irregular to address the
coal shoot just by the fore-engine hatchway, and by two Beard of Trade respecting the destruction by fire of the
others in the wings. The coals appeared to him to be very Royal Mail steam packet Amason.
dusty and dry. They had screens put up to prevent the So anxious, however, were the directors that public
dust 'lying. officers should either assist in the inquiry or conduct it in•
-- Stone, 4th engineer, examined—He was feeding the dependently of the company, that an application with that
bearings with oil. At half-past-twelve Mr. Neilson came object was made to the Lords Commissioners of the
and spoke to him. Witness told him things were going on Admiralty ; but as their lordships have declined to inter-
comfortable. At very near two bells saw Are on the star- fere, lam to state that it will afford much gratification to
board foremost boiler. Gave the alarm. Attempted to go the directors to be assisted at the inquiry, which will be
down to stop the engine, but the smoke was so thick they were continued at this office, to-morrow, at 11, and at Southamp-
obliged to retreat. Neither could he go forward the smoke ton, on the following day, at 2 o'clock, by any member of
was so thick. The remainder of this witness's evidence your department who may be deputed to attend on that
was merely a repetition of facts already stated. He saw suasion.-1 am, &c. (Signed) E. CHAPPELL, Secretary.
20 sacks on the starboard foremost boiler. The pump T. H. Ferrer, Eut., Secretary, Board of Trude.
would net work. Captain Symonds and Mr. Roberts were After which the court was adjourned to 2 o'clock this
on deck in their shirts. Went to cut the lashing of the day, at the company's office, Southampton.
boats but found there was an iron crane underneath.
Jumped into the boat, when it tipped over. A large bucket
of tallow was mixed up ready the day before; it was
placed on the entablature of the main deck. The oil was
brought up in tin cans, half a gallon at a time. The chief
engineer of the watch kept the keys. Saw no oil
brought up during his watch. The cans were all
full when he came on deck. The storekeeper kept
the key in the daytime. He never required oil after
the storekeeper had turned in. Could not tell where the
fire commenced. Never saw any person going into the
store-room with a light. The lamps in the store-room were
glass. Tho tallow and oil were stowed in iron tank'.
There were also cans lashed in the store-room, with spun-
yarn through the handles. Never heard an order to stop
the engine. If he had could not have done it. Wished to
contradict the statement that there were barrels of tallow
on the boilers. The barrels were all emptied into the tanks,
and the barrel' horned before they left the river. Saw coal
sacks on the boiler, but did not think their position danger-
ous. There were felt, canvas, lead, and a piece of board
between the boiler and the sacks. Did not think the heat
of the boiler would heat the sacks under any circumstances.
Martin Rogers, foreman to Messrs. Green, examined—
Described the position of the store-room, the beams of the
store-room resting on an iron beam at one end ; the other
end was bolted on to a crank in the bulk-head, about 2 feet
6 inches from the boiler. The bottom or deck of the store-
room was of 2-inch deal. Thought that ea many precau-
tions as usual had been taken previous to starting the
Amason. Had perfect confidence in her.
Thomas Atherton, foreman-joiner to Mr. Green, deposed
to the position of the store-room, giving evidence similar to
that of the previous witness.
Capt. Mangles was of opinion that the tire came from be-
low the main deck.
The following interesting letter from Mrs. M'Lennan was
then read by Capt. Mangles :
"9, Howard-street, Strand, Jan. 14, 1852.
Gentlemen,—Having been hurried on to London im-
mediately on landing at Southampton, yesterday afternoon,
I was necessarily prevented from answering any questions
respecting the Amazon which the agents of your company
might have been desirous of putting to me. I shall now,
however, endeavour to supply you with a short narrative of
what fell under my own observation. On Friday night
(2nd inst.), while in my berth, 1 overheard various remarks
respecting the stoppage of the engine, made by some of the
passengers who were standing in the corridor. You hear
how she whistles,' said one ; ' and I am sorry I ever put
my font in board the Aieletee,' Do you think we are
sale ? ' said another. On Saturday, at midday, as
the captain was taking the sun, nit spoke to my
little boy, and asked me hove I felt. 1 told
Min of the fears entertained about th,e engine—hut he said
it was the case with all new engin es—that they . required
trading, but that in a few days we should he all right, and
go better after the vessel had been lightened of a portion
of her stock of coal, He then added, ' Are yen' satisfied ?'
I replied if he was, l ought to he. After this, an elderly
gentleman (name unknown) came to me and said, ' The
engine is not safe, and the best thing the captain ESP do is

AN ADMIRALTY SEARCR has at last been ordered into I
the latitude in which the unfortunate Amazon wu de-
stroyed. The Hecate wee on Wednesday ordered from De-
yonport, where she had been lying idle, in accordance with
instructions received on the previous night from the Admi-
ralty, to search for any others of the passengers or crew
who may have escaped from the burning ship, but
who have not yet been heard of. This step, it
is stated, has heen taken at the urgent solicita-
tions of Mr. Warburton, whose brother, it will be
recollected, was one of the passengers in the Amazon.
The Hecate sailed on Wednesday morning for Brest,
where she is to communicate with the British consul, and
ascertain if there is any further intelligence than that
already known in reference to the passengers and crew of
the Amazon, and to proceed thence to any place where any
of the unfortunate people may have been landed, should
this fortunately have been the cue. If no such intelligence
is obtained, Captain Hand's orders are to proceed to lat.
47.30, long. 6.10, and to cruise 48 hours iu search, and then
to return to this port.

THE AMERICAN LINER HENDRICK HUDSON, Capt.
S. C. Warner, has not yet succeeded in getting away from '
Portsmouth, on account of contrary winds. She left Lon-
don for New York on the 28th of December, arriving at 1
Spithead three days after for the purpose of taking in pas-
sengers, stock, &c., as is usual with the line of packets to
which she belongs ; and after a detention of a few days,
waiting for a fair wind, she sailed on the 7th instant, but
meeting with contrary winds and most boisterous weather
in the Channel, she returned to Spithead two days after- '
wards. On Wednesday, a change in her favour arising,
she again set sail from Spithead, but in the night she had
to put back to St. Helens, as the wind had again veered
round to the south-west. She remained at St. Helens
yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.
MATRIMONIAL PROJECTS OF LOUIS NAPOLEON.—
For some time before the late coup 'rola!, says a well-
informed contemporary, communications had been going on
between the President and Queen Christina of Spain, with
a view to a marriage between himself and one of the
daughters of her Maj,sty by her second husband, Munoz ;
and if we are not misinformed, some pecuniary advances
had actually preceded this matrimonial contract. However
this may be, the negotiation has now been broken off, the
money repaid, and the elect of the 20th of December now
looks fur a consort among the legitimate issue of the
crowned heads of Europe. The court to which the atten-
tion of Louis Napoleon has been naturally directed is that
of Sweden, for the Queen of &Retina is a daughter of
Eugene Beauhaniais, married to King Oscar, the son of
Bernadotte; and their daughter, the primes' Charlotte
, Eugenie of Sweden, is said to be the object of this proposal.
We have grounds fur belicrUdir that in this instance the nu.
gotietion is actually on ti, at. The princes is in her 22nd
year, and may be consiO.ered to he French in nor descent
from both ratite/ cud smother.—Aforning raper.