The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-04 00:00:00

lost owing to a wrong estimate of the distance run ; that
there was a culpable omission to use the lead after 8 a.m.,
and that it was a moat reprehensible act on the part of the
commander to continue his course in a thick fog, even at
half-speed, in such an uncertain position.
ig I may here refer to a recent report now before me, made
by Capt. Orlebar, R.N., surveying officer on the stati,n, to
Sir Alex, Bannerman, Governor of Newfoundland, bearing
on this question, and which may prove useful to future
navigators. Capt. Orlebar says—' There are few coasts
more safely approachable than the south-eastern coast of
Newfoundland from Cape St. Mary to Cape Race, if the lead
be used and the speed moderate. Soundings of moderate
depth extend far off all these headlands, and the water shoals
graudually to the shore. But if vessels continue to be navi-
gated in these waters, especially in foggy weather, without
using the sounding lead, there is so much uncertainty in
the strength and set of the currents, that shipwrecks must
occur, as they have occurred with lamentable frequency.'
With respect to the boats, I find, from the documents to
which I have already referred, that the authorities at Liver-
pool certified that the vessel was properly equipped. lam
glad also to be able to refute the charge of insubordination
and cowardice which has been alleged against the crew of
boat No. 4. The evidence of the first mate has fully con-
firmed the assertion made, and to some extent proved in ie-
pendently of his evidence on their behalf, that the boat had
bees injured in lowering and was laying off for the necessary
repair. I may also add that the crew were stationed to their
respective boats, and that a list was hung up in the proper
place, while the first mate distinctly speaks to the fact that
he at any rate found the right men in his own boat, which
was No. 2.

"I have but one other point to touch upon in reference
to this casualty. There was only one chronometer on board.
In all other respects the Anglo-Saxon appears to have been
thoroughly equipped.
w owing to the darkness of
" I think it due to the owners to state that, among their
instructions to their captains, is the following When
theyou
we
meet with
there i
hfogorisce or when,
any
risk of proceeding, the safest
course is to lay to till daylight, or until the weather clears
up.' And again:—' The lead should be used frequently,
and the utmost care exercised when you are in any doubt as
to your position.' Would that these admirable instructions
had been fully carried out
" Considerably controversy has arisen out of this disaster
in reference to the expediency of a fog signal on Cape Race.
I have not thought it right to close my report without an
allusion to this suggestion. It is nu part of my duty to
discuss the respective merits of the plans proposed for adop-
tion. I am informed that the matter has already been before
your lordships, and I feel confident that you will not delay
to take such measures as may in your judgment seem moat
desirable if, upon further inquiry,any action is deemed ex-
pedient.
" I have the honour to remain, my lords, your lordships'
most obedient servant,
" T. S. RAFFLES, Police Magistrate.
" Liverpool, July 31.
" We concur in the above report,
" HY. IlAnnts,
Nautical Assessors."
" ROBT. RAKER,