The Sun.
London, England, 1865-02-01 00:00:00

rHE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 1, 1865.

The Loss off-the Bombay.

We have the following despatches from the Admiralty,
with a request to publish them :

Rear-Admiral the Hon. Chas. B. Elliot, C. 8., Commander-in-
Chief, Monte Video.

H.M.S. Stromboli, Monte Video, Dec. 15, 1864,

Sir,—lt is my painful duty to report to you the total
loss by fire of your flagship H.M.S. Bombay, under my
command. The circumstances are as follow :

2. In compliance with your orders we left Monte Video
Roads yesterday morning, the 14th inst., at 6 15 a.m.,
under sail.

3. In the forenoon, being then between Flores Light and
the English Bank, we exercised at general quartere, firing
at a target. In the afternoon, at about 1.45, we again went
to quarters, and boat the retreat shortly after three p.m.,
keeping the foremost lower deck guns exercising.
At about 3.35 p.m. the fire bell was rung, and a fire was
reported to me to be in the after-magazine ; every one hn-
mediately went to their fire-stations, and a good supply of
water was obtained directly. I ordered the magazine to be
flooded as fast as possible. The commander went below
to the fire by my directions, and shortly returned, report-
ing to me that it was a very bad one. I went below my-
self, and found both main and lower decks full of smoke,
the pumps working well, a good supply of water, and
numerous wet blankets being passed down. At this time
men could hardly remain on the orlop deck from the dense
smoke and flames coming from the after hold, where the
fire proved to be ; some were carried up insensible.
Finding things so bad, and it being reported that the
fire was gaining, I directed the quarter boats to be lowered,
the sick to be passed into them, and preparations to be
made for hoisting out the boom boats. At 3.52 I ordered
the boom boats to be got out, and the men
still to remain at the pumps. The cutter, pinnace,
and first launch were hoisted out the starboard side, and
the barge the port ; by this time the men were being forced
up from below by the heat and smoke. I ordered the
hatchways and skids to be covered, and every endeavour
was made to get the second launch out, but the flames and
smbko now bursting up from below from every direction,
rendered this impossible in spite of the gallant efforts of the
men, were now forced over the side and forward by the fear-
ful heat, smoke, and flame spreading in every direction, the
topsails and rigging being at this time in a blaze. Theboats
as they were filled shoved off, and laid on their oars to pick
up stragglers, and I directed hammocks, gratings, and other
articles that would float to be thrown overboard to assist
those in the water, the boats picking up the men as fast as
possible, for the fire spread so rapidly that all, excepting
those who gained the anchors, cables, bowsprit, and ropes
hanging overboard, were in the water.
At 4.15 the mainmast went over the sides being only 40
minutes from the time the fire bell rang, the first launch
being only just clear of it as it fell into the water.
A few people still remaining holding on to the ropes
under the bows were rescued by Mr. Mandeville, Sub-
Lieutenant, and a volunteer boat's.crew in a most gallant
manner, being a service of great danger, from the numerous
things falling about, and the imminent risk of the magazine
exploding. . . . .

Having been picked up by one of tho boats I detached
Lieut. Vidal;in the second gig, as soon as possible to Monte
Video to make known our situation ; at this time several
vessels were coming to our assistance, the first that arrived
being a pilot boat, which relieved the pinnace of a number
of her men ; other vessels arrived shortly, and all the boats
wore picked up, the men being kindly and hospitably cared
for ; most of them being nearly naked were supplied with
clothes from the stocks of the crews.

From the inquiries I have made, it appears that George
Noble, sailmaker, and George Marsh, ropemaker, who are
stationed on the platform of the hold to pass up shell,
were the first that perceived the fire ; the former, who is one
of those saved, states that he saw flames and smoke
issuing from under the starboard foremost handing room
of after magazine and platform adjacent, and immediately
rushed up, rang the fire bell, and reported the fire.
I have not been able to ascertain how it originated. The
lights in the after-light room were put out, the maga-
zine was secured, and they were in the act of putting the
lights out in the fore light rooms when the alarm was
given. There was, however, time to see that there was
neither flame nor smoke in the light room, and that all the
lights were burning excepting one. From the extraordinary
quickness with which the fire spread, and the intense
•olume of smoke and flame, I am led to suppose that the
spirits were ignited.

I have much pleasure in informing you that the officers
and ship's company behaved exceedingly well throughout,
under the trying circumstances in which they were placed.
Every one went to their stations with alacrity, and worked
with the greatest zeal and cheerfulness ; there was no con-
fusio; even when the order was given to get the boats out
not one of those ordered to remain at the fire and pumps
left their station till they were absolutely driven away by
the flames.

Every officer did his duty entirely to my satisfaction.
Among those whom I had an opportunity of observing, and
who have been brought prominently to my notice, I beg in
the first place to mention the name of Commander John C.
Wilson, to whose doolness, activity, energy, and promptness
in carrying out every necessary measure, and infusing a
cheerful spirit among the men, I attribute to a great extent
the fact of our being able to save so many lives. Also Lieuts.
Kelly and Fullerton, who remained at the fire till nearly
stifled, the former directing generally, the latter pointing
a branch pipe himself; ho was carried up from below almost
insensible ; he, with Mr. Brock, acting second master, Goo.
Carr, blacksmith, Jas. Warner, captain mizentop, were the
last men to leave. Mr. Watts, the master, did not leave the
poop till the last, when he got into the first launch over the
quarter, and persisted gallantly in remaining,at the ship
in spite of things falling around, and the probability
of the after magazine exploding every moment. Lieut.
Carr was picked up by him, and these two worked
together with great advantage ; they had only got a very
little out of the way when the mainmast fell. Lieut.
Stirling showed great zeal and coolness in preparing
for and hoisting out boats. The warrant officers worked
nobly and courageously at their stations, as did Mr. Frank-
lin, supernumerary boatswain, who was very active, and of
great service. He is, lam sorry to say, one :of the two
officers lost. The conduct of Mr. Mandeville, sub-lieute-
nant, I have before noticed.. I also saw him save another
life from drowning near the ship. Robert Giddy, chief
boatswain's mate, distinguished himself greatly by his
courage and energy. ' George Carr, blacksmith, James
Warner, captain of the mizen top, remained last at the fire,
and were hardly able to get away.
In the boats Commander Wilson and Mr. Mandeville
speak highly of the conduct of Thomas Shilson, captain of
the forecastle, and Alfred Barton, A. 8., of the volunteer
boats' crew (a list of which I enclose), the latter of whom
went overboard and rescued a man at great risk, from a
position between some spars, while the spars were burning
overhead. Lieut. Carr and Mr. Watts recommend Henry
Priest and Samuel Grant, seamen, for swimming to the ship
when the boat could not get near, and bringing men from
ropes alongside. They also speak highly of the support
they received from Mr. Boss, carpenter, and Robert Giddy,
chief boatswain's mate.

The master succeeded in saving the ship's log, but the
remainder of the books were lost in spite of the paymaster
and Mr. Trollope, assistant clerk, having tried repeatedly
to get into the maindeck office.

The following are the times that Mr. Watts, the master,
took while on the poop :—Fire-bell rung, and after maga-
zine reported on fire at 3.35 p.m. Quarter boats ordered
to be lowered, and sick past into them, as the fire was
gaining, 3.50 p.m. Commenced getting boom boats out,
3.52. Men forced from below by flames and smoke; hatch-
way and skid covers put on, 3.55. All boats out, except
2d launch ; fire coming up hatchways and skids, forcing
every ono overboard by heat and flames, 4. Mainmast went
over the side, 4.15. Mizenmast, 4.40. Foremast, 5.5.
After magazine exploded, 8.25.

When the fire broke out the ship was under three top-
sails and jib, foretopsail was aback, the jib was hauled
down, and the main yard squared, but the ship was not
kept before the wind, because she would have left the
boats ; the anchor was not let go, as it would have by
bringing her head to wind blinded the people on deck with
the smoke.

I enclose a list of officers and men missing, and I deeply
regret to say that I believe they have all perished.—l have
the honour to be, &c.,

(Signed)

Curs A. CAMPBELL, Captain her
Majesty's lath ship Bombay.
LIST OF VOLUNTEER BOATS' CREWS.
JOLLY BOAT.

1 Officer of the boat—Sub-Lieutenant Henry A. Mandeville.
Crew—Thomas Shilson, captain forecastle ; Alfred Barton,
A.B. ; James P. Webb, A.B. ; John Lee, sailmaker's crew ;
William Brunner, gunner's mate; James M‘Mahon, cap-
tain of Hold; Arthur M4Cardell, orderly; Thomas Ackland,
orderly.

We have received the following from the Admi-
ralty, with the request to publish it :
" H.M. LATE SHIP BOMBAY, Jan. 10, 1865.

" The following is a return of all casualties by
death on the occasion of the burning of the above
ship, near Monte Video, on the 14th of December,
1864 :

"John K. Smallborn, assistant surgeon ; James Vingoe
and Wm. Phillips, ship's corporals ; Thomas Weaver, naval
schoolmaster ; James Finch, boatswain's mate ; George
Marsh, ropemaker ; John C. Mullin, leading stoker ; Geo.
Miles, sick-berth steward ; Richd. George, caulker's mate ;
James White, 2d captain maintop; Richard Blatchford,
Charles Wilson, George Taylor, Charles Gower, Alfred
Mingay, ; James Sharpe and Henry Harris, ship-
wrights ; William Neil, lamplighter ; Thomas Walker and
S. Stainbridge, butchers; Charles Jessett, barber; Thomas
Nash, engineers' cook ; William Ball, gun room cook ; E.
Roberts, warrant officers' cook; Jas. Hodge, ward-room
cook's assistant ; Wm. Wiggett, sick-berth attendant ;
John Prigge, Aaron Houghton, and Alfred Holding,
ward-room officers' servants; H. Ardley, tailor;. Oswald
Ansel], IL Schdeider, Edward Giles, and Richard
Magness, band ; Thomas Burr, William Farrell, Cor-
nelius Smith, Alfred Baker, Edwd. Goodenough, -..and
Nicholas Moore, stokers; Wm, Scarebrook, Wm. Eideforth,

S. W. Woolley, Jas. Hayden, and Jno. T. Ratto, ordinaries ;
Edward Smith and Walter May, ordinaries 2d class;
Head, George Cooper, Jas. Corben, Dl. Donoghue, Alfred
Wallis, Geo. ?Barrett, boys Ist class ; Dl. Holmes, John
Dowclf-Jas, Birney, Wm. Browne, John Burns, Patrick
Meara, gunners R.M.A. ; Geo. Carver, sergeant R.N. ;
Chas. Eady, Thomas Carvell, corporals R.M. ; H. Hum-
phries, drummer ; Benjamin Woodhead, Wm. Harris,
James Kirke, Wm. Carpenter, John Walsh, James Bur-
gess, John Garbott, John Shaw, Edw. Barker, Charles
Walker, James Deamer, Patrick Reagan, John Ambler,
George Cotton, Charles Spooner, John Dogherty, Peter
Astbarey, James Ridley, Samuel Thorpe, Thomas Pope,
Charles Fisher, James Parker, Charles Bailey, and Ml.
Murphy, privates, R.M. Supernumeraries—Jno. Franklin,
acting boatswain, 3d class ; Jno. Rockcliffo, shipwright's
apprentice ; Edwin G. Webb and Joseph Brown, boys 2d
class. Total, H.

BILLIARDS,

GREAT MATCH BET WI EN W. DITFTON AND
MR. E. GREEN FOR £l,OOO.
The most exciting match at billiards played in the metro-
polis for some time was played on Monday evening in the
minor hall, St. James's, in the presence of an immense
assemblage of the sporting men, bookmakers, speculators,
and professional and amateur billiard players.
The match originated with a few sporting men who were
desirous of backing Mr. Edward Green, the well-known
Turf speculator, to play any man in England, bar Roberts
and Bowles, for £l,OOO, on condition that the match should
be private. A proposal to back Chas. Hughes for £5OO was
declined, whereupon Mr, Chaddock offered to find another
opponent, provided Mr. Green's friends would lay £6OO to
£4OO. This was agreed to, and W. Dufton was named. Mr.
Herring, on behalf of the amateur, made the match, the
articles providing that it should be played within a month,
or a forfeit of £lOO be imposed ; the time and place, as well
as the choice of the table, being left to the players them-
selves, who, in consequence of the limited space at the Vic-
toria Club, selected St. James's-hall. Admission to the hall
was by invitation principally, sufficient tickets having
been sold to defray the incidental expenses. The table
was an entirely new one by Cox and Yeman. So soon as it
became known that the match was made Mr. Green became
the favourite, which position he maintained until the night
of meeting, and large sums were invested at Tattersall's
and at the Victoria Club, the current odds being 6 to 4.
Play commenced at 20 minutes past seven, and in a few
breaks Dufton obtained so decidid a lead that in less than
half an hour he became the favourite. The progress of the
geme during the first 500 was slow, and although the amateur
fought hard, and played several breaks with admirable judg-
ment, Dufton forged gradually ahead, his superb losing-
hazards being again conspicuous. When Mr. Green was
nearly 100 behind he began to mend his pace somewhat,
the call of the marker announcing his game as 557 to
Dufton's 590, when even money was laid. During the sixth
hundred the play was awfully slow, and the amateur not
only got but made the most of the breaks, gradually creeping
up to his opponent, until 650 to 685 was announced, when
£l5 to £lO was offered. Here Dufton got literally nothing
to play for, except awkward baulks, and his patience was
sorely tried. He stuck for a long time at 688, and Mr.
Green got within two of him by some very careful play,
when the latter offered to blick himself for a "pony," and 5
to 4 was taken. They " sparred" for some time, Dufton
having three, and Mr. Green two profitless innings. At
length the former broke the ice, and went to 706, when Mr.
Green came again to within two points of him. 25 to 20
was now offered, but no response. Dufton put on 19, but
missed a long "Jenny," stopping at 725, his opponent again
getting disagreeably close (718). Now, however, came the
turning point of the game, Dufton advancing his score to
762 by a fine break of 37, including nine spot strokes. 50 to
40 was now laid on the professional, who improved the occa-
sion, going on to 822 by another good break, while Mr. Green
hung fire at 737. Dufton manoeuvred successfully for the
spot-stroke, and now played the break of the evening (75)
in splendid style, pocketing the red with increased strength
(it having swerved and sold him on the previous occasion)
thirteen times in succession, and leaving off at 897. Great
cheering followed this fine performance. 300 to 100 was
now freely offered on Dufton, whose victory was never for
one moment in doubt after this. Mr. Green had half a dozen
innings for 20 points, while Dufton in four went on to 970,
including one of 31, aided by a fluke. £lOO to £l5 was
now laid, and shortly after £5O to £5, Dufton being 207
ahead. Mr. Green struggled on very gamely, notwithstand-
ing his serious difficulties, improving vastly in his last four
breaks. He went from 780 to 802, and then 852, when 50
to 4 was offered, and 15 to 1 taken. Dufton got to 993,
and Mr. Green put on 21 more, at which point 100 to 4, and
subsequently 100 to 2 was offered. 30 to 1 was taken once.
and 100 to 3 wanted. Dufton did not score next innings,
but his antagonist advanced to 893, which was his final
effort, as Dufton's score was next called 1,001, landing him
the winner of this great game by 107 points, amidst the
tumultuous applause of all present, Dufton's backers win-
ning a considerable sum. The game was marked, and dis-
tinctly and audibly called, by young Hurst, and the entire
arrangements made by Mr. Donald for the accommodation
of the large company present were most satisfactory.