The Sun.
London, England, 1841-07-05 00:00:00

LONDON, MONDAY, J ULY 5, lB4l.

LLOYD'S CAPTAINS' ROOM.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SlR—Permit me to call your attention and that of your com-
mercial readers to the manner is which Lloyd's Captains' Room
is conducted, that is, totally unworthy of that branch of the
institution of Lloyd's. The Chairman of Lloyd's,- the ex-
Member for Worcester, Mr. Robinson, has. I am fearful, since
his conversion to Conservatism, left off reforming, otherwise
au excellent opportunity has long presented itself of placing
this room on a par of usefulness with the room similar in cha-
racter at Liverpool. The one at Liverpool is most abun-
dantly supplied with newspapers from all parts of the United
Kingdom, as well as with publications of all descriptions relat-
ing to commerce: The liberality displayed by the subscribers
there is worthy of example at every commercial place in the
kingdom ; for instance, should a gentleman arrive there on
business, he would have an offer pressed upon him to have his
name inserted in a book as a visitor for three months, or a
shorter period, and you would not experience the slightest dif-
ficulty in ascertaining the address of a commercial visitor upon
going to the Exchange Rooms; and as a place of resort it is
superior to any in London, and chiefly on account of the great
facilities afforded for mercantile information, whereas Lloyd's
Captains' Room is only supplied with six Morning Papers, the
Shipping Gazette, and the Public Ledger, and no Evening
Papers *hatever, and is only a place of particular resort at
'Change hours; and is, therefore, during the greater part of
the day almost worthless to subscribers.
One particular improvement I beg to suggest is the furnish-
ing Tide Lists of arrivals and departures of vessels at Graves-
end, as is done at Liverpool ; and it is really astonishing that it
has not long since been done in London.
I remain, Mr. Editor, your very obedient servant,
July 2, 1841. NAUTICUS.

CHINA.
MRS. NOBLE'S NARRATIVE OF HER CAPTI-
VITY AND SUFFERINGS IN PRISON IN
CHINA, IN 1840-41, IN A LETTER TO A
FRIEND.

Ningpo Prison, February, 19, 1641.—Xy ever dear
Friend,—On Sunday, the 14th, I received your kind
letter containing the glad tidings of peace, and the joyful
hope of a speedy release from prison ; and in which you
so sweetly and affectionately offer *home to the home-
less. I feel sure, my dear friend, viz will make due al-
lowance for the state of mind in which I write. •
I shall infer, that you' know all our affairs up to, I
think, the 10th of September, when the Kite was again
on her way to Chusan ; all went well till the 16th, and
we then hoped to reach Chusan in two days. About
twelve o'clock in the forenoon the vessel struck on an
awful quicksand, not laid down} in the chart. The
shock was as sudden as it was dreadful. All efforts at
the moment were used, but in vain, and in a few mo-
ments, almost before We could thinke.o ~,r:Speak, or, alas !
even time to fetch my sweet chi; from the cabin,
the vessel went over with a tremendoni4a on her broad-
side, and every creature on board (except my dear child)
was precipitated
waseipit so dreadfulv
ated sithr
I saw
t vlo i
violence
;
Oiio the sea. The
moment
and whether
my beloved husband, who was giving 'orders to the last
moment, ran to the cabin to save his darling child, or
whether he fell with the rest,•l know not ; but, alas ! he
was-never seen or heard of more. His last words to
use were, " Hold on, Anne ;",never, never shall I forget
them. My sweet child must have perished in his cradle.
Oh ! how often have I wished I had shared the same
grave, yet the will of God was otherwise. After strug-
gling under water for some time I caught hold of one
of the iron bars that hold the boat on the quarter, to
which I clung, my body being still iu the water, and the
breakers coming over me with great force. A poor little
dog saved itself on my breast for some, time, but at last I
was obliged to put it off: Oh I hesi it ecin my darling
-child, I would have•ditel-ather a aloeso:10 times. Lieu-
tenant Douglas arose close by me, and, although
for a time lie could not help me, yet I ..shall ever re-
member, with the deepest gratitude, the kind manner in
which he stood by me, doing all in hie power to soothe
me, and, by his orders, to save the lives of all. Oh !
could I picture to you the Ken's at this moment—
the vessel on her broadside, mast and sails in the
water, numbers of persons rising and clinging tb the
wreck, the horror of every comitenance, and the dread-
ful noise of the breakers-t--never, never, shall I .forget
the sight. Lieutenant Douglas with Mr. Witts, the
chief officer, who now liindly came Kmavard to my ai4,
did all in their power to save me, and they were, by the
blessing of God, the means of preserving my unhappy
life. These two gentlemen, with the, poor cabin boys,
got into the boat. I had just strength to raise my foot,
of which one of the gentlemen took hold, drew the boat
to, and lifted me in. The boat being nearly fall of
water, and the breakers still coming over it every mo-
ment, the gentlemen were obliged to cut the rope to
prevent her .sinking. ' The current immediately took her,
and nothing could prevent her from leaving the wreck.
About four o'clock.the current turned in otir favour, and
after some hours of anxiety we cause in sight of the
wreck ; .as we drew near we found the vessel had sunk
in the sand, and only-her maintop was now in sight, to
which all the poor sufferers clung for life. Efforts were
made to reach the wreck; but it was impossible. Lieut.
Douglas spoke to. the men, and told them to make a raft,
hoping on the morrow to be able to render them some
assistance-- We now again left the wreck, and night
began to set, in ; the gentlemen lay down in the bottom
of the boat, and I 'sat and kept watch by.the stars. It
was a beautiful moonlight night, but I need not say it
appeared- very long; -and often did I speak to Lieut.
Douglas, who slept very little.
On the 16th we again passed the wreck early, and as
before strove in vain -to reach the poor crew. A few
words were spoken until we were carried away by the
current. In the afternoon we passed the wreck for the
last time ; everything possible was done to reach it, but
to no purpose ; and after speaking a few words ' once
more,-we had-to endure the -trial' of being carried past.
What-our feelings were none'but those in alike situation
can ccrnceive:- -It was now again night, and, as before, I
kept my melancholy watch.' After this we could not
find the
~Wreck;* and: we Were obliged to come to the
dreadful conclusion- that all the crew must have perished,
or have beeri'taken from the wreck by the Chinese. I
now felcalmest sure that I was . a widow, and all alone
in' the world, lint yet I think L-Iniped even against
hope, :arid Lieutenant Douglas, who was most kind
to me,,
.rather led me to believe suCh happiness possi-
ble.. Picture for a moment our situation—five of us in
a -small boat, with little clothing—the gentlemen
being but thinly clad, and Myself in a thin morning gown,
no bonnet, no•shawl, and no shoes, the Fitter having been
waShed.off ; 'no water; no sail, only two oars, andnear an
eneiny's country. On this day we- went on board a
fishing 'boat; the men were kind to: us, and gave us a
little dry rice, some water, and'aii eld,nuitto try to make
as, il of. Soon a Apr, we. thoneli • -aveesaw -a sntall..-4ng- a
tft- sal - i reeve . a' ° '. '4'. ! - .*Vii-Vrgit;?:4Nl'l
t
hitt after a longtime* . - 'jsere mistaken... To-
wards evening we pteleetlz -VitiAiittgwpuinpkin, of NVIliCh
I took Itttie—the first food t' haillakenTsiece the wreck..
Whilst we were thus dr'i'ven about'. froin Pldee to place;
again we thought we saw a steamer, ....... we did.all in
our power to make them observe us, raising a signal
of ilistre,ss on one Qf our oars, an'd once snore we were as
before disappointed. On Wecineaday. night the breakers
came over our little boat with such violence that we thought
she wouldlia,Ve sunk ; it washed away one of our oars and
we were all wet through; but still the Almighty preserved
us. Thursday, the 17th, we boarded-another boat, and
asked. them to take. us to Chusan, • which they promised
to do, but-to which the master of the party would not
accede.. However; they took us up a canal, and told us
that was the way. It now began to rain. a- little, and at
night we found ourselves in a small creele,; with numbers
of Chinamen round us. They appeared.kind, and-brought.,
us a little boiled rice. Wonderful to say, although we
had been so long without food, not one in the boat com-
plained of hunger, and of the rice now brought very littlo
was eaten ; the rain now fell fast; and • we ell laid down
in the bottom of the boat, and laid the-old mat over the
top. About twelve o'clock I thought I heard footsteps,
and on looking up saw about twenty Chinamen round
our boet, carrying gay lanterns. I awoke Lieutenant
Douglas in alarm ; however, they still appeared
kind; and gave us more food. - In the morning, it
being very wet, we went barefooted to a Chinaman's
house. After sitting,
a, short time, they told us that
they would get, us something to eat, and then take us to
Chusan. We followed. They took us to a temple for
shelter from the rain. One of the party now, left us, and
we began to suspect that all was not right, and set off to
regaiuour boat. It was too late. We had scarcely as-
cended the bank, when, on looking behind, we saw a
large party of soldiers, a mandarin, and a number of
Chinese pursuing us. We saw at Once we were betrayed
—flight was impossible, resistance was vain. I was lean-
ing on Lieutenant Douglas's arm... Ile. stood boldly. in
my defence, but it was of no use, for they struck- me .
several times. They then put chains around our necks,
hurrying us along a path not half a yard in breadth to a
large city, through every street of which they led us.
The people thronged by thousands to stare, so that we •
could scarcely pass. Their savage cries were terrific. From
this they led us to a temple full of soldiers, and one of the
wretches stole my wedding-ring from my finger—the only
thing Itreasured. They then set a table and wrote Chinese,
asking whether we understood it. Never shall I forget.
that temple, their fierce grimaces, and savage threats.
Hitherto Lieutenant Douglas had been my only friend,
and I think I.may say that we have been a mutual com-
fort to one another throughout our sufferings. But we
were soon to part. The soldiers bound Lieutenant
Douglas's hands behind him and tied him to is,post, and
in this situation I was forced from him. Wp took an
affectionate leave of one another, as friends never expect-
ing to meet again until we meet in Heaven. Mr. .Witts,
one of the boys, and myself, were now again dragged
through the rain, and my feet being bare, slipped at
every step, and they were at -last obliged to bring me
a pair of straw sandals.. I was obliged to hang to the
coat of a tall man who held me by the chain. We must
have looked wretched in the extreme, our clothes being
much covered with dirt as well as drenched with rain; my
hair hung dishevelled round my neck. In this state we
must have walked at least twenty miles, and passed
through numberless cities, all the inhabitants of which
crowded around us ; thtir hooting and savage yells were
frightful. We twice passed through water nearly up to
our waist. After having reached a terhple, we were al-
l Owed to rest ourselves on some • stones. They gave us
here some prison clothes and food. At night they laid
doirin some mats and a quilt on either side of a large
temple. Mr. Witts and the boy took one side, and after
a short prayer I. lay . down, but not to sleep ; the chain
round our necks being fastened to the wall. Would that
I could describe to you the scene—the temple beautifully •
lighted up with lanterns, our miserable beds, and snore
miserable selves, all the dark faces of the frightful looking
fCrhoninletsheei(frolonNhgvio3impes I,
tthlelindkintohfetrheivgeerielgeingnhdt), othtleiie
nsmoioseke
s,
which they kept up all night, were Videed horrid. Long,
very long, did this appear. Morning at last dawned,
and the keepers brought us a lit* water to wash with,
which was a great comfort, after which they lea us to an
of
Here number-
lesstheynoted every
ot
opoeknsopc
uoe tic,itrhat
t,eoit ogr
spectators
,teotehxeepolomesneegdttiiro.ootufhgehopoo
throughout
bthltaii cli
erg,
(raid.
feature in an exact manner, and then made us write.. an
account of the wreck of the Kite. Li the evening I Was '
taken to see the mandarin's wife and daughters, but al-
though my appearance must have been wretched in the
extreme, they did not evince the least feeling towards
me, but rather treated use as an object of stern. This I
felt the more as I was enabled to make them understand
that I had lost both any dear husband and child in the
ut .
plfaoelleostov
~ctol;fimn.e a They
-
put We remained here two days and three nights,
derided and : taunted by al; around us. .On the,
morning of Monday the 21c, they' took ate' ead of
pouurt our crags and
dtd quiltsbad° ititoyasmrdalhligchag, easi,l-
tjt.,ints:
moresuch
baseals't'eins.
than three quarters of a yard long, and little more than
homuldinethwinalse
saoaprrooeplf, a
half a yard broad. The doorsopened from the top. Into
these we were lifted, the chain round our necks being
locked to the cover. They put a long piece,Of bamboo
through the middle, a moan took either end, and in this
manner we were jolted from the city to suffer 'insults from
the rabble, the cries of whom were aWful.. We again
stopped at another city, and were taken out of our ceges,
having heavy irons put on our legs, with a chain half a

yard long. Mr. Witts and the boy had also irons on
their wrists ; alihough I saw mine, they did not put
them on at that time. The former were carried on
board one boat, and I myself put into another, and thus
we proceeded two days and three nights on a canal,
during which time I did not taste any food, as they
would not permit me to get out of my little cage on any
account. You may judge what my sufferings were. I
believe it was Wednesday. the 23d that we arrived at
Ningpo. You may imagine my happiness in finding my
dear friend, Lieut. Douglas. I also heaid with gratitude
and joy that all the Kite's crew had been taken from the
wreck by the Chinese, and were prisoners in the city.
At Ningl-..0 I was sorry to find another prisoner,
Captain Anstruther, of the Madras Artillery, who
has -since proved to me a most kind and true friend ;
there was also the compradore, whem I think you
have some knowledge-Of. My most cruel sufferings
were now 'at an end, and of course I felt more deeply
my sad loss ; yet I, knew that I still enjoyed many
blessings. Captain Anstruther's prison was next door to
mine, and I had the pleasure of seeing him often. The
mandarins gave me. some Chinese clothes of the gayest
colours. Distressing as it was to my feelings, I was ob-
liged to wear them, and I was put into what the keeper
styled a clean prison, with a woman to attend on me in
my captivity. After breakfasting with lieutenant
Douglas at the mandarin's, went to my lonely cell—a
small, dirty room, two sides of which were grating, in
many places daylight appeared through the rafters, and
it was scarcely 'fit to live in, its only furniture being my
cage (in which I still slept at. night, and into which I
was put whenever I went to any of the mandarins), a
lamp, an old table, and a stool. For the first time after
the wreck, I was enabled to undress myself. I could not
but rejoice when a' large room was prepared for the
three gentlemen to reside together in, Lieut. Douglas
having
-been hitherto obliged to endure all the discomforts
of the common prison, although it deprived me of the
company of my friend. Subsequently we met only
.when we...visited-end dined at the -Mandarin's, which Ive
did at first fFequently, but after their curiosity was satis-
fied I seldom saw them. When at their house they
amused themselves by questioning us about her Britan-
nic Majesty and her Government, the number of her navy
and army, and ihe rank and income of the officers,
Often I had to repeat my sad tale, particularly on the
arrival of other officers. Their inquiries about our re-
spective families were most minute ; particularly what
relatives we were to Queen Victoria, and whether I my-
self was not her sister, which, notwithstanding what was
said to the contrary, was declared to be. But it would
be endless to repeat all the foolish questions they asked ;
however they made notes of all our replies. Captain
Anstruther was generally employed drawing ; and I am
sure his great talent, as well as the patience he exhibited,
often ensured us kindness.
Two days after the removal of the gentlemen from the
common prison, all the remaining captives were taken to
a far distant gaol, under the pretence of better accommo-
dation, excepting two who were sick. I had the melan-
choly satisfaction of seeing them passing my' door, but
was not allowed to speak to them.
It was October the Bth that Captain Anstruther re-
ceived some supplies from Chusan, with letters that
held out hopes of release. He kindly sent me a large
share of his clothes. The compradore was now taken
away' from us, which distressed me greatly, as I
had now not a creature to whom to speak. They
now gave me a bedstead, which I found a great luxury,
having • hitherto .lain on a dirty floor. I was
sometimes allowed to see and converse with the sick pri-
soners, and I almost felt a consolation in dwelling upon
the dreadful past. . •
On Sunday, the. 18th, I heard the melancholy tidings
of one of our sailors being removed by the hand of death.
I had seen the poor boy several dines, and, as I felt sure
he could never recover, the few moments we were al-
lowed to speak were spent in dwelling upon solemn. sub-
jects. Though he was a mere skeleton, and weak as a
child, still he wore his irons to the last.

On the 26th we were all summoned by the superior
mandarins. Clothes and letters had arrived from Chusan,
clothes in abundance for myself. Among the above I re-
ceived a very kind note, with an acceptable present of
shoes, from my friend Captain Baily. The gentlemen.
received large supplies of clothes; wine, ale, and other
articles, with 300 dollars from Admiral Elliot ;. and all
the pristmers had clothes given to them. All the English-
men, except the. tiVo siolc, were present, and to our great
satisfaction our fetters were struck off ; we were also in-
formed that we should be free within five or six days for
a 'c'ertainty. Gladness then pervaded every breast but
as usual, mine was mixed' with bitter grief—to think
, how short a time since a happy wife 'and joyful:mother,
and that I feust now return deviate and alone. How-
ever, I could but be thankful to be freed from my fetters,
having worn them, as I imagine aright, for 32 days.
tittle did I then think, that we - should be obliged still
to drag on four long months of our existence in the dreary
abode. Some time afterwards the two marines already
mentioned were removed to the other prison. I felt sure
that one of them was then dying, and I greatly feared
441*br 4,NOilk-ittrYltr'74eritrik49,pison.. iliorweahness
1474. iii+X64olliW-that-7h6-once fell down -on his way,
though .?"00orted by.a•Chinaman ; after a few days the
-news of his death was brought to me. Notwithstanding
all the representations of Lieut. Douglas, irons were
not taken off this TiOor?Anan until he breathed his best.
The prison Wag's.° excessively small that they could not
turn around, without squeezin...each other, and thOugh
their commander remonstrated and insisted .upon their
• being allowed to walk about and enjoy the fresh air, they
were never permitted to take-any exercise in the court.
Our joy was inexpressible, when a channel of private
communication with our friends at Chusan was opened,
and when I received. from you, my dear friends, the first
letter (December 29), which afforded me very great con-
solation. Before this we heard of the death of another
1 marine, which affected us all deeply, and especially his
mast6r.

February the Bth, I had the pleasure of a visit from
some -Chinese naval officers, who told me that we were
to leave Ningpo within a fortnight. We thought there
was truth in the news, but were not certain until the 14th,
when I received the glad tidings from yourself.
On the 22d of February, before I arose, my attendant
came to my bedstead, saying, " Chiulm, Chusan, get up,"
and immediately the compradore called to me, saying
that we were indeed to go to Chinhae. While thus en-
gaged he was sent for by the mandarins, who told him
that he was not like- the other English prisoners ; they
would therefore not allow him to accompany them, but
send him down to Canton. This threw an immediate
gloom over. my spirits, and I felt deeply when, a few
minutes afterwards, I saw him locked up in his prison,
as he had long been my friend in adversity. Captain
Anstruther now insist.d upon seeing the compradore, to
give him money, and, after many entreaties made to the
mandarin, il-hoin he had greatly offended by withholding
a picture for some unkindness shown, he at last succeeded
in beating his way through the crowd. We walked a
great while in the prison yard, until by dint of persever-
ance and much pushing among the immense crowd, we
got into our palanquins. We had a guard to escort us,
and, having '.crossed the river in our conveyances, I
looked back, and was astounded
.at the dense mass of
spectators. ...Mandarins of every grade were in attend-
ance. Indeed theexcitement at Ningpo was indescriba-
ble. Our road to Chinhae led principally along the
river side, and our travelling was any thing 'but comfort-
able, the pass being so bad that I feared our palanquin
bearers would slip. When near Chinhae, one of my
bearers tumbled, and the palanquin thumped on the ground.
I struck my head, but the alarm was more than the in-
jury. I thought my troubles would not be at an end
:until 'reached Chinhae. On the road we met several
emissaries, urging on the bearers to use all speed, to the
mutual gratification of both parties. At last we arrived
safely at Chinhae, where we were received with honour
by the mandarins. We had not breakfasted
the gentlemen asked for food, a filthy fel"
with an apron-full of cakes. Afterwards th
us each a bason of meat. Captain Anstruth
taken to see Commissioner E, and after rema"

while he returned, telling us that we s
be sent for to hear the same story
namely, that we should not have come
the admiral had not sent us, and that we n.
turn,and tell the commanding officer he must

away with all speed, and, wiihhis eomplime
a great ovally soldiers were waiting to en
as soon as
.the English evacuated it ; but

time he entreated us to labour under no a'

for they had no hostile intentions. At first
eluded that Lieutenant Douglas was t 3 accompany me to
Chusan, while Captain Anstruther should remain and see
all the men embark; but when we were with Commissioner
E, Lieut. Douglas told him that Captain Anstruther had
nothing to do with the people, and begged that he might
be allowed to remain with his crew, and that Captain
Anstruther might accompany me. It at length de-
termined that both the gentlemen 'should stay behind,
and only Mr. Witts accompany me. Soon after I took
leave of the gentlemen, and re-entered my palanquin,
which, conveyed Trt, to the waterside, where the linguist
presented me with a fan. On our way we were taken to
the soldiers' tents, it being a late hour, and quite dark. I
could see but little of them, but they appeared to be nu-
merous, and occupied a very large space. Every atten-
tion was now shown me. They carried me close to the
boatside and fixed a chair in the sampan for my com-
fort. For some hours our boat lay at anchor to enable
the other prisoners to embark, and during the night
proceeded on her way to Chusan. About seven o'clock
in the morning of the 26th I was once more gladdened
by the sight of an English vessel. SOon after we were
boarded by two naval officers, and Mr. Johnson was the
dfrannityesplaenad-
first to welcome me to freedom. As the boat drew nmr,
Captain Bourchier, of the Blonde, sent his gig to con.,
vey me on board, and glad indeed was I to step into it
'il.::,gahstteedile
and thus quit for ev& a people at whose hands I had re-
ceived such bitter wrongs. I remained on board the Blonde
,part of the crew came safely on board. I
until the arrival of my fellow-prisoners, whOM I was most
:IPitenanees. Being most anxious to see '3.-6µ, my
anxious to see once more.' Libut. Douglas and Chpt. An-
struthersure greatly to see those I so much esteeMed .restored
to their usual comforts and warm friends. Ere long
soedoaitnistij.oesisneded untss,mainngd
their
'e
dear friend, and Dr. Lockhart being in waiting to ac-
company me, I lost no time in hastening to the ship
paletula,
ae a
~Encluoi European-Part
Blundell, where you had so carefully proVided for my
comfort. • My dear friend, Lieutenant Douglas 'did not
leave me until I was safely on board. To describe our
meeting would be needless—but I would not conclude
i without a sincere, solemn, and heartfelt ascription of

with honour 1 Joseph for possessory rights, is.
td, and when ance—a very short-lived emot
llow came in sentence, his native grJedinesss
they brought old pike, vacillating,-in the favor
ther was now his native lake, between his inter
Lining a little ing bait and his habitual cunning
should soon
hook"—so, our Joseph - eyes the
first ;—then dashes halfway at tin
'told midway ; swims round and roum
to
rises, now descends; half rcjectir
mitstCniolisn: f
reie tempting morsel—then his keen
get thq ships like other varieties of the econom
ents,..say that the danger and seeks the most of
.nter' Chusan, which he can conceal his vexatiot
at the same —snap up some easier and sinalle
apprehension,
POST.--We had occasion ad
partt it was con_
vew t protect, o
ft the machinery
ctAdministrat which had
mn to