The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1833-10-29 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL ST.INDARD.

SlR,—Wre, the undersigned, being the captain-and mute of
the ship Cumberland, having seen a paragraph in the Licerio,l
Chronicle of the 26th instant, setting forth that this ship expe-
rienced one of the severest hurricanes ever witnessed, beg leave
most respectfully to contradict that assertion in the most un-
qualified manner, as not being founded in truth, as may be seen
by a perusal of the ship's log book, now on board, the gale
which we experienced being one of those common to the West-
ern Ocean at this time of the year. With regard to the docu-
ment setting forth that all the passengers were satisfied with
their berths, we have also to state, that this is not correct, for
several of them did not sign it., and some that did sign it were
ignorant of the nature of what they were signing ; several of
the passengers had no berths on the day we sailed, but, by the
recommendation of the Government agent, who did all in his
power to ameliorate the condition of these people, teu were
removed, after sailing, into the fore cabin, by the order of the
owner, Mr. Ashbridge, agreeably to the Government agem's
wishes.
As the place in which these poor people had to live was not
capable of containing them, even after their luggage was put
down the fore-hold, some of which is now spoiled and buried in
the salt, and the major part of it ruined by salt water; we have
further to state, that the ship could not have sailed a tide be-
fore she did, as the coals were not on board until the evening
of the 3d, and the water not filled until the morning of the
4th, on which day we sailed. We have likewise to state, that
on Thursday morning, on the Government agent visiting the
ship, and on our stating to him the quantity of water on board
for the emigrants' use, he found that we had nut sufficient by
900 gallons, which the charterers agreed to supply, and was
filled on the day of sailing. We have also to state, that the
charterers put the passengers' baggage and provisions in the
fore-peak, but which was removed on a platform made between
decks by the recommendation, of the Government agent and
Lloyd's surveyor, but not by the kindness or humanity of the
' charterers. We have likewise to state, that there were several
berths fitted up between the pumps and main-mast, which the
Government agents represented to the charterers as being unfit
for any human being to sleep in when the ship got to sea, which
was absolutely the case, as ail the passengers' bedding are com-
pletely spoiled by salt water from the ship labouring. so much
about the pumps and mast, and which the evidence of any im-
partial person can see by visiting the ship; therefore, the cer-
tificate signed by four masters of merchant ships cannot be
correct, or these berths must have escaped their observation.
In conclusion we have further to state, that the charterers have
never visited the ship since her arrival, therefore, they cannot
say that they have shown any sympathy or commiseration for
their sufferings. In inserting this in your valuable paper you
will oblige us, as we are willing to make oath as to the truth
of this statement. We are, &c.
THOMAS NICOLL, Master.
RICHARD BRIERLY, Mate.
JOHN ABIHT, Carpenter.
JOSEPH FISHER, 2(1 Mate. .Witnesses.
Liverpool, Oct. 28, 1833.