, 1855-03-03

where, in to-day's paper, will be found full
particulars of the wreck of the above pro-
pcler off McAuley's Point, on the south
side of the entrance of Esquimalt Harbor.
The memoranda of the purser, Mr.. Truman
II. FULLER, will explain the immediate
cause attending the disaster, and the COM
munication Of II. r, CROsBIE, Esq, detail
ing occurrences, before, at the time, and af-
ter the wreck, will be read with interest,
and all the facts, relative thereto he at
once obtained. 1t is shown conclusively,
that the vessel was staunch and sound TO
the core, and withstOod the breakers that
dashed her on the rock-girt coast, for a
length of time that probably would have
literally annihilated any vessel trading on
the Sound, at a single dash and consigned
all on board to a watery grave. She
was more than Sound-she was emphatically
strORg-nerved with iron in all her parts,
which fact, but for the unfortunate fate to
which she has been subject, would proba-
bly, never have been asccrtained by those
who had in advance of trial determined to
doubt, and whose curiosity wish, and dis
appointment are all now manifestly gratifed.
A new boiler was all the "Tompkins " re-
qliEed, to render her a safe and sea-worthy
steniher, capable of performing all the bu-
smess afforded on the Sound, for some time
to come, and TO continue for many years in
the trade after business had induced stran-
gers to make their appearance amongst u.s..
1t is due to Capt. j. NJ Hunt and Mr..
JOIN II. SCRANTON, master and supercargo,
to state, that the steamer was brought
from San Francisco here at their own haz-
ard, and to ascertain from practical opera
tions, if the commerce and business of the
Sound was sufficient to keep steamer alive
or not. The experiment proved satisfacto-
ry. An active business of more than six
months, demonstrated that steamer could
pay expenses, independent of mail con
tract on the Sound, which the parsimony
of the Post Master General seems deter
mined to deprive us Of direct to San Fran
cisco. Through the determined energy,
and selfsacrifcing exertions of the above
named gentlemen, the Tompkins" broke
the ice, established a fixed fact, that by
careful management, prudence, and exer-
ton, its receipts might be made equal
to expenses, and as the pioneers Of steam
navigation, are entitled to something more
than cold thanks, often the only reward
of successful adventures.
The a6senee-uf steamer will now be
most seriously felt There are, as yet, no
mail routes under contract along the Sound,
farther down than Steilacoom. The for
mer mode Of travel, in canoes and small
sailing crafts, will again have to be resort
ed to-transportotion will have to find its
way, from point to point, as best it can
Sailing vessels and tonnage Of oil kinds will
be compelled to bide the time of wind and
tide, and a darker shade will be added to
the present dullness of business operations.
Who is it that doubts that we require an
ocean steamer on our waters But we
trust the next one will bring with her a
mail contract, authorizing its regular con-
veyance from the head of Puget Sound to
San Francisco.
1t will be seen that the officers, crew and
passengers were all saved through the good
management of Capt. Hunt, and were treat
ed in the most hospitable manner by the
citizens Of Vancouver's Island.