, 1873-03-30
A WORTHY TRIBUTE,
4 TestfmOnfa to the White Star Line
--Presentatfo11 to Cnpt. Thompson.

4 Testimonial to the White Star Line
--Presentatfon to Cnpt. Thompson.
From, the Lirtrpool Daily Telegraph, March 7.
The steamers Of tho White Star Company and
their commanders arc becoming not only famous
for their fast passages, but for tho number Of
lives which they have sayed IN the Atlantic dur
ing the ppat twelve months, and yesterday, at 4
meeting OF the Local Marine Board, Mr. Shall
cross presiding, there being present Mr. Philip
Nelson, Capt. Judkins, Mr. T. =; Lemon: III. ].
splendid gold chronometer, chain, and append
ages, WAS presented to Capt. " 81. Thompson,
OF the Nhito Star Company's steamer Republic
as recognition from President Grant and the
United States Government OF his gallant and
heroic conduct in saving the Lives Of tho crow OF
tile brig Mountain Eagle, which Was abandoned
at sea on the 9Th Of January, 1872. The circum-
stances Of the rescue Of tho crew OF this vessel
were published ut the time Of the disaster; but
although the affair has been SO long in abeyance,
been unmindful Of the humane conduct Of tho
captain Of tile White Star steamer.
Mr. Sha!lcroes, in making the presentation,
said it was his pleasing duty to have to present
to Capt. Thompson very valuable recogni-
ton OF his humane and seamanllke conduct from
the Government Of the United States. At the
present time, perhaps, more than any other, the
duty they had to perform just then had signif-
cance, aud it WAS also gratifying to him to
know that in the Mercantile Marine OF this
country there we're men who had not lost all
feelings of humanity. After alluding to the ter
rible catastrophe which lately occurred in the
Downs, and which was an exceptional event so
far az the exhibition Of a lack Of humanity went,
he said ell nations appeared desirous to acknowl-
edge the gallant conduct and bravery OF the sail
or, and under all circumstances he deserved it
hut there was no nation who moro readily rocog-
nized kindness, harolsm, and humanity at sea
than America. He had, therefore, great pleas
uro in presenting to Capt, Thompson, in the
name Of the President of the United States, q
magnificent timepiece as reward for saving
the crew Of the Mountain Eagle. he (a1r.
Shallcross) might just state that there was no
unnecessary risk III rescuiug the men, but still
there was no want Of humanity. The brig
Mountain Eagle, when she was fallen in with by
the Oceanic, was :bound from Jersey, United
States, to Portland, with cargo OF coal WAS in
sinking condition, and Capt Thompson was
not the man to pass by and leave them to per-
ish. The crew consisted OF nine hands, and
they had been thirty-fye hours at work at tho
pumps; ; and, in consequence Of five out OF nine
poophouse, having given up pumping,-where
they were found when the Oceanic bore down
upon them. They had saved nothing but what
they stood in, and whom on board the Oceanic
both by the Captain, the officers, tho crew, and
the passengers, They were supplied with clothes.
&C., and everything that WIS necessary
towards their comfort. A1r. Shallcross, in conclu
sion, stated that the Liverpool Shipwreck aud
Humane Society had presented Capt. Thomp-
son with their gold modal the silver medal had
been awarded 70 tho second officer, who had
charge OF the boat which went to the rescue OF
the crew OF tho Mountain Eagle, and sovereign
to each Of the seamen who manned the boat:
If Capt. Thompson chose, tho Board would
indo1se his papers, and send them up for ap-
probation to the Board Of Trade. The watch,
he might state, bore the following inscription
Presented BY tho President Of the United
States to Capt. ". II. Thompson, in &C
acknowledgement OF his services in resculng the
the sth January, 1872" Tho watch had boen
forwarded By the English Ambassador in Wash
ington to Earl Granville, who forwarded it to
tho President Of the Board OF Trade, by whom it
WAS transmitted to tho Local Marine Board. He
(A1r. Sha!lcross) hoped that Capt. Thompson
always attends the performance OF such humane
and gallant conduct. Hear, Lear.l
Capt. Thompson, III acknowledging the pre-
sentation Of the testimonial, said lie did not
value it so much for its intrinsic value, or for
the inscription which WAS upon it, but because
it carried with it many pleasant and feeling
He felt in what he had dono that
he WAS simply carrying into practice the words
OF our great naval Captain, who said, England
expected every man to 20 his ~ duty" ne nag
he might just state, as the senior commander Of
the White Star Line OF Steamers, that during
the past year three vessels Of that Company,
namely, the Adriatic, Baltic, aud Atlantic, had
saved no less than one hundred lives at sea.
Tho American Congress- had recognized tho
gallant conduct Of the Captain and crew Of the
Atlantic, aud he (Capt. Thompson) would
conclude by saying that ho should always do the
samo as be had hitherto done. Hear, hear.l
Capt Thompson, having been eonEsatn5-
retired, and the proceedings terminated,