The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-07-29

EXTRAORDINARY HERoIsM AT SEA.-The
London Gazette publishes an account OF the
extraordinary adventures of part of the crew
of the bark Arracan, Of Greenock, which,
whilst on voyage from Shields TO Bombay
with cargo of Goals, took fire from sponta-
neous combustion of her cargo, and on the
the 18th Of February was Abandoned by her
crew, who then took TO their boats and ell
deayored 10 make for the Maldive Islands.
The boats kept company until the goth,
when, finding the currents too strong, 1t was
agreed to separate after dividing the provi-
sions. The master, in command Of the long
boat, then made for Cochin; the mate, in
charge of the gig, and the second mate, David
Webster, in charge Of the pnDace, with
four of the creW-viZ., three men and one
boy-made for the Maldive Islands. After
two days Webster's boat was injured by
heavy sea, and could not keep up with the
gig, and lost sight of her. From this time
the pinnace was kept working to windward
until the 9th of March, by which time the
provisions and water had been consumed.
Shortly afterwards the crew cast lots which
of them should be first killed to be eaten, and
the lot fell upon the ships boy Horner; but
Webster, who had been asleep, was awoke
in time to save the boys life. After dark an
attempt was made to kill Webster himself.
On the following day Webster, having fallen
asleep, was awoke by the. struggles OF the
crew for the possession of bis gun with
which to shoot him. Two hours later the
crew attempted to take Horper's life again,
but were prevented by the determined con-
duct of Webster, who threatened to shoot
and throw overheard the first man who laid
hands on the boy. The next day one ofthe
crew attempted to sink the boat, but Web
ster mastered him and prevented further
mischief. Two days later the same member
of the crew again tried 10 sink the boat, and
expressed his determination to take the boys
life. For this he would have been shot by
Webster had not the cap on his gun missed
fire. Soon after, putting fresh cap on
his gun, bird flew over the boat,
which Webster shot. 1t was at once
seized and devoured by the crew, even
to the bones and feathers. During the next
five days the crew were quieter, subsisting
on barnacles which attached themselves to
the bottom of the boat, and on sea.blubber,
for which they dived. The following day
some Of the men became delirious. One Of
them lay down exhausted, when another
struck him several blows on the head
with an iron belaying.pin, cutting him
badly. The blood which flowed was caught
in tin and drunk by the man himself and
the two other men. Afterwards they fought
and bit one another, and only left of when
| completely exhausted, to recommence as soon
as they were able; the boy Horner during
the time keeping watch with Webster. On
the thirty-frst day In the boat they were
picked up, six hundred miles from land, by
the ship City of Manchester, Hardie master,
by whom they were very kindly treated and
brought to Calcutta. Webster, who. by his
conduct was the means Of saving the lives Of
all In the boat, has had conferred upon bin
by the Queen the Albert medal Of the second
class. He is now living at Broughty Ferry,
Dundee.