SUPPLEMENT TO THE “ROYAL CORNWALL GAZETTE” NEWSPAPER TRURO, FRIDAY MAY 11, 1855

WRECK OF AN EMIGRANT SHIP on the MANACLES ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ A HUNDRED AND NINETY‐SIX LIVES LOST! It is our melancholy task to describe the most dreadful shipwreck which has occurred on the Coast of Cornwall within the present century; equalled in loss of life by only two similar catastrophes, and far more distressing than either of these, in that the ship was sacrificed under circumstances which admit of no explanation or excuse, and a large proportion of the sufferers were neighbours, whose loss carries mourning into almost all parts of this and the neighbouring County. The Manacles reef, where this calamitous event occurred, is a bed of rocks about two miles wide, and extending from a mile and quarter to a mile and a half from the shore. It is formed by a large dyke of greenstone which crosses St. Keverne, giving it the fertility for which the parish is distinguished, and which prevails wherever this rock is found, and marked in its course by boulders on the surface. It slopes to the sea, forming a shore everywhere more or less accessible and very different indeed from the bold cliffs which form so large a part of our coast. The steep slopes are thickly covered with boulders, and occasionally the rock shoots up in abrupt crags. The portion of this great dyke which extends under the sea is very uneven, everywhere rising in rocks, of which a very few are always exposed, many are visible only at low water, and the greater number are always covered. Channels through them exist wide and deep enough for a vessel, which the pilots and fishermen know and use, but which it would be almost certain destruction for any one to who is not thoroughly acquainted and familiar with the locality. A Packet was once piloted through them by a fisherman, who was accidentally on board, and thus escaped an enemy’s cruiser which had thought to cut her off on her rounding the reef. Three of the outermost rocks are always visible, and may be plainly seen, even without a glass, for some six or eight miles distance; and a large buoy moored a little beyond them marks the utmost extent of danger. To these conspicuous rocks the name of the “Manacles, “or outer Manacles, is particularly given. The reef towards the shore is known as generally the “inner Manacles,” and the principal rocks over all the reef have their distinguishing names. The shore forms a projecting headland, between a deep and narrow inlet, Porthowstock or Prowstock Cove to the North and a deep bight or bay, Coverack Cove, to the South, both fishing stations. The northern extremity of this headland is the Manacle Point. About the middle of it is another promontory, high, sharp and craggy called Dean’s Point, with Godrevy Cove between the two. To the South, a moderately swelling plain lies at the foot of the hills, scarcely a dozen feet above the sea, and formed of a bed of the very fine sand which is used for castings in the foundries, which here lies over the greenstone. The entire beach along the headland is a mass of large round boulder stones. The Manacles Reef is a natural breakwater to which Falmouth harbour owes much of its safety in gales from the Southward; and with very ordinary care and knowledge it is not, or ought not to be, a danger in channel navigation. The Lizard lights are conspicuous not three leagues to the South West, and St. Anthony’s light is equally so, little more than two leagues to the North‐North East. The spire of St. Keverne Church above it is a conspicuous and well‐known mark. With this sketch of the locality the circumstances of the late miserable wreck may be understood. The barque John, of Plymouth, 468 tons, Edward Rawle, master, left that port for Quebec on Thursday afternoon, about four o’clock, having on board 268 passengers, and a crew of 19 hands, including the captain. Of the passengers, 98 were children and 16 infants. She passed the Dodman, the captain says, between 6 and 7 o’clock, at the distance of 8 or 9 miles; the chief mate, at 8 o’clock, at a distance of 4 or 5 miles; and so material a discrepancy between the two principle officers, both at the time in charge of the ship, shows at least great inattention. At 8 o’clock, the chief mate gave up the watch to the second mate, but the captain being on deck, both mates appear to have considered the charge of the ship to have been with him. St. Anthony’s light at the entrance to Falmouth harbour was seen about 9 o’clock, and no difficulty could have arisen as to the proper course. There was a strong leading wind, varying from N. to N.N.W., and N.E. The night was clear, with a beautiful twilight between the clouds to define the outliers (?) of land to the westward, and the moon, but one day past the full, would rise before twilight faded away. The vessel had been steered along shore, instead of making a channel course to clear the Lizard, but almost to the last moment she had a leading wind to carry her clear of danger; while the Falmouth light, visible for an hour, or an hour and a half before the ship struck, showed exactly where they were, and the land was always to be distinguished. Nevertheless, she was steered up into Falmouth Bay, miles from where she ought to have been, and she was within a mile of the land, and running upon it, when she struck. At this time, she was north of the Manacle Reef and enclosed within it, the wind being from N.E. to E.N.E. She struck about 10 o’clock, but tailed off the rock, apparently with loss of rudder, drifted towards the shore, and was brought up by another rock on which she rested, about a quarter of a mile off Dean’s Point. An anchor was now dropped, it does not appear with what object. Low water was not until midnight, consequently from three to four hours were available for getting the passengers on shore, and it would have been the work of a very short time to send a well manned boat in charge of a competent officer, if such was on board, to find a suitable spot for landing, and to determine the precautions which the nature of the shore required. The spot where the surviving passengers were headed was not 500 yards from the wreck. But nothing effectual was done. The quarter boat was lowered, but no one was placed in charge. Five sailors and a passenger got into her, and she drifted away and reached Coverack about eleven o’clock, when she gave the first information of the wreck. Boats could not have gone from Coverack against the wind over the reef to the ship, and the coast guard therefore hastened to Porthoustock, 3½ miles distance. The precious time was thus lost in which all might have been saved, for the wind moderated and the sea went down towards low water, but rose as the flood tide made after midnight. After the quarter boat got adrift, the life‐boat so called, a large and deep boat, but very slightly built, was got into the water. This appears to have been done as the voluntary act of the parties launching her, and the consequence of undirected efforts was, that she was injured in getting her out, and she too drifted away with two persons, instead of 20, or 25, whom she would carry. She came on shore on the point of the Lowlands, where she lies, stove at all points, but not broken up. The captain would allow no further efforts to get out the remaining boats, and forbade one of the seamen to cut away an obstruction which hindered the launching of the long‐boat. All this time the vessel remained fixed, steady, and dry on deck, though full of water below. The captain appears to have entertained a full conviction that there was no danger, and discouraged all attempts till daylight. The crew were even employed for an hour and half, according to the testimony of the second mate, in furling the sails. Midnight brought low water, and with the flood tide the wind and sea rose, and baffled the efforts of the coast guard men to get off to her from Porthoustock. Long before daylight the sea covered the deck. The ship had a poop cabin, and a number of the passengers crowded upon this. The rest, with the crew, took to the rigging; husbands, fathers, and brothers, supporting their female relatives there. But as the tide rose, the highest of the springs, the poop deck ceased to be safe. The chief mate who was there succeeded in getting to the main rigging, but the passengers, unequal to such effort, were enclosed for inevitable destruction, and before daylight the appalling shriek of a multitude, quickly and completely silenced, told the horror‐stricken watchers on the shore that they had all been swept away. Meantime the numbers of those who had clung to the rigging were fast lessening; some falling from exhaustion, other swept off by the seas. Several of the children had also been lost in the unsuccessful attempt to get them into the rigging. One man, William Clemence, with a wife and seven children on board, three of them from 3 to 4 years old, attempted to save these by fastening the three younger in a sheet to get them aloft, but unfortunately he failed. The elder ones, with the parents were saved. Dawn showed the wreck, the hull under water, the three masts standing, and about 60 survivors in the rigging. Two boats from Porthoustock now reached them, and at three trips succeeded in landing safely the greater number. One man was taken from a plank, and nine men and a woman from a kind of raft. The women and children were taken off first, and it was time the assistance should reach them, for the poor creatures were exhausted. The sea which ran made it hazardous for the boats, and difficult to take off the enfeebled sufferers. Two fell into the sea and perished in sight of their friends. One of them, a female, had held on through the night with her husband, and a female relation. The two latter were safely got into the boat, but the wife fell into the water, and was drowned before she could be reached. One passenger was taken into the boat alive, but died before reaching the shore. It was a heart rending sight as the bodies, chiefly of women and children that had been collected on shore were examined, by survivors from the wreck who sought relatives who had perished, and by friends from home, who hastened to learn their share in the calamity. The spectacle itself, of more than sixty corpses, who but a few hours before embarked full of hope, and had been so cruelly sacrificed, was one of appalling horror. All the 69 bodies washed ashore on Friday and Saturday were removed to St. Keverne Church. They were mostly women and children. The bodies were all placed in coffins, and buried, on Saturday evening, in one grave. Six other bodies have since been washed ashore up to last evening. We understand that the following is an accurate statement of the number affected by this dreadful calamity. SAILED:— Cabin passengers 5 Other passengers 263 Captain and crew 19 287 Saved 91 Lost 196 Washed ashore 75 121

The main and mizzen masts went over the side in the course of Friday, and after part of the wreck appears to have much broken up. The foremast was standing yesterday, with the shrouds and forestay firm. The hull is completely covered at dead low tide, and has probably slipped into a little deeper water. The coastguard have fitted a temporary shelter on the Lowlands Point, where the articles thrown or brought on shore are collected. Forty‐six years ago, the Manacles were the scene of shipwrecks equally fatal with that of last week. On Sunday the 21st of January, 1809, the transport Dispatch, with troops from Corunna, after the battle of the previous Tuesday, was wrecked in a heavy gale off Dean’s Point, near the spot of the late calamity; and on the same day the Primrose, 18‐gun brig, was wrecked on the outer Manacles. On board the gun‐brig were 118 souls, and on board the Transport, about 90, who all perished, except a very few saved by the Porthoustock fishermen, whose exertions were deemed so praiseworthy, that the Government gave a liberal gratuity to each concerned. The late Lord Vivian, then Lt. Col. of the 7th Hussars, and the late Rev. G. Treweeke of Illogan, then a captain in the same regiment, had actually embarked in the transport, and escaped destruction only by having afterwards removed to the Barfleur three decker, on the invitation of her Captain, a friend of Col. Vivian’s.

The Board of Trade has directed an enquiry into the circumstances of the wreck of the John, which commenced at Falmouth yesterday. The passengers who have survived have received their passage back again, but in instances where survivors have lost relatives, the passage money of the deceased bas not been repaid. The following is the list of the passengers deposited at the Custom House prior to the sailing of the ship:— CABIN PASSENGERS.—Mr. C. Hele, 20; Mr. Hornbrook, 45; Mr. Knuckey, 35; Mr. Morey, 33; Mrs. Morey, 35. STEERAGE PASSENGERS.—Charlotte Ash, 22; W. H. ditto, 1; Henry Autridge, 51, labourer; Honor ditto, 51, wife; Elizabeth ditto, 16; Jane Bartlett, 37; James ditto, 1; John Burnett, 24, labourer; William Brook, 22, ditto; Joseph Bowden, 23, ditto; John A. Bone, 34, smith; Ann ditto, 32, wife; Jane A. ditto, 10; Amelia ditto, 7; Anne ditto, 2; Richard ditto, 40; James Clampett,32, laborer; Eliza ditto, 24, wife; Emma J. ditto, 1; William Clemence, 44; Caroline ditto, 44; Mary A. ditto, 21; Caroline ditto, 17; Elizabeth ditto, 13; W. Henry ditto, 11; Ann ditto, 8; Ellen ditto, 7; Robert ditto, 4; Silas Creper, 25, shoe‐maker; Mark Chant, 19, labourer; W.E. Churchward, 31, plumber; Samuel Diamond, 30, labourer; W. H. Down, 25, stonemason; John ditto, 30, smith; Wilmot ditto, 28, wife; Samuel Drewe, 20; Wm. Dawson, 22, carpenter; Susannah Doidge, 25; Jane Doidge, 25; Frances Doidge, 6; Jane Doidge, 2; Eliza ditto, 21, servant; Robt. Daw, 30, laborer; Johanna ditto, 37, wife; James Eastcott, 59, laborer; Jane ditto, 57, wife; Jane ditto, 12; Elizabeth ditto, 10, Mary ditto, 2; Sarah ditto, 30; W. H. ditto, 7; Mary J. ditto, 6; Elizabeth ditto, 5; Ann ditto, 3; John ditto, 1; Samuel Featherstone, 47, carpenter; Mary ditto, 47, wife; Mary A. ditto, 24, servant; Betsy ditto, 23, ditto; Jane ditto, 19, ditto; Harriett ditto, 17, ditto, 17, ditto (sic); John ditto, 13; George ditto, 11; Lucy ditto, 8; Sarah ditto, 4; Phillip Gibbings, 35, labourer; Mary ditto, 27, wife; Thomas ditto, 7; Samuel ditto, 5; George ditto, 2 ; John Garland, 34, labourer; Mary ditto; 42, wife; John ditto, 6; William ditto, 4; Ann ditto, 1; Henry Hocken, 19, shoemaker; Thomas Hill, 28, shoemaker; Fanny ditto, 23, wife; Betsey ditto, 3; Emma ditto, 1; John Houghton, 35, miller; Robert Hellier, 38; Ellen ditto, 36, wife; William ditto, 12; Dinah ditto, 10; Harriett ditto, 8; Anna ditto, 6; Robert ditto, 4; James ditto, 1; Robert Honey, 36, baker; Mary ditto, 31, wife; Samuel ditto, 10; Susan ditto, 8; Lucy ditto, 6; John ditto, 5; Emma ditto, 4; Mark ditto 1; James Hocken, 24, carpenter; Ann Harris, 41; William ditto, 10; Mary J. ditto, 3; Ann Hodsoll, 40; Nancy ditto, 17; Joseph ditto, 13; George ditto; 12; Rosina ditto, 10; Sarah ditto, 8; Emma ditto, 5; Sophia ditto, 3; Eliza ditto, 1; Edwin Hayne, 21; Henry Jeffery, 24, labourer; Maria ditto, 25, wife; Mary A. ditto, 4; William Henry ditto, 1; William Kelly, 18, labourer; Harriett Martin, 30; Richard ditto, 11; James Henry ditto, 9; Maria ditto, 3; Georgina ditto, 2; Joseph Lander, 24, tailor; Ann ditto, 22, wife; H. Lacy, 19, labourer; John Morcombe, 25, labourer; Jane ditto, 22, wife; George ditto, 4; John ditto, 2; Ellen ditto, 1; Dinah Mortimore, 25, servant; Eliza ditto, 20, ditto; Richard Mead, 19; Henry North, 34; Mary A. ditto, 28, wife; Henry P. ditto, 5; Eliza ditto, 3; George ditto, 1; Ellen Paul, 21, servant; Simon Pattimore, 19, labourer; John Phare, 29, shoemaker; Eliza ditto, 26, wife; Eliza ditto, 6; John, ditto, 4; Elizabeth ditto 2; Mary G. ditto, 1; Thomas Pincombe, 43, miller; Sarah ditto, 44, wife; Jane ditto, 13; Elizabeth ditto, 11; Betsy ditto, 9; Richard ditto, 6; William ditto 4; Mary ditto, 1; James Pine, 18, tilemaker; Sarah A. ditto, 25, servant; Nathaniel Pyne, 65, tilemaker; Mary ditto, 59, wife; Elizabeth ditto, 38, servant; Rosina Viney, 47, ditto; Elizabeth Pearse, 35, ditto; Mary A. Penman, 19, ditto; George Pederick, labourer; Samuel Quintrell, 29, stonemason; Nichs. Reed, 32, labourer; Mark Rogers, 48, labourer; Ann ditto, 40, wife; Samuel ditto, 15; Mark ditto, 4; Mary A. ditto, 3; Roger, ditto, 1; Solomon Solomon, 17; William P. Stoyle, 43, plasterer; Frances ditto, 41, wife; Frances E. ditto, 19; Amos Sanger, 43; Michael Studden, 35, shoemaker; Elizabeth ditto, 37, wife; Christr. ditto, 12; Robt. ditto, 8; Jane ditto, 6; Susan ditto, 4; Austin, ditto, 1; Robert Searle, 23, labourer; Thomas Shore, 18; John Skewes, 25, shoemaker; Jos. Joseph Short, 21; William Seldon, 21, stonemason; Fanny Spiller, 17, servant; John Tilman, 31; Charity ditto, 27, wife; Henry A. ditto, 4; George J. ditto, 2; W. Chas. ditto, 1; Edward Tongue, 25; J. Tinkham, 20, labourer; Edward Tolley, 20; Harriett ditto, 20; William Turpin, 20, labourer; Mary P. Tom, 21, servant; William Tom, 17, labourer; William Treleaven; Grace Vivian, 23; George Wilce; Alfred ditto; Edward Westacott, 40, shoemaker; Ellen ditto, 33, wife; Jemima Wilce, 19; Rachel ditto, 16; James Woodman, 50, labourer; Ann Willcocks, 35; Edward ditto, 12; Sarah A. ditto, 11; Mary Whale, 40; Samuel ditto, 13; Frederick ditto, 10; John ditto, 8; Elizabeth ditto, I; Elizabeth Rodd, 30; William Walters, 40, miner; Mary ditto, 40, wife; Richard ditto, 14, miner; Betsy A. ditto, 13; John ditto, 11; William ditto 10; James ditto, 8, Mary ditto, 6; Robert Williams, 33, labourer; Maria ditto, 32, wife; Rachel ditto, 10; Susan ditto, 6; John ditto, 5; Eliza A. ditto, 2; Robert ditto, 1; Jane Wood, 32; Samuel ditto, 6; John ditto, 5; James ditto, 3; William ditto, 1; James Honey, 45, labourer; Betsy ditto, 45, wife; Maria ditto, 21, servant; Tamson ditto, 19, servant; Francis ditto, 18, labourer; Eliza ditto, 16, servant; Jane ditto, 13; Thomas ditto, 11; Edward ditto, 3; W. Henry Yelland, 35, sawyer; Walters Stewart, 43, musician; Louisa, 43, wife; Amelia ditto, 18; Henrietta ditto, 11; Charles ditto, 7; Adolphus ditto, 6; Wm. Thornby, 36, servant; Susan ditto, 36, wife; Mary Escott, 21, servant; Thomas Escott, 13, labourer; William Hallett, 28, farmer; Eliza ditto, 23, wife; Joseph Morrell, 30; Maria ditto, 22; N. Longsford, 49, mason. 149 adults, 98 children, 16 infants; equal to 198 statute adults. SAVED. –Geo., Alfred, and Jemima Wilce, of Amble, St. Kew; Jos. Short, of Callington; Geo. Pederick, of Kingsbridge; Wm. Morey, of Isle of Wight, John A. Bone of Devonport; Wm. Brock, of Dawlish; Thos. Hill, of London, and Bessy, his daughter; William and Mary Walters, and six children, of Beeralston; Henry North, of Colyton; William Seldon, of Devonport; Samuel Wm. Drewe, of Exeter; John Down, of Lifton; John Garland, of St. Teath; W.P. and Frances Elizabeth Stoyles, of Plymouth; Samuel Rogers of Jersey; William Henry Down, of Dartmouth; Mark Chant, of West Chinnock; Simon Pattemore, Meriot, near Crewkerne; William Thornby and Susan Thornby, of Jersey; Edward Westacott, of Dorset; James Clampett, of Newton Abbot; John Morcomb, of Lifton; John Tinkham, of Totnes; William Dawson, of Lustleigh, Newton Abbot; William Turpin, of do.; Nicholas Langsford, of Luxullian; John and Henry Hocking, of St. Mabyn; William Tom, of Blisland; Henry Lacey, of Merriot, near Crewkerne; Samuel Dymond, of Kingsbridge; W.E. Churchward, of Stonehouse; William Yelland of Devonport; Henry Jeffery, of Calstock; John Phare, and John Phare, jun., of Lifton; Nicholas Reed, of St. Ive; Robert Williams, of Wyke Regis; Robert Hellier, of Poltimore; Joseph Bowden, of South Molton; Silas Creeber of Davidstow, near Boscastle; Wm. And Caroline Clemence, and four children, near Wadebridge; Wm. Hallett, of Exeter; James and Thomas Estcott, of Tavistock; William Treleaven, of Wadebridge; Edwin Hayne, near Exeter; H. Eastcott; Edward Tolley; Elizabeth Pearce, of Plymouth; Mary Ann Penman, of ditto; Sampson Radmore; Edward Tangye, of Redruth; John Skewes, of Falmouth; John Knuckey, of Stithians; Michael Studden of Launceston; E.C. Hele; S. Solomon; S. Quintrell, of Newquay. —Total 74; and probably one or two more, who went away before their names were taken. Said to have returned home, a woolstapler to St. Columb, and a navvy smith to Truro; names unknown. THE INQUEST —On Saturday an inquest was opened, at the Red Lion inn, St. Keverne Church Town, before J. Carlyon, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of 69 of the unfortunate passengers who had been drowned in consequence of the wreck of the John, emigrant ship, on Thursday. The jury consisted of 17 of the most respectable inhabitants of the neighbourhood, viz.: ‐ Charles Appleton, surgeon, foreman; Lieutenant Charles Thomas Lory, R.N.; Richard Pearce; James Mitchell; John George; William Trerice; William Harris; George Boulden; Joseph Matthews; John Mitchell; James Smith; John Joyce; Richard Lawrence; Samuel Harris; Henry Pearce; Thomas Pearce; James Michell. The only body identified was that of Eliza Hallett, aged 22 years; and the first witness sworn was her husband, William Hallett, farmer, of Spreyton, in Devon. He deposed:— I identify the body of deceased to be my wife; I was a passenger with her on board the John, emigrant barque, Captain Rawle, which sailed from Plymouth to Quebec, last Thursday afternoon, about 4 o’clock. My wife was drowned between two and three o’clock the following morning, near the Manacles Rocks. We were both washed off the fore‐deck together, and caught hold of a rope, part of the rigging; but she was obliged to let go her hold, and I did not see her again until I saw her body in the church to‐day. The vessel first struck at about half past 10 on Thursday evening. I was in bed at the time, but went on deck as soon as I could dress myself. On getting there, I asked the captain if there was any danger; he said “no, we should all be saved against the morning.” The night was darkish, but I could see the hills ashore. After a time, I took to the rigging, where I remained till about 6 o’clock, when I was taken off in a boat. Shortly after I got on deck I saw some of the crew and passengers lower the quarter‐boat; I don’t know how many got into her, but I believe 4 or 5. I heard those who were in her say they had no oars. There were two other boats on deck between the two masts, placed one over the other. The passengers kept on begging the sailors to get the boats out; but the sailors swore upon the passengers and asked them what they were afraid of; and said there was no danger. I don’t know whether the sailors were drunk or sober. I don’t know what became of the quarter‐boat after she was lowered. The sea was comparatively smooth for some time after I got upon deck, and if proper exertions had been made there was time to land all the passengers. I did not hear any orders given. – To Captain Rawle. – I did not hear you desire the men in the quarter‐boat to remain alongside the vessel. Solomon Solomon. – I am the son of Josiah Solomon, of Whimple‐street, Plymouth; I was a passenger on board, and was on deck at the time the vessel struck. This was about ¼ past 10. The Captain and myself were on the poop together, and no one else. The second mate had the watch, but he was not on the poop; I had seen him there about ¼ of an hour or 20 minutes before. The Captain had been on the poop about a quarter of an hour before the vessel struck. I saw the Falmouth Light behind us shortly before she struck, and the land by her side apparently very close to us. About quarter of an hour or 20 minutes before she struck, the second mate came to the poop and asked for the captain, but he was not there. The second mate said “We are rather close to the land.” The captain came shortly afterwards, and I told him the second mate had said we were close to land. He replied, “Oh, _ mate;” with some word between which I don’t recollect. He did not take much notice of it. The second mate had been drinking, and was the worse for liquor. The captain and the man at the wheel were both sober. I don’t know whether there was any one in the bows on the look‐out. I heard some one sing out “rocks;” and at the same instant the vessel struck. It was a very fine night; and I think dull moonlight. The captain called to have the boats put out as soon as the vessel struck; and the quarter‐boat was lowered immediately by some of the crew. I got into her before she was lowered; so did the captain and four of the crew, and one of the apprentices. We held on by some of the ropes by the side of the vessel for a minute or two. Then the boat was getting swamped, and I proposed that she should be drawn up again. We tried to pull her up; but in doing so, a sea washed against her and we let go the falls. The boat then went adrift. The captain got out of her before the boat was lowered; the 4 sailors, the apprentice, and myself were the only ones in her when she went adrift. I don’t know the names of any of them. We had two oars, with which we got out from among the rocks; we then lay on our oars, and drifted from the vessel. Shortly afterwards we saw a light on the vessel, which the apprentice said he thought was a signal for us to return; we turned the boat towards the vessel, but having no thowls, we could not pull towards her. We then went, with the wind and tide in our favour, into Coverack, where we were attracted by seeing some lights; and we gave information of the wreck to one of the Coast Guard men. I did not hear the Captain tell the men in the boat when we were lowering her, not to leave the side of the vessel. – To Captain Rawle: ‐ I do not recollect your doing any thing when you were in the quarter‐boat. William Henry Yelland, from Devonport Dock‐yard, another passenger on board, deposed: —I left Plymouth on Thursday, and everything appeared to go on right till about 7 or 8 o’clock in the evening. At that hour I went up on deck, and seeing the vessel very near the land, I asked the man at the wheel how he was steering; he replied, “due west”; on which I observed to my comrade that I thought that was queer steering. However, we thought no more about it, and after walking up and down deck till near 9 o’clock I went below and turned in. About an hour afterwards I felt the vessel strike, and immediately went upon deck. A great many passengers came up shortly afterwards and there was great confusion. I went below again and put on part of my clothes, and then went up again. The Captain was then using every exertion to trim sails and get the vessel off. She forged off that rock, and in a few minutes struck again. The vessel, after this, made much water. The Captain gave orders to steer for the land. This was done, and in a few minutes she caught again on her hinder part. The vessel then began to heave her head round. The man at the helm said the helm would not answer. She then became stationary, and the Captain let go the anchor. From that time for two or three hours she remained perfectly still. The tide then began to rise again, and the Passengers began to get away on the forecastle and quarter‐deck, and some in the rigging. After the vessel was still, and before the flood made, the passengers were in groups on different parts of the deck, and quiet. When the vessel first became still, the Captain told the passengers it would be all right in the morning; and this it was that made them so quiet. As the tide rose, the passengers became impatient, and several of them wished to get the boats out. I and other passengers got hold of the boat, which was keel up on the long‐boat, and stove a hole in her quarter by throwing her on the main deck; but we lifted her up and launched her overboard, stern foremost. Immediately after she got into the water, two youngsters, passengers, jumped into her; and then I perceived, for the first time, that she had no painter, and she broke adrift; she had no oars or thowls in her. I then got into the long‐boat on the deck, and seeing there were no thowls in her, I made some with a piece of white deal that was in the boat; and I saw one of the sailors put the plug in. The carpenter was then called upon for thowls, by some one in the boat; and he replaced my wooden ones with some bolts. —We then remained quiet in the boat, which was over the main‐hatchway. I thought as the sea rose we should float off. Subsequently, however, the sea commenced breaking over the vessel, and I got out of the boat, and mounted aloft, where I remained till the following morning, when I was taken off in the same boat with the captain; this was a boat from the shore. When I went below to turn in, I could see land plainly. There were no exertions whatever made to save the passengers, when the vessel became stationary. One of the boats – the pinnace – had holes in her bottom; I saw them, and am quite positive of it. Had the crew made proper exertions as soon as the vessel became stationary, to get out the long‐boat, many of the passengers might have been saved; the long‐boat might have been got out in about five minutes. The distance between the vessel and the place where the passengers were ultimately landed might have been crossed in about 4 or 5 minutes. I believe the Captain feared that the coast was rocky, and that it would be dangerous to hoist a boat out. I cannot say that any of the crew were the worse for liquor. I saw a signal lanthorn in the rigging, but I don’t know when it was placed there, or who hoisted it there. I saw a blue‐light on shore, but not before the tide began to make. No gun or pistol was fired on board that I am aware of. It was daylight – I cannot say exactly at what hour – when the first boat came and took us off the rigging. Edward Rawle: —I am captain of the barque John, 464 tons register. I left Plymouth with my vessel and crew consisting of 19 including myself, last Thursday afternoon, between half past 3 and 4 o’clock. I should think we had about 200 emigrants on board; but I did not examine the list given me by the Clerk on leaving Plymouth, and all her papers are now lost. We were bound for Quebec. I had the usual certificate from the Emigration Agent at Plymouth. The first course I steered was West; then West half South; then West by South half South; then West South West; and at the time she struck, South by West. I saw Falmouth Light, just before she struck; and then I kept her away. I took the bearings of the Deadman, which bore north by east about 8 or 9 miles, somewhere between 6 and 7 o’clock. I did not see the Lizard lights. I did not take the bearings of the Falmouth Light. The second mate had the watch from 8 o’clock till she struck. There was a man on the look‐out forward. No one reported land to me, before she struck; and I did not see any myself. There was a haze over the land, which was very deceiving, and prevented my seeing it. We did not use the lead, or heave the log. We were going between 7 and 8 knots, and there was a fresh breeze blowing about N.N.E. I knew as soon as she struck where she was; she struck twice, with an interval between of about three or four minutes; after the first time, I ran her in for the shore; when she struck a second time. I heard no signal gun; no rockets or blue lights, or night signals; but a light was shown in the middle rigging. I cast off the gripes of the quarter‐boat. There were some passengers and seamen in her, and I desired them to remain by the vessel. I got into her before she was lowered, to cast off the belly‐gripes. I ordered the life boat and the long‐boat to be got out; but the passengers were clinging about me so much that I could not do anything myself. I saw the life‐boat got out, and, as I believe, four men got into her; but I did not see her again until parts of her were washed on the rocks; the oars were left in the long‐boat. I knew the tide was ebbing at the time she struck, and was in hopes she would hold on till daylight. I was not able to make any exertions to save the passengers, in consequence of so many women clinging about me, and there being so much confusion on deck. I took a little girl passenger up in the rigging, within an hour after the vessel struck, and held her in my arms, until we were taken off the following morning. I tried to return on deck again; but the rigging on each side was full, and I could not get down. The man at the wheel was an A.B. seaman, and sober, and was steering according to my directions. We had only one compass on deck to steer by; and I did not know there was any thing the matter with it; but when the vessel struck I knew it must have been incorrect; otherwise, from the course we were steering by; we could not have been where we were. I believe the crew were all sober. They carried on their duties according to order. I never saw the Lizard Lights for the day. I was aware that I ought to keep them in sight in order to clear the Manacles; and I attributed my not seeing them to the hazy state of the atmosphere. James Curry, of Sligo: —I relieved the wheel at about 20 minutes after 8 on Thursday evening. The vessel was then steering West. About a quarter of an hour afterwards, the course was altered to West half South, and continued about 10 minutes. The captain told me to keep her West by South, which I did for about an hour; then West South West, for a few minutes then South West; and within about 5 or 10 minutes afterwards she struck. A minute or two before she struck, I heard John Harris, the look out, sing out that there was something ahead; but I don’t know exactly what he said. The captain was walking the poop. As I was going aft to relieve the wheel, I saw a revolving light a little on our starboard quarter, and, a few minutes before she struck, I saw the same light on the port quarter. I could see the land very plain, about a point on the starboard bow, all the time I was at the helm. When she struck, I was knocked down by the revolution of the wheel, and remained under it until it went round again. I then got clear of it, and heard some one sing out to clear away the boat, — meaning the quarter‐boat. I went to the after‐tackle fall, and got into her with it in my hand; there were five more besides me. The Captain was the first to get into her, and he cried out to lower away. After we began to lower away, the Captain desired us to hold on, and then jumped on board the vessel. We held on for a short time, expecting the Captain again; but as he did not come, we lowered away a little more. A sea then struck the boat, and lifted her, and unhooked the fore‐tackle, when we were obliged for our own safety to unhook the after tackle; and the boat having no rowlocks, drifted to leeward, and it was not in our power to pull her back to the vessel again. We drifted towards Coverack, where we landed. I saw the second mate shortly after I took the helm; he was then sober. I saw some of the seamen tipsy before we left Plymouth; but they were all sober at the time of the wreck. Edward Venning: —I was relieved at the wheel by James Curry, on Thursday evening, shortly after 8 o’clock. I was steering West, nothing to the Northward, and told him to keep the same course. I had been at the wheel only about a quarter of an hour, and had been steering the same course all the time. Land, which I supposed to be the Deadman, was then on our starboard‐beam, —or rather before. I was in bed when the vessel struck. Afterwards I assisted in getting out the lifeboat, but she drifted away as soon as she got in the water. John Harris: —I had the watch at the time the vessel struck. I had been two hours on deck, having come on at 8 o’clock; and I had the look‐out forward all the time; I saw the land very plain, bearing on the starboard bow. After I was on the look‐out about an hour, I saw a light on the starboard beam, and told the Captain so. He was walking on the poop with the second mate; and one of them sung out “all right.” Shortly before the vessel struck, I reported that I saw some fishing boats a‐head. Some of the crew came forward, and said they were rocks. After the vessel struck I remained on deck about 2 hours. During that time some part of the deck was dry. When the tide made, and I could remain on the deck no longer, I took to the rigging. I don’t know whether the captain was there before me or not. I saw him walking on deck and giving orders what to do till between 12 and 1 o’clock. The passengers were quiet, and I heard the Captain telling them it would be better by and by. William Goodwin, first mate: —I was on deck till about ¼ past 8 on Thursday evening. I did not take the bearings at 8 o’clock, but at about that hour the Deadman was a little abaft the beam – about 4 or 5 miles. I was officer of the watch, but did not know how the vessel was steering, the captain being on deck. The last time I visited the deck before the wreck was between ½ past 8 and 9. She was then steering West by South half South. I did not notice the bearings of the land. Curry was at the wheel, and I asked him how he was steering; he said West South West; and the Captain told me the same. But, on looking at the compass, I was it was West by South half South. The mainsail was set, which would be apt to yaw her to windward of her course. After the vessel struck, the captain, officers, and men, used every exertion in their power to get the boats out and save the passengers; considering the confusion we were in. We got out the quarter‐boat first; I cannot tell whether she was ready, or not. There were thowls in her that afternoon; I cannot say there were any in her then. —She broke adrift. On getting out the second boat – the life‐boat – she was stove, and she drifted away as soon as she got in the water. The pinnace was not hoisted out; her seams were opened a little by the sun. We tried to get the long‐boat out, but not until after the tide began to make. From what I saw of the coast, I did not wish to get the boats out, and thought it would be dangerous to land. I knew it was near low water when the vessel struck, and that the decks would be swamped when the flood made. I thought we might get some assistance from shore before the tide made too high. —We had no means of making our situation known on shore. I was taken off the main top the following morning. I have been at sea about 20 years, but have not passed any examination for a chief officer. I did not see the Lizard Lights for the night; and did not think of looking out for them, as the Captain was on deck. The regular watch was not set till after the deck was cleared, which was about ¼ past 8. Edwin Elliott, boatswain on board, but acting as Second Mate at sea: —I have passed no examination and do not understand navigation. I took charge of the watch at ¼ past 8. I did not take notice of the land until about an hour before the vessel struck. It was then on the beam, from 3 to 5 miles as near as I could judge. I did not see it again until just before the vessel struck. The man on the look‐out then sung out there were boats ahead. I went forward, and saw there were rocks on the larboard bow. This might have been about ¼ to 10 o’clock, but I did not look at my watch. She drifted off the first rock, and the Captain gave orders to trim sails, in order to run the vessel ashore and save the passengers. I did not know what course the vessel was steering during my watch. I considered that while the Captain was on deck he had charge of his own watch; and he was on deck all the time except for about a minute. I did not see that the course which the Captain ordered to be steered was carried out. About half‐past 8 I heard the captain tell the chief mate that she was steering West South West. I did not hear the mate make any remark about the vessel being to windward of her course. About 9 o’clock I saw St. Anthony Light on the starboard beam – perhaps 3 or 4, or 4 or 5 miles. I then heard the Captain order the man at the wheel to keep her away South‐West Southerly; and we squared the yards. She was then going about 6 or 7 knots, under all plain sails. When the captain ordered us to square the yards, a ship had been reported a‐head; it was a brigantine; I saw her; she was reaching off. It was about three‐quarters of an hour after the Light was abeam that the captain ordered the course to be South West Southerly. Before that, from what the captain said to the mate, I supposed she was steering West South West. After she struck a second time, she forged over the rocks and became stationary. The first boat got out was the quarter‐boat; which was lowered and went adrift immediately. Then the life‐boat, which was stove in getting out; she broke adrift with two passengers in her. Then we proceeded to put the gear in the long‐boat for the purpose of getting her out; but we did not attempt to hoist her out until we had clewed up the sails, which took us about an hour and a half; but we were prevented from hoisting her out by the tackle getting fouled, and the passengers getting in to her. I was taken from the fore‐rigging the following morning. I never saw the Lizard Lights, and did not look out for them. I heard the captain order a good look‐out to be kept for the lights. Andrew Elder, one of the crew. —I was at the helm from the time the vessel left Catwater until she reached abreast of Fowey. The wind was from N.N.W. when we came round the Rame Head, and I steered West. As we proceeded, the wind drew more to the northward, and then to the eastward. I left the helm about 7 o’clock; the vessel going about seven knots. After leaving the helm, I was employed clearing the deck. About 8 o’clock the captain called us aft, to take a pull at the mizzen spanker out‐haul. At that time I took notice of the compass, and the head was West; and the Deadman bearing North, about three or four miles. I don’t know how she was steered after that. I saw Falmouth Light quite plain abaft the starboard beam, when I went below about 9 o’clock. I did not take the distance, and cannot say what distance it was. The crew at this time had not trimmed sails, but did so a little before the vessel struck. I was below about a quarter or half an hour before she struck. As soon as she struck, I was on deck and assisted in getting out the life‐ boat. Two passengers jumped into her and she went adrift. There was a rope fast to her, when she launched; but whether it was broke or was cast off I cannot say. I then assisted in getting the long‐ boat ready; but was desired by the Captain not to hoist her out until day‐light. I expressed my opinion to him before the flood came on strong, that it would be better to get her out; and I went to get an axe to cut away a gallow stanchion which was jamming the boat against the round‐ house and prevented us from hoisting her out. The captain ordered me not to cut away anything at all; as it would be better to keep the boat till day‐light. I allowed him to know better than me, and I said nothing more about it; but went, by his directions, with the chief mate and another seaman, to furl the main‐top‐gallant sail. Some of the rest of the crew went to furl the other sails. The second mate assisted me in getting out the life‐boat. I did not consider him at all the worse for liquor, nor any of the crew. William Rowe, of Boscastle; I took the wheel from Andrew Elder on Thursday night about 7 o’clock. I steered West Southerly from the time I took it till I was relieved about 8 o’clock by Edward Venning. The captain gave me that course, and I gave the same course to Edward Venning. Nicholas Reed, of St. Ive: —I was a passenger. At the time the vessel struck I was in my berth, but I went on deck immediately. For some hours afterwards the upper deck continued dry. The sea was smooth and the wind calm; but no exertions were made to save any of the passengers during this time. I went to the captain myself and asked him why he did not lower the boats; he replied “you may do so.” Some of us then got hold of the life‐boat and turned her over the side of the vessel. Two men got into her, as she got into the water; but she had no oars in her and went adrift immediately, and I saw nothing of her afterwards. We then tried to get out the long‐boat, but did not succeed in doing so. The falls were twisted, and after trying some time ineffectually, orders came not to launch any more boats, as two had been lost already. One of the sailors gave these orders; I don’t know which. The captain did not interfere with us in any way, and I did not hear him give any orders. The long‐boat remained in the vessel, and no further attempts were made to get her out. There was another boat on deck; but no one attempted to get her out. In my opinion there was time enough to land all the passengers in the long boat, if they had been landed a boat‐full at a time. The sea was not too rough until about 2 o’clock, when the flood‐tide was making strong against the wind, and washed the greatest part of the passengers off the vessel. I spoke to the captain several times on the subject, and he repeatedly said we should all be right against the morning. The passengers were allowed to do what they pleased, no one attempted to control them, except in getting out the long‐boat. The captain appeared to be sober; but some of the men were tipsy when we left Plymouth; I cannot say which of them were so. When I went on deck, it was good light, and I could see rocks and the cliffs close alongside us. I did not see the first boat lowered. William Henry Down, stonemason, a passenger, from Dartmoor: —Some of the crew were sober and others tipsy when we left Plymouth. The second mate and another short man – one of the seamen, whose name I don’t know – were worse than the rest. I did not see them drink anything on board. I saw the second mate on two occasions let go a rope and fall on deck from the effects of liquor. He certainly was not capable of doing his duty. There was not the least exertion made by the Captain or crew to serve the passengers, after the vessel was on the rocks. Had proper exertions been made before the flood tide made strong, many, if not all, might have been saved. The Captain told us there was no danger. He said there were two boats gone already, and he would have no more launched, as we were safe where we were. The passengers relied on his word, and remained quiet until the flood‐tide made, and washed over the vessel. I then went to the Captain’s cabin to ask him to launch the boats, to save the lives of the passengers. The cabin door was partly open, and he was inside, turning over something, with his back towards me. He turned round, and I told him there was more tide and that it was coming in over the deck; he made no reply, and I left the cabin and took to the mizzen rigging, where I remained till I heard the report of a gun from the shore. I then went again to the Captain’s cabin to tell him what I had heard; but the cabin door was shut. I called to him, but received no answer, and do not know whether he was inside or not. I then got up into the mizzen rigging again and remained there until I was taken off. About 2 o’clock, I saw the Captain take to the rigging, and heard him tell those above him to go up higher. I saw the land all the way down, up to the time of my going below, at ½ past 9. It was good light. At the time I went below I saw the Falmouth Light on the right of the vessel, before the beam, apparently a great way off; I saw it very plain. I did not see any of the passengers clinging round the captain and preventing him from doing his duty. He said the tide would not flow till after day‐light and that before that we should be saved by boats from the shore. John Phare, a passenger, from Lifton: —I was in bed when the vessel first struck; I then went upon deck and found a great many of the passengers there. I asked the captain what was the matter; as I spoke to him, the vessel moved on. He replied that she had struck a rock, but was all right again then. About 3 or 4 minutes afterwards she struck again and remained stationary. My wife, now drowned, asked him if there was any danger; and he told her there was none, and said, “Do you suppose I should be here, if there was?” or something to that effect. About ¼ an hour after I got on deck, the water was nearly up to the main hatch‐way; but when the tide ebbed, it subsided about 3 or 4 inches; and the sea continued calm till the flood made, about 3 or 4 hours afterwards. No one was washed overboard before that. About an hour after the vessel struck, I saw the captain come out of his cabin; I don’t know how long he had been there. The passengers never clung to him, that I saw; but many of them were begging him to get the boats out. He told them if they would have patience he would get them all ashore against the morning; and they were all very patient. The only step taken to get them on shore, was the lifting out the long boat by some of the crew. They turned her out over the side of the vessel and she went adrift at once. Two or three passengers got into her as soon as she was got out. If proper exertions had been made, I believe every soul on board might have been saved. The captain said he did not know the coast sufficiently to attempt to land the passengers; and advised them to remain where they were till day‐light. I heard the captain tell one of the passengers that the compass was one of a new invention that he was not acquainted with; and that it had put him 7 points out of the way. After the life‐boat had got adrift, there was no exertion made, either by the Captain or any of the crew, to save the passengers. When I got on deck, I could see the cliffs very plain; there was no haze over the land. The Captain appeared quite unconcerned about the fate of the passengers. I took to the rigging about one o’clock; there were many there before me. Michael Studden, shoemaker, of Launceston, who lost a wife and five children in consequence of the wreck, gave evidence corroborative of that by the two preceding witnesses. He stated that he was on deck at 9 o’clock; that it was a clear night and there was a nice breeze; and that he could see the land close to him. He had no doubt that if proper exertions had been made, all the women and children might have been saved. The sea was smooth, and the wind calm. He did not think that any lives were lost until the flood tide came in and washed the passengers off the vessel, about 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning. The Captain appeared to be sober; some of the sailors were tipsy when the vessel left Plymouth; he saw that the second mate was tipsy, about 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Thomas Clear, coast guard man of Coverack: —I first heard of the wreck about 11 o’clock on Thursday night. Lieut. Mac Lean, coast guard officer, called me out of bed. He told me to make haste out, and meet him at the public‐house at Coverack, for that there was a wreck on the Manacles, and some of the men belonging to her were at the public‐house. I was there in about three minutes. I saw Townsend, the chief boatman of the coast‐guard; he was on duty that night; I also saw John Andrews, another coast‐guard man, who had charge of the station at the time the Lieut. (Mac Lean) being sick. These were outside the public‐house. I went inside, and ascertained from one of the parties who had left the wreck, that there were four boats on board at the time he left the ship. After we had all consulted together as to whether it was practicable to go in our boat from Coverack to the wreck, we agreed that the sea being rough and the wind and tide against us, it was not. And, in this we were confirmed by John Corlyon, an experienced sailor and fisherman belonging to the place. We therefore proceeded to Porthoustock, which was a weather port, to see if we could reach the wreck from thence, ‐ a distance of about 3½ miles from Coverack. We divided ourselves into three parties, in order that we might get as much assistance as possible in our way. On reaching Porthoustock, we found the coast guard there knew nothing of the wreck. This was between 12 and half past 12. We all went and got a boat from one of the cellars, and we launched altogether three boats. We proceeded towards the wreck, but the boat that I was in was overmanned, and the sea was so rough that we were obliged to put back. We tried a second time, with fewer men; but with no better result. After about an hour, I went into another boat and tried again; and reached the wreck, but with great difficulty. The crew consisted of Townsend, the chief boat‐man; Mark Daniel, an extra coast guard man; James Baker and John George, coast guard men; and John Matthews, a fisherman of the Cove at Porthoustock, and myself. We made three trips at great risk, and saved about 35 or 36 from the wreck. We first saved the women and children, and afterwards the male passengers. Some of the crew of the vessel were anxious for us to save their bags of clothes; but I told them we wanted to save lives. The Captain and the crew of the wreck, with the exception of the Steward, who wished to save two female passengers, showed no anxiety to save the passengers. I saw a respectable old gentleman drowning within easy reach of one of the sailors, who might have assisted him if he liked; and I told him to do so, but he did not attempt to. There were 7 or 8 bags containing clothes belonging to the crew lashed to the rigging; the sailors were more anxious to save them than the passengers. The captain came on board our boat, when several of the passengers, including two women, still remained on the wreck; and I heard him call to the second mate, who was in the main top, to bear a hand and join him, as he was no good there. In my opinion the passengers could not have been landed at the place where they were, nor at any other part of the coast nearer than Coverack, at low water. I asked the sailors at Coverack how they came to leave the ship; they said, the tackles unhooked by the quarter‐boat being lifted by the sea, and not having no thowls they pulled before the wind, having made use of two or three knives and a bit of tobacco‐pipe for thowls. They also said the captain was the first to get into the boat; but when he found the vessel was not sinking, he returned to her again before the boat was lowered. James Hill, of St. Keverne, shoemaker and fisherman: —I was called on Friday morning about half‐past one, by my son, who told me there was a wreck on the Manacles. I went to Porthoustock half dressed, and got two boats out from one of the cellars there, with the assistance of some of the Coast Guard men, sailors and inhabitants of the cove. Some of the crew had previously come to the Church‐town and told my son of the wreck. I only wanted 4 men besides myself to go in the boat; but 9 or 10 got into her. Finding we could not clear the point of the inlet, we returned again and all got out of her except two men and myself. Two more afterwards got into her and we started again; on our way out, we met the other boat returning, the crew of which told us that there was a heavy sea outside and that it was impossible to reach the wreck; consequently, we returned again, and both boats were hauled up on the beach. About an hour afterwards, we launched the boats again and succeeded in reaching the wreck; we took one man from a board; he was floating; and we also took one woman and 9 men from a raft and landed them at Tom’s Cove, about ¼ of a mile from the wreck. We let go the grapnel before the boat touched, and veered her in, and landed the passengers in the cove, from whence they were handed up over the cliffs by some of the neighbours and coast‐guard men. We made three other trips to the wreck after this; and saved about 50 lives altogether. Our crew, the first two trips, consisted of myself and my son James; William Matthews; Henry Tripconey; and Thomas Pearce. Tripconey left us after the second trip; and his place was filled by James Connor, a coast guardman. The passengers were very weak and helpless when we first reached the wreck, and were screeching awfully. From the exhausted state they were in, many of them would have been lost, if we had not reached them as soon as we did. I saw two drop into the water, after we reached the vessel; and one whom we had taken from the wreck died from exhaustion before we got ashore. Neither the captain nor any of the crew of the wreck rendered any assistance in getting her passengers into the boat; I think it was in their power to do so. When I made a third trip, I saw the Captain of the John in the other boat; and at the time there were several of the passengers in the rigging. It was low water last Friday morning about one o’clock. Three of the Coast Guard men were on shore, assisting in landing the passengers; and others were in the other boat. There was a heavy sea running all the time, and the crews of each boat went out, at the greatest risk of their lives. Charles Jones, coast‐guard man: —I went on duty last Thursday evening, about 5 minutes before 9, and returned again in about half an hour. My guard was from the Manacle Point to the Dean. I saw that the sea was too high for any vessel or boat to effect a landing, and therefore did not remain out longer. We are not expected to be out on an impracticable night for any vessel to make a landing of contraband goods. It was a light, clear night. About ½ past 12, I was called out by Mark Daniel, one of the Coast Guard, who told me there was a vessel on the Manacles Rocks. I immediately went to Godrevy, where I saw a light from the vessel, and fired a pistol several times to let those on board know that their signal had been seen from the land. I afterwards showed a blue light, and subsequently assisted in handing the passengers up over the cliff. Another Coast Guard man, James Connor, who had guard, from part of which he might have seen the Manacles, accounted for his not having seeing her, by stating that he was at the time on that part of his guard whence she could not be seen. William Matthews of Porthoustock, Superannuated Coast Guard man: —Last Thursday evening about ½ past 9, I saw a vessel off Porthoustock Cove, not farther than between ¼ and ½ a mile from the Cove, and to the Northward of the Manacles. She was going before the wind, and steering about South West. I thought she was being steered between the rocks and the main land, and that if she had not got a good pilot on board, she would be wrecked on the inside of the Manacles Rocks. From the course she was steering, she could not have cleared the rocks. It was a clear night, and the parties on board must have seen the land. She was a three‐masted vessel. Boats could have launched or beached either at Porthoustock or Godrevy, or any part of the coast, until the flood tide came on strong, between 1 and 2 o’clock. As soon as it was known at the Cove that a wreck had taken place, the Coast Guard men rendered every assistance in their power. Had it been known earlier, I am quite sure that every one might have been taken off the wreck. There was no weather or sea to prevent it; all on board, with the exception of the six who went away with the ship’s boat, and one who swam ashore, were saved by the boats from Porthoustock. I cannot swear positively that the three‐masted vessel I saw was the one that was wrecked; but I have no doubt that it was. Timothy Carew, Lieut. R.N.: —I am Emigration Officer at Plymouth; it was part of my duty to, and I did, inspect the John, emigrant ship, before she left Plymouth. I think she had on board 198 statute adults, making 263 souls, exclusive of 5 cabin passengers and the crew. I ascertained that the regulations of the Act of Parliament had been complied with, and gave a certificate to that effect. I went on board between 1 and 2 o’clock on Thursday afternoon, and mustered the crew, one by one, myself; and found them all efficient and sober. One of them, who was said to be tipsy, answered the muster as well as the others, and it did not appear to me that he was so. I heard that a box had fallen on him, while stowing away the luggage in the hold; and it was probable that the injuries he received on that occasion might have stunned him a little and account for its being supposed that he was tipsy. The vessel had four boats on board; she was only required to take three; they were all good boats; the fourth was taken by my own instigation. I also saw the life‐ buoys on board; and, in fact, everything that was required. No signal‐gun, rockets, or blue‐lights were on board; a vessel of her size was not required to carry any thing of that kind; there were signal lanthorns; she was not required to take a medical officer, and there was none on board. She had 5 compasses, including an azimuth compass, one on deck, and another over head in the cabin, called a tell‐tale. I don’t think it is usual to have two on deck; nor do I think more than one absolutely necessary. It is part of my duty to see that the compasses were correct; and I am perfectly satisfied that they were so. It is not usual, except in the navy, to swing the vessel before she leaves port, for the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of the compass; and it was not done in this case. I remained on board about an hour, and did not go on board again. Commander Lory, R.N.: —I am perfectly acquainted with the nature of the coast, and the proper course to steer from Plymouth to the Lizard, to clear the latter. With a leading wind I should steer West by South after I got clear of Plymouth harbour, and be careful to look out for the Lizard Lights, and by keeping them in sight, every danger would be cleared, and I should have a fair offing to proceed to the Westward. I should decidedly take the bearing of every headland and light, and note the hour they were taken. This I should not only do at the end of every watch, but very frequently during the watch, as they altered their bearings. I consider the Captain and crew gave conflicting evidence; that of the former would show that the vessel was steered to the Southward of West by South, which would carry her perfectly clear of any danger; but from the evidence of the helmsman before and after 8 o’clock, I am of opinion she was steered West. In confirmation of this I am borne out by the evidence of Andrew Elders, and also by the bearings and distance taken by him and the witness Curry. Again, taking into consideration that the wind was blowing fresh from the starboard quarter it might have had the effect of yawing the vessel a little to windward of her course, and allowances should be made accordingly. Under all circumstances, I am convinced that the courses as given by the helmsmen, would take the vessel to the northward of the Manacles, thereby proving that the loss was not occasioned by an error in the compass as stated by the master. Commander Lory here examined a chart with reference to the course given by the witnesses, Elder, Row, Venning and Curry, up to half‐past 8 o’clock, when the course was altered to West by South; and stated as the result of his examination, that such a course would take the vessel to about 3 or 4 miles to the southward and eastward of St. Anthony Light, and to the northward of the Manacles; and that the course as given by Curry, subsequently to that hour, would take her into danger, and was the cause of her being wrecked. This was the conclusion of the evidence; and the Coroner having briefly summed up, the jury returned a verdict of “MANSLAUGHTER against Captain Rawle;” and appended to their verdict the following observation and suggestions: — “The Jury express their entire disapprobation of the conduct of the crew, with the exception of Andrew Elder, in not exerting themselves to save the passengers. They also strongly disapprove of the vessel having been sent to sea, without being supplied with either signal gun, muskets, rockets, or blue‐lights, as night signals; and they would recommend that a Light House should be built on the Manacles Rocks, on account of so many wrecks taking place there, and the sacrifice of so many lives.” The Coroner made out his warrant for the committal of Captain Rawle for trial at the next Cornwall Assizes, and on Tuesday he was removed in custody to Truro, en route to Bodmin Gaol. The inquest commenced on Saturday, at one o’clock; and at midnight was adjourned to Monday morning at 9, when it was resumed, and was not concluded until half‐past one on Monday night. Transcribed by Karen Duvall