DEPLORABLE AND MELANCHOLY CATASTROPHE

An event without parallel in the annals of marine misfortune, occurred on board the brig Mary Russell, Captain Stewart of Cork, on her passage home from Barbadoes, which arrived at Cove on Thursday.
There were on board, besides the master and mate, 8 men and 4 boys ; of these, six seamen and a naval gentleman, passenger in her, were found dead in the cabin on Monday morning last, by Captain Callender, of the Mary Stubbs, of Belfast, (which was also on her passage home from Barbadoes, and spoke the Mary Russel on the above morning,) having been killed on the day before by the Captain, according to the statement of the four boys. The cause assigned by the Master to Capt. Callender was, an attempt on the part of the crew to mutiny, and his apprehension that they would take away his life ; but to save himself, that he induced them to be tied in the cabin, each singly, before another was called down ; and when all were rendered powerless, that he put those seven to death with a crow bar ! The mate named Smith, and one sailor named Howes, by some means extricated themselves, and escaped death ; after being wounded in several places. It appears he was in the act of tying the boys also, when the Mary Stubbs hove in sight. Capt. Callender held by the Mary Russell and saved Capt. Stewart from being drowned, he having leaped twice into the sea for that purpose. Wednesday again, for the third time, he flung himself overboard off Castletown, and was picked up by a hooker. A warrant for the apprehension of Capt. Stewart, has been issued, by Sir Antony Perrier, on the information of Capt. Callender, and an inquest held on the bodies of the seven men. We cannot conceive that anything but insanity could induce a human being to imbrue his hands in the blood of seven fellow creatures under circumstances so horrible as the above represents. -Limerick Chronicle
[Captain Stewart of the Mary Russell, is known here, as having commanded both the Sir James Kempt and the Albion, engaged in the Irish trade. He must have been under the influence of insanity to have committed such a cold blooded and horrible act.]

Carmarthen Journal,  2 October 1829

Captain Stewart, of the Mary Russell

COLONIAL TIMES, 4 September 1829 (Tasmania)

A Captain Poisoned !

 On Sunday last the barque Navarino arrived in port from Calcutta, with the Commander of the vessel, Captain PETER BROADFOOT (a Gentleman well known to many of our readers), a corpse.  It appears from the most accurate information we have been able to obtain, in the absence of the evidence of the Coroner's Inquest, that the deceased was taken ill, together with the rest of the persons, including a Miss BERRY, a passenger, who messed in the cabin, on the 12^th of August last.  Conceiving that poison had been administered to them, either in their tea or otherwise, they all immediately took emetics, except the Captain, which had its desired effect of removing the poison from their stomachs.  Captain Broadfoot did not however use this precaution; but, on the contrary, supposing he was attacked with the Cholera Morbus, instantly took brandy and laudanum, being the usual remedy applied in India for that disorder.  The consequence was, that he continued languishing till Thursday se'nnight, the 27^th ult. (three days prior to the arrival of the vessel in port), when he died.

   This circumstance having caused a great sensation in the minds of the Public, a Coroner's Inquest was forthwith deemed necessary; and accordingly it sat on the body, on board the vessel, on Monday last.  JOSEPH HONE, Esq. acted as Coroner, and summoned the following Jury: - Dr. Ross, Foreman; Messrs. Moriarty, Collicott, Hewitt, Stodart, Stokell, Lewis, Bunster, Robertson, Todd, Walker, Dudgeon, and Grey.  The body was of course opened, which operation was attended by the following  medical Gentlemen:- Dr. SCOTT, Colonial Surgeon; Dr. HENDERSON, Dr. GENCOATS, the Assistant Surgeon of the 63d regiment, and Mr. BEDFORD.  These gentlemen, we understand, were of opinion that the deceased had been actually poisoned by corrosive sublimate, the most subtle preparation of mercury, and a most deadly poison

   Witnesses were examined, and the investigation continued until half-past five o'clock; when the Coroner adjourned to the Commercial Tavern, at two o'clock the following day. - The investigation continued on Tuesday, until seven o'clock in the evening. - The Jurors met again on Wednesday; but the Coroner being occupied in a very important investigation at the Police office, which occupied the whole day, could not attend.  Owing to some of the Jury not attending yesterday, the investigation did not proceed.

   Mr. SMITH, the Chief Officer, who is now acting as Captain, and LIONEL HAYES, the second Mate, were examined. - Miss BERRY, one of the cabin passengers, was also taken ill, but has since recovered.  The steward and cook are at present in custody, until the result of the Inquest is known, which was to be resumed this morning, when they will be either fully committed or discharged. - The Inquest was resumed again this morning; but when we went to press at four o'clock this afternoon, no verdict had been returned. ...

COLONIAL TIMES, 11 September 1829

CAPTAIN BROADFOOT.

We mentioned in our last, that the Coroner's Inquest, which had been all the week sitting upon the body of this gentleman, had not returned their verdict when we went to press.  The Jury was assembled again on Saturday and Monday last; when, after examining several witnesses, a Verdict was returned, that - "Captain Broadfoot died by poison - how or by whom administered, they know not." - Two of the Jurors were very anxious to have their opinion, that the deceased died for want of medical attendance, and drinking laudanum and brandy immediately after the poison, and not by the first cause.

HOBART TOWN COURIER, 12 September 1829

The inquest on the melancholy death of Captain Broadfoot, lasted till a late hour on Saturday, but after a most patient inquiry no clue could be obtained to ascertain the cause of the fatal act.  Some suspicion seems to rest as to the Malays on board, one of whom now holds the place of the steward, who was originally suspected, but whose innocence, as well as that of the cook who was at first in irons, was made apparent. ...

THE ASIATIC JOURNAL AND MONTHLY MISCELLANY, Vol. II. - NEW SERIES. MAY - AUGUST, `1830.

Oct. 26. - At sea, by poison, on the passage from Calcutta, Capt. Peter Broadfoot, aged 24, late owner of, and commander of the ship Navarino of Calcutta.

HOBART TOWN COURIER, 22 August 1829

By the Denmark hill we regret to learn a melancholy and fatal accident at the cape, while the Parmelia was there on her way to Swan river.  Assistant Surgeon Daly, of the 63d, was returning on board with his daughter, during a heavy gale, when the latter slipped from between the boat and the vessel, and was drowned, while her father in his effort to save her, was so jammed against the side of the ship, that he died next day.

Carmarthen Journal, 26 March 1830

 HORRID CRUELTY AND MURDER. - On Friday evening an inquest was held in the Vestry Room of St. John's, Horsleydown, for the purpose of inquiring into the circumstances attendant upon the death of John Smith, a mariner, aged 19, who was reported to have died in consequence of ill-treatment, which he had experienced on board the Armenia trading vessel, Daniel Wilson, master, during a voyage from Belfast to St. Michael's, and thence to London.  The inquiry excited great interest, and the Jury Room and vicinity were crowded pending the proceedings.

   The Jury having been sworn, proceeded to view the body, which appeared shockingly disfigured by contusions and lacerations, and the following evidence as hen adduced:-

   John Thomas, a seaman on board the Armenia, deposed that the deceased entered at Belfast, as a foremast man.  Witness joined the vessel at St. Michael's, at which time the eyes of the deceased were blackened, and he was also much bruised about the arms and other parts of the body.  On leaving St. Michael's, the master beat the deceased daily.  About a week after they had left for London, the Captain beat him with the stick of the van-staff, about two inches and a half thick, for taking some oranges. - When they left St. Michael's, the deceased was very ill, and not strong enough to do his duty, but the master frequently called him, and then beat him till he was unable to stand, and when down kicked him.  The Captain once beat him over the face and head with an outail (a think rope), until his face streamed with blood.  At one of these times the deceased's nose was split open.  He was frequently sent up to the foretop cross-trees for fifteen or eighteen hours at a time, without is jacket, and his allowance of food kept from him.  About four days before deceased died, the Master went into the forecastle, and beat the deceased about the head with a tin pot to such a dreadful degree, that about a quart of blood came from him.  The poor fellow was afterwards lashed to the main-shrouds, and the bots were ordered to give him several dozen of stripes, and if the lads did not obey the order they were flagged.  Every man on board was flogged except witness.  The deceased was so far reduced by ill-usage that he became crazy some days before his death, which occurred two days before they arrived at Gravesend. The deceased was never insolent to Capt. Wilson.  He was kept on a biscuit a day, and a very small piece of fish.

   William Jones, a lad about 15 years of age, serving on board the Armenia, deposed that he went on board at Belfast, where the deceased also joined the vessel.   Soon after they were at sea, the Captain chastised the deceased severely with an outail, and beat him repeatedly afterwards, sometimes twice or thrice a day. - Witness and other boys were often compelled to give deceased four or six dozen lashes at the main rigging.  At one time the captain flagged him in the forecastle till he became senseless, on which occasion witness remembered having seen a bucket nearly full of blood, that had come from the deceased.  On the passage from St. Michael's to England, the Captain reputedly flogged him three and four times daily with an outail.  Deceased was often sent aloft to the foretop cross-trees, where he was compelled to remain during the whole night, with scarcely any clothes or sustenance, and frequently in very heavy gales.  About four days before the vessel reached the land of England. The Captain fogged the deceased with the vane staff about the had and face, till he fell, and when down, kicked him most unmercifully.  On repeated occasions the master had called deceased aft, and said, "here let me dress your sore;" and ten would commence flogging him. 

   The deceased as found dead on he or-deck by h cabin=boy.  They were afraid to interfere on behalf of the deceased.  Deceased, when he left Belfast, was in good health, and perfectly free from sores.  The sores were not dressed after the de ceased had been beaten.  The mate often flogged the deceased by command of the Captain.  Witness did not think that any doctor saw the deceased after he was dead.

   John Green, the cabin-boy, stated tat he had joined the Armenia at St. Michael's, and came to England in her.  Deceased was very ill when he first saw him, apparently from exhaustion and ill-usage.  Both his eyes were blackened, and he was bruised and cut over many parts of his body.  At that time witness did not think him in a condition to perform his duty.  From tee time she left St. Michael's until the vessel reached the river, the captain flogged the deceased daily.  On one occasion, the deceased was lashed to the main ratlings, and received several dozen lashes from the crew, who were compelled to obey orders.  When near Dover, witness discovered the deceased lying on the forecastle deck dead, and informed the captain, who went forward, and holding up the deceased's head, said, "he is dead, sure enough."  The body was removed into the Captain's cabin.  Witness was on deck the next day, when he heard the pilot say that the deceased's death would prove a bad job.  When the ship reached Freshwater wharf, knar London-bridge, the Custom-house officers came on board, and when they questioned witness as to the cause of deceased's death, he told them that he had been  murdered by the Captain.  This coming to the Captain's knowledge, he told witness to go on shore and not to shew his face again.

   Mr. Wm. Misken, surgeon, of Braid-street, Bermondsey, deposed hat he had examined the body, which had been disinterred for the purpose.  There was a laceration of the scalp, and the bone on the left side of the head was fractured.  The bone of the nose had received a severe injury; the fracture might have been occasioned by blows from a pewter or tin por.  In the opinion of witness, death was occasioned by fracture of the skull.

   The parish beadle stated, that he had caused the body to be brought on shore, and it was disinterred for the [purpose of the inquest.

   The Coroner recapitulated the evidence, and the Jury consulted for a short time, and then returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against Captain Donald Wilson, of his brig Armenia, of Belfast.

   The Captain, who was in attendance during the inquiry, just before the Jury returned their verdict, left the room.  The Crooner issued his warrant for his apprehension, and placed it in the hands of Martin, the officer, to execute.  The inquiry excited great interest, and lasted till nine o'clock.

The CAMBRIAN, 3 April 1830

Captain Donald Wilson, master of the Armenia of Belfast, charged with the death of a lad, one of his crew, by repeated flogging and ill-usage, absconded after the inquest, and is yet at large.

Carmarthen Journal, 9 July 1830

   The packet ship Boston, belonging to the Boston and Liverpool line of packets, commanded by Captain H. C. Mackay, was struck by lightning on the night of the 25^th ult. while on her passage from Charleston to Liverpool, and burnt, with her whole cargo, which consisted of cotton.  The passengers and crew saved themselves in the ship's boats, and, with the exception of a lady, who died from fatigue the day after the accident, were taken up two days after.

Monmouthshire Merlin, 6 March 1830

SLOOP RUN DOWN BY A STEAM VESSEL. - About one o'clock on Wednesday morning, the steam vessel Corsair, on her voyage from Belfast to this port, and the sloop Ceres, of Cardigan, laden with herrings, from this port to Newry, came in contact at sea, when the sloop sunk, and the master David George, was drowned - the mate and two boys (the remainder of the crew) were saved. .  .  .   Liverpool Journal.

LAUNCESTON ADVERTISER, 239 March 1830 (Tasmania).

Advices from Mauritius ... Captain NICHOLLS, of the Eliza, and Captain Addison, of the Waterloo, both lately arrived here from these Colonies, were sailing in the habour in a gig, when a sudden squall upset the boat, and both the gentlemen perished.

HOBART TOWN COURIER, 3 July 1830

A melancholy accident happened at Port Louis lately.  Capt. Eldridge of the ship Edward, and Capt. W. Nichols of the Eliza, from Sydney, having gone on a visit to a gentleman at Port Riviere in a small boat, were upset about one mile from the shore, and sunk to rise no more.

The Cambrian, 6 March 1830

   The Moira, of Ilfracombe, Richard Germain, master, sailed from Pool, on Friday, the 5^th ult. for Bristol, and is supposed to have been lost the following day near the Lizard.  The crew, consisting of five persons, were drowned.  Captain Germain has left a widow and one child.

The Cambrian, 28 August 1830

   The East India Company's ship Princess Charlotte, arrived on Thursday.  On doubling the Cape four sailors went aloft in a gale of wind to furl the  sails, when the mast was carried away, and three perished; the fourth fell on deck, broke both his legs, and was dreadfully mutilated; he still exists, but with little hopes of recovery.

Monmouthshire Merlin, 18 September 1830

MELANCHOLY DEATH OF CAPT. DEWAR, OF THE ROSE, 18 GUNS.

   The Rose arrived at Halifax on the 23^rd August, from the St. Lawrence, in consequence of the death of her commander, Captain J. G. Dewar, whose body she had on board. The circum stances connected with this melancholy occurrence are as follows:-

   Capt. Dewar went on shore with his first lieutenant, M. Wakefield, a little after one o'clock on the 15^th August, to tale a walk on the uninhabited island of St. Charles, one of the Esquimaux, near Mingan, on the Labrador coast.  They had walked several miles, and were returning to their boat, when, about four o'clock, a number of wild ducks appearing in the creek they were then passing, they tried to send a Newfoundland dog belonging to the Captain in after tem; but as the dog did not see the ducks, Capt. Dewar waded in to induce him to follow, requesting Mr. W. to go lower down and prevent their escape in that direction.  In a little time the first lieutenant saw that the water was much deeper than they had anticipated, and called to Captain Dewar to take care of his watch, which he apparently attended to.  Soon after this the first lieutenant saw him swimming [part line missing] distance below, to meet him on the other side.  Almost immediately afterwards he heard the captain call out something which he could no distinctly understand, and he hastened across the ford. The ground was so rugged that it was impossible for Mr. W. to keep his eye on the captain all the time in crossing, and although only hall a minute had passed, when he again looked for him, he had disappeared, no doubt  from cramp,- as the wind was northerly, and the thermometer 53 deg. At noon.

   He then hurried immediately o the part of the creek nearest which he had last seen the Captain swimming, but perceiving no sign of him, he ran for the gig's  crew, who were about half a mile distant, and returning with them, with boat-hooks and a rope, ineffectually endeavoured by these means to recover the body.   The creepers were afterwards obtained from the Rose, but not until after day-break had the officers and men the mournful consolation of finding it, which they did in about nine feet of water.  It appeared that the deceased had waded about a hundred yards, and swam nearly twenty, and that he was about three-fourths of the distance across.  The Rose immediately proceeded to Halifax.

The Cambrian, 26 June 1830

   The East India Company's schooner St. Helena was plundered by a pirate felucca under French colours, on the 6^th of April, in lat. 1.30 south, and long. 90 west; the pirates murdered Capt. Harrison, the Chief Mate, Dr. Waddle of the Hon. Company's medical service, and twelve of the crew.

HOBART TOWN COURIER, 10 April 1830

A native of Manilla, cook on board an English whaler, during the passage to the Sechelles Islands, cut the throats of the captain, two lieutenants, and five seamen, and then threw himself overboard.  The cause of this diabolical instance is said to have originated solely from the Captain giving him a box on the ear for not having the carving knife sharpened for dinner.

HOBART TOWN COURIER, 21 August 1830

The merchant ship Victory, of London, put into Mauritius in distress.  She was bound from Manila to England, laden with coffee and sugar.  Having lost several men by sickness, the captain engaged five Manilla men to assist to navigate her home.  These, in the dead of the night, contrived to get the entire watch to themselves, rose upon the ship's company, and murdered the captain, second mate, carpenter boatswain, and cook, and took charge of the ship for eight days.

   Bering incompetent to manage her they liberated the chief mate and ordered him to take them back to Manilla, with which he was forced to comply.  One night, however, when they were in a state of intoxication, the mate seized the opportunity of taking a hatchet, inflicted a mortal blow on the ringleader, shot another, and then liberated his companions, who secured the rest of the gang, and then carried them into the Isle of France.

   They were tried, and two of them executed on the 16^th ult., and the fifth was transported for life.

Monmouthshire Merlin, 22 May `1830

COWES, MAY 17. - Arrived the English ship Vittoria, Andrews (late Smith) master, from Manila, bound here for orders; left Manila 23d August, Isle of France 2d January, and St. Helena, 20^th March.  On the 7^th September, in lat. 9 17, N. long. 127 00 E., four of the crew of the Vittoria, composed of manila men, mutinied, and murdered Mr. John Smith, the then master; Wm. Thompson, second mate; Robert Tindal, boatswain; Wm. Brown, carpenter; and Charles Ashdown, seaman.

   On Mr. Andrews, the present master, then chief mate, whose watch was below, hearing a great noise and groans, he went on deck, and was immediately ordered below, on dread of being murdered also.  He thereupon went below, and barricaded himself in his cabin, but was soon called on deck by the assassins, who said to him, "The captain is dead, and we will spare your life conditionally that you navigate the ship to the coast of California."

   On the 9^th September he (Mr. Andrews) proposed a plan to the other men to retake the ship, and on the 12^th of the same month succeeded by putting to death the two ringleaders of the mutineers, and confining the other two, who took their trial in the Isle of France, and were condemned to death.  One was hung on board the Vittoria, and the other reprieved on the scaffold and sent back to Manila. .  .  . 

Monmouthshire Merlin, 15 January 1831

   Information has been received at the Admiralty of his death of Captain Arthur Bingham, of his Majesty's ship Thetis, employed on the coast of South America.  It appears that the unfortunate officer and the Chaplain of the Thetis were drowned by the boat getting athwart-hawse if a vessel lying at anchor off Guayaquil, and upsetting.  .  .  .  . 

The Hobart Town Courier (Tas.), 5 May 1832

   Capt. Plunkett, of the Persian, we regret to say, enjoyed so bad health in England previous to his departure on the 26^th Dec. that he was despaired of.  For the first two or three days of the voyage he seemed to recover, but afterwards relapsed, and died on the 5^th Jan.  Mr. Friend, (nephew of Capt. Friend of the Wanstead), who succeeded to the command, wished to have interred the body at Madeira, but not being allowed to land it, he was compelled to consign it to the deep.

The Hobart Town Courier (Tas.), 17 March 1832

   A truly distressing accident happened to the whaling ship Sophia, 419 tons, Captain Alcock, in December last. In latitude 31/2 south and 49 east, they fell in with several fish and killed 2.  The 1^st and 2^nd mate with ten men went in pursuit of the whales, in two boats, but from some cause not ascertained they never returned to the ship, although Captain Alcock cruised about the spot for 4 days in the vain hope of meeting with them.  He entered Table Bay, at the Cape, on the 28^th Dec. to replace his officers and men.

The Bombay Times, 16 January 1839

MASTERS AND MARINERS.

(From the South African Com. Advertiser.)

   In the case of the Master and Mate of the "Blake," tried by the COURT OF COMMISSIONERS here the week before last, found guilty of Manslaughter, and sentenced to Fourteen Years' Transportation ni N. S. Wales, it appeared in evidence:-

   That a seaman on board, named MATHEW ALMS, aged about 55 years, having been previously afflicted with scurvy, on the 9^th of May fell from the mast on deck, and was severely injured in the arm, and, from the symptoms, probably in the lower part of the spine.  His arm was bound up, and he was furnished with a crutch ten or twelve days after he fell to enable him to walk.

   For some weeks after his fall he seems to have had his full allowance of water and provisions, with some comforts, such as they ship could afford, and was apparently recovering, though far from being  well.

   From the 25^th of June the Master and Mate insisted on his going to work at the ordinary duties of mariners; and on his pleading inability, a series of severe, harsh, and cruel expedients were used to compel him to obey their orders.  From this time the man appears to have gradually sunk, and on the 30^th of July he died.

   The details, as given by the witnesses, are disgusting, and as we understand that a full Report is likely to be published in a pamphlet, it is the less necessary to insert them in our columns.

   That the treatment he received tended to shorten this man's life is, we think, perfectly clear.  That it was the intention of the Master and Mate to murder him, was not, in our opinion, established.

   But had it been proved that they knew the state of his body - that he was unable to work from the time of his fall, and that subsequently, it towards the end of June, he was fast sinking under disease, the facts sworn against them would have amounted to murder.

   The mitigating circumstance is, that they believed he was skulking.  This does not justify the means they used to force him to work; but, if believed, it takes away the murderous intention.

     Leaving the master and Mate, for the present, let us say a word to the Owners of the Vessel. ...

Monmouthshire Merlin, 5 September 1840

MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE AT SEA.

   By the Arabian, Captain Bankier, arrived at this port (Bristol), from Launceston, New South Wales, we have the particulars of the following distressing accident which occurred to her at sea.  She left Launceston in the latter end of April, and on the 13^th May, having been out a fortnight, she was about 300 miles to the east of New Zealand, in lat. 48 S, long. 175 W.  Just at break of day a sudden squall came on and a tremendous sea swept over the ship, forcing her in bulwarks and carrying off her wheel, with the man at the helm, and the round house on deck, in which the passengers and part of the curfew slept.  In one moment eleven human beings were swept into eternity! No arm could be stretched to save them - no assistance by any possibility would be rendered.  In an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, the whole were overwhelmed in the midst of the rolling billows, and nothing was heard but the hoarse roar of the remorseless waves as they swept past with their victims.

   Several others of the seaman had narrow escapes.  One man was caught by the spindle of the wheel as the waves were hurrying him across the deck, and another was driven with great force against the sides of the ship.  A large quantity of the stores of the ship were also lost.

   The names of the unfortunate sufferers are Henry Miles, the second mate; Dirk Vanderson, the carpenter; John McBride, seaman; and Alfred Skelton, apprentice.

   Of the passengers, Mrs. Younghusband and her three daughters, all young girls about six or seven years of age; and Mrs. Matthews and two children were ,lost.  Mrs. Matthews had another child with her on board, an interesting, intelligent little boy, about six years of age, who was providentially saved.  The little fellow had been taken by one of the sailors into his berth, and thus escaped destruction.  Mrs. Matthews was a  widow lady, and was on her return to her friends in England.  Her husband, who was a coach-builder in Launceston, died suddenly a short time before.  All now left of the family, is the poor little boy, but he is not left alone, for with the generosity which characterises the British sailor, there is not a man on board the Arabian, from the caption to the seaman before the mast, who does not feel a deep interest in the boy's welfare, and who would not willingly endure any privation rather than see him want. .  .  .  .   Bristol Gazette.

Monmouthshire Merlin, 26 September 1840

BRISTOL.

THE LATE DR. CARPENTER. -Upon making inquiry, we find that the report is correct as to the discovery of the remains of our late respected fellow-citizen, the Rev. Dr. Carpenter, who was drowned on the night of April 5^th, on his passage from Naples to Leghorn.  The body was washed ashore between Naples and Civita Vecchia, 40 miles S.S.E. of Rome, about the middle of June; and, according to the sanatory laws of the country, was consumed by fire.  His watch, seals, and pocket-book, found on the person, sufficiently identified him.  The Consul transmitted these articles to his agent in London, for Dr. C.'s representatives. - Bristol Gazette.

MAITLAND MERCURY & HUNTER RIVER GENERAL ADVERTISER, 27 January 1857

FATAL AFRAY ON BOARD THE CHAMPION OF THE SEAS.

On the afternoon of the 1^st October, two of the steerage passengers on board this vessel, named Thomas Henderson and George Hand, quarrelled on deck, and ultimately fought.  The second mate interfered, and, as Hand said he did not want to fight any more, went away.  Immediately afterwards, however, some of the passengers urged the men to fight again.  They did so, and Henderson felled Hand to the deck, and when picked up he was dead.

   Twelve of the passengers were empanelled as a court-martial, and found that Henderson had caused the death of Hand, in consequence of which he was at once put in irons, and will be delivered up to the Liverpool authorities.

NELSON EXAMINER & NZ CHRONICLE, 28 January 1857

ALLEGED HOMICIDE ON BOARD THE CHAMPION OF THE SEAS.

In our impression of Tuesday (October 14) there appeared an account of a fatal affray which took place on board the Champion of the Seas.

   Yesterday (October 16) the person charged, whose name is Thomas Anderson, was brought before Mr. Mansfield, in custody of detective officer Kennedy, who said the prisoner was given in charge by Captain M'Kirdy, of the Champion of the Seas, for having caused the death of a passenger on board. 

   Captain M'Kirdy said there was a fight took place between the prisoner and deceased on the deck of the vessel.  He did not see it, but was called up, and found the deceased dying or dead at the time.  The surgeon of the ship said, about midday on the 1st October, he was called up to see the deceased, and found him on the deck in a reclining position.  He felt for pulse, but could not find any.  He opened a vein, but only about a teaspoonful of blood came.  The man was dead.

   He subsequently made a post mortem examination of the body, and inside the head he found an injury, extending behind the left ear to three inches.  There was blood corresponding with injury effused on the brain, and also into the substance of the brain.  All the other organs of the body, with the exception of the kidneys, were in a healthy state.  Death, no doubt whatever, was caused by the injury described, and that injury was the result of a blow or fall.

Mr. Mansfield: Then the man died from external violence, as marked by the internal injuries?

Witness: Yes. The internal injury was caused by the external violence.

Mr. Mansfield: Yes, that's what I mean, as the marks corresponded.

Surgeon: They did exactly.

   John Armstrong, one of the passengers by the ship, said both the prisoner and deceased were passengers also.  I was present at the time the transaction took place, which resulted in the death of the deceased.  One of the passengers and deceased had a dispute about the payment of a bottle of ale, and deceased called the prisoner, and left the matter in dispute to him.  He decided against the deceased, who then became angry and violent, and called the prisoner bad names. They had some words, when deceased began to kick at the prisoner.  They wrestled a round or two, and the prisoner struck with his fists, but the deceased continued to kick, and said if he could not strike he could kick.  The second matte came up and told the deceased to go away, but he refused, and continued to kick the prisoner.  They then grappled each other and wrestled about, when both fell on the deck, the deceased being under.

Mr. Mansfield: You say deceased began it?

Witness: Why so far as what I have just stated, he did, for I just tell the whole of it.

   In reply to Mr. Snowball, who defended the prisoner, the witness said what the prisoner had done was on his own defence from the kicking of the deceased.

   The captain, in reply to Mr. Snowball, said the prisoner expressed great sorrow at what had happened. 

   There were two other witnesses produced, and they gave exactly the same version of the case as the first witness.

   Mr. Snowball said there were two questions on the case - first, was the deceased killed by the prisoner at all; and, second, if he were killed, do the prisoner do it in his own defence?  From the evidence it was clear that the affair was an unfortunate accident or one of chance. On the evidence before the court no jury on earth could convict, and he therefore called for the prisoner's discharge.

   Mr. Mansfield said he found, buy documents handed to him, that the authorities had done what seemed to him a very necessary thing on board, they had held a coroner's inquest on the body, and had very properly returned an open verdict in the case.  He did not remember a precedent for holding an inquest on ship board, except one on the voyage of Sir Walter Raleigh, when on the verdict, there was a man hanged. He thought the Champion of the Sea's jury had done better, both in their proceedings and their verdict.  It was quite clear from the evidence that a jury could not convict the prisoner, and therefore it was useless to send him for trial.  He then ordered him to be discharged. - Liverpool paper.

The Observer, 15 August 1858

SUICIDES.

AT SEA. - The captain of the European (s.s.), from Limerick, arrived in the Thames on Wednesday, reports that on Saturday morning, about half past three o'clock, a passenger, named David Ions, jumped overboard.  A life-buoy was thrown to him, and every exertion made to save his life, but without effect.

The Manchester Guardian, 27 September 1859

FLOGGING IN THE NAVY. - The following is an extract of a letter from Her Majesty's ship Lapwing, dated 40 miles from Malta, 22^nd of August:-

   My dear Friend, - This is a very sad thing I am going to tell you, and likewise others.  One of our boys has cut his throat.  The boy's name was John Knight.  There was to be twenty-dozen served out on board the Lapwing, all among boys, and he was to have four dozen over the back, with a cane, whipped with wax ends; he had been flogged last month.  They kept the body till they got to Malta, and as soon as the anchor dropped they sent a boat to the hospital for a coffin, ands buried him without any court of inquiry.  The poor boy's back was black and blue from his former lashes.  There is another boy that was to have been flogged a second time, but the doctor said he could not stand it. - Daily News.

DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS, 24 December 1861 [New Zealand]

SHIP 'MERMAID.' - INQUIRY REGARDING THE SUICIDE OF THE THIRD MATE.

(Before Thos. Beckham, Esq., R.M., and W. C. Daldy, J.P.)

SHORTLY after the routine business had been disposed of yesterday at the Resident Magistrate's court, an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Frank Keith Adair, late third mate of the ship 'Mermaid,' was gone into before the presiding justices.

   Mr. F. WHITAKER said he attended on behalf of the captain and owners of the ship 'Mermaid,' lately arrived at the port of Auckland from London, to offer such evidence to the court as it was in the captain's power to bring forward regarding the death of the late third officer of that ship.  The unfortunate circumstances which led to this inquiry occurred during the voyage from London, and as the captain had had no means of holding an investigation on board, he took the earliest opportunity of applying to the authorities on his arrival here, to make such inquiries into the matter as would preserve the character of the ship, and save the captain from any unfair imputations by the friends of the deceased, who would naturally enough complain were some official cognisance not taken of the event, when they read the note which the deceased wrote previous to his death regarding the treatment he had received in the ship.  The following was the note referred to:-

"Wednesday, 3 p.m. - I can't bear my life any longer.  This is like a grave with a living inhabitant.  You have not treated me fairly, though I suppose you thought differently.  I have heard reports of my being charged with something more than I am at present aware of.  I swear on the oath of a dying man, I am guiltless of anything except getting drunk and violence.

   Never, as you have a heart, inflict the misery you have inflicted on me on another of God's creatures.  God forgive you, and have mercy on me.  Ask Mr. Allom to write to my father. - A.K."

[This was written in pencil on a page torn from a small pocket diary.  It was folded and addressed, "Captain Rose," in pencil writing on the outside.]

The necessity for holding an inquiry was apparent after reading this note, but owing to the absence of the body of the deceased a coroner's inquiry could not be held.  The only thing to be done was to secure a magisterial inquiry, and examine such witnesses as might be able to throw light on the unhappy transaction, and show whether any doubtful circumstances existed.

   But so far as he (Mr. Whitaker) was aware, there were no doubtful circumstances to be detailed, nor was there the slightest suspicion attaching to any party.  The bench would, however, inquire into all the circumstances relating to the death of the unfortunate man and declare, after reviewing it, whether blame could be attached to any person or not.

   Mr. BECKHAM - Do you intend to conduct the inquiry?

   Mr. WHITAKER - No; I desire that the court may do it.  I will first call the captain of the ship.

   HENRY ROSE examined - I am captain of the ship "Mermaid." She arrived at Auckland last Monday morning, the 16^th instant, from London.  She was a passenger ship, full in the saloon, but there was not a sufficient number of passengers on board to being her under the "Passenger Act."  She was commanded by myself, and I had four mates.  The third mate was named I believe, Frank Keith Adair.  He was drunk three times during the voyage, and used very abusive language.  I overlooked the first occasion when he was drunk.  I merely reprimanded him then, but did not enter the offence in the log.  On the 22^nd October I made the following entry -

"Oct. 22, 1861. - Soon after midnight Mr. Adair, 3^rd officer, was found to be in a state of intoxication, using abusive language.

4 a.m., complained to the chief officer, who had charge of the deck, that the men would not come off to muster as usual.  Upon Mr. Deighton inquiring the cause, they replied they would not be bullied by the third mate.  He then commenced abusing the chief officer, and challenged him to fight.  I was then called by the chief mate, and I immediately went on deck and put Mr. Adair off duty, but he refused to go below, and continued on deck abusing several persons.  He also went forward and cut the hose attached to the fire engine, rendering it useless for the time.

1 p.m. - Mr. Adair having slept, and being now sober, called him aft and told him that this being the second offence of a similar nature, I did not consider him fit to hold an officer's position, and that for the future he should do his duty before the mast.  This he refused to do, upon which I told him he should be kept in confinement for the remainder of the passage.  I then ordered the carpenter to prepare the hatch-house for his reception, and at 6 p.m., confined him in it."

(Signed) H. ROSE, Master, R. M. DEIGHTON, C O.

   Examination continued - I ordered him before the mast, and he refused to go, and then I put him into solitary confinement during the rest of the voyage.  The chief mate had charge of the watch in which the third mate was.  There are two officers in each watch.  It was the duty of both officers to be on deck during their watch.  He was first found drunk at twelve o'clock at night, abusing the people about the deck.

   Mr. BECKHAM - How do officers and seamen get liquor on board to get drunk?

   Capt. ROSE - I know that my cargo was broached by the crew, but by whom I don't know.  I found that out on September 28^th.  They broke through the bulk-head from the fore store room to the cargo. The chief officer has general charge of all stores on board the ship; the boatswain and purser have charge of their own peculiar stores.  The third officer had been drunk before.  I discovered the cargo was broached.  I put a lock and key on the bulkhead, after it had been first broken through, and it was broken open again.   It was the duty of the third officer to go down with the seamen, for sails or ropes, to the store-room, from which they broke through into the cargo.  There was a good deal of beer stowed near the bulkhead.  Beer was broached.  We were obliged to take in the cargo as we received it.  The captain is responsible for how the ship is laden; but, in this case, I did not go on board until a few days before she sailed.  We had a regular stevedore, who is held responsible to the owners; but we are responsible to the merchants here in case of loss or damage.

   Up to September 7^th the conduct of Mr. Adair was good.  His friends asked me as a favour to take charge of him, as they could not get a ship for him.  I knew that drink was his failure ashore, from what they told me.  he only received 1s. a month as wages.  The length of the hatch-house where the third mate was confined was 8 feet 2 inches inside, breadth 7 feet 4 inches, height 5 feet 10 ½ inches.  There were two doors and four windows.  There was plenty of air.

   Mr. BECKHAM - What became of the third mate subsequently to the 22^nd October? 

   He was confined up to December 11^th, when he hung himself.  The following is the entry in the log -

"Wednesday, December 11^th, 1861, 5 p.m. - On boy Dixon going at the usual hour with Mr. Adair's tea, found him hanging to the roof of the hatch-house, by his comforter made fast round his neck.  He immediately reported it to me, and I hastened to cut him down, and called for the doctor, who proceeded with the usual remedies to restore animation, and at 8 p.m. pronounced life extinct.  On inquiring when he was last seen I was told by the boatswain that he had seen him about 4 p.m., looking out of the window.  Found two notes he had written, one addressed to self, and one to Mr. Dearden, 4^th mate.

(Signed) H. ROSE, master, R. M. DEIGHTON, C.O., ABRAHAM [mark] CORAN, JAMES NIXON."

Examination continued -

   During the greater part of his confinement he had had an hour's exercise every day on the poop.  Up to October 30^th, he was exercised on the poop; but conceiving that this annoyed the passengers, I changed the place of exercise to the quarter-deck.  He had books, and pipe and tobacco, during his confinement.  He made no complaints of his health during his confinement.  He was not supposed to converse with any one, but I believe he did talk through the glass. He once asked to see the doctor, who went to him.  He asked me to be allowed to be more at liberty, but I looked upon him as a prisoner, and thought the exercise I gave him sufficient.  He died on the 11th December, five days before we came to port.  I was the first to go into the hatch-house.  I cut him down with my own hands.  I found the letter read by Mr. Whitaker on the floor of the hatch-house.  Up to the 22^nd October his dinner was bread and water, and from that, his food was the same as if he had been at work.  On one occasion he broke out of confinement.  This is the entry in the log -

"Saturday, November 30, 1861. - 1 a.m. - I was awakened by Mr. Stafford, saloon passenger, who informed me that Mr. Adair had broken out of confinement, and had been in his cabin, and was evidently the worse for liquor.  Upon going on deck the boatswain reported the same to me.  I then saw the prisoner, and on my ordering him into his house he ran away and hid.  After searching some time, discovered him struggling with the boatswain in the port forecastle.  I then ordered him to go into his house, which he obeyed, and when abreast of the hatch-house, he told me to 'go to h---,' besides using other obscene language.  I then put him into irons, but found a short time afterwards that he had managed to slip them off.  Finding the hand cuffs too large, endeavoured to secure him by lashing; but not wishing to stop the circulation of the blood b y lashing too tight, he slipped them off three times.  All this time he used very threatening and filthy language to self and chief officer, called me a -----, and threatened the life of self and chief officer.

   I then handcuffed him a second timer with his hands behind his back, but soon found he had released himself, as he commenced smashing the windows of the hatch-house in which he was confined.  Finding him quiet after this, I allowed him to remain in the house, without irons during the day, and secured in irons at night. (Signed_) H. ROSE, master, R. M. DEIGHTON, C.O., GEORGE BULMER."

Examination continued -

   The next day I made an inquiry as to how he got the liquor, and had released himself, and the result of my investigation is in the following entry -

"Monday, Dec. 2, 1861, 11 a.m. - Having had information that the prisoner had been drinking with two of the steerage passengers, named Lloyd and Ciomb. I questioned Lloyd on the subject, who first denied and then admitted having been in the prisoner's company on the starboard side of the forecastle, and had there given him (Adair) two nips of spirits, and that after he had left their company his companion Ciomb had also given the prisoner some more.  On being further questioned Lloyd informed me that the prisoner had been in the starboard side of the forecastle, and that others as well as himself knew of the circumstance.

(Signed)

H. ROSE, master, ALBERT ADAMSON LLOYD, R. M. DEIGHTON, C. O."       

Mr. BECKHAM - How do the steerage passengers get drink?

Captain ROSE - A small quantity of spirits, or wine, or porter is usually sold to a passenger if he requires it.  This is customary in all Australian ships.  The quantity is left to the discretion of the captain.

ABRAHAM CORAN examined -

I am boatswain of the ship 'Mermaid.' I was in that ship during the whole voyage.  I recollect the third mate, Mr. Adair.  He was drunk three times during the voyage.  The captain overlooked the first case of drunkenness, afterwards he used abusive language to him and other people on board - part of the crew and passengers; he was then in a beastly state of intoxication. The captain confined him in thr main hatch house.  The last time I saw him alive was about four o'clock in the afternoon, five days previous to out coming to the port of Auckland.  He was looking out of the after part of the hatch-house.  He appeared to be in his usual way; he usually laughed at the people passing and repassing.  He appeared to be quite cheerful, and seemed to wish to get some one to speak to him.  I saw him three or four times a day during his confinement.  I exercised him every other evening.  He made no complaints about his confinement, but he several times threatened the chief officer's life to me.  The last time he escaped from the hatch-house I attacked him, and assisted to out him back, and after that he did not appear to be so friendly with me.  He never complained of his food to me. 

   I rubbed his body for two hours after he was cut down.  The greater part of his time was taken up reading during his confinement.  When he was in a state of intoxication he was very noisy and troublesome.  He was not what I would call a powerful man - nearly as stout as myself.  I took the third officer's watch after he was confined.  The first and third officers appeared to be on good terms until after he took to drink.  I do not know how he got the drink.  He threatened to take the chief officer's life when I attacked him to put him back into the hatch-house.  He was then drunk.

   JAMES NIXON examined - I am cabin-boy in the ship 'Mermaid.'  I recollect the third mate - Mr. Adair.  I used to take his meals to him, morning, noon, and night, during his confinement in the hatch-house.  He had bread and coffee for breakfast, potatoes and meat at dinner; but for the first few days he had bread and water for sinner.  He used to leave some of his food after meals.  He said to me that he was happy enough there doing nothing.  On December 11^th, at 5 p.m., I saw him suspended to the ceiling by his comforter.  It was sewed tight round his neck, and fixed along the ceiling by a chisel.  One of his feet was nearly touching the ground.  I did not stop to see where the other was.  The chisel was pushed in at the window at the top; and the comforter was round it.  His back was towards me when I went in.  He never made any complaint to me of the treatment he received.

   Captain ROSE recalled - When I cut him down, one of his legs was triced up to his thigh by a piece of tape.  His hands were perfectly free; and one of his feet was touching the ground.

   Dr. R. R. Norris examined - I was surgeon on board the ship 'Mermaid,' from London to Auckland.  There were four officers on board, besides the captain.  On the morning of the day when the third mate was confined I saw him, and he acknowledged to me how foolish he had been in getting drunk, offering to fight and insulting others.  He had then a slight attack of delirium tremens, and asked me to give him something.  He asked for very unsafe doses of chloric ether, and stated that he took such doses when ashore after fits of intoxication.  In my opinion such doses would have deprived him of life.  I gave him safe doses of the medicine.  He was of an excitable temperament, but had not the appearance of being addicted to drink.  I supplied him with some medicine during his confinement for constipation, but he never complained to me of want of proper care or attention.  In my opinion the hatch house was amply sufficient as a place of confinement.  I do not think the confinement was of such a character as to affect the mind of the deceased.  It was not solitary confinement in the sense usually understood by the phrase, for he could converse with any one near him when the window was open.  I made the following entry on December 11^th -

"I, the medical officer of the 'Mermaid,' hereby certify that I as called at 5 o'clock p.m. to attend to Mr. Adair, whom I found had shortly expired, apparently, from symptoms, about 20 or 30 minutes.  Notwithstanding all pulsation has ceased, and his lips and tongue were quite cold, there was some warmth on the surface of the body.  The most persevering efforts to reanimate him were continued for three hours.  No evidence was seen to contradict the opinion that he was dead when discovered suspended.  He enjoyed good health.  Some marks on his left arm indicated an attempt to bleed himself.

(Signed) R. R. NORRIS, N. D."

Examination continued -

The marks on his arm were recent; but appeared to have been inflicted before the day on which he hanged himself.  I saw a few spots of blood on the floor of the hatch-house when I visited it.  I did not see anything in the conduct of deceased to lead to the supposition that he would commit suicide, nothing except the request for a large dose of medicine before his confinement indicated a rash resolution of that nature.

   ALBERT JAS. ALLOM examined -

   I was a saloon passenger on board the 'Mermaid' from London to Auckland.  I recollect the third mate, Mr. Adair.  I have had conversations with him about his father and other relatives.  I had opportunities of seeing him during the voyage.  Up to the first occasion of his drunkenness his conduct was very good; after that formed a bad opinion of him, though his appearance would not have led any one to suppose so of him.  He was confined for drunkenness, insubordination, and violence.  I did not speak to him after the captain forbid all intercourse with him; and though this order was subsequently relaxed I purposely avoided all conversation with the deceased.  I consider the captain's conduct most kind and humane; indeed, I have formed the opinion, and it is not a solitary one, that if Captain Rose erred at all to the unfortunate man it was on the side of leniency.  He was allowed to take exercise first on the poop and afterwards on the quarter deck.  His confinement was not more strict than was necessary; if more severity had been used, and the irons kept on day and night this result would not have happened.  I do not know that he threatened to commit suicide.  During his intemperance he was very violent.  I have not heard that he threatened to commit suicide.  I took this note from the deceased's writing desk the day after his death, when making an inventory of his effects.  I believe it to be his handwriting.

   Mr. WHITAKER - I will now read it to the Court:--

"Ship 'Mermaid,' October 15, 1861.

MY DREAR MOTHER, -

We are now in the track of homeward bound vessels, so I write in case we may have an opportunity of putting letters on board of some.  I like this ship pretty well; the captain is a very quiet man, and the chief is a very agreeable officer.  The 2^nd do. is quiet and reserved, but very touchy.  I have luckily not trodden on his toes yet.  The 4^th mate, a young fellow named Denton, with whom I live, is a first-rate, quiet, kind-hearted fellow.   He and I get on well together - as well as it is possible for two fellows to get on.  I hope sincerely that the Governor has made some satisfactory arrangement about wages, as if I do not get news to that effect in Auckland, I should consider it foolish to remain on board a ship for nothing.  In mentioning the officers I forgot the purser.  He is a jolly, good-natured, passionate, witty little Patlander."

[This letter was unfinished, and bore no signature.]

Mr. JAS. LYEL, examined -

   I was a saloon passenger on board the ship 'Mermaid,' from London to Auckland.  I recollect the deceased third officer, Mr. Adair.  He seemed to be quiet and obliging during the first part of the voyage.  He was subsequently drunk and excited.  He was put in confinement for insubordination and drunkenness.  I noticed no change in his manners.  The captain's conduct was very kind and considerate to the third officer.  He had struck one of the cabin passengers, and he would not acknowledge that he was wrong; he agreed to make an apology, and promised not to take drink during the voyage again.  The captain overlooked this offence in consequence of that promise, which he did not keep.  He was by no means treated harshly.  Had my opinion been taken I would have been more strict, as, considering the cargo we had on board, I thought him a dangerous man.  We had several tons of gunpowder on board.

   Mr. WHITAKER - There were about 80 tons.

   He then stated that Colonel Gamble would have been present but for the nature of his military duties; he had, however, sent a letter to Captain Rose, accounting for his absence, which he would read to the court.

"Auckland, Dec. 21^st, 1861. - My dear captain Rose, I fear that the move of the troops into camp, and the necessity of my preceding them, will prevent my attending the inquiry into the circumstances connected with the sad death of the late Mr. Adair.  You are, I feel, quite right in seeking an investigation, to avoid the possibility of any future imputation.  You will, no doubt, fully satisfy the magistrates that the unfortunate young man was not suffering from any unnecessarily harsh treatment at your hands.  We all knew of your great leniency to him on the occasion  of his first committing himself, and of your subsequent relaxation of the strictness of close confinement by allowing him books, pipe, and so far as I know, ordinary diet.  And that your latterly placing him under personal restraint was only the evidence of your regard for the general safety of the sup and passengers.  I am aware, moreover, of your providing for his taking regular exercise in the evenings, when he was allowed to converse with others. It is no harm to remark now that I even construed this indulgence in to almost an error in the way of leniency.

   I am sure the sad termination was wholly unexpected by me, nor did anything at all seem to make it likely.  As to cruelty, I believe you to be wholly incapable of anything approaching the name, and that while the discipline of your ship would be, of course, your first object, you would, and did, do everything in your power for the comfort of the crew and everyone on board.  With every good wish, believe me, sincerely yours.

(Signed) D. J. GAMBLE, Lt. Col., D. Q. M. General."

   Captain Rose stated, in reply to Mr. Beckham, that he never heard of the deceased having threatened to commit suicide, nor was he even aware of the request for heavy doses of medicine.

   Mr. BECKHAM said it was unnecessary to call for any further testimony.  It would seem, from the testimony of the witnesses produced, to have been absolutely necessary for the preservation of discipline, indeed, highly essential to the preservation of the ship and cargo, and the lives of the passengers committed to his charge, for the captain to have acted towards the deceased as he had done.  So far from harshness having been used, it appeared on the contrary, as Colonel Gamble had remarked, that the error was on the side of leniency, if any error had been committed.  The bench were of opinion that captain Rose was wholly exonerated from any imputation whatever in relation to the death of his late third officer, and what he did was absolutely necessary for the preservation of the ship.

   The finding of the court was ordered to be entered on the official log, and the proceedings terminated.

COLONIST (NEW ZEALAND), 15 August 1862

Captain Peter Jepsen, a passenger on board the Ripon, which arrived at Southampton on May 18, committed suicide whilst the Ripon was in the Bay of Biscay.

The North China Herald, 31 July 1868

We regret to notice the death of Lieut. Stepford, R.N. Commander of H.B.M. Gunboat Starling.  In the course of a cruise she called at a place in Hainan to get a pilot, Lieut. Stepford and four hands going ashore to find one. On their way back, a squall upset the boat.  A Chinese sampan saved the four men; but Lieut. Stepford was drowned.

The Cambrian, 31 December 1831

The Congress frigate, which was engaged for Don Pedro, which was to form part of the expedition against Don Miguel, has been wrecked off the coat of France, near L'Orient, and the Captain, Lieut. Smith, and several mariners drowned.

The Shipping Gazette, 1 September 1856

INQUESTS ON DEATHS AT SEA.

(To the Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald.)

SIR       , - I cases of death by accident in England the jury frequently levies a fine on the defective machinery or inefficient gear which has led to it.  This, as most of your readers are aware, goes to the benefit of the widow, or surviving relations of the deceased, and is not only a provision for them, but operates also as a wholesome check on owners of property; who are too often apt to be more careful of their "plant" than of the human lives which may be endangered, or lost, in charge of it.  Might not the same rule be very properly enforced in the colonies!  How often are small vessels cast away and lives lost, because their owners send them to sea with second-hand and insufficient rope and sails.  On the voyage from England in the vessel in which I sailed, a part of the rigging gave way, and a boy was struck off into the sea and lost.  The weather at the time was quite as moderate as we had had for some days previous, but, on examination, it was found that the broken part had never been of the proper strength, and had happened to give way, as such things so often do, just at the moment that its doing so involved the loss of life.

   Would it not be well if some kind of inquest could be held on such deaths when the vessels arrive in port.  Very frequently the crew would be in a position to give evidence as to how and why the defective rope or gear gave way, and if it could be clearly proved that the accident took place from the false economy of owners or officers, (in wearing out gear that should have been replaced before it finally broke,) a deodand should certainly be placed on the ship.

   Such an investigation would at least have the effect of making people, who have charge of the lives of others, much more careful than they often are, and would probably prevent a good many of the accidents which are now of too frequent occurrence.  I am, Sir, &c., A SUBSCRIBER.

Otago Daily Times, 16 December 1861

TRAGEDY AT SEA. - The barque Czarina arrived at this port this morning, in charge of the first officer of the ship, D. B. Metcalf, Mr. Seritt, who gives the particulars of a terrible tragedy resulting in the death of four persons, as follows:

  The barque Czarina is owned by John Dwyer of this city, had been on a voyage to Cronstadt, and was on her return to this port when the murders took place.  The captain hired at Queenstown, on his outward voyage, John Crotter, as his first mate.  This man was reprimanded by Captain Dwyer, on the 15th July last, for the bad condition of the vessel.  After that time no more trouble of consequence occurred until two days before the murder, when a dispute took place in the cabin, resulting in the throwing of a plate at the captain by Crotter, which inflicted a wound upon his head.  On the night of the 30th July, some time during the "middle watch," (from 12 to four) Crotter was seen by a boy at the wheel to go down to the captain's cabin.  It afterwards appeared that he had murdered the captain with an axe as he was sleeping in his berth.  He then put on some of the captain's clothes and took his money, went on deck again at 4, a.m., and murdered the second mate, Mr. Cammett, of Boston, probably with the same weapon.  During the day the crew, finding that Crotter was a desperate and reckless murderer, consulted together, and agreed to kill him.  Giving a pledge each to each, to stand by the other, they commenced the attack on the next day, July 31.  Crotter, however, was not in the humour to submit, and as the crew came round he produced a pair of revolvers, loaded with ball.  The attack and defence which followed was of the most desperate character.  The Carpenter, who made a pass at Crotter, was shot and thrown overboard by him.  The boy at the wheel threw the carpenter a rope, which he caught, but Crotter, on perceiving it, cut it, and the carpenter soon after sunk.  Another man then approached, who was shot at by Crotter, but at the moment the former jumped up suddenly, and the ball lodged in the shoulder of a Russian passenger, Mr. Alexander Tresketsky

  At this time one of the crew, who had an adze in his hand for self defence, struck Crotter a severe blow on the shoulder which somewhat cowed the murderer.  It soon appeared that this wound was mortal, and he was placed in a boat on deck, where, after several hours of horrible raving, he died.

  At six, p.m., same day, was boarded by British barque, Harlequin, which obtained the particulars of the mutiny, and proceeded on her course.  August 3d was boarded from ship D. B. Metcalfe, and obtained from here a navigator, Mr. Seritt, who brought the Czarina to this.  The mate, after killing the captain, destroyed all the papers.  The bodies of the dead were all thrown overboard.  Captain Dwyer was about 33 years of age, and belongs to this city. He leaves a wife and one child.  The following are the names of the crew:

  Henrich S. Blujal, a Swede;

  John Shaw; Henry Cann, James Wilson, Englishmen;

  Carl W. Nesbur, Carl Swerholm, both Swedes; and

  Charles Percival, American.

  The murderer, Crotter, was an Irishman, and doubtless this was not his first crime upon the high seas.  He had been on the coast of California, and he often bragged of the murders he had committed among the Chinese there. His design, probably, was to take the vessel close to the shore at some appropriate place, set it on fire, and abandon it.  With this view he had loaded a boat on deck with the captain's valuables and other property.  John Shaw,  one of the crew, stated that "on the 30th July I went to the wheel at four o'clock in the morning; saw soon after the second mate drunk; saw the mate with bottle and cup; he got the second mate drunk, so that he was speechless; afterwards he was quiet.  Soon after the mate called a man named John to come aft; heard John singing out; looked overboard and saw him, with a cut on his head, swimming; I sang out to the men, 'A man overboard!' and threw the spanker sheet to John with a hatchet, saying to the man, 'Go to h-ll with the captain;' the man swam behind twenty minutes; the mate with a revolver in hand ordered the carpenter and a Swede to throw overboard the second mate, who was on the deck bleeding; he swam for about fifteen minutes; the mate stood on the house laughing at him; the vessel was going about two miles an hour.  He then looked at me and told me not to be afraid as he was not going to hurt me yet.  The remainder of the watch were on deck at the time.  He cut at one, and he escaped; he cut at another, and struck him on the back; told the captain [] he did not want to hurt him then; the carpenter went forward; he told all the hands to get down on deck the largest boat; got chains up for ballast.  He told me he was going to leave the ship, and set her on fire; said the crew might go to h-ll with her; told me he was going to take me, the steward, and two men; told another man that he should not take me and steward; in the morning g he called all the hands, and said he was captain of the ship, and that the first man who disobeyed his orders he would immediately put a ball through him; he told me to go to work; we worked upon the boat.  At two o'clock told us to throw the carpenter overboard; he lay in berth, with head cut and brains protruding; I sewed him up in bed-clothes, and we threw him overboard.  

  In the evening he called all hands aft, and put us in irons; left one man to look after the vessel; let out men at different times, two at a time, to relieve the watch; on the morning of the 31st saw a vessel coming up to us; he ordered all hands to make sail to get away; we made sail and got out of sight of her; that afternoon at two o'clock, I saw the mate running forward, the carpenter having struck him with a topmaul; he shot at the carpenter, who ran forward and jumped over the bow, and hung upon the chains; he shoved his head up, and the mate shot at him; he then went overboard; the mate ran aft,  and one of the men struck him on the head with a hammer or adze; he lived till seven o'clock; I put the wheel down to save the carpenter, but could not see him." -Boston Journal.

North China Herald, 28 January 1885
NAVAL COURT.
Shanghai, 27th January 1885
Before Colin M. Ford, Esq., H.B.M.'s Vice-Consul, President. W. Strugnell, Nav. Lieut., R.N., Edward E. Mahon, Staff Surgeon, R.N., Samuel Richards, Master, British ship Northampton.
  A Naval Court constituted as above, which has been sitting on the 23rd, 26th and 27th inst. to investigate charges made by members of the crew against the Master, Mate and Second Mate of the British barque Robert S. Besnard, today delivered the following
Finding:
  Finding and order of a Naval Court held at the British Consulate-General, Shanghai, on the 23rd, 26th and 27th days of Jan., 184, to investigate the following charges made against the Master, Mate and Second Mate of the British barque Robert S, Besnard, by Daniola Dominico, John Frederick, Joseph Downey, Wm. F. Stevens, William Tynes and John W. Buckley, seamen of the said barque, viz:-
  That Oliver O. Reynolds, second mate caused the death of Lorenzo Soltos, seaman by knocking him off the main upper top-sail yard.
  That Lamuel Gordon, mate caused the death of Arthur Dennison, by causing him to go unnecessarily in a position of danger and by failing to take due precautions for his safety when in such position.
  That Daniel Davis died of scurvy caused by insufficient or improper medicines.
  That Oliver O. Reynolds threatened the lives of Daniola Dominico, William Buckley, and others on board, and pointed a revolver at Dominico and Buckley.
  That Lamuel Gordon, mate, did assault and beat William Tynes on several occasions, and on the 31st August last fired a revolver at him. And on the 30th November last struck him on the head with a scrubber handle.
  That the Master M. J. C. Andrews assaulted William Tynes, and causelessly put him in irons, using irons too small.
  That Oliver O. Reynolds, 2nd mate, did assault and beat William Tynes on several occasions.
  That the master neglected to supply the ship with sufficient food and water, and proper anti-scorbutics.
  That the master, mate and 2nd mate were guilty of cruel and tyrannical conduct during the voyage.
  Having carefully considered and heard the evidence given before the court in the presence of the accused and their statements in defence,
  The Court find that the Robert S. Besnard left New York, bound for Shanghai, on or about the 5th July, 1884.
  That on the 11th day of October, 1884, Lorenzo Soltos, one of the crew, was killed by falling from aloft on to the deck of the vessel.
  That Arthur Dennison, another of the seamen, was washed overboard on the 10th day of October, 1884, and drowned.
  That Daniel Davis who shipped as Henry King, another of the crew died on the 5th day of January, 1885.
  That Oliver O. Reynolds, second mate, is not guilty of casing the death of Lorenzo Soltos by knocking him off the main-top-sail yard. The said Soltos having, as far as can be judged from the evidence, fallen from the top-gallant yard while the second mate was on the poop occupied with the spanker.  The Court considers that he met his death from accidental causes.
  That Lamuel Gordon, first mate, is not guilty of causing the death of Arthur Dennison by compelling him to go unnecessarily into a position of danger, or by failing to take due precautions for his safety while in such a position.
  That the master, M. J. C. Andrews, did not omit to take proper and requisite steps for preserving the life of the said Arthur Dennison; on the contrary, everything appears to have been done that was possible under existing circumstances.
  The Court considers that Arthur Dennison met with his death from accidental causes.
  That there is no evidence to show that Daniel Davis (alias Henry King) died of scurvy caused by insufficient or improper food and medicines.
  There is nothing to show the disease of which he died die, but he appears to have been treated and cared for to the best of the master's knowledge and ability.
  That Daniola Dominico, John Frederick, Joseph Downey, William F. Stevens, William Tynes, and John William Buckley have not only failed to substantiate the charges of cruel and tyrannical conduct  during the voyage brought by them against the master, mate and second mate, and the charge of neglecting to supply the vessel with sufficient food and water and proper anti-scorbutics brought against the master, but the Court considers them to be vexatious and without foundation, and also the charge that the ship was leaking and unseaworthy when she left New York.
  The Court returns to the master, M. J. C. Andrews, and to Lamuel Gordon, first mate, their certificates of competency.
  The Court order that in accordance with the powers contained in Sec. 263 of 17 and 18 Vic., c. 104, the costs of proceedings of said Court to be paid by M. J. C. Andrews, master of the Robert S. Besnard, one of the parties thereto, and he is hereby ordered to pay the said sum accordingly, but that he be and is hereby empowered to deduct the same from the wages of Daniola Dominico, John Frederick, Joseph Downey, William F. Stevens, William Tynes, and John William Buckley, in equal proportions.
  The Court order that in accordance with the powers contained in Sec, 263 of 17 and 18 Vic., c. 104, William Tynes be discharged from the Robert S. Besnard, of Parrsboro', Nova Scotia, and the balance of wages due to him after payment of his portion of the costs of these proceedings as above decided, retained by way of compensation to the owner.
  The expenses of this Court are fixed at 14 Ponds and ten pence and are approved.
  Dated at Shanghai this 27th day of January, 1885.
Before Colin M. Ford, Esq., H.B.M.'s Vice-Consul, President.
W. Strugnell, Nav. Lieut., R.N., Edward E. Mahon, Staff Surgeon, R.N., Samuel Richards, Master, British ship Northampton.