vessels. If these regulations were adopted, such accidents as that referred to could scarcely occur. I would strongly recommend this to your company, and to make it generally known." Believe me, &c., &c., DAVID MILNE. ANNULAR SCUPPERS.-Commander Henry Downes, R.N., has invented a new scupper for ships' decks, which he terms annular. It consists of two distinct copper rings; one of which, an inch wide and half an inch thick, is screwed down into the deck, and bedded in pitch or white lead; the other, which is of the same width and thickness, is made so as to fit into the former, and resting on the upper edge of it, reduces the aperture of the scupper one half. Thus the scupper is capable of being enlarged or reduced at pleasure by merely shipping or unshipping the inner ring. The attention of Captain Downes has been turned to this subject, from witnessing the inconvenience from decks being flooded during rains and bad weather, when the common scupper has been insufficient to allow the water running off quickly. A model of this invention is deposited in the United Service Museum. BRITANNIA. Epsom, Nov. 6, 1837. Mr. EDITOR, In the October number of your valuable Magazine, I find a letter signed "An Old Ship Master," intimating that the suggestions contained in "Britannia," for the improvement of sailors were derived from a previous publication, by Captain H. M. Marshall, R.N., and that I ought, therefore, to have acknowledged my obligations to that work; that is, "if I had ever seen it." Now this saving clause is a very important part of your correspondent's letter; for it so happens that, neither in whole, nor in part, have I even seen the publication in question. Had it fortunately come into my hands while preparing the Prize Essay, I should probably have turned it to some account; in which case I should have avowed my obligation; not only as a matter of course, and of duty, but also for the purpose of giving weight to my statements, and force to my appeals. For, from what I have heard of Captain Marshall, his mere assertions in relation to the subject before me, would deserve greater attention than some men's arguments. Would that, for the sake of sailors, he could multiply himself a hundredfold. I will only add, that if my suggestions for the improvement of our neglected sailors, conceived as they were in perfect ignorance and independence of Captain Marshall's, coincide with them so remarkably as your correspondent represents, the coincidence by increasing the probability that our suggestions are founded in propriety, increases their claim on the public regard. Your insertion of the above will oblige, dear Sir, Your's respectfully, JOHN HARRIS. GOVERNOR (GOVERNEUR) ROCK, OFF DONAGHADEE.-The following position of this rock, which has not yet appeared in the charts, has been transmitted to the Admiralty, by Captain Beechey, commanding H.M.S. African: Compass bearings from the rock, on which the least water is ten feet, viz: Lighthouse on Donaghadee Pier Magazine at Donaghadee Foreland Buoy (which should be placed on the rock) N. W. 550 feet. Deputy Buoy E. by N. N. ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.Nov. 27, W. R. Hamilton, Esq., President, in the Chair. On the study of Geography in Switzerland, by Professor Chaix, of Geneva.-Captain Alexander's account of his expedition to Walwisch Bay, stating his return to the Cape on the 21st September.-Captain Burns' examination of the Indus as far as Attok on his way to Cabul.-In the course of this evening the gold medal of the Geographical Society of Paris, was presented to Capt. Back. The President in presenting the medal, alluded to the important discoveries of Capt. Back, in his search after Sir John Ross, for which the medal was awarded; he also alluded in highly flattering terms to the masterly retreat made by Captain Back from his late perilous expedition, in furtherance of those discoveries, and congratulated him on his safe return from a voyage of so inuch danger, privation, and suffering, in which he had put the seal to another triumph of order, discipline, and obedience, when under the guidance of skill and experience. Captain Back returned thanks, and spoke in glowing terms of the perilous condition of his ship, which suffered so much from the ponderous pieces of ice forced against her by the violence of the current, as to have been nearly overwhelmed,— -a fate only arrested by the invisible hand of Providence. An animated discussion went forward on the current alluded to. Dec. 11th.-W. B. Hamilton, Esq., President, in the Chair. On the soil and natives of Port Philip, South Australia, by Captain Maconochie, R.N.-Extract of a letter from the chief justice, Sir John Jeffcott, to Mr. Barrow.-Extracts from the Journal of the Brig Rapid.-On the political geography, and geographical nomenclature of Australia, by Captain Vetch, R.E., which produced a very animated discussion on the subject. METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY.-Dec. 12, 1837, Dr. Lee, F.R.S. F.R.A.S., &c., in the chair. At this meeting several very interesting papers were read in explanation of the electrical phenomenon which displayed so great a profusion of red, white, and rosy coloured hues, on the night of Sunday, Nov. 12th, last, from Poole, Worcester, London, Manchester, &c., but in none of these localities appeared a suf ficient number of meteors to constitute a recurrence of the "meteoric shower," which has been seen with so much interest for several years past on the 12th and 13th of November. Indeed clouds tervened in all the above places about the time the meteors were expected to ap pear, namely, about inidnight on the 12th. The occurrence of the "meteoric shower" in the United States, has been witnessed with the interest and splendour of former years. Professor Olmsted states that the meteors began to appear about five minutes before one, A.M. of the 13th, and that the maximum was attained between three and four. The total number of meteors noticed being 226. After the reading of these papers, a new and beautiful instrument was submitted to the Society for inspection, by the inventor, R. C. Woods, Esq., 47, Hatton Garden, (who has been appointed meteorological instrument maker to the Meteorological Society.) This instrument which has been a desideratum among Meteorologists, and the appearance of which will, no doubt, insure its adoption, by men of practical science, is the SelfRegistering Barometer. The great simplicity of its construction, without additional expense beyond that of ordinary barometers in the getting of it up, has claims upon the Meteorologist beyond that of any other meteorological instrument at present known. Mr. Woods also exhibited his improved safety Mountain and Marine Barometers, elegantly mounted in bronze cases, which are calculated to obviate the difficulties attendant on those instruments which are fitted up in wood cases; these invariably split on arriving at about 40° of latitude, which generally destroys the tube, and not only thus renders the instrument useless, but too frequently is the cause of the loss of much valuable property and what is of infinitely more consequence, many human lives! Mr. Woods also exhibited his Double Registering Thermometer, and his improved Atmospheric Thermometer, both of which instruments will be found exceedingly useful in registering accurately the most minute variations of temperature. Lieut. Morrison's Magnet Electrometer was also exhibited, with copious observations made during five successive days in the month of August last. This instrument may be turned to good account in meteorology, by a careful, diligent, and clever meteorologist. Engravings, and descriptions of all the above instruments will be given in the Society's transactions, which will appear during the present session. The meeting adjourned till Tuesday, January 9th, 1838. PRESENTATION OF PLATE.-A splendid piece of plate has been presented to Lieut. Tudor, of the royal navy, by the Levant Company, as a testimonial to his merits during the period of his service in their employ. It consists of a handsome silver vase, cover, and stand, richly chased. The handles of the vase represent oak branches tending upwards, and encircling the brim with richly-chased leaves and acorns. The cover and stand are equally rich. The following is the inscription presented to John Tudor, Esq., R.N., by the Levant Steam Company, as a testimonial of their high personal esteem, and an acknowledgment of his eminent services in connexion with their boat, the Crescent, which he superintended during her whole construction, and commanded till her complete establishment on her station. On the reverse-the keel of the Crescent was laid in December, 1834, and although she experienced considerable delay in building, she had, in December, 1835, completed at sea twelve thousand miles, having made the quickest steam-voyage that had ever been performed. GREATEST SPEED ON RECORD.-The Pesident's message was run from Washington to Boston (500 miles) in twenty four hours! It was taken a quarter before midnight from this city by the splendid new steamer, Wasp, Capt. Vanderbilt, to New Haven, thence by express to Worcester, thence by railroad to Boston. The Wasp was detained one hour in the Sound, by an accident to her machinery. That vessel went the first 12 miles from New York in thirty minutes !-New York Evening Star. Law Proceedings. THE MARIA SALVAGE.-Vessel 234 tons, crew eleven; from the Levant to Hull, cargo, bones; got on Cross Sand, off Yarmouth, 10th February; Royal Sovereign and Red Rover yawls proceeded to assistance; wind hard from S.S.W., sea heavy. Red Rover reached Maria first, got her off before Royal Sovereign arrived; latter assisted in towing her to Yarmouth. Vessel sent to quarantine, salvors on board, and detained thirty-seven days. Owners tendered 3007.; refused; value of ship and cargo 2,4457. Sir John Nichol decided there had been considerable merit on part of salvors; readiness in launching vessel, incurring risk, and remaining on board a vessel which might have had plague; the tender not oneseventh. He was bound to add 150%; making award 450l., with costs.-(Admirally Court, 3rd July.) THE COMMERCIANT Salvage.-290 tons. Cargo timber. Bound to Honfleur. Tempestuous weather. Got on Kentish Knock; able to get off by exertions of her own crew. Waterlogged and in want of repair; master bargained with a laden brig to tow him to Yarmouth. Salvors come in an Alborough yawl, are employed in preference, and convey the vessel to Harwich by wish of master. Appraised value of ship and cargo 2,2131. Sir John Nicholl awarded 1507. as salvage. Owners to pay cost.—( Admiralty Court.) THE MARGARET, STEAM VESSEL. Salvage.-Waterford to London. Passengers. Got on Burling reef, off Beachey head. * Meteorological works, intended for review, in the Society's transactions, to be forwarded to the Secretary free of expence, before the 1st of March next. Communications for this Society may be addressed to W. H. White, Hon. Secretary, 38, Britannia-street, City Road, where every information relating to membership, &c., may be obtained. Lieat. Smith fired a gun to warn her of danger before she struck. Being ill, sent his boat to her assistance, she having burnt blue lights. Vessel got off. A sovereign given to boats' crew for their assistance. No tender made. Vessel and cargo worth 20,000. Sir John Nicholl decided salvage of slight description. But property large, and having passengers, such vessels should pay liberally. Duty of court to enforce this principle. Directed 100% and expenses of proceedings to be paid to Lieut. Smith.—Admiralty Court. THE MEG MERRILIES.-Salvage.Liverpool to Africa.-Sailed 30th Sept., 1836. Bad weather. Injured. Dismasted. Fallen in with, on 4th October, off Land's End, by St. Patrick, steamer, from Waterford to London, with full cargo of passengers and live stock. Brig had signal of distress and was making water. St. Patrick made for her. Heavy sea; great difficulty got a warp on board; towed her into Catwater, Plymouth. Brig worth 9,5001. Reward claimed. Owners of brig contended towage only had been performed and consented to pay for it. Sir John Nichol awarded to the salvors, 7501. with costs. (Admiralty Court.) THE CAROLUS.-Collision.-A Hanoverian vessel, and Susan, an English vessel coming up the river Thames, on opposite tacks, in Long Reach, came in collision. Susan was sunk. Carolus contended accident occasioned by want of skill in Susan. Proved by two TrinityHouse masters that Carolus was in error and her pilot liable to be sued on his bond. Sir John Nichol decided for claim of Susan to amount of damage. (Admiralty Court.) their misconduct in obstructing steamer should reduce it, and she was the only salvor. Sir John Nichol decided, vessel had been in very perilous situation; although services of Essex even had been unsuccessful, they would have been entitled to liberal reward for services, though unattended with risk and little more than work or labour. In obstructing steamer and endeavouring to supersede authority of her master and pilot, the vessel not being derelict or abandoned by crew, were guilty of misconduct and incurred strongest disapprobation of court. Not necessary, as was supposed, for salvors to stick by a vessel in order to retain claim for services. Steam vessel in this case was employed by authority of master, who had a right to employ whom he pleased; the salvors were intruders, and had violated the law. Under all circumstances, and considering policy of encouraging such services as salvors had rendered, he awards 30l. to barge Eliza, as she had conveyed part of cargo to London, and had no participation in subsequent transaction, and 1001. among the rest.—(Admiralty Court.) THE VICTORY.-Collision.-A schooner, sailed from Cork; 28th October, 1836, fell in with the William off Welch coast. Crew of latter drunk. William changed her course and run foul of Victory, leaving her figure-head in Victory amidships. Crew of latter had to abandon her and she was afterwards reported on shore at Port Reef in Cornwall. Crew of Victory when board William, found captain drunk, and mate not sober! Endeavoured to keep up Victory, but she sunk during night. Verdict of jury, damages 2501, and costs. Admiralty Court. THE MAGNUS.-Wages.-Two seamen, Kelly and Smith, discharged in London, had signed articles at New Brunswick, by which they were to receive 121. for the run to London. They stated that they were taken on a sledge, while insensibly drunk, from the house of a crimp named Fry, a sailors' boarding house keeper, at St. John's, and put on board the ship; and captain had not paid them a farthing. Kelly stated that recovering from his drunkenness, he demanded the 127., and refusing to do any duty, the captain beat him. His fingers were frostbitten, in consequence mortified, and three since amputated in London. Captain stated, that according to custom of the country, he had paid the wages to the crimp. Magistrate considered custom not binding on the men, and unless they had authorized it he must THE DANTZIC PACKET.-Salvage.-A Prussian brig (239 tons.) Dantzic to London. Cargo flour, corn and provisions. Forced into Sheerness by weather. Engaged a steamer to tow her to Gravesend. Sailed on 7th January; soon after, boiler burst in sea reach. Wind freshened. Brig forced on West Knock sand; struck heavily. Signals made, and seven small Essex boats (salvors) from Southend went to her. Brig had eleven feet water in hold. Unable to get her off. Meantime, Prussian Consul at Sheerness sent another steamer to assist; salvors of Essex boats refused to allow her to interfere. length steamer applied her power, got brig off and took her to Sheerness. Value of brig and cargo 3,000l. Contended on one side, Essex boats real salvors-on the other, a claim not denied for their labour, ENLARGED SERIES.-NO. 1.-VOL. FOR 1838. At K pay their wages with costs. It was finally considered that Kelly had given Foy authority to receive his wages, and the other had not. Payment of 127. to him ordered, and costs. Admiralty Court, March, 1836. THE SUFFOLK-Refusal of Duty.-Five seamen charged with refusing to proceed to sea, after signing articles. They were to receive wages, varying from 27. 10s. to 3. 10s. per month, and received advance notes, cashed by a Jew slopseller, who gave them money and clothes on credit. Excuse alleged; they had been cheated by the Jew and were without sufficient clothing. Charges of slopseller examined, and reported fair. Magistrate decided that they had committed a gross fraud on the captain, and sentenced to twenty days' hard labour in Brixton gaol. Admiralty Court, April. interest. Resisted by owners on ground of no necessity for hypothecating vessel, master not being without funds or credit; money not advanced on lien of the ship, and bond extorted from master on point of sailing. Sir John Nicholl pronounced against its validity; he said, necessity was only plea, on which law allowed masters to pledge property of his owners by hypothecating ship and freight. Lord Stowell says, "Necessity is the vital principle of hypothecation." In this case no necessity appeared. Owners known at Hobart-town, master known, ship carried her own credit, had owners' property on board. Evidence of accounts between master and owners adjusted, and balance paid to latter. Bond extorted apparently for sake of a more convenient remittance to England, with 20 per cent. interest. The application for payment of the bond rejected, and the appearance of contrivance and management in the master, and owners being put to so much expense in resisting claim, they were entitled to their costs. (Admiralty Court, Nov. 27.) Records of Wrecks. [The numbers refer to the names in the tables.] THE CORNWALLIB. No. 3. Friday morning, 30th Dec., mate sent up Bourka Bay to seek harbour, wood and water; returned successful, reported natives friendly-Capt. Doggett of Mechanic on board,-resolved to enter harbour,-daybreak following mates sound harbour, natives surround boats in canoes,-sunset, returned on board,-next day (Sunday) anchored in Deceitful Bay; ship Mechanic followed,- -canoes surround both vessels. Next morning casks sent on shore for water, and party of New Zealanders to cut wood,-natives friendly, -five tons of water got on board,-Tuesday, casks and wooding party sent on shore,-natives more numerous,-next day same process, natives found armed with bows and arrows,-surprised by 200 natives, seized axes, wounded New Zealanders who run into sea and swim away. Boat armed sent to assistance,-fired at natives who retreat into the bush, boat conveys wounded New Zealanders on board Mechanic, and proceeds to assist watering party attacked by natives,-by arrows and stones natives in possession of casks, second mate received some arrows, carpenter injured in head by stone, escaped on board Mechanic, no loss of life, many natives supposed kill Both ed by firing from both vessels. CALEDONIA, No. 1. Brig from Quebec, -30th Oct. became waterlogged,-31st lost rudder and capsized,-lost one seaman and an apprentice,-cut away the masts, provisions all washed away,hunger,-starvation,-subsisted on dead companions,-five died,-9th Nov. Russian ship Wartrue from Archangel for Bristol, fell in with and rescued Captain Coke, mate, carpenter, second mate, and an apprentice; landed them at Bristol,great credit due to mate (Dyden) of Russian ship. ECHO, No. 4, of Plymouth. 11th Nov. |