have merited my warmest praise and admiration, for their spirited end undaunted exertions in the execution of the very arduous duties they had to perform, viz. Messrs. Moorman, Lodwick, Noble, Smith, Dawes, Branch, and Harvey.
“Amongst the general good conduct of the warrant officers of this ship, I beg leave to call your attention most particularly to that of Mr. Lewis, the carpenter, whose great attention in plugging up the holes in the bows, and attending to the leaks, and who, in an almost incredibly short space of time, knocked up a temporary rudder, by which the ship was steered into Cockburn Sound.
“In concluding this letter, the conduct of the ship’s company naturally calls for some remarks. I beg to assure you. Sir, that it surpasses any praise I can bestow. When I reflect, that during our perilous situation, the little hope or prospect of safety there was at times before us, not a single instance of insubordination was observed. On the contrary, although occasionally the physical strength of the men was nearly exhausted by their unremitting labour during five days, their cheerfulness, their exertions, and their determined perseverance, at no one moment deserted them. It was to these exertions, used under the protection and guidance of Providence, our fate on this day depended, and which gave me the strongest hopes of ultimate success they have, indeed, rendered themselves worthy of their Country, and of the service to which they are attached.
“The Archdeacon Scott (who was passenger on board, on his way to England from New South Wales) was kind enough, at my request, to offer up thanks for the officers and crew, for our miraculous deliverance from our late perilous situation: this excellent man was often requested by me to ensure his safety by landing on Carnac Island: but so determined was he to link his fate with his old shipmates, that nothing could induce him to quit whilst any doubt remained of our safety.
“From the great scarcity of provisions at present prevailing in the colony, I have found it expedient to purchase some bread, beef, and pork, from the Norfolk merchant ship, and shall continue to do so, by every opportunity that may offer, as the Government here can no longer afford us the necessary supplies.
“I shall use the utmost despatch in endeavouring to make good the defects, which I fear will not be so rapid as I could have wished, being chiefly left to our own resources.
“I beg to annex a narrative of our proceedings from the commencement of our most perilous situation, in which I trust it will be found no human exertion of any individual was wanting to rescue the ship from her almost helpless fate. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Rear-Admiral Sir Edward Owen, K.C.B.
&c. &c. &c.”
