Charles Horspool was a crew member of the HMS Heron, part of an anti-slavery squadron patrolling the West African coast. It appears that in April 1859 the Heron captured a slave trader and Charles Horspool was amongst the crew which took this 'prize' to Sierra Leone whilst HMS Heron continued on it's patrol. On 9th May 1859 the Heron and over 100 members of the crew were lost at sea during a tornado. Charles might be considered lucky in having avoided this catastrophe but he then had to face an outbreak of Yellow fever aboard HMS Trident on which he had been awaiting the return of HMS Heron. He survived and we find him aboard HMS Excellent in Portsmouth Harbour at the time of the 1861 census.
There is a memorial to those of the HMS Trident who died of Yellow fever at Southsea, Hampshire, England
HMS Heron, a 482 ton 16 gun brig launched at Chatham Dockyard on 27 September 1847 and lost at sea off West Africa on 9 May 1859
- Source: http://en.wikipedia.org
From Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday, July 30, 1859.
HER MAJESTY'S SLOOP HERON. SAFETY OF MR. BLAIR AND A NUMBER OF THE CREW
The Admiralty have promulgated the following:- ADMIRALTY. July 28.
The Athens, Cape mail packet, has arrived at Devonport; left the Cape June 21, and Ascension July 4. The captain reports that Mr. Blair, Mate of her Majesty's late sloop Heron, and 39 men, of whom 25 are Europeans, have been picked up, and are believed to be now on board her Majesty's ship Vesuvius.
The following is from a correspondent at Ascension:—
Ascension Island, July 3. The merchant bark Eleanor, from Cardiff with coals for this place, arrived here about 11 p.m. on the 14th of June last, having on the 9th of May, at five p.m., when in lat. 5 deg. 1 min. N., long. 15 deg. 30 min. W., picked up part of the crew of the unfortunate Heron, which had that morning foundered. As soon as I heard of her loss I lost no time in requesting permission to be allowed to have a copy of all particulars concerning the brig. I imagine you will have heard of her loss before you receive this, as Her Majesty's steamer Trident arrived here from Sierra Leone, on the evening of the 27th of June last, bringing tidings of the Heron's whale boat party (Commander Truscott, with the boatswain, gunner, and 17 men, we hear), who were missing at the time of the wreck, and that they were picked up by some merchant ship at 2 p.m. the same day, and taken to Sierra Leone, thence to England per mail boat. I cannot get any further particulars concerning that party, as the "Tridents" have got the yellow fever very bad, and we do not communicate with her on that account. This news is what we hear accidentally. In case this is true, you will have heard all particulars of the whaler, but the names of the survivors here will be, I imagine, good news to those who imagine their friends have perished. Her Majesty's brig Heron took a prize on coming to Ascension in April last, and Lieut. F. W. Chapman and 14 men and boys were sent in her to take her to Sierra Leone. After that duty was performed it appears that they went on board the Trident at Sierra Leone, to wait for their own brig coming there from Ascension. The fever breaking out in her, she (the Trident) came up here, bringing Lieutenant Chapman's party in her. Two of them died of fever in coming across, and one since in the hospital, as you will see by the memoranda enclosed. I cannot get information concerning the Trident, only hearsay. I hear that 18 died coming from Sierra Leone here, and since she has been here 12 more have died, and eight or nine more cases are very doubtful. All the ship's company are on shore under tents (I mean those that are well); all the others, about 45 or 50, are in our hospital; the ship is lying off a long way to the northward of us, with the yellow flag flying at the fore. One able seaman, one marine, and one first-class boy were left here sick by the Heron; their names are in the memorandum at the foot of the inclosure, the name of the marine is very doubtful.
(Copy.)
Her Majesty's ship Tortoise, Ascension, June 15. Sir,—On the morning of the 9th of May, 1859, in about lat. 5 deg. 1 min. N., and long. 15 deg. 30 min. W., at four a.m., I relieved Lieutenant Porter. Her Majesty's ship Heron was then on the starboard tack, under topgallant sails, single-reefed topsails and courses, jib and boom mainsail, steering north-east by north, wind east-south-east, going between two and three knots. At a quarter to five Lieutenant Collingwood came upon deck and piped "Watch and idlers coil up ropes". As the weather looked unsettled, I expressed a wish to him that I would rather he would not coil the ropes up. He said, "Why not? I want to get the ropes washed." I replied, "Because it looks unsettled and inclined to be squally" He looked to windward, and said, "Oh ! there is nothing there," I asked him to relieve me, and I would go below, but he said "No" As soon as the ropes were up he piped, "Watch and idlers wash decks." I got upon the midship gun to the gangway, the first lieutenant did the same. The watch and idlers were then washing the decks. In about ten minutes or so the breeze began to freshen steadily but quickly. As soon as it commenced I piped 'Watch, shorten sail," gave the order "Man clew garnets" and tried to take the mainsail off her; the men were at their station waiting for the ropes. The wind still freshening, finding that the main tack could not be started, I gave the order to let go the main sheet, then to let go the peak halliards and lower the topsails. The quartermaster was trying to put the helm up, but could not on account of the after sail. The peak halliards were let go, but would not render, as the coil was trice up above the bits, not a rope was clear, and nothing could be started. In less than another minute she was on her beam ends. The commander was then upon deck, and gave orders to cut away the mainmast and clear away the boom boats. She was then filling, the water rushing down hatchway and skylights; all those that could got through the ports on the outside of the ship, which was then high out of water. The order was given to clear away the first whaler and spare spars. I collected what men I could that had knives, and assisted to clear away the spars; she was then sinking. As soon as they were clear, I looked, round and saw that the whaler was clear of the ship, with the commander, boatswain, and gunner, and about 15 men; the water was then washing over the hull, and the spars floated out. Most of the men were then clear of her. I remained on the side with a few others, until she sank under us, and then struck out, and succeeded in reaching a topsail yard, to which about 20 men were clinging. On looking round I could see the whaler pulling to get clear of the men that were trying to get into her, but they said that they could take no more, as they had already too many, she pulled away ahead of the ship, and we saw no more of her. As the brig sank she righted and went down rather by the head. At daylight there were only eight of us left on the yard; its rolling over and over had drowned many, and others were washed off. As there were several small spars and things floating about we joined them together and made a small raft; about an hour after daylight we saw the jolly boat with some Kroomen in her; we tried to paddle towards her with our hands, but it was no use, she did not come near us, but pulled to windward. In about two hours more we saw the cutter to windward, she had floated clear of the ship, and the men that were near her remained by her she was full of water, but a bucket floating by enabled them to bale her out. The jolly-boat coming down, I with two or three others, left the spars and got into her and made for the cutter. As soon as I got into her I sent the jolly-boat to leeward to see if she could pick up any more, and took the cutter to the spars that men were upon, took them all off, had a good look round, and pulled about in hopes of finding some more, and succeeded in picking; up one man, a Frenchman, but that was all, and I can safely assert that when we left the place there was not a living being left behind. There were then 35 of us in the cutter, but as the jolly-boat had no starboard topsides, and a large hole in her quarter, she would only carry five men, and was only kept afloat by constant baling. I told the men their position as near as I could guess. I shaped a north-east course by the sun, hoping to make the land below Sierra Leone; we had not been pulling many hours, when a Krooman sang out "Sail, ho." The oars were immediately double banked, and by 5 p.m. we were on board the Eleanor, of Cardiff, bound to Ascension. The captain of her said that as he was chartered for Government he could not take us to Sierra Leone. I did not think I should be justified in trying to reach the land with 40 men in the boat, as at the outside she could not have carried two days' provisions and water, and so came on to Ascension.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant.
F.H.Blair, Mate, late Her Majesty's ship Heron.
H.M.S. Tortoise, Ascension, June 18th. Sir - In compliance with your 'memo.' of yesterday, I have the honour to state for the information of the Commander-in-Chief that my reasons for supposing Commander Truscott and other officers were in the whaler on the morning of the loss of the Heron are, that Captain Truscott was seen by the head Krooman, and the gunner by the marine, and I recognised both of their voices, the boatswain's voice was also recognized by some of the men. On arriving on board of the Eleanor, the force of the wind was 1, and in from five to ten minute's afterwards hands were sent to the masthead to look for the 'whaler,' but nothing could be seen of her.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,
F.H.BLAIR, Mate of her Majesty's late brig Heron.
Captain W. F. Burnett, C.B., her Majesty's ship Tortoise, Ascension.
The undermentioned are the survivors brought to Ascension by the Eleanor, viz.:— Mr. F. H. Blair, mate; John Friar, captain fore-top; Henry Outfin, captain maintop; George Parnell, carpenter's mate; John White cooper; George Anderson, ropemaker; John Weller leading seaman; George Kent, ordinary seaman; Charles Owen, boy, first class; John Greenham, ordinary seaman; Neil Sinclair, carpenter's crew; William McIntyre, ditto; Bohennan, A.B.; Henry Every ordinary seaman; Chas. Floyd, ditto; James Baker, leading seaman; Samuel Saul, private R.M.; John Suter, ordinary seaman" John Kimber, boy first class; Robert Smart leadsing seaman; Alfred Jessop, sailmaker Tom Dollar (African) A.B.; Jack Savey, Krooman; Ben Roberts, Krooman; Ben Johnson Krooman Dick Andrews, Krooman; Ned Breeze, Krooman: Peter Woman. Krooman Tomi Freeman Krooman; John Bull, Krooman Estruse Pierre, Maitrjos Groslienlo, Antonio Belasquer, Jose Antonio Abord, Francisco Rodriquier, Jose Mauricie, Jose Mariote, Juan F Feirrerr, Spaniards and portuguese, part of the crew of the slave ship, name unknown,captured by the Heron on coming to Ascension in April last.
Memorandum. - Names of 1 officer and 14 men belonging to Her majesty's brig Heron, away in the prize (taken by Heron on coming to Ascension) at the time of the catastrophe, and are now on board Her majesty's ship Trident at Ascension, viz., - Mr F.W. Chapman, lieutenant; Charles Horspool, captain maintop; William Rogers, boatswain's mate, died in Trident with fever coming to Ascension; John Spencer, leading seaman; Thomas Bowry, A.B; John Germain, ordinary seaman; F.G.Beaver, ordinary seaman; Thomas Moulder, boyfirst class; Reginald Andrews, ordinary seaman, died in Trident with fever comng to Ascension; James Freeves, boy second class; John Osborn, ordinary seaman; Alfred Dibden. ordinary seaman; William Young, ordinary seaman William Bridgman, private Royal Marines; Hurst, Private royal Marines.
The above is correct as far as can be ascertained from the Heron’s men on board the Tortoise, as, the Trident having the fever so bad, there is no communication with her.
Memorandum – The undermentioned two men and one boy were left at Ascension Hospital sick by the Heron when she sailed for Sierra Leone (and were not in her at the time of her loss) – viz. Edward Fleun, able-bodied, now on board Her Majesty’s ship Sharpshooter, gone to Sierra Leone; Arker, private Royal Marine Light Infantry, invalided, went home in Her Majesty’s ship Magiera.
The following comes from a OneName Website dedicated to the name of Dibden. Source:http://www.angelfire.com/ar3/dibden_onename/heron.html/
The Loss of H.M.S. Heron, 1859
Alfred Dibden, ordinary seaman
HMS Heron was a vessel of the West Africa Squadron - a British anti-slavery squadron set up in 1808 following the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807 - which patrolled the West African coastline in search of slave ships. A captured slave ship (known as a ‘prize’) was then taken to Freetown, Sierra Leone, where it was sold and the money from the sale distributed amongst the crew members of the anti-slavery vessel.
In April 1859, HMS Heron had captured a slave ship, and a small number of the Heron's crew, including Alfred Dibden, delivered the ‘prize’ to Sierra Leone. They joined HMS Trident while they awaited the arrival of HMS Heron coming from Ascension Island, but their ship never arrived, as on the 9th May, during the voyage from Acension Island to Sierra Leone, HMS Heron was struck by a tornado and sank. The Captain and some of the crew managed to escape in a whale boat and were rescued that afternoon by the Irlam, a bark of Liverpool, arriving at Sierra Leone on the 16th. The Captain first reported to HMS Trident and three days later they left for England aboard the African mail ship 'Ethiope'. Unbeknown to the whale boat survivors, others had saved themselves by clinging to parts of the wreckage and were eventually picked up by the Elenor, of Cardiff, and taken to Ascension.
Those crew members who had been waiting on HMS Trident for the Heron's arrival faired no better. Yellow fever struck claiming the lives of 44 of the Trident's crew and half of the prize crew from the Heron. It’s not known if Alfred died of the fever or was one of those lucky enough to return to England.
On the 21st March 1859, a few weeks prior to her loss, the crew of HMS Heron, along with those from three other vessels of the squadron - Vesuvius, Trident and Spitfire - the Royal Marines and the 1st West India Regiment, were engaged on a very successful expedition from Sierra Leone, down the Scarcies River, to attack the stronghold of the Loosoos tribe, who were encroaching on British territory. The steamers themselves were too large to be navigated along the river, so 24 troop boats were employed instead, in four divisions. The boats of HMS Heron made up the third division.
The following newspaper reports detail the expedition down the Scarcies river and the loss of H.M.S. Heron.
The Times: Tuesday 10 May 1859, pg.10
Sierra Leone
We hear from Sierra Leone, west coast of Africa, that the tribe of Loosoos have been again encroaching on our frontiers, and have had the temerity to burn the next largest town to Sierra Leone, on the very river on which that stronghold stands. It was absolutely necessary to check the daring of this warlike tribe, as property was no longer safe on the river, and mercantile confidence was shaken. The mild administration of British rule is imputed by these savages to weakness, they considering themselves safe in their muddy rivers, where the pestilential fevers of Africa protect them more surely from the white man than all the guns they could bring into the field against us. An expedition was fitted out at Sierra Leone to attack the Loosoo stronghold up the great Scarcies river, where they arrived on the 21st of March. The force consisted of Her Majesty’s steamers Vesuvius, Trident and Spitfire, having on board his Excellency Colonel Hill, Governor of Sierra Leone, with the 1st West India Regiment, and Commodore C. Wise, aide-de-camp.
The following account of the expedition is given by a correspondent:-
“The steamers, not being able to enter the river, the ascent was made in boats, as follows:- 24 troop boats, in four divisions, under the charge of, - first division, Commodore C. Wise, with boats of Her Majesty’s ship Vesuvius; second, Commander F.A. Close, with boats of Her Majesty’s ship Trident; third, Commander Truscott, with boats of Her Majesty’s ship Heron; fourth, Lieutenant Chapman, with boats of Her Majesty’s ship Spitfire. Grand total, 52 boats – including six boats carrying guns and seven rocket boats. The ascent of the river was most difficult, and it required the energy of every naval officer to keep the troop boats off the rocks and in their places. On the third day we found ourselves only a few miles from our destination – viz,. The stockades and mud forts of Kambia Town; but the most difficult part had now to be passed. Before us lay the river, rushing through a bed of rocks, the points of which were so numerous and so near together that it seemed impossible to pass. Never shall I forget the scene that then ensued as the cloud of boats, freighted with their human cargoes, were swept into the rapid; the noise of the waters nearly drowned the shouts of the officers. Pilots were useless; before they could speak you were driven past or on to the danger. It reminded me very much of a large hunting field charging a dangerous and difficult leap; some are pounded, some are still flying along, taking warning from those in difficulties; some are trying to stop, not liking the look of the leap. How they all get through is a mystery, but at last it is accomplished; the danger is past, the stockades are in sight, and the boats anchor to re-form the broken line of battle, while Commodore Wise goes ahead to reconnoitre the enemy. Once more the bugles sound the advance. In ten minutes we open fire, and under a storm of shell and rockets the 1st West India Regiment and Marines land with a battery of mountain howitzers; the boats now turn their fire upon the main stockade and the troops advance; the second division of boats pass higher up the river and pound away at a stockade on the extreme left, while a storming party under Commander Close makes a rush for the wall; but the Loosoos now think they have had enough, and run so fast that nothing but a rifle-ball can catch them. The day was nearly a bloodless one, but, like the work in India, the sun is far more to be feared than gun-shot wounds in latitude 9 deg. North. The heat was frightful, and after the last skirmish we had in chase of the Loosoos, I saw his Excellency Colonel Hill, who commanded the troops, being brought to life again by means of bottles of water poured over his head. The attack had been made at the top of high tide, and as it was impossible to perform the service in one tide thoroughly, the boats had of necessity grounded in the mud under a cliff on which the stockades were built. Our fleet of boats had certainly rather a helpless appearance, but as the troops occupied the mud forts they were safe; nevertheless, the enemy were not blind to advantage they had, for after dark they peppered the boats with musketry from the opposite bank. On the 24th the troops were re-embarked, and in due course of time got back to the steamers. Kambia was left in the hands of our neighbours and allies, the Timnees, from whom the ever oppressing Loosoos had wrested the town by treachery. The expedition had the happiest effect on the country, for which the Government deserve every credit, and I am glad to say that as yet the troops have not suffered from fever, which might have been expected after their exposure to the sun and malaria in open boats.
The Times: Friday 10 Jun 1859, pg.12
West African Mails (By Electric and International Telegraph)
Loss of Her Majesty’s Ship Heron.
The mail steamer Ethiope, Captain French, has arrived with advices as follows:-
Through the courtesy of the purser of the Ethiope, Mr. James Pillock, we have a complete summary of news, and details of the loss of Her Majesty’s sloop Heron on the 9th of May, in lat. 4 N., long. 14 50 W., being 200 miles from the coast of Africa, at 4 o’clock in the morning. She was caught in a tornado and instantly capsized. 107 of the crew were lost. Captain Truscott, his gunner, boatswain, 16 seamen, four Portuguese, and two Kroomen saved themselves in a boat, which was picked up by the Irlam, of Liverpool, and conveyed to Sierra Leone. Commander Truscott, George Heydon, boatswain, and Kettle, a private of Marines, died on board the Ethiope, on the passage to Liverpool, of yellow fever. Previously to her loss the Heron captured a slaver, after a chase of 12 hours. The following is a list of the loss:- Lieutenant Collingwood; Mr. Smart, master; Mr. Freeman. Paymaster; Dr. Sproule; Dr. James Reid; Mr. Blair, mate; Mr. Johnston, clerk; Mr, Utney, midshipman; Mr. Abbott, master’s assistant; Mr. Richard Hicks; Lieutenant Porter and the following seamen and Marines:- Kelsey, Mellish, Petrey, Andrews, Shrubsale, Wellar, Veyall, Fryar, Liars, Smart, Smith, M’Guire, Parnall, White, Coan, Kent, M’Intyre, Inglish, Ramsay, Sinclair, Wingfield, Mitchell, Harris, Anderson, Callaway, Junk, Paris, Maroony, Barnsdale, Wallendon, Evans, Humphreys, Heywood, Sears, Goldson, Conquest, Baker, Upperton, Everett, Hitchcock, Greenhow, Howe, Bohanned, Davis, Floyd, Wiggett, Wood, Every, Durhant, Somerville, Cotter, Dutfin, Jessop, Cahill, Owen, Brown, Bennett, Harrison, Buck, Suter, Sawe, Baker, Lock, Foster, Spiers, Gambol, Wilda, Saunders, Prendeville, Hawkins, Peterson, Kimble, Foley, Blackiston; nine kroomen and 11 Spaniards belonging to the slaver make up the number to 107. The slaver had arrived at Sierra Leone in charge of Lieutenant Chapman and a prize crew.
Shipping Intelligence
Reference to vessels at Sierra Leone – the Nereid (on fire)- William Rogles, boatswain’s mate of her Majesty’s sloop Heron, was burnt to death in assisting to extinguish the fire.
The Times: Wednesday 15 Jun 1859, pg.10
Loss of Her Majesty’s Ship Heron
We have been favoured by the Secretary of the Admiralty with the following report of this unfortunate occurrence.
(Copy) Report of Mr. R. Mindry, Gunner
Her Majesty’s Ship Victory, Portsmouth, June 10
Sir – Being the only surviving officer from the wreck of Her Majesty’s brig Heron, I have the honour to report, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, my proceedings immediately before the wreck, and until my arrival on board this ship.
On Sunday, the 8th of May, I had the first watch (from 8 to 12pm.) At 9 o’clock the captain left his order-book with me; it ran as follows:- ‘Course N.E. by N. Shorten sail on any appearance of a squall, and call me.’ At midnight I was relieved by Lieutenant Porter, of the Trident, who was taking passage and doing duty. The ship at the time was under topgallant sails, single-reefed topsails, courses, boom mainsail and jibs; going 1.8; a fine starlight night. At 5 the following morning, of the 9th, I was thrown out of my bed against the main ladder. I rushed on deck, caught a rope, which had fallen to leeward, and succeeded in getting on the ship’s bottom, where I found a number of men. I immediately called for a knife, when Samuel Handsford, captain forecastle, cut away the foremast fall of the weather whale boat. The ship then sunk, leaving the boat afloat, the after-fall having been cut or separated, but not known by whom. Twenty-three men and myself got into the whale boat. After being in the whale boat about four minutes I saw a white speck on the water making towards the us. I then gave orders to keep everyone off the boat, as she was already crowded. When the white speck was within a few feet of the boat I found by the voice that it was the captain, and instantly took him in; the weather at this time was very dark, and raining heavily.
The captain was so much exhausted that I kept charge of the boat for about 40 minutes, when he, being partially recovered, and his wounds bound up, took charge.
When daylight appeared we found the boat’s crutches and commenced pulling, keeping head to sea. After about an hour John Waldren, ordinary, said he saw a sail ahead, which was not visible to anyone else, but we all saw her about a quarter of an hour afterwards, and reached her at 2pm. We were then taken on board the Irlam, a bark of Liverpool, from Calabar to Sierra Leone, where we arrived at noon on the 16th. Captain Truscott went on board Her Majesty’s ship Trident, and reported himself; the Trident’s cutter then took us out of the bark. On the 19th of May we went on board the Ethiope, African mail steamer, for passage to Liverpool. On the 29th of May James Kettle, private Royal Marines, died; on the 30th Mr. George Haydon, boatswain, died; and on the 3rd of June Captain Truscott died – all of whom were buried at sea. We arrived at Liverpool at 6pm., yesterday, the 9th when Commander Goldfinch forwarded us on by rail to this ship.
I annex a list of the survivors who have arrived with me – viz.: Alexander Allen, gunner’s-mate; James White, quarter-master; George Pinhorn, quarter-master; Samuel Handsford, captain forecastle; James Bartlett, captain afterguard; James Waldren, ordinary; William Windover, ordinary; James Gifford, ordinary; Richard Hicks, ordinary; George Gedge, ordinary; John H. Kemp, ordinary; William Becket, ordinary; Nicholas Harvey, painter; Richard Gorey, boy, first class; William Miller, drummer; Henry Anderson, private, R.M. I have, &c., Robert Mindry, Gunner, 3rd Class.
List of Prize Crew belonging to Her Majesty’s late brig Heron, left at Sierra Leone, on board Her Majesty’s ship Trident:- Lieutenant Chapman, in charge; Charles Horspool, captain maintop; William Rogers, boatswain’s mate (dead); John Spencer, leading seaman; Thomas Bowsey, A.B.; John Osborne, ordinary; John Germain, ordinary; William Young, ordinary; Alfred Dibden, ordinary; John Treeves, boy second-class; William Hurst, private, Royal Marines; William Bridgeman, private, Royal Marines. Admiral Wm. Bowles, C.B., &c., Commander in-Chief.
The Times: Thursday 23 Jun 1859, pg.8
The Loss of the Heron
Yesterday a court-martial, comprising Captain George T. Gordon, Her Majesty’s ship Asis, President; Captains Sir William Hoste, R. Harris, A. Farquhar, R.S. Hewlett, C.V., F. Hop, T. Wilson, W. Edmonston, R.B. Crawford, and J.B.E. Frere, together with W.J. Hellyer, Deputy Judge-Advocate, assembled on board the Victory, in Portsmouth harbour, for the trial of Mr. R. Mindry, the gunner, and the survivors of the crew of Her Majesty’s brig Heron, for the loss of that vessel on the morning of May last, in a tornado, about 200 miles to the southward of Sierra Leone.
On the opening of the Court the letter from Mr. Mindry, the gunner, to Admiral W. Bowles, C.B., Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth, written on the arrival of the survivors of the crew on board the Victory, and which appeared in The Times of the 15th inst., was read, and the Court closed. On being opened again the crew were adjudged to be acquitted, and the Court then proceeded with the trial of Mr. Mindry, the gunner of the brig.
The first witness called, James White, deposed that he was the quartermaster of the morning watch on the 9th May last. Mr. Blair, the mate, was officer of the watch. The Heron was under topgallant sails, single-reefed topsails, courses, jib, and boom mainsail, on the starboard tack. Saw indications of a tornado coming on three quarters of an hour before it was felt. The first-lieutenant came on deck about a quarter to 5am., and ordered the ropes to be coiled up and the decks scrubbed and washed; this was about 10 minutes before the squall struck the ship. Mr. Blair remarked that they had better shorten sail, to which the first-lieutenant replied, “Pooh, pooh, it will be nothing.” Was of the opinion that if sail had been shortened in time, the accident would not have taken place. They had experienced a heavier squall on the day previous, when Mr. Blair was the officer of the watch. The courses on that occasion were hauled up, topgallant sails taken in, topsails and boom mainsail lowered, and jib hauled down, the brig being kept before the squall. Heard the captain on that occasion find fault with Mr. Blair for not giving his orders quick enough. When the brig capsized she was on the starboard tack. The squall took her abeam; the helm had been previously put up. At five minutes to 5, had hove the log, and went to report to Mr. Blair, who sang out, “Mind your helm.” Assisted the man at the wheel, and in less than a minute the brig was on her sails in the water. No sheets or halliards were let go until it was too late. Heard the squall on the water about two minutes before it struck the brig. The first-lieutenant was on deck at the time of the accident, but heard him give no orders to shorten sail. Only two of the crew got up from below after the brig was on her beam ends before she sank. Samuel Hansford – Was captain of the forecastle. Saw the squall coming half-an-hour before the ropes were coiled up for washing decks. Got into the whale boat by running alongside the broadside of the brig after she was capsized. Heard Mr. Mindry calling for a knife; he was using every exertion to save the people. James Bartlett- Was captain of the maintop. Was on deck the morning the brig capsized. Heard Mr. Blair say to the first-lieutenant, “You’d better keep the ropes down, Sir.” No orders were given to shorten sail previous to the squall striking the brig; sufficient warning was given to enable them to do so. All those who were saved got into the boat as the brig lay on her broadside, except the captain. Cut the boat’s falls, and made one effort to launch her before the brig sank from under them; the boat took in a good deal of water from the vortex caused by the brig sinking. The captain was the only person seen in the water, and witness hauled him into the boat; he appeared much exhausted. Mr. Blair was in the habit of “carrying on.” Captain Truscott was accustomed to come on deck without warning if the weather looked in any way stormy. Had seen him on deck all hours of the night; he had ordered everything to be taken off the brig the day previous, when the squall was coming on, and the helm to be put up, and was always very careful in carrying sail.
This closed the evidence for the prosecution.
Mr. Mindry, the gunner, stated that Mr. Blair, the mate, had the watch on the forenoon of the previous day (Sunday, the 8th of May) and was so reluctant to shorten sail on the approach of the squall on that day (the day previous to the brig capsizing) that the captain spoke sharply to him, and said the sail ought to have been shortened before, and the men out of the wet. It was invariably the captain’s rule to shorten sail before a squall came near the brig. The Court now closed to consider their finding, and on its being re-opened found “the loss of the Heron to be owning to the officer in charge of the deck not having used sufficient caution in shortening sail,” and adjudged Mr. R. Mindry, the gunner, to be acquitted.
The Times: Friday 29 Jul 1859, pg.12
The Loss of the Heron; Admiralty, July 28
The Athens, Cape mail packet, has arrived at Devonport. She left the Cape on the 21st of June, and Ascension on the 4th of July. The Captain reports that Mr. Blair, mate of Her Majesty’s late sloop Heron, and 39 men, of whom 25 are Europeans, have been picked up, and are believed to be now on board Her majesty’s ship Vesuvius.
The following is from a correspondent at Ascension:-
Ascension Island, July 3.
The merchant bark Elenor, from Cardiff with coals for this place, arrived here about 11pm on the 14th of June last, having on the 9th of May, at 5pm, when in lat. 5deg. 1min.N., long. 15deg. 30min.W., picked up part of the crew of the unfortunate Heron, which had that morning floundered. As soon as I heard of her loss I lost no time in requesting permission to be allowed to have a copy of all particulars concerning the brig. I imagine you will have heard of her loss long before you receive this, as Her Majesty’s steamer Trident arrived here from Sierra Leone, on the evening of the 27th of June last, bringing tidings of the Heron’s whale boat party (Commander Truscott, with the boatswain, gunner, and 17 men, we hear), who were missing at the time of the wreck, and that they were picked up by some merchant ship at 2pm, the same day, and taken to Sierra Leone, thence to England per mail boat. I cannot get any further particulars concerning that party, as the ‘Tridents’ have got the yellow fever very bad, and we do not communicate with her on that account. This news is what we hear accidentally. In case this is true, you will have heard all the particulars of the whaler, but the names of the survivors here will be, I imagine, good news to those who imagine their friends to have perished.
Her Majesty’s brig Heron took a prize on coming to Ascension in April last, and Lieut. F.W. Chapman and 14 men and boys were sent in to take her to Sierra Leone. After that duty was performed it appears that they went on board the Trident at Sierra Leone, to wait for their own brig coming there from Ascension. The fever breaking out in her, she (the Trident) came up here, bringing Lieutenant Chapman’s party in her. Two of them died of fever in coming across, and one since in the hospital, as you will see by the memoranda enclosed. I cannot get information concerning the Trident, only hearsay. I hear that 18 died coming from Sierra Leone here, and since she has been here 12 more have died, and eight or nine are very doubtful. All the ship’s company are on shore in tents (I mean those that are well); all the others, about 45 or 50, are in our hospital; the ship is lying a long way off to the northward of us, with the yellow flag flying at the fore. One able seaman, one Marine, and one first-class boy, were left here sick by the Heron; their names are in the memorandum at the foot of the enclosure, the name of the marine is very doubtful.
Copy
Her Majesty’s ship Tortoise, Ascension, June 15
Sir – On the morning of the 9th of May, 1859, in about lat. 5deg. 1min. N, and long. 15deg. 30min. W, at 4am I relieved Lieutenant Porter. Her Majesty’s ship Heron was then on the starboard tack, under topgallant sails, single-reefed topsails and courses, jib and boom-mainsail, steering north-east by north, wind east-south-east, going between two and three knots. At a quarter to 5, Lieutenant Collingwood came upon deck and piped ‘Watch and idlers coil up ropes.’ As the weather looked unsettled, I expressed a wish to him that I would rather he not coil the ropes up. He said, ‘Why not? I want to get the decks washed.’ I replied, ‘Because it looks unsettled and inclined to be squally.’ He looked to windward, and said, ‘Oh! There is nothing there.’ I asked him to relieve me, and I would go below, but he said ‘No.’
As soon as the ropes were coiled up he piped, ‘Watch and idlers wash decks.’ I got the midship gun in the gangway, the first lieutenant did the same. The watch and idlers were washing the decks. In about ten minutes or so the breeze began to freshen steadily, but quickly. As soon as it commenced I piped ‘Watch, shorten sail,’ gave the order ‘Man clew garnets,’ and tried to take the mainsail off her; the men were at their station waiting for the ropes. The wind still freshening, finding that the main tack could not be started, I gave the order to let go the main sheet then let go the peak halliards and lower the topsails. The quartermaster was trying to put the helm up, but could not on account of the after sail. The peak halliards were let go, but would not render, as the coil was triced up above the bits, not a rope was clear, and nothing could be started. In less than another minute she was on her beamends. The commander was then upon deck, and gave orders to cut away the mainmast and clear away the boom-boats. She was then filling, the water rushing down hatchways and skylights; all those that could got through ports on the outside of the ship, which was then high out of water. The order was given to clear away the first whaler and spare spars. I collected what men I could that had knives, and assisted to clear away the spars; she was then sinking. As soon as they were clear, I looked round and saw that the whaler was clear of the ship, with the commander, boatswain, and gunner, and about 15 men; the water was then washing over the hull, and the spars floated out. Most of the men were then clear of her. I remained on the side with a few others, until she sank under us, and then struck out, and succeeded in reaching a topsail yard, to which about 20 men were clinging, on looking round I could see the whaler pulling to get clear of the men that were trying to get into her, but they said that they could take no more, as they had already too many, she pulled away ahead of the ship, and we saw no more of her. As the brig sank she righted , and went down rather by the head. At daylight there was only eight of us left on the yard; its rolling over and over had drowned many, and others were washed off. As there were several small spars and things floating about we joined them together and made a small raft; about an hour after daylight we saw a jolly boat with some Kroomen in her; we tried to paddle toward her with our hands, but it was no use, she did not come near us, but pulled to windward. In about two hours more we saw the cutter to windward, she had floated clear of the ship; the men that were near her remained by her; she was full of water, but a bucket floating by enabled them to bale her out. The jolly-boat coming down, I, with two or three others, left the spars and got into her and made for the leeward to see if she could pick up any more, and took the cutter to the spars that men were upon, took them all off, had a good look round, and pulled about in hopes of finding some more, and succeeded in picking up one man, a French-man, but that was all, and I can safely assert that when we left the place there was not a living being left behind. There were then 35 of us in the cutter, but as the jolly-boat had no starboard topsides, and a large hole in her quarter, she would only carry five men and was kept afloat by constant baling.
I told the men their position as near as I could guess. I shaped a north-east course by the sun, hoping to make the land below Sierra Leone; we had not been pulling many hours, when a Krooman sang out “Sail ho.” The oars were immediately double banked, and by 5pm we were on board the Elenor, of Cardiff, bound to Ascension. The captain of her said as he was chartered for Government he could not take us to Sierra Leone. I did not think I should be justified in trying to reach the land with 40 men in the boat, as at the outside she could not have carried two days’ provisions and water, and so came on to Ascension.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
F.H.Blair, Mate, late Her Majesty’s ship Heron.
H.M’s Ship Tortoise, Ascension, June 18.
Sir – In compliance with your ‘memo’ of yesterday, I have the honour to state for the information of the Commander-in-Chief that my reasons for supposing Commander Truscott and other officers were in the whaler on the morning of the loss of the Heron are, that Captain Truscott was seen by the head Krooman, and the gunner by the marine, and I recognized both of their voices, the boatswain’s voice was also recognized by some of the men. On arriving on board of the Elenor the force of wind was 1, and in from five to ten minutes afterwards hands were sent to the masthead to look for the ‘whaler,’ but nothing could be seen of her.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
F.H.Blair, Mate of Her Majesty’s late brig Heron
“Captain W.F. Burnett, C.B., Her Majesty’s ship Tortoise, Ascension.”
The undermentioned are the survivors brought to Ascension by the Elenor, viz:- Mr. F.H. Blair, mate; John Friar, captain fore-top; Henry Outfin, captain main-top; George Parnell, carpenter’s mate; John White, cooper; George Anderson, ropemaker; John Weller, leading seaman; Geo. Kent, ordinary seaman; Charles Owen, boy first class; John Greenham, ordinary seaman; Neil Sinclair, carpenter’s crew; William M’Intyre, ditto, R. Merroony, A.B.; John Cayhill, boy second class; J. Bohennan, A.B.; Henry Every, ordinary seaman; Charles Floyd, ditto; James Baker, leading seaman; Samuel Saul, private, R.M; John Suter, ordinary seaman; John Kimber, boy first class; Robert Smart, leading seaman; Alfred Jessop, sailmaker; Tom Dollar (African), A.B., Jack Savey, Krooman; Ben Roberts, Krooman; Ben Johnson, Krooman; Dick Andrews, Krooman; Ned Breeze, Krooman; Peter Woman, Krooman; Tom Freeman, Krooman; Estruse Pierre, Maitrojos Groslienlo, Antonio Belasquer, Jose Antonio Abord, Franscisco Rodriquer, Jose Mauricie, Jose Mariote, Juan F, Feirrerr, - Spaniards and Portuguese, part of the crew of the slave ship, name unknown, captured by the Heron on coming to Ascension in April last.
Memorandum:- Names of 1 officer and 14 men belonging to her Majesty’s brig Heron, away in the prize (taken by the Heron on coming to Ascension) at the time of the catastrophe, and are now on board Her Majesty’s ship Trident, at Ascension, viz., - Mr. F.W. Chapman, lieutenant; Charles Horspool, captain main-top; William Rogers, boatswain’s mate, died in Trident with fever, coming to Ascension; John Spencer, leading seaman; Thomas Bowry, A.B.; John Germain, ordinary seaman; F.G. Beaver, ordinary seaman; Thomas Moulder, boy first class; Reginald Andrews, ordinary seaman, died in Trident with fever coming to Ascension; James Freeved, boy second class; John Osborn, ordinary seaman; Alfred Dibden, ordinary seaman; William Young, ordinary seaman; William Bridgman, private Royal Marines; - Hurst, Private royal Marines.
The above is correct as far as can be ascertained from the Heron’s men on board the Tortoise, as, the Trident having the fever so bad, there is no communication with her.
Memorandum – The undermentioned two men and one boy were left at Ascension Hospital sick by the Heron when she sailed for Sierra Leone (and were not in her at the time of her loss) – viz. Edward Fleun, able-bodied, now on board Her Majesty’s ship Sharpshooter, gone to Sierra Leone; Arker, private Royal Marine Light Infantry, invalided, went home in Her Majesty’s ship Magiera.
The Times: Friday 29 Jul 1859, pg.12
Cape of Good Hope
Mr. Blair and 24 men belonging to Her Majesty’s ship Heron had been landed at Ascension by the ship Elenor, of Cardiff. They would have come to England in the Athens, but she was full. Mr. Blair was mate of the watch when the Heron went down.
The crew of the Trident are encamped ashore; 24 have died from the yellow fever. She is under quarantine.
The Times: Friday 9 Sep 1859, pg.12
Military and Naval Intelligence
A second Court of Inquiry on Lieut. Blair and the 23 survivors of the crew of her Majesty's ship Heron, which captsized off the coast of Africa, is ordered to be held on board her Majesty's ship Victory, at Portsmouth.
The Times: Tuesday 13 Sep 1859, pg.12
Military and Naval Intelligence
A second court-martial, to inquire into the loss of Her Majesty's brig Heron, which occurred during a violent tornado on the 9th of May lasy, took place yesterday in Portsmouth harbour, on board Her Majesty's ship Victory. The Court, comprising Capt. G.F.Gordon, president; Capts. R.Harris, R.S.Hewlett, C.B., J. Borlase, C.B., W. Edmonstone, A. Farquhar, and J.W.Hillier, Esq., Deputy Judge-Advocate, proceeded to the trial of Lieut. Blair, the officer of the watch at the time when the ship was lost. Much evidence was gone into, the result of which was the following finding of the Court:-
"The Court find that the loss of Her Majesty's sloop Heron was caused by her foundering at sea during a heavy squall, owing to the senior lieutenant having, contrary to the advice of Lieut. blair, who was officer of the watch, caused the ropes to be coiled up shortly before the squall struck the ship, thereby preventing the sail being shortened when required. And the Court is further of the opinion that the said Lieut. Blair was not free from blame on the occasion, as it was his duty, as officer of the watch, to have called the commander when the senior lieutenant rquired him to act contrary to his judgement in a case where the safety of the ship was concerned; and the Court does therefore adjudge the said Lieutenant to be reprimanded and admonished to be more careful in the future."
The Times: Tuesday 18 Oct 1859, pg.10
Military and Naval Intelligence
The Trident 6, iron-paddle steamer, Commander Francis A. Close, arrived at Spithead yesterday at noon from Ascension, from which port she sailed on the 19th of August, arriving at Fayal, where she put in for coal, on the 28th of Septemeber, and sailing thence on the 1st of October.The greater part of the passage home has been made under canvass, the Trident having only two engineers on board in consequence of her losses by fever. She also brings home the whole of her Kroomen (22), owing to her being short handed in her crew from the same cause. She arrived at Ascensionfrom the coast, with the fever rging aboard, on the 27th of June, when the officers and crew were encamped ashore, and the vessel was placed in quaratine, as was reported in The Times of July 29. The following officers and men fell victim to its ravages:- Mr. Bignell, paymaster; Mr. Martin, Mr. Case, Mr. Owen, Mr. Patterson, and Mr. Buiste, engineers; Mr. Atkinson, master's assistant; Mr. Mould, gunner; and 36 petty officers, seamen, and marines; 17 of the deaths occurred on the coast, and the remainder after the ship arrived at Ascencion. The first death occurred on the 26th of May, and the last on the 22nd of July. Lieut. Chapman and the survivors, five, of the prize crew of Her Majesty's ship Heron have come home as supernumeraries; the remaining six of the prize crew died on board the Trident and in the encampment at Ascension.......
The Trident entered the Needles passageway on Sunday evening, and brought up for the night in Yarmouth Roads.....The Trident will proceed, it is expected, this morning to Woolwich for paying off.
The Times: Thursday 9 Nov 1859, pg.7
Military and Naval Intelligence
Her Majesty's iron paddlewheel steamvessel Trident, Commander Francis A. Close, was yesterday towed alongside the wharf at Wollwich, under orders to be stripped and paid off. The Commodore Superintendent, the Hon. James R. Drummond, inspected the ship and mustered the crew, who went through the usual course of sword exercise previous to being paid off. The engines of the ship were examined, and found to be still in good working order, but the waterways and some of the beams are found rotten and decayed.