Talk:HMS Sceptre (1781)

Wrecking

"I HAVE to acquaint you, my dearest Friend, of a melancholy event that took place the night of the 5th of November – the loss of the 'Sceptre.' 70 The gale which has lost us this poor old ship was one from the nor'-west, which rarely blows at this season of the year here; the wind was high, to be sure, but it was the heavy sea rolling in from the ocean on the beach which made it impossible for the ship to resist. The 'Sceptre' broke four cables, and five other ships which were lost were equally unfortunate, but their crews were saved. The 'Sceptre' we always understood to be a very crazy old ship, and one that would be broken up on coming home. The spectacle her wreck exhibited was melancholy to a degree; the pieces she was in being by the gale broken into such atoms as seemed fit only for fire wood. Captain Edwards was a mild-mannered and well-esteemed man; he made it a constant rule, which he did not ever depart from after he had the command here, of not sleeping on shore, and to this excellent rule he fell a worthy sacrifice. His son was with him – a fine boy of twelve years of age. His boy has been found, and in his bosom a prayer-book. Many, many more might have been saved than were saved, had they not been bruised in the water by the small pieces of the wreck. The beach was covered with people; fires were kept burning all night, and every assistance afforded that could be given. Mr. Barnard was there. Nothing could surpass the zealous humanity of Colonel Crawford, who loves a good sleep in a good bed as well as most people, but was up the greater part of the night, encouraging his old fellows of the 91st to do their best in saving the floating creatures. Nearly one hundred were saved. That is an honest good regiment, the men almost all infirm, but trusty. Another mutiny has been hatching in the 81st Regiment; again found out by privates in the 91st, and their officers put on their guard. What can be expected from Vinegar Hill boys? I suppose, when General Dundas returns from the war, some of the people concerned in it will be likely to suffer." - Lady Anne Barnard, November 8th, 1799, The Castle, Cape of Good Hope Axxter99 (talk) 10:20, 27 March 2015 (UTC)

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