We have not language to convey an adequate picture of the terrific view which presented itself; but justice demands that we notice the conduct of a worthy member of a sect but too much vilified.
At a time when no one appeared on the ship’s deck, and it was supposed that the work of death had ceased, a methodist preacher, venturing his life through the surf, got on board over the wreck of the main-mast, to see if any more remained; some honest hearts followed him. They found several persons still below, who could not get up; among whom were two women and two children. The worthy preacher and his party saved the two women an some of the men, but the children were lost. About two P.M. the ship went to pieces; when a few more men, who, for some crime, had been confined in irons below, emerged from the wreck. One of these was saved. By three o’clock, no appearance of the vessel remained. She was an old ship—(a 64, we believe, cut down)—which accounts for her beating to pieces so soon on a sandy bottom.
The men who survived, were conveyed to Helston about two miles distant; where they were taken care of by the magistrates, and afterwards sent to Falmouth in charge of the Regulating Captain at that port. General report has stated the number drowned to be greater than it really is; but of the missing, we understand many are deserters, who scampered off as soon as they reached the shore. Among the officers saved, are the following:—Captain Sullivan, a passenger; Messrs. Hill and Brailey, midshipmen; Mr. Ross, assistant surgeon, and some others.
We regret to say that about fifty of our countrymen are missing; amongst these unfortunate men is Captain Charles Lydiard; also, the first lieutenant, a very valuable officer; also the doctor, a very worthy man, and his son; besides some midshipman, and petty officers. The principal things saved from the wreck are a few casks, containing spirits, butter, &c. Captain Lydiard was nearly half-way to the beach, when a most dreadful sea overwhelmed him, so that he was seen no more!
The body of Captain Lydiard was found, and interred with military honours. Several officers, both naval and military, attended the funeral, together with the mayor, &c. of Helston. The body was afterwards conveyed to his family vault in Haslimere, Surrey. This worthy and distinguished officer was married to an amiable woman, by whom he had five children. He was highly esteemed as a gentleman; and as an officer, he was of sterling merit. His conduct in attacking the Fourdroyant, (Admiral Williametz), under the Spanish batteries, near the Havannah;—in the capture of the Spanish frigate Pomona, under the batteries of Mure Castle; and at the capture of Curaçao, obtained him a name for skill and bravery, that will “live after him.”