Page:History of New South Wales from the records, Volume 2.djvu/386

 326 DISASTEE TO 1789 Captain remains with the ship. His calm demeanour. Condition of the vessel. Captain's letter to Admiralty. BoUdtude for mother and sister. Launching the boats. inevitable, and could not help regretting the loss of so many braTe fellow& <* As for me," said he, '' I have determined to remain in the ship, and shall endeavour to make my presence useful as lomg as there is any occetsion for it." He was entreated, and even supplicated, to give up this fatal resolution, and try for safety in the boats. It was even hinted to him how highly criminal it was to persevere in such a detennina- tion ; but he was not to be moved by any entreaties. He was, notwithstanding, as active in providing for the safety of the boats as if he intended to take the opportunity of securing his own escape. He was throughout as calm and collected as in the happier moments of his life. At seven o'clock she had settled considerably abaft, and the water was coming in at the rudder-case in great quantities. At half-^ast seven the water in the hold obliged the people below to come upon deck ; the ship appeared to be in a sinking state, and settling bodily down ; it was, therefore, almost immediately agreed to have recourse to the boats. While engaged in consultation on this melancholy business, Mr. Riou wrote a letter to the Admiralty, which he delivered to Mr. Clements. It was as follows : — "H.M.S. Guardian, " Dec. 25, 1789. " If any part of the officers or crew of the Guardian should ever survive to get home, I have only to say their conduct, after the fatal stroke against an island of ice, was admirable and wonderful in everything that relates to their duty, considered either as private men, or in his Majesty's service. '* As there seems to be no possibility of my remaining many hours in this world, I beg leave to recommend to the consideration of the Admiralty a sister, who, if my conduct or service should be found deserving any memory, their favour might be shown to, together with a widowed mother. I am, &c., " Phil. Stephens, Esq." " E. Riou. He then ordered the boats to be hoisted out, in order to afford a chance of safety to as many as he could with propriety. The people who were able were accordingly collected together, and the cutter hoisted out on the lee-side, and afterwards the other boats on the booms. They were, fortunately, all got into the wat»