Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p2.djvu/92

 to la Determinée, a frigate armed en flute, in which he was again unfortunate. On the 24th Mar. 1803, having received on board a detachment of the 81st regiment, he sailed for Jersey, in company with the Aurora, but without a pilot. In the afternoon of the 26th the ships passed through the passage of the Great Kussel. The weather being fine and wind moderate, Captain Becher resolved to follow in his consort’s wake. At 4$h$ 15' P.M., being close hauled, and nearing the harbour, the Aurora was observed to be in stays: every thing was of course prepared, and in momentary readiness for tacking. In about five minutes after the helm was put a-lee, the ship came instantly to the wind, and the after yards were swung; but the main-brace was scarcely belayed when she struck on a rock, and in less than three minutes the water inside of her was of equal height with the surface of the sea, Being apprehensive, from the strength of the tide, that the ship might fall into deep water, Captain Becher ordered both anchors to be let go, which was done, and the cables batted and stoppered. The panic that prevailed among the soldiers’ wives and children occasioned indescribable confusion, and every effort to suppress it proved ineffectual. The sails were by this time clewed up, and the top-gallant-sails handed; but Captain Becher fearing that the weight of the men on the topsail-yards might tend to upset the ship, ordered them down to hoist the boats out. The large cutter was soon over the side; but the anxiety of the people who crowded into her plainly foretold their fate. In vain did Captain Becher remonstrate on the folly and impropriety of their conduct, and solicit them to let the women and children only go in the boat: both reason and persuasion had lost their influence. The ship now fell on her broadside, and Captain Becher with many others were thrown into the sea, where they remained ten minutes before they could regain the wreck; but at length, having reached the mizen-top, he had once more an opportunity of advising those left with him how to save theie lives, though still unable to prevent many from jumping into the water. Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men sent to his assistance: by their exertions, although;