Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p2.djvu/297

 could not help regretting the loss of so many brave fellows. “As for me” said he, “I have determined to remain in the ship, and shall endeavour to make my presence useful as long as there is any occasion for it.”

“He was entreated to give up this desperate resolution, and try for safety in the boats; it was even hinted to him how highly criminal it was to persevere in such a determination; but he was not to be moved by any supplications.

“He was, notwithstanding, as active in providing for the safety of the boats, as if he had intended to take the opportunity of securing his own escape. Indeed he was throughout as calm and collected as in the happier moments of his life.

“At seven o’clock the ship had settled considerably abaft, and the water was coming in at the rudder-case in great quantities. At half-past seven, the water in the hold obliged the people 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 the other officers were engaged in consultation on this melancholy business, Mr. Riou wrote the following letter to the Admiralty, which he delivered to Mr Clements.

“H.M. Ship Guardian, Dec. 25th, 1789.

“If any part of the officers or crew of the Guardian should ever survive to get home, I have only to say, that their conduct after the fatal stroke against an island of ice, was admirable and wonderful in every thing 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 services should be found deserving any memory, their favour might be shewn to, together with a widowed mother. I am Sir, with great respect, your ever obedient servant,

(Signed)“.”

“To Philip Stevens, Esq.”

“He then ordered the boats to be hoisted out. In order to afford a change of safety to as many as he could with propriety. They were fortunately all got into the water with very little damage; but the sea running so high it was with difficulty they were kept from being stove alongside. The launch being forced to drop on the quarter, to make room for the two cutters, was nearly drawn under the quarter and sunk, and at last obliged to cast adrift from the ship, with only seven or eight men on board, and without any provisions or water. A coil of rope was then handed from the quarter gallery, and passed over to Mr. Somerville, the gunner, in the jolly-boat, which hung over the stern. This boat, on being lowered down, was drawn under and sunk. As soon as the launch had again rowed a little near to the ship, one of the people in her caught hold of a rope, until the cutters brought them provisions, &c. and veered to a good 