Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/108

 were the miraculous escapes recorded. Where ladies were sitting a few minutes before there was nothing but wreckage. An immense quantity of stones, bricks, and mortar were strewn about—this being the cement from the bows of the other ship.

"The damage done to the 'Peshawur' where she struck near our centre consisted in cutting through our waterways, splitting and twisting up the iron plating below the main deck and knocking a hole through the side four feet above the water.

"The vessel in freeing herself carried away the bulwarks for twenty-five feet, carried away our gang-way ladder, two large boats, that is, the life boat and the cutter, also smashing the standard compass bridge, the door of the captain's cabin, and breaking one of the booms.

"Our first duty was to find out if our steamer was sinking as we expected, but in a few minutes it was reported that we were making no water, and in fact that we were safe.

"The machinery gave a few revolutions, which further convinced us that all was well.

"Our next anxiety was for the other ship. On looking round we saw she had not sunk, for she was showing blue lights. Captain Baker gave orders to steam back close to the ship, and he sent a boat in charge of the second officer to ascertain the extent of her injuries and inquire if she wanted any assistance.

"The delay was somewhat painful, because the boat took a considerable time in returning in consequence of our ship having to steam some distance off to avoid a second collision.

"At last the boat drew alongside and the quartermaster shouted to the captain: "Glenroy," sir, bound from Mauritius to Madras and Calcutta, four hundred coolies on board and cholera broken out.'

"The second officer said that the captain of the 'Glenroy' (tonnage 1139) reported the bow of his