Part 1

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SPECIAL EDITION.

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY.

A NARRATIVE

OF THE MELANCHOLY

WRECK

OF THE

"DUNBAR,"

MERCHANT SHIP, ON THE SOUTH HEAD OF PORT JACKSON, AUGUST 20TH, 1857, WITH

ILLUSTRATIONS

OF THE PRINCIPAL LOCALITIES.

Warning not heard or seen--no help at hand-- The wide dark bosom of the angry deep With irresistible and cruel force Received them all. _One_ only cast alive, Fainting and breathless on the fatal rocks-- To weeping friends and strangers afterwards Thus told his melancholy tale--

SYDNEY: PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS BY JAMES FRYER.

1857.

THE ILLUSTRATIONS.

In the preparation of our illustrations it will be at once seen that no expense or trouble has been spared. The drawings are by distinguished Artists, and most truthfully do they represent the principal localities of this shipwreck, being exquisitely engraved by our respected fellow-citizen, W. G. Mason, formerly connected with the _Illustrated London News_. The following are the places thus graphically set before our readers--_The Gap_, (on Saturday, the 22nd instant) near which the awful calamity occurred taken from a spirited drawing upon the spot by Mr. Angas, and showing some of the painful incidents. _The Wreck_ (or principal fragment of the Wreck) _in Middle Harbour_ after an excellent drawing by Mr. Thomas. _The Rescue of the survivor, Johnson_, after a masterly sketch also by Mr. Angas. _An Outline Sketch of the Coast on which the Dunbar was lost_, by Thomas. And lastly, a small _Outline Map_, by means of which strangers, and such colonists as are not well acquainted with the coast and outer part of Port Jackson, may best be given to understand how and where this most deplorable affair took place.

NARRATIVE OF THE WRECK OF THE "DUNBAR."

Warning not heard or seen--no help at hand-- The wide, dark bosom of the angry deep With irresistible and cruel force Received them all. _One_ only cast alive, Fainting and breathless on the fatal rocks-- To weeping friends and strangers afterwards Thus told his melancholy tale--

During the last few days a dark, mysterious gloom has fallen upon our beautiful city, caused by one of the most awful and heartrending calamities which has ever appealed to the feelings of our common humanity, or carried desolation and agony into the sacred precincts of domestic life. A magnificent, first-class passenger ship, under a most able and experienced commander--her cargo alone invoiced at L72,000--has been so utterly cast away within a mile or two of our very doors, that but _one_ has been saved alive out of a crew of upwards of 120 souls--one only, as it were, to throw some faint light upon the causes of this frightful disaster. Death in its mildest form is terrible; but, accompanied with such strange and horrible circumstances as those with which so many of us are now familiar, it becomes a thing which the boldest cannot contemplate without dismay. Nothing is perhaps a more faithful reflex of the anxiety and consternation of the public mind than the vague, hurried, and contradictory manner in which our journals have given the details of this melancholy shipwreck; so different from that clear, calm tone in which they usually furnish the news of the day--facts and fictions, conjectures and repetitions, being successively laid before the reader, as if the writers themselves involuntarily participated in the universal excitement; or were wholly unequal to the task of satisfying that eager, restless craving for further information herein which appears to have seized upon all classes of society. We shall endeavour, as far as may be, to remedy this by a short _resume_ of the chief particulars--a narrative which will serve to give those as yet partially acquainted with this sad affair a more correct idea of what has taken place; taking care, of course, in doing so to avoid giving offence to the most fastidious delicacy, or to trespass in any way upon the sorrows of our afflicted fellow citizens, for whom we feel such a sincere but unavailing sympathy.

FRIDAY.--On Friday, the 21st of August, rumours were current through the city that one, if not two ships had been wrecked during the previous night off the entrance to the harbour, and the greatest excitement prevailed in consequence; especially as the reports stated that one of the vessels was the "Vocalist," an emigrant ship with over 500 persons on board. The state of the weather for a day or two past had been such as to justify the most serious apprehensions. The day previous it had been particularly stormy, and the wind had shifted to nearly every point of the compass, having been during the fore part of the day, in the N.E. quarter, with a heavy sea from the eastward. Towards the evening it shifted to the W. and N.W., and by midnight it blew a gale at S., veering to S.E. towards the morning, with a tremendous sea setting in dead upon the land.

The ship "Europa," from Bremen, which arrived in Sydney on Thursday morning, reported having been in company with a large ship for five days off this coast, and a steamer that came in the same day, also gave information of having seen a "large ship" near the land, bearing East; but neither of them could report her name. The steamer "Grafton," Captain Wiseman, from the Clarence River, while entering Port Jackson this morning (Friday), was the first who gave the alarm. Captain W. reported that he had passed, floating between the Heads, numerous pieces of ship timbers, bedding, bales of goods, and other articles, denoting a recent wreck. At about half-past seven a.m., however, Mr. Hydes, one of the pilots stationed at Watson's Bay, perceived indications of a shipwreck in the vicinity, and, in company with another pilot, Mr. Robson, whom he immediately informed of the circumstance, he at once proceeded to examine carefully the rocky coast, and at length discovered the portion of a large vessel ashore between the "Gap" and the Lighthouse; they supposed her to have been of at least 1000 tons burthen, and of American build, the fittings that could be seen being of unpainted white deal, similar to that ordinarily used in emigrant ships, the fastenings of copper, figure head a gilt scroll, masts and bowsprit hooped.

There had been washed ashore a quantity of sundry articles, such as carpeting, hats, candles, silk, children's toys, shirts, prints, clothing, bagging, and linen drapery; but on none of them at this time could any brand be seen by which the name of the vessel could be traced. This could not long continue to be the case. In the course of the day part of the wooden lid of a pickle case, branded -- and Co., in half a diamond S over 228; a parchment label, used for luggage on the English Railways, with the address, "Mylne, passenger, Edinburgh;" a handkerchief with the name "Howell;" a lady's night-dress, marked "Dobelle;" and a cabin door numbered 68, were found near the Heads. Tho rumours as to the fact of a dreadful shipwreck having just occurred soon assumed distinct shape and certainty. At length it became generally known in Sydney that numerous dead, and mutilated bodies of men, women, and children, were to be seen floating in the heavy surf at the "Gap," thrown by immense waves to a great height, and dashed pitilessly against the rugged cliffs, the returning water sweeping them from the agonised sight of the horrified spectators. The scene is described by parties present to have exercised a sort of hideous fascination, that seemed to bind them to the spot; while at the fearful spectacle of the remains of fellow beings in so awful a position--immediately before their eyes and yet out of their reach--each determination to leave the fatal locality became overpowered by a desire for farther knowledge, many dreading lest they should have to recognise the familiar face of friend or relative.

While uncertainty continued as to the name of the unfortunate vessel, the most contradictory opinions were promulgated; some averring that she was an Emigrant ship, others, a Merchant vessel, some that she was of North American build, and again others, that she was British; the intense excitement increased, and the road to South Head, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, was hastily traversed by hundreds of anxious persons.

Meanwhile, important facts became known at Middle Harbour, appearing to remove all doubts as to the name of the lost vessel; a mail bag marked "No. 2, per DUNBAR, Plymouth, May 29"; a cask of tripe marked "DUNBAR"; the top of a case, marked J.C.; a quantity of pork; boxes of candles; several boys' cricket bats; and a great quantity of general cargo, were either found floating there, or washed ashore. Captain Pockley, the newly appointed Harbour Master, reported that twelve bodies had been found, one of them evidently an officer, the gilt buttons of his coat marked W.B.W., with a crest; there had also been picked up the body of a boy, about four years of age, quite naked, his hair black. Near the Sand Spit, Middle Harbour, the bodies of two well dressed men, and of a woman, with a ring on one of her fingers, had been taken up by Mr. Isaac Moore; also two or three beer cask heads, with Tooth's brand. A cow, surrounded by sharks was seen floating near this place, and two cows and a horse were here cast ashore. A large portion of the wreck floated into Middle Harbour, (_see Engraving_) and went ashore at Hunter's Bay, near the residence of Mr. Edwards, where it still lies. It consists of about 40 or 50 feet of the keel, and flooring timber of massive construction, copper fastened, two or three sheets of the copper still adhering to the woodwork. The enormous force with which the ship had been driven ashore is evinced by this relic of her former stately proportions; the powerful teak timbers are rent and shivered at their sides and ends, as though they were of the most fragile material, and the copper bolts, nearly two inches in diameter, twisted like pieces of thin wire; a gangway board, with a lion carved on it, was also picked up.

The energetic and efficient officer, Captain M'Lerie, Inspector General of Police, remained at Middle Harbour until half-past 12 o'clock on Friday night, having arranged for the removal of the bodies that had been found to Sydney on Saturday morning.--A party of mounted police, by his directions, remained to guard the recovered property, and it was rumoured that parties detected in wrecking had been arrested. No reasonable doubt remained but that the ill-fated vessel was indeed the DUNBAR, reported in the _Home News_ of the 16th of June, as having sailed for Sydney from Plymouth on the 2nd of that month, with a large list of passengers, comprising many well-known and much respected colonists; and several families in our city were at once plunged into the deepest affliction. It was remarked as a singular circumstance that the blue light of the unfortunate vessel had actually been seen off the coast from Sydney, although not observed by the Pilots; and it was also said that the dog of the lighthouse keeper was noticed to be very uneasy during the night, and had run to the edge of the cliffs and barked loudly. Possibly this may have occurred at the time of the awful catastrophe.

SATURDAY.--On the morning of Saturday, the 22nd instant, the lingering hopes of those who trusted that the wreck might not be that of the DUNBAR were utterly annihilated. It became but too evident even to all, that it was indeed that splendid vessel, and it seemed from many circumstances also sure that she must have struck on the rocks, either at the Gap, or between that spot and the Lighthouse--have been almost instantly dashed to pieces, not a single person being saved to tell the melancholy story.

The following is an amended list of the passengers, so far as it can be ascertained, being compiled from the newspapers of the day:--Mr. and Mrs. Kilner Waller, six children and servant; Mr. and Mrs. A. Meyers, six children and servant; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Peek; Mrs. Egan, son, and daughter; Mr. Hyacinth Macquoid; Mr. Severn; the two Misses Hunt; Captain Steine, R.N.; Mr. Adrian De Young James; Mr. Downey, architect; Mr. Isaac Simmons; Mr. C. Troughton; Miss Logan and two Masters Logan; Mr. and Mrs. Mylne, and Misses A. and E. Mylne; Mr. C. Davidson; Mr. F. Tyndal. Twenty-four second and third cabin passengers; the crew being about sixty. Of the foregoing, Mr. Kilner Waller was the brother of Mr. J. G. Waller, of Wynyard Square, in this city, and the author of several valuable letters on emigration recently published in the columns of the _Sydney Morning Herald_. Mr. A. Meyers was the brother of a gentleman of that name at Bathurst. Mr. and Mrs. S. Peek were were well known colonists; Mr. Peek having been for many years a large importer, and formerly in business with Mr. Robert Porter in this city. Mrs. Egan was the wife of Daniel Egan Esquire, M.P. of this city, and accompanied by her relatives, Mr. and Miss Cahuac. Mr. Macquoid was the son of the late Sheriff, who so honourably liquidated his fathers debts--he was accompanied by his friend Mr. Severn. Mr. James was the much lamented and only son of H. K. James, Esq., of this city. This young gentleman had been studying in England, previous to taking holy orders. Mr. Isaac Simmons was the second son of the late Mr. James Simmons, and was returning to the colony to take possession of a large fortune. Miss Logan, and the two masters Logan, were the children of Mrs. Logan, a resident in this city. Mr. Mylnes is believed to have been a squatter of the Northern district. In the second cabin was Mrs. W. K. Brown and child, a Mr. and Mrs. Healing and three children, and also, it is thought, a Mr. Bynon. Mrs. Green, the Captain's wife, was at first supposed to have been lost in this vessel, but there is reason to hope that she did not accompany her husband in this, his last and fatal voyage.

The excitement in the city continued very great all day, and thousands of persons went down to the Heads. The description of what had been so appalling to the gazing multitude on Friday, still remained but too strictly applicable to the same scene in the vicinity of the Gap at the foot of the rocks (_see Engraving_). To quote the vivid language of the _Era_ Newspaper.--"It was manifest that the ill-fated vessel must have struck when all on board had retired to rest, as the majority of the bodies were in a state of complete nudity or only covered with night dresses.

Corpses of men, women, and children, some of them fearfully mutilated, were dashed against the beetling crags, and as rapidly borne back again by the relentless surge, while here and there, heads or limbs which had been torn off by repeated concussions against the rocks, were thrown up as if in jeering mockery by the very element that had caused their destruction.

The sea was strewn with portions of the wreck, bedding, and wearing apparel; in fact, it was impossible for a vessel to move a yard without encountering fresh evidence of the extent of the heart-rending calamity."

At about noon, it was reported that a solitary survivor from the wreck had been seen alive, far below, under the cliffs, and that exertions were being promptly made in the hope of rescuing him from his dreadful situation. Coffins were sent off down the harbour by the Washington, for the dead, and such mangled remains as could be recovered, and tackle &c., to draw up the living man, if such there were, to the top of the precipice. This report as to one poor fellow having escaped, proved true, but it gave rise to many others, as to three or four similar cases having occurred, which were unhappily without foundation. More than four or five brave hearts signalized themselves in this affair, and in their hazardous and often successful efforts at rescuing the lifeless bodies from the action of the waves. The man thus found alive and comparatively uninjured (although of course in a very exhausted state) gave his name as James Johnson, one of the crew of the Dunbar as soon as he came a little to himself. An interesting account of this will be found subjoined in the form of a letter, from the Mayor of Sydney, published in the "Herald" Newspaper of Monday. He seemed to think that the Captain must have mistaken the Gap for the true entrance to the harbour, as he went on all sails set. He remembered little or nothing after, until he found himself on the ledge of the rocks, stunned and stupid. Further particulars were now constantly received of portions of the wreck, which, from want of space, we cannot here state in detail. The following particulars appeared in the second supplement of the "Herald" of this day (Saturday.)

[FROM A VISITOR TO THE HEADS.]

Having arrived at the scene of this melancholy disaster--the South Head--about quarter to eleven, this morning, I, like most of the spectators, mingled in the general excitement then prevalent, which may be far more easily imagined than described; and, after walking about for some time, listening to the fears here and hopes there--hopes that some one or more might yet be found living to clear up the awful mystery that must ever hang over such a disaster uncleared by such testimony--when behold, the joy of everybody was expressed by a shout of "A man on the rocks! A live man on the rocks! There he is! there he is!" And sure enough there he was. This was about eleven o'clock. It was soon reported that four others, among them a woman, were seen; but up till about two o'clock it was not definitely known whether any others were there or not, although it was very prevalently believed there were.

Of course the authorities were soon upon the spot, with ropes and a boy to lower to him; and, after much anxiety and various attempts to bring it within his reach, they at last succeeded, and soon brought him on _terra firma_. He was then brought to the Marine Hotel, where he was immediately attended to by Dr. West.

The following were some of the particulars elicited from him, in reference to the sad disaster. They were coming in under close reef topsail about midway between the two Heads, at a few minutes before twelve o'clock, on Thursday night, when the Captain ordered the foresail to be hauled up, which being done, she lost head way so fast that they drove over, and struck the rock, and almost immediately broke up.

In answer to inquiries he said, "There were no cannons fired, but blue lights were burnt. I (James Johnson) believe all the others are lost. I have seen no others alive--only their dead bodies. I had a little sleep on the rocks."

Dr. West now thought it best for us to retire, and let him have sleep, which we did. I may state that the Doctor pronounced him to be perfectly sane, and he looked better far than might naturally have been expected. He is about thirty years of age, and a strong, tall, powerfully-built Irishman.

5 o'clock p.m.

Seventeen bodies were found on the North Shore. One has been recognised as Mr. Downey, the architect. On his linen his name was written "J. Downey." The body of Mrs. Kilner Waller was recognised by her brother-in-law, Mr. J. G. Waller. The body of Captain Steine, R.N., was also known by marks on his linen and braces. There were two Jewish children identified as belonging to Mr. Meyers. The body of a midshipman, named Ward, was also known. The Supplement which gave these particulars also contained a copy of the manifest of the ship, but this, so important in a commercial point of view, was almost overlooked in the contemplation of the sudden and frightful loss of life consequent upon this sorrowful shipwreck.

Captain Green, the commander of this ill-fated vessel, was well known and much esteemed by a large number of the inhabitants of the colony. For several voyages in the Agincourt and Waterloo, he was mate with Captain Neatby. For two voyages he commanded the Waterloo; subsequently he has been in the Vimiera; and this was his second trip as master of the Dunbar.--_Herald._

SUNDAY 23rd.--At ten o'clock this morning an inquest was commenced on the bodies which had been recovered and placed in shell coffins in the dead house on the Circular Quay. The gentlemen of the Jury were in attendance according to summons, at the King's Arms Hotel, Lower George Street, and after the ceremony of swearing them in, the following bodies were identified:--Mrs. Waller, Mr. Meyers, 32 years of age, and a lad about 12 years, by Mr. Jacobs; Mr. I. Simmons, aged 21 years, by one of the family, and Mr. Downey by his Father. The bodies lay in the dead house. The scene was most distressing,--one of the jurors fainted and was carried away, whilst others were so deeply moved that they were compelled to leave the place. The bodies of two of the females and of one of the men were in such a state as to make them easily recognizable by their friends, but they were not identified. The Steamer Black Swan chartered by the Government left Sydney about the same hour as the inquest commenced, and proceeded down the harbour in search of the remains of the ill-fated passengers and crew of the Dunbar, Captain McLerie, Captain Pockley and other officials, persons more or less concerned also being on board. The Steamer first made for the North Shore, and began to explore the various bays, successively visiting Taylor's Bay, Chowder Bay, and finally Watson's Bay, on the opposite side. At the latter place two shells were left, and the survivor James Johnson received on board. Middle Harbour was the next spot, and there the steamer waited a considerable time. A numerous party landed near the spit, where we may remind our readers Mrs. Waller, a Midshipman, and Mr. Downey had been picked up. Here the principal part of the wreck and cargo seem to have been washed. The shore is literally white with candles, and the rocks covered a foot or more deep with articles of every kind--boots, panama hats, and bonnets are here in abundance. Drums of figs, hams, pork, raisins, drapery, boots, and pieces of timber, piled in heaps, and lining the shore for a considerable distance, give a vivid idea of the havoc created. Among other things there were a barrel of brandy and another of red wine perfectly uninjured.