Loss of the Nymphen and Pallas Frigates.
Early in the morning of the 19th day of December 1810, however, two of his Majesty’s ships, the frigates Nymphen and Pallas, had the misfortune to be wrecked near Dunbar, in consequence, it is believed, of the light of a lime-kiln on the coast of Haddingtonshire having been mistaken for the coal light of the island of May. These frigates having come along the northern coast of Scotland, their situation, as may be seen from the annexed maps, was very different from that of ships approaching the land from a distant voyage, who are much more liable to mistakes of this kind.
Their prize-ship arrives in safety.
Nine men drowned.
Lord Melville applies to the Light-house Board about the Isle of May Light.
Immediately after the loss of these two fine frigates, valued at not less than L. 100,000, Lord Viscount Melville, first Lord of the Admiralty, applied to the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, proposing that the light of May should be assumed as one of the northern lights, and forthwith put under proper regulations.
Duke of Portland proposes to alter the Light;
And proposes that the Commissioners should become Lessees, which is rejected.
The Duke demands L. 63,000 for the Light duties and Island.
Memorial presented to the Admiralty.