LOSS
OF HIS
MAJESTY’S FRIGATE
ANSON,
Which was wrecked near Helston,
DECEMBER 29, 1807.
THE following account of the unfortunate loss of his Majesty’s frigate Anson, and of the much lamented death of Captain Lydiard, is communicated by the captain’s steward, who was continually about his person, and on whose veracity our readers may depend.
“On the 27th of December, 1807, cruizing off the Black Rocks, and perceiving the approach of a gale, kept a look out for the commodore in the Dragon. The next morning (Monday) the gale increasing from the S.W. and not perceiving the Dragon in any direction, at nine o’clock, shaped our course for the Lizard, with a view of getting into Falmouth.
“At twelve o’clock all hands upon deck, the sea running very high; two bowsprits on the starboard-side washed away by the violence of the sea; also a port abreast the main-mast, by which means she shipped a great deal of water.
“The captain sent for the master at the time, to determine the situation of the ship; and at half-past twelve o’clock, or thereabout, land was seen about two miles distant, but from the extreme thickness of the weather, we could not ascertain what part. Captain Lydiard ordered the ship to be wore to the S.E. not thinking it safe to stand in any nearer under such circumstances of weather. Soon after ten o’clock the master wished them to run in again, and make the land, which was supposed to be the Lizard; and that if we could make it out, we should get into Falmouth; Captain Lydiard asked if he thought it could be done without risk? he (the master) said, he thought it could.
“The ship was then wore, but the weather still continuing thick, we had a cast of the lead, and having 27 fathom, we were convinced we must be to the westward of the Lizard, and immediately wore ship again, and made all sail.
“Soon after three o’clock, as the captain was going to dinner, he looked out of the quarter gallery, from whence he saw the breakers close to us, and the land along distance ahead. The ship wore instantly, and Captain Lydiard’s mind made up to come to an anchor, for had we kept under weigh the ship must have struck upon the rocks in a few hours. The top-gallant masts were got upon deck, and she rode very well until four o’clock on Tuesday morning, when the cable parted. The other anchor immediately let go, and the lower yards and top-masts struck. At day-light the other cable parted, and we were then so close to the land that we had no alternative but to go on shore, when Captain Lydiard desired the master to run the ship into the best situation for saving the lives of the people, and fortunately a fine beach presented, upon which the ship was run. Shortly after she struck the mainmast went, but hurt no one.
“Captains Lydiard and Sullivan, with the first lieutenant, were resolved to remain with the ship as long as possible; many people were killed on board; the first lieutenant, and a number of others, washed overboard. It was the captain’s great wish to save the lives of the ship’s company, and he was employed in directing them the whole of the time. He had placed himself by the wheel, holding by the spokes, where he was exposed to the violence of the sea, which broke tremendously over him, and from continuing in this situation too long, waiting to see the people out of the ship, he became so weak that upon attempting to leave the ship himself, and being impeded by a boy who was in the way, and whom he endeavoured to assist, he was washed away and drowned.”