SOME FAMOUS SHIPWRECKS.

NZ Truth, Issue 108, 13 July 1907, Page 8

SOME FAMOUS SHIPWRECKS.

THE DUTCH FRIGATE VALKE,

With 446 Persons Aboard, .

Strikes on a Winter's Night m the North Sea,

Only 25 Saved— 262 Welsh Fusiliers Drowned*

NlAnittV often did 1 strive,. ' ,To yield the ghost./ But still the envious floodKept m my soul,] and would not let it forth fTo seek the empty „ vast,; and wand'ring air ;, But* smother'd it within my, panting •bulk, Which almost burst to belch ; it m the sea.,'* 1 ; . —Shakespeare.. ; [Among, the many thrilling narratives of shipwreck that have been given m our columns,' few are of more melancholy interest than that __-of the loss of the Dutch frigate, j .Valke, and nearly 500 lives— all m the flower of manhood. The following graphic story of the disaster was ivbtiiJten by one of. the few survivors, £iid was penned for the special perusal of QUeen Charlotte m th© year ■■JBOO, the writer of it being '•■ THE SOLE OFFICER SAVED' i. of the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, :-2G2 of whom were hurried out of the ..world that winter's night m the North Sea :— In compliance with the orders of H.R.H. the Commander-in-Cheif, £ have transmitted an account of the Joss of the Valke, Dutch- frigate. ,T-he principal part was written during my stay on the island of !Ameiand, of the coast of Holland, lying at the entrance to the Zuider Zee. On the 27th October, 1.799, the 23rd Regiment, Royal Welsh! 'Fusiliers, received orders to march' ifrom Colkorn. to the fielder. On the 28th .the regiment arrived, and embarked the following morning on board some Dutch fishing schuyts and. stood out to sea, endeavoring to. get on board some line of battleships that were some 50 miles from the Mars deep. .The wind dying away we were forced to put about, the tide also making against us. On our return,- as we passed the Helder point, we were hail-* ed from the shore and ordered to gp. on board SOME DUTCH FRIGATES up the harbor, when ifcfell tomy"lof> with Lieutenants Hanton,. iVischer, Maclean, and Hoggard, to go on board the Valke, Dutch frigate* with ithe Grenadiers and two companies of my battalion. On the 30th October we ' got away .with the' morning tide 1 , when shortly after an. officer came alongside to inform the captain that he was to wait and receive -further details of the regiment which were on board the Venus, Dutch frigate, which was found unfit for sea.- This unfortunate delay was m all human probability the cause of our misfortunes, as all the ships that sailed this tide reached Eagland the following even-ing ., The Vajke let go her anchor,' and . got out the ensuing evening tide.- All the next day we had very tine weather. About 7 o'clock m the evening we were, by our reckoning, .within 30 nailes of . Yarmouth* and the fire on ans of the Mgfa-thouses was observed from the shirK The captain did not like to stand m for the bjccbbr at night, as he had no English- pilot" or seaman on- -board. Nor had any ofithef Dutch sailors on hoard ever been IN THE HARBOR* . i At 5 o'clock the next morning* the Ist of November, the wind came round to the south-west and blew us off the shore beyond the 'Dogger ;Bank. On, the 3rd and sth we ' had very severe weather, indeed,, and were at this time not far from the coast of Norway, apprehensive of a leg shore.. On the 6th of November .the wind was fair, and .we were able to lay the ship on her course. On the 17th it was against our going to England, but some of the northern -.ports were open to us, the navigation

of which' was-welPk'nown to Captain Darcie,, a naval officer m the Orange service!, who commanded on the Texel Island, and who with his wife,; . ANy IRISH LADY* of Cork", was a passenger on board. As our allowance of water was reduced to a pint a day, we entertained serious thoughts of running into one of them. On the ni-gfot of the 7th the ■wind was light .yet favorable, but accompanied with a heavy swell. On the 9th, m the middle of the day, it ? was imagined we were about halfway between the Dutch and English coasts abreast the Texel. In the evening, it was thought we were about .70. miles from Yarmouth.-. About 3 m th'e morning of the 10th of November, the sHip first struck, about six miles, we afterwards found, from the shore. I was wrapped m my -greatcoat asleep, on the floor of the cabin, and -awokewith th©-- shock. The officer of the watch immediately came down, saying, ."The ship is aground."' We were on deck scarcely a moment when she STRUCK ? A V SECOND TIME,. twice" beating her stern against the sand. I went immediately to the • captain, -and asked him if he had any orders to 'give, and that I wotild endeavor to get them carried into execution. He made me no answer whatever. I then asked him if he knew where we were.. He said on the Leman and Ower, a sandbank' about 30 miles from Yarmouth. I pointed this time to a long dark line on the horizon, and inquired of him if it was not land.: He answered me that we were far .enough from any. ; A knowledge of our situa'taon was. no.w spread through the ship, and a dreadful confusion prevailed throughout the whole, while what heightened the general distress was the -fact that we had a number of women and children on board. It is impossible for any ■language to DESCRIBE THE SCENE. 'The Dutchmen' gave themselves entirely up, and trusted more to their prayers than to their exertions. Indeed, some of our British began to entertain the strange idea that Captain Martin-ius had betrayed, them, and m- the paroxysms of their diespair they were going to throw him o verb oar d.i Lieutenant Hoggard, who had •some knowledge of sea affairs,. took our men down to the pumps, and continued there until the sea began to break over the ship. We had heaven over one sandbank, and the first person who perceived it was Lieutenant Hoggard. "We are auVat again," he cried out •; "my boys, be steady, and obey orders." I was at this time looking over the side of the ship, and observed a line «>f breakers, into which the vessel was drifting.; ..-I pointed them out to the captain.; -He said. :"IT, IS ALL 1 OVER." j The ship was .very soon m among | them.' Th© mainmast now broke j off about midway, and m its fall | divided our long-boat. The gunner had repeatedly been called for, but no one could give any account of him. Our guns were all drawn the evening before.. , and were not ■ reloaded, so we could not fire, any guns of distress. I went down to the first lieutenant, Dikarie, with one of our own Grenadiers (who perished 1 afterwards on the shore nearly m. the same manner as Lieutenant Hoggard did*) j to break open .the. powder-room.- . The seas were breaking over the 'Ship, and though- I obtained some cartridges! could- -not use them.' The water washed me from my hold and I spoilt them.; We had no guns on

the -quarter-deck ; , I was forced to do all this m the waist of the ship, which is the nearest part to the water, and where the waves came over with the greatest violence. I went below now m the hope of finding one of the muskets and pouches which were hung up between decks, and fortunately succeeded. I then placed myself m the long-boat and fired about 20 or 30 rounds. I afterwards beard on enquiry that it was observed by some of the inhabitants OF THE ISLAND, While I was sitting here, Lieutenants Hanson and Vischer came up and talked of cutting away the boat. I tokl them it was of no service ;■ it was already cut toy the main naasfc. The small boat was stove m and overturned, full of people. Two mm, however, floated on her, though full of water, and were the first on shore. - The- mizzen-mast now broke away near the top ; the foremast went down some time after close by the board, and destroyed a great number of people who were^crowded on its shrouds. On m-r- hearing of the vessel beginning) to break up I went to the forecastle, where there were very few people. The forecastle was kept stationary by the anchors of the cat'sfread,- and perhaps, from its form, got embedded m the sand. It was afterwards washed to within three hundred yards of the beach, and remained there, when I came away, confined by the anchors, I went to the forecastle and laid '• myself down flat to shelter myself ■ from the seaSt, and was here a spectator ' OF THE FATE of my companions. The masts were lying to leeward, entangled by their rigging, and covered with people. With a dreadful crash I. saw the, quarter-deck divide m three. The larboard piece first gave way, covered with people, and floated -gradually off. It received a sudden check from the shrouds with which it was entangled, and shook ofl the 'greater part of those on it, as it was brought back close to the ship. The waves breaking over beat off the remainder j The captain and Lieutenant Hanson were standing just on the edge where the piece divided, and when the next sea came it carried them away. The after part of the star- J board next gave way. Out of all the people who were on it only ten were saved. What became of the other part of the quarter-deck I do riot know. I remained with a few others on the forecastle, but the greater part, thinking themselves safer on the bowspiit, got out on it, when shortly after the forecastle falling on its broadside, destroyed them. I was now, with four or five others, adhering to the last portion of the vessel, which remained where she- struck. At. this time there was nothing to be seen but a great number of FRAGMENTS AND PEOPLE floating to the leeward. As the forcastle had turned over ! I found it impracticable to stay any longer 'm my present position. I took therefore advantage of a large piece of the wreck that had given way near me to get upon it. but this I found to my great disappointment was entangled m the cord- ! age. I had just made- up my mind j to quit it when the sea carried me ' from it. I swam now for a piece that was occupied by* two .Dutchmen^ In the act of swimming I I was 'seized by the leg by a drown- j ing man. I fortunately reached a j piece of the wreck and held on. The more I endeavoured to disengage myself from the drowning man the ifaster he grasped me. I therefore remained, as quiet as possible till nature was exhausted, and > I felt no more of him, but m this encounter I received some bruises. On this piece was a ringbolt which was occupied by the Dutch. I re- j quested them to let me pass my handkerchief through it, and by this means obtained a convenient hold- | fast. No sooner was this arrangement made • than all three of us were threatened with immediate destruction. The -foremast was floating alongside, and every sea we expected i. would bring it on us. Receiving a blow from it I determined to get

out of its way, and swam to another piece ; but it was a fragment very, inconveniently shaped. It frequently turned round and GOT ME UNDER IT. I quitted this unfriendly piece and hit on one that was lar^e and convenient. I got on to it, but the difficulty' was how to keep myself i there. Mv handkerchief was left with my two Dutch companions ; my left hand was disabled. It is impossible to conceive the difficulty of keeping my position among the breakers. There was a very heavy sea on ;- it had not subsided after the late gales. I fortunately recollected my braces. With these I lashed myself on, fastening them through the seams of the wreck. Shortly afterwards it passed all the breakers and came into smooth water. Here I floated till the fragment grounded m about the depth of two feet of water. Quitting the wreck and 'resting myself on the sand, the thought' that occurred to me was that I was on a sand-bank which the tide had left dry. The last conversation I had with Captain ."\lartinius strengthened the idea. No one was m sight. All, I conceived, were buried m the waves, and MY IMAGINATION SUGGESTED that m another tide 1 should partake of that fate of my companions. My limbs were benumbed ; to recover circulation I ran on the sands. - Feeling something under my feet I thought it to be seaweed, but by the daylight increasing I found it to be rushes. I now flattered myself I was m England, and as I advanced on the sands I perceived the track of a waggon. Following its direction I came across my two Dutch companions (with whom I had shared the advantage of the ring bolt) supported by three of the inhabitants. I accosted them m English, and was surprised at the natives answering me m Dutch. From them I learned that I was m Ameland, not Eng. land. My helmet had. been washed" away, and one of the natives good-natured-ly took his hat from his own head and put it on mine. They conducted us about two miles to an 1 inn. On getting to the inn and. entering the room I went to the window-seat as the -first resting-place. Here I remained absorbed m . A VARIETY OF IDEAS and recollections until my attention was called by the conversation of the soldiers recognising each other, and inquiring who else was saved. Among these was my own servant. On hearing of so few one said, "All our officers' are gone." "And my master, too," said my servant. I rose up with the Dutch hat on and a greatcoat, and made myself known and shook hands with them.' I told them I would remain with them, and see them all safe m England. From them I learned that Lieutenant Hoggard was, with about eight others, on the masthead. 'When it first struck the sand he perceived it, and . c hook hands with his companions, and said, "Tiianl: God, my bravo lads, you are once more m safety." They waited about five minutes till they should be thrown further up, when all accept Lieutenant Hoggard quitted the wreck. Some of our regiment, perceiving he did not follow them, waded back and laid hold of him, but all their strength and persuasion could not force him away from the wreck. He was delirious, and talked m a VERY INCOHERENT MANNER. The poor fellows who had befriended him began now to be exhausted and < obliged to take care of themselves. Indeed, one of them, the moment he reached the shore, was seized m the same way, and remained delirious all that day and part of the next. /On, the mast on which Lieutenant Hoggard was floated on shore a dog also got and reached the : land. The dog formerly belonged to Major MacKenzie, but laterly always lived with a private by the name of Wingfield. The animal never -would leave the beach, up and down which it used to walk, howling;, but when disturbed, or it was attempted to bo caught, used to run among th 3 sand hills. Every exertion that was made ' by the survivors to make- him follow

him or ; to catch him was ineffectual, and THE DOG- REMAINED. THERE when we left the island. It is impossible for me to sayp with wliatjrkindness and humanity the inhabitants o£ Ameland received us. They had hoisted the orange flag,, and all communication with the continent was cut off. They treated us •therefore as friends, and furnished us with clothes (for. many of our men had stripped) and everything we wanted, and would not allow us to pay, for any. of our provisions. The president of the island came to us about 10 o'clock m the morning, and assured us that we should be taken every possible care of and sent - back to Holder. I had the bodies of Lieutenants McLean and Hoggard. those of the only officers washed up, brought to the inn, and coffins prepared for them, and the president had them interred m his own burying ground m the village of Holm. My own disabled state deprived me of the satisfaction of attending them to the grave. About one hundred and fifty others were buried m a grave m a corner of the churchyard WITH AS MUCH DECENCY, as circumstances would admit. With respect to the cause of our misfortunes I am incapable of forming an opinion. One day I remarkked to Captain Martinius that they had no log line on board. He said they sometimes carried one, and sometimes did . not, and that the Dutch could determine pretty exI actly without it. A copy of the ! log-book, with charts, etc., was always on the table m the cabin. Cantain Darcie assisted m revising the day's work. Mr. Yogel, the second lieutenant,., appeared a very experienced seaman, and with Captain Darcie had been 20 years at sea. The Valke, though a ship 30 years old, as they informed me m the severe weather of the 3rd and sth made not much water. On the night of t'he 3rd a heavy sea passed over the (|iiarter-deck and struck the crotchet guard. Captain Darcie and Martinius were on deck, and the next morning they informed me of the great danger we had been m. Whenever the weather was severe they kept watch. We had ourselves great confidence m Captain Martinius. His behavior was attentive, and never during the voyage did he make AN IMPROPER USE of liquor. My brother officers and myself had agreed to present him with a naval sword and epaulets as a token of his gentlemanly behavior towards us. We came to this , resolution when we were anticipating the pleasure of being m England next day. ' \ ! We were obliged to wait a week m the island to recover ourselves. Some of the men were m fevers. I hired a fishing boat to take us to the Holder, and agreed with a Dutch surgeon to accompany us, as. many oE Vis stood m need of medical ass'istanoc. The inhabitants conveyed us to the .shore m waggons to embark us, and furnished us with 1201 bof beef for our use \on the passage. Copies of the agreement drawn up by t/]ifyf>rcsi'd&nt of the island I delivered to General Sir James Pullney at the Helder on our return. The islanders were well affected to , THE HOUSE OF ORANGE, and there were not a hundred patriots on the island. There was only one gain mounted, as I was informed, m t<be place, and. that was on the part opposite Scrolling, near the spot where we were wrecked. When I took my leave of the president I thanked him for his humanity to myself and mv men. He then requested me to represent to our Government how thankful the inhabitants would be to have their fish-in-e boats protected. The number of souls on 'board the Valke frigate :— Only one officer 23rd Regiment saved. s . English soldiers M :— : ~ 19 Dutch seamen .w : _ ; M _ : 5 Total saved _• M 25 Lost 23rd Regiment ■„* w- : _. 262 / Women and children ... w — 25 Dutch seamen ...120 Dutch women and children ~- ; 12 Captain Darcie and wife w 2 Total' lost -_, «, w w. '421 The hire of the. iishing-boat, 130 guilders. ISnglish money ,■ \£lo ICs Sd. The surgeon, for his attendance on the men and going down the Helder, 80 guilders, £G 13s 4d.,