To the President and Gentleman of the Local Marine Board, London.
In latitude 48° 30' N., longitude 12° 20' E., on the morning of the 13th
of November, 1858, at 7 A. M., it being then just break of day, I saw
the brig "Hebe" about three miles on our lee-bow, having the signal of
distress flying. I immediately reported it to Captain Freeman, who came
on deck and gave orders to bear down upon her and see what was wanted.
When near enough we hove to and hailed the brig, asking what they were
in want of, and they answered, saying "For God's sake, send us a boat,
as we are sinking." Captain Freeman then asked if they wanted to abandon
their vessel, and they repeated their supplications, every one on board
appearing to be in the greatest mental distress, making signs that their
vessel was going down. The men were working vigorously at the pumps at
imminent risk of being washed overboard, as the sea was breaking
completely over them.
It was now 8 o'clock, and Captain Freeman gave orders for all hands to
remain on deck and to clear away the cutter. I then got into the boat
and asked who would go with me, when I got several volunteers, out of
whom I took five, - viz., Burland, Hill, Hendrickson, Hansen, and
Cummins. The boat was lowered very successfully, when we got clear of
the ship. The brig was about a quarter of a mile astern. Heading for the
ship, I pulled alongside and told them to give me a good line over their
quarter, long enough to veer and haul upon.
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