74 THE SEA. 



who happened to see the explosion at a great distance, and instantly made all sail in the 

 direction whence it proceeded, afterwards cruising about for some time to pick up any 

 survivors. 



After the arrival of the last boat at the Cambria, " the flames, which had spread along 

 the upper deck and poop, ascended with the rapidity of lightning to the masts and rigging,, 

 forming one general conflagration, that illumined the heavens to an immense distance, and 

 was strongly reflected on several objects on board the brig. The flags of distress, hoisted 

 in the morning, were seen for a considerable time waving amid the flames, until the masts 

 to which they were suspended successively fell, like stately steeples, over the ship's side." 

 At last, about half-past one o'clock in the morning, the devouring element having com- 

 municated to the magazine, the explosion was seen, and the blazing fragments of the once 

 magnificent Kent were instantly hurled, like so many rockets, high into the air; leaving, 

 in the comparative darkness that succeeded, "the deathful scene of that disastrous day 

 floating before the mind like some feverish dream." 



The scene on board the brig beggared description. The captain, who bore the honoured 

 name of Cook, and his crew of eight, did all that was in their power to alleviate the miseries 

 of the six hundred persons added to their number; while they carried sail, even to the 

 extent of danger, in order to make nine or ten knots to the nearest port. The Cornish 

 miners and Yorkshire smelters on board gave up their beds and clothes and stores to the 

 passengers; and it was extremely fortunate that the brig was on her outward voyage, for, 

 had she been returning, she would not, in all probability, have had provisions enough to 

 feed six hundred persons for a single day. But at the best their condition was miserable. 

 In the cabin, intended for eight or ten, eighty were packed, many nearly in a nude condition > 

 and many of the poor women not having space to lie down. 



The gale increased ; but still they crowded all sail even at the risk of carrying away 

 the masts and at length the welcome cry of " Land ahead ! " was reported from mouth 

 to mouth. They were off the Scilly lights, and speedily afterwards reached Falmouth, where 

 the inhabitants vied with each other in providing clothing and food and money for all 

 who needed them. 



The total loss from the Kent was eighty-one souls; namely, fifty-four soldiers, one 

 woman, twenty children, one seaman, and five boys of the crew. How much greater might 

 it not have been but for the imperturbable coolness, the commanding abilities, and the 

 persevering and prompt action of Captain Cobb, and the admirable discipline and subordination 

 of the troops ! 



Another remarkable instance of the sam.e thing is to be found in the case of the Sirken- 

 heacl, where there were desperate odds against any one surviving. The ship was a war-steamer, 

 conveying troops from St. Simon's Bay to Algoa Bay, Cape Colony, and had, with crew, a total 

 complement of 638 souls on board. She struck on a reef, when steaming at the rate of eight 

 and a half knots, and almost immediately became a total wreck. The rock penetrated her 

 bottom, just aft of the fore-mast, and the rush of water was so great that most of the men on 

 the lower troop-deck were drowned in their hammocks. The commanding officer, Major Seton,. 

 called his subordinate officers about him, and impressed upon them the necessity of preserving 

 order and perfect discipline among the men, and of assisting the commander of the ship 



