AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. 237 



register, was wrecked in December, 1868, and thirteen lives 

 were lost. 



There was a strong south-west breeze, and a heavy sea. 

 The vessel stood too close in shore to the Start, and was 

 driven broadside on to the breakers. Two anchors were 

 instantly let go ; but the bottom was rock and loose shingle, 

 and they would not hold, and the Gossamer was soon 

 beating on jagged rocks, sixty yards from the shore, green 

 seas breaking over her and sweeping the decks. These 

 occurrences had been watched by the coastguards, who, 

 under the orders of their chief officer (Mr. Pengelly) had 

 got out a rocket apparatus, and conveyed it to the point 

 nearest to the wreck. The crew were so terrified that they 

 were unable to perceive the preparations being made for 

 their rescue, and several of them jumped overboard to swim 

 ashore. Most of these, however, perished in the attempt; 

 but all who maintained their position were ultimately 

 brought ashore by the rocket apparatus. The captain and 

 his wife were both drowned. Had there then been a rocket 

 apparatus at Prawle, as there now is, most probably all 

 would have been saved; but Mr. Pengelly had to send 

 to the next station, Rickham, about two and a half miles 

 off, which, of course, took a considerable time. The sur- 

 vivors were unable to save anything more than the wearing 

 apparel they had on. 



The cargo consisted chiefly of shop goods ; and the stocks 

 of very many drapers, clothiers, boot makers, and book- 

 sellers, hardware dealers, and toymen, were strewn along 

 the coast in the greatest confusion. There were, in all, 

 with the pilot, thirty-one on board the vessel when she 

 struck, including eleven able seamen and five apprentices. 



In June, 1870, the Emilie, of Altona, Captain Alhsen, 



