140 



A DTARY OF THE 



Amongst the sick during this period, of whom 

 the young gentlemen formed a large portion, Mr. 

 Fry, a supernumerary clerk, died ; the others, 

 with a few exceptions, shortly became conva- 

 lescent. 



The misfortune of the Challenger may not 

 be without a moral bearing. Our costly expe- 

 rience may prove useful to future navigators 

 upon this dangerous coast. With the civilised 

 portion of the inhabitants of a country of grow- 

 ing commercial importance, the British character 

 has been upheld ; and the many relics of our 

 disaster left with the rude natives, during our 

 long sojourn amongst them, will tend to perpe- 

 tuate the event ; and in their remote traditions 

 may figure, as a leading tale, the fate of the 



Desafiador," and the adventures of her crew 

 on the plains of Molquilla. 



It remains but to add the result of the Court 

 Martial, which was held on the 19th of October, 

 on board His Majesty's ship Victory, at Ports- 

 mouth harbour, by order of the Lords Commis- 

 sioners of the Admiralty, for the trial of Captain 

 Seymour, the officers, and crew of His Majesty's 

 late ship Challenger, for their conduct in the loss 

 of that ship. 



