Carlisle Patriot, 27 Aug 1825 - Local News (3)
petra.mi...@doctors.org.uk
Saturday 27 Aug 1825 (p. 2, col. 4-6 and p. 3, col. 1+6) [continued]
It is a matter of sincere regret to every friend in this country, that the herring fishery should be so very backward. Our market had a tolerable supply yesterday, but from the price, 6s. a hundred, the take does not appear to be very general.—Isle of Man Paper.
On Saturday last, a nephew of Miss CARRUTHERS, of Lochmaben, with three other boys of his acquaintance, went to bathe in the Mill Loch of Lochmaben, when the former was unfortunately drowned.
It is now judicially decided by the Court of Chancery, that affidavits of Debt, under Bankruptcies, are no longer liable to stamp duty.
Destruction of the Jessie of Dumfries by Fire.—The Jessie, M'KENZIE, of Dumfries, left Whitehaven on Sunday afternoon for St. John's, N. B. with the intention of remaining in the offing until next day, in consequence of having some business to transact previous to her final departure. Her crew consisted of 17 persons; there were also two passengers on board—an aged man and his wife, belonging to Dumfries. She had a general cargo, consisting of about 60 puncheons of rum, a quantity of Brandy, geneva, wine, earthenware, &c. and complete rigging for two ships which the owners of the Jessie, (Messrs. THOMPSON of Dumfries) have built at St. John's.—About half-past one on Monday morning, the vessel at that time off St. Bees head, the watch gave the alarm that she was on fire, and all hands were instantly upon deck, but it had even then attained such a height as to render their endeavours to extinguish the flames completely abortive. When the fear and confusion necessarily created by the dangers with which they were surrounded had in some degree subsided, and they were conscious that their exertions to subdue the devouring element were of no avail, their attention was directed to the only means then left them of preservation—that of effecting their escape from the burning vessel by taking to the boats. At this moment it was discovered that three of the crew, James HAMILTON, William THOMSON, and Alexander HANNAH, had taken possession of the stern-boat, cut the tackle by which she was suspended, and were proceeding towards the shore, leaving the Captain, the Mate, and the remainder of the crew and the two passengers, on board!—James JACKSON, second mate, an enterprising young man, instantly jumped overboard and swam after the boat in expectation of prevailing upon them to return to the vessel, to render assistance, and although he repeatedly hailed the boat, her crew paid no attention to his entreaties, but kept on their course towards the shore, and he was ultimately obliged to return to the vessel without them. By this time the fore-part of the vessel was completely enveloped in flames; and as the long-boat upon the deck had been made the receptacle for lumber of every description, she was not removed from the chocks before the fire had penetrated to her; and almost the moment she was launched the deck was one complete blaze from end to end. The captain, mate, the remaining twelve of the crew, and the two passengers, immediately took to the boat, and about three o'clock quitted the burning wreck for Whitehaven, where they arrived at five, the dastards in the small boat having waited for them and taken them in tow. Not a single article of any description was saved; so rapid, indeed, was the progress of the fire that some of those who were raised from their beds had not time to secure even their clothes, and finally quitted the vessel with nothing except the shirts they had on. The intelligence soon spread through Whitehaven, and in a short time two or three boats well manned left the port. At intervals, the wreck was invisible from the shore, on account of the smoke and the haziness of the atmosphere; at other times, the flames towered upwards with great brilliancy. The boats laid hold of the hull and towed it , slowly, about three miles inshore, but about half-past four, an unusual quantity of smoke indicated that she was sinking, and she went down rather suddenly. It has not been satisfactorily ascertained in what manner the fire originated; but it is generally supposed to have been occasioned by some of the men imprudently smoking in the forecastle, contiguous to which were stowed nearly two tons of oakum, and it is certain that the fire first broke out in that part of the vessel. Before the Jessie left the harbour it had been remarked that some of her crew betrayed a quarrelsome disposition towards one another; and after quitting the port it required the utmost exertion of the captain, mate, and others to subdue the turbulent spirit which manifested itself; and no sooner had this been accomplished, and all but the watch had retired to rest, the alarm of fire was given. As soon as the three vagabonds who cut away the stern-boat landed, they immediately left Whitehaven, and had not proceeded further than Parton before they commenced begging,—giving a most lamentable and miraculous account of their escape from the burning vessel. Their story will no doubt take, and assist them on their way to Dumfries, but their infamous conduct will reach that town before them. Of the value of the cargo, &c. there are estimates in circulation varying from ten to thirty thousand pounds. The two passengers, (man and wife) lost every thing but the clothes they had on. They had 200 guineas in gold, besides a large quantity of wearing apparel, linen and woollen cloth, &c. &c.
Arrived, the Margaret, Capt. HEUGHAN, at Dumfries, with timber from St. John's, N. B. passage 30 days.
Cathy DiPietro
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2025 3:20 AM
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Subject: [GENEALOGY - CUMBRIA] Carlisle Patriot, 27 Aug 1825 - Local News (3)
Hit a brick wall? Perhaps another member has the solution. You may never know if you don't ask.
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petra.mi...@doctors.org.uk
Thank you, Cathy – yes, journalists had a very descriptive style at that time!
Petra