by John Marshall, Royal Naval Biography — Thomas… (1823)
“ We are satisfied, that in the loss of the packet and of the public correspondence, no blame is imputable to Captain Fellowes, to his officers, or to his seamen. In their exertion after the ship had struck on the floating mass of ice, and in their subsequent conduct, they appear to have shewn all the talents and virtue which can distinguish the naval character. ”
by John Marshall, Royal Naval Biography — Thomas… (1823)
“ The sea was running so high at the time we hoisted out the boats, that I scarcely flattered myself we should get them out in safety; and in. deed, nothing but the steady and orderly conduct of the crew could have enabled us to effect so difficult and hazardous an undertaking: it is a justice to them to observe, that not a man in the ship attempted to make use of the liquor, which every one had in his power. Whilst the cutter was getting out, I perceived one of the seamen (John Tipper) emptying a demijean, or bottle, containing five gallons, which, on inquiry, I found to be rum. ”
by John Marshall, Royal Naval Biography — Thomas… (1823)
“ We had scarce quitted the ship, when she suddenly gave a heavy lurch to port, and then went down head foremost. * * * * * * I cannot attempt to describe my own feelings, or the sensations of my people Exposed as we were, in two small open boats, upon the great Atlantic ocean, bereft of all assistance, but that which our own exertions, under Providence, could afford us, we narrowly escaped being swallowed up in the vortex. Men used to vicissitudes are not easily dejected; but there are trials which human nature alone cannot surmount. ”
