‘After some further evidence of the same general character, in the course of which nothing new was elicited, the jury late the same evening found a verdict to the effect that the wreck of the “Royal Charter” was caused by purely accidental circumstances; that Captain Taylor was perfectly sober; and that he did all in his power to save the vessel and the lives of the passengers.’

Who doubted that Captain Taylor did all he could to save the vessel after she struck upon the rocks? That was only one question out of several that should have been considered. The construction of the ship, the ‘hugging of the coast,’ looking for a pilot in such tempestuous weather, the delay (if any delay there were) in cutting down the masts—these were the lines of inquiry to which the coroner and jury should have directed their special attention, and followed to their just terminations. But the investigation was feebly conducted throughout, and is not likely to rest at its present unsatisfactory point. The Press will not be silent upon the matter. While no one desires a different verdict, the public at large has a right to expect that the evidence upon which any verdict in such a case as this is founded should be of the completest character. Every calamity has its lesson; and if that lesson is not learnt at once, depend upon it the calamity will be repeated until it is. But what lesson is it possible to learn from such an ‘investigation’ as that which has just concluded at Bangor?[F]

Latest Details from Molfra.[G]

The latest particulars (Nov. the 7th) from the scene of the wreck which can be here incorporated are these:—

‘The divers found one body yesterday forenoon, and some copper, but no specie. No bodies have been cast ashore last night or this morning. Up to the present moment forty-eight bodies have been recovered, but of these few have been identified. The following is a correct list of those who have been identified, with such further particulars respecting them as have, after the best inquiries that could have been made here, been discovered. A child named Pitcher, claimed by the uncle, Mr. Pitcher, of Northfleet, Kent. John Emery, of Liverpool, steward on board the “Royal Charter.” [I know poor Emery so well! He was a good, generous fellow.] John Smith, four years old, child of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, passengers; there were five of this family on board. Miss Russell, ten years old, child of Mr. Russell, the passenger who had the miraculous escape, and whose wife and two children were drowned. Mrs. Lyon, of Melbourne, identified by Mr. Gapper, a passenger.’ [There is some doubt as to this lady’s identity.] ‘Miss Jane Fowler, supposed at one time to be a Mrs. Woodroff. Richard Read, of Plymouth. Jacob Roberts, fireman. James Walton, steward, son of Mr. Walton, of the Amphitheatre, Liverpool. James Edwards, passenger. Henry Aspinall, rigger. Mr. John Grove, on whose person a sum of 56l. 10s. was found. Richard Tierncough, sailmaker. Wilson, boiler-maker. John Rees, of Pistill-Nevin. Lambert, seaman. Russell, seaman.

‘All the above have been interred. In cases where the relatives or friends do not bury, the bodies are interred in trenches. Parish coffins are provided for them, and the Rev. Mr. Hughes, of Llanallgo, and other benevolent individuals, have provided linen and flannel for several of the poor shipwrecked passengers. His lordship the Bishop of Bangor, Mrs. Williams, lady of the Rev. Mr. Williams, Llandygnan, Captain Moore, 4th Dragoons, and Mr. Marshall are amongst those who have contributed to this charitable object.’

The whole of the details which have crowded the papers for the last eight or ten days are now, in such summary manner as their importance would permit, entirely disposed of. It would be useless to delay this Narrative for any further particulars from Molfra. One knows so well what the nature of those particulars will be—fresh bodies, more tattered rags, more copper bolts and bars twisted like wire, more iron plates and beams gnawed by the sea as dogs gnaw bones, more recognitions by disconsolate friends of those whom, long ere this, they had hoped to welcome at an English fireside!

Let us drop the curtain upon the picture as speedily as possible, and pray Our Father in Heaven to take unto his keeping the bereaved friends of those who have left Life’s sea of troubles for the Haven of Eternity.