Mr. G. T. Bell, the secretary, then read the report, which stated that the scriptures had been extensively circulated, many thousand tracts distributed, a missionary supported, and Sabbath schools commenced. There had been 217 Bethel services held; 3,900 vessels visited; 28,853 religious tracts distributed; 159 copies of the scriptures sold or gratuitously disposed of; 10 libraries of religious books supplied to foreign vessels going out to sea; 306 families of seamen visited on shore, and Sabbath schools for seamen's children carried on, which had an average attendance of 50 children. The committee recommended that a larger room be obtained, in which to hold their meetings, a room which would also serve as a reading room and library. In conclusion, the committee recommended to the friends of the society, the establishment of a "Sailors' Home," on a small scale.

The treasurer read the statement of accounts for the past year, from which it appeared that there was a balance in hand of £13 10s. 4d.

The Rev. Mr. Browning called on the meeting to remember the early period at which sailors were removed from the civilizing influences of domestic society and from the means of grace, and how ill prepared they were, as a class, to meet the dangers to which they were constantly exposed. There were no obstacles, he believed more formidable to the spread of the gospel, than the contaminating influence of our soldiers and sailors.

The Rev. Mr. Fieldwick supported the resolution in an appropriate speech. After recounting several reasons which were calculated to call forth their gratitude, he proceeded to detail some of the operations of the society, which was, by the help of God, in a most prosperous condition. For some time past, the society had been cramped by a heavy debt; but, at the next meeting they would be entirely free. During the past year, they had established auxiliaries at Shields, at Milford Haven, and at Dublin, and they had the prospect of engaging another missionary for the Thames.

Mr. G. F. Angas, of London, in an energetic and able speech, moved the following resolution:-" That the friends of seamen have abundant cause for gratitude to Almighty God for the rich measure of success which has attended the labours of the society-for the pecuniary support it has received-for the interest it has excited among seamen-for the encouraging tendency of its Bethel meetings-for the extensive circulation of bibles and religious tracts—and, above all, for the many interesting proofs that the labours of that society have been attended by the Holy Spirit's gracious influence.

Mr. Wm. Chapman, in supporting the resolution, said he considered this meeting truly English. It had in its character that which marked Britian. Who had not a heart to feel, in a peculiar manner, for those who watched over our little island, so marvellously blessed in the providence of God in the character she has over the ocean of the world? We loved our sailors. Well might we love them. Were they not employed, on every occasion, for our greatest benefit? What did our little island possess, of its wealth, of its privileges, of its domestic comforts, of its everyday blessings, which was not procured by the labour and devotedness of our seamen? Were they not the very types of the courage and patriotic feeling of our country? They had always, he believed, thought so, but never more fully felt it than on the present occasion. From the feelings which were alive in his own breast, he was persuaded there was an ardent affection felt for sailors. Yet it was only of late that we had regarded them with that high feeling which became us as christians. It was only within the last year or two that any animation on the subject of the spiritual interests of seamen, had made its appearance. London was now stirring on this great subject. Only the other day, a Sailors' Home, and a Refuge for the Destitute had been established; and he had just received information that government had given a cutter to navigate that part of the Thames where the colliers were accommodated, for the purpose of conveying those who would give spiritual instruction to the seamen there. The sailor would not adopt human sophistries or human systems. Nothing would suit him but that which God had

prepared for the heart of man as man, whether he be the most ignorant, the most darkened, or the most dissolute. After thus enforcing, in a feeling and impressive manner, the sailors' claims, Mr. C. concluded by expressing the high value he attached to this missionary effort in their behalf-this practical and essential union which recognised nothing but that covenant of grace and truth which Jesus Christ has brought before us.

The Rev. Mr. Longmuir, of Aberdeen, followed in an able speech, in which he warmly advocated the cause of the sailor.

The Rev. Mr. Pringle moved, and the Rev. Mr. Paige seconded the concluding resolution:-"That the proposal of the committee to commence a separate fund to enable the society to procure suitable provisions for a "Sailor's Home," Seamen's Chapel, and Reading or Library Room, is cordially approved by this meeting, and earnestly recommended to the support of all interested in the welfare of the seamen frequenting the port.

A collection, amounting to a handsome sum, was then made, and the apostolic benediction having been pronounced, the meeting separated.

SHIPWRECKS AND DISASTERS AT SEA.

SEVERAL melancholy wrecks have been recently reported. The perusal of the following details must awaken in every mind feelings of the deepest sympathy on behalf of men exposed to such perils, and thousands of whom meet death under such appalling circumstances.

LOSS OF THE GREAT LIVERPOOL.

The loss of this vessel took place on the 24th of February, at 4 in the morning, off Cape Finisterre, by getting on shoals. 79 of the passengers and 21 ofthe crew have arrived at Southampton by the Pacha, which also had a narrow escape of being wrecked, having run on shore off Oporto. Since then the remaining number have reached England in safety. In the letter which follows, addressed by the commander to Mr. Allen, secretary of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, there will be found a full account of the circumstances under which the catastrophe took place :

"Vice Consulat-office, District of Corcubion,
Feb. 28th., 1846.

Dear sir,-It is with feelings of the most painful grief that I have to acquaint you, for the information of the managing directors and all whom it may concern, that at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 24th instant, whilst steering N.N.E. with a strong wind from the S.S.W., and a heavy sea running, and about 7 to 10 miles from Cape Finisterre, the weather thick, dark, and hazy, the ship going about ten knots an hour, we struck upon a shoal or rock, and made so much water in the engine-room that she soon became unmanageble from the fires being put out, and consequently drifting towards the land, and grounded on a small sandy shoal, called 'Guros,' about one league and a half to southward of Corcubion, where she lay with her head to the southward broadside on the beach, at the distance of 300 yards, on which a heavy surf was breaking. The boats were all got ready for lowering to land the passengers and crew, and the larboard life-boat was sent with a party of seamen and a line to haul a rope on shore, which they with difficulty reached in safety, and we soon after got a hawser on shore, and the end of it made fast and hove taut from the ship. Mr. Hamilton, chief-officer, was sent in the launch with a party of passengers and crew, amongst whom were several ladies and children; all were safely

landed except Mrs. Archer, a child belonging to Mrs. Morris, seven years old, and a native female Indian servant, who were lost in the surf on the beach by the swamping of the launch, though every exertion was made, both by shore, on the beach, and in the launch to save them. After this the launch, which was with great difficulty hauled alongside by us on board, and baled out, made several successful trips and all on board were safely landed by 11 A.M. I went myself in the last trip, having previously ascertained that every person was out of the ship. The sea at that period was breaking heavily over her, and she was fast breaking up on the starboard side, amidships. The pinnace was stove in lowering, and the starboard quarter boat by the sea striking her violently. On getting on shore I found several articles of different kinds had already floated there, and a number of the people of the coast had come down and were plundering all they could get away, though all means were taken to prevent it. In fact we have been most shamefully plundered, and robbed in every possible way."

The sufferings endured by the passengers and crew, both during their stay on the coast and on their journey to Corunna, together with the vexations experienced from the infamous conduct of the natives, greatly aggravated the case. The following brings down the account to the latest date, and records a melancholy conclusion to this disastrous occurrence.

Southampton, Friday Morning, 13th.

The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-ship, Queen, Captain Russell, arrived this morning at 4 o'clock, from the Peninsula, bringing the usual mails. She brings home about 90 persons, passengers, including the crew and passengers of the Great Liverpool. They are in a very distressed condition for want of clothing and many other necessaries.

It is with extreme regret that we annonnce tbc death of Captain M'Leod, the late commander of the Great Liverpool, who died by his own hand, immediately after the last of the passengers had departed for Corunna. He had been in a most desponding state of mind ever since the unfortunate occurrence, and it is supposed, could not bear up against misfortune. The melancholy event has left a gloom over the whole town. He was a man universally beloved and respected. He has left a large young family, with prospects of an early increase.

There is nothing further saved from the wreck of the Great Liverpool. The ship is entirely gone to pieces, and what valuables floated ashore were principally purloined by the rascally natives.

THE IDA

Was commissioned by Government for the conveyance of stores to Canada, and left the river on the 18th of December for Portsmouth, where she took in the stores, and finally sailed for St. John's, New Brunswick, on the 4th of January. There were on board besides the crew (18 in number, including the master, Captain William Chamber), 38 passengers, male and female. After her departure nothing was heard of her until Monday last, when the intelligence of her fate was received. A letter writen by the British Consul at Portland, thus describes her loss-"On the 26th January, being in lat. 44 N., long. 52 30 W., the barque broached to, while scudding before a severe gale from S.S.E., and was thrown on her beamends. Orders were given to cut away the foremast, but before they had time to do so the barque righted, full of water- The captain then ordered the long-boat to be got under the lee, the other boat having been lost. The passengers immediately rushed into her promiscuously, followed by the captain and crew, to the number ol 45. The painter parted and the boat dropped astern. The land bore N.N.E., distant about 30 leagues by observation. The boat got about two cables length from the vessel, when she shipped a sea, filled, and all in her perished. The mate, nine men, and one young woman, remained on the wreck, in the tops, from Monday morning until Friday morning, when they were taken off by the schooner Three Sisters, of Eden, when they were landed much frozen and in destitute circumstances, the mate being the only one able to travel.

THE JOHN MINTURN.

The fate of the John Minturn and her crew and passengers, amounting to 50 in number, was of a most deplorable character. The ill-fated ship, a newly-built vessel, more than 500 tons burden, was bound to New York, having, besides a number of cabin and steerage passengers, several shipwrecked seamen, who had been picked up on the voyage. Up to Saturday, the 14th ult., the weather was most favourable for her voyage, and they were within three days' sail of her destination. Soon after sun-set on that day, however, there came on a stiff breeze from the eastward, which as the evening advanced, greatly increased. When the shore was discovered, it appeared to the leeward, about two miles distant. The tempestuous weather in the meantime had increased considerably. Every sail was torn almost to ribbons, and the ship rendered unmanageable. On the land being perceived, every nerve was exerted to keep her off, but, unfortunately, it was impracticable, as the gale blew direct on the coast, and gradually drifted her inwards, and at half-past nine o'clock she struck with tremendous force. The succeeding wave raised her, and dashed her with violence on the rocks, when she broke, but did not separate. The horror and confusion at the moment of her striking were terrific, and when the worst was known, every effort was made to preserve the lives of those on board, numbering 51, including passengers. The masts were cut away to ease her, but with little effect, as she continued to strike fearfully. The yawl was then cut loose from the stern davits, but the surf rose so high that before she could be got round she unfortunately swamped, and became useless. The captain, with his wife, son, daughter, servant, and cabin passengers, took refuge in the poop cabin, the only place where they could be sheltered from the violence of the sea, which was pouring over them in all directions. By great exertion the long-boat was cast adrift, and launched over the bows. Five of the crew and a steerage passenger, a Portuguese, jumped into her, and a long coil of line was stowed in her stern-sheets, by which it was intended to carry a hawser ashore, and she was then shoved off. On approaching the land, the men found that it was impossible to tow the line through the breakers, in consequence of the great pressure on the boat. They resolved on cutting it away, that being the only chance of reaching the shore. All hope was now lost of saving those on the wreck. Their sufferings are described as being truly frightful. Being exposed to the full violence of the sea, and a piercing cold wind, ice soon formed over the surface of their drenched clothing. In this state they remaind until noon, when those who were alive-for some had already sunk from their awful suffering— went forward to the forecastle, where they lashed themselves to prevent the sea washing them from the wreck. It is supposed that the captain, his mate, and the pilot, remained in the poop, for they were not seen afterwards; and in the course of an hour the ship parted amidships, and the afterpart drifted away into the sea. The remaining portion of the wreck then floated considerably in shore. In the latter part of the day another portion of the wreck separated, which carried away the half of those who were lashed to the forecastle, all of whom instantly perished. The rest lived a few hours afterwards, till by the combined effects of the intense frost, and the surf beating over them, they gradually sunk and expired. Between eleven and twelve o'clock at night a boat was put off to rescue those who were clinging to other pieces of the wreck, consisting of two mates, two of the crew, and four of the steerage passengers; and, after almost insurmountable difficulties, they were preserved, although, as may be readily conceived, reduced to the last stage of exhaustion. In the wreck of the forecastle sixteen bodies were found lying in a cluster round the stump of the foremast, and it seemed as if the unfortunate creatures had huddled themselves together for warmth. Among them could be recognized the captain's wife, his children, and a female steerage passenger, with an infant at her breast, and so firmly grasped that they could not be separated. Owing to the quantity of ice that covered the wreck, the task of removing the bodies that night was given up, in consequence of the extreme danger attending it. On the following morning at daybreak they were brought ashore, when the beach was lined by the

I

inhabitants of the neighbouring villages. Amongst them was a desperate gang of wreckers, who plundered every body that was washed up from the other pieces of wreck. Several of the passengers were known to have had a large amount of money about them. Up to the last accounts, thirty-two bodies were found. The ship had entirely gone to pieces, a portion of her bottom only remaining, which was embedded in the sand by the weight of the pig-iron which formed part of her cargo.

FRANCIS SPAIGHT.

The following is extracted from the Cape of Good Hope Gazette of the 9th of January.

During the night between Tuesday and Wednesday last it blew a violent gale from the northward, and at 6 a.m. on Wednesday the squalls were very severe. At 8 30, the wind came more to the westward in a hard squall, accompanied with torrents of rain, when the barque Francis Spaight, of 336 tons, from Manilla to London, was observed driving towards the strand, and an attempt was unfortunately made to set the mainsail, which brought the vessel broadside to the shore; and in this position, with the mainsail aback, she continued to drive until she struck the ground near the Slave Lodge, about a mile from the village of Papendorp, when in consequence of being broadside to the beach, she rolled heavily, the sea occasionally breaking over her decks. A whale-boat and a surf-boat were sent from Cape Town; the whale boat succeeded in getting alongside the barque, and a line was thrown over the vessel by the rocket apparatus. The moment the boat touched the side, the crew of the barque, who appeared to have lost all presence of mind, rushed into her, when she was filled and capsized, and, sad to relate, the captain and 14 of the crew were drowned, together with 4 men of the boat's crew. A surfboat and another boat were also sent from the North-wharf, but both capsized and two men were drowned. The vessel is broken in midships, and is a total wreck.

THE NEHANT.

The Nehant, of Boston, Captain Funnall, was a ship of about 400 tons burden register, from Ghent, bound to Texas, having on board 150 passengers as emigrants, among whom were 50 children, and the remaining part men and women, many of them aged persons. When leaving Lower Brixham bay she missed stays in coming about, and in a short time was driven on shore among the rocks. The preventive men on the station were the first to observe the ill-fated ship, and immediately prepared themselves to render every assistance. As soon as the ship's boat was available they manned it and boarded her, and took from the deck several women; but on their return for a like benevolent purpose, the captain came to the side of the ship, and ordered the men away, declaring that if any one attempted to come on board he would shoot him. The sight was one of the most awful that can be imagined-the wind howling and the waves roaring and lashing the shores, whilst at every moment the wild shrieks of the poor creatures, with their helpless children, were heard, imploring aid, the vessel rocking to and fro, her sides having been forced in, and the hold filled with water. In this condition they were kept until daylight appeared. The news of the vessel being on shore having reached the town, hundreds of the inhabitants crowded to the scene of distress, and, under the superintendence of Mr. R. L. Hingstone, jun., agent for Lloyd's, the vessel was boarded. Large baskets were slung upon ropes, which were fastened to the shore, and the passengers one by one put in and safely landed. As soon as the women and children were safe, the poor emigrants began to take out their packages and goods, and in a very short time the ground near the spot was covered with boxes, bedding, and clothes, with various other things, which were immediately put in charge of the coast guard. That part of the bay on which the vessel went on shore is near Berry house, the residence of the Rev. H. F. Lyte, the vicar of Lower Brixham. The Rev. Gentleman is now on a tour for the benefit of his health in Italy, but his lady