Re Loss of the Br. bq. Caroline Hutchings."
On the 10th and 11th of August, a Naval Court was convened at the British Consulate at Takao, Formosa, by order of Captain Stewart, of H. M. S. Growler, on the applica tion of Captain Ward who lately commanded the British barque, Caroline Hutchings, of London, to investigate into his conduct regarding the wreck of that ship, outside Takao, on the 1st August last.
"Che Court was composed of the two Lieutenants of H. M. 8, Growler, Mr, Bullock, of the Consulate, and Mr. Hardie, of Messrs, Tait & Ca., the proceedings of the Court being in the hands of the Paymaster, Mr. Craig Jeffreys.
After a sitting of two days, the Court came to the general conclusion that "Capt. Ward was free from all blame, and acquitted him accordingly, at the same time remarking that, considering the peculiar circumstances he was in no way blameable for the loss of his vessel; that after her port cable parted and still unable to hold with her starboard anchor, hechd the best thing in slipping and endeavouring to run his ship upon the beach, for the purpose of saving life, and property; and that when once on shore, every endeavour was used to refloat his vessel, but of no avail,—the report of survey held on her, showing her to be materially damaged. The Court consider Capt. Ward was quite justified quitting his vessel when he did, and also in Selling her, and that throughout be behaved in most seamanlike manner. The Court have much pleasure therefore in returning Capt, Ward his certificate, acquitting him of all blame."—Hongkong Lines.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.