The
Agnes, McEwen master, was a single
decked brig, 105 tons burden, with a draught of water of 11 ft. when loaded.
She was built in the port of Glasgow in 1815. She held an A1 classification and
was last described as a constant trader between Greenock and Hamburg.[1]
The
Agnes, McEwen, from Greenock to
Gibraltar, Malta &c. which was on shore in Tramore Bay, has been got off
and carried into Rhineshark Harbour, damaged and with the loss of rudder and
cargo landing.[2]
On
Saturday last, about four o’clock, the brig Agnes, John McEwan, master, bound
from Greenock for to Gibraltar, Malta &c. with a cargo of sugar, &c.
ran, in the severity of the storm into Tramore Bay, but, fortunately, got into
the small harbour of Rineshark, from which the captain and crew, nine persons
in all, safely landed in the boat of the vessel, and experienced a hospitable
reception from the peasantry. Till last night, storms of wind have blown ever
since, but their direction was not unfavorable to the safety of the Agnes.[3]
We
have to state an extraordinary circumstance with respect to the brig Agnes,
which got into Rineshark Harbour on Saturday last. Two of the pilot Committee
of this city, with six experienced pilots, went to Rineshark, and tendered
their services, free of expense. This offer the Captain declined, and
afterwards hired boats for his assistance. We have heard more on this subject
than it would be wise to divulge. The matter is in the hands of the proper
authorities.[4]
The
Brig Agnes
We
have the authority to state that the entire cargo of the brig Agnes, stranded
in Rineshark, on the night of Saturday week, has been got landed and safely
deposited in the King’s Store; and we notice with peculiar satisfaction what
must reflect the highest credit on all the parties concerned in the saving of
the vessel and the discharging of the cargo (valued at £40,000) that not a
package or any article of any description whatsoever is missing or has suffered
the least diminution or damage, except some refined sugars, which had been
partially injured by salt water, previous to their being landed.
With
respect to the mysterious paragraph published in the Waterford Chronicle on
Thursday, we are directed to say that due notice shall be taken note of
forthwith …that the Author or Authors of the calumnious reports which have been
in circulation are bound to come forward openly to avow them and that these
reports shall pass unregarded by those against whom insinuations, so wanton,
illiberal and unnecessary have been levelled.
Waterford
3rd January 1817.
To
the Editor of the Waterford Chronicle
Sir,
Having read a paragraph in your paper of the 2nd instant, respecting
the Brig Agnes, of which vessel I am
Captain and Owner, I feel it incumbent on me to repel the unwarrantable
insinuation it conveyed against my character and conduct, by a brief statement
of facts, which I can establish upon unanswerable grounds.
On
the evening of the 28th ult., in a violent gale, I was unfortunately
driven into Tramore Bay and soon after the vessel got aground on the Bar of
Rineshark, in the midst of tremendous breakers and her rudder was beaten off.
As our destruction seemed inevitable and was momentarily expected, in order to
save our lives, the boats were launched and after much peril and struggling
with the waves, all hands reached the shore in safety. I immediately inquired for
some respectable person in the neighbourhood, in whom I might confide for
protection and assistance; and having been informed that Mr Nicholas Hearn had
had some short time before, the charge of a vessel similarly circumstanced and
that his conduct was highly approved of, I sent a messenger for him, and on his
arrival, explained my wishes, when he undertook the care and management of the
vessel and the valuable property entrusted to my charge and pledged himself for
the integrity and activity of those he should employ.
Shortly after, two Gentlemen came from
Waterford, who informed us that they belonged to the Pilot Committee, together
with six persons, whom they represented as “experienced pilots,” who offered
there services; but, on questioning these pilots, as to their knowledge of
Rineshark Harbour, one of them only pretended to be acquainted with it, and
when, after some consideration, we had all repaired to the beach and I offered
to board the vessel in my own boat with any of those experienced pilots, they
unanimously refused to accompany me.
This will, I trust, satisfactory explain
whether they refused or I declined their assistance; and I have
the high gratification of stating that owing to the judicious and indefatigable
exertions of Mister Hearn and by those employed by him, who were all
experienced in Rineshark Harbour, aided by the unremitting attention and under
the directions of James Wallace Esq. The Collector of the Port, a property
worth £40,000 has been landed and effectually preserved to the proprietors,
without the slightest pillage, and without sustaining any serious damage. The
paragraph states that I hired boats to give assistance. This assertion is
unfounded, for my own boats, under the guidance of the Rineshark fishermen, were
alone employed in landing the property. The paragraph further adds “We have
heard more on this subject than it would be wise to divulge. The matter is in
the hands of the proper authorities”. Of the tendency and affected mystery of
this passage, I will merely observe, that there may be some wisdom in not
circulating groundless and whispered calumnies. The Public, however will
determine whether an attempt in a newspaper to blast the character and
reputation of a stranger in the country, without first applying to him for his
account of the transaction, or affording him any opportunity of vindication, or
explanation, is not a violation of every principle of candour and impartiality.
I gladly embrace this opportunity of returning my public and grateful acknowledgements
to Mr Hearn’s family at Ballymacaw, for their most kind and hospitable reception
of myself and my crew. I have, also, real pleasure in bearing testimony to the
good conduct of the peasantry in the neighbourhood of Rineshark.
R.
McEuen
Waterford, January 3, 1817.
The Shamrock, Walsh, from Waterford to Gibraltar, (with the cargo of the Agnes, from Greenock, stranded in Tramore bay in December), grounded on Waterford bar the 2nd inst., knocked off her sheathing and put back to repair.[5]
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