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East India |
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The sinking of the London |
Contributor: |
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Letter from Captain of HMS Russell dated 29th December, 1778[Source: TNA: ADM 1/1707] HMS Russell at St Helens Sir Please to acquaint the Right Hon Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that on Monday, 28th instant, the wind moderate and water smooth, Vice Admiral Lord Shultham and the fleet being about four or five miles to windward, I directed the Lieutenant of the watch to tack the ship as soon as he could. (but take care not to go near any of the convoy, the same directions were given to the Master) in order to get more immediately into our station at the same time observing that some of the ships of Commodore Rowley’s division, of which His Majesty’s ship under my command was, had already done the same. Soon after the ship was about and before her sails were trimmed the London belonging to the East India Company came on board us on the weather bow and received so much damage that very soon after she was clear of us, she made the signal of distress, which was also made by the Russell, and I sent an officer and three boats on board immediately to learn his situation and send them every assistance in my powers. Several of the King’s ships had by this time reached very near the London Indiaman and sent her their boats to assist in saving the people as she appeared to be sinking gradually forward and at length went down. I hope the greatest part of her crew are saved, eighteen of whom, are on board the Russell and many others, different ships of the fleet. The Russell has received much damage, and her bowsprit could not be secured at sea of which I acquainted Vice Admiral Lord Shultham by letter by the Resource frigate which his Lordship sent in consequence of the signal in which letter I requested his Lordship’s directions for my proceeding. I have since used my best endeavours to rejoin the Admiral but not being able to do it from the Admiral being so far to the windward, that I never could get sight of him from the accident to 10 pm, at which time I judged it best for His Majesty’s service to bear up to Spithead in order to get her defects repaired as soon as possible and to give their Lordships the earliest account of the disaster. I am sir etc Report by the Master of HMS Russell, Mr James Humphry, 28th December, 1778At 10 am Mr John Parker Robinson, Fourth Lieutenant, having charge of the watch ordered the hands to be summoned up and everything ready to go about, myself upon deck the same time and had received orders from Capt Drake to, mind, there was no ships astern which I very earnestly attended to and saw none within a mile of us, but one, which was upon our larboard quarter, near half a mile distant standing after us. The Admiral was at this time four or five miles to windward. The ship was hove in stays the main tack being on board. Stayed very quick but the weather maintack getting foul of the guns could not get the main foreyard forward so soon as could be wished. The ship fell broad off that brought the wind abaft the beam or upon the quarter. The before mentioned ship was now right ahead, close by the wind and keeping his stretch. We then put over the helm hard a weather in order to wear under his stern, and had the other ship kept his luff I am of opinion would have weathered the Russell one cable length of more, but unfortunately they put their helm aweather likewise and both ships came together. Contributor's Note The East India Company subsequently took legal action against Capt Drake of HMS Russell for damages set at £50,000. The action was tried at the Guildhall of the City of London on 1 st June, 1779, and after a hearing of six hours the jury brought in a verdict for Capt Drake. |
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