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The Walter Hood was wrecked on the south coast of New South Wales, just north of Bendalong, in 1870, and this is the story of that wreck as recorded by the crew, witnesses and a special reporter sent to the scene. But first let us take a look at a report published on her maiden voyage to Sydney in 1853 :
“THE CLIPPER SHIP ‘WALTER HOOD.’
“ONE of the most important features connected with this colony and our interests, is its mercantile marine. The waters of Port Jackson have carried from all countries some of the finest specimens of naval architecture, bringing with them every article of trade and luxury that can be found in any portion of the globe. Among the vessels which have visited our shores, none perhaps deserve a higher recognition than the subject of the present illustration. The Walter Hood well merits the high opinion expressed of her. She possesses those remarkable qualifications so essential in ships of her class, viz., speed, carriage of large freight and passenger accommodation. The Phoenician was held in high regard for these several qualities; but her ‘sister ship,’ the Walter Hood, we think, eclipses her, and Captain Sproat, formerly of the Phoenician, declares that she is in all respects the finer vessel. Under these considerations, our Artist has selected her for illustration in our first number, and the very spirited engraving shews that the subject has been well chosen. We copy from the Empire, of the 9th August, the following remarks relating to this vessel.
 “ ‘The Walter Hood is a ship of 937 register tons, and has capacity for 1500 tons measurement goods, or 1300 tons dead weight. She was built at Aberdeen, by Mr. Walter Hood, whose name she bears, and is the property of G. Thompson, Esq., M.P., for that city. She may be said to be a sister vessel to the well-known packet ship, Phoenician, but of an improved model, embracing in a higher degree the requisites determined by the experience of the builder, for fast sailing and sea comfort; and, we understand, she was intended expressly for the Australian and China trade. The Walter Hood has a very remarkable appearance on the water, her long sharp hull suggesting the idea of a first class screw steamer, with her funnel unshipped; she is exactly the model of a vessel which might be expected to ‘walk the waters like a thing of life,’ and her dashing passage out to Sydney in eighty days ceases to excite surprise, when we look at the beautiful evidences which she presents of walking capability. She is classed A 1 at Lloyds for ten years. As the Walter Hood must naturally be an object of attraction to all persons who feel an in the shipping of the port we subjoin a few specifications of her dimensions in both spars and hull
“Length of keel 170 feet
Ditto over all 204 “
Width of beam 33 “
Depth of hold 21 “
Length of foremast above deck 54 “
“ foretop mast 44 “
“ foretop gallant mast 28 “
“ foreroyal mast 18 “
“ skysail mast 14 “
“ foreyard 70 “
“ foretopsail yard 58 “
“ foretopgallant yard 50 “
“ fore royal 40 “
“ foreskysail yard 34 “
Length of mainmast above deck 58 “
“ maintop mast 44 “
“ maintopgallant mast 28 “
“ mainroyal mast 18 “
“ mainskysail mast 14 “
“ mainyard 75 “
“ maintopsail yard 58 “
“ maintopgallant yard 50 “
“ mainroyal yard 40 “
“ mainskysail yard 34 “
Length of mizenmast above deck 48 “
“ mizentop mast 38 “
“ mizentopgallant mast 20 “
“ mizenroyal mast 14 “
“ crossjack yard 52 “
“ mizentopsail yard 44 “
“ mizentopgallant yard 34 “
“ mizenroyal yard 24 “
“ ‘With these spars, the Walter Hood carries 3363 yards of canvas as her standing suit, without studding sails.’
“This fine clipper will convey to the mother country the first copy of the ILLUSTRATED SYDNEY NEWS, and we trust that our contemporary the Illustrated London News, will have no reson to be ashamed of this, the youngest of her numerous progeny. We hope that the engraving of the Walter Hood and the illustrations which accompany it, will be as great an era in pictorial embellishment in this country as the unprecedented passage of the vessel has been in the mercantile marine. A few items from her late passage here, will give an idea of her sailing qualities. Her greatest distance within 24 hours was 320 miles, and after passing the meridian of the Cape of Good Hope her daily average distance was 235 miles. The aggregate of 78 days was 13,944 miles, being nearly 179 miles per day since leaving the Downs. As punctuality and dispatch has ever been the motto of her spirited commande, Captain Sproat, she will leave this evening, at the appointed time for old England. It is only fair to state that his views in this respect are admirably seconded by Mr. Mitchell, the chief mate, and the other officers.” (The Illustrated Sydney News, 8th October 1853, p. 5)
“WRECK OF THE WALTER HOOD
LOSS OF TWELVE LIVES.
GALLANT RESCUE OF THE SURVIVORS.
“INTELLIGENCE of the wreck, between Ulladulla and Jervis Bay, of the fine clipper ship Walter Hood, Captain Latto, from London for Sydney, was received in Sydney by telegraph on Saturday Morning, coupled with the calamitous news that Captain Latto and eleven other persons were drowned, while thirteen remained on the wreck, to whom no assistance could be rendered from the shore, and that ten had been saved.
“The intelligence created the most painful excitement in Sydney, inasmuch as Captain Latto had been for many years in Messrs. George Thompson and Sons’ employ, and was engaged in the John Duthie and Australian, under the command of Captain Duthie. Captain Latto took command of the ill-fated Walter Hood upon the death of Captain Pirie, and this was his fourth voyage as commander of that vessel to this port.
“The Walter Hood, which was of 918 tons burthen, left London on 21st January. Her pasengers being Messrs. Smith (2), and Mr. Haynes.
“We are indebted to the courtesy of Messrs. Montefiore, Joseph, and Co., for copies of the following telegrams received by them, via Terara, Shoalhaven : -
“ ‘Ship was driven ashore in eaterly gale on Tuesday night, and was not seen till Friday morning. Two men tried to take line to ship but could not, with surf. Captain Fletcher says, Pearl, steamer, will not be able to go in surf. He will stop steamer from Sydney. Chief officer still at wreck, but sent messenger to Terara.’
“The following was received from the chief officer of the Walter Hood : - ‘Saturday, 10.5 a.m. The ship is a total wreck between Ulladulla and Jervis Bay lighthouse. Eleven men lost. Thirteen still on the wreck, ten saved, captain lost. No aid can be rendered from shore. Lifeboat or steamer should be sent at once.’
“Later telegrams stated : - ‘The vessel has broken in two amidships. The surf is still continuing to break with great fury. This morning thirteen hands were observed, from the shore, clinging to the ship’s stern. The high state of the surf will not admit of assistance being rendered from the shore.’
“The cargo of the Walter Hood consisted of the following : -
“Apparel L4362, blankets L1577, cottons (plain and coloured) L 460, cotton and linen shirts L24, flannels L1014, hosiery L640, haberdashery L1119, linens L1450, muslins L41, millinery L57, covers and counterpanes L117, woollens and worsteds L365, umbrellas L382, hats and caps L1360, carpets and rugs L38, leather wrought L780, saddlery L60, floorcloths L90, toys and fancygoods L799, upholstery and furniture L61, brushware and tunnery L70, pianos and musical instruments, &c. L320, books L1200, paper 11 cwt, stationery L595, olive oil L5__ , paints L19, cement 540 casks, whiting 20 tons, earthenware L45, glassware L66, corks 2120 lbs weight, seeds L1500, drugs L157, chemicals L452, apothocaries’ ware L100, _____ pipes L___, bar and roof iron 32 tons, hoop iron 5 tons, sheet and plate iron 17 tons, nails 10 tons, bolts and nuts 1 ton, lead sheet and pipe 10 tons, yellow metal 15 tons, firearms L21, hardware and cutlery L1283, machinery L470, railway materials L459, cirdage, lines, and twine L57, sacks L308, canvas L165, brandy 691 gallons, rum 2249 gallons, British spirits 1108 gallons, wine (red and white) 1785 gallons, beer in bulk 622 barrels, ditto in glass 231 barrels, perfumery L80, soap 12 cwt., candles 238 cwt., oilmen’s stores L1389, salt (white and rock) 15 tons, cheese 20 cwt., bacon and hams 32 cwt., confectionery L87, dried fruits and spices 422 cwt., chicory 4480 lbs. Total value of cargo, as per Stabler’s Circular L27,440.
“The cargo of the Walter Hood is reported to be insured in the following offices : - Pacific for L10,000, of which L5000 is re-insured; New South Wales, L5000; United, L4000, all of which is said to be re-insured; Southern, L2000; General, L400.
“Immediately on receipt of the telegram from the chief officer, Messrs. Montifiore, Joseph, and Co., communicated with the Colonial Treasurer, with a view to secure all available assistance at the wreck. Within a hour from that time the Thetis had steam up and was starting for the scene of the disaster. Instructions were at once sent by telegraph to the local officers of the Government to render all possible aid.
“ ‘The drowned are Captain Latto, one passenger named Haynes, and ten of the crew. The survivors were rescued at daylight this (Saturday) morning by the Illalong, and will be in Sydney by 7 p.m. The ship is breaking up fast, and the beach is covered with wreck and cargo. The sufferings of the survivors were distressing, and a dog was killed and its blood drunk.’
“The remaining portion of the crew having been brought to Sydney by the steamer Illalong, we are enabled to give the following particulars of the wreck : -
“STATEMENTS OF THE SURVIVORS.
“THE VOYAGE FROM ENGLAND.
“The ship left the Start Point on the 23rd January, having a full cargo and three passengers - viz. Messrs. Smith (2), and Haynes. She made a splendid run to the line, but from thence to the Cape of Good Hope the passage was retarded by a succession of calms and light airs. In running down the easting, she was favoured with fine weather, and made some capital runs. Passed Cape Otway on the morning of Saturday, the 23rd April, with a fine breeze, which led the ship through Bass’s Straits, and she logged twelve and thirteen knots. On the afternoon of the 24th, a haevy gale took the ship very suddenly, and carried away stunsails and stunsail booms.
“THE GALE. THE SHIP ON A LEE SHORE.
“On the morning of the 25th the gale continued, and the fore and main topsails were blown away. The sea broke very high, and a seaman named Wilkin, while in the act of getting a boat-hook out of the boat, was washed overboard and drowned. Another topsail was set, but it shared no better fate than the first. The ship was then supposed to be off Cape Howe, wether thick, gale continuing.
“On Tuesday, 26th, weather still very thick, and incessant rain. No observation could be taken, in consequence. The ship was going by dead reckoning, under foretopmast staysail, foresail, and foretopsail. Th mainsail and mizentopsail were both close reefed, and a maintop-gallantsail was bent for a foresail. About four p.m., the land was sighted, the ship running right on. The sea was running mountains high. About five o’clock wore ship, and tried to stand off shore. This time the foretopsail was blown to pieces, and there was not sufficient canvas left on the ship to work her off the lee shore, which was momentarily becoming closer and closer; and it was evident to all on board that she would go on shore.
“THE SHIP STRIKES.
 “The land sighted was at first thought by some of the crew to be Sydney Heads. At 7.30 p.m. the ship struck the shore, and immediately the rudder unshipped. The port anchor was let go, but there was no chance of paying out the cable, as the decks at once filled fore and aft. Some of the crew took to the rigging, others to the poop. Captain Latto, while forward, endeavouring to get the cable to pay out, had two of his ribs broken; and an apprentice named Gale was severely hurt, being caught betweena floating water-cask and spar. The anchor appeared to hold, for the ship swung round with her head to the gale, but aftrewards heeled over on her beam ends on the port side, and remained firmly fixed in that position. Captain Latto was, as soon as possible, got into bed, and the rest of the crew left the rigging and were in the cabin all night, excepting the cook, who kept in the ship’s rigging.
“THE MASTS CUT AWAY.
“Wednesday, 27th. - Cut away the main and mizen masts, in the hope that the ship would right herself, but her position was in no way altered. Some most heart-rending scenes took place on this day in the attempts of the crew to reach the shore. Some of the most expert swimmers, with lines, made the attempts, and man after man ventured, but only to be swallowed up in the raging waves. An ordinary seaman named Davis was the first who made the attempt; he was at once drowned, but his fate did not deter others. Ashdown, A.B., next attempted, and was atken out to sea by the surf, and disappeared. No more then ventured until next morning at daylight, when the distance to the shore seemed so small that all expected to be saved.
THE SHIP BEGINS TO BREAK UP - EFFORTS OF
THE CREW TO REACH THE SHORE.
“The ship, however, began to show signs of breaking up, and the cargo began to wash out. Mr. Haynes, passenger, and two seamen then went over the side to try to make the shore, and almost succeeded. After a gallant struggle with the waves, however, they were swept out to sea as helpless as the floating cargo that was being tossed in all directions. In the afternoon the boatswain (J. Sinclair) attempted to gain the shore on a life-bouy, but was driven against the ship’s side, and apparently stunned. At night the foremast washed out of the ship. The sea then appeared to be going down.
“On the next (Friday) morning two coloured men, reputed good swimmers, tried to get a line to shore, but failed. One was drowned; the other, after a fearful struggle, reached the shore. A youth named Pritchard, a native of Sydney, was the second to reach the shore alive. Then followed the first officer (Mr. Hewison) and the second officer (Mr. Cullen) who both reached land in safety. Two seamen, Lemon and another, then made the attempt, but were drowned. An apprentice named Gale also reached shore.
“DEATH OF CAPTAIN LATTO.
“Captain Latto, who had been compelled to keep his bed from injuries received, on Thursday afternoon called for help, and was got on the side of the ship, with very little clothing. He, however, afterwards got in his cabin again, it is thought with the intention of securing some of his papers. When he was next seen he was struggling amongst the broken wreck, and no aid could reach him, and he suffered a fearful death. The carpenter constructed a raft and he and one of the seamen embarked on it for the shore, but the surf swept them back, and they again got on the wreck. M’Pherson, able seaman, swam on shore; and there being now not so much sea on, another of the passengers, Mr. Smith, made for the shore, followed by his brother, and two seamen named Turner and Croy, and all reached land in safety. The third mate, Tickler, an apprentice named Sinclair, and a coloued man also made for the land, but had to return to the ship. The cook died from exhaustion.
“ATTEMPTS OF THOSE ON SHORE TO SAVE THE
SURVIVORS.
“On the afternoon of this day (Friday), two strangers attempted to swim off from the shore, one having a rope; but it parted on the first attempt, he went off a second time, and getting as near the wreck as he could, told them to cheer up, and hold out till morning, when succour would reach them.
“SUFFERINGS OF THE CREW. THEY KILL A DOG TO
SUSTAIN LIFE.
“The thirteen remainingsouls on the wreck had been without food since Tuesday afternoon, and all were now in a dreadfully exhausted state. As a last resource of sustaining life, a small dog was killed, and his blood and part of his flesh used for food. In the afternoon a large number of people were observed on shore. The crew passed a miserable night on the wreck and were becoming quite helpless from exposure, want of rest and food, and consequent exhaustion.
“THE RESCUE OF THE SURVIVORS.
 “On Saturday morning the approach of the Illalong steamer, inspired the survivors with hopes, and dispelled the fear of death that had wellnigh, closed round. At seven a.m. the lifeboat of the Illalong was got to the stern of the ship, that being the only portion of wreck remaining, and to which the survivors were clinging. The thirteen souls were soon assisted into the boat, being in a condition in which nature scarcely gave them strength to move. They were carefully and kindly treated on board, and every attention paid to their wants.
“When the Illalong left the wreck there was only the after-part of the ship holding together, and the beach was covered with wreck and cargo.
“The following are the names of those rescued by the Illalong : - W. Tickley, third mate; David Gray, carpenter; James Thom, sailmaker; W.L. Sinclair, apprentice; Berry, steward; and Butchard, Scott, Fenwick, Mull, Lindsay, Dunkerdon, and two coloured men, seamen.
“NOTE. - The above account was compiled from the verbal statements made by some of the crew to our reporter. After it was written we were favoured by Mr. Tickler, the third officer, with
“ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
“After crossing the line a succession of light, baffling winds were experienced, principally from the southward. Thence to Cape Leuwin had fine weather. In coming through Bass’s Straits a change took place, but leading winds lasted through the straits. Sighted Cape Howe at two a.m. on Monday last, at which time a heavy south-east squall was experienced, and all hands were called to shorten sail. The gale increased in violence, during which the fore and main topsail and topgallant sails were carried away. At daylight an attempt was made to get some sail on the ship, but as the gale was terrific in its violence the topsails were blown away as fast as they could be bent. On Monday, the 25th, an able seaman named Wilkie was washed overboard from the main deck, and was drowned, and from this time the disasters began. The next day the crew succeeded in bending a topgallant sail as a substitute for a foretopsail. The same afternoon at four o’clock, the ship being on the port tack, we sighted the land almost within hailing distance of where we struck. The ship was then lying S. by W., carrying foresail, mainsail, and foretopsail, which canvas was not sufficient to keep her off the land in the face of the violent E.S.E. gale. That night at 8.30 she struck the beach; the port anchor was thereupon let go, and by its aid the ship’s head was brought round to the wind.
“From leaving the straits the vessel had ‘reached’ along the coast until the time of striking, but could not get an offing. After she struck all hands went into the cabin and remained there until five o’clock the next morning, when she commenced to fill. The cabin was soon full of water, and during the whole time a continual heavy sweep of waves was breaking over her. The front of the cabin was the first to go; and all hands were then compelled to take to the deck, but Captain Latto, who, having been injured, remained in the cabin. At six the same morning they cut away the mizenmast, to endeavour to right the ship, but without success; and at eight a.m. she went on her beam ends, and at the same time her decks commenced to break up. During the whole time a very heavy sea was breaking over her, and she continued parting throughout the day, the wind still blowing hard from the S.E., with a terrific sea. At 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday, Mr. Haynes (a passenger), with Ashton and Julian (able seamen), and Sinclair (boatswain), endeavoured to reach the shore; but the whole of them were unfortunately drowned. Captain Latto was washed from the wreck, and perished.
“The night previous to this sad occurrence Captain Latto had two of his ribs broken by a sea, which struck him and knocked him against a spar on the deck. Everybody used their utmost exertion in trying to save their Captain, but without avail; ropes were brought into use, and everything that could suggest itself, but unfortunately without effect. On Thursday all day the survivors clung to the wreck. The weather was perishingly cold, with very heavy squalls of rain; and the whole of the time the sea was beating over the ship and washing her cargo out of her hold. When the vessel struck she seemed to be only about 150 yards from the shore. During Thursday the wind chopped round and came off the land, which materially deadened the sea. Two men that day attempted to take a line ashore. Their names were Williams and Branson - both A.B.’s. The latter had the line and he was drowned. Williams reached the shore in safety. Pritchard (a native of Sydney), the pantry boy, also succeeded in reaching terra firma by swimming. Mr. Hewison, the chief officer, swam ashore, likewise Mr. Cullen, the second mate; Macpherson and Turner, A.B.’s, and Gale, an apprentice, also gained the land in safety; Lemon and Moyse, in attempting to swim were drowned.
“On Friday the weather was fine, the wind still off the land, and the survivors saw the inhabitants of the neighbourhood endeavouring to pass a line to the ship; but they did not succeed in doing so, and afterwards shouted out, ‘No means of rendering assistance.’ The Messrs. Smith (2), passengers now swam ashore all right, and then an able seaman, named Croy, succeeded in getting ashore. Between five and six p.m., the parties on shore called out that assistance would be at the wreck on Saturday morning; and at daylight the Illalong’s boat came alongside of the wreck, to which thirteen of the crew were still holding on. At that time the afterpart of the ship was the only part of the wreck keeping together. The mainmast went over the side on Wednesday, and the mizenmast was cut away the same morning, to right her after going on her beam ends. The foremast went over the side on Wednesday night, and then the vessel began to speedily break up forward.
“The sufferings of the crew from thirst, hunger, and exposure were dreadful. and were so great that on Friday night a favourite dog of the captain’s was slaughtered. The men, having no other means of sustaining life, not having had anything to eat from the time the vessel struck on Tuesday evening, killed the dog and skinned it, and ate the meat raw - one of the hands catching the blood in a ‘south-wester,’ and they shared it between them.
“The cargo of the ship, with the exception of some railway iron, is entirely washed out of her, and the whole of the coast is strewn with wreck.
“Her starboard side was exposed to the sea, and was completely out of water, while her port side was submerged.
“The life boat from the Illalong went to the wreck at twelve o’clock on Friday night and stood by her until three in the morning, the surf being too heavy then to admit of rendering assistance. At daylight another venture was made, and proved successful.
“In all told there were thirty-five hands on board the Walter Hood. Including two passengers, there are twenty-three saved of whom the ten who succeeded in gaining the shore have not yet reached Sydney. The place at which the catastrophe took place is 120 miles south of this port, and about midway between Ulladulla and Cape St. George lighthouse, on the south head of Jervis Bay.
“The names of those who perished are - Captain Latto, Mr. Haines [Haynes], passenger; Wilkie, Ashton, Julian, Branson, Moyses, Lemon, and Combe - able seamen; Sinclair, boatswain; Davis, ordinary seaman; and Harvey, cook.
“The names of those saved were William Hewison, chief officer; R.F. Cullen, second mate; W.M. Tickler, third mate; Gray, carpenter; Thom, sailmaker; Berry, steward; and Turner, Williams, Macpherson, Grey, Maul, Scott, Dunkerton, Purnell, all able seamen; Gale, Sinclair, and Lindsay, apprentices; Pritchard, pantry boy; Wilson, boy who worked his passage out; and also the two Mr. Smiths, passengers.
“COURSE AND POSITION OF THE SHIP PREVIOUS
TO THE WRECK.
“In explanation of the course and position of the ship, Mr. Tickler, the third officer, says that when the ship passed Cape Howe, on the 25th, at one a.m., she had a good offing, Gabo Island light being sighted about twenty miles distant. The next land sighted was on Teusday afternoon, the 26th. The ship was then on the starboard tack, close hauled, and the land first sighted was a small point,  bearing one point on the lee bow. The ship just managed to clear it, and then got into the bight in which she was lost. She continued on the starboard tack, but finding it impossible to clear the next headland, the ship was put in stays, but would not come round. They then wore ship, and headed about south by west on the port tack, and continued so until she went on shore.
“Others of the crew, as will be seen above, state that they saw nothing of Gabo Island light; but the discrepancy between their accounts and that of Mr. Tickler may be reconciled by supposing that as no particular danger was then apprehended, they were in their berths, and so were not aware of the fact. It is quite evident that the ship during Monday and Tuesday must have been much nearer the land than Captain Latto supposed, and that this arose from her having made much more lee way than was suspected, is the most probable explanation of the disaster; for although the gale was of extreme violence, the direction of the wind being E.S.E., was not so unfavourable as to render the destruction of the ship inevitable, if her true position had been known to her commander in time.
“Monday.
“Messrs. Montefiore, Joseph, and Co., recieved the following telegram from Ulladulla yesterday : - ‘Officers and crew of Walter Hood want relief. About 330 casks beer, besides bales of blankets, drapery, books, and sundries, washed up on the beach.’
“FURTHER PARTICULARS.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT AT THE WRECK.]
“Narrewellan Beach, 1st May, 1870
“ON the morning of the 29th April, news was brought to Milton and Ulladulla, by Mr. Robinson, of the total wreck of the Walter Hood, from London, 21st January, bound for Sydney.
“Immediately the information was received, I started with a party for the scene of the wreck, the distance being by road fourteen or fifteen miles. At twelve miles we came to Congola [Conjola]. here ourprogress was impeded by the flood waters, but at length one of our company stripped himself, and having crossed it we all followed. Three miles further we came to the scene of the wreck.
“I may mention that the road for six miles was covered with water, and that we found it almost impassable. When we arrived at the beach, there was a dreadful scene of disaster, destruction, and confusion. The beach was completely covered with wreck. Casks, cases, and bales of merchandise were strewn about in every direction; broken packages, blankets, clothing, and casks smashed to pieces showed the force of the gale at the time the ship had struck.
“Further on, towards the wreck, we found five dead bodies washed ashore, and those we afterwards ascertained were the bodies of (1) Captain Latto; (2) Mr. Haynes, passenger; (3) John Julian, A.B.; (4) Joseph Moyes, A.B.; and (5) --- Sinclair, boatswain.
“Still further on, lying about 300 yards from the shore, was the hull of the vessel, on her side, with her back broken. The fore-part of the vessel was covered with water, and the waves dashing over her - part of her stern being high out of the water. The thirteen survivors had taken refuge there, and a most heartrending scene it was to see these poor fellows, who had been without either food or drink for three days and nights, waving their hats and handkerchiefs and showing by signals their joy at our arrival.
“On the beach we met those of the survivors who had got on shore, and who seemed heartily glad we had come, as they had not seen any one except two men since the wreck had taken place.
“We held a consultation as to what means could be taken to get the people from the wreck. The first suggestion was to launch a raft which the survivors on shore had made, but the heavy sea rolling in prevented the possibility of our doing so.
“Another party of men carried a life-bouy, with a rope attached, , to a point of rocks which ran out near the wreck, having been told that there was a strong current running from that point; but their efforts were fruitless, as they could not succeed in getting the line on board.
“About the same time, Mr. William Harrison, son of Mr. Harrison, of the firm Harrison and Attwood, of Sydney, and Mr. S.B. Bailey, son of William Bailey, of Newtown, undressed and swam to the ship, in the hope of being able to bring a line to the shore. The latter swam about two hundred yards and returned thoroughly exhausted, having as much as he could do to get back to the shore again. Mr. Harrison succeeded in getting as far as the vessel, but could not get close to her on account of the heavy sea breaking. he had to return in a very exhausted state. Having rested himself for the space of half an hour, he again made a most determined attempt to reach the wreck in another direction, and succeeded in getting so far as a raft that had been floated from the ship some time before, but was now stationary at about 100 yards distant from her. From the raft - having rested himself - he again made another attempt to close to the wreck. He succeeded on this occasion, and the men on board threw him a line with a piece of wood attached, which he succeeded in getting hold of, and tying the line round his waist managed to get with it about half way to the shore, when it broke. Mr. Harrison was at this time very much exhausted, and was assisted ashore by the people, who went out into the water as far as they could, and succeeded in getting him safely on shore.
“Having recovered from his exhaustion, Mr. Harrison desired to make another effort, but was at length persuaded by his friends not to do so as the case seemed hopeless, and he was much weakened. Such acts of bravery in attempting to save the lives of suffering fellow-creatures deserves the highest commendation, and it is to be hoped that Messrs. Harrison and Bailey, will receive that recognition for their courageous actions which they undoubtedly deserve.
“It was now dusk, and nothing more could be done to rescue the unfortunate survivors remaining on the wreck; so we all went to work and made a big fire on the beach, and waited anxiously for the morning.
“During the night I received the following account of the disaster from the survivors : -
“Trying to weather Cape St. George, and not knowing the land, we found we could not do so; then wore the ship, heading south-west, a furious gale blowing at the time, and most of the sails having been carried away, the ship became unmanageable. We knew then that we must go ashore, and that there was no escape.
“The wheel was carried away by a heavy sea, and almost immediately afterwards the ship struck. We then let go the port anchor, but all our efforts were of no avail, tremendous seas breaking over her and carrying everything before them.
“We cut the mizenmast away, but could not get to the fore or main masts, on account of the heavy seas breaking over us. All hands were on deck at the time the ship struck, which was 7.30 p.m. on the 26th.
 “Having passed a dreadful night, on the following morning (27th) at daylight Mr. Haynes (passenger), John Julian, and --- Ashton (seamen) attempted to swim ashore, but they were washed out to sea, and disappeared. Moyes and the boatswain (Sinclair) then made the attempt, the latter with a life-bouy; but directly he jumped off the wreck he was carried under the stern and had his neck broken, while the former was carried out to sea, and seen no more. None of the others attempted to leave the vessel that day.
“On the following morning Williams (a West Indian black) and Charles Bransen (an American), made an attempt to reach the shore, the latter having a line and life belt. The former was washed about a mile out to sea, but being a first-rate swimmer, he ultimately managed to reach the shore, being the first man that did so alive.
Branson unfortunately got entangled with some calico that was floating about the wreck, and was drowned, the body still remaining entangled at the stern of the vessel.
“The next to leave the ship was Charles Pritchard, a Sydney boy. He landed in safety.
“The next was Mr. Hewison (first mate), who got entangled among the weeds, but was rescued by Williams when in a thoroughly exhausted state.
“The next to start was the second mate, D. Cullen, who also landed safely.
“Coombe tried the next, but was washed out to sea and drowned.
“Turner followed, and landed in safety. lemon then made an attempt, but was carried to sea and drowned.
“The boy Gale was next. He succeeded in reaching land, but in a very much bruised and exhausted condition. Macpherson was next, and landed safely.
“On the morning of the 29th, the two passengers, Messrs. Smith (brothers), started and landed in safety. Croy followed, and also succeeded in reaching the shore.
“During the night of the 29th a steamer’s light was seen approaching the wreck, which proved to be the Illalong. It was now so dark we could not see the thirteen survivors on the wreck, but we heard them cheering loudly when they saw the light.
“At daylight a boat was despatched from the steamer, well manned, and after a good deal of manouevring [sic], succeeded in getting alongside, and taking the whole of the survivors off, in the following order - watching the surf to take advantage of every lull : - First opportunity, one man; second, one man; third, two men; fourth, one man; fifth, two men; sixth, three men; seventh, two men; eighth, one man - being the last of the thirteen. It must have been an awful moment of suspense for the last man, waiting for his chance of being rescued from death, but fortunately he was not long left alone after his companions had been saved ere he was released.
“The boat was then pulled off to the steamer, when cheers loud and long arose from the passengers and those on shore, who had watched the progress of affairs with the deepest anxiety.
“All of those who were drowned, with the exception of the captain and cook, were lost in attempting to get to the shore. Alexander Wilkie had been washed overboard and drowned before the ship struck.
Mr. Robinson deserves great praise for his energy and humanity. he was first at the scene of the wreck and was very attentive to the exhausted men. The chief officer said that he saved them from perishing. Mr. Goodsell and Mr. Whatman also deserve great credit for attending to the wants of the survivors. Mr. David Warden, of Ulladulla, was very thoughful in sending provisions, clothing, &c., &c.
“On the 30th an inquest on the bodies was held by Mr. Wareham, of Ulladulla, and a verdict of accidental drowning was returned.
“The bodies were then interred together, in one large grave. Mr. Parsons, the Wesleyan minister, read the burial service, and afterwards delivered a very appropriate address.
“The wreck of the Walter Hood was on Monday sold by auction (exclusive of her cargo), by Messrs. R.F. Stubbs and Co., for L95, Mr. Bradley being the purchaser.
“THE TRIP OF THE THETIS. - The sad news of the loss of the Walter Hood could have scarcely reached the boundary of the city when the Government steamer Thetis was on her way to render assistance to the survivors that were reported as remaining on the wreck. Soon after noon Captain Hatton left the cove, the boat having been hastily provisioned, and having on board Captain Hixson, the inspector of harbours and lights; Mr. C.W. St. Julian, landing-waiter, and Mr. Curran, tide-waiter of the Customs, with a boat and crew; Mr. B. Campbell, representing Messrs. Montefiore, Joseph, and Co., the agents of the ship; Captain Norrie, of the Pacific Insurance Company; Mr. G.H. Howell, Southern Insurance Company; Mr. H. Montefiore, of the Australasian Insurance; and two members of the press. The Thetis cleared the Sydney heads just before one o’clock, and headed southward against a fresh S.E. wind and rather lumpy seas. A signal from the South Head communicated the fact that the remainder of the crew had been taken off the wreck by the Illalong, steamer. The steamer, however, continued her course till close upon sundown, when she was abreast of Wollongong and fell in with the Illalong, with thirteen of the survivors on board. It was then learnt that the Walter Hood had almost entirely broken up; and as the services of the Thetis appeared to be unnecessary, she was put round, and returned to Sydney, arriving in the cove at 9.30 p.m.” (Australian Town and Country, 7th May 1870, pp. 16 - 17)
“Some Statements Relative to the
Wreck of the Walter Hood.
(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)
“SINCE my return to Sydney from the scene of the wreck of the Walter Hood, I have seen it stated in print that the first intimation or suspicion which persons living in the district had that a wreck had taken place was owing to the incessant howling of a dog belonging to one of the passengers, and that this attracted the attention of some of the settlers in the neighbourhood. Another statement was to the effect that the crew on the wreck believed taht the two men who first came to the beach were attracted there by a dog and a pig, which having been washed ashore when the ship struck, must have made their way to the nearest habitation. Now, as there are no settler in the ‘neighbourhood,’ I need hardly say that these surmises were altogether unfounded. The discovery of the wreck was owing to a much more remarkable circumstance than the howling of a dog, or the instinct od a stray pig - as I will proceed to relate, first explaining that I did not allude to this somewhat singular matter in my letter, hastily written from the scene of the disaster, because when I wrote it, although I had heard some statements about a remarkable dream dream that Mr. Robinson, who first discovered the wreck, had had, I was at the time in too much haste to permit of making the necessary inquiries to ascertain the truth. Having since satisfied myself of the facts, I will now relate them : - Mr. Robinson resides at a distance of three or four miles from Narrewellan Beach, the place where the wreck took place, and neither he nor any of his family had ever been in the habit of going in that direction, although they were about the nearest residents; so that, except for some particular reason, the spot might not have been visited for for a considerable time. It happened, however, on the dreadful night of Tuesday, the 26th ultimo, that Mr. Robinson dreamed that a wreck had taken place there, and that many lives were in peril. This dream made so strong an impression on his mind when he awoke that, although ny no means a person given to superstitious fancies, he could not rid himself of the impulse which it gave rise to; and acting upon it, he resolved to dispatch his son to the place to ascertain the truth. The youth, accordingly, rode there as rapidly as possible; and as soon as he came in view of the place to which his father had directed him, he saw that the dream was true. The boy quickly returned to inform his father, and Mr. Robinson at once hastened to the beach. These were the two persons referred to in the statements first published as having been seen by the crew from the wreck, and such were the reasons for their appearance. No one had then reached the shore alive, and Mr. Robinson at length finding that he and his son could do little or nothing to render assistance to the survivors sent a messenger to Ulladulla. In consequence of the floods the distance to Ulladulla by any practicable route was at least fourteen or fifteen miles, a great part of it through water from two to four feet deep. In consequence of the delay thus occasioned, assistance from Ulladulla did not arrive before Friday, the 29th, at which time some of the crew had reached the shore alive. Those who did so say that they owed their lives entirely to Mr. Robinson’s efforts and attention; and I do hope that in any step that may be taken to mark the public approval of the conduct of those who afterwards so nobly risked their lives in attempting to save those who remained on the wreck, the claims of Mr. Robinson will not be overlooked. I cannot better describe the result of his efforts than in the expressive words of the chief officer - ‘he saved us from perishing.’
“Those who have paid attention to the various accounts which have appeared of this dreadful disaster, are aware that all who attempted to gain the shore on the first day after the wreck (Wednesday, 27th) were drowned. These were the strongest and best swimmers, and the reason why they did not succeed was explained to me by the survivors as follows : - It was remarked by those who remained on the wreck and watched the efforts of their shipmates to reach the land, that on leaving the ship they appeared to be borne forwards towards a point of rocks by a current, which then rounding the point, turned outwards, and carried them to sea. When they had nearly reached the rocks, they appeared to exhaust themselves in vain efforts to gain a footing; so that there was evidently a strong current setting from that point, and all the swimmers’ efforts to overcome it were of no avail. It was thus that the survivors saw those who at first ventured borne helplessly away, and carried out to sea at the very moment when they appeared about to reach the shore safely. Profiting by these examples, on the following day the men on the wreck threw pieces of wood into the water, watching carefully the direction in which they floated. As they had anticipated, these bits of wood were borne from the ship towards the shore until the came near the point of rocks referred to, and were then carried round the point and off to sea precisely as the men had been on the previous day. This taught those who remained behind a lesson, and in the attempts that were made afterwards it was taken advantage of by the swimmer striking out, not directly towards the shore, but at right angles from the ship, so as to get out of the current (by which his shipmates had been first carried towards the shore and then out to sea) before his strength was exhausted. This plan was found to succeed, and, as far as human efforts availed, it was owing to its adoption that several lives were saved.
“I could give many more details of what occurred and what I heard during the four days I remained at the scene of the wreck, but they are some of them of a very painful nature; others I got only at second-hand, and therefore, although by no means unimportant in their character, I do not think myself justified in publishing them. I cannot help thinking, however, that the cause of humanity would be served by a more thorough investigation than has yet been made into all the circumstances leading to and connected with the loss of the Walter Hood. I am not aware that there is any legal authority in existence by which such an inquiry could now be instituted; but I perceive with pleasure the New Merchant Shipping Bill, introduced by Mr. Shaw-Lefevre in the House of Commons in February last, makes provision for such investigations.
“As to matters which occurred after the survivors had been saved, and the bodies of the dead had been interred, when the beach was trewn with cases and casks of wine, beer, and spirits, I need not, I think, be so reticent - although I do not see that any good can come from giving details of matters of an exceedingly painful character. I may say that the scenes of drunkenness, fighting, and plunder that I then witnessed will never be effaced from my memory. Indeed during my stay at Narrewellan Beach I witnessed human nature under its worst as well as its best aspects. I witnessed heroic endeavours to save life, and the warmest sympathy and assistance extended to those who needed them; but on the other hand I saw amongst the hundreds who, on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday visited the place, many persons who were guilty of the most reckless indulgence in drink, the most wanton destruction of property, and the most wholesale plunder of the cargo. It is due to those whose duty it was to protect the interests of those concerned and to prevent a violation of the law, that they did all in their power to mitigate the evils I have described; but they were too few in number, the property cast ashore was too widely scattered, and the scrub was too convenient as a hiding place to permit their efforts to be of much avail. After a number of special constable had been sworn in the plunder that was going on was in some degree lessened, but even then it was quite impossible to stop it altogether, or to recover any considerable quantity of the property that had been carried away and planted in the scrub, or buried in the sand, until those who hid it should have a convenient opportunity of removing it.
“I append a report of the inquest holden before J.V. Wareham, Esq., coroner, and a jury of five, impanneled [sic] at the First Saltwater Creek, north of Redhead, on the 30th April. The jury consisted of the Rev. A. Parsons (foreman), Messrs. Jmaes Cook, Miles Berry, George Millard, and George Robinson.
“William Hewison, formerly of London, mariner, sworn, deposed : I was chief officer of the ship Walter Hood, in command of Captain Andrew Latto, of Aberdeen. The vessel now lying a total wreck on the rocks is the Walter Hood. She sailed from London on the 21st January, with a cargo of general merchandise, three passengers, and a crew of twenty-nine hands, making thirty-five souls in all, on board. One man was washed overboard off Cape Howe, so that we had thirty-four hands on board at the time of the wreck. On Tuesday evening last, the 26th ultimo, the ship struck on the rock where she now lies. We had suffered from extremely heavy weather, carrying away all our sails, for many days previous to the wreck, and we were altogether out of our reckoning, not having been able to take a sight for several days (about ten, I think). I recognise body No. 1, now on view, as that of Captain Latto. He was a married man, and about thirty-six years of age. I believe body No. 2 is that of Joshua Rowley Haynes, a passenger, about nineteen years of age, a native, I believe, of Barbadoes, in the West Indies, but living in London immediately precceding the sailing of our vessel. Body No. 3 is that of James Sinclair, the boatswain. he was a native of Aberdeen, married, and about forty-five years of age. Body No. 4 is that of John Jullien, an able seaman on board the Walter Hood, native of the West Indies, and about thirty years of age. Body No. 5 is that of Joseph Moyes, an able seaman, aged about twenty years. he was, I believe, a single man, and was a native of Wisebeach in Cambridgeshire. These five bodies were all washed ashore on Friday last. Ten hands swam ashore from the wreck; they are all present now. Thirteen hands were left clinging to the wreck, and were all taken off by a steamer’s boat. I saw the captain alive in the water after the wreck happened.
“James Dunbar Smith, formerly of London, England, gentleman, sworn, says : I was one of three passengers by the ship Walter Hood. My brother and I swam ashore from the wreck. When the vessel struck the captain told me he had no hope of being saved. As only five dead bodies have been found, there must be six others who have not yet been washed ashore. Those whose bodies are not recovered are Joseph Ashton, a seaman, lately of Adelaide, South Australia, twenty-eight years of age, unmarried; Charles Coombs, a seaman, aged twenty-six, unmarried, a native of Milton, Hampshire, England; Edward Lemon, native of Wisebeach, in, Cambridgeshire, seaman, twenty years of age, and unmarried; Charles Branson, seaman, native of Salem, United States, aged twenty-eight, unmarried. His body was seen, and still remains entangled amongst the wreck. James davis, seaman, aged twenty-three, unmarried, native of St. George’s-in-the-East, London; Edward Harvey (the cook), aged forty-eight years, married man, native of West Indies. he died on board just before I left the wreck, and dropped overboard.
“The jury returned an unanimous verdict of ‘Found drowned from the wreck of the Walter Hood.’” (The Australian Town and Country Journal, 14th May 1870, p. 16)
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