the after-part of the ship was so much
enveloped in smoke that it was scarcely possible to stand, and great
fears were entertained on account of the port magazine. Volunteers were
called for, and came immediately, and, under the guidance of Lieutenant
Hughes, attempted to clear the port magazine, which they succeeded in
doing, with the exception, as was supposed, of one or two barrels. It
was most dangerous work. The men became overpowered with the smoke and
heat, and fell; and several, while thus engaged, were dragged up by
ropes, senseless.

"The flames soon burst up through the deck, and running rapidly along
the various cabins, set the greater part on fire.

"In the meantime Captain Castle took steps for lowering the boats. There
was a heavy gale at the time, but they were launched without the least
accident. The soldiers were mustered on deck;--there was no rush to the
boats; and the men obeyed the word of command as if on parade. The men
were informed that Captain Castle did not despair of saving the ship,
but that they must be prepared to leave her if necessary. The women and
children were lowered into the port lifeboat, under the charge of Mr.
Very, third officer, who had orders to keep clear of the ship until
recalled.

"Captain Castle then commenced constructing rafts of spare spars. In a
short time, three were put together, which would have been capable of
saving a great number of those on board. Two were launched overboard,
and safely moored alongside, and then a third was left across the deck
forward, ready to be launched.

"In the meantime the fire had made great progress. The whole of the
cabins were one body of fire, and at about 8.30 P. M. flames burst
through the upper deck, and shortly after the mizzen rigging caught
fire. Fears were entertained of the ship paying off, in which case the
flames would have been swept forwards by the wind; but fortunately the
after-braces were burnt through, and the main-yard swung round, which
kept the ship's head to wind. About nine P. M., a fearful explosion
took place in the port magazine, arising, no doubt, from the one or two
barrels of powder which it had been impossible to remove. By this time
the ship was one body of flame, from the stern to the main rigging, and
thinking it scarcely possible to save her, Captain Castle called Major
Brett (then in command of the troops, for the Colonel was in one of
the boats) forward, and, telling him that he feared the sh