Dungeness, by
the Spanish steamer "Murillo," when over three hundred lives were lost.

Presentation of a Telescope by the British Government.

In the early part of the year 1859 I received a letter from the Board of
Trade, notifying me that the British Government had been pleased to
award me a telescope in acknowledgment of my service in rescuing the
master and crew of the brig "Hebe," and requesting me to write a
statement, of what took place before and after the rescue, and hand it
to the President of the Local Marine Board, on a day named, and to be
then presented with a telescope.

I appeared at the place and time appointed, and the President rose from
his seat and read my statement to the gentlemen of the Board. He then
asked me if I had rendered any previous service to British or foreign
subjects in distress; if so, had I received any reward or remuneration
for the same. If not, then the Board would make application and obtain
whatever might be due for such service. Or, did I wish for any further
reward for the present service from any Society in Great Britain,
application should be made.

I replied that I had not rendered any previous service to any others in
distress, and that what I had done on this occasion was voluntary and
spontaneous, without thought of reward. I considered it only as a duty
to my fellow-man; and since the Government had been pleased to
acknowledge the service, I was truly grateful. I was then complimented
by the gentlemen of the Board, and was presented with the telescope. The
inscription on it is my greatest pride to this day, as is also the
honorary testimonial, stamped on my Government certificate of competency
by the recommendation of the Local Marine Board.

To the President and Gentleman of the Local Marine Board, London.

In latitude 48 deg. 30' N., longitude 12 deg. 20' E., on the morning of
the 13th of November, 1858, at 7 A. M., it being then just break of day,
I saw the brig "Hebe" about three miles on our lee-bow, having the signal
of distress flying. I immediately reported it to Captain Freeman, who
came on deck and gave orders to bear down upon her and see what was
wanted. When near enough we hove to and hailed the brig, asking what
they were in want of, and they answered, saying "For God's sake, send us
a boat, as we are sinking." Captain Freeman then asked if they wanted to
abandon their vessel, and they repeated their supplications, every one on
board appeari