Southport Visiter
April 6th 1850
THE LOSS OF THE SHIP HOWARD OF LIVERPOOL
The ship HOWARD of Liverpool bound from Mobile for that port struck on the “Angry Brow,” opposite Southport on the night of Saturday 23rd ult.
On Sunday morning as soon as she was discovered the life boat went to her assistance and succeeded in rescuing the whole crew of 23.
On being landed they were taken to the ORIGINAL HOTEL where they received attention and refreshment, which their exhausted conditions required.
One poor man, John SMITH, who had been confined to his hammock for upwards of a month previous to the stranding, was in a piteous condition and was taken ashore for medical treatment, he soon afterwards expired.
The HOWARD left Liverpool in August last and arrived safely at Mobile.
After taking on a cargo of cotton and timber she sailed for Liverpool on the 4th January.
A fortnight after she got to sea she lost her rudder and having shipped a temporary one, proceeded another 3,000 miles, but had not the control over her which was necessary.
The day previous to her stranding she was signalled from Liverpool, as being off that port, and that night she struck on the bank.
The vessel will become a complete wreck, the cargo will be got off but in a damaged state.
An inquest was held on the Wednesday following on the body of the deceased sailor, John SMITH, a verdict of death due to exhaustion was given.
An alleged mutiny on the vessel shipboard.
Ebenezer BRISTOW, Boatswain of the ship HOWARD was brought up on a charge of Mutiny, before Mr RUSHTON at Liverpool Police court
On September last he was engaged on a voyage from Liverpool to Mobile to take in a cargo of cotton.
On the 1st of January while in Mobile Bay he was ordered by the mate to do something, he was said to have refused and became abusive, threatening the lives of Capt BROWN, the mate and others.
A scuffle ensued between him and the mate and he was put in irons.
Several Officers and crew were examined to substantiate the charges.
Other members of the crew said the mate came up to them while they were drinking coffee with a carving knife and pistol in his hands, he was abusive and spat into the prisoners face.
BRISTOW had been in irons from the 1st January up until the stranding.
The Magistrate had no doubt BRISTOW had been provoked and a charge of Mutiny could not be sustained.
BRISTOW was discharged, but because of his insubordination would be paid no wages for the voyage.
Copyright 2002 / To date