instant. Captain Withers was heard to exclaim, "Come, directly; we are
all lost! I will take your child; come along." A heart-rending scene
followed, last embraces were fervently given and returned, and dismal
shrieks penetrated the atmosphere. The Rev. Mr. Hodge, calm in the
"full assurance of faith," lifted up an earnest petition to Him who is
mighty to save. Soon the noise of the water pouring on deck became
audible to those below. Several of the officers endeavoured to inspire
the women with courage and hope, saying that the vessel was only
beaching herself on a sandy bed, but a few yards distant from the land.
Morning, however, failed to verify this statement: they were decidedly
too far away from the shore to reach it without aid. A Welshman,
looking seaward at early dawn, discovered the sad plight of the sinking
ship, and hastily ran for help. During his absence the ship again
collided, with greater force.

Eventually, an immense wave, breaking on deck, snapped the iron-work
and timbers asunder, as though they had been brittle as glass. Many
people, gathered in the centre of the vessel, were literally smashed.
The greater part escaped the agonies of a protracted struggle, owing to
the floating timbers and numerous crags that abounded; many received
from one or the other a fatal blow.

The men of the Welsh coast waded in as far as they dared, to help all
who were thrown within their reach, and not a few were saved in this
way. The bodies of those who had perished, being washed ashore, were
shrouded, and laid in rows in a neighbouring churchyard, awaiting
recognition. Many harrowing tales are told of scenes witnessed there,
as the anxious searchers discovered, in some mutilated remains, traces
of a well-loved friend.

The "Royal Charter" was laden with gold to the amount of 70,000 pounds,
the principal part of which was brought up by divers.

On the 11th January, 1866, the "London" foundered and sank, in the Bay
of Biscay, carrying down with her two hundred and thirty-six people.
Sailing from Gravesend, she was making her way to Australia. At
starting, many indications were noted of foul weather ahead. The sea
became so rough that, on approaching the Nore, anchors were cast; but
the weather clearing, and prospects generally brightening, an early
opportunity was taken for clearing the Channel. The Bay of Biscay was
reached on Monday, where the vessel, being badly constructed, exhibited
many extrao