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The "Elizabeth."- A letter has been received by Captain Towns ** [Should this read Towns or Jones?] from the master of the barque Elizabeth, dated 12th March [1846], from Eremango, wherein it states that the brig Sir John Byng had left there with 100 tons sandal wood on board, and the barque Avon with 50 tons. Captain Jones ** [Should this read Towns or Jones?] also gives an account of the loss of his chief officer and one of the crew. It appears that Mr. Day had gone on shore with the long boat and five men, for the purpose of bringing a load of sandalwood on board, but after leaving the shore the boat was capsized, and the crew were compelled to return, where they remained all night on most amicable terms with the natives. At daybreak boats were dispatched from the ship to look after the long boat, and upon the crew of the latter pushing off, they were suddenly attacked by the natives, and after a spirited resistance, some reached the vessel, having lost Mr. Day, the chief officer, and William Wilson, a seaman. From subsequent visits on Eremango, to ascertain the fate of their missing comrades, little doubt exists that they had been eaten, as some portions of their bodies were found strewn round a large fire near the beach. ^ back to top ^ |