Part of the
Acorn Archive
Hearts of Oak
SS Amazon
Destruction of
the Steamship by Fire with Great Loss of Life
Southampton
7th January 1852.
A statement regarding Captain William Symons
The sudden and appalling
account of the total destruction by fire
of the Royal Mail steam ship
Amazon at the entrance of the Bay of Biscay,
and the loss of the majority
of her passengers, officer and crew,
has caused the most
widespread sorrow in Southampton
among the numerous persons
having friends or relatives on board the ill fated ship.
The Amazon was commanded by Captain William Symons, a
gentleman of known and tried courage and abilities. He was only provisionally appointed
to the Amazon in consequence of the absence from England of Captain Chapman of
the Tay, who was destined to be her permanent commander, the directors having
intended Captain Symons to assume the command of the new steamer ORINOCO, now
on the Thames and nearly ready to take her station on themain line of the West
India mail service.
Captain Symons has recently distinguished himself by
great bravery in the Isthmus of Panama, where, by his interpidity and coolness,
he prevented the slaughter of a great number of American passengers by the infuriated
natives, and where, under heavy fire of musketry and cannon, he succeeded in conveying
gold dust to the value of upwards of 2,000,000 dollars in the boats of the
MEDWAY on board the United States' mail steam ship CHEROKEE; and further, in recuing
the passengers under circumstances of imminent danger, and placing them safely
on board the steamer.
Just prior to the sailing of the Amazon, Captain Symons
received the subjoined letter from the United States' Mail Steam Ship Company
New York, accompanied by a magnificent silver speaking trumpet……
To Captain Symons, commanding the Royal Mail Packet
Company's steam ship Medway,
Sir, Captain Widdle, of the Cherokee, one of this
company's steamers, has reported to us the prompt and efficient aid rendered by
yourself, and the officers under your command, in the recent affray at Chagres,
in which the mails, treasure and passengers, were promptly and securely placed
on board the Cherokee.
I beg you to accept, in behalf of this company, my best
acknowledgement for this high act of courtesy, characteristic alike of British
Honour and humanity, and honourable to your flag, yourself, your officers and
men. Allow me also the pleasure to tender you the accompanying speaking
trumpet, as a slight tetimonial of the company's appreciation of your character
and services.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
M O Roberts.
Office of the United States' Mail Steamship Company, New
York 4th November 1851.
Raymond Forward