The _Alert_ had only one mast. In trying to bring the ship to the wind, it would be almost impossible to do so on account of the height of the bow out of the water, and any sail that could be set would be so much foreward that it would be next to impossible to keep her end on to the sea. A sail aft would keep her bow to the wind. The best thing a ship can do in a gale of wind is to lie to. She had a wooden awning, and that would be a very great hindrance to the sea-worthiness of the ship. It was a very bad thing, because it would hold a great deal of wind, and could not be taken away. In the Bay wooden awnings are used, and it appears this vessel was allowed to go outside with one. It would help to blow her over and keep her in that position. As to the pantry window, I did not see it, but I say it would be extremely dangerous placed where it is said to have been. Every sea that came on board would rush aft, and tend to break everything that was not sufficiently strong to resist its force. The set of the ship in the water, being so high foreward, would naturally throw the water aft, and it would rush aft of its own accord. The grating over the engine room and stoke-hole should have been covered with tarpaulins held in cleats and battened down. Cross-examined by Mr. Mitchell: I last went to sea as a seaman about forty years ago. I was second officer and carpenter. I have not built any large ships, because there is nothing of that sort done here, but I have built vessels larger than the _Alert_, and better sea-boats. The _Alert_ was very long and lean; if she had carried a main mast with sail, she might have been more safe. _Q._—Did you ever measure the _Alert_? _A._—No. _Q._—Then how do you know she was long and lean when you never measured her? _A._—In the same way that I know you are long and lean, though I never measured you. (Laughter.) _Q._—What in your opinion was the cause of the ship foundering? _A._—I always understood that—(here Mr. Mitchell complained that the witness was going away from the subject.) Witness in a firm, determined tone said, You asked for my opinion, and I am going to give it to you, or I am going to give you nothing. (Laughter.) I always understood that the ship was blown round broadside on, and was wallowing in the sea. She became unmanageable in the trough, and, being top-heavy, rolled over till she filled with water and sank.